The Road (Trip) Less Traveled — and the Souvenirs You’ll Uncover

Near the Russian River and the Mayacamas Mountains, Cloverdale is the northernmost town in Sonoma County. Aside from being surrounded by Alexander Valley vineyards, its mile-long business district feels like classic small-town America. 

Every Friday evening throughout the summer, downtown Cloverdale hosts its free concert series at the Plaza. Stroll among food and crafts vendors, and enjoy live music, dancing, local tipples, and kids’ activities.

While in town, sip the reds, roses, and whites at the local tasting room, Kelley & Young Wines at the Library, or sample IPAs, pale ales and more at Wolf House Brewing, which also features a full menu of comfort food. For a non-alcoholic refresher, stop for caffeine and a treat at Plank Coffee, and for a taste of nightlife, head to the friendly Railroad Station Bar & Grill. 

For a town less than a mile long, Cloverdale has some great places to eat. Tuck into a burger and fries at the newly reopened Pick’s Roadside. Or relax and enjoy the delicious Asian cuisine at Tian Yuen. 

For a sense of Cloverdale’s past, explore the 1870s Gothic Revival cottage of the Gould-Shaw House Museum and the adjacent Cloverdale History Center, which displays old farm equipment, vintage Pomo baskets, and other items of yore. 

Get your steps in along the whimsical Cloverdale Sculpture Trail. Or take a flat, one-mile walk or bike ride through Cloverdale River Park. Here, you can also kayak or canoe. For more of a hike, hit the moderate, leafy 2.5-mile trail through Porterfield Creek Preserve. 

Cloverdale Souvenir

You’re going to want the signature Dahlia & Sage scented candles from local candlemaker Jean Hager Home at Dahlia & Sage Community Market.

About 10 miles south of Cloverdale along the 101, the Wild West-style town of Geyserville was named for geothermal hot springs found in the 1880s in the Mayacamas. Its tiny downtown is only 60 yards long, but it hosts some of Sonoma County’s most popular restaurants, boutiques, and winery tasting rooms. 

Local standouts include Catelli’s, beloved for Italian delights like its housemade “Pasta of the Moment,” and Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria, renowned for its Neapolitan-style pizza and salumi. Both spots have gorgeous patios.

For a taste of nightlife, enjoy creative bar bites and classic cocktails at the Geyserville Gun Club Bar & Lounge. 

If you’re thirsty for wine, you’re in for a treat with four winery tasting rooms mere steps from each other: Ramazzotti Wines and Mercury Geyserville share both a building and a patio. Visit sleek and modern Peche Merle and check out Locals Tasting Room to sample wines from local micro-producers. 

Burn off some energy with a quarter-mile stroll or bike ride to the Geyserville Sculpture Trail, where you’ll find dozens of works of public art.

Wander the warren of antique and artisan vendor stalls at Gin’gilli’s Vintage Home. Check out Western-themed clothing and gifts, as well as local history displays, at Bosworth & Son Store. 

Geyserville Souvenir

Admire the craftsmanship in the handmade Sonoma Wine Country brass belt buckles from Bosworth & Son. 

Once better known for its apples, modern-day Graton, California, is now more of a hotspot for wine. With a block-long main street of 19th-century Western-style storefronts, this laid-back hamlet is home to artists, musicians, retirees, and a few of Sonoma Wine Country’s best restaurants.

Half Parisian bistro and half saloon, Underwood Bar and Bistro is known for its steak frites, oysters, and cocktails, as well as its nickel-topped bar where you’re likely to rub elbows with famous winemakers.

Across the street, Willow Wood Market Cafe doubles as a general store and a local gathering spot, providing delicious sandwiches (perfect for a wine-tasting break), comfort food, and hospitality. 

If fresh Cali-Mex cuisine is more your jam, perch for a while on the lovely back patio at family-owned Mexico Lindo.

Then wander over to the Graton Gallery and its adjacent sculpture court to check out fine arts and crafts by California artists.

Reserve an appointment at the nine-acre Hallberg Butterfly Gardens, where dirt trails travel through open habitat for more than 40 species of butterflies. Open April-October, Wednesday-Saturday; donations are suggested, but admission is free.

Following an old railroad route, the 5.57-mile West County Regional Trail is a cyclist’s dream. It wends its way past downtown Graton, Russian River bramble, and the vineyards of Green Valley AVA.

On Graton’s main drag, you’ll find two winery tasting rooms. Stylish Bowman Cellars has a big garden patio and a retrofitted Airstream trailer, serving wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and bubbly.

