Valley Ford

Located amid rolling hills slightly inland from the coastline in western Sonoma County, Valley Ford combines country hospitality with culinary and artistic sophistication, set in the heart of Sonoma County’s dairy belt. For a brief period, this area was the focus of art enthusiasts worldwide. Sonoma County Historic Landmark No. 24, a bronze plaque at 14459 Valley Ford Road, commemorates The Running Fence — 165,000 yards of white nylon panels 19 feet high that husband-wife environmental artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude hung in Sonoma County for two weeks in 1976.

Built in 1864, the historic Valley Ford Hotel features seven charming and pet-friendly guest rooms, as well as the popular Rocker Oysterfeller's restaurant, with Southern-inspired food, created with fresh Sonoma County ingredients. The place includes a saloon where locals and tourists hang out, and listen to music.

Family-owned Valley Ford Market is a farmers' and ranchers' grocery that also caters to tourists — which means in addition to bread, produce, plumbing fixtures, and fishing tackle, it boasts an extensive inventory of local wines. Enjoy the small-town friendly atmosphere and hearty fare at Dinucci's Italian Dinners. Or indulge in a tasty breakfast or lunch at Estero Café, featuring soul-warming favorites like Swedish pancakes with applesauce, chicken-fried steak, or homemade cakes and pies.