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