Boozing in "the City"

In addition to her guide to eats, Sarah has been nice enough to put together a list of recommended bars and clubs for those visiting San Francisco over the weekend. Thanks, Sarah:

BARS

Rye - DOWNTOWN -trendy

Wish - SOMA -trendy (bordering on lounge...with a DJ)

Madrone - NORTH PANHANDLE/LOWER HAIGHT - hipster/trendy (great infused vodka)

Harry's - PACIFIC HEIGHTS (great burgers too...pretty mellow place)

Green's - RUSSIAN HILL (favorite sports bar)

Romolo - NORTH BEACH - trendy

Rosewood - NORTH BEACH - trendy

Hobson's Choice - HAIGHT - dive bar with good cocktails

Medjool - MISSION - trendy (great roof-top deck! Head straight there...the service is not the greatest, but you can't beat the view!)

Finnegan's Wake - COLE VALLEY - dive bar (the BEST bloodies in town)

Ziegeist - MISSION - dive bar (2nd best bloodies & a great outdoor patio. people watching is fantastic)

CLUBS

Dragon Bar- NORTH BEACH

Mr. Smith's - SOMA (kinda in the ghetto, but cool atmoshpere and dancing)

Bambudda - TENDERLOIN (only really a club Thurs - Sat)

Mezzanine - SOMA (be sure to check the events/DJ for the night before going...it's a fantastic club when the entertainment is right)

Sonoma Coast = NO SWIMMING

Please remember to take a cautious approach when visiting the beach along the Sonoma Coast. Like almost every beach north of Monterey Bay, the beaches along the Sonoma Coast are not for swimming. Strong rip currents, heavy surf and sudden ground swells make even surf play dangerous. A small staff of well-trained lifeguards are usually on duty during the peak season, but with so much coastline to cover they may not be available. It is especially important to keep children back from the highest water-line.

Never turn your back to the ocean. Ground swells happen randomly, and can result in visitors being taken out to the ocean. Many rescue attempts are made each year, and they are not always successful. There are also sharks in the waters off the coast.

Also be careful of the bluffs and rocks. The shale formations are unstable and unsafe for climbing, so stay on the trails and heed warning signs.

Fort Ross, California

Fort Ross is a California State Historic Park, located just north of Jenner along the Sonoma Coast.

Fort Ross was a thriving Russian-American Company settlement from 1812 to 1841. This commercial company chartered by Russia's tsarist government controlled all Russian exploration, trade and settlement in the North Pacific, and established permanent settlements in Alaska and California.

Fort Ross was the southernmost settlement in the Russian colonization of the North American continent, and was established as an agricultural base to supply Alaska. It was the site of California's first windmills and shipbuilding, and Russian scientists were among the first to record California’s cultural and natural history.

Fort Ross was a successfully functioning multi-cultural settlement for some thirty years. Settlers included Russians, Native Alaskans and Californians, and Creoles (individuals of mixed Russian and native ancestry.)

Along with the chapel, the structure of most historical interest at Fort Ross is the Rotchev house, an existing building renovated about 1836 for Alexander Rotchev, the last manager of Ross. It is the only surviving structure. Several other buildings have been reconstructed: the first Russian Orthodox chapel south of Alaska, the stockade, and four other buildings called the Kuskov House, The Officials Barracks, and two corner blockhouses.

From Santa Rosa

Take Highway 101 North. Go past downtown exits for Santa Rosa. Just north of town, take the River Road exit. Go west (left). River Road will turn into Highway 116 in Guerneville. Follow 116 west, then follow signs to Highway One North towards Jenner and Fort Ross.

All of the Above written by the California State Parks.

Sonoma Coast State Beach, California

Long sandy beaches below rugged headlands, a craggy coastline with natural arches and secluded coves are features that make Sonoma Coast State Beach one of California's most scenic attractions. The Beach, actually a series of beaches separated by rock bluffs and headlands, extends 17 miles from Bodega Head to Vista Trail located 4 miles north of Jenner. Beachcombers, fishermen, sunbathers and picnickers can access the beach from more than a dozen points along coast Highway 1.

While the north coast weather can be foggy in the summer, in the autumn it usually burns off by midday. The cool ocean breezes make the Sonoma Coast a haven for visitors seeking to escape the inland heat. The weather can be changeable, so layered clothing is recommended, especially in the evening.