Comfy, saloon-style Paul Mathew Vineyards offers cushions and pillows by the bay windows for lounging as you taste single-vineyard Pinots, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and more.

Graton Souvenir

A bottle (or case) of Paul Mathew Vineyards wine is a great choice, as their vintages are not available online — so pick some up in the tasting room!

Valley Ford is home to dairy farmers, ranchers, and cheese makers, offering a blend of country hospitality and culinary sophistication. 

Indulge in a tasty breakfast or lunch at Estero Café, featuring soul-warming favorites like Swedish pancakes with applesauce and chicken-fried steak. 

In the evening, head to Rocker’s Roadhouse for Southern-style dishes made with fresh local ingredients, then linger in the saloon to hear live music. 

For picnic shopping, Valley Ford Market is a tourist-friendly farmers’ grocer that sells everything from bread, produce, and local wines to fishing tackle. 

Don’t miss Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery, which offers fresh baked goods, wood-fired pizzas, charcuterie, and its own delicious cow-milk cheeses.

Art fans will want to visit Sonoma County Historic Landmark #24 (14459 Valley Ford Road, next to the post office), where a bronze plaque commemorates the art installation called Running Fence. Erected in 1976 for two weeks, the 18-foot-high, 24.5-mile-long swath of white nylon that graced the bucolic landscape in Valley Ford was conceived by the famed Christo and Jean-Claude.

If you’ve brought your bike, pedal your way to happiness along Valley Ford’s meandering local roads, hugged by rolling, golden-green hills dotted with horses, sheep, and cows. Or take Highway 1 for an hour’s ride to the picturesque fishing village of Bodega Bay. 

Valley Ford Souvenir

You’ll want to take any (or all!) of the cheeses from Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery, which are made by Valley Ford locals, from local cows grazing local land. 

At the start of the 20th century, Penngrove was one of Sonoma County’s largest egg- and poultry-producing areas. Penngrove’s downtown — only a few blocks long — now boasts an eclectic array of local shops and restaurants in a delightful mix of historic buildings.

Housed in a sprawling 1870s space that has served as a railroad station, general store, post office, and hardware store, Penngrove Market offers local produce, prepared foods, and libations.

From the Market, take a two-minute walk to Full Circle Bakery, where you’ll find some of Sonoma County’s best bread. Put together the picnic of your dreams, then settle in at adjacent Penngrove Park.

A few minutes’ bike ride or drive from downtown Penngrove, the Twin Oaks Roadhouse offers a wide selection of beers and a small menu of delicious bites and full meals, including a fried chicken sandwich that’ll knock your socks off. Belly up to the old-school bar, or enjoy your repast on the outdoor patio.

Right in town, the clapboard storefront and vertical neon sign outside Mack’s Bar & Grill says “small-town neighborhood joint.” Inside, you’ll find dark wood paneling, a full bar, and American pub-fare favorites. It often rocks with live music on Saturday nights. 

Penngrove Souvenir

Get your hands on a vintage Sonoma County mug from Hello Penngrove, an adorable shop specializing in local and responsibly made housewares, gifts, and kids’ clothes and toys. 

The bucolic village of Glen Ellen has less than 800 residents, but the lovely center is stacked with popular attractions and lined with century-old live oaks and eucalyptus.

Picnic mecca Glen Ellen Village Market is a must-stop for all kinds of goodies, while French patisserie Les Pascals is full of delicious baked breads and treats to nibble and bring home.

Nearby local gem Glen Ellen Star is arguably the best spot to tuck into tasty wood-fired cuisine.

Sip and savor in the cozy wine-tasting rooms at Talisman Wine and Laurel Glen Vineyard.

Jack London State Historic Park is the former ranch of author Jack London and his wife, Charmian. There are more than 39 acres to explore here, including the ruins of the couple’s never-finished mansion.

One mile from the park, biodynamic wine pioneer Benziger Family Winery offers tastings and tractor-led tram tours of its vineyards and gardens. 

The 25-acre Sonoma Botanical Garden is home to one of the largest collections of Asian plants worldwide, including trees, bushes, and flowers.

Nearby, discover the food-friendly Mayo Family Winery and Imagery Estate Winery, which houses a fascinating art collection.

Glen Ellen Souvenir

You have got to try the Vintner’s Blend box of wine truffles from Wine Country Chocolates, set in Jack London Village shopping plaza.