The Rivers and Redwoods region of Sonoma Country is home to places like Cazadero, Duncan Mills, Guerneville, Monte Rio and Rio Nido. It’s also a haven for people attracted to outdoor adventures. It’s a terrific place to camp, hike, canoe and kayak. The region is also known for hosting great musical events. There are any number of welcoming places to stay like the Fern Grove Cottages and the Applewood Inn in Guerneville or the Inn at Duncan Mills in Duncans Mills. And, in Cazadero, you can stay in a bakery. But not just any bakery. Raymond’s Bakery, famous for its scones, breads and foccacia, now has two guest cottages. Imagine being surrounded by Redwoods and the aroma of baking bread.

I’m Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. Russian trappers some time around 1811 planted trees that produce the tasty Gravenstein apples. In the late 1840’s, the Azevedo family planted what is now known as the Petaluma Gold Rush bean. And I thought Petaluma was just about dairy products.

Sonoma Country is home to a wide range of foods from cheeses, meats and game, seafood, fruits and vegetables from the many farms and, of course, that delicious food in a bottle called wine. No wonder so many chefs from around the world settle in Sonoma Country. Everything they need to produce a menu featuring seasonally fresh, local ingredients is close at hand.

Good reasons to visit and stay in Sonoma Country.

I’m Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. I get stopped by listeners asking me why I call it Sonoma Country. Don’t worry, there’s no talk of seceding from the state or the union. I call it country because when I visit this 1600 square miles of rolling hills, bucolic valleys and dramatic coastline, I am truly amazed at how broad and diverse it is.

There’s wine-tasting in the many valleys and art gallery-exploring in places like Sebastopol and Graton. There’s even surfing at Salmon Creek Beach north of Bodega Bay and golf at Sea Ranch where, looking around, one thinks, “Am I in the west of Ireland?” Sonoma Country is the sum of these parts and more, and I am far from having experienced it all.

I’m Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. Sometimes when I have a glass of wine, I hear Julia Child telling me to swirl, sniff and sip. I’d like to add a fourth S to that wise advice. When it comes to Sonoma Country wine-tasting, I suggest you swirl, sniff, sip and stay. Anyone listening to me is close enough to get to Sonoma Country in little time. That means when you stay one night, you really have two full days to enjoy a number of excellent winery visits. For example, stay and enjoy the Victorian charm of Madrona Manor and on day one check out the Alexander Valley wineries. The next day take your choice of Dry Creek or the Russian River Valley. And like Julia said, “Bon Appetit.”

This is Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. That’s right, I said country. And what a country it would make. If I was assigned the task of writing its National Anthem, for inspiration I would look to Sonoma Country’s dramatic coastline and pristine beaches, the Russian River, the awesome redwood groves, its rolling mountains and acres of farmland.

And, of course, Sonomans are a warm and friendly bunch. And they’re always ready to show off their world class wines and foods and their rich, rich history. It’s a country worth visiting, and the best news is Sonoma Country is just 35 miles north of San Francisco. No passport required, just your appetite for a good time. Cheers!

Did you know Sonoma Country is 1,604 square miles and has 76 miles of coastline on two coasts (including the San Pablo Bay)? And the Russian River’s winding path snakes 110 miles through the county. For more information on all there is to see in Sonoma Country, please click here.

Here’s a quiz. Where are you if you’re able to enjoy fine cuisine, a round of challenging golf, magnificent hiking, kayaking and let’s, for good measure, throw in stargazing.

The answer is Sea Ranch Lodge on the dramatic Sonoma Coast. And besides hiking, biking and all that other fun stuff, you can also explore the historic town of Gualala, visit Fort Ross and you can also go on a mushroom foray. Wild About Mushrooms Company is dedicated to sharing the joys and benefits of wild mushrooms in a safe, responsible manner. This Saturday, they sponsor a a mushroom hunt and cook-up at Salt Point State Park. You’ll learn to identify and locate tasty seasonal mushrooms.

For me, the dramatic Sonoma Coast is irresistible this time of year.

