About HOPLAND, CA
Located in the Ukiah Valley on Highway 101, south of the city of Ukiah, the town of Hopland is tiny but interesting, small but full of life. Well-known as a must-see stop along the highway, Hopland's downtown area is only a few square blocks, but its amazing how many interesting things this town of 800 has been able to squeeze into their tiny metropolis. The town greets its visitors with unique shops, Victorian inns and homes, galleries, and the very first post-prohibition brew pub in California. Native American art is quite popular here and browsers will enjoy the unique creations by locals whose tribes have lived in the area for centuries. The local Hopland Band of Pomo Indians also operates the Hopland Sho-Ka-Wah Casino & Bingo, a popular stop for mature visitors passing through town and a good place to test your luck. The locals here are extremely friendly, too. It's not unusual for them to pull you into a long conversation at the local pub or invite you to join them for an early morning game of bocce ball.
While the shopping here is fun and the wine-tasting at the town's half-dozen or so wineries is delicious, if you're looking for something really different, make a stop at the non-profit Solar Living Center for a tour. This 12-acred demonstration center dedicated to teaching visitors the importance of clean renewable energy and sustainable living technologies has attracted more than a half-million visitors since it opened in 1995. Workshops are available for interested visitors and an annual weekend educational celebration, SolFest, attracts inspirational speakers from all over the world. The landscaping at the Solar Living Center, sponsored by Gaiam Real Goods, 'follows the Sun's journey through the seasons, with zones planted to represent the ecosystems of different latitudes. Woodland, Wetland, Grassland and Dry zones are manifested through plantings moving from North to South, with the availability of water as the collaborative element.'
Guided tours are offered Friday through Sunday and visitors of all ages will enjoy this family-friendly attraction. Guests may roam through the gardens on their own. Hopland is home to a few inns and B&Bs, so if you'd like to stay overnight in this friendly little town, there are a couple of options, including a stay at an estate house located on the grounds of a local winery. In addition, beautiful spa suites are offered at one of the town's newest accommodations. Restaurants in Hopland include small-town cafes and lunch joints as well as elegant restaurants located at some of the local wineries, serving up fine cuisine that features the best of Northern California's seafood from the coastal areas located just a two hour drive from Hopland. Small, local Hopland festivals attract residents from neighboring towns year round and more well-known events pull visitors from far and wide. These include the bi-annual Hopland Passport, held in May and October. At this two-day celebration, each Hopland area winery promises to entertain visitors 'in their own special way', including live music, barrel tasting, barbeques, organic garden tours, book signings, reserve and future tastings, and much more.
Learn more about this city.
City of Hopland, CA official site
City of Hopland, CA Chamber of Commerce
City of Hopland, CA newspaper
County of Hopland, CA official site
State of California official site