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LivingWells Recommends | Farmhouse Inn

Duane Wells — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 07:21:02 +0000

Farmhouse Inn

One of the most popular misconceptions about a globetrotting life is that it is always glamorous. Not only is such an assumption misguided, it is naïve at best. But every once in a while on a globetrotter’s journey, one comes across an experience or place that stands so far apart from the norm that it deserves to be known as “best in class”. These are the places and experiences to which I apply the moniker “LivingWells Recommends” and the Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant in Forestville, CA is the latest addition to the list.

Blink and you’ll miss the entrance to this slice of paradise, set off Sonoma County’s meandering River Road, a serpentine byway that winds its way through pastoral vineyards and farms all the way to the Guerneville, the Russian River and beyond. A formerly run down farmhouse (hence the name), the Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant is today a rambling, rustically elegant property that is, in a word, idyllic.

Co-owned by the brother and sister duo of Joe and Catherine Bartolomei, the Farmhouse Inn memorializes the enduring spirit of wine country and the more than five generations their family has spent in the region over the last century. The siblings have said of their venture that they wanted to create “a haven from everyday life” that recalled the joy and camaraderie of their youth spent on their grandparents’ ranch located just three miles from the Inn and, to my eye, they have succeeded on every score.

The second guests enter the property, wheels crunching over the loose gravel leaving no choice other than to slow down as a matter of course, the escape begins. Then upon surveying the property, one can’t help but to be taken over by the feeling that rather than checking into a hotel, one has arrived at a favorite camp from one’s youth…one that is filled with fond memories of lazy days and happy times. This is so, whether one has ever experienced such a thing or not because the Farmhouse Inn represents the picture of such experiences that films, books and television have painted of the same. Walls of trees surround authentic farmhouse structures, a pool forms the nucleus of the property and the scale of everything in sight feels livable and relaxed. Even the smell of the lobby, gloriously scented as it is by the hotel’s signature Sonoma Bath Bar chock full of fragrant seasonal scrubs, salts, milk bath and handmade olive oil bar soaps, is seductive.

Farmhouse Inn Restaurant Exterior

Introductions aside, the accommodations at the Farmhouse Inn take the seduction of the place to a whole new level. Rooms, all of which have been painstakingly updated and meticulously appointed, are spacious modern affairs with high-ceilings, feather beds, large jetted tubs and saunas or steam showers. Fresh seasonal flowers fill the tables in the living areas, while Sonoma-made, organic Sumbody bath and beauty products line the bathroom counters. Some rooms even have fireplaces and patio decks, while others boast different perks like private courtyards but rest assured that all 25 rooms are imbued with the kind of upscale wine country décor and state-of-the-art amenities that make ‘simple’ living look so chic.

Rounding out the experience of the Farmhouse Inn, is its restaurant, which is one of the finest in Sonoma County. The complementary three-course breakfast offered to guests is a delight unparalleled in the region, or I dare say, most places in the world. While many B & B’s offer complimentary breakfast, few offer anything that is worth loosing sleeping over. The Farmhouse Inn breakfast is, however, memorable enough to merit doing just that. Likewise, the locally sourced dinner menu crafted by Executive Chef Steve Litke and his team is an absolute standout in a place filled with standouts and just one more reason to book a stay at the Farmhouse Inn.

Farmhouse Inn Spa by Francis & Alexander

A final reason (as if one was needed) to reserve a stay at the Farmhouse Inn is the spa. Operated as a partnership between Farmhouse and Francis & Alexander, the Spa at Farmhouse is located in the property’s former Carriage House and showcases a farm-to-table menu of services that was conceived as a natural extension to the Sonoma farm-inspired experience that defines the Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant. Think lavender-orange hair and scalp treatments, ginger honey massages and body pillows filled with muscle healing herbs, alfalfa, lavender and chamomile. I am a particular fan of the “A Man’s Turn” treatment which combines a 90-minute massage with hot towel compresses and a steamy hot towel facial massage and comes complete with a personalized DIY shave (including kit) in your room.