Did you know Sonoma Country is G-rated? Sure, there are lots of adult things to do. However, when it comes to family fun, Sonoma Country excels. Imagine the fun your kids will have whale-watching from Bodega Bay or visiting Salt Point State Park where marine life is protected in an underwater park preserve. Then there’s the skating at the Redwood Empire Ice Arena or thrilling to Snoopy’s smile at the Charles M. Schulz Museum. Fishing’s good at Lake Sonoma or just drop a line off the “C” Street Pier on the Petaluma River in Petaluma. With all these attractions and its many family-friendly lodgings and restaurants, Sonoma Country is the perfect place to create rich family memories.

Last year, the biggest crowd of the week-long Amgen Tour of California was in the city of Santa Rosa. It’s really no surprise when you consider that Sonoma Country is a cyclist’s dream. The good news for race fans is the Amgen Tour is returning.

This year many of the world’s best cyclists will tackle 650 miles of California roads from San Francisco to Long Beach. On Monday, February 19th the first stage departs Sausalito. Eventually they will roll through Bodega Bay, climb from the bay on Colman Valley Road, descend into Occidental and finish in Santa Rosa. You’re going to want to be there. In future postcards we’ll tip you off to places to stay and dine.

Yesterday I mentioned that St. Valentine’s Day isn’t too far away. This year it falls on a Wednesday. I like that because you can celebrate it midweek or on either weekend. Now I’ve applied all sorts of adjectives to describe Sonoma Country but let me add one more. It’s romantic. A great place to wow your partner.

There are so many ways to fashion a Valentine’s getaway. For instance, the Sheraton Sonoma County-Petaluma Hotel is centrally located to enjoy all Sonoma Country has to offer. Plus the rooms are stylish and romantic. I might add you might want to return in March as the hotel plays host to the first ever weekend-long Artisan Cheese Festival, March 9th through the 12th.

We’re now two weeks into 2007 and I think it’s safe to say the rush of the Holiday season is behind us. I think it’s time now to plan to come to Sonoma Country and stay a night or two or three or more.

This is a fabulous time to visit one of the most exciting places in California. Truly there’s something for everyone. And Sonoma Country is so welcoming because it covers all the bases with wonderful inns, restaurants, wineries and myriad attractions from museums to state parks.

In the next few weeks I am going to put a spotlight on all these features. After all we’ve got a big bike tour coming to Santa Rosa, a barrel tasting month is scheduled and don’t forget Valentine’s Day.

One intriguing region for me is Western Sonoma Country. It’s home to colorful communities like Sebastopol, Graton, Freestone, Occidental, Valley Ford and Forestville. What I really like about this area is the emphasis on the arts. Western Sonoma Country has a rich variety of antique stores, gift shops with artisan products, galleries and lots of great dining like the Willow Wood Market and Cafe in Graton or the legendary Union Hotel and Negri’s in Occidental. When you’re in Sebastopol, try Infusions, an international Teahouse that’s new to the area. Lodgings are all topnotch from places like Avalon, a luxury B&B in Sebastopol to the Inn at Occidental.

The central portion of the Valleys and Vineyards region of Sonoma Country covers a lot of ground. It’s home to Asti, Cloverdale, Cotati, Fulton, Geyserville, Penngrove, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa and Windsor. What make it so appealing is every town has its own personality, fascinating history and each boasts enough nearby hotels, inns, wineries, restaurants and shops to keep you delightfully busy. Over the next few weeks we’ll take a closer look at each community and talk about some of the specific attractions like Railroad Square in Santa Rosa, the historic downtown of Petaluma and a kids favorite, the Charles M. Schulz Museum.

Someone asked me if I had a favorite region in Sonoma Country. I answered honestly. I love every part of it. Each area offers something unique from the other.

There’s the scenic drama of the Coast and Sea Villages. Then there’s the picturesque Rivers and Redwoods region. The bucolic Valleys and Vineyards region is broken down to three areas; Central, East and West. Santa Rosa, Cloverdale Windsor are typical Central cities. Communities like Kenwood, Glen Ellen and Boyes Hot Springs are representative of the East. And in the West, there are colorful villages like Graton, Sebastopol, Occidental.

