The best way to Spend a Weekend Consuming, Floating and Lazing on the Russian River

Summer time has come to Northern California, which might solely imply one factor: it’s time to go to the Russian River, a real gem of the area. Whether or not the purpose is to flee into the woods, quiet down on the water or discover the bohemian cities alongside the river, there is no such thing as a scarcity of how to have enjoyable. A weekend offers loads of time to take pleasure in the most effective of the Russian River area, from the realm’s largest city of Guerneville to the tiny communities past. Whereas the river winds its approach by means of a lot of Sonoma’s wine nation, this information will roughly deal with the part of the river between Forestville and Jenner, the place the redwood-lined waters meet the Pacific.  Here’s what it’s essential to know when planning a weekend on the Russian River.

The place to Keep

Extra official motels and inns are showing alongside the river because it grows in reputation, however renting a cabin by means of Airbnb or VRBO is the basic technique to go. Word that some leases are situated in non-public communities which don’t in any other case welcome guests, and the listings might erroneously embody members-only facilities — like non-public seashore use — as a part of the deal, when they’re in reality for group members solely. Leases close to public seashores like Johnson’s Seashore, Monte Rio or Steelhead Seashore are a safer wager. 

The just lately renovated Ferns River Retreat is correct on the seashore in Monte Rio, and simply up the highway is the 11-room Inn on the Russian River for a extra formal (however nonetheless completely charming) lodging expertise. Simply throughout the river, the dog-friendly Boho Manor is a riverfront wonderland with a spa, gallery and common occasions. In Guerneville, the chalets and cabins of Daybreak Ranch embody the serene setting of the realm with an upscale retreat that has easy accessibility to Johnson’s Seashore and the remainder of the city’s choices. And for a really luxurious keep, guide the Farmhouse Inn in Forestville, the most effective place to start a wine-filled weekend.  

What to See

Even aimlessly following the river from Freeway 101 to Jenner is a wonderful approach to soak up the Russian River, as vineyards give technique to towering redwood forests earlier than rapidly transitioning to coastal foliage. Discover cities like Forestville, Rio Nido, Guerneville, Cazadero, Monte Rio, Duncans Mills and Jenner to see the distinctive number of Russian River communities. Guerneville is the biggest of all of them, with a number of downtown blocks filled with eating places and buying. Three miles north of city is Armstrong Woods, a redwood grove with straightforward hikes beneath the towering sequoias, which incorporates the 1,400-year-old Colonel Armstrong tree. Jenner offers extra stable sights, with a size of Pacific Ocean seashore typically stuffed with sea lions. 

What to Do

Most Russian River summer time actions deal with the water itself. Hire a canoe from Burke’s Canoe Journeys to drift from Forestville to Guerneville, although don’t be stunned if locals snigger in case you flip the vessel (although they are going to in all probability additionally make it easier to proper it). You too can float by yourself inflatables, however organizing your personal pickup might be important — don’t plan on a rideshare choice to get again to your automotive. Head to Johnson’s Seashore in Guerneville or the seashore in Monte Rio to benefit from the water with out altering areas. 

On land, absorb native music at Cafe Aquatica in Jenner on the weekends (carpooling advisable), or peruse the cash-only dwell music lineup on the Rio Nido Roadhouse. Guide a tee time on the Northwood Golf Membership beneath the redwoods in Monte Rio, or head to Guerneville for the weekend flea market outdoors Safeway. And seeing as that is wine nation, head to the Korbel Cellars for a tasting at one of many area’s most notable labels.  

The place to Eat

The one disappointment food-lovers may encounter throughout a Russian River weekend will not be having sufficient time to eat completely every part, whether or not at long-standing pubs and diners or the newer eating places showcasing upscale California delicacies. If you happen to’re planning to spend a day on the seashore, construct a picnic lunch at Speer’s Market in Forestville, together with a vital deli sandwich. To pattern the old-fashioned eateries which have lengthy served Russian River communities, don’t miss Carr’s Drive In in Forestville or the Russian River Pub, which was a extremely native spot till their Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives look in 2020. 

River’s Finish in Jenner overlooks the ocean and is an elevated basic. It provides unimaginable views at sundown (not for nothing, their URL is ilovesunsets.com), however the meals they serve — from “Oysters Epiphany,” native oysters and glowing wine, to an applewood-smoked filet mignon — can also be a deal with. Farmhouse Inn is famend for his or her restaurant, among the finest examples of California delicacies within the space, so ensure that to get reservations early. In Guerneville, guide dinner at boon eat + drink, and Stumptown Brewery is the spot to go for beers and bar meals. The La Fogatta taco truck additionally pulls up there each day. And in Monte Rio, the pizza at Fern’s Market is a hidden treasure.