What are Healdsburg's 'Destination' Spots?

Christian Kallen May 7, 2012 at 07:27 pm

Nicely done, Keri. Good selection of places that we like to show off to visitors!

Emily Heaton May 8, 2012 at 05:07 pm

My husband and I rarely take visitors to Healdsburg Veterans' Memorial Beach but we do often take them to the river, either to the beach that's upriver from Badger Park or on a canoe trip. If a short hike is desired, we go to Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, Foothill Regional Park, or Riverfront Regional Park. We also like to take people out to Jenner. And of course, we always take visitors to the Plaza - that's a must do.

Keri Brenner (Editor) May 8, 2012 at 05:44 pm

@emily heaton: Great suggestions! Thanks!

Judi May 9, 2012 at 12:31 pm

To Emily,
Is there a map available to find these river front places, still new in town, Judi

joyce May 9, 2012 at 12:44 pm

We take visitors to Armstrong Woods.

Emily Heaton May 9, 2012 at 03:11 pm

Judi - I don't know of a map. But I can give directions. To get to Badger Park, take Matheson St east to a 3-way stop at Heron Dr and turn right. The park will be on your right. There is a trail that leads east from the southeast corner of the park and parallels the river. From the Badger Park parking lot, go left on the dirt track and walk toward the woodland. When you reach the woodland, you'll find a trail that heads off toward the left - take that. There are several paths down to the river along this trail. But you'll find the primary river access after you enter a big, open, grassy area (after passing by a neighborhood), ~1/3-1/2 mile from Badger Park. There's an obvious trail that goes through some woody vegetation and leads down to the beach.

cooper Conrad May 9, 2012 at 04:14 pm

@emily please note that that beach is not patrolled by lifeguards and please remember to curb your dogs and pack out your trash

Ginger Grant May 9, 2012 at 05:06 pm

If you can afford it, dinner at Madrona Manner is always interesting. That old mansion is full of glorious Healdsburg history. Just look out for the ghost on the third floor.

Keri Brenner (Editor) May 9, 2012 at 05:12 pm

Copying this great post from Tim Ray on the Healdsburg Patch Facebook page: "Barndiva! LOL Dang, I love that place. Downtown Bakery and Creamery is ridiculous, too. And if there is anything good happening at the Raven, especially if wine is being served, then ya just gotta go check it out, too."

Glenn Grigg May 9, 2012 at 05:39 pm

The views from the decks of Armida winery and Sbragia winery are spectacular! Madrona Manor is must do dining experience. In fact, you can't go wrong dining at any of Healdsburg's restaurants.

Carol Finwall May 10, 2012 at 01:28 am

Love the gardens at Ferrari Carrano, shopping at Garrett's in the gift area, checking out what's new and old at Shoffeit's, and getting coffee and eclairs at Costeaux.

Carol (Kiki) Noack May 12, 2012 at 12:19 am

We love to take people to the lookout at Lake Sonoma, to the gardens of Ferrari-Carano, to Armstrong Woods, and if there's an event happening at the Raven, we go there too. Plus, we take everyone on a stroll through the historic neighborhood.