B&B Healdsburg: Here's Why the Camellia Inn Might Just Be The Best!

B&B Healdsburg
If you are planning to visit Sonoma County in California, then you should consider Camellia Inn as your best B&B Healdsburg stop. Sonoma County has a lot to offer tourists and visitors alike. It would therefore be prudent and strategic to get accommodation in an area that is close to some of the best tourist attractions the county has to offer.

B&B Healdsburg – What We Have To Offer

Camellia Inn is basically a bed and breakfast that is set in Healdsburg’s quiet charm. The inn features nine rooms beautifully furnished to make a visitor’s stay welcoming and comfortable. You will fall in love with our first-class mattresses and eclectic blend of antique furniture. If you happen to be travelling as a group, you are assured of comfortable accommodation. Camellia Inn provides five cottages ad off-site apartments suitable for small families or traveling couples.
It is not left behind when it comes to technology. The inn was the first Healdsburg B&B to offer guests iPads. This means you can work or enjoy internet should you have forgotten your laptop or tablet when you were packing. Long established ties with the locals allow the staff to arrange for you special experiences and private-by-appointemnt wine tasting. The location of Camellia Inn is close to the Healdsburg town plaza. This is the home of chic shops, art galleries, antique stores, wine hospitality rooms and Zagat rated restaurants. Additionally, there are free concerts and events every season.

Other activities in the area

There are some activities you can enjoy in Sonoma County when on your stay and these include:

  • Armstrong redwoods state reserve – the majestic, serene beauty of this grove is a constant remainder of the primeval magnificent redwood forest that covered the majority of the area before logging operations started in the 19th century.
  • Burke’s Russian river kayaks and canoe trips – you can canoe down the famous Russian River by using Burke’s canoe trips
  • Relish culinary adventures

Camellia Inn is situated strategically to offer you the best of Sonoma County. Apart from wine tasting and visiting popular attractions, you can sit back and unwind in the comfort of your room. Alternatively, you can also go for camping and hiking in the surrounding areas. There are lots of activities to choose from when staying with us. If you are looking for the best lodging then contact us for accommodation like no other in Sonoma County.
 

Healdsburg Bed and Breakfast at the Camellia Inn

Situated spectacularly, between Fitch Mountain to its east, and lovely low mountains to its west, Healdsburg is less than 70 miles from San Francisco, yet you’d be forgiven for feeling as though you’d landed in another world, when visiting. A historically beautiful environment, with both a strong architectural heritage, and an agricultural one, Healdsburg is surrounded by serene and stunning landscapes as bountiful as the Garden of Eden. For this is Sonoma County, home to three important wine-producing areas.

The History of Healdsburg

Healdsburg
Healdsburg’s cultural heritage, which began in 1857 is entwined with its earliest inhabitants, the Pomo people, yet it has always evolved with the times, making it a unique blend of what’s best both contemporarily and historically. The Camellia Inn is a perfect example of that, reflecting beautifully how history and modernity can provide the best hospitality experience to its guests.
The Lewand family have been welcoming guests to the Camellia Inn bed and breakfast continuously since 1981, but it was first built as a home in 1871 for a real estate magnate. Lucy Lewand and her Scottish partner, Archie, have successfully combined modern practices to their business, so that, whilst retaining the building’s charm and hospitality, the Camellia Inn feels just like a traditional country home. Situated in lovely grounds and gardens, the inn’s nine rooms are individually dressed in period furnishings, but guests will also find iPlayers for their convenience.

