Sonoma Mag Says You Should Be Drinking at These Wine Rooms

Discussions about US wine usually focus on Napa Valley.

Napa is known for its larger-than-life wineries and extravagant dining scene. The county often garners comparisons between France’s loveliest wine-growing regions—and for good reason.

Stately vineyards cover rolling hills that fade into mist, while grand villas welcome traveling groups interested in sampling some of the US’s best wine.

But Sonoma County is an up-and-coming contender to Napa’s longstanding popularity.

Guests like it for its more laidback and country roads-esque vibe. The wineries are smaller and more experimental, while their tasting rooms are cheaper and more varied. Guests trade glam for exotic new wines.

And it’s not only winos who are starting to take notice of Sonoma.

World-class winemakers and sommeliers dot the county, offering exciting new pairings for their farm-to-table cuisine. Even grocery chain varieties have nabbed respect from sommeliers. In fact, some prefer the Pinot Noirs, Zinfandels, and Chardonnays coming from Sonoma.

If you want to drink like them, you should be lining up at these Sonoma wine rooms. They’re recommended by Sonoma Magazine, one of the best authorities on wine in the region.

Looking for more than Sonoma wine rooms?

Best Sonoma wine rooms & experiences

Valley Bar + Bottle

Billed as one of Sonoma’s hottest wine bars by Sonoma Mag, this restaurant, wine bar, and bottle shop brings you the very best pairings from Kaz Khosrowmanesh, the on-site sommelier.

If you’d like to sample wines in a modern and chic tasting room, you’ll have dozens of bottles to choose from with an emphasis on sustainable, local varieties. You can also grab a bite to eat with a perfectly paired glass.

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Kivelstadt Cellars

Do you dream of sipping at Sonoma wine rooms underneath a lovely canopy? Kivelstadt Cellars offers a beautiful tasting lounge in Sonoma City that’s situated under a cluster of 100-year-old sycamores.

You can also order from their small but tasty menu, which locals rave about. Notably, Kivelstadt also welcomes children and pets.

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J Vineyard & Winery

Welcome to the chief of Healdsburg tasting rooms. J Vineyard & Winery is widely regarded as one of the county’s best wine operations. You’ve got options when you sample J Vineyard products, including the option to sample its signature releases, head to the bubbly room for some champagne, or set up shop in the legacy lounge where you can sample small-lot varieties. If you want a more austere take on Sonoma favorites, start here.

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St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

Speaking of austerity, I’ve got another top pick in the world of Sonoma wine tasting: St. Francis. Recently voted the Best of the Bay Area for Best Wine & Tasting Room, there’s plenty to soak up at its tasting events.

While the average tasting takes place on a lovely terrace, guests can also explore the vineyards with a tour and sample dishes with catered pairings.

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Coursey Graves

Renowned throughout Sonoma County for its vibrant and lovely tasting gardens, Coursey Graves is a top pick for many.

Its small pond and flowers display is reminiscent of Claude Monet—which fits well with the vineyard’s emphasis on all things French. Just remember that the garden is seasonal, running from May to October.

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Divorce & Vacation: Welcome to Modern Travel

Divorce and travel are becoming increasingly intertwined.

You might have heard of one new trend in this realm: Divorce getaways.

Over the last decade, the concept of the humble bachelor and bachelorette party has been revolutionized. Once upon a time, a long night of wayward partying was enough to usher in a great wedding. Today, however, groups are more likely to pack their bags for a multi-day getaway to a place like Nashville or Palm Springs.

The same notion has extended to divorce.

Newly single divorcées are ringing in yet another new chapter with their loved ones at their sides. And, just like those multi-day pre-wedding parties, some divorce getaways are elaborate and upscale.

They’ve started to generate chatter in the worlds of hospitality and culture. For example, hotels in places like South Florida are opening their doors to divorce parties seeking a bit of downtime, while publications like Marie Claire are challenging the idea altogether.

