The grapes are beginning to hang on the vine, farms and gardens are bursting with produce and flowers, and community calendars are packed with festivals and celebrations. 

It's August in Sonoma County, and the flow of visitors is steady. They paddle happily along the Russian River or go boating on Lake Sonoma; try new wines and revisit old favorites; picnic on beaches, meadows, or hillsides; go hiking, biking, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, or zip lining; or just kick back and savor the beauty and abundance all around them. 

For the next two months our calendar is overflowing with activities and events;  a few highlights are listed below and you can view the complete calendar at  sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events .  

It bears repeating that if any of your guests are planning to head west to the Pacific Ocean, be sure to let them know to expect delays (especially on weekends) on Highway 1 about midway between Bodega Bay and Jenner. The ongoing repair work means one-way traffic in two spots (near Gleason Beach and just south of Bay Hill Road), but it's still possible to explore and enjoy our spectacular coastline . 

This is the perfect time of year to share our love of Sonoma County with visitors from near and far. Many thanks for all you do to make their experiences enjoyable and memorable.

Cheers,