Healdsburg may draw throngs of visitors with its verdant fields of vino, but there's much more to it than booze. Here are five things to do in the little Sonoma County gem that will leave you feeling footloose sans alcohol.
This six-acre organic flower farm will have you seeing fifty shades of coral—a boon for this year's blushing brides. With over 2,000 garden rose bushes, you're sure to find a color scheme to your liking. Release your creative spirt in a floral arranging class or, for those of us lacking a green thumb, make friends with the resident chickens and ducks tiptoeing through the tulips. 425 Westside Road, Healdsburg
Whether you are looking for town-to-town cycling tours or you're a beginner who doesn’t know the difference between Spandex and Spanx, Wine Country Bikes will have you spinning on back country roads in no time. The company offers guided or solo bike treks from 15 to 20 miles up to two- and three-night country escapes. Pro tip: The scenic bike tour through Dry Creek Valley ends with a gourmet picnic lunch at Quivira Winery. It's dreamy. 61 Front Street, Healdsburg
Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar
After pedaling off some calories, head on over to Noble Folk on the town square for some humble pie. The Healdsburg, 20-something owners Ozzy Jimenezand Christian Sullberg don’t serve up your typical pie or ice cream—think blood orange buttermilk pie and malted pecan pie or lemon and lavender ice cream. The scoops are massive and coma-indusing, so do yourself a favor and go for one first. 116 Matheson Street, Healdsburg
Tucked in the rolling hillsides between Geyserville and Healdsburg, Trattore Farms is home to olive trees, orchards, vineyards, and tractors—or trattores, as they're called in Italian. Owner Tim Bucher is a collector of tractors (among other things), which is why an old red one graces his wine labels. The property will open to the public in July offering “Get Your Boots Dirty” tours of Trattore Farms, Dry Creek Olive Company and Trattore Estate Wines, as well as cooking classes and tasting experiences in the scenic Dry Creek Valley location. If you aren’t into walking, hop aboard the farm’s mule—a gas-powered Kawasaki mule, not the four-legged animal. Current tasting room: 4791 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg (call for new address opening this summer)
Does life get any better than being led around a charming little town in Sonoma County while stopping to eat, drink, and yes, smell the roses along the way? The husband and wife team of Wine Country Walking tours makes stops at local haunts like Mateo’s Cocina Latina for creamy guacamole filled tacones and strawberry aguas frescas, among other tidbits. A charming way to get acquainted with the town, it's perfect for girlfriend getaways, birthday celebrations, and bridal parties. 1083 Vine St., Suite 182, Healdsburg
Off the wagon? Check out our full guide to Healdsburg—wine included—here.
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