In reality, the drive to travel due to divorce isn’t actually new. It started back in 2012 when a Dutch entrepreneur launched a new hospitality brand called the Divorce Hotel.

Traveling for a divorce 101

In case you missed out on the zeitgeist, the Divorce Hotel is an actual company that simplifies the art of divorce.

Unhappy couples at the end of their marriage book a stay at a Divorce Hotel (which offers locations around the world) where qualified staff are available to mediate.

It might sound like a headline from The Onion, but Divorce Hotel is still up and running. While the idea sounded controversial and crazy at the outset, thousands of couples from around the world have contracted Divorce Hotel to help them mediate the complexities of their situation.

Couples check in (to separate rooms) and start meeting with their official mediator, who has been briefed on the couple’s background and goals. When things get heated, couples separate—to play a game of golf or head to the spa, for example.

When they’re calm, they meet again and get back to work.

By the end of the weekend, they check out with a more holistic view of what comes next in their divorce. No pricey lawyers or dragged-out deal-making.

Over a decade after the launch of Divorce Hotel, it looks like its nailed its formula. In the meantime, it seems divorce getaways have taken center stage.

The rise of divorce getaways

At their simplest, divorce parties and getaways allow burned-out ex-spouses to renew their lease on life. They often involve friends and family and are focused on opening a new chapter in life.

That being said, there’s plenty of variation.

Some groups like to treat divorce getaways like born-again bachelorette parties, as outlined above. Usually, the rockier the marriage, the greater the call for a full-on escape. In some cases, divorce getaways might even involve the same bridesmaids or groomsmen.

Other divorce getaways are focused on self-transformation. They might involve one or two participants who accompany their recently divorced friend on a meaningful adventure. Wellness retreats are a popular choice for shorter and more inward-focused escapes like these.

The rules of divorce getaways

Already have someone in mind for a potential divorce getaway?

As this trend becomes more popular—and as more hotels roll out divorce getaway programs—it might be helpful to know the basics of divorce party etiquette.

According to Christine Gallagher’s The Divorce Party Handbook: How to Throw an Unforgettable Divorce Party When “Divorce Do Us Part”, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Here’s what you need to know:

Anyone can throw a divorce party, from the divorcée to a good friend
Getaways and parties don’t need to be expensive or multi-day
Keep the guest list very small—only those who ‘understand’ should be there
If you’re hosting the event, you should be paying—many attendees already paid to be at the wedding
Be mindful of gossiping—it’s usually best to look ahead and celebrate rather than dwell

Only 3 Hotels Offer Views of the Golden Gate Bridge—Here’s Where to Find Them

The Golden Gate Bridge is at the top of the list when it comes to iconic US landmarks.

The Statue of Liberty takes the cake thanks to its historical appeal and location in New York City. Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell isn’t far behind, along with more rural feats like Mount Rushmore.

But there’s something about San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

It’s renowned for its elegant, grand architecture, along with its bright red color. Its larger-than-life towers and graceful cables seem at odds, giving this bridge a magical quality.

It’s almost like a yellow brick road, one that promises to take travelers to exciting destinations. (Technically, it takes you to Marin County—and who doesn’t love Marin?)

Unsurprisingly, many tourists heading to San Francisco dream of soaking up views of the Golden Gate Bridge. But if you’re a hardcore fan of this iconic structure, then it might not be enough to catch a glimpse now and then.

Looking for hotels with views of the Golden Gate Bridge? I’ve got suggestions. The best options are in the Presidio and nearby Sausalito —but there are other choices to pick from, including a handful of SF picks with partial views.

Hotels with reliable views of the Golden Gate Bridge

There are two hotels located inside the Presidio National Park; both offer the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge. While the area is prone to thick mist, the grounds of the Lodge and the Inn at the Presidio offer plenty of outdoor space and window views for you to gaze.

In other words, while mist is inevitable, you’re sure to catch a few jaw-dropping glimpses of the gate during your stay. The same is true across the bar in Sausalito, come to Cavallo Point.

