Page 82 - 2020 Travel Guide to California

HEALDSBURG
Sonoma’s sophisticated, relaxed, wine country town
»TASTE, BROWSE,
DINE, EXPLORE
Healdsburg Visitor
Information
stayhealdsburg.com
SUNSET IN A HEALDSBURG VINEYARD,
above; Healdsburg’s Plaza, 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
town squares in Sonoma wine country, it
retains the charm of a small community, sur-
rounded by a vibrant and diverse retail scene.
The plaza plays host to numerous events
including the highly regarded Healdsburg
Jazz Festival, celebrating its 22nd anniversary
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, book-
shops and boutiques offering clothing, house
wares and inspired one-of-a-kind gifts. Or
venture a few blocks off 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
80 2020 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
B Y M A R C Y G O R D O N
San Francisco off Highway 101, Healdsburg is
the ideal home base from which to explore
Sonoma wine country, named 2020 Wine
Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast maga-
zine. Healdsburg is conveniently situated at
the apex of three distinct AVAs (wine growing
areas) Dry Creek Valley, Alexander 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.
Enjoy the bounty of locally sourced
ingredients and regional wines in a range
of dining experiences, from casual cafés to
elite restaurants including Sonoma
County’s first Michelin 3-star-rated estab-
lishment, Single Thread. Although most
famous for its wine, Healdsburg also has a
lively craft beer scene and artisan distill-
eries producing small batch spirits.
Beyond the city center, the Russian River
and peaceful stands of ancient redwoods
are the focal point for canoeing and hiking,
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; BRADLEY J. GILLETTE