BENSI'S
BAR MITZVAH

Sonoma County and, especially, Healdsburg are popular tourist destinations.  Here's some an information to help you plan your trip.

More than anything else, the area is known for its wine.  If you're looking for recommendations, I enjoy Arnot-Roberts, Unti and Preston.  Within Healdsburg city limits, there are 42 wine tasting rooms and plenty of other places to enjoy wine.  I would recommend Leo Steen and Sanglier.  You can find more information here.

You should also take advantage of the many great restaurants in Healdsburg.  I really dig the Farmer's Market booths, Baci, Barndiva, Willi's, Lo & Behold, Noble Folk (ice cream) and Catelli's, Diavola and the Gun Club in Geyserville.  You can find even more choices here.  For once-in-a-lifetime dining, try Singlethread, but make reservations now and be prepared to spend $1,000 or so per person.  Madrona Manor, in a beautiful, historical mansion with lovely gardens, is less than half the price for a prix fixe dinner.

Healdsburg also has several spas.  I don't know much about these, but you can find more information here.  The best massage places, in my opinion, are Zen Massage and Karin Tredrea.  At Zen, ask for Sa or May.  We have a great local gym with saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, pools, a bar, BBQs and massage on site.  It's called Parkpoint Healdsburg.

Healdsburg is also a shopping destination.  But this isn't the type of place to find outlet malls.  If you're looking for high-end clothes, furniture, antiques, art and whatnot, you've found the place - the central Plaza is surrounded by boutiques.  If you're looking to find great deals, the Goodwill often has some nice finds and, other than that, save your budget for somewhere else.

Healdsburg also has a happening cultural scene.  Check out the Healdsburg Historical Museum or the world's only Hand Fan Museum.  We have many art galleries, with Paul Mahder being my favorite due to its moss wall and occasional concerts.  For music, venues include Elephant in the Room, the Raven Performing Arts Center, Little Saint, Catelli's, Coyote, The Corner Project and the Gun Club.  www.VisitHealdsburg.com will also list the many events we host, usually on the downtown Plaza.

Sonoma County is full of spectacular nature.  Kayak or canoe down the Russian River, bike down country roads, go for a lovely drive or check out our great parks.  You can also go see exotic animals in simulations of their natural environment at Safari West. 
 
*  My favorite river beaches are Del Rio Woods and Camp Rose (parking is limited, especially for Camp Rose.) 

*  My favorite drive is to head to Salt Point State Park on Myers' Grade Road, stopping to enjoy the park.  You should also go for an off-trail hike along the cliffs at Gerstle Cove.  Then come back on Highway 1, stopping at Fort Ross, an old Russian trading post.  Pack lunch or stop at one of the villages on the way (on your way back, if you're passing through Duncan's Mills, the wine shop is great and serves local charcuterie.)

*  Check out Armstrong Woods for redwoods.  They're small compared to the trees in the far north of California, but the spot is magical.  If you see a gnome or fairy, let us know!

*  It's easiest to plan a river trip with Russian River Adventures right by the Healdsburg bridge.  You can also just do a leisurely float with inflatable donuts.

*  Bikes can be rented from the Bike Peddler or join a guided trip with Getaway Adventures / Wine Country Bike Tours.  I recommend doing this early in the day, before the heat picks up and the wine "tasters" get drunk.

*  Another recommended trip is to park at the Coastal Birdwalk Access Trail and take a leisurely, beautiful stroll to the beach.  Once you get back to your car, drive to Spud Point in Bodega Bay for great clam chowder.  On Friday afternoons, you can arrange a tour of the Bodega Bay Marine Laboratory.

Healdsburg is a very safe place.  Most residents don't lock their homes or cars.  That being said, if there is a wine event while you're here, keep in mind that there will be a lot of drunk people, so be careful on the roads and don't be surprised if you run into heavily intoxicated people at the restaurants and bars at night.

For more information on what to do in Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com.  For more parks, check here (search for Sonoma County) and here.