Russian River Area - California

[Topper]

Hi Folks!

My partner and I, along with his brother and SIL, will be visiting the Russian River area of California in March 2008. Here is what we have so far:

Fly into OAK and rent a car and drive North up to Monte Rio. We will be renting a house in Monte Rio for the week, with a view of the river. The house has a fireplace and hot tub to keep us warm, as we know this area will be quite cool/cold during March.

My partner's brother is in the wine industry, and is working on some special things for us to do. So far he has lined us up a complimentary VIP tour and luncheon at the Coppola winery. We have plans to visit the Napa and Sonoma as well.

We plan to visit the coastal area one day. Jenner/Bodega Bay. We also plan to visit San Francisco one day on my partner's brother's birthday.

What I am asking you for, is for any hidden gems of things to do in the area.

Thoughts?

 

[Longhairbear]

Hi Folks!

My partner and I, along with his brother and SIL, will be visiting the Russian River area of California in March 2008. Here is what we have so far:

Fly into OAK and rent a car and drive North up to Monte Rio. We will be renting a house in Monte Rio for the week, with a view of the river. The house has a fireplace and hot tub to keep us warm, as we know this area will be quite cool/cold during March.

My partner's brother is in the wine industry, and is working on some special things for us to do. So far he has lined us up a complimentary VIP tour and luncheon at the Coppola winery. We have plans to visit the Napa and Sonoma as well.

We plan to visit the coastal area one day. Jenner/Bodega Bay. We also plan to visit San Francisco one day on my partner's brother's birthday.

What I am asking you for, is for any hidden gems of things to do in the area.

Thoughts?

Armstrong Woods in Guerneville. You can drive into the redwoods, and then walk a short trail, or park and hike in through the hills.
The secretive Bohemian Club owns property on the Russian River near Guerneville, and Monte Rio. There is an abandoned amusement park in Guerneville, and the main street has some nice small shops and eateries.
Try having lunch at the Cliff House in San Francisco. Next to it are the ruins of Sutro Baths. A drive through Golden Gate Park is worth it, especially a walk through the Japanese Gardens there.

 

[Topper]

Thanks for the ideas!

The Cliff House looks amazing!

 

[barkley]

take some rain gear-march is prone to rains (and russian river can get realy nasty, heavy rains).

have you considered doing a visit to calistoga? dr. wilkinsons hot springs is a unique experience if you have'nt done it before. the have a package called 'the works' that includes a mud bath, mineral bath, warm blanket wrap and a massage. it's very relaxing (great after a long plane flight). in calistoga one of the 'hidden gems' is the 'all seasons' cafe and wine shop. it is an AMAZING restaurant that is very comfortable and does'nt require reservations months in advance. mondavi used to include them on their tours of the top restaurants of the region. the c.i.a. (culinary institute of america) is worth at least a walk around-if you can do one of their meals they are located on the old christian brothers winery property (aka graystone)-it's located just between st. helena and calistoga.
one 'hidden gem' of a disney genre is in calistoga-the sharpsteen museum. it's a small place that features the history of the town but also includes a section devoted to the founder who was a popular disney animator.

in sonoma there are some neat little shops down by the town square (esp. if you like cooking shops)-there are places you can get all kinds of goodies (very good cheese esp.) and stock up the fridge for those cold nights by the fireplace. 'napa proper' (as in the city of napa itself) does'nt offer a whole lot-but if you go to the downtown area (when you come into napa from the russian river area you can take the first or second street exit) there are some neat places down by the river (they took an old grainery and other buildings and put a series of shops in). the old opera house (which underwent a beautiful refurbishment several years ago) does some interesting shows-if you do a search under 'napa valley opera house' before traveling you might find that someone interesting is performing while you are visiting (wide variety-comedy, musicians, plays). these are both in the same area as 'copia' which while it is'nt my cup of tea allot of visitors enjoy touring.

in san francisco i think it's well worth it to at least have drinks at 'the top of the mark' (the mark hopkins hotel). there are also some great shops right by ghiradelli square (i prefer these to the more touristy junk stores of fisherman's wharf and pier 39).

 

[grumpy.uncle]

Coppola Winery and C.I.A. were both favorites of mine. The buildings at each of these sights are amazing. Coppola has a really nice gift shop and a movie memorabilia museum. C.I.A. has a wonderful restaurant and a very nice gourmet kitchen shop. The winery just south of the C.I.A. has beautiful grounds to tour. I forget the name, but it was just south of it w/ incredible white victorian you can't miss. All the little towns are worth exploring. Nice to get out of the car and just meander. The original downtown areas are very charming. I believe that Bodega Bay is where Hitchcock's "The Birds" was filmed. You might check out if there are any walking tours. The entire area is just wonderful. Truly God's Country. Have a great time! Ed

 

[Topper]

Thanks for all the great ideas and tips! I have a lot of research to do!