The beach is located between Jenner and Bodega Bay on Highway One. The Rangers' Station is at the north side of Salmon Creek, off Highway 1.

Sites to See:

• Bodega Head.

The rocky headland that forms the entrance into Bodega Harbor. The harbor side provides a popular crabbing area along the jetty, and the many hiking trails on the ocean side allow access to small, sandy coves and spectacular scenic blufftop views. The high cliffs offer excellent vantage points for observing migrating gray whales.

• Goat Rock

Near the mouth of the Russian River, is known for its scenic shoreline and easily accessible sandy beach. Picnic tables and restroom facilities are also available. Goat Rock beach is home to a colony of harbor seals which are fun to watch, but please stay 50 yards from the seals, especially during pupping season (i.e. late March thru early September). Due to the protected status of the seals, no dogs are allowed on Goat Rock Beach.

• Shell Beach

Favorite location for beachcombing and tidepooling. It is used by schools as an outdoor classroom for the study of tidal pool marine life and enjoys a reputation as a prime fishing spot.

• Duncan's Landing

Famous for two things: as an early-day landing for loading small coastal ships with lumber and food products and for being the most dangerous point along the Sonoma Coast due to large and unpredictable surf. Heed the signs and stay off the rocks, the waves have come up to the parking lot and people have been swept off the rocks. In the spring the wildflower displays are spectacular.

• Portuguese Beach & Schoolhouse Beach

Beautiful sandy beaches surrounded by rocky headlands. Rock fishing and surf fishing are popular in these locations.

• Salmon Creek Beach

Place where a lagoon forms as sand closes the mouth of Salmon Creek. It is a popular summer destination. Nearly two miles of unbroken, scenic, sandy beach make this an excellent place for surf fishing, beachcombing, and picnicking. The surfers are here when the waves are good. No dogs and no fires are allowed on Salmon Creek Beach due to the protection of the snowy plovers. The western snowy plover is listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act as a threatened species because of loss of nesting habitat due to human development, invasion of European beach grass and predation by ravens, foxes, domestic dogs and cats.

All of the above written by the California State Parks.

East-Bound Bay Bridge will be closed Labor Day Weekend.

The east-bound direction (i.e. the lower deck of the bridge, from San Francisco to the East Bay) of the Bay Bridge will be closed to traffic Labor Day Weekend. The closure is in effect from 11:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1 through 5 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5.

The closure will be in the eastbound direction only. The upper deck will remain open to westbound traffic coming into San Francisco throughout the weekend. However, the First Street, Essex Street, Sterling Street, 5th Street, and 8th Street on-ramps will also be similarly closed from 11:59pm Friday until 5:00am Tuesday.

For more detailed information, please visit this PDF.

You can also view the televised public service announcement.

This closure will not impact anyone flying into Oakland International Airport, who then want to drive across the Bay to get into "the City". It will impact anyone who wants to go back, or who flies into San Francisco International Airport, who then want to drive across the Bay to visit Berkely or Oakland.

Moss covered Redwood in Guerneville. 

Guerneville, California to the Coast

Guerneville (pronounced Gurn-ville by locals who can recognize tourists by their use of Gur-nee-ville) is the main resort town in the scenic Russian River Valley. Korbel, a famous winery, is located in the town.

Guerneville is built where the Russian River had an extra loop before an earthquake many thousands of years ago straightened things out. Redwoods grew in the riverbed with such vigor that just a few centuries ago, the valley had the greatest biomass density on the planet (according to local lore, anyway). Except for a handfull of truly ancient trees left over in the Fife Creek watershed (which are now the centerpiece of Armstrong Woods Park) they were all cut down in the 1800s, giving rise to the first English name for the place - "Stump Town". The annual town parade is still called the Stumptown Day Parade. There are still redwoods on the surrounding mountains, but they are not even two centuries old.

Johnson's Beach, an area along the Russian River used for fishing, bathing, and sunbathing, is located in the city's downtown area, is open to the public in the summers and (when not being used as a festival site) features free admission, free parking, and a concession stand with great sno-cones and hamburgers.

