Excursions

There is a new way to explore Wine Country and it’s from a stylin’ Land Rover Defender SUV! Looking for a way to support their community after the 2018 fires, Sonoma locals founded The Bohemian Highway Travel Company (BHTC). While there is an actual “Bohemian Highway” (a scenic two-lane road stretching across ten miles of western Sonoma County) the name is more about a state of mind.

BHTC showcases Wine Country through a different lens, by highlighting “green viticulture” with private behind-the-scenes tours and tastings. Because Wine Country is so much more than just vino, tours also include beer, cider and food.

Arrive Marin is busy clearing our calendar because we want to take every tour that BHTC offers. In addition to wine tasting, excursions include: a day with a local winemaker, a chef’s tour of Healdsburg and camping on the rugged Sonoma coastline. Yes, please! Plus, we love that BHTC supports its community by actively working to protect the environment and donating to local organizations.

SUVs can hold up to eight passengers. Wine tasting tours are $175 per person for six hours. Custom excursions are available upon request.

With a long weekend in front of us and perfect weather in the forecast, there’s nothing better than a staycation right here in Marin. We think picture-perfect Sausalito is the ideal place to spend a day. In typical Marin style, we’d like to offer up a work hard/play hard kind of itinerary. Ok, so the “work” we are referring to is a beautiful hike with breathtaking views of The Bay but hey, that’s our kind of day!

One Perfect Day in Sausalito

Hike: Morning Sun Trail to SCA Trail

This gorgeous trail is known for beautiful sunrise vistas, sweeping Pacific Ocean views that include the Golden Gate Bridge and Angel Island and wildflowers throughout.

The hike: about 4.8 miles round-trip, intermediate in difficulty
Getting there: Hwy 101, exit 443 at Spencer Avenue, the trailhead is on the right, 300 feet from the off-ramp
Parking: free on the service road or in Park & Ride lot

Indulge: Cavallo Point Spa

After that scenic hike (did we mention that it starts with 200 steps up to the trail?) you deserve a little relaxation. Head to our favorite Marin spa, Cavallo Point.

Arrive Marin favorites: Himalayan Salt Stone Massage & the Cavallo Signature Facial
Reservations: a must, book your appointment here
Nothing but time: bring the newspaper and lounge post-treatment by the heated outdoor meditation pool

Dine & Drink: Farley Bar, Cavallo Point

We can’t think of a better way to end this day than with a great meal and a holiday weekend cocktail (or two). We are crazy about the vibe on the outdoor deck at Farley Bar.

What to eat: small plates to share is our favorite way to go at this hotspot. We love Farley Bar’s comfort food such as the sake-braised short rib sliders, smoked trout deviled eggs and the roasted onion truffle dip with housemade potato chips.
What to drink: if there was ever the perfect time and place to sit and sip a bottle of champagne, this is it! Farley Bar is also known for some of the best artisanal cocktails such as the ginger snapper (whiskey, rosé wine & ginger liqeur) and the spicy paloma (jalapeño tequila, lime & grapefruit).
Insider tip: if that NorCal fog starts to roll in, ask for one of the hotel’s warm wool blankets to get cozy and stay awhile. Heck, book a room and stay all night at this fabulous hotel!

There are so many charming towns to stumble upon in heavenly Wine Country. And we look forward to giving you our “Best-Of” list for each and every one of them! Located in Sonoma County about 65 miles north of San Francisco, Healdsburg is centered on a 19th century plaza. Prized for its lovable small town allure while offering 5-star dining and proximity to over 100 world-class wineries, a visit to Healdsburg is a must.

Here is Arrive Marin’s Healdsburg Hit List:

WHERE TO STAY:
Hotel Healdsburg Set right on The Plaza and offering world-class dining, a gorgeous Spa and complimentary cruisers. Treat yourself to a Lavender Peppermint Restorative Massage!

Duchamp Hotel Just 2 blocks from The Plaza, this husband and wife run retreat is incredibly unique with just 6 private suites that surround a gorgeous 50-foot pool.

WHAT TO DO:
Wine Country Bikes: Guided or solo bike treks, there is really no better way to see the area and visit wineries. Choose from single-day or multi-day tours that hit all the highlights with insider knowledge.

Shed: Prioritize a stop at this 10,000 square foot contemporary space featuring farm-to-table dining, artisan pantry items & garden tools and culinary classes such as soba making and beekeeping.

For the fitness-enthusiasts we can’t recommend the Healdsburg Half Marathon enough. Coming up on October 27th, this race course is breathtaking as you pass through the Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys (and plenty of cows!).

WHAT TO EAT + DRINK:

SingleThread Farm A truly special dining experience that highlights not just the standard 4 seasons but rather 72 micro seasons of the year. San Francisco Magazine awarded 2017 Chef of the Year to owner Kyle Connaughton.

Barndiva Inventive cocktails and a creative menu in a big red barn make this a night to remember. We go crazy for the roast chicken with mushroom and egg yolk ravioli.

Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar Wine tasting is hard work so reward yourself! This inventive seasonal menu might include blood orange raspberry pie, japanese purple yam or strawberry sage ice cream.

Wineries: So many to choose from but our faves include Jordan (remarkable cabernet sauvignon blends),  Gustafson (a view you have to see to believe) & Michel-Schlumberger (incredible estate and grounds pictured above).