We are headed to the Sebastopol area to taste next week and have a few tasting set up in the Sebastopol area. We were going to stay in Healdsburg since there are some better hotels and restaurants there, most of which I am very familiar with.
My question is whether it would be better to stay closer to Sebastopol and any recommendations on restaurants and lodging in that area.
Next question: Is it worth a trip over to Bodega Bay, for sightseeing, since there are not any wineries in that area.
In Sebastopol:
Goldfinch is really good
Graton:
Underwood Bar and Bistro - casual, good food, great old bar, where the winemakers hang out
Forestville:
Canneti’s Roadhouse Italiana - Tuscan fare
Lodging/Dining Forestville
Farmhouse Inn& Spa
Kind of depends on your budget. We are priced out of Farmhouse these days. Check out Raford House.
I’m partial to staying in Healdsburg (or even Windsor, for less expensive chain hotel operations). Lot of dining options, more hotel options.
If you don’t get much chance to visit the coast, a trip out there is always nice. Bodega Bay itself is not the most scenic of coastal stretches. If you want a day of pacific coast experience, I’d go more north, between Bodega Bay and Jenner. Or even along the coast north of Jenner.
I think Farmhouse is probably out of our budget. Seems like our best bet is to stay in Healdsburg. Appreciate the restaurant recommendations
Unless we get some kind of good deal on a better hotel, we tend to stay at either Hilton Garden Inn near the Windsor airport, or the Hampton in central Windsor.
If you are staying in Healdsburg (or Windsor) and want to see some incredible scenery I would highly recommend a sightseeing trip to the Coast. It will take pretty much the full day so just know that in advance.
Take the River Road exit off 101 and head West all the way to the Coast. Along the way you will pass through a few eclectic towns, Guerneville, Monte Rio etc. Guerneville is a good place to stop and pick up any snacks, drinks or picnic supplies.
In Guerneville you make your first stop on the way to the Coast. That stop is Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. A spectacular step into the beautiful world of a Redwood forest. A completely flat easy walking path takes you to see all the individual redwood sights. There is also a visitor center with odds and ends. IMO, Armstrong Redwoods are not to be missed.
Continue on River Road West, it becomes Rt 116 to Goat Rock which is part of the Sonoma Coast State Park. Take photos and take in the beauty of Goat Rock from the overlooks and drive down to the actual Goat Rock if you want to.
As you leave Goat Rock, make a right and 116 become Rt 1. Drive (carefully) along Rt 1 stopping for photos at one or more of the many overlooks along this route. There are some picnic tables at a few of the overlooks. If it is a nice day that is an option.
Continue on Rt 1 to Bodega Bay. By this time if you did not bring supplies you might want to stop for a very casual lunch at one of the many Fish Shacks. The most popular is Spuds Point, my favorite is Fishetarien. The main sightseeing attraction in Bodega Bay id Bodega Head and it offers up the best views on the entire Coast. Incredible views! Attached are a few photos.
Rather than turn around and head back, continue ton Rt 1 to Bodega Highway. Make a left and take the Bodega Highway through the town of Bodega (take the cheesy photo of The Birds Church, everyone does) all the way into the heart of Sebastopol and either stop or continue to 101 back to Healdsburg-Windsor.
That is a complete day and if you haven’t done it and you enjoy beautiful sightseeing, it is highly recommended!
One last note, if you are tasting in the Sebastopol area and you enjoy Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, do not miss Littorai. Ted Lemon is an icon in the world of pinot and chard having spent several years in Burgundy. Appointment only.
Tom
Important to note here that we’re in Dungeness Crab season until (hopefully later in) Spring. Bodega Bay is a great place to get them fresh off the boat.
Thanks Tom. Great directions and photos. We are planning on trying to visit Littorai
We loved our stay at the Lodge at Healdsburg. It is a Hilton Tapestry hotel. The bathroom was very high end. The rest of the room was very nice too.
If the weather allows it, grabbing a bottle somewhere like Merry Edwards and eating oysters at Hog Island is worth the drive.
