Looking for a place to stop on your way to or from Black Mountain Retreat Center?

We are 30 minutes from the famous Sonoma coast, with its beautiful beaches and coastal walks — head down to Jenner, Bodega Bay and beyond, or up to Gualala and Point Arena. Check out the Kruse Rhododendron Park, Salt Point (source of much of San Francisco’s sandstone), or the historic Russian Fort Ross, or have a night out at the opera in Point Arena, also home to an impressive lighthouse. Close to Point Arena is the B. Bryan Preserve, where a number of endangered species are cared for, and where guests can drop by for feeding or stay overnight.

Inland, just down the hill, is the town of Cazadero with its old-time General Store, post office, auto-repair and two churches. Five minutes beyond you will find Raymond’s Bakery, home to the most scrumptious pizzas, breads and cakes, and free wi-fi.

The town of Guerneville — with supermarket, cafes, gift-stores, bookshops and a lively night-life — is another 20 minutes beyond Cazadero. Here you will find all kinds of summer entertainment, from kayaking to outdoor music. Or, you can take a quiet wander through the ancient trees of the Armstrong Redwoods. For more information check out the Russian River Chamber of Commerce

Two hours drive away you enter the picturesque valleys of Napa — vineyards, fine restaurants and tasting-rooms galore!