Accomodation at the Camellia Inn in Healdsburg

That homely atmosphere is enhanced by the sumptuous smell of home baking that greets guests when they arrive at the Camellia Inn’s main house. The owners also offer self catering accommodation off site consisting of five apartments and cottages, for larger parties and families.
Evening meals are not regularly provided at the Camellia Inn but they do have some special events, such as their annual Robert Burns dinners, special chocolate Wednesdays, and they host several musical events. For example, they are hosting a Celtic Concert in November with master guitarist Archie Fisher, former host of the BBC’s “Travelling Folk”.
Exploring Sonoma County’s wonderful countryside, will certainly give you an appetite and within walking distance of the Camellia Inn, you should be able to find almost any food you desire in Healdsburg. Whether you choose to eat seafood at Willi’s; Italian food at Campo Fina; Mexican cuisine at the Agave; or burgers and hot dogs at Alloto’s; your appetite will be more than satisfied locally in Healdsburg. Contact us and enjoy a wonderful and memorable experience.

Camellia Inn – The Perfect Lodging in Healdsburg

Camellia Inn at the heart of Healdsburg Sonoma County is the perfect getaway. Sonoma is prominent for tourism activities like hiking, biking, wineries, and microbreweries among other entertaining activities. Moreover, the inn offers the feeling of charm abundant in Healdsburg.

Camellia Inn Packages & Rooms

Camellia Inn
Camellia offers comfort and great ambiance, the rooms are fire lit, spacious and private. Check out the charm of the Victorian décor in the budget, queen, queen deluxe, king deluxe and the suite rooms, the verdict? Mesmerizing!
They offer excellent packages tailored to your needs including health and wellness, wine tasting, and a Camellia Inn feast of the senses. The packages include;-

  • Camellia Inn dulge – celebrating Sonoma wine country with a two-night stay or more, couples 90” massages, dinner at an exclusive Healdsburg restaurant, private wine tasting, spend 4 hours a day with a Chauffeur, and daily breakfast among others;
  • Wine county date – with a two-night stay or more, wine tasting, a bottle of wine upon arrival, dinner and an exclusive select restaurant, concierge service, daily full breakfast, and couples 60” massages;
  • Work out Fitness – with a two-night stay or more, bike rental, passes at the park point health club, soothing bath salts, couples 90” deep tissue massages, concierge service, and daily full breakfast.

Each package offers couple massages suitably booked 2 weeks prior, so come with your spouse or girlfriend and invigorate your love life!

Food & Drinks

The food wine and cheeses are top notch. Camellia Inn the Healdsburg finest makes your evenings memorable, no disappointments whatsoever!

Attractions

The location of the lodge is nearby historic Healdsburg Plaza, highly rated restaurants, shops, art galleries wineries and breweries. The local parks, Alexander Valley, the dry creek valley, and the Russian River Valley are great places for winery tours as well as hiking and biking.

Additional amenities

Ever heard Ipads in a lodging, i guess not! Camellia Inn is the only place that offers Ipads in every room to make your personal experience special.

Conclusion

There is no better lodging experience apart from the owner herself. Lucy the ever charming owner and her staff are articulate, friendly and experienced. In addition, they are always at hand to give you guidance on any entertainment spots and wine tasting events.  You can be sure to maximize your time in Healdsburg Sonoma with fun and adventure. Contact us for bookings.
 

Sip, Eat and Relax at the Camellia Inn in Sonoma Valley

Sonoma Valley is a destination spot for wine lovers and vacationers alike. Nestled in northern California amongst the rolling hills and vineyards is historic and picture-perfect Healdsburg. Healdsburg hotels and B&Bs are hip and gracious and provide a convenient starting point for wine country. One of the most charming B&Bs serving Healdsburg visitors since 1969 is the Camellia Inn.

