Lucky Bend Lookout Vacation Rental

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Lucky Bend Lookout Vacation Rental

A Mid-Century Gem in the Redwoods—Bring the Kids! Think traveling with kids means sacrificing gorgeous, architecturally inspiring accommodations? Think again.
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Your kids will feel like woodland creatures—and you’ll feel like a travel-planning wizard—when your family settles into our mid-century modern cabin, tucked into a dense stand of redwoods beside the Russian River in Guerneville. (One ancient redwood has been presiding over our part of the forest for over a thousand years!)

A true mid-century modern gem, Lucky Bend Lookout was architect-desig

ned and constructed in 1966, and is kid-friendly down to the childproofed details. It’s environmentally friendly, too—during a recent remodel, we took care to increase thermal performance by 400 percent (that includes heated floors!) and used only sustainable building materials and native plants. Protecting nature—which is so gorgeously on display here—is a priority for us. In true mid-century modern tradition, the Lucky Bend Lookout’s open floor plan, elevated treehouse-style deck, enormous windows, and warm redwood walls and ceilings merge indoor and outdoor spaces. Have you ever vacationed somewhere that’s brimming with natural beauty and felt guilty for just wanting to relax inside with a good book? Here, that’s no dilemma. Watch ospreys soar among the redwoods from the couch in the living area, decorated with clean lines and whimsical fabrics. Or sauté fresh vegetables from the Guerneville Farmers Market in our fully stocked kitchen as you watch your kids play outside on the deck. Then, present your handiwork to your hungry family at the sleek dining table—which has room for 10—and watch the Russian River drifting by in the fading light of evening while the adults sip our region’s famous wines. Or you can get even closer to nature and feast at the eight-person outdoor dining table on the spacious deck among the trees. Or plan on an epic day of activity and reward yourself with our private chef who will prepare a gourmet meal right to your tastes right there are Luck Bend Lookout and sweep away all the dishes and cleanup afterwards while you relax on the deck in the warm breeze. After dinner, get cozy in the living room and watch the stars reflect their sparkle on the river as you browse Netflix, HuluPlus, or Pandora Radio on our 47-inch flat screen TV. The couch doubles as a pull-out bed. For the kids, we keep our cabin clear of breakable knickknacks and stocked with all the gear you need. A Pack ‘n Play, high chair, step stool, potty-chair, toddler bed rail, baby swing, and stroller keep the little ones safe. Plus, we supply a few extra goodies to keep them happy, like a water table, a swing set under the deck, and some inside toys. One bedroom features a reading nook and a sturdy set of bunk beds for a fun, summer-camp setup, except much comfier—we use memory foam mattresses on all of our beds. And your kids’ imaginations will run wild with the magical redwood grove in view just outside their window. Two adult bedrooms, with queen-sized beds and mid-century modern details like s**g carpeting and low-profile beds, invite you to sink in for the night. A view of the redwoods will greet you in the morning. Our home is a dream for families who love the river life with a floating dock, along with stairs that lead directly to the river. The water will literally be steps away! As our guest, you’ll also enjoy complimentary use of our two kayaks, and canoe. The dock is not guaranteed to be available on a set date. It is usually in the water approximately from Mid-June through September which is when the seasonal dams are added to the river. Downtown Guerneville is only a mile from the Lucky Bend Lookout. We are located 10 minutes by car from the nearest winery and 15 to 20 minutes from dozens more. There are even kid-friendly wineries in the area! A sandy beach along the Russian River is a 10-minute walk from the property, or hop in the car and head 20 minutes to the Sonoma Coast to surf, explore tide pools, and spot harbor seals sunning themselves. Lucky Bend Lookout comes with beach chairs, an umbrella, beach toys, a cooler, a picnic basket, and a cruiser bike. Our calendar fills fast—the time to book your mid-century modern oasis is today! Give us a call at 415-516-6961
Sonoma County TOT Certificate .

09/05/2024

09/02/2024

💛 When we bought Lucky Bend Lookout in 2012, we could tell that this house was special. My husband and our partners who are architects could see right away that the house was built with techniques that are not common.

🔎 We did some research and we learned that in the postwar era the local redwood mills in created panelized kit homes. Ours is known as the Redwood Home Model 960 by The Rockport Redwood Company.

📐The entire house is made of prefabricated panels and is designed on a rigid 4 foot x 4 foot grid. Each panel is formed with 4x4 redwood lumber and infilled with 2x6 tongue and groove redwood infill boards. There are no studs or drywall in the house, everything is literally solid redwood.

🌲The Rockport Redwood Company was in operation from 1907 to 1969, supplying lumber to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake and fires. The mill ceased operations in 1957 so it is interesting that the plans for Lucky Bend Lookout are dated 1966. It may have been a clearance sale.

