Page 72 - 2018 Travel Guide to California

HEALDSBURG
Sonoma’s sophisticated, relaxed, wine country town
»TASTE, BROWSE,
DINE, EXPLORE
Healdsburg Chamber
of Commerce and
Visitors Bureau
healdsburg.com
HEALDSBURG’S PLAZA, above;
autumn vineyard, below.
DATING FROM 1857, the centerpiece and
defining feature of Healdsburg is its
beloved historic plaza designed by Harmon
Heald. Complete with copper topped
gazebo and shaded by towering redwoods
and date palms, the plaza is grand in scale
but has an intimate, accessible feel. One of
the liveliest plazas in Sonoma wine
country, it retains the charm of a small
community, surrounded by a vibrant and
diverse retail scene.
The plaza plays host to numerous events
including the highly regarded Healdsburg
Jazz Festival, celebrating its 20th anniver-
sary this year. Held in early June, it takes
place in various venues and locations
around town. On Tuesday evenings
throughout the summer months, the plaza
transforms into an outdoor community
living room where locals and visitors gather
for a free concert series. The summer also
offers Art After Dark on the last Friday of
each month.
From the plaza it’s a leisurely stroll to the
many wine tasting rooms, artisan bakeries,
coffee spots, cheese shops, art galleries,
bookshops and boutiques offering
clothing, house wares and inspired one-of-
a-kind gifts. Or venture a few blocks off
70 2018 T R AV E L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A
B Y M A R C Y G O R D O N
Center Street to see scores of colorful, well-
preserved historic homes, many in use as
B&Bs. Surrounded by vineyards, and
located just 70 miles north of San Francisco
off Highway 101, Healdsburg is the ideal
home base from which to explore the
world-renowned wine appellations of
Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek
Valley and Russian River Valley. Wine, of
course, is a main focus of the town with
more than 30 tasting rooms and wineries
within walking distance of its center.
Dining options are plentiful, from casual
cafés to elite restaurants creating sublime
seasonal fare incorporating the bounty of
locally sourced ingredients and showcasing
regional wines. Although most famous for
its wine, Healdsburg also has a lively craft
beer scene and inspired cidermaking.
Beyond the city center, the Russian River
and peaceful stands of ancient redwoods
are the focal point for hiking and canoeing,
and the mostly flat back roads that wind
through the vineyard valleys make the area
a world-class bicycling destination.
Sophisticated, yet rustic, Healdsburg,
with its agrarian roots, delivers small town
charm and a wine country lifestyle that’s
both laid-back and luxurious.
ALEXANDRA LATYPOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK; HEALDSBURG CVB