What began as loggers’ cabins and vacation homes 140 years ago gradually turned into small communities of foresters, farmers, and merchants. Among these hamlets, Guerneville, once the hub of the redwood timber mills, offers great opportunities in a town known for its social and cultural diversity.

A gay-friendly, year-round haven just 75 miles north of San Francisco, Guerneville combines the finest wine with dining, a flourishing arts community, interesting history, and the bounty of northern California’s great outdoors in one location. Though still a favorite getaway for retreats and vacations, many of the attractive and unique 1920s cabins and historic cottages have become year-round homes. The beauty of the area has attracted artists and craftsman colonies, rejuvenating spas, and some of the finest dining experiences in the United States. Hills covered in cows and woolly sheep, orchards, and gardens where the freshest, often organic, produce is grown for your dinner table and farms of every variety are all to be discovered in this wondrous country.

Life here can be relaxing and rejuvenating or fast-paced and exciting, depending on your tastes and desires. The Russian River area inspires a diverse lifestyle where one can savor the delights of country living near larger city commerce.

Reprinted, with permission of the publisher, from 50 FABULOUS GAY-FRIENDLY PLACES TO LIVE (www.FabCities.com) © 2005 Gregory A. Kompes. Published by Career Press, Franklin Lakes, NJ. 800-227-3371. All rights reserved.