Don’t sit around with nothing to do this summer. Instead check out these five places in Sonoma County and have a summer worth remembering.
Russian River
In Sonoma County one thing we are known for is the Russian River, or as locals call it “the river.” The river is a great way to cool off in the hot sun. It’s 1,485 miles long; it starts in Mendocino County, travels through Sonoma County and ends between Jenner and Goat Rock Beach. You can have a picnic, swim, fish and canoe and it doesn’t cost a penny. The best things in life are definitely free when it comes to our river.
Kampgrounds of America (KOA)
Camping is an enjoyable activity to do over the summer. A great camp site is KOA, located in Cloverdale. It is a mixture of rugged and modern day camping where you can pitch a tent, bring an RV or stay in cabins.
You will be at one with nature as the sounds of crickets, bullfrogs, ducks and geese welcome you to the campground tucked on a ridge overlooking Alexander Valley wine appellation. Sites are nestled among 100-year-old oak trees and evergreens.
KOA offers a hillside pool and spa, nature trail, fishing pond, paddleboats and a playground. It’s a haven for bird watchers, grape lovers, cyclists and stargazers. You can book your stay at http://koa.com/campgrounds/cloverdale/.
Sonoma County Fair
If you want to play games, see animals, eat delicious food and go on some awesome rides, head down to Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa.
It runs July 24-Aug. 9, but is closed Mondays. General admission is $11 if you’re 13 and up, $5 for ages 7-12 and free for kids 6 years and under. A childhood in this county isn’t complete without an annual trip to the fair. It has a flower hall with a different theme every year, rides for all ages and games where you can win prizes from stuffed animals to goldfish. The fair food is amazing; there is an alley with authentic Mexican food, and corndogs and cotton candy are easy to find.
Fairgrounds Golf Course
Golf is an expensive sport, but play for a good deal at Fairgrounds Golf Course in Santa Rosa at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, right in the middle of the race track. Playing nine holes is $13 and 18 is $18. It’s a short course that is well maintained. It is rarely crowded during the week. There is a practice putting green and a chipping area with a couple of sand traps to practice getting out of. The facility has a nice covered driving range too. For a quick round you can’t beat the price.
Armstrong Woods
Surround yourself in hundreds of redwoods at Armstrong Woods located in Guerneville. You can hike on dozens of trails from 8 a.m. until an hour after sunset. One of these is the Discovery Trail, which offers Braille interpretive panels for the blind. You can also see attractions such as the oldest tree, named Colonel Armstrong, estimated to be 1,400 years old. At 310 feet, it’s the tallest tree in the park. There are benches where you can sit down and eat from your picnic basket while listening to the sounds of birds chirping and frogs croaking. With the trails you can go off on your own, using maps along the trails guide you. Guided tours are also available, in which a volunteer guide can show you through the woods.
