This article is heartbreaking in light of what we are experiencing now in N. California. Parts of Santa Rosa look like a bombed out city in WW 2. Perhaps some of the places mentioned have been spared, but Napa-Sonoma will never be the same. It's a tragedy, and that we don't have more help in fighting the fires is a crime. One of the most beautiful places ON EARTH, devastated.
Fort Ross is fascinating. Well worth a visit. But less expensive lodging? I haven't been able to find it, though there are RV parks.
No mention of the actual town of Sonoma, or any other villages or places in Sonoma Valley? A bit odd, and it adds to the common confusion of many tourists. Sonoma is a huge county, a valley, and a town, so many are disappointed when the book a stay in a "Sonoma" BnB, not realizing they are 50 miles from any large town, and far from the town of Sonoma.
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I think they meant 36 Hours in Healdsburg (mostly). You won't see the town of Sonoma on this trip! Not a single nod or history or great eating and drinking, But there were many great options presented for our very large county.
Look this applies to all of these 36 hours pieces. First there is an absurd emphasis placed on eating, drinking and shopping. The Russian outpost of Fort Ross is in Sonoma but I guess one would be too busy with lunch to go there. Secondly, reading these pieces one would end up with the impression that unless you are in the 1% you should just stay at home. There are many good hotels there for less then 150 a night. Even better is the camping one can do at the lovely Sugarloaf State Park. My wife and I are teachers and we have never made over 80,000 between us and we have visited 44 countries. Please don't let this "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" deter you from traveling.
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Healdsburg is INSANELY expensive. There is not one modest good restaurant last time I checked. There might be one or two cheap taquerias.
I remember when Healdsburg was a quiet dusty friendly little town with a great bakery whose screen door slammed. I have friends who grew up there, nice, unspoiled, easygoing. Now it's full of Dallas/Orange County types who look straight ahead and get into their air conditioned Mercedeses.
What money has done to Sonoma is a crime and a sin. It's revolting. It's RUINED it.
I remember when Healdsburg was a quiet dusty friendly little town with a great bakery whose screen door slammed. I have friends who grew up there, nice, unspoiled, easygoing. Now it's full of Dallas/Orange County types who look straight ahead and get into their air conditioned Mercedeses.
What money has done to Sonoma is a crime and a sin. It's revolting. It's RUINED it.
How quaint of you to notice the electric car charging stations! Aren't they adorable? If I came to Brooklyn, I'd be amused seeing the barbed-wire church roofs, and police cars en regalia... enjoy California!
Nice article for those in the plutocrat class. Shed is friendly and good for high-class variety and even has some offerings that are not out of sight. As an occasional visitor to Healdsburg, my best personal recommendation is Downtown Bakery across from the square. Lots of locals (many of whom also reside in the upper monetary atmosphere) and the bill for a delicious breakfast is not ruinous to digestion.
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Please stay home. We're overrun with tourists. The roads are becoming jammed; bicyclists are regularly struck by autos. Here in Guerneville constant summer concerts add an annoying cacophony to the roar of traffic. Trash cans overflow. Neighborhoods have dissipated as rich people buy second houses then airbnb them. It might be a haven for foodies, but try to buy a regular, medium-priced meal. OK, that's my local's rant.
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No need to be rude. You're free to stay inside and not be bothered.
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Yeah, Guerneville has gotten pretty trashy. Homeless, druggies, litter everywhere, cheap tourist stores. Ugh.
How would all of your neighbors make a living, then, Thomas Johnsn? I assume many of them grow the grapes, make the wine, grow the food, cook it, serve it and we pay the taxes on goods, services and hotels that pay for your children to go to school, your libraries to be stocked and other municipal services. Those selling their homes were not forced— they were likely thrilled with the profit realized. Luckily, most locals are not sour about tourists; they know which side their bread is buttered on. OK, that's my visitor's rant.
Nice try, but locally we call it "Slo-noma". It's sure to be the longest 36 hours you've spent in your life.
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