1. The Inn At Occidental
City: Occidental, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (707) 874-1047, (800) 522-6324
Address: 3657 Church Street
Description: This is the type of romantic getaway where you can be together surrounded by the forested hills of western Sonoma County. Each of the 16 rooms is decorated with meticulous care. All rooms have a private bath and fireplace, and most have decks. Several units have double spa tubs and views of the courtyard, and a two-bedroom cottage is also available. TVs are optional. For eye-popping yellow walls, ask for the Cirque de Sonoma room. A full breakfast is included.
2. Negri’S
City: Occidental, CA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (707) 823-5301
Address: 3700 Bohemian Highway
Description: It’s a toss-up whether the hungry folks of Sonoma County head first for Union Hotel or Negri’s—they’re both terrific purveyors of great Italian meals. Negri’s has been cooking pasta since 1940. A family-style meal starts out with a tureen of minestrone that’s so popular people come in to buy it by the bucket. The pasta list is long, including vegetarian spaghetti, penne, and homemade ravioli. After that, if you choose, you can order some of their other specials, such as deep-fried calamari, grilled red snapper, and prawns—wash it down with a drink from the fully stocked bar. Open for lunch and dinner every day.
3. Union Hotel Restaurant
City: Occidental, CA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (707) 874-3555
Address: 3731 Main Street
Description: It seems like the Union Hotel dining room has been there forever, housed in a building that dates from 1879. The restaurant has not been around quite that long, but the same family has run it since 1925. The great fame of the place comes from the huge portions of pasta that are served family-style—it’s known far and wide for the heaping helpings. The establishment has its own bakery and makes great croissants and muffins to serve in its cafe. Union Hotel is open for lunch and dinner every day, serving family-style meals and drinks from the saloon. The restaurant also has two locations in Santa Rosa—one on the east side of town and one on the west side—but it’s the Occidental location that has the charm and history.
4. Hand Goods
City: Occidental, CA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (707) 874-2161
Address: 3627 Main Street
Description: Proclaiming a “distinctive mall-free experience,” Hand Goods is located in the tiny hillside hamlet of Occidental. Since 1971 the shop has offered a wide variety of fine, locally made handcrafts, featuring the work of more than 100 artists. The ceramics encompass everything from functional tableware to ornamental sculpture, from painted oil lamps to ikebana vases. You’ll also find Shaker boxes and fine furniture, embroidered Thai jackets, and batik baby clothing. If it’s jewelry you’re looking for, Hand Goods offers local and imported earrings, necklaces, pins, and bracelets in every price range.