Planning a getaway to Monterey or San Francisco? Think Sonoma Coast and the Russian River region for a serendipitous adventure into relaxation, beauty with great food and wine.
The Russian River Region includes the Russian River Valley, the Sonoma Coast, and the surrounding wine country. About an hour and 15 minutes driving time from the Golden Gate Bridge leads to a “quiet” place—a place to unwind, let go and just simply relax. The villages are inviting and they seem to “dare” you not to relax. Healdsburg is a perfect example of a small crossroad’s community that has that quality.

Named for a Quaker
Healdsberg was named after Harmon Heald one of eight Quaker children who came overland with his family in 1849 from Jackson County, Missouri. They were in search of gold but, as the fates would have it, Harmon instead founded what is now known as Healdsburg. This place was once the best kept secret in the area, but the traveler that is looking for somewhere to simply relax and enjoy good wine and good food has more or less let the cat out of the bag. Healdsberg is attracting the vacationer while still maintaining its relaxing, laid back aura.

Everything Within Walking Distance
One of the most amazing things about Healdsberg is their restaurants. Most are excellent—from Italian, Thai, Chinese, American—and so good that you might need a reservation some evenings. Here is a city with over 11,000 inhabiting the city limits. Just about everything including shopping, bakeries, a brewpub, wineries and tasting rooms and spas are within walking distance from the delightful hotels or inns on or near the Historic Plaza.

Sample the area
The following is just a sample of the area and barely touches what is available:
Start out by booking a delightful room at the Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza. (A Four Sisters Inn.) The Inn overlooks the Historic Plaza where everything in town happens. Step out the front door and you are in the midst of the festivities of the moment. If you wish to avoid any activities or festivities, go around the corner and hop in your car and drive to any adventure you choose. Rooms are comfortable with gas fireplaces, private baths with jetted tubs, showers, plush terry cloth robes, balconies, TV, and, of course, breakfast (you can also order breakfast in bed), and afternoon wine and snacks. The staff is sincerely warm and friendly.
To book a room at the Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza call Jennifer at 1-800-752-3046—rates are seasonal and it is located at 12 Matheson Street in Healdsburg.
Round your trip out with a visit to The Spa at the Hotel Healdsburg. It is a full-service spa that offers complete and conscious care in a tranquil surrounding. Well-trained therapists and aestheticians are selected for their credentials and experience. Many treatments are available and includes choices from massage, facials, manicures, and pedicures. Go be pampered and enjoy.
For appointments call 707/433-4747.
The Spa is at 327 Healdsburg Avenue.

A variety of eateries to test your gourmet tastes
Great food abounds. Sake ’O is the ultimate in Japanese food. A comfortable spot offers the best sushi and sashimi on the planet; the Martini Prawns are what trying to steal a recipe is all about. The Spanish Fly is seared Ahi Tuna topped with avocado, tomato and red onion in olive oil and soy with jalapeno on top. One wonders how they can get all of this on one little piece of Ahi but they do and the combination is wonderful. The Utah Roll is a Tempura Prawn inside a snow crab with a spot of tuna and a special sauce. The delicate flavors in all of these blend into a satisfying gourmet’s delight, and that is only a small sample of what is available in this delightful little bit of Japan.
Sake ’O is located at 505 Healdsburg Avenue in Healdsburg.
For hours and reservations call 707/433-2669.
For menus and prices go to Sake ’O at www.garychus.com.

A Divine Affair is a charming tiny little spot that serves great Russian and Ukraine food. The borsht, to use a well used cliche, is to die for, and the Peorgies fall into the same category. This tiny place has a banquet-sized menu that is the ultimate in fine food.
Be sure and try A Divine Affair at 330 Healdsburg Avenue in Healdsburg.
For hours and reservations call 707/433-1035.
For menus and reservations go to www.divineaffair.net.

A really fun “wear your T-shirt and shorts” place to go to is the Bear Republic Brewing Company. You’re greeted by a happy, amiable staff and food keeps on coming. Steaks, burgers, salads and, of course, beer abound. Food is down-to-earth good and is brought as ordered at a fair price. In addition, they cater parties and weddings.
Bear Republic Brewing Company can be reached at 345 Healdsburg Avenue in Healdsburg. Visit www.bearrepublic.com for menus and prices.

Top the evening off with the most scrumptious pastries at Casteaux’s French Bakery. This bakery has a long history and goes back to 1923 when it was called the French American Bakery; and after being sold, it was expanded and renovated and always produced top quality breads and pastries. This bakery still holds its supreme standard in the field and has branched out to in-demand wedding cakes and catering. They serve a glorious breakfast and delectable sandwiches. Try any of the areas mentioned and enjoy. They also host rehearsal dinners and wedding brunches.
Casteaux French Bakery in Healdsburg is at 417 Healdsburg Avenue.
For tons of history and information visit www.costeaux.com.

A substitute for Prozac.
To say this area is idyllic and completely relaxing is an absolute understatement. Here is a place to unwind, forget the pressures and just let go. Doctors should prescribe this area as a substitute for Prozac. It would save the health care companies a bundle with the complete rejuvenation of the body and soul the Healdsburg area affords after a few days. Go take a massage, drink great wine, eat great food, soak in a hot tub, do nothing. It’s not so much what you do, it’s the quiet magic of this place that makes the difference.

A Great Combination
If you are going to motor or fly into San Francisco, here is a great vacation idea. Combine Monterey, San Francisco and Healdsburg as an unforgettable quest for something different, delightful and relaxing. Be sure to allow enough time at each place to be able to enjoy and not rush.
Driving is a straight shot north and daily flights are available.
If you enjoy train rides, you can also get there from Los Angeles by AMTRAK via Santa Rosa.

Camille Bounds is the Travel Editor for the Western Division of Sunrise Publications and The Inland Empire Business Journal.