📜 How did you like your little history lesson?

P.S. The first image is a 2013 photo with old furniture but we haven’t been able to reproduce this photo just yet with our new furniture. It’s a tricky one! But dang I love this photo because it captures the modern essence of the living space so perfectly.

08/29/2024

Let’s take a walk down Main Street in Guerneville starting at Lucky Bend Lookout & check out the restaurants on Main St.

Baked on the River—closest restaurant to Lucky Bend Lookout. For breakfast they specialize in Scandinavian pastries & locally roasted coffee. They also have lunch, including vegan options. Many of their dishes you can order as a plate, pizza, or salad.

Saucy Mamas— specializing in southern food & BBQ.

The Lodge at Dawn Ranch—recently rebranded, this is one of the few fine dining restaurants in the area.

Guerneville Taco Truck—at the Safeway parking. Classic bay area style burritos but for those who don’t want Mexican food, they also have burgers & dogs.

Jay's Taste of India Food Truck--the newest spot for good food in town. We haven't yet tried it, but it's located across the street from Safeway.

Main Street Bistro & Cabaret—wide menu selection & they often have live music which is a hit with the kids.

Boon Eat + Drink—bustling farm-to-table bistro. Their flash fried brussels sprouts are KILLER!!

Pat’s International—Asian fusion for dinner & California cuisine for breakfast. Has a very cool giant map of the Russian River on the wall.

Piknik Town Market—open for breakfast & lunch, their biscuits are so good, even Oprah agrees. My favorite item is the biscuit with lox & crème fraîche. Their coffee is also really good.

Roadtrip— Classic modern Amerian food. They have delicious burgers, salads, and some vegan items. The boisterous atmosphere is perfect for families that don't do well in quiet restaurants.

Rivertime—a casual spot with American food. Big kids can play at the pool table & at the video games. Our kids enjoyed the wings & mozzarella sticks while Mom & Dad enjoyed watching the kids while sipping on some good draught beer.
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River Inn Grill—classic diner close to the Guerneville Bridge, open for breakfast & lunch. A classic menu with eggs & toast, pancakes, burgers & salads for lunch.

08/26/2024

Do you need a spa treatment followed by some peaceful pool time? Here is what we recommend in West Sonoma County!

🧖🏻‍♀️ Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary ()
Located in Occidental, Osmosis is the most popular, most unique, and most beautiful spa in the county. They are known for their Cedar Enzyme Bath, rejuvenating massages, organic facials, and Zen-inspired meditation gardens. Weekend appointments are booked out for several weeks in advance so be sure to plan ahead.

🧖🏻‍♀️ West Sonoma Inn & Spa
The West Sonoma Inn & Spa is located in Guerneville on over 6 acres, adjacent to a hundred acre vineyard. It’s a convenient location if you are staying at Lucky Bend Lookout because you could easily walk there. They offer a wide variety of massages, body treatments, and facials. To make your appointment call 707-869-2874.

🧖🏻‍♀️ Boon Hotel & Spa ()
Boon Spa is located in Guerneville and they offer a wide menu of massage services. They also have a pool and hot tub that you are welcome to use for up to 2 hours either before or after your spa service. If you visit with a group of 4 people for a spa day they will provide a free bottle of champagne. To make your appointment call (707) 869-2721 or email [email protected].

The video on this post features the outdoor space at Boon Hotel & Spa.

08/22/2024

Perfect for the family - toddler ready!
Alisha, June 2024

08/19/2024

Apple season is already here! Here are some ideas on how to partake in a wonderful apple harvest in Sonoma County. ⁣

🍎Andy’s produce is a market in Sebastopol, located very close to Hale’s apples. It’s a really nice place to stop with convenient operating hours. We got our bushel of organic gravenstein apples here this year and they are delicious!
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🍎Apple-A-Day U-pick in Sebastopol is a popular and beloved apple farm. They open on the weekends starting in mid-September.

🍎Walker Apples⁣ in Graton is located at the end of a scenic country dirt road. They grow 27 varieties of apples throughout the season. It's not a u-pick farm but the farm store is open daily.

🍎Hales Apple Farm⁣ in Sebastopol has a roadside stand with over 30 different varieties of heirloom apples throughout the season. You CAN do U-PICK but you have to call ahead to make arrangements.

🍎Chileno Valley Ranch in Petaluma has u-pick. Check their web site for the opening of reservations.

🍎 EarthSEED Farm is located in Sebastopol. Make an online reservation for apple picking only on Saturdays. Appointments are available on the prior Tuesday.

