Discover Northern California's
Guest Article:Enchanting Healdsburg

Enchanting Healdsburg is a Favorite Guest Article

We like to invite our readers to share their own personal stories about life in Northern California - whether they're residents or visitors, it's a new perspective.

That's how - even after spending many a fab weekend in and near Healdsburg - we learned some new things about the area from Meghan Malloy!

She was on a recent trip to Healdsburg and she's shared some of her favorite discoveries with us.

In fact, next time we went we had a lovely dinner at Dry Creek Kitchen - Meghan's right about them!

Please enjoy Meghan Malloy's charming article about Sonoma County's Healdsburg, and her excellent suggestions about what there is to see and do there, and where you might want to stay and eat.

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Enchanting Healdsburg

By: Meghan Malloy
Creator & Author of TravelEatLove.com

It’s enchanting town common charms the New Englander in me, and the little town sprawls out toward the Dry Creek Valley, one of my favorite wine regions in all of wine country.

I’ve put together a list of favorites and helpful hints for the area. It is a great jumping off point for exploring both the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

Suzi here: And I've put together an album of Downtown photos on Facebook. Please enjoy them too!

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Where to Sleep

Bella Villa Messina

You will feel at home in this gorgeously appointed bed and breakfast, and any need or question you have will be responded to with warmth and great attention to detail.

While eating a fresh, gourmet breakfast you will get winery and restaurant recommendations from the B & B’s owners.

It is truly a haven for relaxation.

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Where to Eat

Scopa

This intimate little Italian restaurant on the town square is the perfect place to cozy up to your significant other for a romantic meal or to gather with friends for a night filled with laughs and chatter.

The food is top notch, the wine list includes many local wines in addition to wine from several regions of Italy, and the atmosphere is a sit back and relax kind of vibe.

Dry Creek Kitchen

Definitely a special occasion restaurant, Dry Creek Kitchen serves upscale “neighborhood” food that is artfully prepared and made from fresh, local ingredients.

The service is impeccable, and the people watching from their wide open windows is unbeatable.

Dry Creek Kitchen allows you to BYOB and does not charge a corkage fee for Sonoma wine, so stop by Big John’s on your way for a bottle to have with dinner.

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Where to Sip

There are so many wineries in the Dry Creek Valley, and I have only had a chance to visit some of them. That said, I highly recommend the following:

Michel-Schlumberger

Call ahead to make an appointment for a tour and tasting and learn about Michel-Schlumberger’s organic winemaking efforts and the unique, balanced ecosystem that they maintain at the winery. Then sit back and sip on a chilled Pinot Blanc while taking in the mission-style architecture.

Amista

Come for the warm hospitality and airy, artsy tasting room, and stay for the killer Syrah. Amista sells tiny tasting kits that you can even take in your carry-on to enjoy the Sonoma experience in your own home.

Zichichi

A picturesque view and some of the best Zinfandel I have ever had, Zichichi is a small, must-visit winery in the Dry Creek Valley.

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Where to Play

Only minutes away is beautiful Lake Sonoma, a great
place to hike, boat, swim, and picnic. It is a breathtaking site and a nice break from wine tasting if you have the time on your visit.

Wherever you decide to stay in wine country, make sure to at least make a visit to enchanting Healdsburg. I promise that with its variety of wineries, downtown tasting rooms, restaurants, and shops, you too will fall in love with this little gem.

Suzi here: A huge thank you to Meghan for her interesting and informative article! Be sure to follow her at TravelEatLove.com for more travel, wine, and food articles.

P.S. On a recent visit to Healdsburg with some friends, we discovered the Russian River Rose Company - a beautiful family owned and run garden farm and nursery just outside of Healdsburg. Read more about them at #TravelTuesday #Photo-of-the-Week and find more pictures on Facebook!

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For more of Discover Northern California's Guest Articles:

• Mono County: Mysterious Mono Lake
  Laura Twining's article about her trip to Mono Lake and what she learned!
• RV Destinations in Northern California
  Here's an article by Creztor Tessel with some great places in NorCal for parking your Recreational Vehicle!
• Tahoe City: Discovery Trail
  Michele Whiteaker's article about her family's trip to build a Discovery Trail at Lake Tahoe, with video!
• Yosemite: Taft Point
  Kristopher Corey's article about hiking Yosemite National Park's Taft Point. It's truly a gem!
• Yosemite: Things To Do and See
  David H.'s article enumerating the many fascinating opportunities offered by Yosemite - a true National Treasure!

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