Things to do
We were both born and raised in Sonoma County. It’s a vast place with lots to do and see. I’ve heard it compared to the size of the entire state of Rhode Island. Below is a list of various things to eat, do and see that we love!
Healdsburg
This is Anna’s hometown and where her family still lives.
Alexander Valley Vineyards
We live in wine country after all so how could we not recommend wine tasting. AVV is Anna’s family winery. We love their wines and highly recommend calling to make a reservation for their complimentary tasting. Ask them about the vineyard and cave tours as well.
Downtown Bakery & Creamery
Maybe we’re biased, but the Downtown Bakery is our favorite spot to grab a morning pastry, breakfast sandwich, or loaf for the road. Owned by Anna’s brother Ross and his wife Karna.
Taqueria Guadalajara
As everyone knows, Mexican is our favorite cuisine. This is our favorite spot in Healdsburg. Come in and order a burrito!
Del Rio Woods Regional Park
If you’re looking for a nice spot to hang by the Russian River, then look no further!
Sebastopol
Chess grew up here and is still the home to some of his closest childhood friends.
Screamin’ Mimi’s Ice Cream
Voted best ice cream in Sonoma County for many years. I can’t argue with that. It’s incredible. We especially love the Mimis Mud and the Deep Dark Galaxy.
Marthas Old Mexico
If you find me heading to Sebastopol it’s probably to grab food with friends at Marthas. It’s been a staple my whole life. Gosh darn do I love it.
Ramen Gaijin
Incredible ramen, and great atmosphere. Call and make a reservation.
The Barlow (Acre Pizza, Crooked Goat Brewing, Rewind Arcade Bar, Fern Bar)
The Barlow is a new addition to Sebastopol (since Chess left). There are many great restaurants, bars, and even an arcade. It is a lot of fun to walk around, shop, eat, and drink.
Cloverdale
This is our hometown. After many years in Los Angeles and Denver, we chose to move up north to this delightful town just north of Healdsburg.
Friday Night Live
Over the summertime Cloverdale hosts Friday Night Live. A great place to explore the towns vendors, see live music and relax right in the heart of downtown.
The Beet Wine Bar
Our favorite restaurant in town for good food and wine. If you stay late enough on a Friday evening, they even host a dance party.
Wolfhouse Brewing
You’ll find us here every other Wednesday for trivia. Lots of a great sandwiches and good beer.
Santa Rosa
We both went to high school in Santa Rosa, which is where we met, and Chess partly grew up here.
Russian River Brewing
Our favorite brewery, and world renowned. Great beer and great food! We recommend the 4th street location in Santa Rosa, although they have a new larger facility in Windsor that features the same beer, but a different food menu.
Grossman’s Noshery & Bar
A New York style deli, with great food all around.
Safari West
If you’re looking for something unique and want to see some of the animals of Africa, this if your spot. Look them up and plan a day trip with the kids.
Jack London State Park
Just outside of Santa Rosa, this park is a great spot to go for a hike and see a lot of interesting history.
Trione-Annadel State Park
A lovely spot for a walk and children’s playground.
Bodega Bay
The Sonoma County coastline is gorgeous and a wonderful place to spend a day adventuring. (This is also ties in with our Guerneville / Sebastopol recommendations depending on which route you decide to take. Feel free to ask us for specifics).
Wild Flour Bakery in Freestone
On your way out to Bodega Bay we highly recommend stopping by this amazing bakery. Take a stroll through their garden, grab a cup of coffee and definitely get a loaf of the fougasse bread.
Highway 1
So many great beaches to stop at. Salmon Creek is always a classic, but we also love Goat Rock State Beach. On the way to Goat Rock we also encourage you to stop at Sunset Boulders for a nice low key hike/walk around. This is where Chess learned to climb.
Guerneville
Good food, good shopping and river access on the way to or from Bodega Bay.
Pee Wee Golf & Arcade
This is a unique spot right outside of Guerneville that has a great little mini golf course. Great for family fun!
Armstrong Redwood
You probably know the redwoods and their magnificence. If you’ve never been we highly recommend a visit to walk around and see how beautiful they are.
Booneville
Since moving to Cloverdale we finally discovered the magic of Booneville. It’s a beautiful little town up in Mendocino county, but only 30 minutes from Cloverdale.
Pennroyal Farms
One of the most beautiful little farms and vineyards. Pennyroyal does $10 wine tasting and cheese pairings. It’s our favorite thing to take visitors to. Don’t forget to say hi to the goats!
Anderson Valley Brewing
A long time craft brewery with a huge property to hang out and explore. Sometimes they have live music. Check their website for any Friday night events.