A FEW FAVORITES
Howarth Park: This 152-acre park is a delightful place to spend time with friends and family — little ones especially will appreciate its carousel, bounce house and pony rides. “I love taking my kids here to check out the lake, the trails or just to hang out and take in the seasons,” Hitchcock says. 630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa, (707) 543-3737. www.howarthpark.com
Jack London State Historic Park: This gorgeous park offers more than 29 miles of trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding, but it’s a major tourist attraction because it used to be famous writer Jack London’s private estate. Hitchcock says the Sonoma Valley park — with historic buildings and even a museum — is slightly tricky to find, but worth the extra effort. “The views are incredible.” 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, (707) 938-5216. www.jacklondon park.com
Yoga on Center: Hitchcock frequents this small yoga studio — a bright space with bamboo floors — in the heart of downtown Healdsburg. She particularly recommends dropping into a vinyasa class for “an invigorating start to your weekend.” 401-C Center St., Healdsburg, (707) 433-6500. www.yogaoncenter.com
Farmers’ markets: Hitchcock loves the sense of community she feels at various farmers’ markets, an integral part of the local lifestyle. “Farming is of great importance for us in Sonoma County — from the wine grapes to the animals we raise,” she says. While most markets close in early fall, the Sunday morning Windsor Certified Farmers Market runs through mid-December. 701 McClelland Drive, Windsor; (707) 8381320. www.windsorfarmersmarket.com
Cheese Trail: With so many creameries throughout the county that “make some amazingly unique cheeses,” Hitchcock recommends checking out the handy Cheese Trail map to scope out the various options in Petaluma, Sonoma, Sebastopol and Santa Rosa, depending on your preference. http://cheesetrail.org/ trail-map
Russian River rafting: For taking in the “lusciousness” of Sonoma County and all of its charming towns, Hitchcock recommends rafting — or floating — down the Russian River. It’s too chilly at this point in the year to actually get in the water, but a walk along the river’s edge remains a great way to watch the sunset. A popular place to start your drift is Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach. 13839 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg; (707) 433-1625. http://parks. sonomacounty.ca.gov
J Vineyards & Winery: Visit Hitchcock at work just south of downtown Healdsburg, where J Vineyards offers five wine tasting experiences. She calls the Bubble Room “the piece de resistance,” with a seasonal five-course meal paired with wines in an elegant salon. The emphasis is on sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. 11447 Old Redwood Hwy. Healdsburg, (707) 594-6326. www.jwine.com