Winter is the perfect time to slow down, reconnect with nature, and recharge your spirit. While the days may be shorter, the beauty of winter offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you’re looking for a getaway that soothes the soul, Sonoma County—especially around Guerneville—has plenty of cozy spots and scenic escapes to explore. From charming cabins to peaceful trails and local wineries, here are some ideas for your winter retreat.

Cozy Cabins and Riverside Retreats

Guerneville is known for its charming cabins tucked among towering redwoods, offering a warm and inviting escape. Imagine curling up by the fire with a good book, a cup of hot cocoa, and the sound of the nearby Russian River flowing gently outside.

Nestled among the redwoods, The Last Resort provides a peaceful riverside setting to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. With modern comforts and rustic charm, it’s a great spot to slow down and recharge after busy days exploring the area.

Scenic Winter Walks and Hikes

Winter unveils a quieter, mistier side of Sonoma County’s natural beauty. Take a stroll through Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, where ancient redwoods stand tall and serene, creating a magical setting. The cool, crisp air and soft forest light make it an ideal spot for reflection and tranquility. For a shorter, riverside walk, check out the trails at Riverfront Regional Park near Forestville.

Wine Tasting by the Fire

Sonoma County is renowned for its wineries, and winter is the perfect season to enjoy wine tasting without the crowds. Many wineries in the Guerneville area offer cozy tasting rooms with fireplaces, creating a warm and intimate experience. Stop by Korbel Winery for sparkling wines or Porter-Bass Vineyard & Winery for biodynamic selections that highlight the region’s unique flavors.

Relaxing Spa Days

What better way to refresh your spirit than with a spa day? Guerneville and its surrounding areas are home to relaxing retreats like the Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, offering rejuvenating massages and cedar enzyme baths. Treat yourself to some well-deserved pampering to melt away stress.

A Taste of Local Flavor

No getaway is complete without indulging in local cuisine. From farm-to-table restaurants to quaint cafés, Guerneville has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. Don’t miss Boon Eat + Drink for seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients or The Rio Bistro for a cozy, memorable dining experience featuring delicious seafood and local flavors.

Plan Your Winter Escape

Whether you’re craving solitude among the redwoods, a scenic hike, or an afternoon of wine tasting, Guerneville and the surrounding areas in Sonoma County have something for everyone. Winter is the season to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover what it means to relax. Start planning your soul-soothing getaway today!

Eagles’ Nest is one of our very favorite places to go. The view of the ocean from the living room and master bedroom, as well as from outside in the back, is so beautiful, and the sunsets are spectacular (you can usually hear the seals barking out on the rocks). We ALWAYS walk down past the two houses to the bluffs at the end of the street and sit for a while.

We love to hike on the two trails in Bodega Harbor, both easily walkable from the house: Short Tail Gulch, right nearby, and the longer Pinnacle Gulch Trail. Both lead down to a small beach that connects to the main beach at low tide, but at high tide is quite private. At low tide, the tide pools are easily accessible and full of starfish, anemones, and other fascinating creatures—great for the kids (and dogs!).

On weekend mornings, we like to drive over to the tiny town of Bodega (where the Hitchcock movie The Birds was filmed at the little church in town), about 10 minutes away. From there, we continue down the road to Wild Flower Bakery for the best scones in the world. On the way, we like to stop at Worker Bee Farm for produce and flowers in the warm seasons. In the evening, back in Bodega, the Casino Bar and Grill, a very unassuming place, has a well-known chef and surprisingly fantastic food!

In Bodega Bay, we enjoy dining at the little Tides restaurant in the hotel across the road from the main Tides restaurant or at the charming little restaurant inside Bodega Lodge, which offers a great view of the bay. Sometimes, we buy fresh fish at the fish market in the main Tides Restaurant building, and on the way into town, we pick up delicious cheese at the Cheese Shop in Valley Ford. There’s also a new Rocker Oyster Fellers in Bodega Bay. It’s a bit pricey, but well worth the money.

We usually stock up on wine, cheese, and cookies at the well-stocked Pelican Market, about a quarter mile north on Rt. 1 in Bodega Bay. They carry a surprising variety of really top-notch food.

On most trips, especially if we have friends with us, we drive out to Bodega Head and walk the cliffs above the sea for a glorious trek with fabulous views. On the way there, we often have lunch at Spud Point Crab Company. Sometimes there’s a line, but it’s always worth the wait. Other times, we continue north past the turn-off for Bodega Head and have dinner at La Bodeguita, a good family Mexican restaurant run by super nice people.

On the drive in, you might also want to stop at Hageman Ranch, where you can fish or ride horses. Our kids love that place!

Enjoy!

— Gail & Charles Entrekin, Owners

Running a successful short-term rental (STR) business involves much more than just managing properties.
It takes a dedicated team of professionals working behind the scenes to ensure that every detail is handled with care and precision. In our last blog, we explored the importance of having a great cleaning team—after all, a clean space is the foundation of any memorable guest experience. But there’s so much more that goes into making your property shine.

Let’s take a moment to highlight the other key players who help our STR business thrive!

Landscaping Crew: The Green Guardians

First impressions matter, and that’s where our talented landscaping crew comes in. They work diligently to keep our properties looking fresh and inviting. From manicured lawns to beautiful flower beds, they create a welcoming atmosphere that sets the tone for the guest experience. A well-kept exterior not only enhances the beauty of the property but also adds value, making it more attractive to potential guests.

Regional Managers: The Problem-Solvers

Next up are our dependable regional managers. These individuals are the backbone of our operations, overseeing everything from property maintenance to guest relations. Their local expertise ensures that properties are well-maintained and that any issues are promptly addressed. They also serve as the vital link between property owners and our management team, keeping communication open and transparent. Their dedication to excellence is crucial in providing a seamless experience for both guests and owners.

Back Office Staff: The Unsung Heroes

While the spotlight often shines on the front-facing roles, let’s not forget about our fabulous back office staff! These individuals handle the essential administrative tasks that keep everything running smoothly. From managing bookings and coordinating maintenance to handling finances, their behind-the-scenes work is vital for maintaining efficiency. Their attention to detail ensures that every aspect of our operations is well-organized, allowing us to focus on what we do best—providing exceptional guest experiences.

Marketing and Social Media: Crafting Our Brand Story

In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is essential for any STR business. That’s where our marketing team, including social media experts, comes into play. They work their magic to create engaging content that showcases our properties and highlights the unique experiences we offer. Through captivating visuals and compelling stories, they connect with potential guests and build a community around our brand. Their efforts help us stand out in a competitive market and attract the right audience to our properties.

Lead Generation and Development: Future Builders

Finally, let’s not forget the visionaries who are helping us shape the future of our STR business. Our lead generation experts gather valuable insights and connections that allow us to expand our portfolio and enhance our services. Their efforts ensure that we’re not just reacting to the market but actively shaping it. By identifying trends and opportunities, they help us stay ahead of the curve and continue to grow.

More Than Meets the Eye

As you can see, running a successful short-term rental business is a team effort that involves many moving parts. While our cleaning crew plays a crucial role in creating a clean and welcoming environment, it’s the collective efforts of all our team members that truly make the magic happen. Each individual contributes their unique skills and expertise to ensure that every guest has a memorable experience.

We hope this blog gives you a glimpse into the hard work and dedication that goes on behind the scenes in the STR management world. We’re proud to have such an incredible team supporting our mission, and we’re excited to continue delivering exceptional experiences for our guests and property owners alike! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our last blog where we highlighted the importance of our cleaning team, a vital part of our STR success story.

Here’s to our amazing team and all the hard work they put in to make your stay unforgettable!