Because it proves that you don’t always have to go as far away as you might think to escape and it does so with such panache and finesse, LivingWells Recommends the Farmhouse Inn.

To book a reservation or find out more about Farmhouse Inn, click here.

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REVUE in Review: Drag, Divas and Comedy

Duane Wells — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 01:50:10 +0000

A Memorial Day to remember…

(Scroll over image for description)

Over Memorial Day Weekend 2015, LivingWells Lifestyle debuted the star-studded new event REVUE at Sonoma County’s Graton Resort and Casino to rave reviews. With the iconic Candis Cayne as both a performer and mistress of ceremonies and a line-up that included:Grammy-nominated dance music legend, Martha Wash, Tony Award-winning divo Levi Kreis, drag superstars Lady Bunny, Joey Arias and Jackie Beat, 2014 Tony Nominee Mary Bridget Davies, the many voices of Jimmy James, American Idol’s Jacob Lusk and X-Factor finalist Elaine Gibbs, among others, REVUE lit up Sonoma nightlife with two nights of song, comedy and good times. Bookending both nights were parties hosted by YouTube sensation Davey Wavey, Heatherette designers Richie Rich and Traver Rains, and celebrity chef and Food Network Star contestant Arnold Myint (aka Suzy Wong) – who also created a menu of special cocktails for the evening. Meanwhile Toronto’s Scotty Dynamo and Lady Bunny provided the soundtrack as the party spun on into the wee hours of the morning.

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Bay Area Reporter

Duane Wells — Thu, 14 May 2015 06:50:08 +0000

Casino Royale
Revue brings a show biz buffet to Sonoma
by Jim Gladstone

“You normally wouldn’t see this big of a gay explosion in Sonoma County,” jokes Duane Wells, the promoter of Revue, a performance and party extravaganza to be held on the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend at Rohnert Park’s Graton Resort Casino.

Wells has put together a mindboggling, genderbending roster of talent for two nights of sparkly, sexy, hot messy fun. Lady Bunny, Jackie Beat, Martha Wash, Jimmy James, Joey Arias, and internet eyecandy Davey Wavey are just some of the names who will appear at the first major gayfocused entertainment event at the 13month old casino, located less than an hour north of San Francisco.

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE:
DWells-Interview

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Lights…Camera…REVUE!

Duane Wells — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 08:09:33 +0000

The dancers. The music. The drag. The laughs.

When people say weekend nights in Sonoma are a drag that will be a very good thing. That is, at least on this upcoming Memorial Day Weekend (May 23 -24, 2015) when LivingWells Lifestyle Events debuts the intoxicating REVUE, a new two-night extravaganza of entertainment that promises to take over the Graton Resort & Casino Events Center and convert it into the sexiest cabaret club night in Northern California.

What’s so special about REVUE you say? Well for starters, imagine all the glitz of Wigstock and the glamour of Broadway joining together on one stage, combining music, comedy and a healthy dose of drag into an evening that will redefine the meaning of a gay weekend in Sonoma.

The talent will be a superlative mix of everything from the outrageous to the sublime and the erotic to the exceedingly elegant. Augmenting the drag personalities and some familiar faces from television will be a range of talents that include musicians, comedians, vocalists, Broadway performers and surprise Grammy® and Tony® award-winning special guests. Notable performers on the bill who are sure to add special allure to this Wine Country weekend to remember include: Iconic dance music diva Martha Wash, drag superstars Lady Bunny, Jackie Beat and Candis Cayne; Tony® Award-winning performers Levi Kreis and Shoshana Bean, American Idol finalist Jacob Lusk, New York’s acclaimed Ryan Raftery, the one-man musical juggernaut behind Ryan Raftery is the Most Powerful Woman in Fashion, and cabaret legend Joey Arias.

More than just a cabaret, REVUE is a night about music, talent and some occasional outrageousness, the like of which is not to be found elsewhere in Northern California. Never before has this caliber of performers been gathered in one space in this part of the country with such high production value in such an elegant setting. In fact, I am personally inviting the audience to expect only one thing, and that is to expect the unexpected.”

