Alpine Ranch Guidebook

Caroline
Alpine Ranch Guidebook

Food scene

This gourmet supermarket is down the street from the farmhouse. It has everything you will need, including a wonderful cheese counter.
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Oliver's Market - Montecito
560 Montecito Center
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This gourmet supermarket is down the street from the farmhouse. It has everything you will need, including a wonderful cheese counter.
This is another local favorite coffee place.
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Flying Goat Coffee
10 4th St
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This is another local favorite coffee place.
Our favorite place for sandwiches. Always delicious.
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The Pharmacy
990 Sonoma Ave
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Our favorite place for sandwiches. Always delicious.
If you like good beer, you will love this place.
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Russian River Brewing Company - Santa Rosa Location
725 4th St
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If you like good beer, you will love this place.
This is one of the best wineries in Sonoma/Napa and just 6 miles up the road. Please call ahead to make reservations (707 963-4949).
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Pride Mountain Vineyards
4026 Summit Trail
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This is one of the best wineries in Sonoma/Napa and just 6 miles up the road. Please call ahead to make reservations (707 963-4949).
This winery is just up the street from the farmhouse. To request a visit: 707 539-7511/info@fishervineyards.com www.fishervineyards.com/winery
Fisher Vineyards
6200 St Helena Rd
This winery is just up the street from the farmhouse. To request a visit: 707 539-7511/info@fishervineyards.com www.fishervineyards.com/winery
6097 Bennett Valley Road, 707 521-7016 Estate Lavender Garden Experience, Daily June 1-July 31, 10-4:30 pm Call to make a reservation
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Matanzas Creek Winery
6097 Bennett Valley Rd
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6097 Bennett Valley Road, 707 521-7016 Estate Lavender Garden Experience, Daily June 1-July 31, 10-4:30 pm Call to make a reservation
Delicious food and ice cream. They also have a popular place in the Ferry Building in San Francisco.
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Gott's Roadside
644 1st St
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Delicious food and ice cream. They also have a popular place in the Ferry Building in San Francisco.
A wonderful restaurant.
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Brasswood Bar and Kitchen
3111 St Helena Hwy
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A wonderful restaurant.
A very popular local restaurant in Glen Ellen. A good stop after visiting Jack London State Park.
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the fig cafe & winebar
13690 Arnold Dr
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A very popular local restaurant in Glen Ellen. A good stop after visiting Jack London State Park.
This is our favorite restaurant. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The drive is beautiful and the food is always delicious. Michelin Guide: "Lauded as the main restaurant for the Indian Springs resort, Sam's Social Club is a supremely beloved destination, thanks in large part to its Spanish colonial look and soothing, bucolic vibe. Named for resort founder Samuel Brannan, this Mission Revival dining room boasts lofty ceilings, plush couches, bright murals and a big patio complete with a geyser-fed water feature. The unpretentious atmosphere extends to the plates, like grilled octopus endowed with a peppy romesco sauce and crispy new potatoes. Specials may include pan-seared duck served with bright green broccoli rabe and sweetly acidic piquillo."
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Sam's Social Club
1712 Lincoln Ave
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This is our favorite restaurant. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The drive is beautiful and the food is always delicious. Michelin Guide: "Lauded as the main restaurant for the Indian Springs resort, Sam's Social Club is a supremely beloved destination, thanks in large part to its Spanish colonial look and soothing, bucolic vibe. Named for resort founder Samuel Brannan, this Mission Revival dining room boasts lofty ceilings, plush couches, bright murals and a big patio complete with a geyser-fed water feature. The unpretentious atmosphere extends to the plates, like grilled octopus endowed with a peppy romesco sauce and crispy new potatoes. Specials may include pan-seared duck served with bright green broccoli rabe and sweetly acidic piquillo."
We love this winery. You can also bring a picnic.
Preston Farm and Winery
9282 West Dry Creek Road
We love this winery. You can also bring a picnic.
Sunce Winery is a family-run and award-winning winery. They also make a very special wine from our Cabernet Franc grapes. The 2016 Cabernet Franc Caballos Block, Calistoga Road won Gold at the SF Chronicle, Jan 2019 and Gold at SoCo Harvest October 2018.
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Sunce Winery
1839 Olivet Rd
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Sunce Winery is a family-run and award-winning winery. They also make a very special wine from our Cabernet Franc grapes. The 2016 Cabernet Franc Caballos Block, Calistoga Road won Gold at the SF Chronicle, Jan 2019 and Gold at SoCo Harvest October 2018.
