Jordan Estate Tales - Volume 9, 2014 - 33

staying
in sonoma
Favorite Way to Spend the Day
Claire Smith, Senior Guest Services Associate/Estate Tours

When my husband and I have a rare day off together, we like to take full advantage of it right here
in our own backyard. Start your day in the late morning at Bodega Bay's Doran Beach with a hike
along the sand, enjoying a few glimpses of sun peeking through the coastal fog. (Make sure to bring
a jacket.) From there, drive to the town of Freestone in western Sonoma County, known mostly
for its Pinot Noirs, to the new Freestone Artisan Cheese, which samples and sells sheep, cow and
goat cheeses from the surrounding area. Spend the day exploring one of our quaint towns, such as
Guerneville, Graton or Occidental. (Occidental has a special place in my heart because I went to
grade school and got married there.) A nap will be in order in the late afternoon-at least it always is
for us after a day in "West County"-so rest up before dinner at a fun restaurant in downtown Santa
Rosa called Spinster Sisters. The wine list is diverse and intriguing, but you are welcome to bring a
favorite bottle and pay corkage. Small plates are the specialty at this lively, hip spot-savory, global
flavors from Thai-inspired grilled calamari to braised beef tongue, pork belly and the best Three
Twins sundae and affogato, made with local Flying Goat coffee.
parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov
freestoneartisan.com

Picnicking at Lake Sonoma
Maribel Soto, Assistant Guest Services Manager/Jordan Estate Rewards

On my days off, I love to take my family to Lake Sonoma for a picnic. First, stop off at the historic Dry Creek
General Store for sandwiches, sides and other picnic goodies (Dry Creek Stacker sandwich is a must); you
can even buy GoVino glasses or a portable picnic bag there if you're not traveling with all the usual wine party
gear. There are two vista points overlooking Lake Sonoma that aren't well publicized for tourists, but well worth
seeking out. For the lower vista, look for the View Point sign on your right just before crossing the Lake Sonoma
bridge. For the highest vista, which has two sight-seeing decks, follow Skaggs Springs Road toward the marina
and make a sharp right just before Marina Road and head up the winding hill. The drive to Lake Sonoma is also
beautiful, meandering through Dry Creek Valley's old-vine zinfandel vineyards.
russianrivertravel.com/parks.htm
drycreekgeneralstore1881.com

Indulge at Akoia Day Spa
Nitsa Knoll, Director of Hospitality & Events

Hidden away in the second level of a Healdsburg Plaza building, Akoia isn't one of the most wellknown spas in Sonoma County and definitely not the easiest to find, but that's part of its charm.
Arrive early and sip infused water while relaxing in an airy lounge overlooking the charming town
square. Treat yourself to the Akoia Signature Facial and a Hot Stone Massage-both heavenly
escapes. The spa uses all natural products by Arcona, one of my favorites, and also incorporates
seasonal ingredients into its fruit scrubs, such as pumpkin in fall or lemon in winter. They also offer
seasonal mid-week specials, private group bookings, private wine receptions and an array of
pampering treatments. After an afternoon at the spa, head downstairs and shop the square.
akoiadayspa.com

Anderson Valley Getaway
Sean Brosnihan, Guest Services Manager

Music on the Healdsburg Square
Lori Green, Marketing Manager

I can hardly wait for summer when Healdsburg's quaint, downtown square comes to life on Tuesday
nights with live music. Droves of locals grab their blankets, bottles of wine and charcuterie and claim
grassy picnic spots around a grand gazebo. You never know who you'll run into, but it's always fun.
Tip for travelers: If you're staying at the Hotel Healdsburg, they have the perfect picnic package that
includes a blanket, two chairs and a small cooler with a bottle of local wine. You can also order food
to go from Oakville Grocery or the food stands set up on the north side of the square. Get there early
for a good spot! Locals start putting blankets and chairs out at 3 p.m.
May 27-August 26, 2014, 6-8 p.m.
healdsburg.com/events

One of my favorite getaways-be it for a long weekend or just a day trip-is Anderson Valley. Just one
hour north of Jordan Winery, Mendocino County's Anderson Valley is a completely different world from
Sonoma wine country. The drive west on Highway 128 through the Yorkville Highlands wine region is
breathtaking. A drastic elevation change and winding roads through the valley offer spectacular views.
Lodging and dinner at the rustic but beautifully-appointed Boonville Hotel is a must. My favorite wineries
to visit in the area are Goldeneye, Breggo, Drew and Roederer. Anderson Valley, which has temperatures
much cooler than Sonoma County's Alexander Valley, is home to world-class Pinot Noirs, cool-climate
whites and gorgeous sparkling wines. Nearby Hendy Woods offers some great hiking trails and views of
the Navarro River to enjoy between tastings. Even though I travel there for the wine, I always stop into the
Anderson Valley Brewing Company to sample some specialty craft beers, available only at the brewery.
Continuing west on Highway 128, you'll drive through towering Coastal Redwood forests to the Pacific
coast. A short drive north on Highway 1 leads to the seaside town of Mendocino, which has a NormanRockwell-painting feel to it. Anderson Valley and the Mendocino Coast are such a short distance from
Healdsburg, but it's almost like stepping into a time machine.
boonvillehotel.com
avwines.com

http://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Get_Outdoors/Parks/Doran_Regional_Park.aspx http://www.freestoneartisan.com http://www.russianrivertravel.com/parks.htm http://www.drycreekgeneralstore1881.com http://www.akoiadayspa.com http://www.boonvillehotel.com http://www.avwines.com http://www.healdsburg.com/events

Jordan Estate Tales - Volume 9, 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jordan Estate Tales - Volume 9, 2014