Throughout the holiday weekend, the fun doesn’t end when the curtain drops. Prior to and following the Saturday and Sunday performances, guests can take part in the pre-show VIP reception and a post-party/Meet & Greet in the Graton Resort & Casino’s Sky Bar lounge, which will be hosted by YouTube Sensation, Davey Wavey, Heatherette co-founders Richie Rich and Travis Rains and DJ’d by Toronto’s Scotty Dynamo on Saturday night and Lady Bunny on Sunday night.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster and the Graton Rewards Center at a cost of $55 for general admission, $75 for premier tickets and $100 for special VIP passes, which include premium seating along with access to the pre and post event receptions.

And if that’s not enough to please your palette, then stay a while longer. Graton Resort & Casino offers a complete entertainment experience, featuring table games, the latest slot machines, upscale and casual dining, plus a variety of other entertainment options for visitors and locals alike.

Find about more about REVUE at at www.gratonresortcasino.com/revue. You know you want to.

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Day 18 – 19 | LivingWells California Road Trip – Sonoma Coast

Duane Wells — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 10:59:30 +0000

A view from the Timber Cove Inn

One of the things that most often surprises the unsuspecting about Sonoma is the sheer size and scope of its boundaries. In fact, even certified Sonomads like myself can still find themselves jolted by a sense of awe at the recognition of just how vast Sonoma County is – which is exactly what happened to me post-lunch at the popular Fremont Diner on Day 18 as I began the trek from one end of the county to the other on the final 48-hour leg of my Sonoma excursion.

The destination on that particular day was the Sonoma Coast and my faithful GPS was as dependable as ever when it calculated that my drive to the Timber Cove Inn on Highway 1 would take just under two hours. Gobsmacked, I looked at the route three times to make sure I hadn’t input something incorrectly before I realized that the address and route were indeed correct and began my journey without further procrastination.

Thankfully, the drive out to the Sonoma Coast is, by and large, a scenic one that winds and twists along primarily two-way roads through acres of vineyards, towering Redwoods, rolling hills and sprawling farms before culminating in some of the most staggering views California has to offer. Not that there’s a scoreboard to be kept, but if there were to ever be such a thing, the stretch of Highway 1 that is the Sonoma Coast would have to rank high among the Golden State’s most notable natural assets.

Because it was mid-afternoon by the time I arrived at the coast, I was able to take a leisurely drive up to the Timber Cove Inn, stopping at various points along the way to take in the magnificent views the drive affords, which really is the ultimate motivation for wandering out to this part of Sonoma. Only a scant few hotels and restaurants populate this stretch of coast which is more about escaping into the beauty of nature than anything else.

The Sonoma Coast

At the Timber Cove Inn, rooms offer the rustic and rugged charm of a lodge or cabin gifted with a bird’s eye view of the Pacific Ocean and the jagged rock formations that line the coast. Miles away from much of anything and just as far away from cell phone service (which is non-existent along the coast), the Timber Cove Inn invites guests to leave whatever world they may know behind and relax into one where cow crossings seem as common as the sounds of waves crashing against the shore. This experience in conjunction with the postcard perfect sunsets that the Inn’s ocean view rooms offer are, in and of themselves, reason enough to spend an evening in this most enchanted cove.

After a quiet dinner and an early night in Timber Cove, I headed back down Highway 1 after breakfast the following morning and booked into the creekside Rosewood Suite at the Jenner Inn. Anticipating the freedom of the day ahead, however, I had made an appointment for a little pampering at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary over in Freestone on the Bohemian Highway. A Zen oasis that sort of appears out of nowhere in the middle of Western Sonoma County, Osmosis has become a regular stop on just about every visit I make to Sonoma County. I like to think of it as an escape within an escape. Spend a few quiet moments after a treatment in the spa’s mystical meditation garden or lounging on one of the massive hammocks in the hammock garden and you’ll grasp the quirky eccentricity that makes this place so very special. (To read a full account of one of my most recent Osmosis experiences, click here)

The meditation garden at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, Freestone, CA

Following a quick stop at the neighboring Wild Flour Bread Bakery for a selection of scones and sourdough bread prepared in the bakery’s famous wood-fired brick oven, it was back off to the Jenner Inn to enjoy those sweet and savory treats while watching the sun set over the Russian River before tucking in early in order to wake up in time to enjoy the serene morning views of the Russian River.

