Property at a Glance: Monte Rio Vacation Cottages

These quaint cabins and cottages occupy redwood-lined streets along the banks of the Russian River—a quiet, tucked-away setting. That said, there’s plenty nearby to keep you occupied. Within a couple of miles are restaurants, movie theaters, and a golf course.

• Private cottages feature their own hot tubs and gas grills; on chilly nights, warm up next to a fireplace.
• Homey suites have access to a shared hot tub and fire pit.
• Cabins: Whip up a meal on the shared gas grill or in your own kitchenette.
• Rent a canoe at Monte Rio Beach, which is right around the corner. Among the other waterside distractions are horseshoe pits and beach volleyball.
• Stay connected with free WiFi

Monte Rio, California: Outdoor Adventure in Vintage Town in the Russian River Valley

An up-and-coming wine region in Sonoma County, the Russian River Valley is located about 60 miles northwest of Napa. Wine Enthusiast magazine praises the Russian River Valley for its “great wine, stunning landscapes, and friendly people.” It’s known for producing world-class chardonnays and pinot noirs.

The area is also appealing for its secluded-in-nature feeling. Take canoe rides on the Russian River or hike through the surrounding pine forests. If fishing’s your thing, you can cast out for bluegill and largemouth bass.

The vintage, neon-lit sign above downtown Monte Rio heralds it as a “Vacation Wonderland.” During the railroad boom, the city was a resort town; one of the vintage inns in town served as the setting for the Bing Crosby film, Holiday Inn. The tourist traffic has died down in recent years, but there’s still an old-fashioned charm to Monte Rio’s downtown area, where pedestrian-friendly streets stretch past old-fashioned pubs. Visitors can catch live shows at one of the area’s independent theaters, or find riverside seating to sip a glass of locally made wine.

Love to travel? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for travel tips, inspiration, and photos from around the world.