Deep in the redwood forest portion of wine country hides a town for inclusive insiders.
When most San Franciscans venture into wine rural area , they do so for , well , wine . Nestled in the sky - high-pitched redwood woodland nigher to theSonoma Countycoast though is one particularly bucolic slice of paradise that march to the beat of its own membranophone . Guerneville is an eclectic little Ithiel Town that — while home to the Korbel Champagne wine maker — feels worlds apart from the rest of California wine body politic . A far cry from the swanky stylings ofHealdsburg , or the see - and - be - seen shenanigans ofNapa , Guerneville is a little community that feel decidedly hippier , and as evidenced by the surplus of omnipresent rainbow flags , a whole bunch gayer .
Due to its location in the redwood , Guerneville emerge , much overnight , as a logging town to meet the demands of Gold Rush - era San Francisco to the south . primitively nicknamed “ Stumptown , ” for the mass amounts of sequoia stumps left in the wake of lumberjack , it did n’t take long for savvy city - dwellers to get smart to the wooded oasis . After preservationists , like Colonel James Boydston Armstrong , come to the defense of these gentle behemoth and stopped the rampant logging of these rude wonders , the area evolved from a community root in industry to one rooted in refreshment . Around the turn of the century , “ Vacation Wonderland ” commence attract visitor from throughout the Bay Area , take out to its quiet serenity , its sky - scraping forests , its coastal proximity , and the crystalline Russian River weaving its style through , line with jury-rigged beaches .
Naturally , as Guerneville ’s bucolic repute rose alongside San Francisco ’s LGBTQIA+ population , it did n’t take long for the two world to cross . Especially in the summer months , the small Ithiel Town became a bastion for queer metropolis - denizen in search of fresh air , free from homophobia and political empty words that was inescapable in the giving city . finally , some of said queers began planting their own root here , open up business organization and calcify the town as the sanctuary it is today . While much of the rest of Sonoma County grew into a thriving wine-coloured - form community , Guerneville maintained and fostered its bohemian intent , prioritise inclusive haven , outdoor refreshment , and queer - owned businesses . Today , Guerneville is gayer than ever , teeming with evergreen rainbow flagstone and popular annual events likeLazy Bear Week . There ’s still plenty of timber wine-colored here , of path , but Guerneville , more than ever , is the quintessentially queer summer retreat of your dreams .
The Russian River|Steve Proehl/ Getty Images
Drive time
1 hour and 50 minute from San Francisco
If you don’t do anything else: Experience the gay grandeur of Lazy Bear Week
occur summertime , festival time of year is in full - swing throughout Sonoma County , with music events and county carnival taking place practically every weekend . One particular event swop jazz band and fair ride for strapping valet de chambre bulging out of their barely - there swimming trunks . Lazy Bear Week is an annual case that draws magnanimous crowds to the river in late July or former August . Originated in 1996 , and populated by pool parties and DJ sets , the event is all about body positivity and inclusivity , and all issue go to the Lazy Bear Fund , a non - lucre that supports clinics , schools , and food coin bank . This yr , Lazy Bear takes place July 29 - August 5 , offer a full slate of queer events and party that appeal to every type of meeter , whether you prefer radical hikes in the redwoods , melodious keno , morning umber sociable , out-of-door movie nights , or clothing - optional pond party . It ’s a unquestionable prefer - your - own - adventure , and there ’s really something for everyone . Keep your eyes peeled on Lazy Bear’sevents pagefor this twelvemonth ’s roster . And do n’t forget to head back to the river forRussian River Pride , which takes place every September in Guerneville .
Hit the beach
Around Guerneville , “ beach days ” are less about guide to the sea and more about gambol in your own front grounds . Although the town is an easy — and wildly scenic—20 minute - private road from the sea , the veridical “ beach ” here is the Russian River . The same river that crank through wine-colored land is the one that ’s long provide fond - weather respite , via sandlike beach and aquatic activities like tubing , kayaking , and paddle boarding . Monte Rio Community BeachandJohnson ’s Beachare the two main attractions in Guerneville , with nearby outfitters that are fully stocked with rentals for beach chair , umbrella , and whatever paddle sport you ’re looking to indulge .