Eats

Just inside town, past the first stop light on your left, next to the River Theatre is the River Inn Grill. It has typical diner food with a flare of the modern. Reasonably priced and kid friendly. They serve breakfast, lunch & dinner.

On Armstrong Woods Road there is Coffee Bazaar. They have new owners, but this used to be mostly coffee, pastries, ice cream & such.

On HWY 116 past Armstrong Woods Road there is Bob & Boy. Some of the best hamburgers in town and excellent fries too! Limited menu, no high-chairs, limited seating. Best for To Go. Very reasonably priced.

Just two doors down from Bob & Boy is the Main Street Station. Excellent pizza, Italian style foods & killer Greek salads & amazing Caesar Salads. Reasonably priced, lots of seating & in the evenings live jazz.

One block past Main Street station, on the left you'll find Charisma wine bar & deli. Upscale than most of the restaurants around. No idea about price or quality - have never been.

Just past Safeway on the left is where you will find The Roadhouse at Dawn Ranch Lodge. Formerly known as Fifes - one of the main gay resorts in town. Very expensive (typically $100 for dinner for 2, w/drinks & dessert. But great food. If the weather's nice you can eat outside.

Just past Dawn Ranch on the right is La Tapatia. Excellent Mexican food. Great big portions, great prices. Lost their liquor license, so ignore the Tecate and Negro Modelo signs in the window.

The Garden Grill is 1/2 mile west of town. The Best Burgers - Huge. Restaurant style burgers with so many toppings it's hard to fit in your mouth. Amazing fries. Everything on the menu is fantastic. The owners are the cook and the hostess and they're delightful! Reasonably priced, great portions. Huge deck for outside seating.

Across from The Garden Grill is the CK House. Ok Chinese food. Horrible ambiance, best if you do take out.

In Monte Rio as you head West on 116, Baby Blue. Typical diner - fare, nice staff. Excellent french toast.

Just south of Jenner you will discover the Sizzling Tandoor. Not as excellent as it's sister restaurant in Santa Rosa, but still good Indian food. Excellent views.

Thank you, Jennifer

Petaluma, California

Mid-point between San Francisco and Santa Rosa, Petaluma is known as a location for many distinguished, well-preserved pre-1906 buildings and Victorian homes. In the 1960's the hippie migration out of San Francisco looking for cheap, dilapidated old houses to rent or buy began to restore them, and an active historic preservation movement started to reclaim the downtown. With its large stock of historic buildings, Petaluma has been used as the filming location for numerous movies set in the 1940's, '50's, and '60's:

American Graffiti (1973)
Cujo (1983)
Explorers (1985)
Howard the Duck (1986)
Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
Basic Instinct (1992)
Max,13 (1997)
Inventing the Abbotts (1997)
Flubber (1997)
Lolita (1997)
Pleasantville (1998)
Mumford (1999)

Notable past and present residents include:

Elijah Wood, actor
Winona Ryder (Horowitz), actress
Lloyd Bridges, actor
John Mark Karr, confessed/possible murderer of Jon Benet Ramsey

Petaluma also acts as a "Gateway" to the southern entry points of the Carneros, Sonoma Valley, and Napa Valley wine country areas.

Arch Rock 

Historic Point Reyes Lighthouse 

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore is a 70,000 acre (283 km²) park preserve located on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County, California.

The preserve includes wild coastal beaches and headlands, estuaries, and uplands, with a striking coastline. The northernmost part of the peninsula is maintained as a reserve for tule elk, which are readily seen there. The preserve is also very rich in raptors and shorebirds. The Point Reyes Lighthouse attracts whale-watchers looking for the Gray Whale migrating south in mid-January and north in mid-March.

The Point Reyes National Seashore attracts 2.5 million visitors annually. The peninsula is a popular recreational destination for the nearby San Francisco Bay Area, especially for hiking on its many trails.

For more information on visiting Point Reyes, its many trails, and sights to see, please visit http://pointreyes.net/.

The Ferry Building in the Embarcadero 

The Presidio and 1/2 of the Golden Gate Bridge 

Hello Trolleys! 

The Trans America Building... the 2nd tallest building in San Francisco (also, Coit Tower and Alcatraz in the background) 

Lombard Street - the windiest street in the world. 

