Glen Ellen

This amazing 500-acre preserve was donated by David Bouverie in 1979 and is home to 130 species of birds and 350 species of flowering plants. In order to maintain the pristine environment visitation is highly regulated. Public tours are offered one or two Saturdays a month and are well worth calling in advanced to be a part of. Wear hiking books and explore the natural beauty including breath taking waterfalls and vistas.

One weekend a year, in late May, the whole town - and quite a few visitors - show up to Dunbar Elementary School to watch and participate in the 5th Grade Melodrama. Held on the outdoor "Haver Stage" with grass and blanket seating, this play is always a hoot. Boo and Hiss at the villain, Sign for the heroin and Cheer the hero through their adventures. Bring a pick-nick and a bottle of wine and enjoy the fun and local culture.

The estate of the famous writer Jack London, who wrote Call of the Wild. Home of the Jack London Wolf House, which burned to the ground in 1913, shortly before it was completed. London died in 1916, and his wife, Charmian, lived there until her own death. This park combines the literary with agriculture: Jack London wrote many stories here so he could pay for his beloved ranch. He designed and built the "Pig Palace" and other stone buildings and developed sustainable farming techniques here. Visitors can also see the ruins of two wineries, which were destroyed during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The park has amazing hiking, wildlife, birding, and, in the summer time, live music events. There are two short historic trails, and 29 miles of backcountry hiking trails through trees, spring wildflowers, and beautiful views. Some trails are difficult, and none permit dogs or smoking. Bicycling and horseback riding on some trails. There are several picnic areas, and a wheelchair-accessible portable restroom is on the mile-long path to the Wolf House. Water is sold in the House of Happy Walls Museum gift store.

The guided tour rides, conducted by the Triple Creek Horse Outfit, meander past acres of vineyards, through open oak woodlands, and beneath shady groves of tall redwoods. Longer rides may include lunch.

One of the largest collections of scientifically- documented, wild-sourced Asian plants in the western world. Docent-lead tours are available if scheduled at least two weeks in advance.

162 acres of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Once a part of the Eldridge Develop-Mental Center, it is now a fantastic place to take the family on a sunny afternoon. Enjoy pick-nick tables and the dog park. A dog park is also on site. Wildflowers are beautiful in the spring.

Perfect for traveling dog lovers. Elizabeth's Dog Park is a fantastic one acre fenced in play-ground for our furry four-legged friends. There are picnic benches and a gazebo for sitting and avoiding the sun while you watch groups of dogs play together.

The Glen Ellen Village Fair happens once a year, the second Sunday in October, and is well worth wandering through. The majority of Arnold Drive is closed down through town and the street is lined with booths of local good and hand crafts. It opens at 10AM. A parade begins at noon featuring the volunteer fire department, The Sonoma Valley High School marching band and lots of other local groups. Make sure to buy a ticket for the quilt raffle, the quilt is made by 10 local women and is donated every year to raise money for the community.