🍎Make it an Adventure!🍎
Apple-A-Day, Walker Apples, and EarthSEED are very close to each other so you could easily visit all on the same day. To make your trip to a whole day adventure you can visit kid-friendly Russian River Vineyards () for wine tasting after picking apples. You just might be lucky enough to be there when they are playing live music! On your way back home you can stop for dinner on the patio at () located in downtown Graton. If you end at Apple-A-Day, then we highly recommend stopping at Hazel () for dinner in nearby Occidental. Our kids love sitting at the bar so they can watch the chefs make pizza.

P.S. I died (in a good way) when I had their flash fried brussels sprouts!

08/15/2024

Angela’s Organic Ice Cream located in downtown Forestville is one of our favorite ice cream shops. The only ice cream I consider worth the calories is the super fancy artisan stuff and Angela’s is absolutely worth it! They have a huge variety of flavors, many of which are seasonal. They also have several dairy free flavors.

I love the location for many reasons. First, it is on the way to Lucky Bend Lookout from the SF Bay Area. And second, it’s close to a lot of things to do in the area. It’s across the street from the West County trail which we like to bike on, just down the road from Burke’s canoe trips and Steelhead beach, easy to get to from Riverfront Regional park, it’s close to many wineries, and it’s close to our favorite apple farms (gravenstein apple season is here, btw).

Have you tried Angela’s yet? If not, I hope you get to go there soon!

08/12/2024

08/08/2024

08/05/2024

08/01/2024

Awesome spot, and Sarah was so thoughtful throughout the check in and check out process. Amazing location, value, and hosts :) Thank you!!

07/29/2024

🥵Let’s talk about to do at the Russian River when the weather is hot!

🌞 First a little bit of background for folks who are not familiar with the Russian River area. During the summertime, the weather is usually somewhere in the perfectly warm 80s but every so often there is a heat wave and the temperature gets into the 90s.

This is what we like to do when it’s hot!

🏊‍♀️ Swim in the river of course! You don’t have to just swim in one area. You can go for some adventures! We like to get into the canoe and paddle down river near the Vacation Beach dam so the kids can jump off of a rock that we have named “Pirate Rock”. There are many small beaches along the river so you can paddle, get out and swim, paddle, get out and swim, and repeat.

🍹 Enjoy batch cocktails and watermelon Agua Fresca! We have a signature cocktail that we make every summer, called The Lucky Bender. It has ginger beer, coconut rum, fresh lime juice, and plenty of ice. Comment below if you want the recipe!

🙅🏼‍♀️Avoid cooking and hanging out at stuffy restaurants at all costs! Just run to Safeway and grab a bowl of fruit salad, a veggie tray, a couple green salad kits, some local cider from , hot dogs, and buns. Boom you have vacation dinner.

🍨 Eat plenty of cool treats. For some seriously gourmet ice cream you can go to in downtown Guerneville or for a shave ice go to the parking lot at Monte Rio beach (weekends only) and enjoy some top quality uniquely flavored shave ice from . There is also a typically enormous selection of frozen treats at Safeway.

😴Sleep with a fan on and if you must, wear wet socks. It’s a trick I use about once per year. 🥵

🧊 What do you like to do to keep cool? Comment if you want to add to the list!
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07/25/2024

🟢 What is blue/green algae? Is it at the Russian River this summer? Let’s talk about it so you can be well informed!

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which naturally occur in waterbodies, can grow very rapidly into an algal bloom due to factors such as warm water temperature, calm conditions, and certain nutrients in the water. There is no way to be 100% sure if an algal bloom is toxic just by looking at it, so it’s best for swimmers and boaters to keep away from all algal blooms.

👀 What are signs of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)?

*Streaks in the water that look like spilled paint
*Odors described as gasoline, septic, or fishy
*Mats, scum, or foam at the surface or along the shoreline
*Small blue-green, green, white, or brown particles in the water

☣️ What are the dangers?

Some algal blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to people and pets. Dogs and small children are most likely to be affected by HABs due to their smaller body size and probability to play in the water for longer periods.

Exposure can cause eye, nose, mouth or throat irritation, headache, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold- and flu-like symptoms. For dogs, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty breathing, seizures, or even death.

🟢 How can I be exposed to algal toxins?

Exposure to HAB can happen during swimming or other water contact and when individuals accidentally swallow the water.

🥽 How can you protect yourself from HAB?

*Follow posted advisories
*Stay away from algae and scum
*Do not let pets and other animals go into the water, drink the water, or eat scum and algal accumulations on the shore
*Do not drink the water or use it for cooking
*Wash up after water play

🟢Are there any HABs in Sonoma County?

Throughout the summer Sonoma County health officials will monitor conditions along the Russian River. Should conditions change to support the growth of blue-green algae information will be posted on the official Sonoma County web site.

