Planning a getaway to Monterey or San Francisco? Think Sonoma
Coast and the Russian River region for a serendipitous adventure
into relaxation and beauty, with great food and wine.
Planning a getaway to Monterey or San Francisco? Think Sonoma Coast and the Russian River region for a serendipitous adventure into relaxation and beauty, with great food and wine.
The Russian River region includes the Russian River Valley, the Sonoma Coast and the surrounding wine country. About an hour and 15 minutes driving time from the Golden Gate Bridge leads to a “quiet” place. A place to unwind, let go and just relax. The villages are inviting and they seem to “dare” you not to relax. Healdsburg is a perfect example of a small crossroads community that has that quality.
Named for a Quaker
Healdsburg was named after Harmon Heald, one of eight Quaker children who came over land with his family in 1849 from Jackson County, Mo. They were in search of gold but, as the fates would have it, Harmon instead founded what is now known as Healdsburg.
Healdsburg attracts vacationers while still maintaining its relaxing, laid back aura.
Everything within walking distance
Some of the most amazing things about Healdsburg are its restaurants. One after another, most are excellent: from Italian, Thai, Chinese and American. They’re so good you might need a reservation some evenings.
Here is a city of with more than 11,000. Just about everything – including shopping, bakeries and a brew-pub, wineries and tasting rooms and spas – is within walking distance from the delightful hotels or inns near the historic plaza.
Sample the area
The following is just a sample of what’s available in Healdsburg.
– Start out by booking a delightful room at the Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza. (A Four Sisters Inn). The Inn overlooks the historic plaza where everything in town happens. Step out the front door and you are in the midst of the festivities of the moment. If you want to avoid the activities, just hop in your car and go off on any adventure you choose. Rooms are comfortable with gas fireplaces, private baths with jetted tubs, showers, plush terrycloth robes, balconies, TV, and of course, breakfast (breakfast in bed) and afternoon wine and snacks. The staff is sincerely warm and friendly.
To book a room at the Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza, 12 Matheson St., call Jennifer at (800) 752-3046. Rates are seasonal.
– Round your trip out with a visit to The Spa at the Hotel Healdsburg, 327 Healdsburg Ave. This full-service spa offers complete and conscious care in tranquil surroundings. Well-trained therapists and aestheticians are selected for their credentials and experience. Treatments include massage, facials, manicures and pedicures. Go be pampered and enjoy.
For appointments, call (707) 433-4747.
A variety of eateries to test your tastes
– Sake’O is the ultimate in Japanese food. A comfortable spot offers the best sushi and sashimi on the planet; the martini prawns are what trying to steal a recipe is all about.
The Spanish fly is seared ahi tuna topped with avocado, tomato and red onion in olive oil and soy with jalapeño on top. One wonders how they can get all of this on one little piece of ahi.
The Utah roll is tempura style with a prawn inside a snow crab and a spot of tuna and a special sauce. The delicate flavors in all of these blend into a satisfying gourmet’s delight and that is only a small sample of what is available in this delightful little bit of Japan.
Sake’O located at 505 Healdsburg Ave. For hours and reservations, call (707) 433-2669. For menus and prices go to Sake’O.com.
– A Divine Affair, 330 Healdsburg Ave., is a charming little spot that serves great Russian and Ukrainian food. The borscht is to use a well-used cliche is “to die for” and the peorgies fall into the same category. This tiny place has a banquet-sized menu that is the ultimate in fine food.
For hours and reservations, call (707) 433-1035. For menus and reservations, visit ADivineAffair.com.
– Wear your T-shirt and shorts to the Bear Republic Brewing Company. You’re greeted by an amiable staff and food keeps coming. Steaks, burgers, salads and, of course, beer abound. Food is down-to-earth good and is brought hot and as ordered, at a fair price. They cater parties and weddings.
Bear Republic Brewing Company is at 345 Healdsburg Ave.
– Top the evening off with the most scrumptious pastries at Costeaux’s French Bakery, 417 Healdsburg Ave.
This bakery goes back to 1923 when it was called the French American Bakery and after being sold, it was expanded and renovated and always produced top quality breads and pastries. The bakery still holds its supreme standard in the field and has branched out to wedding cakes and catering.
They serve a glorious breakfast and delectable sandwiches. Try any of the areas mentioned and enjoy. They also host rehearsal dinners and wedding brunches.
For tons of history and information, visit www.costeaux.com.
A substitute for Prozac
To say this area is idyllic and completely relaxing is an absolute understatement. An easy, pleasant drive (just under two and half hours) will drop you off in a place to unwind, forget the pressures and just let go. Doctors should prescribe this area as a substitute for Prozac. It would save the health care companies a bundle with the complete rejuvenation of the body and soul the Healdsburg area affords.
Get a massage, drink great wine, eat great food, soak in a hot tub and do nothing. It’s not so much what you do, its the gentle magic of Healdsburg that makes the difference.
