http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/ en Copyright 2008 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:12:45 -0800 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss I'm Mike Cleary with a special Postcard from Sonoma Country for all of you meeting and group tour planners. Booking your next meeting in Sonoma Country make a lot of sense. You can earn up to $4,000 from their $4,000 Cash Incentive Program. Getting there is easy with daily flights from LAX. Add to that the wide range of accommodations and fascinating venues for meetings, and, frankly, it's a no-brainer. But let me add something else that makes Sonoma Country the perfect place for your next function. And that's all the things you can do when you're not meeting or convening. Sonoma Country has championship golf courses and world-class spas. There's kayaking on the Russian River, marvelous hiking, Hot Air Ballooning and even horseback riding on the beach. You can schedule food and wine pairings or plan a winemaker dinner in a wine cave. Sonoma Country: a great place to meet an ideal place to play. http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/03/meet_me_in_sonoma_country.php http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/03/meet_me_in_sonoma_country.php Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:12:45 -0800 Listen to this postcard Valley and Vineyards is a region of Sonoma Country. It encompasses communities like Boyes Hot Springs, Glen Ellen, Kenwood and Schellville. Here you'll find a wide range of wineries, acclaimed restaurants, and terrific places to stay. Three examples are the Fairmont Sonoma Misson Inn and Kenwood Inn and Spa, both on Highway 12 and the Gaige House Inn, an intimate luxury property in Glen Ellen. All three are well located to visit the nearby wineries, shops and restaurants of Sonoma Valley. To really learn about how the grape goes from vine to wine, take the daily Biodynamic Vineyard Tram Tour between 11:30 and 3:30pm at the Benziger Family Winery. ]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/valley_and_vineyards.php http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/valley_and_vineyards.php Hotels, Inns, B&Bs Restaurants Romance Wineries & Wine Events Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:15:15 -0800 Listen to this postcard Sonoma Country has something to offer everyone. How about someone who loves wellness spas, antiques and apple pie, all in a beautiful location. That's easy. Let's take them in order. A wellness spa in a serene setting offering unique treatments is part of the many charms of the Inn at the Willows on River Road in Guerneville. Besides comfortable rooms, the inn also offers camping, an experience they highly recommend. Now for antique fans, visit the Antique Collective on the Gravenstein Highway. It's Sonoma Country's largest with over 100 dealers. And for that pie? Also located on Highway 116 just four miles north of downtown Sebastopol you'll find Mom's Apple Pie. ]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/inn_at_the_willows.php http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/inn_at_the_willows.php Hotels, Inns, B&Bs Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:00:00 -0800 Listen to this Postcard. It also passes through Freestone, Occidental and Monte Rio, communities long considered Mecca's for artists and nature lovers. There's lots to do in this part of Sonoma Country and the Bohemian Connection can help you locate restaurants like the family-style Union Hotel in Occidental, comfortable lodgings in the area and other attractions like the inventive and edgy Pegasus Theater Company in Monte Rio. Take a drive soon on the Bohemian Highway. ]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/the_bohemian_connection.php http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/the_bohemian_connection.php Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:25:36 -0800 Listen to this Postcard. Want to stay in a vacation home on the Sonoma Coast? Bodega Bay and Beyond gives you that opportunity. They have places in and around Bodega Bay and north to Jenner. Check to learn about their early 2008 weekend and monthly specials that can make a visit very affordable. Plan to give yourself plenty of time to explore this fascinating part of Sonoma Country. You can enjoy whale-watching, kayaking, fishing or simply walking on the beach. Another recommendation is located just fifteen minutes from Bodega Bay. It's the River's End Restaurant and Inn in Jenner which was built in 1927 as an inn and restaurant for loggers. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Russian River, the view is breathtaking. ]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/bodega_bay_and_beyond.php http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/bodega_bay_and_beyond.php The Sonoma Coast Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:00:00 -0800 Listen to this Postcard. With daily flights from LAX on Horizon, Sonoma Country is now the perfect place to bring your next Team Building group. Sonoma Country offers truly original and creative Team-Building Exercises. As a world-class wine region, your group can participate in wine-blending and even get their feet dirty with grape stomping. You can let the Team loose at Infineon Raceway where there's a racing school or let them test their chef's skills with culinary classes. Umm, I can smell that winning soufflé from here. Sonoma Country also offers Hot Air Ballooning and, believe it or not, you can actually go on an African Safari. Add to that an innovative Sonoma Country $4,000 Cash Incentive Program, and you have the perfect place to build your next Team.]