August 21, 2024 • Posted by Dawn Zidonis
The DesignBayArea local travel series created to highlight regional experiences for our creative community
Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, the Russian River Valley is a sprawling gem, brimming with charming wineries, artisanal creameries, quaint shops, and welcoming farms open to the public. It’s a haven for foodies and nature lovers alike, with cozy hotels, delightful restaurants, and plenty of outdoor adventures, from scenic hikes to lazy days on the river.
In this Summer edition of DesignSights, we’re sharing our favorite rustic, laid-back spots for a perfect 3-day weekend road trip. These are just a few of the hidden treasures we discovered on our journey—there’s so much more to explore, and we can’t wait to uncover more in future editions.
First stop: Occidental
We set out from San Francisco on Highway 101, in search of fogless summer weather and exited onto CA 116 West. Our first stop to stop in the charming town of Occidental, where we couldn’t resist a visit to the buzzed-about Altamount General Store, freshly renovated and brimming with character. This isn’t your typical general store—inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated marketplace, a cozy restaurant, a tempting bakery, and a vibrant outdoor space known as The Yard.
With summer in full swing, we met up with fellow roadtripping friends in The Yard, surrounded by vivid murals that perfectly matched our vacay mood. Sipping on a refreshing Golden Hour Slushy (a delightful mix of white wine, Cappelletti Aperitivo, grapefruit, and anise), we could have easily spent the entire afternoon soaking in the relaxed atmosphere, but we had more to explore. We walked across The Yard to the ClayFolk Studio tucked behind Altamount. There, we admired the beautiful assortment of glazed pottery and reminisced about our own early days of crafting handmade vessels before setting off for our next destination. Follow Altamount General Store on Instagram.
We’re on a bit of a rural General Store kick, don’t miss these other gems scattered across the Bay Area: San Gregorio General Store, The Cow Girl Barn in Point Reyes Station, and Loma Mar Store + Kitchen.
Photos courtesy of Altamont General Store and
Home Away From Home: Mine+Farm
Recently named one of Time Magazine’s 2024 “Worlds Greatest Places to Visit”
Sometimes, you just crave that unmistakable summer vibe, and for us, the Russian River Valley is the ultimate destination for seasonal fun. We’ve stayed at our fair share of hotels, glamping sites, and vacation rentals in the area, but ever since we discovered Mine+Farm, The Inn at Guerneville, we’ve been repeat guests. If you are looking for a chill, stylish respite to relax, recharge or indulge, this is the place.
Recently named one of Time Magazine’s 2024 “World’s Greatest Places to Visit,” in part for it’s cannabis offerings, but also it’s hospitality: comfortable beds and serene, quiet surroundings has us hitting snooze on our alarm clocks before emerging for fresh seasonal light summer breakfast on the patio. Their signature “BNB street food” breakfast options are prepared on-site with ingredients fresh from their gardens, and locally sourced from the community. Furthering their comittment to sustainability, 80% of their energy comes from their on-site solar panels. Mine+Farm truly lives up to the hype—we can vouch for that.
Upon arrival, we’re often greeted by co-owner Bryce Skolfield and his pup, who, along with his partner Suzanne Szostak, calls this special place in the woods home. They purchased the former inn and moved from San Francisco to create a sanctuary for guests. With our shared passion for design, we’ve connected with them about the industry, especially as it relates to hospitality. It’s clear that every thoughtful (and supremely comfortable) detail throughout the inn reflects their commitment to quality. They offer a few dog friendly suites with adorable details for your pups, while the main house is reserved for allergen free guests.
A perfect blend of history and modern comfort, the inn, built in 1906, has been lovingly renovated by Suzanne and Bryce. Tucked just off River Road, it’s an easy, scenic drive from Guerneville’s main street—and trust us, it’s worth every mile.
Mine+Farm also offers full-site buyouts for small events, and hosts “elevated” dining experiences with their on-site grown cannabis.