Next stop Oakland for breakfast at one of my favorite discoveries of 2014 before rolling into Carmel for Martinis at Clint Eastwood’s spread and a stay at Doris Day’s Cypress Inn. But before we head off, here’s a look back at days 18 and 19 on the Sonoma Coast:

(Additional photography by Rob Musick)

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Day 17 | LivingWells California Road Trip – Petaluma

Duane Wells — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 20:27:59 +0000

Stark’s Steakhouse, Santa Rosa, CA

Day 17 of my California adventure revved into high gear with lunch in downtown Santa Rosa at Stark’s Steakhouse, yet another of the Stark Reality restaurant outposts, which are consistently among the best eateries in Sonoma (don’t miss Willi’s Seafood and Raw Bar in Healdsburg which is a personal favorite among favorites).

In keeping with the Stark tradition, the Stark Steakhouse menu adds notable twists to familiar favorites that result in wholly original experiences. There are, for instance, no traditional crab cakes on the menu at Stark’s but there are Dungeness Crab “Tater Tots” (sans the ‘taters’), which are delectably crispy bite-sized pockets of tender crab served with ginger mustard aioli and Shishito peppers that could quite easily become an addiction. Likewise Ahi tuna tartare is practically reinvented by the addition of pine nuts and truffled Miso dressing as is the Caesar Salad, which at Stark’s offers the steakhouse amplification of toppings that include garlic grilled prawns, crispy calamari or grilled prime NY strip and onion rings. I opted for the hearty Caesar with NY strip and onion rings, a simple combination beautifully prepared that made for an excellent mid-day repast.

After lunch, I drove over to picturesque Petaluma and checked into the wonderland that is the Metro Hotel. I had heard much about this unconventional property which has regularly been ranked among the best boutique hotels in America. Stepping through the doors of the massive red façade of the French-themed hotel, I immediately understood why.

The Metro is no ordinary hotel. There is no proper front desk or valet. Instead, the manager or his designee greets guests and shows them around the self-serve style hotel and leaves them to explore and enjoy their stay among the innumerable French posters, sculptures and objets d’art that fill every corner of the place. A very personal and very Parisian escape in Petaluma, a stay in the Metro is akin to arriving at a friend’s house in Montmartre for a few days. Coffee, tea, pastries, water and sodas are always at the ready downstairs in the kitchen, where French music plays regularly, and the rooms are all individually decorated in that cozy, comfortable style that blends the dramatic with the shabby chic as only the French can. Other than traditional rooms, the Metro also has a few Airstreams parked around the property that have become among the most requested accommodations at the hotel. Think elegant camping and you’ll get the idea. The Metro Hotel may not be everyone’s taste but it’s quirky, cool and kind of wonderful and, for me, there’s no more interesting place to stay in Petaluma.

Later that night, I finally made it to the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park where I had the great pleasure of touring the massive new gaming salon with Greg Sarris, the extraordinary Tribal Chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, who is largely responsible for making the casino happen. Over the course of his life, Sarris has been an, author, producer, screenwriter, and a professor (at present he’s the Endowed Chair in Native American Studies at Sonoma State University) and the opportunity to chat with him was the primary reason for my visit that evening.

If I’m honest, I had avoided the Graton Casino since its opening because I’ve never quite discovered the allure of gambling and I figured that if you’d seen one casino you’d pretty much seen them all, save for a few flourishes here and there. But I couldn’t have been more wrong where the Graton Resort and Casino is concerned and that is in large part due to Mr. Sarris himself.

The thing about Wine Country is that you visit it to escape, sample some great wines and restaurants and then tuck in for the night as Sonoma is not a nightlife destination, nor should it ever be. That said, one can get a little itchy for human congress in the evenings and I found that the Graton Resort and Casino offers that in spades.