Sarah's Guide to "The City"

Paige and I live in Sacramento, California. Therefore, we have only occassionally visited San Francisco - a/k/a "The City".

However, most of the visits were made to visit a resident of "The City" - Sarah Dvorak. Sarah has been in San Fran for, hmm, 5 years now (?) and has a vast amount of experience in... experiencing the best it has to offer.

So, instead of acting like Paige and I know what we are talking about when it comes to San Francisco, we asked Sarah to compile a list of recommended restaurants and areas of "The City".

For those of you who know Sarah, you know these places will be good. For those of you who don't know Sarah, trust me, she knows good eats. So without further ado, here are Sarah's picks:

EATS
Breakfast

Mama's 1701 Stockton Street (North Beach)

An all time favorite brunch spot in San Francisco. The line on Sundays may be around the block, and reservations aren't accepted, but sometimes it's hard to resist "Mama's" calling. Mama's delicious brunch features sweet and savory quiches (crabmeat quich recommended), orange sourdough toast, fresh squeezed juices, and stuffed "m'omlettes" as well as an everchanging specials menu. (description provided by sfstation.com)

Ella's 500 Presidio (Pacific/Laurel Heights)

Well known throughout town as the undisputed king of breakfasts, this restaurant's acclaim means you're likely to wait to get in up to an hour on weekends. But midweek and in the wee hours of morning, it's possible to slide onto a counter or table seat in the colorful split dining room and lose yourself in outstanding and obscenely generous servings of chicken hash, crisped to perfection and served with eggs any way you like them, with fluffy buttermilk biscuits. Pancakes, omelets, and the short list of other breakfast essentials are equally revered. Alas, service can be woefully slow, but at least the buspersons are quick to fill coffee cups. Come lunchtime, solid entrees like salads, chicken potpie, and grilled salmon with mashed potatoes remind you what's great about good old American cooking. (description by Frommer's)

Zazie 941 Cole Street (Cole Valley)

Zazie has a longstanding tradition as a brunch venue, with gingerbread or buttermilk pancakes a favorite. The rest of the menu is extensive -- ostrich burger, vegetarian Mediterranean plate and fresh goat-cheese ravioli basquaise with red, green and yellow peppers, garlic and herbs. There's also a prix-fixe option for less than $20, including one of the restaurant's decadent homemade desserts, like the Zazie brownie with raspberry sauce or carmelized-apple bread pudding. Lattes are served in ceramic bowls, and there is a good selection of wines. For late risers, breakfast is available until 2:30 pm. There is often a wait for brunch, either for a table inside or in the garden setting out back. (description provided by sfgate.com)

(aside from Justin - I have ate at all 3. All are magnificent. They are both in different parts of the city. The menus are diverse and reasonable.)

Tartine 600 Guerrero (The Mission)

This bistro has gained loads of recognition since its opening in 2002. This little place, consisting of a few tables with vases of fresh flowers, lends a countryside ambience. To add to this experience, the aroma of freshly baked cakes and buns fills the air. The mouth-watering lemon cream tarts and delightful Morning Buns with cinnamon and orange are a must have. Here you'll find a wide range of delectable pastries. (description by yahoo.com)

(aside from Sarah - This one is more of a bakery... but it is my FAV)

EATS
Dinner - Splurge

Chez Spencer 82 14th Street (between SOMA, Mission, and Potrero Hill)

French food, cute atmosphere...a bit romantic, but in the middle of nowhere! Rolling gates open into a flowered garden with a heated and fully covered patio. The restaurant is set in a soaring, loft-like space with a wood-burning oven at its center. I just had to include it because it's my FAV!

Bocadillos 710 Montgomery Street (Financial District)

Spanish/Basque small plates, tapas, and good wine.

Ozumo 161 Steuart Street (Downtown)

Best Sushi in the city! Contemporary Japanese cuisine also offered at this Zen-garden inspired restaurant located in the heart of San Francisco. Breathtaking bay views, authentic modern Japanese design, 30-person sushi bar, open kitchen and robata grill, sleek and sophisticated Sake Lounge, and a monumental Sake list.