Amenities at Camellia Inn

Camellia Inn
The Camellia Inn has 9 rooms blending a vintage charm with luxurious accommodations- think first class mattresses meets antique furnishings. There are also five apartments and cottages located off-site that can accommodate families and larger groups. The different rooms offer a variety of options such as whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, private sitting rooms and different bed sizes. There are also in-room ipads, eco-friendly 600 thread count linens and chocolate provided.
You’re encouraged to venture out of your room and enjoy the charm of the outdoors. The grounds around the inn are covered in more than 50 varieties of its horticultural namesake. The Camellia Inn also offers wine and cheese tastings in the evenings either inside the parlor or out by the villa-style swimming pool, weather permitting. There is also breakfast served every morning, which is a seasonal selection of egg dishes and fruits from the local farmer’s market as well as standard items like coffee and juice, granola, bread and yogurt. Don’t be shy to ask for the recipe to any of the dishes you love!
The Camellia Inn also has a spa on-site, and you are able to add in room-massages to your stay. They also offer a variety of packages tailored to different experiences like babymoons, break ups and chocolate lovers!
The Inn takes the environment very seriously. You will find solar powered heaters for the water and pool. The linens are recyclable and liquid soap is used in the bathroom. The inn also recycles and composts. Healdsburg is lucky to have a rich natural environment and the inn is committed to preserving that.

Nearby attractions

While you could easily spend your entire stay relaxing at the B&B, the Camellia Inn is conveniently adjacent to some of the wonderful activities that Healdsburg offers. Unlike other Healdsburg hotels, because it has been operating for more than 30 years, the inn has many local ties and can arrange many private tastings or special outings with nearby wineries. The inn is conveniently located to historic Healdsburg Plaza where you will find local taverns, the Bear Republic Brew-pub, Zagat-rated restaurants and many shops including antiques, art galleries and wine hospitality rooms. If you’re a history buff, you can also check out the Healdsburg Museum which is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While the museum is primarily dedicated to the history of the town and environment, it houses offbeat exhibits such as 2013 “Twisted History” exhibit which looked at weird customs, people and events in the town’s past.
Camellia Inn is surrounded by Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley and Russian River Valley. All three are renowned wine growing areas which means plenty of access to top wineries and tours. There are also opportunities for cycling (sip and cycle wine tours are a must), hiking and just enjoying the outdoors whether it be at wineries or at some of the local parks. You will also find The Ferrari-Carano Winery and Gardens offering 5 acres of dazzling gardens with over 10,000 tulips! Neighboring Napa Valley, the Pacific Ocean, Armstrong Redwoods and more are also easy day trips from the inn.
Healdsburg, noted by CNN Travel as one of the nation’s six “most romantic small towns”, is an ideal getaway for couples, friends and families. Take advantage of the town and its surrounding areas with a first class stay at the Camellia Inn, one of the area’s most prestigious bed and breakfasts.

Unearthing The Beauty Of Healdsburg’s Bed and Breakfast Spots

Nestled in the picturesque county of Sonoma in California, Healdsburg is a nostalgic and whimsical little town laden with endless possibilities for the locals and the frequent visitors as well. This small town is highly revered for its small town charm and endless possibilities for the adventurous people at heart. Healdsburg offers a home away from home for the thousands of tourists who throng the area. The town is an incubator for the coziest bed and breakfast joints that provide a broad range of services to the guests.
Most people opt for a bed and breakfast Healdsburg due to its eclectic presentation of all the finest things that wining and dining can give. The little town is the ultimate utopia for any traveler looking to experience the down to earth feel of a communal environment. From the diverse antiques to just the precise dose of modernism, the bed and breakfast spots in Healdsburg allow you to connect to real time history.
When selecting bed and breakfast Healdsburg, go for a location that will enable you to experience the beauty of the town in its entirety. There are numerous options to pick from, and you are guaranteed to be spoiled for choice when it comes to this place. Your ultimate goal is being able to spend your time in a cozy bed and breakfast Healdsburg while also enjoying a breathtaking landscape and the beauty that the town has to offer.

Tips For Selecting A Healdsburg Bed and Breakfast

Healdsburg’s Bed and Breakfast-
This little slice of heaven has recently experienced a renaissance in bed and breakfast spots. The town is usually frequented by romantics and families looking for the ideal location to unwind. Picking out the best bed and breakfast Healdsburg means that you are going to be able to step out of your room and look right across to the hills and valleys that surround the area. A bed and breakfast should ideally aim to give you better value, personalized attention and ultimate value for your money.

