Discover The Historic Beauty Of Occidental

Head north from San Francisco to Occidental California, where you can have a zip line adventure flying through the trees, have dinner in an historic hotel, browse the "mom and pop" shops, visit the local radio station and bed down at the beautiful bed and breakfast. Take your time getting there and getting back. There are places to eat and treat yourself to some rest and relaxation along the way.

Sonoma Canopy Tours
6250 Bohemian Highway
Occidental, CA 95465
1-888-494-7868
www.sonomacanopytours.com

You don't have to be a thrill seeker to try this once in a lifetime eco-tour adventure. Sonoma Canopy Tours is a fairly new operation, located a few miles north of Occidental proper. Participants are treated to a two and a half hour stunning experience, taking them on seven ziplines, with one reaching a spiral staircase, wrapped around a massive redwood. Great way to soak up nature and have the time of your life! ($79 weekends, $69 weekdays)

Howard Station Café
3811 Bohemian Highway
Occidental, CA 95465
(707) 874-2838
www.howardstationcafe.com

Howard Station Café offers tasty salads and sandwiches, that all have that "little something extra in the taste" that makes Howard's a wise stop! Try the scrumptious Chinese Chicken Salad, recommended by wait-staff. Get there early and have breakfast. Howards Station Café won the 2011 award for "Best Breakfast in Sonoma County."

Washoe House
2840 Stony Point Road
Petaluma
(707) 795-4544

On your way to Occidental, stop in Petaluma grab a bite at the Washoe House. This historic roadhouse was built in 1859 and was a stop on the stagecoach routes.

Osmosis Day Spa
209 Bohemian Highway
Freestone, CA 95472
www.osmosis.com

Another top along the way is Osmosis Day Spa in Freestone. Osmosis is the only day spa in the U.S. that offers the Cedar Enzyme Bath, a rejuvenating heat treatment from Japan.

Hand Goods
3627 Main Street
Occidental
(707) 874-2161
www.handgoods.net/Hand_Goods.html

Hand Goods was established in 1970 as a small outlet for local artisans. Over the years the gallery has represented hundreds of talented local painters, jewelers, furniture makers, sculptors, potters, photographers, knitters, designers and just about every kind of artist in every sort of medium there is.

Galleria
3692 Bohemian Hwy # 3
Occidental
707-874-1927

Galleria is a great mom and pop "something for everyone" store, filled with great items sourced from many California artists. This is the kind of store you stumble upon that perfect unique find' you won't find anywhere else around the Bay.

Inn at Occidental
3657 Church St
Occidental, CA 95465
(707) 874-1047

www.innatoccidental.com

Built in 1876, The Inn at Occidental is a romantic, charming, and cozy spot, just off Main Street. This dog friendly establishment offers a lovely cheese and wine spread in the afternoon and a hearty breakfast. The rooms are all unique with fireplaces, soaking tubs.

Union Hotel
3703 Main Street
Occidental, CA 95465
(707) 874-3555

www.unionhotel.com

Opened in 1879, Union Hotel has been owned by the same family since 1924. They serve hearty portions -- try their creamy polenta and unique pizzas.

Bistro des Copains
3782 Bohemian Highway
Occidental, CA 95465
(707) 874-2436
www.bistrodescopains.com

Tucked inside a small and cozy little building is another great stop if you're looking for authentic southern French cooking. While we stopped at Bistro des Copains for dessert – try the amazing Mocha Pot de Crème – we've heard great reviews of what they have in store for the main entrée!