Local Information
- Old Downtown Windsor - www.olddowntownwindsor.org
- Town of Windsor California - www.ci.windsor.ca.us/index.html
- Windsor Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Guide - www.windsorchamber.com
- Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce - www.santarosachamber.com
- Current Weather Conditions - North Bay Weather
SONOMA COUNTY - LINKS of INTEREST
- Sonoma County - www.sonomacounty.com
- Sonoma County Office of Education Directory of Schools - www.scoe.org
- Arts Council of Sonoma County - www.sonomaarts.com
- Sonoma Valley Visitor Bureau Free Visitors Guide - www.sonomavalley.com
- Lodging, Dining Wineries, Shopping & More! - www.sonomavalleyvisitors.com
- Online guide to Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine Country - www.justwinecountry.com
County / Community Guide
Blessed with some of the finest real estate in the world, Sonoma County has a population of over 450,000 and 1604 square miles with 62 miles of coastal shoreline and offers a vast variety of landscapes. From the rugged Pacific Coast and idyllic coastal towns such as Bodega Bay, Jenner and The Sea Ranch through the towering majestic redwoods of the Russian River in towns like Occidental and Guerneville, and across the fertile plains and valleys of farmland and vineyards from Petaluma and Healdsburg to Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County is a unique and extraordinarily beautiful area.
Some of the world’s most superb wines are produced throughout Sonoma County in the Northern California Wine Country north of San Francisco, including world-renowned appellations from Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Chalk Hill, Grass Valley, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Mountain and Carneros. Having recently surpassed its neighbor, Napa Valley in Napa County, California, Sonoma County is now the largest wine producing region in the world in both quantity and revenue. In addition, local dairy and egg ranchers and boutique farmers of organically grown fruits and vegetables supply some of the finest local and Bay Area restaurants. All of this in a climate where the temperature rarely goes to extremes.
Award-winning schools at all levels including Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University, major shopping malls and small country stores, and a wealth of entertainment facilities and outdoor recreational areas including Spring Lake, Annadel State Park, Jack London State Park, Salt Point State Park and Armstrong Redwood State Reserve, enhance the lifestyle of residents and tourists alike. Privately owned recreational attractions such as Safari West, the Petrified Forest, Train Town, Morton’s Sonoma Springs Resort and Infineon Raceway along with hundreds of wine touring and tasting facilities offer rich and diverse opportunities when exploring Sonoma County.
Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is a town only one hour north of San Francisco on Coast Highway One, located on Bodega Harbor, an inlet of Bodega Bay on the Pacific coast. A town surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sonoma Coast with picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and Bodega Bay. It was discovered in 1775 by the Spanish explorer Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, after whom it is named. The Bay was the site of a Russian fur trading post established in 1811 and was an active harbor until the 1870s. Most notably, the Alfred Hitchcock-directed film, The Birds, was filmed in Bodega Bay. The town markets itself with the film in many ways, including its Birds-themed Visitors' Center. All land north of Bodega Bay lies a long coastal exposure of alternating rock outcrops and sandy beaches which is known as Sonoma Coast State Beach. Come enjoy the beauty and challenge of a true Scottish links-style golf course, beach access, romantic hideaway or a family excursion. Bodega Bay has something for everyone. and more!
Cloverdale
The northernmost town along the Highway 101 corridor, Cloverdale lies nestled among rolling hills, open fields and vineyards at the top of Alexander Valley — a well-respected wine growing region in Sonoma County. One of the fastest growing towns in the county, Cloverdale is home to several newer retirement communities, a 70-acre regional park with Russian River frontage and offers easy access to Lake Sonoma.
Cotati
Small, unique and historic, Cotati, part of Mariano Vallejo’s original land grant, is in close proximity to Sonoma State University and delights in its annual Jazz and Accordion Festivals each year. Cotati’s downtown plaza, recognized as one of two hexagonal city designs in the United States, has been designated a California Historical Landmark. La Plaza Park in the heart of downtown is a focal point for civic events and year-round gatherings. A rustic-style town, Cotati has a wide variety of restaurants, a wealth of recreational venues and quaint older neighborhoods.
Guernville
Downtown Guerneville is located along the Russian River in Sonoma County wine country. It is 1.5 miles from Korbel Champagne Cellars and nestled in the Russian River Wine Country with easy access to numerous local wineries. Guerneville and Monte Rio have great massage, spa treatments, resorts, cottages, cabins and hotels, you name it in a resort setting. Come visit Guerneville anytime and have fun during Jazz & Blues Festival, Women's Weekend, Lazy Bear, and Vineman. Come out and treat yourself to a weekend or weekday getaway!
Healdsburg
Centered around a traditional Spanish-style plaza, Healdsburg is the economic heart of northern Sonoma County. Beautiful 19th Century architecture surrounds the square where a vibrant and diverse community of upscale hotels, shops and restaurants attracts the well-educated locals and well-heeled tourists. Healdsburg’s charm and close proximity to the Dry Creek and Alexander Valley’s have made it a top Wine Country destination. Older, quiet neighborhoods surround the plaza, while newer contemporary homes command beautiful hillsides and rural ranches and vineyard estates occupy the valley floor.
