Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Farm-to-table Modern American cuisine is the prevalent style in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County, but this encompasses both the delicate preparations of Yountville’s Thomas Keller, whose restaurants include The French Laundry, and the upscale comfort food served throughout the Wine Country. The quality (and hype) often means high prices, but you can find appealing, inexpensive eateries, especially in Napa, Calistoga, Sonoma, and Santa Rosa.
Colorful on-a-stick natural fruit bars and ice cream bars known as paletas in Mexico are the main draws at the equally brilliant-hued roadside building where they and a few other sweet frozen delights are made. Mango, pineapple, lime, and guava are popular among the fruit-flavored items; rice pudding's the sleeper hit on the ice cream side.
An architecturally significant century-old bank now houses the Nimble & Finn's artisanal ice cream parlor and a small room with historical Guerneville displays. Along with cups and cones of ice cream handmade from local organic dairy products, the shop sells cakes, candy, shakes, floats, and coffee drinks.
The scent of waffle cones baking draws patrons into this family-run parlor serving artisanal ice cream made fresh daily. Peach melba, Oreos and cream, and salted caramel are among the alternating flavors that include sorbets and sometimes sherbets, and always vegan options.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
Thank you for your interest!
