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A town green ringed by cafes and summer concerts sits at the heart of Windsor, a young town in northern Sonoma County that only incorporated in 1992. Set between Santa Rosa and Healdsburg on the edge of the Russian River Valley, it blends suburban streets with vineyards, oak-studded hills and old farm roads.
Windsor grew up around hop fields and orchards, and its old downtown still has a historic Odd Fellows hall. The modern Town Green was designed as a walkable center, and it now hosts a farmers market, outdoor movies, Summer Nights on the Green concerts and an annual chili cook-off. The SMART commuter rail station gives the town a direct line south toward Marin County.
Outside town, regional parks climb into the Mayacamas foothills, and family wineries such as Martinelli pour Russian River Valley pinot noir and zinfandel. Russian River Brewing also brews here, making Windsor an easy base for exploring Sonoma wine country.
A grassy square surrounded by shops, restaurants and townhomes that serves as Windsor's living room. Summer brings free Thursday-evening concerts, outdoor movies and a farmers market, and the annual chili cook-off fills it with crowds. Bring a blanket and picnic supplies, and arrive early for concert nights.
The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit station near the old downtown, designed with a tall clock tower in a style recalling historic depots. Trains run south through Santa Rosa and Petaluma toward the Larkspur ferry to San Francisco, making a car-free day trip possible. Check the weekday and weekend timetables before you travel.
An 850-acre Sonoma County regional park in the hills east of Windsor with trails through oak woodland, fir forest and canyons, plus a small fishing pond and ridge views over the Santa Rosa Plain. Loops range from easy to steep. Parking costs a small fee, and summer hikes are best started early to beat the heat.
A county park on Windsor's eastern edge with three ponds, rolling grassland and oak-lined trails popular with hikers, mountain bikers and anglers. The pond loop is easy and family friendly, while the upper trails climb for views of the valley. Spring wildflowers are the highlight; bring water, as shade is limited.
A family winery whose growers have farmed in the Russian River Valley since the late 1800s, pouring pinot noir, chardonnay and zinfandel in a historic red hop barn on River Road. The setting recalls the area's hop-growing past. Reservations are recommended on weekends, and tastings carry a fee.
The larger production brewery of the famous Russian River Brewing Company, with a spacious pub, beer garden and self-guided tour windows over the brewhouse. Fans come for Pliny the Elder double IPA, sour ales and food from the kitchen. It is far roomier than the Santa Rosa pub, but expect lines in February when Pliny the Younger is released.
A long-running community festival on the Town Green where local teams compete for the best chili, with tastings, live music, craft vendors and activities for kids. It draws a big local crowd and benefits area causes. Buy a tasting kit early, wear a hat for the sun, and check the town events page for the date.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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Photo: Missvain, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Missvain, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