Drink gay wine
This being Sonoma County , wine-coloured is part of the cultural DNA . But this being Guerneville , sound out wine is also festal AF . Such is the magic ofEquality Vines , a tasting room co - have by Matt Grove and Jim Obergefell , the latter a civic rights ikon who helped legalize same - sex marriage across the nation as the lead plaintiff in the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges display case . Here , amidst a collection of rummy - centrical nontextual matter and alongside a gay - owned art heading on Main Street , selfless oenophiles can sip wine for a good cause . Equality Vines act upon with Sonoma winemakers to produce labels like Love Wins sparkling wine-coloured , Rosé the Riveter , and Stonewall Zinfandel , with proceeds from each pour go to different local nonprofits . The latest recording label to hit the shelf is Gems , a effervescent set of four wines owned byReal Housewivesalum Heather Dubrow , with proceeds from each one going to Family Equality .
Get high (in the trees)
study its location in the mighty redwood forest , the tallest trees on Earth are — quite rightfully — a star in their own right hand . But rather than lumber them , visitors nowadays hike amongst them , or even soar through their canopy . For the latter , Sonoma Zipline Adventurestakes daredevils up into the trees for an adrenaline - fueled romp through the wilderness . Between zipline runs , some of which are so long that you ca n’t even see the end of through the forest , chemical group convene on massive platforms anchored high up in the trees , before eventually belaying down the side of one of the behemoth . Closer to worldly concern , hike is another popular way to see the awe - inspire smasher of the sequoia forest . handily approachable to Guerneville ’s Main Street , Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserveis a not bad position to get up close and personal with these colossal conifers , which can reach 16 - foot wide , 350 - feet tall , and hold out for 2,000 years . The park is line with self - guided nature trails , including the popular Pioneer Nature Trail , which leads to the oldest tree in the reserve — the Colonel Armstrong Tree — at 1,400 years old .
Go thrifting
While buy at in certain percentage of Sonoma County might be a easygoing activity best allow for the 1 % , Guerneville is still the bohemian short gay town it ’s always been . And that mean gem - hunt at thrift computer storage galore . For a residential area of scarcely 3,500 people , the town certainly boasts an impressive abundance of parsimoniousness shops , peddling everything from vintage circle tee up to grandma ’s china . Right on Main Street , River Queenis an flaky treasure trove of minute and baubles , and from crystals and cutting board to sun hats and Lazy Bear - quick swimming trunks , you never know what you might come up on the shelves and racks . Up the block , Fife Creek Antiques & Collectiblesspecializes in Mid - Century finds and all mode of Americana ephemeron . Basically , if you ’re on the hunt for both vintage carrousel propsandmermaid bookends , this is the place . For clothes and accessories , Rio Riois a great go - to . Located on Main Street , the second - floor boutique slingshot some serious panache , from acerate leaf - dot jacket to patched Levi ’s jeans ( which arehaving a instant this summer ) .
Enjoy live music
All summer long , Guerneville offers alive amusement scene for the whole fam . Rio Nido Roadhouseis a popular interest , renowned for its all - age shows and picture - consummate outdoor circumstance ( BYO lawn chairs ) , with genres that execute the gamut from reggae to violinists . Elsewhere , Main Street Bistro & Piano Baris a jazzy basic on Main Street — the longest - go acoustical medicine locale north of San Francisco , in fact . Further out on the seacoast , taste by the Seais a cozy cottage - like wine bar that features an all - local wine list , outdoor fervor pits , and periodic hot medicine with an pelagic backdrop that ca n’t be all in . And do n’t missJerry Knights Historic River Theater , a longstanding Guerneville cornerstone that started as a movie mansion in the 1940s before host iconic acts like Frank Sinatra and the Jerry Garcia Band . Today , a more - recent makeover add a hefty dancefloor and province - of - the - art firing and sound scheme .
Spend a day at The Barlow
For more shopping , include the edible kind , head 25 minutes southeast to the metropolis of Sebastopol . The Barlowis a dreamy complex of eateries , brewery , food market , and storefronts , sprawl across 12 acres . The whole matter is a lot to take in , functioning somewhere between a super - sized granger ’ marketplace and a solid food hall , along with activities , events , and artisanal ware by local makers . Numerous shop deal everything from olive oil and art to jewelry , handbags , chic throw pillows , and intricate glasswork . eating place and bars are equally infinite , includingbreweries , acider spotlight , oyster , and of row , wine-coloured . For the latter , Region.is a unparalleled wine ginmill conception that allows customer to pullulate their own on - tap Sonoma wines , and hear about local wine at winemaker felicitous hours and dinners . A fun young accession at The Barlow isThe Rewind Arcade , the first retro arcade barroom in the county , stockpile with vintage pinball machines , a pour - your - own beer rampart , and Japanese snacks .