Thanks to Sarris’ zeal for the aesthetic, this is one casino outside of Sin City that isn’t a dark and dingy gaming dungeon, but is instead a light and open adult playground. Distinctive and ornate lighting fixtures adorn the ceilings, a skylight highlights the surprisingly chic diamond-shaped Sky Bar at the nerve center of the casino, and twelve restaurants of all varieties line the perimeter of the casino including the casually elegant 630 Park Steakhouse in which I dined with Sarris beneath the most glittering Swarovski crystal chandeliers. I’ll have much more to say about my evening at the Graton Casino and my dinner conversation with Greg Sarris in upcoming accounts but for now, suffice it so say that the casino adds a new and welcome dimension to a stay in Sonoma. So hoorah for Sonoma County.

Tomorrow I head to the coast for a couple of days but before I do that here’s a look back at Day 17 in pictures:

(Additional photography by Rob Musick)

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Day 16 | LivingWells California Road Trip – Healdsburg

Duane Wells — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 14:37:06 +0000

Exterior view of Healdsburg’s popular Shed

In a county full of stars, Healdsburg shines bright for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the small-town glamour of the plaza that serves as the heartbeat of the enchanted town. On this plaza and the arteries that flow from it, a thriving food and wine scene flourishes alongside a range of quaint boutiques and upscale Inns that together confirm Healdsburg’s reputation as a “must-see” destination in Sonoma County.

With that in mind, I made Healdsburg the next stop on my LivingWells California itinerary with an eye toward sampling the fare at some of the newest eateries on Healdsburg’s most notable square, an adventure made particularly easy by the delightful Tammy Gass, owner and Head Foodie at Savor Healdsburg Tours. Take a walk on your own around Healdsburg Plaza and you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice. Take a tour with Savor Healdsburg and you’ll find that Healdsburg doyenne extraordinaire Tammy Gass has done all the guesswork for you.

Gass, like me, enjoys finding hidden, off-the-beaten path treasures which is exactly what she has done in what has frequently been ranked one of the top ten small towns in America. Hence the reason that the marriage of Gass’ tour and my own LivingWells California adventure seemed set in the stars before I even arrived. I opted to join the “Taste of Healdsburg” tour, which was one of several options Gass’ wildly popular foodie tour company offers, and from the first stop on the tour I knew I had made the right choice.

A colorful start to the Taste of Healdsburg Tour

We began the epic three and a half hour epicurean journey at Shed, an extraordinary new space that combines a shop stocked with everything from organic vegetables and fruits delivered daily by local farmers, flours freshly milled onsite, farm fresh eggs, smoked fish, cured meats and farmstead cheeses to housewares and garden implements of every variety with a café that serves an every changing daily menu built on the principles of responsible farming and seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking. In the cavernous, impeccably curated space where one might quite easily imagine Ina Garten raving “How great is that?” at every turn, we sipped on a variety of shrubs and nibbled on a few items including a flavorful and colorful sampling that included beet tzatziki, goat cheese, olives, hummus and house-made crisps before it was off to our next stop, Café Lucia for a taste of Portuguese cooking, the highlight of which was a soul-satisfying plate of Chorizo Crusted Day Boat Scallops.

From there we headed to the impressive tasting room at Cartograph Wines which, in a refreshing turn, resembles an art gallery rather than a traditional wine-tasting venue, for a few sips of their equally impressive wines. Be forewarned, though the Pinots are clearly the stars at Cartograph, the dry Riesling and Gewürztraminer are standouts of equal note.

The popular patio and bar at Bravas, Healdsburg

Bravas, a tapas restaurant that is one of the newest restaurants in the constellation of celebrated Stark Reality eateries, was our next stop. Here we sampled Champagne Sangria, croquetas and cider braised chorizo and padron peppers on the restaurant’s rustic back terrace, which I am told is quite the scene on weekends and gloriously sunny Wine Country afternoons and evenings. Speaking of sunny Wine Country afternoons, a cool, sweet treat from Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar was the final delight on my “Taste of Healdsburg” tour and what a spectacular end it was. After spoons of Noble Folk’s innovative ice cream flavors like Japanese Purple Yam, Almond + Cardamom and Roasted Pumpkin, I dived into a generous slice of Maple Walnut Chocolate pie with such zeal that I am grateful to know that it is only available hundreds of miles away from me rather than right on my own back doorstop because I am not sure I would otherwise have the willpower to resist daily indulgence.

