We are especially in love with Northern part of the County, (North of the Russian River), which I have not covered yet on this blog. There are many reasons to go to that part of Sonoma: gorgeous coastline, majestic forests, peace and tranquility. But also for us, being Russian, this territory has an important historic significance

2. We are especially in love with Northern part of
the County, (North of the Russian River),
which I have not covered yet on this blog.
There are many reasons to go to that part of
Sonoma: gorgeous coastline, majestic forests,
peace and tranquility. But also for us, being
Russian, this territory has an important historic
significance – it was a Russian colony for
about 30 years from 1812 to 1841. In a way it
always feels like coming home and I want to
share this beautiful land with you.

3. A good way to start your trip is from the
Russian River which slowly winds through
Sonoma County to the Pacific Ocean.
You can explore the River in different
ways, depending on the season. In
summer you can kayak or tube. The river
flow is slow and gentle so kayaking is
great even for small kids (we like double
kayaks so that each of our kids sit with an
adult).

5. In October-November a scenic drive
along the Russian River Road from HW
101 to HW 1 is a must if you love fall
colors. You will see all the splendor of fall
in red, orange yellow and brown due to
variety of trees, bushes and the
abundance of vineyards (grape leaves
have a variety of colors in fall from yellow
to almost purple, depending on the type
of grape)

7. The area where Russian River meets the ocean is
beautiful any time of year. There are several places in
Jenner, CA along HW 1 where you can stop and
enjoy the scenic views of the River.

8. It is a restaurant and a community center all in one. It
is based on a very unique concept: no set menu
(items change every day), hearty homemade food
and no set prices. You pay from you consciousness
or from your heart, whatever it feels like this meal was
worth to you. There are typically 6-7 dishes served
buffet style: when we stopped by a couple of times
there was always soup, salad, 1 or 2 meat dishes and
a couple of garnishes like potatoes, porridge, a
vegetable casserole, bread and tea. The menu is a
combination of Russian and Californian dishes (and
sometimes it is Russian dish with a California twist or
the other way around). But whatever they serve is
always yummy and healthy and kids approved.

10. When you turn North from Russian River on
HW 1 and drive 30 minutes or so you will
arrive at Fort Ross – the former heart and
soul of the Russian territory and now a
State Historic Park. I already talked about it
in detail in my Mendocino County road trip
itinerary. It is definitely worth a stop, it
would be both fund and educational for kids
and adults and I would allocate at least a
couple of hours of exploration here.

12. There is an air of something whimsical about Sea Ranch. There are trails that
lead you through areas that look like enchanted forest.

13. There is whimsical architecture
around – check out Sea Ranch
Chapel, for instance. It is a non-
denominational chapel for prayer
and meditation that looks like fairy
tale cottage inside and out.
Access to the Chapel is free for
all, regardless where you are
staying.