A recreated medieval castle in Calistoga, the winery doesn't require reservations (except for groups above 14 people).
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Castello di Amorosa
4045 St Helena Hwy
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A recreated medieval castle in Calistoga, the winery doesn't require reservations (except for groups above 14 people).
Behren's is a beautiful winery down the road, on your way to St. Helena. Please contact Robin to schedule a wine tasting (robin@behrensfamilywinery.com).
Behrens Family Winery
4078 Spring Mountain Road
Behren's is a beautiful winery down the road, on your way to St. Helena. Please contact Robin to schedule a wine tasting (robin@behrensfamilywinery.com).
From the SF Chronicle: "El Molino Central in Boyes Hot Springs serves the best Mexican food in the Bay Area." We agree. It is worth the (beautiful) drive. Michelin review: "Located along Highway 12 in Wine Country lies a quaint building that serves some of the best Mexican food in the area. "Lovers of regional Mexican food will swoon for this laid-back charmer, which offers full-throttle fare made with quality ingredients," inspectors state of El Molino Central in Boyes Hot Springs in Sonoma County. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., large numbers of guests place their orders at a counter before passing through the kitchen to the seating area (or getting their food to go) to enjoy an array of flavorful dishes. Per inspectors: "Entrées shift with the seasons, but the preparations are always expert: try the halibut ceviche with house-made chips or the red mole tamales chockablock with chicken and just a touch of masa. The Bohemia beer-battered fish tacos featuring handmade tortillas are a must, as are the addictive poblano-tomatillo nachos verdes. Of course, spice fans can't get enough of the crispy chilaquiles."
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El Molino Central
11 Central Ave
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From the SF Chronicle: "El Molino Central in Boyes Hot Springs serves the best Mexican food in the Bay Area." We agree. It is worth the (beautiful) drive. Michelin review: "Located along Highway 12 in Wine Country lies a quaint building that serves some of the best Mexican food in the area. "Lovers of regional Mexican food will swoon for this laid-back charmer, which offers full-throttle fare made with quality ingredients," inspectors state of El Molino Central in Boyes Hot Springs in Sonoma County. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., large numbers of guests place their orders at a counter before passing through the kitchen to the seating area (or getting their food to go) to enjoy an array of flavorful dishes. Per inspectors: "Entrées shift with the seasons, but the preparations are always expert: try the halibut ceviche with house-made chips or the red mole tamales chockablock with chicken and just a touch of masa. The Bohemia beer-battered fish tacos featuring handmade tortillas are a must, as are the addictive poblano-tomatillo nachos verdes. Of course, spice fans can't get enough of the crispy chilaquiles."
From the Michelin guide: "With the scent of wood smoke hanging in the air, it seems impossible to resist ordering the day’s offering hot off the rotisserie. Those smoked prime ribs or pomegranate-glazed pork ribs do not disappoint either. But the oak-roasted chicken is a perennial favorite and deserves a visit on its own. Succulent auburn skin, seasoned flesh, heirloom carrots, smashed fingerling potatoes and crisped pancetta render this dish a thing of beauty. End your meal over baby lettuces with Point Reyes blue cheese and candied walnuts; or butterscotch pudding for lip-smacking comfort food—Monti’s-style. Set within Santa Rosa’s Montgomery Village, this is your quintessential wine country hangout, dressed with rustic tables and centered around a roaring fireplace—natch." Plus, our mother loved it.
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Monti's
714 Village Ct
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From the Michelin guide: "With the scent of wood smoke hanging in the air, it seems impossible to resist ordering the day’s offering hot off the rotisserie. Those smoked prime ribs or pomegranate-glazed pork ribs do not disappoint either. But the oak-roasted chicken is a perennial favorite and deserves a visit on its own. Succulent auburn skin, seasoned flesh, heirloom carrots, smashed fingerling potatoes and crisped pancetta render this dish a thing of beauty. End your meal over baby lettuces with Point Reyes blue cheese and candied walnuts; or butterscotch pudding for lip-smacking comfort food—Monti’s-style. Set within Santa Rosa’s Montgomery Village, this is your quintessential wine country hangout, dressed with rustic tables and centered around a roaring fireplace—natch." Plus, our mother loved it.
From the Michelin Guide: "A pioneer in farm-to-table dining, this stalwart in the Vintners Inn (owned by Ferrari-Carano) is 35+ years strong and still serving the region’s best, much of it grown in the on-site gardens. The rustic Front Room is a popular happy-hour spot with its menu of bar snacks, while the Tuscan-inspired dining room boasts plush booths, a stone fireplace and Italian landscapes on the walls. Chef Tom Schmidt has broadened the restaurant’s focus, incorporating Latin touches like a halibut ceviche with aji amarillo and creamy sweet potato. But there are still indulgent classics aplenty, like the dry-aged beef filet, cooked to a buttery medium rare and accompanied by decadent Point Reyes blue cheese-mashed potatoes, or even the rich chocolate truffle cake for dessert."
