bandmom2

Hi-hubby & I are taking an anniversary trip to San Francisco next week & decided we would like to spend the last weekend(Easter)before flying out on Tuesday in the Guerneville area. We are about to book a reservation at the Sonoma Orchid Inn(anyone stayed at this Inn before?)and could use some advice on how to plan our days. One day we woudl like to do the coast-maybe Jenner, up to Fort Ross & a little beyond if we have time. Another day we would like to visit Armstrong Redwoods, check out the town of Guerneville, Korbel Winery, maybe Healdsburg or Sonoma. Can't decide. We are not huge wine drinkers but are interested in visiting maybe one winery, besides Korbel, but mainly want to just get out & see the countryside, take photographs, have a picnic lunch somewhere and at a leisurely pace. I would really appreciate it if someone could help me route out a basic itinerary for our two full days. Also, does anyone happen to know if restaurants, etc. will be open on Easter Sunday in this area? Thanks in advance for any help!

MichelleY

You could head up to Healdsburg via Westside Road. This is off of the River Road along the Russian River. You can go all the way into Healdsburg or continue up to Lambert Bridge Road in the Dry Creek Valley.

http://www.wineroad.com/

Lots of options. Sorry I can't help with restaurants.

MmePerdu

It's such a big weekend getaway area for the Bay Area that I'm sure many, if not most, businesses will be open. If you think you'd like a reservation for Easter dinner I suggest you ask your hosts to make recommendations.

boom_boom

If you want both a nice drive and a very photogenic winery, take the Westside Road up to Healdsburg and then the Dry Creek Road north to teh Ferrai Carano Winery. Beautiful gardens, decent wines and an interesting place to visit.
The Dry Creek Store along the road is also worth a stop.
Another that, at last in my opinion, has better scenery than wine, the Francis Ford Copola place just off the 101 north of Healdsburg.
A couple of restaurant ideas, but asking your hosts is likely a very good idea
"Zin" and Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg.

Austin

I think you have the right ideas. Since you only have a weekend, I think the coast (a drive can last the whole day) then Armstrong Woods and a few wineries will be plenty.

You will then see the rest the next time you visit.

bandmom2

Thanks to those of you who took time to answer!

@boom_boom, appreciate the great suggestions. That's exactly what I was looking for. The Ferrari-Carano Winery looks beautiful-hope we can fit that in. A friend suggested Chateau Montelana & Castello di Amorosa for the photo ops mainly. Wish we had more time! But as Austin said, we will have more to come back for!!

Rastaguytoday

I just came back from Healdsburg today.

In the Guerneville area, other wineries that will be open are De Loach, Hook and Ladder, Martin Ray and Sonoma-Cutrer.

Sonoma-Cutrer is the best of these wineries. They make Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their Chardonnay is superb and not inexpensive. Best to call ahead for an appointment. 707-237-3789.

Just South of Guerneville is the funky town of Occidental. There is an excellent restaurant there, Bistro des Copains. http://www.bistrodescopains.com/site/home

This restaurant would make a great anniversary place for dinner.

Korbel has a deli onsite.

Having lived in the area for many years, there almost no drive that isn't scenic.

Zin restaurant in Healdsburg might be good, but for this week's restaurant week, their $29 prix fixe menu had their interpretation of Pork and Beans as the main course. I passed.

bandmom2

Thanks Rasta! The Bistro sounds like the perfect place for our anniversary dinner out-their menu sounds amazing!

Can't blame you for passing on the "pork & beans". Born & raised in the Southeast, I grew up on that dish but haven't touched it since leaving home at 18!! I will look at their menu though. Appreciate all of your suggestions!

Rastaguytoday

bandmom,

If Zagat means anything to you, they rate 3 items, food, decor and service. The theoretical high score is 30 for each, but I've never seen a restaurant over 29.

Bistro des Copain is food = 27, decor = 21, service = 25.

That score rates is almoost at the top of Bay Area restaurants, including San Francisco.

boom_boom

Second the Bistro. Had dinner there a year ago and it was a great experience all the way around.

sunbum1944

I recently dined at the Girl and the Fig in Sonoma- I thought it was very good and gets good reviews.
Its not a quiet date night kind of place though- was packed with people.

I would love to have spent more time in Healdsburg- only had a lunch and then had to move on.
It looks like a very cute little town-

arwin56

Thanks for all of the ideas! I think we'll have a great anniversary trip thanks in part to all of the help from this forum.

Rasta-got our dinner reservation made at Bistro des Copains! So looking forward to it & thanks again for the idea.

sunbum-I keep reading about the Girl & The Fig. Hope we can work that into our schedule somehow too.

sunbum1944

We also drove over to Bodega Bay and stopped at a great bakery on the way - it is just at a junction - couple of buildings there and bakery is packed-

The cinnamon rolls are worth the drive

http://www.wildflourbread.com

Lots to see and do in the area -