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15 Essential Destinations for Your Dream Journey Through Sonoma County

photo: hommeboys

Thinking of heading to that famed part of California so widely known as wine country (and often forgotten in the shadow of big sister Napa)? We highly encourage a trip to Sonoma County now while the rolling hills are a luminescent green and the wildflowers are popping. This show-stopping landscape is ripe with vineyards, cows and that fresh country smell, and there’s nothing quite so reinvigorating as a trip to the heartland. So grab your girlfriends or your honey and book a trip pronto to indulge in the luscious land of wine and cheese.

Reporter: Julie Pointer Adams | Location: Scribe Winery

Photo:AutoCamp

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Glamp at AutoCamp Russian River

Guerneville, California

Having a hard time imagining a luxury Airstream? Think again because that’s exactly what you’ll find at this ultra-chic glamping haven, complete with renovated Airstreams, luxury tents and handcrafted wooden huts. Cozy up ‘round the fire-pits outdoors or in and breathe in the redwood air.

Photo:Megan Robinson

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Wine Taste at Scribe Winery

Sonoma, California

Scribe is a downright dream. This beautiful hacienda located amidst the vineyards is a perfectly enchanting spot to stop for a bit of winetasting and luxuriating in the view. Remember to plan ahead as reservations are required.

Photo:Whitney Brown

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Shop & Dine at Healdsburg SHED

Healdsburg, California

Located in Healdsburg, SHED is the ultimate mecca of Sonoma County. Beyond being a hotspot for finding gorgeous kitchenware (dishware, towels, cookbooks, bakeware, etc.), there’s a restaurant, walk-up deli counter, coffee counter, gardening area and two perfect patios for when the sun is shining.

Photo:Grace Cottages

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Stay at Grace Cottages

Monte Rio, California

This charming shingle-clad rental perched on the Russian River is the perfect spot to hide away for a long weekend with a group of gals or a couple of couples. With swoon-worthy interiors, comfy beds, romantic views and the most hospitable hosts (albeit, remote) imaginable, this is the ideal home base from which to explore Sonoma.

Photo:sol sun photo

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Raft the Russian River in Monte Rio

Monte Rio, California

By rafting, we mean lazily floating in the Russian River with a crowd of other sun loving loungers. Pick up an inner tube or rent a kayak or canoe for ultimate relaxation.

Photo:The Sandman Hotel

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Stay at The Sandman Hotel

Santa Rosa, California

With its central location in Santa Rosa, The Sandman Hotel is a great starting point to explore Sonoma County. After a long day of exploring the surrounding wine country, head on back to this renovated motor lodge where you can lounge by the pool and grab a drink at the Pool House & Bar.

Photo:nameisirene

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Stay at Timber Cove Resort

Jenner, California

This 25-acre cliff-side stunner is perched just over the Pacific Ocean along Sonoma’s unrivaled coastline. With a distinctly woodsy but clean aesthetic (cabin-meets-Mid-Century Modern), Timber Cove offers a perfectly epic retreat for lovers of land and sea.

Photo:Ramekins Culinary School

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Take a Workshop at Ramekins Culinary School

Sonoma, California

Improve your cooking game by signing up for a class at this delightful culinary school where you can learn anything from how to make Southeast Asian curries to breads for brunch—and everything in between. Or bring a bunch of pals along and book a private cooking class together.

Photo:Hazel

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Have a Pizza Night at Hazel

Occidental, California

This quaint eatery is a downright gem in Occidental. Offering up fresh to-die-for bread, delectable wood-fired pizzas, a variety of main courses and an extensive wine list, Hazel is a must.

Wine Taste at Hamel Family Wines

Sonoma, California

This stunning estate in the heart of Sonoma has a gorgeous patio for overlooking the vineyards and tasting the fruits of the Hamel Family’s labor. Make sure to book your visit in advance and choose from three divine levels of tasting experiences.

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Stay at Boon Hotel + Spa learn more

This woodland retreat offers a 14-room, boutique hotel experience in the heart of the old growth redwoods. Replete with a Zen retreat center and a quiet pool and spa, Boon Hotel + Spa is an adult-focused getaway, best suited for calm couples.

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Photo:Kate Stanley

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Grab Coffee & Buns at Wild Flour Bread

Freestone, California

This down-home bakery with rambling adjacent garden sits across from a field of cows, a silo and a classic barn—emblazoned with an American flag, naturally. Expect toasty warm loaves fresh from the oven, sticky buns and coffee at this simple, whimsical spot.

Photo:Canneti Roadhouse Italiana

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Dine at Canneti Roadhouse Italiana

Forestville, California

Hit up Canneti for an elemental Italian dining experience. Located in the tiny town of Forestville (let’s be honest—most of the towns in Sonoma County are pretty punny), this delicious food is anything but small-town slim pickin’s.

Photo:Andrew J Thirlwall

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Stay at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn

Sonoma, California

Fairmont Sonoma is your answer to experiencing the area in swanky style. Boasting a golf club, spa facilities and a Michelin-rated restaurant, stay here if you’re looking to rub shoulders with the traveling elite.

Photo:Sara Remington for Cowboys & Indians

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Visit Cowgirl Creamery

Point Reyes Station, California

Although slightly off the beaten Sonoma path, a quick trip down to Point Reyes Station is well worth it to visit the Cowgirl Creamery and cheese shop. Find a plethora of aromatic cheeses inside Tomales Bay Foods or visit the original creamery for a tour and tasting.