Russian River/Guerneville

In the regions known as Russian River, dramatic vineyards give way to majestic redwood groves and spectacular coastal scenery. This enchanted getaway is about 70 miles north of San Francisco, so it’s a favorite weekend retreat for harried city dwellers. But the secret’s out, and Californians aren’t the only ones who flock to the resorts in the township of Guerneville.

What's in store? Hiking in the misty forests, horseback riding, canoeing, hot-air balloon rides, and wine tasting, for starters. Then there’s those romantic nights in front of a fire.

Getting here

Fly into San Francisco International Airport, which is about 20 minutes south of downtown.

Getting around

A car is the best — actually, it’s just about the only — way to get around the Russian River area.
 

Media & Information

Gay Sonoma is the local online guide for news, events and listings. KRCB is a local radio station (91FM) with LGBT community programming each Sunday at 8pm.

Accommodations

Perched on a mountain, Highlands Resort (14000 Woodland Drive; 707-869-0333), retreat on three wooded acres, is a short walk from the action. Camping is permitted for a modest fee.

Wine-country accommodations do not come any more relaxed or romantic than those at Applewood Estate Inn (13555 Highway 116; 707-869-9093). This gay-friendly retreat is a piss-elegant indulgence with a restaurant, pool, spa, solarium, and a spectacular garden.

If flush with cash, try the Boon Hotel+Spa (14711 Armstrong Woods Road, 707-869-2706) opened by two women and named for their dog in the renovated former Retreat Resort location.

Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant (7871 River Rd, Forestville),  eighteen cottages, rooms and suites on 6 acres, heated pool, 6 concierges, full farm-fresh breakfasts.

Fern Grove (16650 Highway 16; 888-243-2674) has cottages with spa tubs, fireplaces and skylights, a heated pool, a short drive from ocean beaches and vineyard tours.

Gay Gay Napa Getaways/ Absolute Gay Travel (1370 Trancas St #356, Napa) offers the best in food, wine and accommodations in California's wine country. Wine tastings, vineyard tours, vacation homes and hotels and event arrangements are their forte.

Two blocks off Main St, Downtown Guerneville, Russian River Resort (16390 4th Street; 800-41-RESORT) has 24 deluxe guest rooms, large pool deck, and two bars (Promenade Pool Bar & BBQ and Piano Bar) with entertainment and gay crowd all week.

The Woods (16484 4th St; 877-887-9218) in downtown Guerneville amidst the redwoods not far from the river. They have cottages, cabins and full-amenity suites, plus one of the largest pools around.

Candlelight Inn (1045 Easum Dr; 800-624-0395) in 1929 postmaster's English Tudor-style house, romantic, soothing wine country environment. A talented team of veteran innkeepers take good care of you.

Bars & clubs

Rainbow Cattle Company (16220 Main St, Guerneville) spunky, rustic bar, rainbow welcomes to all, from 6am "come hell or highwater!" This legendary bar offers quart jars of Long Island Ice Tea, Rainbow Root Beer floats, and Mad Cow. A pool table and outdoor patio are among the other attractions at this "queer steer."

Bar at Russian River Resort (16390 4th St) has the River's favorite poolside bar. At night they have drag, and occasional comedy shows.

Restaurants

Boon Eat+Drink (16248 Main St, Guerneville) modern California bistro; seasonal, local and usually organic food. Small plates of meat, cheese, panini, salads, with local wines and micro brews.

Coffee Bazaar (14045 Armstrong Woods), a refreshing alternative to the chains, with indoor and outdoor seating. A community-oriented hangout with coffee, sandwiches, wraps, and light fare.

Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant (7871 River Rd, Forestville) Gourmet Magazine and Zagat rave. Delicious, wholesome, intensely flavored dishes that rely entirely on in season food at its peak.

Flavors Unlimited (16450 Main St, Guerneville) has coffee, tea, ice cream and frozen yogurt.

P30 Restaurant (9890 Bodega Hwy, Sebastopol) homey, unfussy cafe, with American comfort food, sized and priced to share or sample. Local wine, farm-fresh ingredients.

River's End Restaurant (11048 Hwy One, Jenner) breathtaking views and romantic dining where the river meets the Sonoma coast. Eclectic menu for lunch and dinner.

Willow Wood Cafe & Market (9020 Graton Rd, Graton), breakfast, lunch, dinner, books, unusual gifts, beer & wines, garden dining.

Zazu (3535 Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa) roadhouse restaurant in midst of 150 local wineries. Italian-inpired playful Americana cuisine. Dinner and weekend brunch.

And more...

Et Cetera, Et Cetera (16270 Main St, Guerneville) specialty shop with a wide variety of unusual gifts and collectibles.

Sensuality Shoppe (2371-A Gravenstein Hwy. So, Sebastopol) "pleasure heals" they say. A feast for the senses, atmosphere of integrity. Sexual information and resources, products to awaken and inspire sensuality.