You see, they’re all my favorites. We’ll check them all out in detail over time.

The grape harvest always gets lots of attention. But in Sonoma Country, vying for its rightful share of the spotlight is the olive harvest. Have you tasted award-winning California Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Olive Press in Glen Ellen?

Located in Jack London Village which was built in 1881, the Olive Press produces olive oil for commercial producers, growers as well as hobbyists. They also have a tasting bar and an excellent gift shop. So, while you’re there, you can watch them press olives, taste some of the olive oils and maybe find just the right gifts for friends and family. There are many charming places to stay and dine nearby, so I suggest you make it an extended visit.

This postcard is brought to you by the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau celebrating Sonoma Country; America’s Premier Wine, Spa and Coastal Destination.

I’m Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. Each weekday here at this website, and on your favorite radio station, I’ll have news and information about Sonoma Country along with some stories of my own adventures in this glorious playground.

Why do I call it Sonoma Country? I suppose because it has everything. Whether you’re interests run to fine dining, wine-tasting, hiking, biking, family outings, golf or all of the above, you’ll find it in Sonoma Country. So, listen for my postcards every day to learn more about the wineries, spas, restaurants, shops, outdoor activities and special events. And I’ll introduce you to some truly wonderful inns, B&B’s, hotels and resorts that are all welcoming places to consider when you plan your next stay in Sonoma Country.

This postcard is brought to you by the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau, celebrating Sonoma Country; America’s Premier Wine, Spa and Coastal Destination.

I’m Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. I’m a great fan of wine clubs. The obvious advantage for members is having first dibs on many sought after wines that seldom if ever reach the retail market. That’s important, particularly if you fall in love with the wines of a certain winery. Take Alexander Valley Vineyards, for example. Club members can look forward to a Spring Bash, Harvest Party and club lunches. And that’s what I really like about the wine clubs in Sonoma Country. The parties. Most schedule events like winemaker dinners or harvest celebrations exclusively for their members. And that certainly adds to a Sonoma Country stay. So, find a winery you like, join the club and get ready to party.

I’m Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. In most of my postcards I’ve talked about lodging, dining, wineries, restaurants and all the recreational activities that appeal to everybody. There’s also the rich cultural side of Sonoma Country. Any number of artists in both the performing and visual arts call Sonoma Country home.

Jazz and blues festival on the Russian River are a rich tradition. There’s the innovative and dynamic Santa Rosa Symphony. Sonoma State University is home to the well-regarded Green Music Festival. And lots of entertainers find their way to the stage of the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. Pick a place to stay and dine and come up to Sonoma Country for great performances.

I’m Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. The Sonoma Coast is a cool wine-growing region, famous for producing wines with remarkable personality. It’s also a spectacular and beautiful part of Sonoma Country. The Sonoma Coast stretches from the Mendocino border on the north along the coastline to the Russian River where it follows the valleys to Carneros and San Pablo Bay.

Myriad wineries call it home as do comfortable and welcoming lodgings like Bodega Lodge & Spa, Inn at the Tides, Bodega Bay and Beyond and the Jenner Inn. Restaurants, too, are in abundance, from casual to fine-dining. And they all offer wine lists that showcase those Sonoma Coast personality wines. Plan to visit soon.

I’m Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. Fifteen years ago in Bill Watterson’s final Calvin and Hobbes’ comic strip, the wiser than wise six year-old and his stuffed tiger awaken to a new year and a fresh carpet of snow. Hobbes likens it to a white sheet of paper to draw on. Calvin proclaims it a magical world, full of possibilities and then says to Hobbes as they jump aboard their sled, “Let’s go exploring.”

To my mind, they well could have been thinking of Sonoma Country. It’s full of possibilities and it’s absolutely magical. So, why not join me in 2006 as we go exploring Sonoma Country. I’ll detail many of those possibilities in future postcards.