Sonoma/Napa
 

I have a questions for those of you who are California winery experts: How long does it take to drive from Healdsburg to Sonoma? I ask because I desperately want to stay in Healdsburg but am booking a lunching bike tour that start & ends in Sonoma. I want to stay at the Camilla Inn, wake up drive to Sonoma (tour starts at 10:00), bike (ends at 3:30) and then visit one or two more wineries on the drive back up to Healdsburg. Is this doable? Please help. <BR>

I wouldn't call myself a winery expert, but I do drive those roads. If it were me I would allow 1 hour and 45 min (on a weekday) just to be safe knowing that I would be there on time.If it is a weekend it should be quicker, but the road to Sonoma is notorious for accidents, so plan extra time and enjoy the beautiful drive, Traffic can be quite congested going South on 101 during commute, hopefully you will miss this experience! <BR>It sounds like a full day, but certainly doable!The square at Healdsburg has two wonderful bakeries and we enjoy the Bear Flag Republic for dinner.Hope you have a great time.

Don't miss Bistro Ralph for lunch or dinner! It's also on the plaza in Healdsburg.

You'll need to call some of the wineries before you start back to Healdsburg since the tasting rooms generally close between 4pm and 5pm. The Camillia Inn is lovely--will you be there at a time of year to see the camillias? Get a winery map from the Chamber of Commerce and study it ahead of time.

Thanks much; I think we'll stay the first night in Healdsburg and the second in either Santa Rosa or Sonoma. Any hotel recommendations? Price range: less than $100.

For what its worth, I thought the Camelia Inn in Healdsburg was nice, but not extraordinary by any means.

Unfortunately, that price range is pretty low for this area. There's a Best Western Dry Creek in Healdsburg and a Vineyard Valley Inn and both give AAA discounts. I would also check on the Camillia Inn and if their rate is only a bit higher go for it. It would include a full breakfast and is a lovely Victoria. I would stay the other night in Sonoma--you can get a very inexpensive room at the Sonoma Hotel if you will share a bath. With private bath might still fit your budget. Beware though, it's a bit noisy but historic and right on the square. No A/C either, but they supply fans. The El Dorado across the street is recently remodeled and more upscale. In Santa Rosa you'll find more selection with Days Inn, Super 8 etc.

I would NOT stay at the Dry Creek Inn in Healdsburg. It is a very noisy motel & not worth $129/night, which is what we paid 1 month ago. It was the worst place we stayed on the trip.

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