A Great Boon
Our favorite weekend retreat is so original it actually used to have its own language, Bootling! Don't let that scare you off though - it's long since abandoned. Founded in 1862, Boonville is the most charming little town in vineyard-rich Anderson Valley, and it's just 115 miles north of San Francisco.
Every time we visit the area we discover something new. There's the honor system apple stand at the corner of Philo Apple Farm (where you can also stay over and sleep among the apple trees), the towering redwood groves at Hendy Woods State Park, disc golf on the grounds of Anderson Valley Brewery, and many more simple yet thrilling outdoor-loving adventures. We've compiled a few of our favorites here:
Nosh on this:
Parisian parlor perfection in the heart of Anderson Valley
- The prix fixe changes daily and always delights at Table 128 at The Boonville Hotel
- Local hangout, local ingredients, local music at Lauren's
- Grab a beer at the Buckhorn Boonville pub and gaze out at the green hills and lush vineyards above Anderson Valley
- Indulge in sweet ice cream, French parlor style at Paysanne. Try our favorite and scoop up the cardamom ice cream
Soak in the sights:
- Stroll through the redwoods at Hendy Woods State Park
Play time:
Sample the seasonal brew at Anderson Valley Brewing Company
- Try your hand at Disc golf at Anderson Valley Brewery - check out the 18 hole Disc golf Course on the brewery grounds. Even better if you've just toured the brewery and sampled some of their Summer Solstice brew
Join Philo Apple Farm's Stay & Cook Weekends where they promise to send you home stimulated and inspired with a rejuvenated sense of what it means to live the good life.
Hit the hay:
- The Boonville Hotel - we can't say enough about this creative and charming property. So far, we've stayed in the inspired "Side Room" and the above and beyond "Front Room" that impresses with its cozy fireplace and outdoor bathtub (that's right, ladies, not even Calgon could compete with this escape)
- Philo Apple Farm - our favorite cottage is the simple farm chic "Green room"
Bath lover's haven! Gaze at the blue sky from your private sanctuary.
Philo Apple Farm's Green Cottage
Dates to remember:
- In early spring (April or May), the annual Legendary Boonville Beer Festival is held at the fairgrounds, featuring beers from about 50 craft breweries.
- A Pinot Noir Festival is held in May.
- The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival is held every summer solstice weekend in June.
- Check out the annual Mendocino County Fair in September.