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John Ash & Co.
4330 Barnes Rd
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From the Michelin Guide: "A pioneer in farm-to-table dining, this stalwart in the Vintners Inn (owned by Ferrari-Carano) is 35+ years strong and still serving the region’s best, much of it grown in the on-site gardens. The rustic Front Room is a popular happy-hour spot with its menu of bar snacks, while the Tuscan-inspired dining room boasts plush booths, a stone fireplace and Italian landscapes on the walls. Chef Tom Schmidt has broadened the restaurant’s focus, incorporating Latin touches like a halibut ceviche with aji amarillo and creamy sweet potato. But there are still indulgent classics aplenty, like the dry-aged beef filet, cooked to a buttery medium rare and accompanied by decadent Point Reyes blue cheese-mashed potatoes, or even the rich chocolate truffle cake for dessert."
From Michelin Guide: "Tucked into the stunning Solage Calistoga resort and spa, Solbar is wine country personified—breezy, sunny and serene, with local, farm-fresh food. The whole sense of occasion and relaxation is palpable among every guest here; and for those lucky enough to be seated in the patio, the experience is transcendent. Servers are gracious, attentive and know when to approach or simply let one get on with enjoying this dining room. That sense of regard makes its way into the exquisite food, like tomato tart with an ethereal parmesan mousse. The chef's notable flair is also seen in pan-roasted diver scallops set in a Pacific Coast manila clam broth. For dessert, the flourless cake is one of the best in show—perfectly risen and finished with a Meyer lemon curd."
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Solbar
755 Silverado Trail N
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From Michelin Guide: "Tucked into the stunning Solage Calistoga resort and spa, Solbar is wine country personified—breezy, sunny and serene, with local, farm-fresh food. The whole sense of occasion and relaxation is palpable among every guest here; and for those lucky enough to be seated in the patio, the experience is transcendent. Servers are gracious, attentive and know when to approach or simply let one get on with enjoying this dining room. That sense of regard makes its way into the exquisite food, like tomato tart with an ethereal parmesan mousse. The chef's notable flair is also seen in pan-roasted diver scallops set in a Pacific Coast manila clam broth. For dessert, the flourless cake is one of the best in show—perfectly risen and finished with a Meyer lemon curd."
This restaurant is a guest favorite.
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Glen Ellen Star
13648 Arnold Dr
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This restaurant is a guest favorite.
This wonderful little coffee shop was recommended to us by one of our guests.
Colleen's Coffee Shop
17175 Bodega Hwy
This wonderful little coffee shop was recommended to us by one of our guests.
This is a wonderful bakery on the way to the coast. It has a beautiful garden too. It is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 8am to 6pm.
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Wild Flour Bread
140 Bohemian Hwy
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This is a wonderful bakery on the way to the coast. It has a beautiful garden too. It is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 8am to 6pm.
Now called AVID Coffee, this is a great coffee shop which also serves food.
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Acre Coffee
2365 Midway Dr
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Now called AVID Coffee, this is a great coffee shop which also serves food.
This is a wonderful Indian restaurant not far from the farmhouse.
Cumin Restaurant
This is a wonderful Indian restaurant not far from the farmhouse.
This is a wonderful French bakery, not far from the farmhouse. Everything is good, especially the braided croissants and breads.
Sarmentine
52 Mission Cir
This is a wonderful French bakery, not far from the farmhouse. Everything is good, especially the braided croissants and breads.
A wonderful new restaurant in St. Helena. Chef Elliot Bell served as the Executive Sous Chef at Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry, where he spent the past decade of his career. Prior to that, he worked in Boston, Seattle, and New York at several notable restaurants, including Danny Meyer’s Gramercy Tavern. As a member of the St. Helena Fire Department, where Bell has served as a volunteer firefighter for several years, few things are as important to him as community. His new restaurant celebrates our rich area and community.
Charlie's Napa Valley
A wonderful new restaurant in St. Helena. Chef Elliot Bell served as the Executive Sous Chef at Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry, where he spent the past decade of his career. Prior to that, he worked in Boston, Seattle, and New York at several notable restaurants, including Danny Meyer’s Gramercy Tavern. As a member of the St. Helena Fire Department, where Bell has served as a volunteer firefighter for several years, few things are as important to him as community. His new restaurant celebrates our rich area and community.