Lodge at the Presidio

This stunning boutique hotel gives you the charm of an old-world-style hotel with all the modern luxuries of a contemporary design.

It also puts you smack in the center of The Presidio’s most popular activities, from hiking to lounging on the Main Lawn.

Best of all, guests get to choose between multiple room views. Along with forest and bay, you can select a Golden Gate Bridge view.

Book a room

Inn at the Presidio

The Lodge and Inn at the Presidio are differentiated by one main feature. The Lodge (above) is actually a new construction from 2018. Though its design is a callback to the area’s history, the Inn at Presidio is the ‘real deal’.

The grounds were first constructed in 1903 as military barracks and stand today as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can kick back in a rocking chair as they gaze out at the Golden Gate Bridge, soaking up the storied atmosphere and fantastic views.

Book a room

Cavallo Point (Sausalito)

If you can’t manage a stay at either of the hotels in the Presidio, then pack your bags and cruise across the bay. Cavallo Point is a historic lodging in Sausalito that’s been a prime pick for fans of the Golden Gate Bridge

The grounds are sprawling, letting you soak up the views when and how you like. Plus, there are also top-tier amenities like a full-service spa, a healing arts center, and even a cooking school.

If San Francisco is a little too busy and hectic for your tastes, Cavallo Point is an excellent escape.

Book a room

Hotels with partial views of the Golden Gate Bridge

These hotels might not come with reliable and consistent views of the Golden Gate Bridge, but avid SF travelers and locals have pointed out that certain rooms offer great vistas. Just make sure to do your research before booking a room; you should be explicit that you’re after Golden Gate views.

Argonaut Hotel (San Francisco)

This is one of the most affordable options on this list. The Argonaut is located in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, putting you straight into San Francisco’s action. There’s also a highly rated on-site restaurant called the Blue Mermaid.

Those who stay on one of the upper floors can expect views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Just be prepared to pay a bit extra for rooms with great visibility of the bay.

Book a room

Comfort Inn by the Bay (San Francisco)

Just like the Argnonaut, this Fisherman’s Wharf selection offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge from its top floors. This is a budget pick that puts you close to all the best action in the city.

If you’re a little hesitant to fork over hundreds for a hotel stay with direct views, reserve one of the uppermost floors at the Comfort Inn. Just make sure you’re facing the right direction.

Book a room

InterContinental Mark Hopkins (San Francisco)

On the other hand, if you’re in search of a more luxurious stay with great views, then head to the InterContinental Mark Hopkins.

This IHG selection offers incredible views of the city—including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Transamerica building, and more. Just make sure to ask for a room with the correct views when finalizing your booking.

Book a room

Stop Waiting in Long Security Lines—Schedule a Time Slot at These Airports

Airports are more crowded and hectic than ever before—and the TSA knows it.

Despite the complex and at times maddening nature of air travel in the US, the TSA is continuously looking for ways to streamline the passenger experience.

Programs like Global Entry and mobile apps like Mobile Passport Control shorten the time that US citizens need to wait in customs when returning to the US.

Meanwhile, programs like TSA PreCheck and MyTSA make it easy for domestic travelers to get to their gates on time thanks to expedited security lines.

Despite how difficult air travel can be, the horizons of improvement are constantly expanding. One of the latest developments related to domestic air travel is the ability to schedule time slots to go through security at certain airports.

Thanks to the Reserve by Clear program, you can book ahead to reserve a time slot to go through security. The best part? It’s free.

A partnership with Clear

Before I start listing airports that let fliers book time slots to go through security, we need to talk about Clear. As of 2024, Clear is spearheading the push for reservable time slots at airports across the US.

Clear is a company that offers expedited trips through security through the usage of biometric data, including fingerprints and iris scans. Rather than speak with an agent or go through traditional security lines, Clear members verify their identities at digital kiosks before heading to expedited lines.

Clear’s program is similar to both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry but isn’t run by the TSA. Clear is a private company that works according to TSA regulations. Because of this, it’s easy to bundle Clear with TSA PreCheck for an even more expedited experience.

