I’m Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. One of our more unusual and rewarding spa experiences was at Osmosis in Freestone. This spa is located in a scenic valley close to Occidental, Bodega Bay and Sebastopol. The star of the show is their enzyme bath. Cedar, rice bran and plant enzymes produce heat naturally, by fermentation. Hey, fermentation works for bread, cheese and wine. Why not for us? Its therapeutic benefits are many especially combined with a massage. A few hours spent at this 20 year-old Japanese-style day spa will add to any Sonoma Country getaway. In fact, there are some eighteen wonderful places to stay all within five to fifteen minutes of Osmosis.

I have become quite a fan of good beer. That’s why I’m drawn to the Case Ranch Inn in Sonoma Country’s Russian River Valley. Innkeeper, Allan Tilton, is a beer aficionado and conducts tastings on a regular basis. By the way, this weekend is their annual Holiday Open House.

Now say the Russian River Valley to me and it conjures up music festivals, smile-inducing wine events, outdoor recreations galore, great lodgings and restaurants and fascinating history. Want to stay in a place that once was a speak-easy and stage coach stop? That’s the Santa Nella House, now a decorative bed and breakfast. Another inviting inn, located on the banks of the Russian River is the Village Inn with its ten rooms and popular restaurant. Oh, and wine-tasting in the region is made easy by using the resources of the Russian River Wine Road.