Healdsburg - December 2011
Thanks to Elizabeth and Vesta for inviting me to write about Healdsburg. I’ve been on board at the Chamber for 10 months and now that I hang out here everyday I can and this is quite a town. There’s something about a plaza that draws people to slow down, enjoy intimate walks, and feel like they’ve stepped back in time a bit to a slower pace. Now that I work there, I can tell you first-hand it’s true. There is an indescribable “It” factor of authenticity that is alive and well in Healdsburg.
I’ve chosen a few ways you can come over and spend some
quality holiday time with your family or just have some “me time”. This is a town for locals and visitors
alike. It’s just a short drive, but it feels like you’ve gone on a journey back
in time.
Layers of Coolness
Art, Food, Wine, Shopping, Spas,
People-Watching-In-The-Plaza. If
you bring a group of friends, you can take off in several different directions
for several interests and even leave a friend (or maybe your mom or dad or Aunt Betty) in the plaza
to relax with a nice cup of coffee.
When: Every
day.
The Plaza
I like to bring my lunch and sit on a bench and enjoy the
view. I also like to put my bike
on the back of my car to get around town. You can get a bike up here from
Richard at Spoke Folk or John at Wine Country Bikes.
When: Every day.
Art Country
22 Art galleries are within walking distance of the
Plaza. Most are open every day,
but pencil every Second Saturday. It’s free and you can feast your eyes in the
galleries that provide lovely food and wine. Bob Johnson coordinates the
galleries in town if you want to call and chat about art: 529-3755.
When: Saturday, Dec. 10, 5-8 p.m.
Victorian Inns Open House Tour
Wonderful free event with a rare chance to see these
historic homes in their holiday splendor. Cider and cookies available at the
inns. For more information call Lucy at the Camellia Inn at 433-8182.
When: Dec. 11,
2 – 4:30 p.m.
Kids holiday story reading
Hotel Healdsburg doesn’t just have luxurious rooms (but you
should come and see one!). This
5-star hotel that just celebrated its 10th anniversary is also a great
communitygathering place that welcomes everyone to beautifully created
events. Sit by the fireplace with
your little ones in the Hotel Healdsburg’s lobby for our annual kids holiday
story reading. Following the reading, hot cider and holiday cookies will be served.
Complimentary.
When: Dec. 17, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Make a delicious gingerbread house
Round up friends and family for an old fashioned holiday
night out with Donna at Relish Culinary Adventures. Each group of up to 5
people will decorate a large, delicious pre-built gingerbread house with tons
of frosting, oodles of candy and a dusting of powdered sugar “snow”, sure to
bring out the creative side in kids of all ages. The gingerbread houses, by a
fantastic bakery in San Francisco, are large, sturdy and delicious, and stay
fresh and tasty for at least a couple of weeks. Holiday music and hot chocolate
complete this family-friendly gathering. Each group will take its decorated
gingerbread house home to admire...and devour!
When: Dec. 22, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
A killer surf-flick on the plasma screen in a cozy
atmosphere at the Longboard Vineyards.
Chinese food and the movie on the house. Bring your holiday cheer. 433-3473.
When: Christmas
Day
Our visitor center is open every day so stop by or give us a
call at 433-6935. I look forward to sharing more community happenings and news
in the upcoming months.
Labels: COMMUNITIES