If you want to streamline your experience at the airport, you might want to consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Clear for domestic trips and Global Entry for international vacations.

However, you do not need to be enrolled in Clear or TSA PreCheck to reserve a free and expedited security control time slot. Clear is simply the company that’s managing time slot scheduling at US airports. You’ll use their platform to schedule a time to go through security at eligible airports.

US airports that let you schedule a trip through security

As of October 2024, Clear’s technology allows you to reserve a time slot to get through security at seven US-based airports.

International airports that let you schedule a trip through security

As of October 2024, passengers can reserve time slots at these international airports. Those marked with an asterisk are powered by Clear. Others are independent programs from airports.

Time Out Just Named This Portland Neighborhood as the Coolest in the US

Portland, Oregon is widely regarded as the US’s hipster capital.

It’s a diminutive term in most cases, tossed around to summarize the city’s interest in both independence and uniqueness. From a political and legal perspective to a social and cultural perspective, Portland does things differently—for better or for worse.

That type of intense distinction has made Portland a dreamy destination to some and an ongoing joke to others.

But the data is in. A report on the coolest neighborhoods in the world from Time Out pulled together expert opinions on ‘coolness’ from around the world—and Portland outperformed other US-ranked neighborhoods in Miami (Little River) and New York City (Flatbush).

When it comes to ranking coolness—which includes criteria like great food, unique culture, community, street life, and art—Portland came in fifth place in the world.

Well, not Portland itself but one of its longest-standing neighborhoods: Kerns.

So, what makes this neighborhood so noteworthy? And what should you do when you finally make it to the promised land of Kerns?

Welcome to Kerns

Let’s cut to the core of what makes a place cool: Authenticity.

Whatever a place is doing, it should be doing it at full force and with greater regard for its own pleasure and functionality than for others.

The No. 1 spot on TimeOut’s list is located in Marseille, France, and it’s second in Casablanca, Morocco. In both locations, you can find colorful street art galore, locals rubbing elbows in casual settings, and plenty of hole-in-the-wall, mom-and-pop establishments.

In Kerns, Portland, the same is true.

Street art blankets brick buildings, while locals chatter and exchange at the dozens of small restaurants, coffee shops, and indie establishments like the famous Laurelhurst Theater.

The district is home to dozens of independent projects with few chains around. Most uniquely of all, Kerns is one of the US’s most walkable neighborhoods—a rarity in North America.

Half the neighborhood’s streets are residential, letting locals wander from coffee shops to comedy shows to ponds all in a single go. It’s beautiful, it’s functional, it’s independent.

And if you’ve been following my coverage of hostels for adults, you might recognize the neighborhood. Kerns is home to Kex, one of the coolest boutique hostels I’ve ever seen.

The perfect day in the neighborhood

According to Portland local and writer Alice Wolfe, the best way to spend a day in Kerns is to wander from one mom-and-pop shop to the next.

Here’s where you should make sure to pop in the next time you’re in Portland:

Best food & drink in Kerns

Best bars in Kerns

Best retail in Kerns

Do You Like the Shire? You’ll Love These Hobbit House Rentals

Hobbit houses were once a thing of fiction.

While earthen dwellings have existed for millennia, JRR Tolkien’s Middle-earth of The Lord of the Rings fantasy series introduced a novel type of subterranean home.

A hobbit house, specifically.

These dwellings are constructed into hillsides and hillocks, designed to blend with nature. Rooms and windows are usually circular rather than square, home to cozy fireplaces and sitting areas.

Given their earthen nature, many hobbit houses are built from eco-friendly materials and run on renewable energy. Though fantastical, many are cutting-edge in terms of structure and functionality.

The best part? Despite being partly subterranean, most hobbit houses have ample light and modern amenities.

And while most feature a charming and cozy design reminiscent of Tolkien’s Middle-earth, that’s not the case across the board. There’s a hobbit house out there for just about every traveler.

