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Russian badboy heads west
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Summertime frolic
By
Matt Mathrani
Scenic and rugged, the Sonoma Coast of the Russian River traces California's famous Napa Valley and the Valley of the Moon. Vineyards give way to majestic redwood groves
and magnificent resorts in the township of Guerneville. This enchanted getaway is about 70 miles north of SF. And what's in store? Hiking in the redwoods, horseback riding, canoeing, hot
air balloon rides, dining, dancing, live entertainment, wine tasting, romantic nights in front of a fire....
Accommodations
Located two blocks off Main Street in Downtown Guerneville,
Russian River Resort (16390 Fourth Street; 800-41-RESORT) offers 24 deluxe guest rooms, a large pool deck,
and two bars (the Promenade Pool Bar & BBQ and The Piano Bar). A varied roster of entertainment specials throughout the week makes this a true resort.
Fife's Resort (16467 River Road, 800-7-FIFES-1),
aka Fife's Guest Ranch, is nestled among towering redwoods on 15 acres, providing one with the best of rustic tranquillity and
a contemporary atmosphere. Cabins and cottages surround a heated pool with campgrounds rambling along the riverside. A restaurant and bar, plus the Bunkhouse Dance Club, complete
the Fife experience.
Inn at the Willows (15905 River Road, 707-869-2824) is a Russian River signature guesthouse surrounded by the rustic beauty of the wine country, redwood forests,
mountains, and the Pacific Coast. They offer a quiet, tranquil environment on five spectacular acres right on the Russian River. The inn was built of native redwood in the mid-1940s and continues
to be great place to visit.
Perched above a mountain, Highlands Resort (14000 Woodland Drive; 707-869-0333) is a retreat on three wooded acres, a short walk from the action. Camping is permitted
for a modest fee.
Wine-country accommodations do not come any more relaxed or romantic than those at
Applewood Estate Inn (13555 Highway 116; 707-869-9093). This gay-friendly
retreat is a piss-elegant indulgence with a restaurant, pool, spa, solarium, and a spectacular garden.
If flush with cash, try the Retreat Resort (14711 Armstrong Woods Road, 707-869-2706), a truly sybaritic delight!
Can't figure things out for yourself and would rather have local experts find you a place? This is where
Russian River Concierge (PO Box 750, Forestville, California 95436;
800-403-0744) steps in. From apartments to cottages and cabins to ranches to getaways on hilltops crowned by redwoods, finding a place to meet your exact needs is their specialty.
Bars & clubs
Barhopping is a breeze in this township. The hot spots are within walking distance of each other.
Rainbow Cattle Company (16220 Main Street) is a spunky, rustic bar that extends a rainbow welcome to all from 6am "come hell or highwater!" This legendary daddy of
bars with 25 years of history offers quart jars of Long Island Ice Tea, Rainbow Root Beer floats, and such. A new drink called Mad Cow is on the agenda at this "queer steer." A pool table
and outdoor patio are among the attractions.
State-of-the-art with "state of the men,"
Club Fab (16135 Main Street) dazzles as the biggest dance club north of the Golden Gate, housed in a converted 1930s movie theater
right in downtown Guerneville. Treats here include a variety of clubs including "FAB Saturdays," featuring circuit/house DJs from San Francisco, not to mention the world famous
"Finicchios" shows. Large circuit-party events are routine here. Visit their website for a roster of special weekends of note.
Russian River Eagle (16225 Main Street) is the River's only Levi/leather, dance and cruise bar. Renovated, and under a new stable ownership, their new outdoor patio is
a refreshing plus. A "Midnight Madness" happy hour keeps the place going strong till the wee hours. You can bet on a good time at their Torn Jeans Contest Party coming up soon.
And more
Coffee Bazaar (14045 Armstrong Woods) is a refreshing alternative to the Starbucks that are insidiously metastasizing the globe. Here you'll find indoor and outdoor seating
with offerings that include more than just coffee. Sandwiches, wraps, and light fare can be found as this community-oriented hangout.
Flavors Unlimited (16450 Main Street),
Pasta Boys (16337 Fourth Street), and Hubcap Deli &
Cafe (16337 Main Street) are other gay-frequented eating spots.
Souvenir shopping is best at Memories That
Linger (16218 Main Street), or Up the
River (16212 Main Street). There's a gay-friendly florist
Russian River Floral Company (16222 Main Street);
River Wolf Pet Supply Gifts (14016 Armstrong Woods Road), a gift and pet-supply store; and even a queer-friendly taxi service,
Bill's Taxi (707-869-2177).
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