After a brief respite in nearby Santa Rosa later that afternoon, It was on to more food on a return visit to Chef Duskie Estes’ Zazu Kitchen + Farm at its snazzy new location in The Barlow, the uniquely fabulous retail space in Sebastopol. A stark contrast to its former farmhouse-style location on dusty country road, the industrial, sleek new Zazu invites a completely different experience albeit with the same farm-to-table fare that made its previous incarnation such a hit. Beginning with Rodeo Jax, a box of black pig bacon caramel popcorn that could become yet another addition, and the ‘pigstrami’ with Johnny’s sauerkraut, the meal ended on a high for me with a heaping serving of the meaty Stemple Beef Chili and Cornbread which offered just the latest example for me of how Chef Duskie can take an everyday favorite and elevate it to a whole new level. Twas a brilliant end to a brilliant day of food and wine in Sonoma.

On Day 17 I head to Petaluma and a night at the casino but before that stop. here’s a look back at the best of Day 16 in pictures.

Packed and ready for Healdsburg

Exterior, Shed Healdsburg

Seasonal Shrubs at Shed, Healdsburg

A colorful start to the Taste of Healdsburg tour at Shed

Shed, Healdsburg

Inside Shed, Healdsburg

Another view inside Shed, Healdsburg

Cartograph wine tasting room, Healdsburg

Arriving at Cartograph Wines Tasting Room, Healdsburg

Welcome to Bravas, Healdsburg

Tapas Anyone?

The Menu at Bravas

The popular patio at bravas

Talking food with Tammy Gass

Champagne Sangria and croquetas at Bravas, Healdsburg

Champagne Sangria at Bravas, Healdsburgs

Instructive signage on the patio at Bravas

Outside Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar, Healdsburg

Daily Menu at Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar, Healdsburg

Shelves at Noble Folk, Healdsburg

Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar, Healdsburg

Getting chatty with Noble Folk co-founder Osvaldo Jimenez

Zazu at The Barlow, Healdsburg

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(Additional photography by Rob Musick)

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Crazy about Chowder: A Tale of Spud Point and Addiction on Bodega Bay

Duane Wells — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 07:48:54 +0000

Spud Point Clam Chowder

I can’t even remember the first time I heard about the amazing goodness of the signature menu item at Bodega Bay’s always buzzing Spud Point Crab Company, but, suffice it to say, it was a very long time ago.

Spud Point Menu

On every visit to Sonoma over the last several years, I found myself trapped in a wicked pattern. I would make a date to head out to the Bay for what I was assured was the best clam chowder this side of New England (or anywhere on the planet for that matter) and then, for some reason or another, on each and every one of those occasions, I would find my plans thwarted. (For the record, once upon a time the store would close for a day or so each week, but the craze for Spud Point chowder has reached such epic proportions these days that the restaurant’s proprietors, Tony and Carol Anello, now throw open their doors seven days a week — save for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas).

Finally, on a sunny afternoon during my last visit to Sonoma, one of my longest held, unrequited desires was granted albeit at the end of a long, if quickly moving, line. Surreal as it seemed at the time, I was on my way to sampling Carol’s Famous Spud Point Crab Company Clam Chowder which, I can now say, is undeniably everything I had expected or been told and then some. I’ve sampled iterations of this classic soup from points near and far, all up and down the Eastern seaboard and I’ve actually never tasted a chowder so singular in flavor.

This bowl of creamy, garlicky deliciousness loaded with a more than generous helping of massive clams and just the right proportion of potato, practically made me want to immediately scramble back in line for another, though I was more than satiated by the bowl I had only just consumed. It wasn’t hunger that motivated me in that instance, it was instead pure unadulterated desire.

