From the Napa/Sonoma Valley, through the woods of redwood trees along the Russian River, to the town of Jenner on the coast!
Your Host(s) for the Event
Chris Hanson & MaryAnn Worobiec
Route
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6usJuuxMKey9HTf1A
Register via MotorSport Registry
https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/norcal-minis-run-napa-jenner-on-sonoma-coast-234977
Meet-up Time / Departure Time
10 am / 10:30 am
Meet-up Location
We’ll start in the charming Carneros region, which straddles both Napa and Sonoma Counties, and is known for breezes from the San Pablo Bay, terrific wines, and views.
Lou’s Luncheonette
2698 Fremont Dr
Sonoma, CA 95476
Lou’s is a local favorite for its comfort food and outdoor seating. They open at 8am, if you’re tempted to get there early to enjoy their chicken and waffles or get a coffee before the run. The fresh homemade biscuits are not to be missed. Bathrooms are accessible outside, near the picnic tables.
Make sure you fill up your MINI before arriving. The only nearby gas station is the Bonneau Market, 23003 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476, a 5 minute drive from Lou’s at the traffic circle where state routes 116 and 121 meet.
Run Details
From Lou’s Luncheonette, the first part of the drive will be leisurely—past vineyards in Sonoma Valley, past wineries, and with views of the Mayacamas and Sonoma Mountains. We did our best to avoid the towns in the area, but we’ll have to slow down as we go through the small town of Glen Ellen, which is near Jack London State Historic Park. Finally, we’ll have a chance for a more spirited drive through twisted roads before our pitstop, which is at a Starbucks in a Santa Rosa strip mall (1511 Farmers Ln Center, Santa Rosa, CA 95405).
If you forget to get gas before getting to Lou’s, there are gas stations very close to the Starbucks.
The second half of the run begins with a quick but necessary drive on Hwy 12 to get to the other side of Highway 101 as we head west.
From there, driving is a breeze through redwood forests along the Russian River, which will be along the road as we get closer to the coast. We will also drive through the blink-and-you-migh-miss-them towns of Monte Rio and Duncan Mills.
When we hit Highway 1, we’ll take a right and you’ll have views of the Pacific as we drive through the town of Jenner and past Goat Rock Beach to the Jenner Headlands Preserve, which will be our final stop. It’s across the highway from the ocean, and will make a great group photo of our MINIs with the stunning backdrop.
NOTE: THERE ARE NO BATHROOMS at the Jenner Headlands Preserve. You can head back south to the Sonoma Coast Park & Jenner Visitor Center which has a large parking lot and a free vault toilet.
The Jenner Sea Store has porta potties and gas.
Or, just a five minute drive further north there’s a free vault toilet at the entrance to the Russian Gulch State Beach entrance on the ocean side of Hwy 1. It’s not a scenic (or paved) parking lot, but it’s functional.
While along the coast, take advantage of the many stops along the Hwy 1 for dramatic views of where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. The Harbor Seal Nursery viewpoint is a great place to get a view of Harbor Seals, which hang out on the sand banks all summer long.
Lunch Details
Cafe Aquatica in downtown Jenner is open 7 days a week until 4pm
Tasting By The Sea Wine Bar, just next door to Cafe Aquatica, is open until 8pm
South of Jenner just across the Russian River Bridge on Highway 1, Jilly’s Real Food Roadhouse (9960 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450) has views of the Russian River from its back patio.
Unfortunately, the River's End Restaurant & Inn, which serves high-end food, doesn’t open until 5pm. But if you’re interested in hanging around until dinner, you can check out the details: https://ilovesunsets.com/jenner-ca-restaurant
Additional Run Details
If you have any other questions about runs in general, check out our FAQ.