Santa Rosa

Located in Santa Rosa’s up-and-coming arts district, The Astro, a recently renovated 1960s motel, offers the essentials for an outdoorsy wine country stay–proximity to the region’s vineyards, closeness to the city’s restaurants–at a much more accessible price point. Everything in the space is considered, from the authentic mid-century pieces that outfit the thirty-four rooms (its owners sourced incredible finds, from Danish church light fixtures to Robert Arneson sculptures to iconic prints of Mohammed Ali and Joni Mitchell, all of which are shoppable), to the genuine warmth of the staff who will give you insight into the best places–and ways–to see the Sonoma Valley. Within striking distance from the airport, it’s a convenient, easy spot to book a few rooms and call basecamp for the weekend. And if you’re looking to burn some extra calories, the motel comes stocked with shiny Shinola Bikes on-the-ready to rent.

Jewish comfort food, Southern fried chicken, and Korean seasonings may seem like unlikely bedfellows, but that's the point. In an open kitchen, chef Mark Stark turns out chicken-fried oyster lettuce wraps, crispy-skin salmon wings with kimchi salt, and matzo ball soup with BBQ chicken thigh. They've got a nice selection of crowd-pleasing beers on tap, too.

This independently owned coffee roaster and café makes the best almond milk lattes in the region.

Owners Don and Rhonda Carano, second-generation Italian Americans, acquired the Vintners Inn after spending more than 20 years honing their craft as winemakers in the Russian River Valley.

A true locals destination for excellent food, the space is also an artistic hub (every six weeks it features the work of a different local artist in the dining room).

Every inch of this roastery and café is considered, from the clean industrial interiors to the perfect cold brew.