Design Destination: Stay for a Spell in Boonville
Author:Sarah Virginia WhiteOn a recent trip north from San Francisco to Mendocino, a friend and I made a pit stop in Boonville—our highway driving done, we were looking forward to a quick bite before getting back on the road. But we were both charmed by this tiny town (pop. 1,035) in Anderson Valley’s wine country, and a little scouting revealed a few reasons to stick around downtown.
If a snack is first on your to-do list, head to the cozy Mosswood Market Café & Bakery, where the panini–based menu will cure your road-trip cravings for a fresh and filling meal (try the caprese); 14111 Hwy 128, 707-895-3635. Still jonesing for a treat? Head next door to Paysanne, a charming European-style sweets parlor. Find a rotating selection of homemade caramels and popscles, plus seasonal ice cream flavors such as cardamom, raspberry and milk & honey. Grab a cone and some fresh-squeezed lemonade before heading outside to snag a seat on the bike rack designed by local blacksmith Tim Glidewell.
Image courtesy of Paysanne
Your next stop should be just two doors down, where the owners of Philo Apple Farm have scored again with Farmhouse Mercantile, a general store-turned-boutique featuring a fantastic selection of kitchen items, textiles and vintage country décor. I fell for the cast iron pots and pans, but if you’re traveling light, grab some fresh jams and juices for wherever your weekend takes you.
Image courtesy of Yelp user Florene K.
If you’ve got more time and a designated driver, don’t miss the adults-only liquid refreshments that the area has to offer. A few favorites are the Anderson Valley Brewing Company, where you can belly up to redwood tables in the taproom, and the tasting rooms of Toulouse Vineyards and Goldeneye Winery, where pinot noir is the pour of choice.
Image courtesy of Anderson Valley Brewing Company via Instagram