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/team_building_in_sonoma_countr.php http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/team_building_in_sonoma_countr.php Meetings and Conventions Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:28:36 -0800 Listen to this postcard One of the most enjoyable and enlightening hikes that we've taken was a stroll through the 500 acre Bouverie Preserve. Located off the east side of Highway 12 in the Sonoma Valley near Glen Ellen and dominated by Stuart Creek, the landscape has it all; Oak woodlands, riparian, chapparal and a mixed evergreen forest. The preserve is known for its amazing spring flowers, 130 species of birds, 350 species of flowering plants and numerous animals. Docent led hikes introduce school children to this amazing place on a regular basis. They also schedule guided nature walks for the public. With Glen Ellen and Kenwood nearby, there's plenty of places to stay and dine while enjoying Bouverie Preserve. ]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/enlightening_hikes.php http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/enlightening_hikes.php Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800 Listen to this postcard. I'm Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. A proposal should be well-worded and done in a romantic setting. Sonoma Country has pop-the-question settings galore. Here are just three ideas. Try the wooden bridge that crosses the stream in the stunning gardens of Villa Fiore, the home of Ferrari-Carano Winery in Dry Creek Valley. You might also try Bouverie Preserve off Highway 12 in Glen Ellen. Hike up to the falls of Stuart Canyon and ask away. Finally, anywhere along the dramatic Sonoma Coast will do. How about Fort Ross? You can propose in Russian.. Everybody together, "Ya looblue tibya." Oh, and don't forget to bring along a bottle of Sonoma Country sparkling wine to (sound of a clink) toast the occasion]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/popping_the_question.php http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/popping_the_question.php Weddings Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:06:11 -0800 Listen to this Postcard. Sonoma Country tasting rooms can vary from rustic to elegant. In some cases, they are even communal. Let me give you some examples. If you like your zinfandel world-class, visit the Tuscan-themed tasting room of Harvest Moon Estate and Winery on Olivet Road in Santa Rosa. You can even sample their olive oil. Two of our favorites tasting rooms are in Kenwood. One is the Family Wineries of Sonoma Valley tasting room where you can sample the wines of 5 small, family-owned wineries. The other is the Wine Room where some six wineries are represented. One is Tommy Smother's Remick Ridge which means if he's there you can also get a lesson in yo-yoing. A terrific place to stay in the area is the Gaige House Inn. ]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/tasting_rooms_rustic_to_elegan.php http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/tasting_rooms_rustic_to_elegan.php Wineries & Wine Events Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:44:35 -0800 Listen to this Postcard. In the 2008 Michelin guide you'll find several one-star restaurants in Sonoma Country. One of those hard-to-get stars belongs to the restaurant at Madrona Manor. Now I have a wonderful idea for a getaway. It includes a stay at the elegant Madrona Manor with enough time spent there to enjoy the food, garden and ambiance. Then an afternoon's ice-skating at Snoopy's Home Ice, the Redwood Empire Skating Arena and a hot chocolate in the Warm Puppy Cafe. The next day, lunch in the Alexander Valley at the eclectic Jimtown Store and a stop to taste Syrah at the Vineyard of Pasterick Winery in Dry Creek Valley. Then, perhaps, a visit to the magnificent tasting room and gardens at Ferrari-Carano. Now that's a six-star getaway. This Postcard is brought to you by the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau celebrating Sonoma Country; America's Premier Wine, Spa and Coastal Destination. ]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/madrona_manor_getaway.php http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/madrona_manor_getaway.php Dining Hotels, Inns, B&Bs Mon, 18 Feb 2008 08:00:00 -0800 Listen to this Postcard. Here are two excellent business reasons why Sonoma Country is an ideal location for your various functions. One: Getting there is remarkably easy with Horizon Air offering 3 flights daily from LAX. Two: By booking your next meeting there, you can take advantage of Sonoma Country's exciting $4,000 Cash Incentive Program. But the biggest reason is Sonoma Country itself. Besides the number of luxury to midrange to economy hotel facilities, you also have at your disposal unique venues that range from wineries -- after all it is a world-class wine region -- to wine caves, gardens and luxury private estates. Sonoma Country will leave your clients asking you to please put Sonoma Country back on their meeting calendar once they've experienced the hospitality and charm of this wonderful place.]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/im_mike_cleary_with_a.php http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/im_mike_cleary_with_a.php Mon, 18 Feb 2008 06:51:10 -0800 I'm Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. Listen To This Postcard Here's a Sonoma Country organization that is aptly named. It's called Beautiful Places. Travel & Leisure magazine calls Beautiful Places one of the world's best villa rental companies. This is something to really check out. Beautiful Places let's you choose from an array of villas including a charming farmhouse, a Tuscan hilltop villa, a delightful cottage in a vineyard, even a mini-estate complete with swimming pool and tennis court. Beautiful Places can also help you arrange for any service you desire like a private chef or exclusive wine tour. It is yet another spectacular way to enjoy a romantic getaway, a company retreat or a wedding in a beautiful place called Sonoma Country. ]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/beautiful_places.php http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/beautiful_places.php Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800 Listen to this postcard 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. ]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/surrounded_by_redwoods.php http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/surrounded_by_redwoods.php Entertainment General Hotels, Inns, B&Bs Restaurants Wed, 13 Feb 2008 08:08:08 -0800 Listen to this postcard. 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.]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/fresh_and_local.php http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/fresh_and_local.php Agriculture General Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:16:12 -0800 Listen to this postcard. 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.]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/why_sonoma_country.php http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/2008/02/why_sonoma_country.php General Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:00:25 -0800