Healdsburg

 

Healdsburg sits along the Russian River in the heart of Sonoma County with a small-town feel centered around a charming town plaza with shops, dining, art galleries, and five-star hotels. Both a tourist destination and a favorite with the locals, Healdsburg is a picture-perfect wine country town and has been consistently named one of the top 10 small towns in America.

 

Healdsburg sits at the juncture of three prime winegrowing regions; the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley appellations. Many local wineries have tasting rooms right on the plaza making it ideal for out-of-town visitors and to pick up a quick bottle from your favorite winery. Some of the most beautiful wineries in the world are nestled in the hills and valleys surrounding downtown, making it an epicenter of wine country.

 

There is truly something for everyone in Healdsburg, from haute cuisine at Single Thread to burgers and beer on the patio at Healdsburg Bar & Grill. Valette, Campo Fina, and Spoonbar are favorites with both locals and tourists. Wicked Slush is the perfect treat on a hot summer day, and Noble Folk & Moustache Bakery are outstanding.

 

The Thursday night Farmer's Market on the Plaza features live music, farmers, food & community. Big John's Market is a local favorite Oakville Grocery on the square is the place to get the goodies for a picnic on the plaza. More than two dozen art galleries are within walking distance of the downtown area. Local boutiques featuring women & men's clothing curated home goods, children's shops and locally owned Copperfield's books surround the downtown plaza.

 

One of the best cycling loops in the world extends starts and ends in Healdsburg, a 30-mile loop that takes you through Dry Creek & Alexander Valleys with winery stops along the way. Just east of downtown you can rent kayaks and canoes near the Healdsburg Memorial Beach for an epic adventure along the Russian River.