Healdsburg

Editor's Pick

Stay in Eco Luxury at H2hotel in Healdsburg

Headed to Sonoma County for a romantic getaway?

Headed to Sonoma County for a romantic getaway? Color me jealous. This beautiful part of Northern California features everything from oceans to redwoods to vineyards and apple orchards. When you've exhausted yourself with a day of wine tastings, head to Healdsburg to stay in the recently opened eco-chic h2hotel. Each studio room at this new boutique hotel features private patios or balconies that overlook beautifully landscaped courtyards and the incredible natural scenery. You can relax on a sofa in your studio, or cuddle on your bed's organic Coyuchi linens. Bathrooms feature Japanese-inspired plunge tubs, signature all-natural bath products, and organic towels. Of course, if you don't want to get away from it all, you can plug into the outside world via a high-speed Internet connection, your flat screen TV, an iPod dock, or with some borrowed DVDs from the hotel's library.

The hotel's got some serious eco cred, built to LEED Gold green building certification. While many of the environmental features are built into the hotel's structure, you can also see it in the decor, which uses thoughtful materials such as reclaimed wood and fun touches, including in-room carafes made from recycled wine bottles. More eco features are also seen in the green roof and rooftop solar panels, which heat the pool and the water in your shower. Curious about all of the other cool environmental features? Find out all you want to know here.

Take a full tour, including images from the hotel's lounge areas, rooms, and restaurant.

Wine

A Tour of One of California's Oldest Wineries

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to head up to Healdsburg to check out Simi Winery.
A Picture Tour of Simi Winery in Healdsburg

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to head up to Healdsburg to check out Simi Winery. Founded in 1876, Simi is one of the state's oldest wineries and was one of only four to continue production during Prohibition. Although it was established by two Italian brothers, beginning in 1904, a female, Isabelle Simi, the daughter of one of the brothers, took control of the winery.

She is credited with starting the first tasting room in Sonoma County and continued working at the winery until she retired at age 99. Getting a tour of the winery is a fascinating lesson in local history. Here's an inside look at Simi.