Susan’s
Recommendations
Start early in the morning by visiting Hopland. It is a cute little town with the population
of about 600 people. The Bluebird Café is a must for a hearty, home cooked breakfast. It is located approximately 15 miles North of
Cloverdale.
After your breakfast, leave some room for an early morning wine
tasting at the Fetzer Vineyard Winery. It is a short distance
from the town of Hopland.
Next make your way back down to the city of Cloverdale. Make sure
you take the first Cloverdale exit so that you can drive through the newly
renovated downtown. On your way out of
the town continue approximately 5 miles towards Lake Sonoma.
Depending on what time of the year it is, I would recommend visiting the
Fish Hatchery. During the winter months
you can see the salmon/steelhead migration up to the holding ponds. (If you
have children this is a must!)
On your way back through the Dry Creek Valley another Winery I would recommend is the Lake Sonoma Winery. Here you will be able to see magnificent views of all the
surrounding vineyards. Not to mention
the wine tasting is free!
On your journey down the Dry Creek Valley you need to cut over onto Canyon Road. This
will lead you back to Highway 101. Once
on Highway 101 South you will take Independence Lane Exit and see one of the most beautiful wineries
in Sonoma County, Chateau Souverain.
After getting over the beauty of the Winery, I would recommend two
choices. If you are feeling lucky, you
could proceed to the Alexander Valley to one of California newest Indian Casinos, River Rock. This casino is nestled
just below Geyer Peak, giving its visitors some of Sonoma County most spectacular views. Just in case you are hungry after gambling,
take some of your winnings and have a late lunch at their Quail Run Restaurant.
If gambling is not an option, try window shopping in the town of Healdsburg. It too has many choices
of award winning restaurants should you be hungry.
This journey should take you into the early afternoon. You might want to head back to the place of
your stay and relax.