Many thanks!

 

[Topper]

Ok, gonna start narrowing things down a bit...

Anyone been to J Winery? Thoughts? The food/wine pairings look awesome!

What about Mosaic restaurant in Forestville?

Thanks for any feedback!

 

[dkrahne]

I live in forestville, and Mosaic isn't worth the trip in from Monte Rio. I know it's popular, but the people who own it are very rude, the foods not what it is written to be, and there are so many great restaurants in sonoma! If you want to go for Forestville, there's a place called Stella's Cafe, on 116Hwy, and the Chef there is great, great unpretentious wines, and great waitstaff. Hope this helps! Dara

 

[Topper]

I live in forestville, and Mosaic isn't worth the trip in from Monte Rio. I know it's popular, but the people who own it are very rude, the foods not what it is written to be, and there are so many great restaurants in sonoma! If you want to go for Forestville, there's a place called Stella's Cafe, on 116Hwy, and the Chef there is great, great unpretentious wines, and great waitstaff. Hope this helps! Dara

Stella's is already on the list! Thanks for the input!

 

[electric.wormwood]

Goat Rock Beach is also pretty awesome, but cold in winter/early spring...

 

[Topper]

Goat Rock Beach is also pretty awesome, but cold in winter/early spring...

Yeah, we are expecting cool/cold temps during our stay, but we will get to enjoy the fireplace in the house we are renting!

 

[Topper]

OK, it appears that we will be visiting San Francisco on March 23rd which happens to be Easter Sunday. It is my partner's brothers birthday and he is thinking about doing a Bay Cruise Easter Brunch. Anyone done one of these? Thoughts?

 

[PrincessKell]

I would do a boat trip around the bay leaving from Pier 39.

Armstrong woods is a must (like the other poster said)

If you drive up the coast there is a really nice little hotel called Timber Cove, just a lovely place to stay for a night. Great views of the ocean and a night little place to eat in the hotel itself.

In Sonoma (where I live) There are lots of little hiding spots. Beunna Vista Winery, bartholomew park winery is soo beautiful. The old Cemetry that is very enchanting to walk through, with some great trails (if weather is letting) , Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa has great spa packages.

Dillions Beach out past Petaluma is very nice. Anything along Hwy 1 North or South would be a great adventure.

Sebastopol has a nice little down town area, with cute and unique shops.

Dont forget about Korbel.

 

[PrincessKell]

Oh how on earth could I forget my most favorite place to eat! The Union Hotel and Pizza in Occidental. Its a great little town. and The Union is a family style Italian place. They have great food. It doesnt look like anything fancy, but its great. (in my opinion anyway)

 

[Topper]

Thanks for the info Kell. We'd already planned to stop for lunch at the Union Hotel on our drive to Monte Rio from the Oakland airport, glad to know we made a good choice!

 

[pixiewings71]

Dillon Beach will be COLD in March!! It's a nice beach but really, it's cold! lol If you do that one take warm clothes to wear, you will be glad you did. Actually, if you drive down 1 a bit farther you'll run into Bodega Bay, I much prefer the beaches there to Dillon but Dillon is nice.

If you do go to Pier 39 (my Mom loves it and we visit every time she's here) eat at Bubba Gump's!! So good......and it's fun too. Especially if you're a Forrest Gump fan!

Calistoga is really neat and so is Sonoma, they are both beautiful places to visit.

I hope you have fun visiting the area.

 

[tl_swift]

I also live in the area. Here is another often forgoten about gem.
http://www.parks.sonoma.net/JLPark.html

 

[tl_swift]

I also live in the area. Here is another often forgoten about gem.
http://www.parks.sonoma.net/JLPark.html

 

[M4travels]

Ok, gonna start narrowing things down a bit...

Anyone been to J Winery? Thoughts? The food/wine pairings look awesome!

I know this is from a few months back, but J is one of our favorite places to go. The pairings in the Bubble Room are a very relaxed way to enjoy some of the sparkling or still wines. On our last visit I did the caviar tasting with sparklings and partner did whatever they were tasting with the whites. They do change the tasting menus regularly so when we go up there's always something new to taste.

If you don't do the Bubble Room (reservations required) just belly up to the tasting bar and enjoy the pairings there as well. It's not as pricey as the Bubble Room and the interaction with the servers can be quite fun.

After J you can wander next door to Rodney Strong. They share the same driveway.

Have fun!
Michael

 

[Topper]

Thanks for the additional info Pixie, Theresa and Michael!