Travel and Day Trips

By Aleta Copestakes

This is my first winter back in California in 7 years, and I must admit that I’m really enjoying the sunshine and warm-ish weather (compared to Colorado, where I had been hiding out all that time). Winters are mild here, rainy days are broken up by sunshine and the birds never stop singing, the temperature rarely gets below freezing and plants sprout new life. I’ve only worn my winter coat a handful of times, and I have been stubborn to put away my flip-flops.

My point behind all this is that winter is no reason to stop being active. There are so many activities to enjoy year-round, even when it’s pouring rain outside. And though I would encourage you to continue enjoying our beautiful outdoors, there are tons of indoor activities to try as well.

By Aleta Taylor

Lucky us, we live in Vacation Wonderland and home of  the Russian River...best experienced floating on the water. Whether on a raft, canoe, inner tube, or swimming, the ever-changing scenery as you float downstream is both stimulating and relaxing. There are many areas along the river to put-in your floating device, some more populated than others.

New Features Help Viewers Plan Park Visits

Sonoma County Regional Parks has redesigned its website, www.sonomacountyparks.org, with interactive features making it easier to explore Sonoma County’s beaches, mountains and valleys.

The site was designed to give county residents and visitors new resources and ideas for getting out and getting active in the parks. It has a cleaner look, improved navigation, more photographs and graphics, and expanded links to social media. 

Behind the hyper-modernization that South Korea is known for in mainstream media, this nation of 50 million people is a fascinating mix of ancient and modern, tradition and innovation. This fall, Oakland-based food think tank the Institute for Food and Development Policy/Food First will bring travelers to South Korea to explore the country’s fascinating food and agriculture, for an experience rarely experienced by tourists.

A 2.4-mile trail in the Laguna de Santa Rosa opened to the public on Friday, Nov. 16, giving hikers, cyclists and equestrians a new route through the unique landscape of Sonoma County's largest freshwater wetland. 

By Meda Freeman

On summer weekends, it’s not unusual for Doran Beach to get so busy that rangers have to turn away visitors. On these same afternoons, it’s also not unusual for several lovely beaches south of Doran to be practically deserted.

When Doran is covered with kids and campers, the beaches at Pinnacle Gulch are occupied by just a few beachcombers and sunbathers. 

Why the difference?

Summer is all about playing in the water...in our rivers, lakes and swimming pools

The MOST IMPORTANT thing to know is how to SWIM...so if you don’t know yet - take lessons or use a life vest for safety.

Researched and complied by Kate Vassey
If we’ve missed any - please le us know and well update our Resource Guide – vesta@sobic.net ~ THANK YOU

By Christy Gentry

Fairgoers can expect some great new features along with their all-time favorites at this year’s Sonoma County Fair, which runs July 25-August 12 (Closed Mondays). Withfree admission for kids on Fridays and seniors on Thursdays, plus Two Good to be True Tuesdays - $20 covers general admission and unlimited carnival rides - this event continues to provide affordable fun for all ages.

By Meda Freeman
Sonoma County Regional Parks

Think you know the Russian River? If you’re a local, you probably have a favorite bend in the river you return to every summer. But do you realize the river stretches 100 miles from Mendocino County to the Sonoma Coast? That’s a lot of shoreline to explore, so make it a point this summer to see a part of the river new to you.