Hi,

I have been to Napa and Sonoma many years ago. As a birthday present to my mother, we are going on a "girls" trip to San Francisco and Wine Country. My mother is 77 years young and has never been to the west coast - so the plan is make an this a very special trip.
So far the plan is to stay in San Francisco for one night and head up to Bodega Bay Lodge for two nights. Explore that area and go to the Osmosis spa.
Here's where I need help. Not sure if we should head up to Healdsburg for two nights or drive on over to Napa. I have a room/cottage on hold at the Wine Country Inn in St. Helena.

The dates are June 18th - 25th but we fly out on the 25th. I have been informed that the Nascar race is that weekend in Sonoma so the traffic will be more than usual.

Do you suggest we stick to the Russian River area and Dry Creek ?

Thanks for any help with suggestions. We are very flexible with what's in place so far.

There is a lot of traffic in Napa and especially around St Helena. If that doesn't bother you then stay there.

If you want less traffic I'd stay in Headsberg. It is such a wonderful little town. Good food, good shopping.

I think if you avoid the town of Sonoma you will not have trouble with the NASCAR traffic.

Sorry to disagree with the last post--but NASCAR does impact traffic around the North Bay--Between 101, along Hwy37, HWY 121/12 and 780/680. Traffic will be bad beginning Friday through late Sunday the 22nd. If you can make your plans to avoid Wine country during that time, you should be fine.

Thanks for the tips. Is there a way to avoid the NASCAR traffic ? We are planning on visiting Bodega, Healdsburg and perhaps Calistoga.

I don't mind typical weekend traffic, but would not want to be stuck in traffic jams all weekend.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

If you stay in the North Bay (Bodega and Healdsburg) you'll probably be okay. The big race is on Sunday and by late afternoon "most" of the traffic will be headed south. When are you planning on Calistoga? If it's over the weekend--use the northern route to get there (from Santa Rosa over the Petrified Forest Rd). Don't plan on traveling too far south on Sunday and you'll be okay. Be sure to try Wapoos or Brannan's Grill in Calistoga. Also try to see Castellano--Sattui's medieval castle--if you mom can take lots of walking /steps.

Thanks for this very helpful information. Due to the weekend traffic issue and the unknown fall out from the race traffic.
I am not thinking of changing the order of our trip. Rather than start in San Francisco - we'll head up to wine county mid week - may look like this...

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday either the Honor Mansion or Kenwood Inn and Spa. Any suggestions ? Or some place else in Healdsburg would be nice also. Madronna Manor looks nice. Are either of these locations a good jumping off point so we can explore other towns ? Maybe even drive over to Calistoga for lunch and Napa for shopping ?

Saturday and Sunday - Bodega Bay Lodge. Monday drive to San Francisco for overnight. Or one night in Bodega and two nights in the city.

Thanks !

If you want to stay down by Kenwood, I would pick the Glen Ellen Inn.www.glenelleninn.com They have great little cabins and a deck over the creek. This location is good if you want to explore lower Napa and Sonoma because it is close to the Oakville Grade (20 minutes to Napa). The towns of Glen Ellen and Kenwood are very small with few amenities.

Healdburg is great, and a good location to explore the dry creek area. It is about an hour drive to upper Napa. The town itself is charming with good shopping and food.

Oops SB www.glenelleninn.com