Range 842 Valencia (The Mission)

Tasty Cali cusine. The menu features seasonal cuisine with appetizers such as 'marinated fennel with roasted peaches and chevre' and 'raw albacore, watermelon, avocado and hawaiian salt'. Entrées include 'halibut with braised artichokes, almonds, and cooked egg tartar sauce' and 'coffee rubbed pork shoulder with creamy hominy and braised greens'.

Myth 470 Pacific Avenue (Downtown)

Make reservations for this one!

1550 Hyde Cafe & Wine Bar (Russian Hill)

French-ish food. Offers simple, seasonal, organic cuisine that emphasizes local sustainable agriculture. Also has an award winning wine list with over 150 selections.

Luna Park 694 Valencia (The Mission)

Easy comfort food...and really not much of a splurge.

EATS
Dinner - Cheap Eats

Citrus Club 1790 Haight Street (The Haight)

Mix of various Asian dishes (Indonesian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, etc.). But you go there for the noodles.

Cha Cha Cha 1801 Haight Street (The Haight)

Cuban small plates & GREAT Sangria.

La Taqueria 2889 Mission Street (The Mission)

It's famous for it's tacos & burritos! Hot griddled tortillas stuffed with melted cheese, beans, meat and salsa make a savory, incredibly satisfying snack. Of the meat choices, carne asada (beef) and carnitas (pork) are the most popular, but diners can also get chicken or chorizo. No rice is used, thus diners actually get more meat.

Say Cheese 856 Cole Street (Cole Valley)

Great for Sandwiches, cheese, & wine.

Sushi Zone 1815 Market Street (The Mission)

No frills sushi...but very fresh. Order the Mango Sea Bass! Expect a wait.

Memphis Minnies 576 Haight Street (The Haight)

Great BBQ...and there's a killer sausage place across the way as well (Rosamunde) the hood is kinda sketchy though.

Jasmine Tea House 3253 Mission Street (The Mission)

Look them up...they deliver killer Chinese.

Taylor's Refresher 1 Ferry Building, Space # 6 (Embarcadero)

Located in the Ferry Building off the water. Great for burgers & the likes...they have a "Wisconsin" burger on the menu.

HOODS TO VISIT

The Mission / Dolores Park

It's a great park, with great food nearby... and good people watching.

The Haight

It's where the magic hippies play...so you have to at least see it! If you get sketched out, head south to Cole Valley (Cole & Carl) or take a strole through Golden Gate Park.

Cole Valley

Just a few blocks from the Haight Street scene is this charming neighborhood of renovated Victorians and small shops. The area retains a quaint, small town feel. Bakeries, markets, bars, and small gourmet restaurants add to a mix of refurbished homes, apartments, and gardens.

Union Square (Geary & Powell)

SHOPPING MADDNESS for all your big name stores

The Marina (Chestnut & Steiner...but all around there)

For great boutique shopping and fancy people...it's a taste of LA in SF. The Marina is a quiet & clean neighborhood known for its Mediterranean influenced architecture. The Marina Green, overlooking the bay and Golden Gate Bridge, is where you will see joggers, runners, and bikers.

Pacific Heights (Fillmore & Sacramento)

For AMAZING SF architecture (& HUIGE homes)...they call it Pacific "Whites"...so it's not too diverse, but kinda funny!

The Embarcadero

Just go to the Ferry building at the end of Market, you can't miss it!

Muir Woods

Armstrong Redwoods

Where to see the redwoods

Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve

170000 Armstrong Woods Road
Guerneville, CA 95446

The reserve is located two miles north of Guerneville on Armstrong Woods Road. From Highway 101- coming North or South- take the River Road exit (in Santa Rosa). Go west on River Road until you reach Guerneville. At the second stop light make a right hand turn onto Armstrong Woods Road. This road will end in the park.

Here is a link to hiking maps in the Reserve: http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=22562.

Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods is located 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Roads to the park are steep and winding. Vehicles over 35' long are prohibited. Parking space is very limited and fills quickly on most days. There are no RV parking facilities.

Directions from San Francisco:

Take Highway 101 North across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Exit Highway 1/Stinson Beach (there will be a sign for Muir Woods at this exit)
Drive about .5 miles. At the stoplight, turn left.
Drive about 2.7 miles. At the top of the hill, turn right towards Muir Woods/Mount Tamalpais.
Drive about 0.8 miles. At the 4-way intersection, turn left towards Muir Woods (oncoming traffic has the right of way!).
Continue down the hill about 1.6 miles. The Muir Woods parking lot will be at the bottom of the hill, on a sharp turn, on your right.

