My husband and I were fortunate to snap up the last room at the Avalon B&B the weekend that we were in Sebastopol. We were one of three couples staying at the Avalon that weekend and the only couple who hadn't stayed there before. We stayed in the Wizard's room, which had a steam shower and it's own outdoor seating area. The room was very quiet and peaceful. Avalon, itself was ~5 min drive from downtown.

Hilary was a gracious and thoughtful host and a fabulous cook. She made us a pesto parmesan scone, veggie quiche, and fresh fruit for breakfast. (I'm drooling just thinking about that breakfast!). On Sunday, we had to leave early and Hilary got up early and made us ginger muffins to take with us. So thoughtful!

We've been to wine country many times, but had never visited Sebastopol. It is a charming town with several good restaurants, a cute downtown for shopping, and very friendly residents. By chance, we were visiting the weekend of the annual Gravenstein Apple Fair, which was definitely worth the price of admission: think county fair, but on a smaller scale and with better crafts.

A few recommendations for places to visit while in Sebastopol:
- Hopmunk Tavern - Live music in the evenings, great selection of beer and wine, and good food
- Peter Lowells - Fresh, seasonal food that is locally sourced
- Claypool Cellars - Cute winery inside of a train car inside of a warehouse. Great Pinot!

We are seasoned travellers but have not really done the B&B format for many years. Our hosts were just lovely people who truly enjoyed having us share their home and experience the area. They know every inch of Sonoma and Marin Counties and had suggestions for food, hiking, local wineries and take tremendous pride in what they have to offer. Their 3 rooms are spectacular and a great getaway from the rest of the world. Who needs TV?? Hillary and her family are the nicest down to earth people you just want to hang out with and share. I think if we lived in the area we would go out of our way to spend every weekend there but since we had to fly 4 hours and drive 2 hours we will just dream of the next time we can return. Bonuses were the gourmet breakfasts that were prepared with a lot of care creativity and effort. Afternoon happy hour featured wine from local vintners.You will enjoy it tremendously but try and keep it a secret.....

We came to Avalon not knowing what to expect. This was our last stop on a 2-week vacation for our 25th anniversary before going home, and we were hoping (praying) this was the right choice and that the reviews we read were true. We realized all was good when we drove down the long driveway, over the private wooden bridge and through the woods. It looked just like a classic Thomas Kincaid painting. The inn was perched on the edge of a brook and surrounded by giant redwood trees. As we walked up to the front door it opened before we had the opportunity to knock, and there was Hillary our innkeeper. She welcomed us to her home and showed us around the common areas and finally our room, “The Enchanted Forest”. The room, facing the brook, was secluded, quiet, comfortable and calm. Everything was so clean and neat, elegant and perfect! We were invited back upstairs for a glass of wine and a snack after we settled in.
We went upstairs and Hillary offered us a glass of wine, all choices from local vineyards. We chose a wine produced five minutes down the road, delicious. She was able to give us so much information about the area; it's wineries and restaurant recommendations. All the recommendations, she or her husband Gary gave us were spot on (Screamin' Mimi's for homemade ice cream anyone?). They really know the area and are proud of their community. They have a great deal of enthusiasm.
The bed was so comfortable, we didn't want to get up, but we also didn't want to miss Hillary's amazing breakfast. Each morning we had a fresh baked goodie. Drop biscuits, ginger scones, fresh and warm from the oven. Don't expect plain scrambled eggs and cold bacon here! Hillary artfully prepares each three-course breakfast with local, organic ingredients. I can't remember the names of the dishes; I just know our plates were clean after every course! Breakfast is served at 9:00 am, but if that is too late due to your plans that day, Hillary will gladly make it earlier for you. All you have to do is ask.
At Avalon you can be as social or as private as you want to be. We were able to meet several members of the innkeeper's family and talked and laughed over a few glasses of wine, but we also stayed out all day and entered our room, via a beautiful, private walkway and rested, never talking to a soul. Fresh baked goodies, hot tea and coffee are always available upstairs as well as sodas and waters in a fridge outside our room.
We spent three nights at Avalon and would definitely stay there again on another visit to wine country. You are not a customer here. You are a guest. This is a bed and breakfast in its purist form with luxury amenities and the nicest people you'd ever want to meet. When we left, I didn't know whether to hug Hillary or shake her hand. I opted for the hand, but maybe next time I'll have to give her a hug.

Tucked in the redwoods outside of Sabastopol, this place is a hidden gem. The Innkeeper and her family were absolutely wonderful to us and our room was excellent. This is one of the few B&B experiences that we have ever had and will certainly return to Avalon the next time we are in the area.