Welcome to Monte Rio, California – “Vacation Wonderland”
When Paul and I drove by this town I insisted we we stop and experience the “wonder” for ourselves.
Exploration of Monte Rio revealed a river, a bridge crossing the river, and a Main Street containing a Bartlett’s and a closed-for-business biker bar called the Pink Elephant.
Vacation Wonderland? It makes me wonder who thought that sign was a good idea….
lol…. looks like quite the hot spot.
By way of explanation…we’ve read some old books about the lower Russian River in it’s “Heyday”. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s there was a train that brought San Francisco residents seeking some relief from the constant fog that socks in the city. Hundreds if not thousands would come up each weekend to bask in the Indian summer sun of Monte Rio and Geurneville.
Oh to have been able to dress up in a corset and 12 slips long dress with parasol and heels and jump on a train for a day in Vacation Wonderland.
It’s all kind of downtown Magna out here. Go figure, with all this natural beauty.
I wonder how much their exciting “wonderland” sign cost. Looks like a thrilling place.
Ahhh, Monte Rio. The BEST place to hang out on the river. Pretty rocky beach, but our favorite. Did you head over to Goat Rock (along the coast)?
We went to the coast, but I don’t know where. We didn’t stay long at the beach because it was quite chilly and we were hungry 🙂
Monte Rio was really scenic – but the “vacation wonderland” sign really cracked me up. Just seemed a bit over the top for what they had to offer…
lol lol lol
My family has owned a cozy cabin in Monte Rio since before there was a Golden Gate Bridge. Call it what you like, but we love it! If we wanted busy hectic excitement, we would stay in the city.