Wine Valleys

Going to Healdsburg without planning to have a taste of the wining culture-literally- beats the point of your whole visit there. The town is a rich and ancient wine producing region. It is located at the center of three major wine producing area; Dry Creek, Russian River, and the Alexander Valley. You essentially want a bed and breakfast Healdsburg that will enable you to partake-literally- in this relaxing past time without limits.
A bed and breakfast Healdsburg that is right at the core of the lush vineyards is the way to go. You can get to learn all about wines and also get to sample the exquisite and full body wines straight from these regions. Pick a bed and breakfast that is located near the cycling trails that allow you to sip some wine while riding your bike down the trails.

Foodie Joint

It is not a secret that everyone who visits Healdsburg is in search for the thrill that good food can offer. Since you are putting your foodie status to test, ensure that you select a bed and breakfast Healdsburg that gives you the best home cooked food available. The town is popularly revered for its farm to table movement which manifests in the most mouthwatering dishes that sate your palate to the fullest.
Walk from the bed and breakfast to the Healdsburg streets that are bedecked by a variety of restaurants and five-star hotels. Also, go for a bed and breakfast Healdsburg that is in proximity to the magnificent restaurants and artisan bakeries that sample some of the best pastries.

Recreational Activities

The adventure enthusiasts are also catered to by the town of Healdsburg. The possibilities are endless, but you have to be wise to go for a bed and breakfast Healdsburg that is near one of these spots. There are numerous hiking, cycling, row boats and even hot air balloon facilities that let you get to the most intimate places in the town. Don’t miss out on this by selecting a bed and breakfast that is not strategically placed.
If you are the type that wants to stay in and only pop out for a swim or bask in the sun just in the comfort of your bed and breakfast Healdsburg, pick a place that centers on the archaic feel with a touch of modern amenities. Think inbuilt fireplaces, impeccable swimming and spa facilities among other things.
This vintage charm of Healdsburg continues to appeal to the masses looking for the ultimate paradise. Do not let your bed and breakfast location and rules limit you to experiencing the beauty of this place firsthand. You have so much to choose from; go for the best bed and breakfast Healdsburg has to offer.

Looking for Hotels in Healdburg? Try a B&B Healdsburg CA!

Of course we are a bit partial to the Camellia Inn, our favorite B&B Healdsburg CA! No matter though, no matter where you stay, there is so much to do.
If you are a food and wine enthusiast, there would certainly be no better way to place Healdsburg than describe it as a top foodie destination. B and B’s in Healdsburg like The Camellia Inn all tantalize with great aromas and a wide variety of dishes in ways unimaginable. This town that is highly incomparable with all others in California is a home to a host of electric boutiques, historical getaways, a picturesque plaza square, and what’s more; an incredible mix of wines like no other. These among others are some of the key reasons why booking a B&B in Healdsburg CA is a must do.
In Healdsburg you will find not less than nineteen tasting rooms, where you can tease your taste buds with all varieties the town can possibly offer. Every spot has its unique flavor and character, making it hard for you to exhaust the whole lot of it in a day. Take advantage of great B&B Healdsburg CA accommodations like the Camellia Inn and spend a few nights to have a glimpse of what happens in places such as Banshee Tasting Room, Toad Hollow among others. In fact, wine walking tours might be a great treat for you. Here, local guides can teach you the art of pairing wine and food, explain appellation, talk about the latest trends of the area’s wine-making practices, and organize exclusive sampling in tasting rooms.

Leisurely Stroll in the Historic Plaza

One of the most fun ways to familiarize yourself with this charming town from the bustling sidewalks is by taking a stroll in the 19th-century plaza; the epicenter of Northern California wine county. It is a stunning grassy square, adorned with tall shady trees such as palms and redwoods. Look for a B&B that can give you easy access to the plaza. Here, there are many retail businesses including world-class boutiques, bookstores, fashionable galleries, wine-tasting rooms among others. During summer, you can be sure to catch live music concerts and other performances. However, no matter what time of year you get here, there is always something going on. Whether you are hoping to revamp your wardrobe, get a perfect souvenir, or simply unwind, you can brace yourself for an incredible experience in the plaza.

