Healdsburg

 

Considered the hospitality heart of Sonoma County Wine Country, Healdsburg is a peaceful, charming town and epicurean destination nestled along the Russian River between three surrounding wine-growing regions: Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley, and Dry Creek Valley. More than 100 renowned wineries and tasting rooms are within a short drive from Healdsburg, a town that’s beauty is unsurpassed.

 

Founded in 1857, Healdsburg’s quaint but thriving 19th-century town plaza is still a bustling community center. Combining turn-of-the-century America with a European ambiance, Healdsburg is commonly compared to Tuscany. It might have a small-town appeal, but Healdsburg is undeniably sophisticated. The city’s picturesque setting makes it ideal for outdoor recreation. Kayak down the Russian River, picnic at one of the many parks, or take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards and rolling hillsides.

With more than 900 active businesses and almost 12,000 residents, Healdsburg is a thriving small town centered around a plaza that functions as a central community gathering place and a mecca for shopping, dining, and art galleries. Not only does Healdsburg have great tourist appeal, but the town also hinges on traditional values and genuine partnerships between community, schools, and government.

 

Top-notch education, quality health care, and citizen-led projects add to the city’s overall allure. Healdsburg might be a relatively small city, but the trendy downtown, world-class cuisine, and perfect balance between small-town charms and big-city sophistication make it an exquisite place to call home. Many of the homes date back to the early 20th century, with families attracted to the old-school vibe, but you’ll find plenty of newer neighborhoods and construction, too.

Healdsburg offers exceptional lodgings, perfect for a romantic getaway, staycation, special event, or company retreat. Perched on the western edge of the historic town plaza, Hotel Healdsburg boasts spacious guest rooms, a luxurious spa, country gardens, a pool, and fine dining at the acclaimed Dry Creek Kitchen. There’s also in-room dining, a stylish lobby bar, and a casual wood-fired pizza restaurant, Pizzando.

 

Residing on almost 300 acres of pristine vineyards and oak groves, Montage Healdsburg is a worldly luxury hotel featuring breathtaking views of the Sonoma Mountains, a zero-edge resort pool, an 11,500-square-foot spa, and three signature dining options.

 

Those excited to shop or explore the plaza will find ice cream parlors, bakeries, tasting rooms, and one-of-a-kind artisanal items such as homewares, gifts, jewelry, and more. Make sure you visit the Dry Creek General Store, a Healdsburg gem. Established in 1881, the general store offers a unique selection of foods and gifts. It’s also a great gathering place. Relax on the front porch or picnic in the back gardens with a handcrafted sandwich from the deli.

 

The Matheson is a farm-focused restaurant that also includes a sushi kitchen that pays homage to the high art of Japanese cuisine. Inside the establishment are a dining loft, a rooftop cocktail lounge, and an impressive wine wall containing some of Sonoma County’s most innovative wines.

During the summer months, the Healdsburg town plaza hosts weekly Tuesday concerts that provide a unique line-up of bands to please a wide array of musical interests. It’s a free, family-friendly event that also includes fantastic local food vendors.

 

Come winter, everyone is invited to Wine Road to celebrate Winter Wineland Weekend, a special event that features dozens of participating wineries for guests to meet winemakers and sample wines amidst captivating winter-themed decor.

 

Also hosted on Wine Road is the time-honored tradition of Barrel Tasting Weekend. Learn directly from the winemakers on how they create wines and even get a taste straight from the barrel––before the wine is even bottled!

 

Speaking of wine festivals, Passport to Dry Creek Valley is a unique event and long-standing tradition that events wine lovers to intimate tastings where they can earn coveted spots in wine clubs, try amazing food and wine pairings, learn more about winemaking innovations, and gain access to wine that you can’t find anywhere else.

Healdsburg has its own school district with one elementary school on two campuses: Healdsburg Elementary (TK-2) and Fitch Mountain Campus (3-5). The secondary program consists of three schools, the flagship Healdsburg High (9-12), small and alternative Marce Becerra Academy (11-12), and Healdsburg Junior (6-8). St. John the Baptist Catholic School is a private TK-8 institution.