Directions from Santa Rosa:

Take Highway 101 South
Exit Highway 1/Stinson Beach (there will be a sign for Muir Woods at this exit)
Drive about .5 miles. At the stoplight, turn left.
Drive about 2.7 miles. At the top of the hill, turn right towards Muir Woods/Mount Tamalpais.
Drive about 0.8 miles. At the 4-way intersection, turn left towards Muir Woods (oncoming traffic has the right of way!).
Continue down the hill about 1.6 miles. The Muir Woods parking lot will be at the bottom of the hill, on a sharp turn, on your right.

About Redwoods

Coast redwoods range from southern Oregon to central California, extending not more than fifty miles inland- only as far as the coastal climate has its influence. Fog plays a vital role in the survival of these trees, protecting them from the summer drought conditions typical of this area. They also need abundant winter rain and moderate year round temperatures. In ideal conditions a coast redwood can grow 2-3 feet in height annually, but when the trees are stressed from lack of moisture and sunlight they may grow as little as one inch per year.

Because these trees are so tall, the treetop needles are exposed to more dry heat than the needles of branches in the dense canopy below. To compensate for this, redwoods grow treetop needles with tight spikes that conserve moisture, due to little evaporative surface. The lower branches, on the other hand, produce flat needles in order to catch additional light through the thick canopy of branches.

These trees have shallow root systems that extend over one hundred feet from the base, intertwining with the roots of other redwoods. This increases their stability during strong winds and floods.

Redwoods are naturally resistant to insects, fungi, and fire because they are high in tannin and do not produce resin or pitch. Their thick, reddish, pithy bark also provides protection and insulation for the tree. Even a downed tree can survive The blackened hollows you will see when you walk through the grove were caused by a fire in 1926, and are a testament to the trees' remarkable ability to survive.

Redwood trees flower during the wet and rainy moths of December and January. They produce cones that mature the next fall. Redwood cones are about an inch long and they produce tiny seeds, about the same size as a tomato seed. While each tree can produce 100,000 seeds annually, the germination rate is very low. Most redwoods grow more successfully from sprouts that form around the base of a tree, utilizing the nutrients and root system of a mature tree. When the parent tree dies, a new generation of trees rise, creating a circle of trees that are often called fairy rings.

Just North of Bodega Head

Landing Beach near Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay, California

Bodega Bay is a small town on the eastern side of Bodega Harbor, an inlet of Bodega Bay on the Pacific coast. Most notably, the Alfred Hitchcock-directed film, The Birds, was filmed in Bodega Bay.



The most prominent geological feature of Bodega Bay is Bodega Head, a peninsula that forms the the protective arm between the ocean and the bay. The San Andreas fault runs right through it, separating steep rocky bluffs from sandy dunes. Atop the bluffs, grasslands rise more gently to the coastal ridges. The Head provides a dramatic vista and the ideal place to watch whales migrate south twice yearly in January/February and April/May.

Doran Park is a strip of beach formed by the currents of Bodega Bay. The ocean side is ideal for water sports such as surfing and body boarding while the harbor side offers a salt marsh which is a habitat for a variety of birds. At the end of Doran Beach is the protected entrance to the harbor where the fog horn keeps a constant watch.

Although Bodega Bay, the town, is small in population, it is not small in number of restaurants or resorts. It is perfectly located for those drivers who are set to begin a trek up winding Highway 1 North, or have just completed its counterpart coming South. And being a locale of a famous movie also brings the city dwellers up, for it is only about 68 miles north of San Francisco.

To get to Bodega Bay from Santa Rosa: Take 101 to Hwy 12 West. Exit through Sebastopol until it becomes Bodega Hwy to Coast Hwy 1 (23 miles). Turn right onto Hwy 1 to Bodega Bay (5 miles). It is a beautiful drive, up and down the hilly coastline, dotted with Eucalyptus trees.

Gonna Need a Ride Back to the Hotel?

So, are you planning on having a little bit too much fun at our wedding reception?