The Dry Creek Valley Tour

We encourage you to take in the magnificent scenery of the Dry Creek Valley, as you enjoy the intimate experience offered by Sonoma County. Founded in 1972, Dry Creek has more than 185 acres of vineyard and is simply a haven of special treats in all seasons. Currently, the winery produces a large variety of wines including Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, among. From the food and wine inspired festivals, especially in November to special winemaker dinners, there is so much to enjoy in the Valley. Bike rentals are available, meaning you can consider a casual 15-20 mile ride through the valley, as you explore different wine appellations and gourmet food pairing.

Explore the Museum

Built in 1910, the museum is home to the history of the Sonoma County. While there are many B&B’s in Healdsburg CA, make sure you consider one of the most well known… the Camellia Inn! You will not only enjoy a great cuisine but also explore places such as the museum which you can access at zero fee. In fact, it is a great spot for understanding the culture of Sonoma and its wines.

Canoeing and Kayaking at the Russian River

If you love adventure, enjoy the beauty of casual paddling. The Russian River offers a great section for picnicking, swimming and fishing. During summer, the river tends to be a low flow sandbar, with a knee to waist average depth making it the best season for inexperienced canoers. The upper river has a consistent flow, and here you not only enjoy your kayaking activity, but also have a great view of wild animals including egrets, herons, and various waterfowl. For swimmers, this is one of the greatest and most comfortable places to enjoy your afternoon. The river has shallow riffles, occasional sandbars, and deep pools.

Camellia Inn Owner Lucy Lewand is Multi-Talented

Lucy-Lewand-The-ColonelCall Her Colonel
Did you know that Lucy Lewand is a Colonel? Some years back, Lucy completed the course in Auctioneering and Auction Sales Management from the Missouri Auction School, the world’s largest auction training center. She received her diploma and the honorary title of Colonel at that time. Since then, Lucy has made it her personal mission to raise one million dollars for local non-profits – and, she is a third of the way there! Groups that have benefitted from her charming live auction skills include: Catwalk for the Cure, Chefs of Tomorrow, Sonoma County Task Force for the Homeless and other great causes.
Lucy and Archie owned an auction house in Healdsburg for many years, and the Inn holds lovely pieces of furniture and artwork from then (the tall, antique tiger-eye maple bed from Scotland in the Royalty Room is just one of the beautiful conversation pieces).
Raise your bidding paddle in salute to “Colonel” Lucy!

Lucy and Zach

Lucy and Zach


Dancing Queen
Besides being an Inn-keeper extraordinaire for over 35 years and a popular auctioneer, one of Lucy’s other loves is dancing. Not even a knee surgery in 2016 could keep her away from the dance floor for long. You can find her at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Santa Rosa, CA on most Thursday evenings. She has even encouraged her dad, Ray, to join her in “tripping the light fantastic” there. Exercise, spangles and great music – what’s not to like?
In 2013, Lucy partnered with the talented Zach Crawford from the Arthur Murray Dance Center for the Raven Performing Arts Theater’s annual fund-raising version of “Dancing with the Stars.” Her years at Livefit Boot Camp’s 5:30 a.m. sessions groomed her for this competition. That, and Zach’s patience and expertise in teaching her how to dance, were the keys to her lovely performance. “Team Lucy & Zach” danced away with the “People’s Choice” award for the night.
Lucy and Arthur Murray instructor Nathan perform

Lucy and Arthur Murray instructor Nathan perform


Lucy and her dad, Ray Lewand.

Lucy and her dad, Ray Lewand.