That I had, upon the recommendation of the Sonoma-ite who first turned me on the miracle of Spud Point chowder, also ordered a crab sandwich filled with lightly dressed crab on the freshest of buns, only took the experience to nirvana.

Spud Point Crab Sandwich

I am a firm believer in never believing the hype but in the case of Spud Point Crab Company, I not only encourage believing the hype, I give it a full-throated endorsement.

Find out more about Spud Point Crab Company at http://www.spudpointcrab.com/.

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The Victorian Magic of Madrona Manor

Duane Wells — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 02:30:31 +0000

View from Madrona Manor

Tucked minutes away from the heart of urbane downtown Healdsburg lies Madrona Manor, the enchantingly romantic and historic inn that might as well be a world apart from its nearest neighbors given the charm with which it evokes a bygone era. Set on eight wooded acres overlooking Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, the Victorian estate, built in 1881 as a private residence that would a century later become one of the most stellar examples of the graciousness of Wine Country living, does not presume its status as the county’s grand dowager based upon its history but instead earns it with old-fashioned awe.

Even the approach to Madrona Manor is beguiling, appearing as it does at the manicured apex of an uphill drive through the magnificent gate that welcomes guests to the property. Beyond that, there is the sense that the hotel is about more than the sum of its rooms, gardens and amenities, but instead about an experience.

What serves as the inn’s lobby conjures up a vintage parlour or salon where the daily parlance might have been more along the lines of “How do you do?” than “Hi”. Similarly, the manor’s Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by Executive Chef Jesse Malgren, delivers contemporary California cuisine of the highest order in an old world setting that is in perfect harmony with the grace and elegance of the service with which it is presented. And then there are the rooms and suites — the gloriously antique-laden collection of guestrooms and suites at the hotel, where fireplaces are de rigueur rather than the exception.

Anything but cookie cutter, the accommodations on offer at Madrona Manor are suffused with ‘character,’ that all too rarely seen commodity in the hotel industry these days. Moreover, the individual decorative flourishes of each room right down to the grates that guard the fireplaces or the decided exclusion of televisions, herald guests’ arrival to an escape from the homogeneity and humdrumness of the expected.

Madrona Manor Schoolhouse Suite

If given the option (and the budget) book into the one of the two Schoolhouse Suites, located in a former 1920’s schoolhouse at the edge of the property. Not only does each come complete with a king-sized bed, spacious sitting room, and a Jacuzzi fit for two with dreamy views of the bedroom fireplaces, they also come with the guaranteed seclusion of relaxing private decks overlooking gardens and a back wooded glade. It goes without saying, that these suites, like the Madrona Manor itself, light the spark of romance on sight. And that little amenity, like great romance itself, is built on history.

Madrona Manor Carriage House Patio

To find out more or to make reservations at the Madrona Manor, visit, www.madronamanor.com.

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Romance in Sonoma: A Perfect Proposition

Duane Wells — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 07:48:07 +0000

Couple in Pool Sonoma

So you’re thinking of getting engaged?

After years of first dates, torrid affairs, one-night stands, false romantic starts and broken hearts, you’ve finally found the guy who makes you want sing at the top of your lungs, drop down on one knee and beg the question, ‘Will you marry me?’. Great. But now the question becomes where to make the big proposal and how. Few places in the contiguous United States, or, dare I say, the world, deliver romance on as grand a scale as Sonoma County, and even fewer do so with the velvet touch of a luxurious BeautifulPlaces villa in Wine Country.

What could set a more romantic scene for the proposal of a lifetime better than a cozy villa tucked into an 80-acre vineyard estate possessed of a private lake, a gravel beach and its own windmill? Or what about a poolside white pergola set among towering Redwoods in the shadows of a classic Neocolonial home plunked down in a sea of green lawns and more than 250 rosebushes? Better yet, how does a secluded tree house with unobstructed views of densely forested hills and its own private pool strike you as the ideal backdrop to declare your undying devotion to your beloved? All of these experiences and more are on tap at Sonoma’s BeautifulPlaces, an award-winning luxury villa resource based in Sonoma, CA.

