Winter Wonderland....

Here is some really interesting facts I found in doing some research about our little hometown. Never did I think that people would flock to "Winter Wonderland" with their wrist bands, head bands and probably lap bands. Most definitely our town has grown and the phenomenon is yet over.

Healdsburg is located in the heart of three premium wine appellations and has evolved from a sleepy agricultural town into a chic, thriving community of about 12,000 residents and some 900 businesses. Often compared to Tuscany for its visual beauty and charm, Healdsburg radiates outward from the town square - a park and plaza highlighting 1800’s Spanish style architecture.
In addition to providing a wonderful destination for tourists, Healdsburg has unique shops and wonderful restaurants along the square that offer the 50,000 people who live in the greater Healdsburg area sophisticated shopping and dining.
There are weekly farmers markets in the summer, plus art festivals, antique shows and music events throughout the year. Around the holidays, Healdsburg hosts a fabulous tree-lighting ceremony in the Plaza. Support and appreciation for arts, music and film has fostered restoration of the historic Raven Theater, the new Raven Film Center, the Russian River Chamber Music Society, and Healdsburg’s own Community Band and Community Chorus. Healdsburg’s downtown art galleries feature local artists and photographers, while the Healdsburg Art Council hosts an annual event each May.
Recreation abounds! The Russian River runs passes by the east side of downtown Healdsburg along the Veterans Memorial Beach where people gather to picnic, swim, canoe and kayak. Lake Sonoma is just northwest of Healdsburg offering hiking and water sports while the woods of Fitch Mountain lie to the east. Families can enjoy the Plaza downtown, the playground and public tennis courts as well as a public 9 hole golf course at Tayman Park Golf Course.
The Healdsburg Recreation Park offers lighted baseball/softball, and football fields. Try a walking tour of Healdsburg’s historical sites or trees, consider a bicycle ride through the vineyards, enjoy the thrill of a hot-air balloon ride, or stay on the ground and visit local farms participating in the Farm Trails. In the late fall, tour local artists’ studios as part of the Sonoma Art Trails.
Renowned wine regions nearby include the Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, and Dry Creek Valley offering dozens of wine tasting and picnicing venues. Dining alternatives vary from bistros and café to world-class cuisine. Lodging choices within Healdsburg range from a quiet, cozy B&B to a luxury hotel on the historic Healdsburg Plaza.
Weather
Healdsburg’s Mediterranean-style climate is somewhat warmer and dryer than other Sonoma communities. Summer temperatures in the 70’s to 90’s are balanced by cool evenings – perfect for agriculture and especially vineyards. Healdsburg’s mild winter temperatures tend to average in the high 40’s to low 50’s, but may drop below freezing about 20 days per winter. Rainfall averages 40 inches per year.
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Housing
Healdsburg and environs offer a wide variety of housing options, ranging from classic to modern, rural to apartment living. There are modern subdivisions, affordable housing, several adult or senior-oriented housing projects and two mobile home parks. In outlying areas, the upper end homes often have stunning views of Healdsburg’s surrounding hills and vineyards. The economy is diversified across agriculture/wine, lumber, tourism, and small businesses. Healdsburg is within commute range to Santa Rosa.
History
Steeped in history, the Healdsburg area was originally home to the Pomo Indians, who hunted elk, deer and bear, and even mountain lions. Healdsburg’s Fitch Mountain is named after Henry Fitch, a former sea captain who was awarded a land grant in 1841. Mr. Fitch hired Cyrus Alexander (formerly a trapper) to manage his ranch and his namesake is the magnificent Alexander Valley.
Harmon Heald, the towns’ namesake, was an entrepreneur from Ohio who opened a store and post office and eventually crafted the towns’ streets and sold the resulting lots for a price that today might buy a lunch on the square. Healdsburg incorporated in 1867, and became a stop on the railroad by 1871. Learn more about Healdsburg’s history at the Healdsburg Museum - a short walk from the Plaza, located in the refurbished former Healdsburg Carnegie Library building, a landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.