Relaxation + Services

Indian Springs is a local favorite place for a spa treatment. You get access to their olympic size warm mineral pool. Sam's Club is on the property so you can also dine there.
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Indian Springs Calistoga
1712 Lincoln Ave
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Indian Springs is a local favorite place for a spa treatment. You get access to their olympic size warm mineral pool. Sam's Club is on the property so you can also dine there.
This is our favorite vintage book store. We love to linger among the stacks and always find a perfect book.
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Treehorn Books
625 4th St
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This is our favorite vintage book store. We love to linger among the stacks and always find a perfect book.
Estate-grown lavender farm
Monte-Bellaria di California
3518 Bloomfield Rd
Estate-grown lavender farm
Marcos is an exceptional massage therapist. He has worked at the leading spas in Calistoga and also does house calls. You can reserve a massage in Calistoga at Vitality Massage Service, or call him to schedule a massage at the farmhouse.
PARADISE ON EARTH MASSAGE
211 Wappo Avenue
Marcos is an exceptional massage therapist. He has worked at the leading spas in Calistoga and also does house calls. You can reserve a massage in Calistoga at Vitality Massage Service, or call him to schedule a massage at the farmhouse.
Beautiful Japanese-inspired gardens and spa, known for its cedar baths. Perfect if you are planning a trip to the coast. It is across the street from the fabulous Wild Flour Bakery, where you can pick up delicious breads, scones and coffee.
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Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary
209 Bohemian Hwy
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Beautiful Japanese-inspired gardens and spa, known for its cedar baths. Perfect if you are planning a trip to the coast. It is across the street from the fabulous Wild Flour Bakery, where you can pick up delicious breads, scones and coffee.

