Cool stuff for your guests - Getting on your inner bohemian in Hopland

Northern California, simply put, has a ton of unique wedding venues.  From the Napa valley, to the northern coast, to the streets of San Francisco, you'll have no problem finding the location that's just right for you.  And what's even better is that your guests are going to consider your wedding a destination event.  Your guests are really going to want to explore. 

Often, however, they won't know where to go.  And even if you live here, they'll likely consider you a bit too busy to ask you for any sightseeing tips during your wedding day. ; ) 

So these blogs are all about places that are great for your guests to go either on their own or with an organized group after your wedding. 

Today, we're talking about traveling up highway 101.  But this isn't your typical stop-at-all-the-cool-wineries-along-the-way blog.  Nope.  I'll leave that up to Conde Naste.  This is the highway 101 that is less traveled, more scenic and infinitely more unique.  This is the highway 101 that exists beyond the Sonoma wineries and extends into the bohemian Russian River valley between Cloverdale and Ukiah.

First stop along this trip is the town of Hopland.  This quaint little town, nearly exactly midway between Cloverdale and Ukiah, has remained surprisingly unchanged and untouched by time.  Sure, you can get an espresso and a scone at the Hopland Inn.  But you can also walk a block down the street and throw all your hard-earned cash into your glass at a biker bar down the street called The Keg.  My reco - stay away from both!  Instead, hit Burgers My Way for an old fashion burger and soft serve cone.

After a greasy, calorie laden lunch it's time to meander around the town.  If you're in the mood for wine, there's a great one right across the street from the diner called Brutacao Cellars.  

Ready to leave?  turn around and head south on Hwy 101 back towards Cloverdale.  But be sure to stop off at the Rock Shop about 3 miles South of town.  This place has been around since I was a kid - and that's a looonng time.  It's always bizarre, interesting and surreal to wander the cob-web filled store looking for rocks scavenged from the river, and other oddities.

Enjoy this trip through the Sonoma and Mendocino counties that absolutely no one you know will ever take.  After all, isn't finding something unique and distinct what a vacation is really all about?

About Lucky Shot Studios:
Lucky Shot Studios is a Bay Area wedding and Napa Valley wedding photographer specializing in artistic wedding photography with a photo journalistic style.  If you're in the process of choosing a wedding photographer, Lucky Shot Studios would love be considered.