Rosewood Sonoma County

Not only can BeautifulPlaces provide the perfect engagement setting, they can also sprinkle it with fairy dust. Through flourishes ranging from gestures as dramatic as arranging private chefs to prepare romantic candlelit dinners, organizing musicians for intimate serenades or scheduling private in-villa massages to more practical items as simple as stocking your rented villa with all the fixings you’ll need to prepare your guy’s favorite meal, having your favorite Champagne chilling upon arrival or making a reservation pour deux at one of Sonoma’s many charming and notable restaurants, BeautifulPlaces is more than well-versed in the art of turning the already extraordinary into the spectacular. That said, while BeautifulPlaces offers an array of almost turnkey options for making the perfect proposition, Sonoma County itself offers even more.

“There are almost as many romantic spots in Sonoma County as there are couples who visit,” explains Suzy Montes, sales and services manager at Sonoma County Tourism, who handles wedding requests. “Some areas, though, are undeniably perfect for a proposal.”

Among those “perfect” places, locals like concierge Ramon Meraz most highly recommend settings that highlight the natural splendor of Sonoma as the ideal backdrop for a dream proposal. “For about a decade I have found several special spots in Sonoma County that are beautiful…but none has had the response that Rivers End has had,” says Meraz of the popular local restaurant perched on a bluff overlooking the Russian River. “The spot there is like no other on earth when it comes to witnessing a glorious Northern California sunset (www.Ilovesunsets.com).”

Rivers End, Russian River

Likewise, Charles Kimball, the founder/owner of GayCaliforniaWeddings.net, also suggests turning to nature for a hand in popping the question in Sonoma. “Take the windy three mile drive up to the top of Armstrong Woods State to Bull Frog Pond,” he recommends. “[At] 1,200 feet above the towering redwoods…the views to the great Pacific are amazing.” Alternatively Kimball also suggests making the big ask on the banks of the Russian River with a bottle of Champagne following a leisurely kayaking expedition or stealing away to Goat Rock Beach on the coast for a romantic stroll.

Nature aside, there is no denying the aphrodisiacal qualities of wine of which Sonoma is obviously not in short supply. But it’s not just the wine that can set the right tone for your proposal, its source can also go a long way toward creating a picture-perfect mood.

“The Kunde’s Mountain Top Tasting is one of the best vineyard tours in Sonoma,” offers Mark Vogler, co-founder/owner of Out in the Vineyard, a Sonoma-based experiential Wine Country event and travel company promoting positive LGBT lifestyles. “Visitors are taken out in the vineyard, up to the top of the estate, located at 1,400 feet, for winetasting and spectacular views of Sonoma Valley and beyond. On a clear day, the views extend all the way to the San Francisco Bay to the south and past Santa Rosa, to the Western Hills of Sonoma County to the north. The views are stunning by themselves, but put a glass of wine in hand: Sublime.”

Kunde Mountain Top View

Out in the Vineyard co-founder/owner, Gary Saperstein, concurs with his business partner about the romance of wineries but offers some additional ideas. “Two of my favorite wineries in which to share that most romantic moment are Hanzell Vineyards and Paradise Ridge,” says Saperstein. “Hanzell Vineyards is located in the Mayacamas Mountain Range and has one of the most spectacular settings in Wine Country…[while]… Paradise Ridge Winery located on a 150-acre estate in the hills of Santa Rosa offers some spectacular views to enjoy while sipping some delectable wines.”

In short, no matter what your romantic fantasy, Sonoma delivers the perfect romantic storm. With its world-class wines, natural assets, memorable sunsets, stunning vistas, jaw-dropping accommodations, and cozy restaurants – what’s not to love? Say ‘yes’ to Sonoma and I’m pretty sure he’ll say ‘yes’ to you.

For a chance to win a 3-day/night stay in Sonoma in your very own luxury villa—complete with wine tastings, romantic meals, hot air balloon ride and more – enter the Instinct Magazine and Beautiful Places ‘Pop The Question” Contest. For more details, click here.

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