How to Enjoy a Weekend in Sonoma County, California
A weekend in Sonoma County offers a little bit of everything, with a captivating coastline, extraordinary "wine country" and so much more. Here are a few suggestions for the perfect short getaway to this remarkable region.
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Consider a stay at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa if you can splurge a bit-it's an oasis of natural mineral springs, pampering spa treatments and splendid settings. The property's locale near the heart of the pretty town of Sonoma is another bonus.
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With literally hundreds of wineries in the county, you've got your work cut out for you. But rather than racing around trying to see too many, pick a few to check out at a nice, relaxed pace. The gracious St. Francis Winery (near Santa Rosa), regal Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery (in Healdsburg) and Italian-styled Viansa (in Sonoma) are three of the best.
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For a rush of adrenaline, whether you're watching or joining in, head to Infineon Raceway in Sonoma. This high-caliber track hosts Indy Car challenges, drag racing and the Jim Russell Driving School-where visitors can put the pedal to the metal and reach some seriously extreme speeds. The Audi Driving Experience is yet another cool option.
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The region has a host of superior dining choices, and one of the best is definitely John Ash & Co. at the Vintners Inn, near the north end of Santa Rosa. The setting, in the middle of a 92-acre vineyard, is ideal-and so is the creative cuisine such as Thai Pork Dumping Soup and Eggplant Flan.
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An afternoon in Santa Rosa can be a pleasant way to spend a day, especially at the refurbished Railroad Square, a former locomotive depot remade into a charming collection of shops and boutiques. Fans of the legendary Peanuts cartoons should give the Charles M. Schulz Museum a look, a treasury of original sketches, photos, personal items of the great cartoonist and much more.
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Take a trip to the Serengeti without leaving the county at Safari West, a singular attraction just north of Santa Rosa where you can ride in jitney through hundreds of acres of African animals. Cheetahs, zebras, giraffes and lemurs are just the tip of the iceberg here, and the attractive enclave also hosts excellent cookout dinners and lodging in cottages and special safari tents.
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The county's coastline offers numerous superb seaside spots to select from, but one of the best is Stillwater Cove Park, about 15 miles north of the town of Jenner. The nearly 400-acre escape includes a small beach, historic schoolhouse and a nice blend of forests and meadows by the sea.
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An even more amazing outdoor option awaits at Armstrong Redwoods Preserve in Guerneville, with more than 800 acres lush with ancient coast redwoods-the tallest living thing on our planet. Self-guided nature trails, pleasant picnic areas and an inviting visitor center add to the experience.
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Tips & Warnings
Plan ahead during peak travel times to ensure your first choice of lodging and dining options.
Select a 'designated driver' if you intend to do much wine tasting at the various vineyards.
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Comments
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Cherrie
Dec 17, 2008
Thanks for this article, you forgot though the pretty and historic city of Petaluma between its rolling hills (=Petaluma) and river. You can come here by boat or canoe. -
Cherrie
Dec 17, 2008
Thanks for this article, you forgot though the pretty and historic city of Petaluma between its rolling hills (=Petaluma) and river. You can come here by boat or canoe.
