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92 2 0 1 5 T R A V E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A DATING FROM 1857, the centerpiece and defining feature of Healdsburg is its beloved Spanish style plaza designed by Harmon Heald. The one-acre quadrangle, shaded by towering redwoods and date palms, is grand in scale but has an intimate, accessible feel. Possibly the liveliest plaza in Sonoma, it was recently voted one of "America's Most Beautiful Town Squares" and Healdsburg was ranked among the best small towns to visit in 2014. The plaza plays host to numerous events including the Antique Fair sponsored by the Historical Society in May and the highly regarded Healdsburg Jazz Festival held in early June. Throughout the summer months, on Tuesday evenings, the plaza transforms into an outdoor community living room where locals and visitors gather for a free concert series. From the plaza it's a leisurely stroll to the many wine tasting rooms, artisan bak- eries, coffee spots, cheese shops, art galleries, bookshops and boutiques offering clothing, house wares and inspired one-of-a-kind gifts. Or venture a few blocks off Center Street to see scores of colorful, well-preserved historic homes, many in use as B&Bs. Surrounded by vineyards, and located just off Highway 101, Healdsburg is the ideal home base from which to explore the world- renowned wine appellations of Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley. Wine, of course, is a main focus of the town with more than 25 tasting rooms and wineries within walking distance of its center. Dining options are plentiful, from casual cafés to elite restaurants creating sublime seasonal fare incorporating the bounty of local ingredients and show- casing regional wines. Although most famous for its wine, Healdsburg also has a lively craft beer scene and is home to the locally brewed Racer 5 India Pale Ale. Beyond the city center, the Russian River and peaceful stands of ancient redwoods are the focal point for hiking and canoeing, and the mostly flat back roads that wind through the vineyard valleys make the area a world-class bicycling destination. Sophisticated, yet rustic, Healdsburg, with its agrarian roots, delivers small town charm and a wine country lifestyle that's both laid-back and luxurious. HEALDSBURG Sonoma's sophisticated, relaxed, wine country town B Y M A R C Y G O R D O N HEALDSBURG CVB » TASTE, BROWSE, DINE, EXPLORE Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau healdsburg.com DRY CREEK VINEYARD, above; enjoying Healdsburg's plaza, below.