Want a little bit of Middle Earth magic on your next vacation? If you like the Shire, you’ll love these hobbit house rentals from Airbnb.

[Or, if you want to hunt for the perfect hobbit house yourself, start here with Airbnb’s Earthen home category.]

Best hobbit houses in the US

Hobbit Style Underground Cabin

Broadway, Virginia

What’s better than getting to stay in a beautiful and hand-built hobbit home? Finding one that has views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This is my top pick thanks to its unbeatable location. No matter the season, you’ll be treated to beautiful views and scenery.

In terms of interiors, too, it doesn’t get any better. Despite its bespoke features, this hobbit house looks like it was crafted by professional teams and craftspeople. I’m in love with the wooden features, in particular.

Make this hobbit house your hobbit home

The Bag Inn A Hobbit Home

Salem, Oregon

This is a luxury take on hobbit houses. With over 1,000 square feet of interior and 2.5 acres of sprawling forest to explore, it’s a grand escape.

Even the bathroom takes you into the lap of luxury, with cobbled walls, a freestanding soaking tub, and a massive walk-in shower.

If you’re a little shy about leaving your creature comforts behind to explore the world of Middle-earth, then start here.

Make this hobbit house your hobbit home

The Hideaway at Creekside Meadows

Clancy, Montana

I’ve been swept away with a few hobbit houses with stellar interior designs—but this is my favorite selection based on the organic and natural exterior.

With less fanfare than the others on this list, this dwelling literally looks like it’s something from a fantasy world. It looks so natural to its setting that it almost looks casual.

But the interior is austere—and on par with a boutique hotel. The coolest feature has to be the grand walk-in shower which is situated inside a large dugout tree trunk. A close second is the stacked bunk beds—all of which are built into their own cove.

Make this hobbit house your hobbit home

Forest Gully Farms

Santa Fe, Tennessee

Forest Gully huts are hobbit homes built into the earth at Forest Gully Farms—a largescale and eco-friendly operation, from what I can tell.

This family-owned establishment lets visitors rent out earthen homes while they stay on the grounds, exploring the orchards and nearby waterfall.

If you want to learn more about the basics of permaculture, I’d wager this is a great place to start. Or if you only want to kick back with your wooden pipe (it’s a hobbit thing), then the ample outdoor sitting areas and forest views should do you just fine.

With plenty of kid’s books and twin beds, this is a great choice for families with kids, too.

Make this hobbit house your hobbit home

Hobbit House – Welcome to the Shire

Greensboro, Georgia

Don’t let the official title of ‘Lizardsniffer’s Hobbit Hole’ throw you off. Middle Earth has a lot of personality, and hobbits are known for their adventurous endeavors.

This hobbit house has all the cozy comforts you’d expect in an Earthen stay, along with warm and bespoke features like a cobbled bar.

As a bonus, you also have the benefit of staying on a large plot of land. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can try out other activities like kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and more.

Make this hobbit house your hobbit home

Cedar Bluff Hobbit House

Fayetteville, Arkansas

This hobbit house is technically a geodesic dome, meaning there’s a large frame that the home is built around. While that makes it slightly less subterranean than other hobbit houses, it gives you the benefit of a large, clear dome top.

For anyone who likes star-gazing, that should be a plus. On top of its clear dome top, I also love the unique sitting areas and living room in this hobbit house.

The wooden and stone elements are organic, while many of the kitchen and bathroom features are modern. Just look out for the Golem plushies. They’re terrifying.

Make this hobbit house your hobbit home

Covington Hobbitlike House

South Sioux City, Nebraska

This delightful escape takes you straight into the world of bespoke hobbit homes. In this case, you’re in for a more rural and rustic experience.

There’s no TV on the premises—which invites you to soak up the surroundings and relax. The outdoor patio is picturesque, as is the fire pit area.

Just keep in mind that this rental isn’t a true two-bedroom. Though there are two sleeping areas, the interior has an open floor plan. It’s comfortable and cozy—so long as you’re okay sharing quarters.

Make this hobbit house your hobbit home