“Wine is bottled poetry.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
I have been visiting my in-laws in Healdsburg, CA since forever ago (the 90s!), and despite some gentrification it has not lost a bit of its charm over the years. Instead of tour buses, saucy hen parties, and high end everything, it retains its small-town local vibe, but with a robust amount of food, wine, shopping and fun to be had. Just a little over an hour north of San Francisco it’s a perfect long weekend getaway that will satisfy every indulgence without the crowds or the scene. Here are a few of our local faves:
COFFEE/BAKERY/ICE CREAM/SNACKS
- Big John’s Market – Just my favorite grocery store anywhere. Great cheese, meats, deli items, produce, lots of locally produced things, plus everything else you need. Great stop for a picnic!
- Dry Creek General Store – A local fixture since 1918, this little roadside stop has fantastic sandwiches and prepared foods, a little store and a newly reopened bar. It’s always packed on the weekends for good reason.
- Jimtown and Then Sum – The beloved Jimtown Store has finally been reborn as a stop for breakfast pastries, bahn mi sandwiches and more.
- Journeyman Meat – The grandson of the local Sighesio winemaking family left for Italy to master the art of traditional salumi, and now offers a fantastic tasting of locally made charcuterie. Join the club!!
- Plank – Love love this little coffee shop just off the highway on Dry Creek Road. I’m kind of addicted to the Crazy Rabbit smoothie, but they also do excellent coffee, pastries, bagels, sandwiches and other yums.
- Quail and Condor – OK I haven’t actually been here yet because it was named one of the best bakeries in the universe and there is always a line. I will brave it soon. In the mean time you can also visit their tiny sister restaurant Troubadour just off the square for lovely olive bread, coffee and chicken salad sandwiches, as well as pop-up dinners in the evenings.
- Sheltons Natural Foods Market – If you need organic, natural everything, this is your local spot.
- The Flying Goat – A Healdsburg classic coffee destination, now on the corner of the square. The basics are great, but the last time I was there I had the most ridiculous orange cardamom mocha latte…
- The Noble Folk – Artisan ice cream to die for. Do not miss the mint chocolate chip made with fresh mint steeped in warm milk – it’s wonderful. Also excellent pies, cupcakes, etc.
- The Parish Cafe – If you’re feeling homesick for NOLA this is the spot to get your southern brunch fix with po’boys, shrimp and grits, and fresh beignets.
- The Taste of Tea – This little Japanese tea room next to the Raven theater does great vegetarian lunch dishes.
RESTAURANTS
- Barndiva – This has been a long term favorite of mine for the serene garden and excellent cocktails, even if it’s a little pricey. Reserve in advance – they book up!!
- Little Saint – I miss the Shed. I really do. But this vegan (yep!) restaurant is really really good, plus the decor in this super industrial setting is really fun whether you’re having lunch/dinner or just enjoying the coffee/wine bar. Love love this place.
- Madrona Hotel – Start with a cocktail/mocktail on the beautiful porch of the gorgeous and very hip hotel before excellent brunch/lunch/dinner in the garden facing restaurant. I think it’s the best ambiance in town. Check out the cool interior design of the lobby and walk through the chef’s gardens. Breathe.
- Taqueria El Sombrero – When I just need some really really good Mexcian food I stop in here for a decadent plate of cheese enchiladas with rice and beans. You do you but you won’t go home hungry no matter what you order.
- The Matheson – I haven’t tried this yet, but this imposing restaurant smack on the Healdsburg square looks great, plus they have a roof bar.
- Valette – A perennial favorite for delicious seasonal locally sourced menus from home town chef owners.
- Willi’s Seafood and Raw Bar – Just what it sounds like. Really good seafood, oysters and sushi. This is also a good stop for lunch if you’re shopping around town.
ACTIVITIES
- Wine tasting – Healdsburg is central to several excellent Sonoma County wine growing regions. There are a bunch of tasting rooms and wine bars around town if you want to learn about the local labels. See the resources section below for super fun wine country events, and click HERE for a map of some of our personal favorite wineries. Don’t miss:
- Shopping on the square in the middle of town is an excellent way to spend an afternoon. You really don’t need a guide for this, but some of my favorites are Rainsong Shoes, Levin & Co. bookstore, Zizi Clothing, Erikson Fine Art Gallery and Mr. Moon’s for hats and great gifts. If you enjoy antiques don’t miss Shoffeitts and Antique Harvest on Healdsburg Avenue just south of the square.
- Healdsburg Farmers Market – Peruse great local foods, plus crafts and music on Saturdays in the parking lot behind town from April through December, and on Tuesdays by the square from May through September. In the summer season look for the famous Dry Creek Peach booth or visit the peach farm in person on Wednesdays at noon (prepare to wait in line).
- Food tours:
- Relish Culinary Adventures – They offer a seasonal range of fun cooking classes and local farm tours. You can arrange private parties and events with them as well. I did the best mushroom foraging class with them a few years ago.
- Savor Healdsburg – I haven’t tried this one, but it sounds great!
- Hiking – There are several scenic, dog-friendly trails around the town of Healdsburg including: Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, Fitch Mountain Park and Open Space Preserve and Riverfront Regional Park. If you want to go farther afield, there are more trails to explore around Lake Sonoma and Cloverdale.
- Russian River Rose Company – Visit the display garden of over 650 varieties of roses, and take home something fierce and beautiful from the on-site nursery.
- Cycling – I’m not a biker, but here is a map of some local routes. There are several bike rental /bike tour companies in town.
FESTIVALS/CONCERTS
- Winter Wineland (January) – Fun local wine festival at over 50 wineries in northern Sonoma
- Barrel Tasting (March) – Meet the winemakers, taste the new vintage from the barrel and learn about predictions for current and past harvests.
- Passport to Dry Creek Valley (April) – Over 50 wineries feature food and wine tastings and entertainment.
- Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience (May) – Farmers growers winemakers and chefs. Tastings, concerts, classes, pairings oh my!
- Healdsburg Jazz Festival (June) – Annual 10-day long festival featuring jazz headliners. A new four day WinterFest debuted in January 2025 and is scheduled to return next year.
- Tuesdays in the Plaza – Throughout the summer residents set up picnics and chairs around the fountain in the plaza to enjoy a fun evening of live music, food trucks and friends.
- The Raven Theater – Local institution for concerts, plays and film festivals. Check to see what’s on while you’re in town!
HOTELS
- Hotel Healdsburg – Upscale right on the square. Couldn’t be a better location!
- H2Hotel – Another good location right off the square with a restaurant, pool, spa and it’s pet friendly!
- Harmon Guest House – Just off the square with a little roof bar.
- Wildhaven Glamping – Glamping tents and cabins right on the Russian River. Cute!
- The Madrona Hotel – Elegant restored farmhouse outside of town with a pool, gardens and a hip bar/restaurant.
- Montage Healdsburg – 5-star resort just north of town. Spendy, splurgy, swanky.
RESOURCES
- Stay Healdsburg
- The Ultimate Guide to Sonoma Tasting Rooms – Sonoma Magazine
- Healdsburg Museum
- Healdsburg Art Galleries
- Raptors in Sonoma
Jenny: “Mmmmm… Ahh! This one’s good. What’s it called again?”
Abby: “White wine.”
Jenny: “I frickin’ love it.” – Wine Country 2019
