Cool stuff for your guests - time travelling along the Russian River

Choosing a northern California wedding venue for you marriage usually means your wedding is going to be a destination for your guests.  That's especially true if you select a beach wedding venue or a winery in Sonoma county. Guests coming to these renowned regions are really going to want to explore.  But often, they don'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 my Post-Wedding Fun 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. 

In this blog, it's all about the exact opposite of the standard (and sometimes stuffy) wine country experience.  We're taking a trip back through time to see how the Russian River wine region looked (and acted) long before anyone knew how to pronounce "Pinot".  We're going to Guerneville and Monte Rio!

These two towns, about 5 miles apart from each other on Rt. 116, and halfway between highway 101 and the ocean, have character in spades.  Walking down the main street of Guerneville can remind you of a rough and tumble logging town.  But don't be fooled by it's hard exterior - Guerneville is really a friendly place with great restaurants (my favorite is Boon Cafe - see below) and a gorgeous beach.  What it doesn't have is any air of pretentiousness.

And if you think Guerneville is a little too metropolitan for you, drive West about 5 miles on Hwy 116 and you'll end up in Monte Rio.  This little town is about a block long so it has less to see, but it does have a great beach on the Russian River.  And it's got a great little hot dog stand (only open on Weekends, I believe) called Don's Dogs.  Definitely worth the drive!  Grab a bottle of wine from a winery along the way (you know..something that pairs well with grilled hot dogs..), sit in the sun on their patio and enjoy a delicious dog.

So there you have it.  You'll experience the Russian River wine region as it looked 50 years ago.  And you'll have some good grub doing it.  Enjoy!

About Lucky Shot Studios:
Lucky Shot Studios is a San Francisco 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.