April is usually the time I like to go to Hawaii, but why bother when we live on the beautiful island of Sonoma County? It's time for a "Circle the Island" trip!
Beginning in Guerneville, we head out to the coast, past cows and sheep, redwood trees, and views of the Russian River, where we reach or first stop: Duncans Mill. Lots of little shops here and a real old fashioned Country Store where you can buy lemonade, a pickle, a ceramic collectable, or a wind chime. There's Wine and Cheese tasting (707-865-0566), Pig Alley and Dreamers & Weavers. There is an art gallery too and if it's time for brunch on a weekend, the restaurant Cape Fear (707-865-9135) where I like to order grits and eggs with smoked salmon. Yumm-me! Duncans Mill is the home of the Russian River Rodeo and some of my best friends. Yee- haw! I love you guys!
Past
more cows, redwoods, sheep, the river and a right turn at Highway One to Jenner
where the seals are usually out sunning. Get out of the car here to breathe
in the windy salt air and watch the surf crash on the rocks. Don't get too
close - the tides are ripping! Say hello to Hawaii while you're there (smile).
Turn around and head back down Highway One. If you haven't eaten yet there's
an Indian restaurant - Sizzling Tandoor (707-865-0625) - that has great views
of the river and surrounding hills and serves a wonderful array of Indian
delicacies. (Hint: Have a breath mint).
Now
back on the road and up the hill - Wow! What views! Too bad the driver can't
look - ha, ha. There are many pull outs along the road to Bodega Bay where
you can stop and have a look. I hope it's sunny! The water is glistening and
the grass is blowing like green hair in the wind.... A few more cows and some
horses on the right hand side. There are a series of state
beaches all along this stretch of Sonoma County coast where you can stop
and kick some sand, watch surfers, or picnic. Fifteen miles south of Jenner,
you'll make your way into into Bodega Bay - stop and buy a wind sock or a
kite. More little shops: knick knacks, glass, shells, t-shirts, a surf shop....
Now if you're hungry stop for some oysters and clam chowder or a seafood salad
at Inn at the Tides Restaurant where
Alfred Hitchcock filmed The Birds starring Tippi Hedron. Try some down home
friendly service at the Sandpiper
or buy fresh fish off a boat from a real fisherman at Spud Point Marina. Bodega
Bay is home to the Fisherman's Festival
April 21-22. Check out their website
for the full schedule.
On
the road again...just south of Bodega Bay, Doran
Beach makes a nice stop for a walk in the sand. Make a sand castle and
listen to the gulls. Or take a dip in the safest beach on the Sonoma Coast.
This area is also home to some great vacation
rentals and golf.
On to the actual town of Bodega and Valley Ford stop at the local watering
hole for bar-b-que oysters and a beer - Interesting little village, hmm? Take
a left and visit Osmosis Spa where you
can bathe Japanese style in organic rice hulls and cedar, get a massage, take
in some aroma therapy.... Or buy more bread and baked goods than you know
you should eat at Wild Flour Bakery. Oh, go ahead! Buy some for later! You
could take your last venture for the day into Occidental which has several
popular restaurants like the Union Hotel
and of course more shopping!
Graton also offers some great places for dinner like Underwood Bar and Bistro or the Willow Wood Market Cafe. Shopping there too - Graton Art Gallery and Far West Trading Company and Tea Bar - the place to buy bulk teas and essential oils. Then back into Guerneville where you can stop by Main Street Station to have a drink and see the last set of whoever is playing there that night. There is always someone good and jazzy! In Guerneville I hope you are staying at one of the charming bed and breakfast inns like the Sonoma Orchid Inn, Creekside Inn, or Fern Grove Cottages. Enjoy your visit to the Isle of West Sonoma County!
Check
out Russian River Inns for some
places to stay in Guerneville and Monte Rio. The Russian River Valley is a
great place to make your home base for day trips to the coast, the vineyards,
and the redwoods.
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