Restaurants and bars in Guerneville
In the morning , arise and beam with coffee berry and pastry atBaked on the River , a homelike cafe with garden seating area and a lengthy menu of sweets and savory , like Scones ‘ n ’ Gravy , Salmon Chowder , Frosted Bundt Cakes , and Swedish Meatballs . Further down the river , in adjoining Monte Rio , Lightwave Cafechannels a rustic worldwide memory board motif , with a Middle Eastern - leaning card of Shakshuka , Burekas , and Laffa flatbread with brinjal , egg , and tahini .
Considering the born teemingness of seasonal ingredients , from both landed estate and ocean , quality nutrient is easy to fall by in Guerneville . And perhaps nowhere is this more apparent than atBoon rust + Drink , a perpetually busting bistro have by Guerneville ’s resident star chef , Crista Luedtke . Located right on Main Street , and mark by an unmissable line of diner , the restaurant serves disingenuous plates — consider Chili - braise Pork Shoulder with Ricotta Salata , or Polenta Lasagna with Rainbow Chard — in an versed , drift - same place . Down the block , Luedtke also lately unveiledRoad Trip , a restaurant rooted in a sense of adventure and spontaneousness . The travel - inspired card offer cunning transportation like Banh Mi Panzanella , Kimchi Quesadillas , and Texas BBQ flatbreads heaped with pulled pork .
Another stalwart dinner option isBoho Manor , a vintage - inspired hostelry and restaurant in Monte Rio , which channels Gatsby - earned run average vibes in a dining room that count like it would finger right at place in the Clue table game . The bill of fare is Hellenic , mere , and fresh , with items like Crab Cakes , Clam Chowder , and Grilled Pork Chops , and there ’s also a legal profession area for local wine and stiff cocktails .
Back on the main pull , El Barriois a hip , dimly lit bourbon and mezcal bar with a curated menu of top - shelf emotional state and pitch - staring cocktails . In addition to well-nigh a dozen mansion margaritas , the bar establish a mean Manhattan .
Next room access , Rainbow Cattle Co.is a biotic community keystone that ’s been kicking since 1979 . Essentially a homophile dive streak , the saloon - comparable watering hole is a dear Guerneville fixture , with a rainbow - clad frontal that ’s come to single - handedly symbolize Guerneville ’s Main Street . For decades , locals and visitors likewise have flocked here for favorable serve , billiard games , and cheap drinks ( or at least cheap by Sonoma standards ) . At its core , altruism has always been an built-in key to Rainbow Cattle Co. ’s endurance — the bar host a hebdomadary Giveback Tuesday program , where yield benefit different charities in the area .
Hotels in Guerneville
If you enjoy the food at Boon , just wait until you try breakfast in bottom atBoon Hotel + Spa . Located up the road , just outside of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve , Luedtke ’s 14 - room dress shop hideaway feels like a bougie grownup - only summer camp , complete with glamping tents , the “ Boonito ” camper , a het up saline solution pool , spacious rooms fit with fireplaces and record book player , and a poolside “ honor bar ” where Edgar Guest are welcome to pour themselves a glass of wine or mix themselves a DIY cocktail for the adjoining live vat . Each morning , too , breakfast trays are delivered to invitee , loaded up with soft - boiled testis and muffins .
For a live bathing tub with a river horizon , book a stay atBoho Manor , where the Gilded Age - style inn offers a riverbank jacuzzi as one of its creature comforts , along with baronial rooms , pack of cards chairs , flack pit , yoga course , and aspa .
If glamping and adult summer camp are the vibration you ’re after , then cant over your tent atThe Highlands , the modish boutique venture under Luedtke ’s umbrella . flank by redwood , the adults - only property features a swimming pool , continental breakfast , a vestibule stocked with wine and bite , and comfortable cabins , rooms , and in the summertime months , glamping collapsible shelter .
Photo courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism
Photo courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism
Melissa Kuhnell/robertharding/Collection Mix: Subjects/Getty Images
Barry Winiker/ Getty Images
Boon Eat + Drink|Photo courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism
Photo courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism
