SONOMA VALLEY, CA — Sonoma and St. Helena are on a new “most adorable small towns in Northern California” bucket list.
Some of the towns are a surprise, others are naturals for the WorldAtlas list, a scholastic-oriented organization whose criteria for the nine towns selected blend brains and beauty.
While iconic cities and golden beaches help to define California, the Golden State’s beauty also lives quietly in its smaller towns, tucked between vineyards, mountains, forests, and coastlines, according to the list where St. Helena and Sonoma respectively ranked No. 7 and 8. “Whether you’re sipping Chardonnay beneath ancient oaks, hiking through redwood groves, or watching the sun sink into the Pacific, these destinations promise the kind of experiences that linger long after you’ve unpacked your bags.”
The towns also have something to teach visitors. Steeped in heritage, each of these nine towns offers its own brand of magic, according to the site.
ST. HELENA: At the heart of Napa Valley, about 65 miles north of San Francisco, lies St. Helena, whose motto is “The Roots of Napa Valley. This town is a refined yet down-to-earth destination that captures the essence of Wine Country living, according to the list. Wine lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice here. To dig deeper into the region’s roots, step inside the 1881 Napa Wine History Museum, where guests can wander through antique winemaking equipment and browse ephemera from the Early California Wine Trade Archive. When hunger strikes, Gott’s Roadside is a local favorite. What began as a burger stand on Highway 29 evolved into a James Beard Award-winning take on North American comfort food. Literary buffs will appreciate a detour to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, which holds the world’s largest public collection of materials related to the famed author of Treasure Island. The exhibits range from rare manuscripts and letters to early editions and family heirlooms.
SONOMA: The motto on the Sonoma visitors’ website is, “Come as you are and experience Wine Country your way.” One way is to look for the historical landmarks. Sonoma is where California’s story and wine legacy, truly began, according to list. At the heart of the town and all around are lessons in the state’s history from Spain, to Mexico, to the Bear Flag. Wander further to find the Toscano Hotel and the home of Gen. Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, also known as Lachryma Montis — “the crying mountain.”
The most adorable bucket-list list includes:
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