Sightseeing

An extraordinary place: nearly 900 animals from 90 species on a 400-acre preserve. Go on safari or spend the night in a tent.
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Safari West
3115 Porter Creek Rd
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An extraordinary place: nearly 900 animals from 90 species on a 400-acre preserve. Go on safari or spend the night in a tent.
Dedicated to the creator of Charlie Brown and Snoopy, the exhibits can be a bit scholarly, but the Kite-Eating Tree and the ice-skating rink aren’t.
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Charles M. Schulz Museum
2301 Hardies Ln
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Dedicated to the creator of Charlie Brown and Snoopy, the exhibits can be a bit scholarly, but the Kite-Eating Tree and the ice-skating rink aren’t.
Visit three distinct areas of California’s early development: The mission era, the Mexican Rancho-Pueblo period, and the early years of American Statehood
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Sonoma State Historic Park
20 E Spain St
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Visit three distinct areas of California’s early development: The mission era, the Mexican Rancho-Pueblo period, and the early years of American Statehood
A preserve of Sequoia Sempervirens, also known as coast redwoods, the tallest trees in the world. A serene and beautiful place to take a hike. 17000 Armstrong Woods Road and open daily.
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Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Visitor Center
17000 Armstrong Woods Rd
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A preserve of Sequoia Sempervirens, also known as coast redwoods, the tallest trees in the world. A serene and beautiful place to take a hike. 17000 Armstrong Woods Road and open daily.
One of the main tourist attractions between Bodega Bay and Fort Bragg, Fort Ross is a historic Russian-era fort compound. Located eleven miles north of Jenner on California Highway One, one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world, Fort Ross is surrounded by sandy beaches, panoramic coves, and redwood forests, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
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Fort Ross State Historic Park
19005 Coast Highway
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One of the main tourist attractions between Bodega Bay and Fort Bragg, Fort Ross is a historic Russian-era fort compound. Located eleven miles north of Jenner on California Highway One, one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world, Fort Ross is surrounded by sandy beaches, panoramic coves, and redwood forests, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Home to a colony of harbor seals; in winter, a place to see migrating whales —The weather can be variable on the coast and layered clothing is recommended. Also, these beaches are not for swimming
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Goat Rock Beach
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Home to a colony of harbor seals; in winter, a place to see migrating whales —The weather can be variable on the coast and layered clothing is recommended. Also, these beaches are not for swimming
Jack London's property in the Valley of the Moon, now a State Historic Park, offers tours of his homes and land. He called it Beauty Ranch, and indeed it is. You can walk, hike, bird watch, picnic and ride a horse. We can't recommend this enough, and it is a beautiful 25 minute drive from the farmhouse, along highway 12. In the summer, Transcendence Theatre Company offers outdoor shows.
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Jack London State Historic Park
2400 London Ranch Rd
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Jack London's property in the Valley of the Moon, now a State Historic Park, offers tours of his homes and land. He called it Beauty Ranch, and indeed it is. You can walk, hike, bird watch, picnic and ride a horse. We can't recommend this enough, and it is a beautiful 25 minute drive from the farmhouse, along highway 12. In the summer, Transcendence Theatre Company offers outdoor shows.
The Sonoma County Fair is held for two weeks every August. It has animal exhibits (best in show), horse racing and rides.
Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds
1350 Bennett Valley Road
The Sonoma County Fair is held for two weeks every August. It has animal exhibits (best in show), horse racing and rides.
This is a fun and beautiful way to see Napa.
Calistoga Balloons
1458 Lincoln Ave
This is a fun and beautiful way to see Napa.
"Jack London State Historic Park has world-class horseback riding trails that take our guests past vineyards and through towering redwood tree forests and open oak woodland fields and (seasonally, at least) over bubbling creeks. Famous writer Jack London first starting buying acreage for his well-named Beauty Ranch in 1905, and visitors have enjoyed riding horses on the property’s trails ever since."
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Triple Creek Horse Outfit
2400 London Ranch Rd
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"Jack London State Historic Park has world-class horseback riding trails that take our guests past vineyards and through towering redwood tree forests and open oak woodland fields and (seasonally, at least) over bubbling creeks. Famous writer Jack London first starting buying acreage for his well-named Beauty Ranch in 1905, and visitors have enjoyed riding horses on the property’s trails ever since."
The Petrified Forest is a collection of majestic fossilized redwood trees that have been excavated after laying beneath volcanic ash for millions of years. Petrified Forest is on the way to Calistoga ( 4100 Petrified Forest Road). There are lots of trails you can take to see the trees. Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour for the trails.
Petrified Forest Road
Petrified Forest Road
The Petrified Forest is a collection of majestic fossilized redwood trees that have been excavated after laying beneath volcanic ash for millions of years. Petrified Forest is on the way to Calistoga ( 4100 Petrified Forest Road). There are lots of trails you can take to see the trees. Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour for the trails.
This nearby California State Park offers miles of trails for hiking and lovely views.
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Trione-Annadel State Park
6201 Channel Dr
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This nearby California State Park offers miles of trails for hiking and lovely views.
This regional park offers hiking, walking, picnic areas, and a seasonal swimming lagoon, water park and boat rentals.
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Spring Lake Park
5585 Newanga Ave
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This regional park offers hiking, walking, picnic areas, and a seasonal swimming lagoon, water park and boat rentals.

Kids' Activities

Mark West Stables offers 11 weeks of riding camp during the summer months. No prior riding activity is required. For more information, please see: www.markweststables.com
Mark West Stables Inc
5241 St Helena Rd
Mark West Stables offers 11 weeks of riding camp during the summer months. No prior riding activity is required. For more information, please see: www.markweststables.com
Snoopy's creator lived and worked in Santa Rosa. This ice rink is his gift to the city.
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Snoopy's Home Ice
1667 W Steele Ln
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Snoopy's creator lived and worked in Santa Rosa. This ice rink is his gift to the city.

Winery

This is a beautiful vineyard, with gorgeous wine and views, at the very top of Spring Mountain road.
Barnett Vineyards
4070 Spring Mountain Rd
This is a beautiful vineyard, with gorgeous wine and views, at the very top of Spring Mountain road.

Råd om byen

Book, inden du rejser

Most wineries require reservations.

It is best to call ahead and make reservations where needed.
Det skal du pakke

Bring sweaters in winter, but also spring, summer and fall

The summer weather in northern California can be very hot during the day, but surprisingly cool when the sun sets. On many summer mornings, the ranch is covered in fog.