The Russian River resort and
recreation area, is located about 70 miles from San Francisco, California; it has changed somewhat since I used to visit there regularly. Then there was the flood of 2006. Some establishments were just wiped off the map - so to speak. Others would recuperate after the expense of repairs and loss of business and have come back with gusto. Others decided to go 'straight' and clean up their act. However, the area is thriving both as a wine producing area that - to some degree - rivals its high profile neighbor, Napa Valley, and as a summer resort / recreation area which has a long tradition of attracting gay and lesbians day-trippers and vacationers. The main 'town' is Guerneville, CA - but there are a sprinkling of little hamlets nestled along the banks of the meandering Russian River as flows quietly to the Pacific Ocean or scattered through Sonoma County.
Russian River remains a great destination for San Francisco residents to escape the urban din or anyone visiting the state or city who wants a more laid-back and pastoral travel experience. It offers a lot: canoeing or rafting on the gentle Russian River, vineyard visits and wine-tasting tours, outdoor recreation like hiking and horseback riding, and all with a hour or so from other great sites, such as San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's Wharf, The Castro, and the Sonoma Coast Beach Parks along with Bodega Bay.
See more info at: http://www.gayrussianriver.com/
Although I have been there recently since I did go for the Russian River Winegrower's
Association Grape to Glass Wine Festival last year Aug 13-15, 2009, I stayed at Highlands Resort. It will be held again this year from August 20 - 22, 2010. You can find the details at:
http://www.rrvw.org/grape-to-glass/
I just love that Russian River Pinot Noir! It's light red with a delightful bouquet of tastes given to it by the fog along the banks of the Russian River. It was actually my first time to try it, and I have been a big fan of it ever since.
I've already mentioned Highland Resort allows nudity around pool and also at the jacuzzi. It is sometimes hard to book a room/cabin at either so make up you mind soon.
Last year, I greatly enjoyed the Grape To Glass (Russian River Winegrowers Annual
Festival). You can take part in three days of fine wine, food, music, art and recreation in the vineyards and neighborhoods of the Russian River Valley:
Unique In Depth Tours • Virtual Photo Contest • Live Concert • Cycling & Kayaking • Hog in The Fog BBQ • Live & Silent Auctions • Sparkling Brunch
I didn't attend all the events at Grape to Glass last year, but the private vintner tours and wine-tasting were very nice, especially if you get to meet the winemaker (and all the staff who help grow it).
The Saturday massive wine-tasting party and barbeque, called Hog in The Fog BBQ, was quite nice as well.
As far as I know, the only clothing-optional resorts are Highland Resort and The Woods.
Highlands Resort http://www.highlandsresort.com/
Nudity is allowed at the pool and and in the hot tub.
The Woods http://rrwoods.com/ The Woods resort allows nudity around and in the pool.
There are other places listed here: http://www.gayrussianriver.com/
Fife's has changed hands, now known as Fern Grove Cottages is a gay-friendly resort. It seems the new owners wanted it to be a 'classy' place so they put an end to the camping (I used to try to be nude whenever possible), and also to the cruising
(anonymous outdoor sex) that used to go on on its grounds. Too bad! However, things like that have a way of restarting - but I cannot vouch for that.
RRR (Russian River Resort) is another popular gay accommodation right in Guerneville. RRR used to allow nudity in its enclosed hot tub area, but not at their pool, and it may still do so. You can probably still buy a day-pass to get in and use the pool.
RRR was remodeled in 2006 after the flood. They have a new saline pool, hot tub, poolside bar/BBQ, indoor bar and piano bar. The resort also has the wonderful Triple R Bar & Grill restaurant. We are a host resort for many wonderful annual events as well as providing live weekly entertainment.
See their website at: http://www.russianriverresort.com/
There is also a nude beach (of sorts) out on the river, but I have never been able to get
anyone to explain exactly how to get to it, so I have never been there myself. It's not close to town evidently and takes a good while to walk (or drive).
Horseback riding in the redwood forest (nearby) and winery (wine-tasting) visits, plus floating down the Russian River make for a great week (or weekend of fun).
Armstrong Woods Trail Rides http://www.redwoodhorses.com/
See other activities links at: http://www.gayrussianriver.com/activities.html
Sometime there are events at the gay bars that bring in more people, but it was mostly just a few people whenever I was there in the off weekend.
There is a old theater in downtown Guerneville that hosts a repetoire of classic and kooky favorities plays and shows, such as The Rocky Horror Show, (or at least it had been doing so.) There are also a couple of jazz and rock music festivals and other events, like a airshow that happen throughout the year.
For those who enjoy camping, you can camp out at Highland Resort, or at Johnson's a RV and tent campground riverside right in town.
I recommend driving back from Guerneville to San Francisco via the Sonoma Coast (at least part of the way) and stopping along the road at Bodega Bay, which was a location of the Hitchcock film, The Birds. However, it's pristine coastline views are gorgeous (when the fog has lifted). That fog is what flows up the Russian River and adds to the makeup of flavors in the Russian River pinot noir grapes.
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