Hey guys, we're coming out to Northern California for a week at the end of August. We're scheduled for the brewery tour at Sierra the Tuesday after Labor Day. Had planned to stay overnight in Chico, but I'd really like to check out Bear Republic and Heraldsburg- and this might be the only day/ night available to do that. Any local BA's have an opinion on which town to settle in for the night? Thanks!
If you want to visit breweries go to Heraldsburg. If you want to check out bars and drink SN stay in Chico.
Healdsburg, not Heraldsburg. And you should absolutely do Healdsburg unless you are looking to hang out in college bars. There is not much to Chico. Healdsburg is one of my favorite cities in CA with amazing restaurants and wineries located smack dab in the middle of god's country.
I agree, there are plenty of fun options in Healdsburg; beer, food, wine, etc. Just keep in mind that they are about 150 miles apart.
Chico has SN and two pretty cool beer bars that have opened up in the last couple years, Handle Bar and Winchester Goose (Winchester is a bit "hipster" and pricey for Chico but has nice brews). Argus is another bar hat just opened that has some nice cocktails and 15 or so taps that are all real nice. Healdsburg is also about 3 hours away by car. It's a lovely place but I had to balance the distaste for Chico.
Yeah, since we are talking about driving and you aren't from around here, there are a couple of things to be aware of. *It will likely be hot, possibly as high as 100. Chico will be hot. Healdsburg will be nice. Driving through the valley in the afternoon will not be pleasant if your ride does not have AC. Dry CA heat, not humid East Coast heat, so it really isn't that bad. *This is the big one. You are going to be driving through some treacherous territory if you are not used to rural forestish mountainish driving. Google will tell you three hours, which is a good guess for a typical driver, but once you are out of Williams and start climbing the foothills on 20, 53 and 29.... There are some shitty parts of that drive. If someone in your entourage gets carsick, then they very likely will not have a pleasant time and that will slow you down even more. Also, that stretch of CA through Lake County sucks. Some pretty areas, but wasteland of elderly, poor and weekend/summer tourists who can't afford to go somewhere nicer. Have supplies and a full tank of gas when you leave Williams and get your ass to Healdsburg post haste. In Williams, you may want to stop at http://www.granzellas.com/ to get a nice taste of Central Valley agriculture. It is a huge farm stand, tons and tons of ag products. A bit touristy, but still worth a quick stop. Just don't eat at their diner, it sucks. Also, if passing through Williams around lunch time, keep an eye out for taquerias or taco trucks. This is serious Latino country and the Mexican food is killer. While in CA, you need to find cheap authentic Mexican food at least once or you are doing it wrong. Roberta's is popular as it is right off the freeway, but La Fortuna is better and is also a fantastic Mexican bakery. That is my usual stop up there. Look for places where brown diners outnumber the white ones.
Thanks for the advice guys. Looks like Healdsburg is a great option. Frankly, I'm not crazy about 3+ hours up and back when this is so close. Might bag Chico altogether and make a full day/ evening of it in Healdsburg. Lagunitas and Russian River are on the list. Any other recommendations (beer/ wine/ food/ otherwise) in and around Sonoma and Napa?
Fremont Diner outside of Sonoma is killer. Don't let the outside appearance fool you the food is amazing. It can get a bit crowded at times, however.
What do you like? There are so many options in this area. One piece of advice... You aren't here for long, you are already driving a lot... Stick to Sonoma County, don't bother with Napa, that helps narrow the scope of your inquiry. So, one thing. For more bang for your buck with wineries, just walk around Healdsburg, I think they have as many as 20 tasting rooms there now. My favorites there are Seghesio and Thumbprint but there are many great ones. Don't do La Crema even though it is a pretty well known label. I think that's wise. Even if you do this, skip Napa and focus on Sonoma.
I appreciate all the help. If anyone wants to meet up for a beer in SF/ Bay Area or Santa Rosa or Healdsburg, shoot me a personal message. Cheers!
I'd skip on Sierra Nevada and Chico. It's in the middle of no where, with nothing good around it other than Sierra Nevada. Bonus of going to Healdsburg, is Bear Republic (obviously), Russian River is but 20 minutes south of you. Laguintas is about 40 minutes south of you, and there are several other smaller breweries with in 30 minutes or so. It's BEAUTIFUL up around Healdsburg. Chico is ugly. Fremont Diner is ALWAYS packed. I live close and have never been there. There's a brewery right across the street called Carneros Brewing. Don't go there, it's horrible. If you have other specific questions, post them up!
Chico is not ugly. Absolutely great little town with a lot to offer. That said if I had to pick I'd probably suggest Healdsburg as well.
Just came back from spending a week at a cabin that I rented on the Russian River. Highly recommend the Healdsburg/Santa Rosa area.