Well, that is fine. In fact, we got you covered. We will be having a 47 Passenger Motorcoach from California Wine Country Tours available on the day of the wedding.

It will first be used to pick-up and transport guests from the Hilton Sonoma Wine Country at 4:45 PM on the day of the wedding to the ceremony and reception site, St. Francis Winery and Vineyards.

More importantly, the Motorcoach will be used to transport guests back to the hotels near the end of the reception. Starting at 9:00 PM, the Motorcoach will act as a shuttle - taking our "happy" guests back to their hotels.

Just remember: "Afters" starts at approximately 11:00 PM at Nectar Lounge within the Hilton Sonoma Wine Country.

"1 month of freedom"

Quote - Paige Saunders, about 3 hours ago.

Invitation Maps

Did you leave yours at home? Or have you already used it, but as a coaster? Well, don't fret.

In the right hand column, at the top, you will find two links to PDF versions of our invitation map. The first is the front-side of the invitation map, where you will find a detailed drawing of major streets and destinations within Santa Rosa, CA. The second is the back-side of the invitation map, where you will find a general vicinity map of Northern California, or "Nor Cal" as the locals call it.

Healdsburg, California

Healdsburg is located in northern Sonoma County. It is one of Northern California's wine capitals: three of Sonoma's most important wine-producing regions (the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and the Alexander Valley) meet in Healdsburg.

Though the town was not founded during Mexican rule, Healdsburg is centered on a 19th century plaza that still provides an important focal point for tourists and locals alike.

Downtown Healdsburg is a tourist destination. It is a foot-friendly mecca for tasting local wines, fine dining, upscale boutiques, and art galleries. The galleries range from cooperatives to local one-artist storefronts and include the works of nationally and internationally known masters. Healdsburg hosts a jazz music festival each June, a farmer's market during summer Tuesdays and Saturdays, and a wide range of wine and food related events. The downtown is also a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Food and Drink in Healdsburg

Barndiva
231 Center Street, Healdsburg
(707) 431-0100
* Lounge Dining & Gardens. Full bar, comprehensive wine list, private event space.

Bear Republic Brewing Company
345 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg
(707) 433-2337
* Hearty food & drink for the whole family. Award winning ales. Lunch & dinner. Breakfast Saturday & Sunday, 8am-11am Catering & take-out.

Costeaux French Bakery
417 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg
(707) 433-1913
* Gold Medal sourdough. Pastries/lunches/ take-out/catering/private parties/outdoor patio. Tues.-Saturday. 6:30am-5pm., Sunday, 6:30am-4pm.

Cyrus
29 North Street, Healdsburg
(707) 433-3311
* This intimate elegant restaurant is nestled just off the square in the new boutique Les Mars Hotel. Offering their contemporary luxury cuisine in a completely flexible prix fixe format of three to five dishes selected from any section of the menu. Open everyday, bar opens at 5 pm., dinner 5:30-9:30. Reservations required.

Dry Creek Kitchen
317 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg
(707) 431-0330
* Nationally acclaimed chef Charlie Palmer. Menu varies. Full bar. Indoor-outdoor seating. Lunch Friday-Sunday only 12pm-2:30pm. Sunday-Thursday, 5pm-9:30pm. Friday-Saturday, 5pm-10 pm. Reservations recommended.

Jimtown Store
6706 Hwy 128, Healdsburg
(707) 433-1212
* Home style seasonal food. Great sandwiches, soups, chili's & entrees. Box lunches & supper available; Wine by the glass. Espresso & old-fashioned desserts. Patio dining. Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm. Saturday-Sunday, 7:30am-5pm.

Oakville Grocery
124 Matheson Street, Healdsburg
(707) 433-3200
* Marketplace featuring pizzas, sandwiches, salads, great picnic fare, wine bar & seating on shaded terrace. Open Sunday-Wednesday, 9am-7pm Thursday-Saturday, 9am-8:30pm.

Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar
403 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg
(707) 433-9191
* East coast oyster bar with Latin flare. Full Bar, all wines offered by the glass or half bottle. Patio dining. Open for lunch and dinner at 11:30am. Closed Tuesday

Taqueria El Sombrero
245 Center St, Healdsburg
(707) 433-3818
* Inexpensive Mexican, right off the square