Today we’re diving in to the first of my Healdsburg, California posts. When all is said and done, I’ll have 5 posts for you on everything from where to stay to how to experience wine country. Before I went out to Sonoma, I assumed that there was one town and many, many vineyards – I had no idea that there are dynamic and lively towns dotting the entire county’s landscape. And, while I may be biased based on my trip, Healdsburg is perhaps the most charming.
ONE NIGHT AT HAYDON STREET INN
On our last night in Healdsburg, we stayed at Haydon Street Inn, a bed and breakfast housed in an 1812 Queen Anne Victorian style home. You’ll see many Victorian homes while walking the neighborhoods of Healdsburg, but each one has its own character, its own color palette, and its own charm. Haydon Street Inn is fortunate to boast a front porch and large bay window that invite you to sit back and take in a cool, sunny California morning.
With 9 rooms between the main house and cottage, decor that strikes the right balance of antiques and comfort, and family photographs belonging to John and Keren, the owners, the vibe at Haydon Street Inn was exactly what I wanted to come back to after a day spent exploring Healdsburg. We checked in, took our bags up to the Victorian Room in the cottage, and then came back over to the main house to partake in the 5 PM happy hour. I’m certainly not one to turn down wine, homemade olive oil, and a delicious spread of cheese and nuts!
STAY JUST A STROLL AWAY FROM DOWNTOWN
After happy hour, we actually headed across town for dinner and drove since it would have been a bit of a walk, but had we not already had a reservation, we absolutely would have just strolled downtown to find a bite to eat. Haydon Street Inn is a short stroll from Headlsburg’s vibrant downtown.
Just down the street there are boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, bars, tasting rooms, and more. I could have spent days exploring all there is in Healdsburg – and that’s not even getting to the wine that’s just a short drive away!
WAKE UP TO A DELICIOUS BREAKFAST
We slept soundly in our quiet, dark room in the cottage, and the next morning woke up ready to take on our last day in Healdsburg. But, first we had to have breakfast made by one of the best. John, the owner, moved to California to open Haydon Street Inn after a career as the Executive Chef at Churchill Downs – so he knows his stuff.
The morning we spent at Haydon Street Inn, our 3 course breakfast began with a smoothie shooter and a berry scone. Then, we moved on to a fresh, juicy peach with what I believe was a drizzle of raspberry coulis. I would have been absolutely happy there, but there was one more delicious course waiting! Polenta waffles with a bananas foster topping and a side of homemade sausage. I was in breakfast heaven. Seriously, why aren’t 3 course breakfasts an everyday thing? (Well, I guess they are if you’re living the bed and breakfast life.)
A FEW NOTES BEFORE I GO
After breakfast, we packed up our things, left the charm and comfort of Haydon Street Inn behind, and ventured just a couple blocks away to a coffee shop to set up for a day of working before heading on to San Francisco.
But, had we had more time to enjoy at Haydon Street Inn, I would have stayed for a Friday night when they fire up the pizza oven out back, or perhaps spent an evening sipping wine on the front porch. Reasons to make a trip back out to Healdsburg, right?
Thank you to Haydon Street Inn for hosting me in Healdsburg! As always, thank you to all the brands and readers that make www.heatherbien.com possible!