Lucy says “Besides Disneyland and the Camellia Inn, the happiest place on earth for me is the studio practicing for an upcoming performance!
She encourages guests and friends to come to Arthur Murray and join in the fun. www.sonomadancesport.com.
lucy-loves-mickeyAll Things Mickey
Finally, to know Lucy is to know her love of everything related to Mickey Mouse and Disneyland: she collects mugs, charms, shirts, pins and more, and makes frequent trips to visit Disneyland. Lucy even decorates and displays a Mickey Mouse theme Christmas tree in the family area of the Inn each year. While other Disney characters do adorn the tree, Mickey always is front and center. Ask to see it if you are visiting over the holidays. It is something dazzling to behold.

Things to do in Downtown Healdsburg

With a quaint downtown, adorned with all the finest things in life from wine, fun, and food, trendy Healdsburg is one of the most idyllic spots to visit in all of California. From the sound of jazz in the quiet of the night to laughter and high-tech, irresistible cuisine, the charm and the attractive personality of the Sonoma County’s downtown Healdsburg are simply inescapable.
Take a stroll across downtown Healdsburg for a wow factor on the treasures of the small area, and the individuality that makes it so special setting it apart from the rest of California. Here, you can immerse yourself in the fun of exploring art and sculpture, high-profile shopping, locally grown and produced wines, bread, and cheese. Do not stop there. Spend several nights here and enjoy world class bed and breakfast, treasure troves, and take in all the fun as it comes.

Explore the Wineries

While in some seasons the people on the East Coast can enjoy blossoming gardens, those in the Northern California celebrate the bounty of evergreen vineyards every day. Most visitors from far and wide are attracted by the downtown’s winery, but the spectacular acres of gardens are a breathtaking backdrop that tends to keep them there. Downtown Healdsburg lush valleys are home to the oldest winemaking names in California. The downtown is surrounded by the finest regional wine appellations such as the Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, and the Dry Creek Valley. For instance, the Alexander Valley has more than 13,000 acres of vineyards, 28 wineries, and 200 farmers. Downtown Healdsburg boasts a variety of premium wines, brewed from locally grown wines.

Biking

What better way could you experience the stunning scenery of downtown Healdsburg than pedal around while still sampling top-tier wines? Biking here is an absolute must, and you could, in fact, find it to be the favorite and most exciting activity in the town. This can be done along wine-cycling routes, a 30-mile loop that takes you to Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys. The downtown Healdsburg is not only an ideal place to ride due to its bike friendly landscape but is also peaceful and quiet as you ride through beautiful miles of vineyards.

Explore the Historic Plaza

Downtown Healdsburg heats up most afternoons and morning fog burns off, leading most people to flock outside venues. When that’s the case, perhaps one of the most exciting ways to feel the beauty of this region and get a green respite from the bustling walkways is by taking a leisurely stroll in the 19th-century Plaza. Here, you will find boutiques, wine bars, coffee shops, art galleries, live music and more.

Explore the Extraordinary Ferrari Garden

This is a garden that’s always covered by beautiful and glowing colors year round. Here, the gardens are French/Italian with geometric and classic styles forming the architectural backbone of downtown Healdsburg. The color schemes in the 10,000-acre land constantly change, beginning with a vibrant display of multiple tulips each spring. At your own pace, meander along the passing waterfalls and the foot bridges arched over gentle streams. In the garden, you get a view of more than 2,000 tree species and shrubs.

Enjoy Bocce Ball

This is an ancient game of the Roman Empire introduced by the Italian immigrants who settled in the county in the 19th century, involving rolling balls made of either metal or plastic on smooth courts. The popular social game is fun to play and even watch, meaning you can sit back with a glass of wine and watch as the competition unfolds. While in downtown Healdsburg, why not indulge in bocce ball, especially since many wineries make courts available? Some of the places you can enjoy the game are the Armida Winery, the Dry Creek Vineyard, Campo Fina, among others.