Petaluma
One of California’s oldest cities, Petaluma is best known for its historic preserved downtown which showcases Victorian homes and commercial iron-front buildings. Located in the south of Sonoma County along the Petaluma River, Petaluma’s economy is based upon thriving telecommunications, agriculture and tourism industries. The Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park located just outside of town was General Mariano Vallejo’s 19th Century headquarters for his agricultural empire. Petaluma offers a wide array of housing options including the many restored Victorians, charming bungalows and new custom homes in amenity oriented subdivisions.
Rohnert Park
Located in Sonoma County's southerncentral plain with 42,550 residents, Rohnert Park is the county's third largest city. Thoughtfully designed for families, it is one of the first planned communities in the United States. Bikeways and walkways connect its tree-lined boulevards and attractive neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is designed around a park and elementary school. The city itself is surrounded by farms and grazing land where nationally sought after organic and boutique vegetables, fruits and cheeses are grown and produced.
Sebastopol
Sebastopol is located 55 miles north of San Francisco in beautiful Sonoma County, California. Serving as the hub of Western Sonoma County Wine Country, Sebastopol is surrounded by majestic rolling hills in the diverse landscape of a rich agricultural heritage. Gateway to the breathtaking Sonoma Coastline and Russian River Redwood Corridor, Sebastopol is bordered on the East by the Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Preserve. Sebastopol offers the charm of a small town community with the cultural and recreational activities of big city sophistication
Sonoma
The City of Sonoma, known for its downtown plaza, historic buildings, excellent weather and fine wines figured prominently in early California history. Sonoma is home to the northernmost California mission, San Francisco de Solano Mission and was the site of the Bear Flag Rebellion and declaration of California’s independence from Mexico. The Sonoma Valley and nearby Valley of the Moon produce some of California’s and world’s finest varietals. Residences vary from immaculately maintained Victorians to craftsman-style California bungalows to contemporary custom homes in small subdivisions.
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, the largest city in Sonoma County and the county seat, is centered in the Sonoma County Wine Country. Named one of the nation’s Most Livable Communities, Santa Rosa maintains a small town feel while having a population of over 150,000. Located 55 miles north of San Francisco and 30 miles east of the Pacific Coast, Santa Rosa serves as the dominate center of trade, government, commerce and medical facilities for Northern California. Named by Forbes magazine as the Number Two place in the United States in which to do business, Santa Rosa has experienced impressive job growth over the past five years. Surrounding Santa Rosa is one of the most important wine regions in the world, with close to 200 wineries in the area, and seven located in Santa Rosa. First class hotels and restaurants, museums and shops offer many opportunities for tourists and residents alike. The City of Santa Rosa is home to fine schools and educational facilities including the well-respected Santa Rosa Junior College, a two year liberal arts community college recognized as one of the Top Ten Junior Colleges in the country. Wells Fargo Center for the Performing Arts, the Charles M. Schulz Museum, Research Center and Ice Arena and the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, Santa Rosa is blessed with wonderful and accessible city parks such as Spring Lake, Howarth Park and the popular downtown Courthouse Square.
Windsor
Windsor's Old Downtown dates from the 1870's, and the advent of the San Francisco and North Pacific Coast Railroad. With a major rail line, hotels, shops and homes, it was the turn-of-the-century center of busy life, and the shipping point for a vast amount of locally grown produce and grain, including fruits, grapes, hay and corn. Today, the Town of Windsor, in partnership with private developers, is revitalizing this downtown core. The Downtown Plan set the stage for pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development that reflects Windsor's commitment to a quality life. The Town has approved over 100,000 square feet of mixed-use development in the Old Downtown that incorporates two-and three-story town homes with first-floor commercial space. Completed projects include the re-creation of original historic downtown buildings from the 1800s in a pedestrian-scale development. The four-and-one-half acre Town Green in the heart of Old Downtown boasts a bandstand, fountain, pools, historical time-line walk, children's play area and a stand of native blue and valley oaks over 200 years old.
Each year, thousands of people come to the popular, free outdoor concerts and moonlight movies, and to shop and dine in the many boutiques, restaurants and cafes that line the Town Green and nearby Old Downtown streets.
There's no resisting the spectacular bounty of the Windsor Farmers Market vendors, as they proudly display tables overflowing with produce picked fresh that day, fully ripe fruits, vegetables and specialty home-grown items free from genetic altering, waxing or gassing. The Windsor Certified Farmers Market, Inc. is its own entity that is supported by the Town of Windsor with a use permit and town funding for special events. The market is an incorporated not-for-profit business. Their Board of Directors set all the guidelines, rules and regulations of the market.
Come see for yourself what Windsor's Old Downtown has to offer! Opportunities to live, work and enjoy the comfortable, friendly life for which Windsor is known. Visit the restaurants, retail and service businesses in Old Downtown Windsor