Valley Ford

Located amid rolling hills slightly inland from the coastline in western Sonoma County, Valley Ford (pop. 147) combines country hospitality with culinary and artistic sophistication.

Set in the heart of Sonoma County’s dairy belt, this area was the focus of art enthusiasts worldwide in the 1970s. Sonoma County Historic Landmark No. 24, a bronze plaque at 14459 Valley Ford Road, commemorates The Running Fence — 165,000 yards of white nylon panels 19 feet high that husband-wife environmental artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude hung in Sonoma County for two weeks in 1976.

Built in 1864, the historic Valley Ford Hotel features seven charming and pet-friendly guest rooms, as well as the popular Rocker Oysterfeller's restaurant, with Southern-inspired food, created with fresh Sonoma County ingredients. Locals and tourists hang out in the saloon, and listen to music.

Family-owned Valley Ford Market is a farmers' and ranchers' grocery that also caters to tourists — which means that in addition to items like bread, produce, plumbing fixtures, and fishing tackle, it boasts an extensive inventory of local wines as well as delicious deli sandwiches, smoked salmon, and more.

Enjoy the small-town friendly atmosphere and hearty fare at Dinucci's Italian Dinners. Or indulge in a tasty breakfast or lunch at Estero Café, featuring soul-warming favorites like Swedish pancakes with applesauce, chicken-fried steak, or homemade cakes and pies.