Explore the Museum

Take a break from the thumb licking cuisine and wine tasting adventure and take a stroll through the historical museum built between 1910 and 1911. Here, exhibits are always changing, with many artifacts donated by local people. This is where you get an educational understanding of the rich past of the Northern California downtown. It is not just an easy walk for kids, but entry is also free. If you have the urge of delving deeper into the history of Sonoma County, you can greatly benefit from the research center housed in downtown Healdsburg Museum.
Simply because you are visiting a world’s renowned wine region, it does not mean you have to be stuck all day in a winery tasting all varieties. Downtown Healdsburg boasts many diversions to keep the athlete, explorer, food lover, and sybarite engaged. In your visit, be sure to get into your hiking shoes, learn to smoke salmon, take a scenic drive to a lighthouse.

10 Reasons Why I Love May!

1. May Day

Spring blossoming white spring flowersWhen I was a teenager, two of my friends used to travel all over our neighborhood with fresh flower bouquets and deliver them to our door steps before we were even awake. They still continue the tradition, virtually. May Day 2017 Guide, click here.

2. Farmers’ Market

healdsburg-farmers-marketOpens in Healdsburg two blocks from the Camellia Inn on the first Saturday in May from 8:30am –noon. Enjoy your breakfast at the Inn and then walk down the street to gather fresh goodies for your picnic while wine tasting. More on Healdsburg Farmer’s Market, click here.

3. The Rain is over and the sun is out.

2017 winter was full of much needed water to eliminate the California drought and feed the vines in the vineyards. The vineyards are leafing out to beautiful green and the hills turn gold.

4. This leads to the swimming pool opening at the Camellia Inn.

Guaranteed to be open June thru September — we always are able to open the pool sometime in May. Chaise lounges, afternoon iced tea, solar pool heater warms the water. Time to relax and enjoy long days of pleasant temperatures after a day of wine tasting.

5. “Happy Hour” by the pool.

Toasting with two glasses of red wine in the vineyardGather on the pool deck around the table to enjoy local wines, Ray’s wine, and light snacks. Discuss winery visits and dinner options with hosts and other guests. So wonderful to be outside after a day of wine tasting.

6. Future Farmer’s Parade

The highlight of the year for me. The local students have raised their farm animals, the preschoolers have decorated their flatbeds, and the Kiwanis are riding bikes. As we always say “if you’re not in it, you’re watching it!” The parade starts at 6pm and lasts almost two hours. It’s a tradition that captures Healdsburg’s small town charm to a “T.” Family friends and Inn guests are invited to Ray’s house (Lucy’s Dad) for a mega-tailgate parade viewing party. More on the Future Farmer’s Parade, click here.

7. Cinco de Mayo

Healdsburg has a large Hispanic population and at the Inn our housekeeping staff hails from Mexico. They have done a terrific job at keeping the Camellia Inn spotless for the past 28 years! That loyalty and consistency that is noteworthy. I am so grateful for them. The town will be celebrating with food and fiestas for all.

8. Healdsburg Homes Tour

Our local AAUW chapter sponsors the tour of six beautiful homes. This year’s theme is “Then and Now” in Healdsburg. From a Victorian 1870s mansion to a hill top home with fantastic Healdsburg views, you can enjoy history and contemporary architecture and style. Home baked cookies and raffle prizes are also offered. The tour begins and ends at the Healdsburg Museum. It is a benefit for local education. More on the Healdsburg Homes Tour, click here. 

9. Mother’s Day

On this day, I remember and honor my own mother whose delicious recipes live on at the Camellia Inn. The powerhouse in founding the Inn in 1981 her influence is still everywhere, with family heirlooms, handmade draperies, color and decorating choices. I also admire and respect all the mothers that visit and work at the Inn. They are an inspiration to me and their families. Hard work and love abounds. A visit to nearby Russian River Rose Company might be nice today.

10. Memorial Day Weekend

This three day holiday marks the beginning of summer in Healdsburg. The Farmers’ Market is open, canoeing and floating on the Russian River attracts both locals and visitors. Backyard BBQs for locals and festive winery activities make for busy and lively weekend.