A number of people will likely be staying over the weekend between the GHRSST users symposium and the ST meeting. We will organize several activities for that weekend, check back later for these. For people who may be interested in arriving a little early or staying a little late, here are some activities:
Wine tasting: We will provide maps. Transportation is either by car or bicycle. Most tasting rooms are open from 11-4 PM. Our favorite wine tours are all within 10-15 minutes of the hotel. A map of the region is here. The wine tours follow:
The Russian River: Pick up a nice picnic at Traversos Italian Deli. Start tour at Joseph Swan, Gary Farrell, Davis Bynum, Rochioli, Belvedere. When you get hungry, buy a bottle, break out the picnic and eat at one of the wineries. I like the view at Rochioli. Map here.
Dry Creek: Call before you leave and make an appointment to visit Acorn Winery, Pick up lunch at Dry Creek Store, Dry Creek Vineyard, Passalaqua Winery, Bella or head back to Seghesio (bocce court!!!). Map of region here.
Alexander Valley: White Oak, Trentadue, Geyser Peak, Silver Oak. There is a bocce court around here somewhere also. Map of region here.
Soaring Redwoods! This is a wonderful redwood national park about 30 minutes from the hotel. Directions are here. Park description is here. Park just outside the entrance and walk the discovery trail (takes about 1 hour - flat trail). There are longer walk options or you can drive up to Bullfrog pond for a wonderful view to the coast.
Oysters, Brie, and the Ocean: This is a wonderful (long) daytrip. Drive through the countryside to Point Reyes. Along the way, stop and have a picnic at the Marin Cheese Co. French GHRSST people, please stop reading here to avoid upsetting news.... "The Marin Cheese Co. achieved a pinnacle of success by beating the French in the “World Cheese Awards” Competition in Excel, London 2005!" Continue on to Point Reyes National Park. There are several hikes. My favorite has huge tule elk all around you on the trail and is described here. After your hike, having worked up an appetite, drive to Point Reyes Station cafe for fresh oysters (from Point Reyes Bay!).
Mountain/Road Bicycling: Only a couple miles from the hotel is Annadel State Park, a mecca for mountain bikers. With over 35 miles of trails (and unknown miles of single-track), this is a fun park to mountain bike in. See this site for more info. Sonoma County is also great for road biking. From the hotel, you can take a bicycle path out to remote country roads that lead to the ocean. Several rides are given here. If you're lucky, perhaps you will see Levi Leipheimer training! For either mountain or road bikes, you can bring your bike, rent a bike near the hotel, or bring your petals and talk to Chelle about a loaner.
(Last Updated: 04-11-2008)