Welcome to the Healdsburg Area
Originally occupied by the Pomo tribe, the area around what is now Healdsburg was a mixed forest of oak and madrone trees that surrounded the open, fertile valleys along the Russian River. The natives hunted elk, bear, and mountain lions that roamed the area. Despite visits from European sailing vessels, not much changed until the mid-1800’s when the Russians built Fort Ross (open to the public) on the coast and the Mexican government established the vast, 48,800 acre Rancho Sotoyome. The land grant was awarded to sea captain Henry Fitch in 1841, and Fitch hired trapper Cyrus Alexander to manage his rancho. Thus, the name of the wineries rich Alexander Valley, through which the Russian River flows, north of the city of Healdsburg.
The California Gold Rush changed things in a hurry. Among the mix of itinerants, squatters, and failed miners who showed up, Harmon Heald, an Ohio entrepreneur, won a fight over disputed land and founded Healdsburg in 1867. He set up a store and post office. Then, he laid out a tree square mile region in a grid pattern and sold lots for $15 each. His town plan included a Town Plaza that remains as one of the few examples of early California town planning in existence today. The Plaza plays host to summer concerts, lively events, and picnics. The Museum (housed in the refurbished Healdsburg Carnegie Library building) features fine examples of Pomo basketry, nineteenth century weapon, tools, textiles, and crafts. The Public Library is home to the Sonoma County Wine Library.
Healdsburg is wonderfully rich in cultural opportunities. The natural beauty of the area inspires sculptors, artists, photographers, and artisans. Fine art galleries are scattered throughout town. Intricate glassware, singular pieces of jewelry, paintings, and photographs all reflect the California and Sonoma County lifestyle. A variety of arts organizations host art shows, classes, programs, and festivals throughout the year. Every Tuesday night in June through August, the Downtown Plaza (1.3 miles from our conference motel) comes alive with “Tuesdays in the Plaza – Farmers’ Market, Music, and Town Picnic!” from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. As you might guess, the town also has numerous wine tasting outlets, some independent and many representing wineries from the surrounding region.
Outside of town, there are nearly limitless opportunities to find something to do. There are over 100 farms listed on the Sonoma County Farm Trails maps. Obviously, a number of commodities and products are seasonal, but the Map and Guide booklet lists the contacts by: Fruit & Vegetable Farms; Flowers, Herbs, Nurseries & Honey; Wineries, Breweries, & Hard Cider; Meat & Dairy Products; Animals & Fiber Products; and Pumpkins & Christmas Tree Farms. As the name of the event suggests, the Gravenstein Apple Fair is held each August (9th and 10th, in 2008) at Ragle Ranch Park (500 Ragle Road) in Sebastopol (southwest of Santa Rosa on Highway 12). Over 125 artisans display the finest quality arts and crafts. Vendors sell apples, pies and other baked goods. Local musicians play folk music on guitars and banjos. Parking fills quickly, so follow the links on the Fair’s Web site to locate other parking.
Feelin' Lucky?! No need to go to S. Lake Tahoe, Reno, or Vegas. The Pomo tribe has dedicated some land in the Dry Creek Rancharia to a new casino. The casino is less than 9 miles away, in the Alexander Valley. Along with the slots, you can indulge in Texas Hold'em Poker, Blackjack, Double Deck Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Three Card Poker, and Pai Gow Poker. If you become hungry or thirsty, you can enjoy the spectacular view across the valley from the Quail Run Restaurant (menu shifts with time of day) or you can watch the indoor games from the Oak Bar. There are strategically placed snack bars that can provide you low cost sustenance. If you prefer not to drive and leave your car for valet parking, or do-it-yourself in a covered parking area, there are casino shuttles that circulate around the motels, for a fee.
Outdoor recreation and family fun are right nearby. Local roads can be traveled and picnics enjoyed at many local parks. The same roads are likely to have bicycle riders on them. There are a number of golf courses in the area. And the Russian River goes right out to the Pacific Ocean. Besides enjoying the beaches along the river, and swimming and fishing in the river, one can rent canoes or kayaks and paddle to the coast. There are a number of recreational outfitters that make arrangements for safe trips, and pick ups at the ends of the trips. If you wish to watch this, instead of doing the paddling, you can go for a ride in a hot air balloon. Usually, you don’t know exactly where you will end up or where you will land, but that is part of the excitement of the trip! Now that most of us have access to computers and the Internet, simply type “Healdsburg, CA” into your browser and a nearly unending list of opportunities will be available for you perusal. If you can spare the time, come to the area a bit early and enjoy the many, out of the ordinary, things that can be done in Sonoma County.