Amy & Lindsay
Things To Do
Armstrong Redwoods State Park
The first time we came here we decided we HAD to get married near these majestic redwood trees. A stroll through this beautiful spot will leave you feeling a different person. Just ask the Japanese, who prescribe Forest Bathing as a cure for many modern day ailments. Literally up the road from Boon Hotel + Spa, this state park features the Parson Jones Tree (tallest guy here at 310 feet high) and the Colonel Armstrong Tree (oldest guy here, estimated to be 1400 years old) as well as a visitor center with a charming park ranger with park maps so you don't get lost and eaten by bears (jk), a gorg outdoor amphitheater, self-guided nature trails, and a variety of facilities to get your picnic on. While you can drive into the park, the best way to experience the dramatic affect of the towering redwoods, is to park in the lot at the park entrance and walk in for FREE!
Seaside Metal Oyster Bar
One of our fave eateries in Guerneville, we can attest the oysters, "not to be missed" chowder, and scallops are LEGIT. A spin-off of SF’s Bar Crudo for you locals playing along, this Main Street spot has an amazing seafood selection served in all its fishy forms with Bay Area–focused beer and wine list. Just make sure you visit the Safeway afterward to sort that breath out.
Korbel Champagne Cellars
Korbel Champagne Cellars, founded in 1882, is old. It's also one of America’s most famous sparkling houses, often served at official events at the White House (oooh fahn-cy). You guys, this place has a FREE tour with FREE champagne at the end, so you can be fahn-cy too. Chin chin!
Big Bottom Market
We came here one day nursing a hangover, after drinking one too many Russian River pinots and found great coffee, gourmet sandwiches, salads, and soups. So, needless to say the day improved. But the thing you're really meant to order here is their biscuits, which made it onto Oprah's Favorite Things list in 2016. YOU GET A BISCUIT! AND YOU GET A BISCUIT! NB: For the visiting Aussies and Brits, that's the US version of a biscuit alikened to a savoury scone. What you're looking for with your cup of tea here is a cookie.
Stumptown Brewery
So we've never actually made it here, but BEER! It has lots of it. We don't doubt this is a "laid back brewpub" per Yelp, we read it has a huge deck overlooking a 2-acre river front - it sounds like a terrible place. So maybe you shouldn't go. Maybe we should take it off our recommended list. But, BEER! Note: cash only, but there's an ATM inside.
Johnson's Beach
Nothing feels more like summer than spending time on the beautiful Russian River, lounging comfortably on the beach with a cold drink in hand or floating on the water soaking up the sunshine. This place is on the schedule for Sunday to cure all those tired legs and weary heads, but for those of you that want to have max river time, Johnson's Beach offers everything you need for a great day, including canoes, kayaks, inner tubes, beach chairs, umbrellas, kiddie pool, snack bar with beer and wine, and more.
Nimble & Finn's
Not that anyone ever needs an excuse to eat ice cream, but we will give you one anyway (you're welcome). Located inside an old bank building that's ripped up the old carpet and repainted the walls, Nimble & Finn's is the go-to spot for local, artisanal, organic, small batch, grass feed, happy cow ice cream in all their delicious flavors. Linds can attest to the Maple Bourbon Bacon Brittle, Ames swears by the Lavendar Honeycomb.
Chile Pies Baking Co.
These are your all American, sweet crusted pies served with ice cream (Aussies and Brits, no meat pies here). Linds has had the signature green chile apple pie and next on her list to try is THAT milk shake - a piece of pie blended together with ice cream and milk!
Pat's Restaurant / Dick Blomster's Korean Diner
Tricky folk that run this place. Or maybe they're just onto the fact that folks these days want ALL the food options possible please. Ketchup and mustard, booths and bar seats, pancakes and eggs? Yes this is an American diner with full options for breakfast, brunch and lunch until 2pm, flipping into a pop-up Cal-Korean dinner spot complete with offerings including (wait for it) something called Korean Fried Crack, also a fried PB&J sandwich topped in vanilla ice cream and Pop Rocks, and pierogies of potato, housemade kimchee, cotija and plum sauce. We also never made it here because the wait was a little long and we were getting hangry, but reviews are solid.
Sonoma Coast State Park
If you want to see any and all of the following - jump in the car and head to the Coast - spectacular cliff sides, sandy coves, stretches of scenic untouched beach, migrating grey whales, harbor seals, locals beachcombing/ crabbing/ fishing/ surfing/ boating. The Sonoma Coast is comprised of several beaches and towns spanning 17 miles. A few of the best spots include Bodega Head, Goat Rock, Shell Beach, Duncan's Landing, Portuguese Beach, Schoolhouse Beach, and Salmon Creek Beach. Note this place is for looking, not swimming, as this stretch of coast is known for wild currents. For those taking this route back to San Francisco, we recommend further stops at Bodega Bay, Dillon Beach, Point Reyes and/or Marin headlands for THAT pic with the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.