Photos courtesy of Mine+Farm
Early Dinner in Forestville
We opted for an early dinner to avoid the weekend rush at Sonoma Pizza Co in Forestville for live music and organic, locally sourced deliciousness. Get there early, or make a reservation in advance – if you end up having to wait for a table, roll up to the comfortable seating area just outside of their bar and shop which in our opinion, is part of the fun. You can also purchase bottles of curated California wine to go, or order from local beer and wine on tap. We got an inside tip to order the Pepperoni Nirvana “Chris’ Way” and it did not dissapoint. SPC also has vegan, veggie and gluten free options. Follow Sonoma Pizza Co on Instagram.
Photos courtesy of Sonoma Pizza Co. / Krescent Carasso /Dawn Zidonis
The Guerneville Bank Collective: Jessica Hische Murals
Located in downtown at 16290 Main St, Guerneville, CA 95446, one of our favorite stops is the Guerneville Bank Club where Jessica Hische created murals which were hand painted by New Bohemia Signs from San Francisco.
If it is an especially warm day (or you just need an excuse for ice cream, as if we ever need an excuse), roll up to the counter inside the bank at Nimble & Finn’s which was created by sisters Leandra and Jazmin, who find inspiration for their innovative handmade ice cream at local farmers markets. They use organic dairy from Straus Creamery, seasonal produce, and housemade jams, cakes, and candy in their inspired takes on classic flavors.
Also located in the space is the Wine Vault which is a retail shop and gallery that features a curated collection of local and imported wines as well as unique microbrews, art, glassware, gifts and other unique items curated by owners Guthrie Bridge and Paulina Vergari. Learn a little about the region by viewing the latest Russian River Historical Society space within the bank, which always features an exhibit about the fascinating history of the area, as well as interesting books and postcards available for sale.
The idea for the collective came from Crista Luedtke, who owns some of the local favorite restaurants and Bob Pullum, who serves on the board of the Center for Architecture and Design San Francisco. Pro tip: After a stop at the bank, sit down for dinner at boon eat+drink and then walk to el barrio for artisanal cocktails with a focus on Agave Spirits.
Follow Jessica Hische, New Bohemia Signs, Guerneville Bank Club
Photos courtesy of Bob Pullman credited to Edyta Szyszlo
College Confectionista: Cheesecake Truck
Anamaría Morales’ cheesecake menu celebrates the beautiful fresh produce of Sonoma County with flavors that change in harmony with local seasonal produce. She collaborates with her hometown farmers and other small women-owned businesses to offer cheesecakes that are full of community, heart, and a whole lotta oven lovin’. As a daughter of immigrants, she combined her love for entrepreneurship and baking to create her own cheesecake fundraiser, College Confectionista which paid for her college education, and she recently graduated debt free. She was recently featured on SFGate which tells her inspiring story.
Find her pop up cheesecake truck Labor Day weekend at Sonoma Nesting Company in Guerneville on
August 31 from 2 pm to 8 pm
September 1 from 2 pm to 8 pm
September 2 from 11 am to 5 pm
Follow her on Instagram for updates and future popups or visit her website.
Photos courtesy of Anamaría Morales
Route Home: Coastal
After a relaxing 3 day weekend, our adventuring is not over. There are many options for faster routes, depending on where “home” is for you – but we opted for the long route home via Hwy 1 because… road trip!!!
Bodega Bay Farmers Market Website: We arrived just in time as they were beginning to pack up. We still managed to score a beautiful piece of local Halibut for dinner on the grill when we make it home. Afterwards, stretch your legs a little and follow the foot path back to the bell structure (we’ll let you learn more about it on your own, we can’t give up all the secrets!)
Point Reyes Station: Heidrun Meadery, West Marin Culture Shop, Point Reyes Books, Visions to name a few.
Marshall: The Marshall Store for fresh oyster snack before hitting the road again: 19225 CA-1, Marshall, CA 94940
Stinson Beach: We picked up a few lemons at the small grocery store just off Hwy 1 for our Halibut dinner!
We’d love to hear about your favorite SF Bay Area businesses, locales and destinations you think designers would enjoy! Contact us here.
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