Adventures in Sonoma County
SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA – Hikers are now free to roam the spectacular 5,630-acre Jenner Headlands Preserve on the Sonoma Coast and the renovated Olea Hotel has reopened looking better than ever in Glen Ellen – just two of the many signs illustrating how Sonoma County continues to thrive and grow, offering travelers down-to-earth and authentic Wine Country experiences.
Here’s a brief overview of what’s new in Sonoma County in September 2018.
Jenner Headlands Preserve
Offering miles of trails, stunning views! The gates are now open and the public is free to explore the 14 miles of scenic trails at the Jenner Headlands Preserve, on the stunningly beautiful Sonoma County coastline.
The preserve’s 5,630 acres are covered with redwood and Douglas fir forests, oak woodlands, chaparral, and coastal prairie overlooking the Pacific Ocean. For several years access to the property was limited to guided hikes. With the addition of a parking lot, restrooms, and a day-use area with picnic tables, visitors are now free to explore this rugged landscape.
A 400-foot, handicap-accessible, paved trail lets people of all abilities reach a beautiful scenic overlook. Many of the preserve’s trails are a bit more rugged, especially a hike that goes from sea level to the top of Pole Mountain – the highest point on the Sonoma Coast – which is 15 miles round trip, with a 3,500-foot elevation gain.
Created with public and private funding and now managed by the The Wildlands Conservancy, the Jenner Headlands Preserve is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset; admission is free. The preserve is located on Highway 1, a mile and a half north of the town of Jenner.
Jenner Headlands Preserve
Highway 1
Jenner, CA 95450
909-797-8507
www.wildlandsconservancy.org/preserve_jenner.html
Olea Hotel reopens in Glen Ellen
Rebounding beautifully from the October 2017 Northern California wildfires, a refreshed and renewed Olea Hotel has reopened in Glen Ellen, in eastern Sonoma County.
“We are very excited and eager to welcome guests again,” said co-owner Sia Patel. “We have completely remodeled the property, including all guest rooms and common areas.”
The fires burned two guest cottages, the garden, a hot tub, the fire pit area, fencing, and landscaping, but the boutique hotel’s three main buildings were saved, with minimal smoke damage to the lobby and guest rooms. In addition to cleaning the entire property, renovation and reconstruction efforts included the addition of a new pool, a new hot tub, new landscaping, and interior upgrades to the entire facility.
“This was a wonderful opportunity for the hotel to reinvent itself and we can’t wait for guests to enjoy the restyled guest rooms,” sais Natasha Stocker, principal designer for Inspired Spaces, which handled the hotel’s interior redesign. “The property has a fresh, mid-century modern luxe vibe with plenty of Instagrammable moments.”
The hotel was originally built around 1900. It is known for its complimentary two-course plated breakfast and buffet; designed by executive chef Khambay Porterkhamsy, the distinctive menu changes daily.
Olea Hotel
5131 Warm Springs Road
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707-996-5131
oleahotel.com
For additional Sonoma County Travel Ideas visit
https://rosevilletoday.com/travel/sonoma/