07/22/2024

Ready to spin? Ready for a nap? Ready to watch butterflies? We got a hammock chair so you can do just that.

07/18/2024

Goat Rock State Beach is the closest ocean beach to the Russian River area. The Russian River empties into the Pacific Ocean at Goat Rock State Beach so you can enjoy both the river and the Ocean from this spot. The seals like this beach too, and you can often see hundreds of them resting on the sand.

When we visit Goat Rock State Beach we like to make sand avalanches, build driftwood forts, and find pretty rocks.

The water is beautiful but we don't recommend you go for a wade or swim because the currents are very strong!

🌊Did you know that sometimes the river doesn't quite make it all the way to the ocean because a sand bar forms? It's quite an interesting phenomenon. Sometimes the river water gets so high that the sand bar has to be taken down so the town of Jenner doesn't flood.

07/15/2024

07/11/2024

07/08/2024

07/05/2024

07/01/2024

Sweet Dreams! In green on a queen (size bed)! 💚 💚 💚 (with cozy heated floors for when it's cold and plenty of fans for when it's hot!)

06/27/2024

🎯 Since 1949, the 5 &10 has been a Russian River tradition in the heart of downtown Guerneville. They are like the miniature Target of the town.

🪁You can find high quality toys, art supples, souvenirs, candy, water shoes, apparel, cards, gift wrap, and much more.

😊 The owners are super friendly too. We find a reason to shop at this store every time we visit, such as "I ran out of mini hands!" or “I need toilet bowl candy!" and "My whoopee cushion needs replacing"

06/24/2024

Who here has kids that think it is hilarious to jump on your head from the edge of the pool? Oh it’s the most hilarious thing! Um, no. Good thing they are your beautiful children so of course you forgive them.⁣
⁣
Here are my top tips for having fun with kids while playing in the water at the Russian River so maybe they will crush your head a little bit less. 🤪
⁣
💙 Have a variety of life jackets/water wings so your kid can choose what works for them on that day⁣ (we provide many at Lucky Bend Lookout)
💚 Bring plenty of floating toys—tie a rope to a tube and attach it to the dock so the kid won’t float away⁣
🔫 Bring squirting toys⁣
🧴Use lots of sunscreen⁣
🧢 Bring hats and water shoes
🧃Provide plenty of snacks and water—who doesn’t love soggy goldfish crackers?⁣
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The grown-ups need stuff too such as⁣:
🏊‍♀️ Life jacket—I know, you probably can swim but it’s great for being lazy in the river and helpful when you have to hang onto a wiggly toddler⁣
🎶 Bluetooth speaker⁣
🍹Wine in can, beer in a can, White Claw in a can…⁣
😎 Cheap sunglasses—you don’t want to lose the fancy ones in the river⁣
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What else would YOU bring to keep the good times going in the water? Comment with your suggestions!⁣
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For more ideas on how to have a great time with your family along the Russian River in beautiful West Sonoma County you can take a look our Sonoma Family Adventures blog. Link in bio

06/20/2024

This location is absolutely beautiful! To be able to sit on the back deck and watch the Russian river go by in the shadow of giant redwood trees is truly spectacular! The location is also great for exploring-Armstrong woods state park, Sonoma coast state park and Santa Rosa are all within easy driving distance this was a perfect location for our family with three little boys under 10!

06/17/2024

Summer is here! Do you plan to visit the Russian River this summer? Whether it is for a day trip or a few nights stay, it’s best to plan ahead and make reservations for the activities you want to do. Our blog post lists all the major activities that require reservations in the Russian River area.

🛶 Boat Rentals
✨ Zip Lining
🧖‍♀️ Spas
🏌️‍♀️ Golf
🚲 Bike Rentals
👨‍🍳 Private Chef

Want to see the details? Go to the blog post! (link in bio)

06/13/2024

I have a lot of fond memories of spending time at California beaches and swimming pools over the years. It all started with sandcastles and running from the waves, then underwater somersaults and tea parties at my neighborhood pool. When I was a teen I remember walking my dog on the beach in a bikini and feeling so cool until the dog took a crap in front of a cute boy! Then there were the naked midnight sprints on the beach. What on Earth were we thinking?

As a Mom, I want to help recreate the swimming memories for my kids, minus the dog pooping on the beach of course! So I have my own list of favorite beaches and other swim spots in Sonoma County and am happy to share them with you. Thankfully in Sonoma County, the weather is mostly warm in the summer and there are plenty of places to enjoy the water.

Our favorites are:��
Johnson’s Beach�
Monte Rio Beach�
Rio Nido Roadhouse�
Spring Lake
Francis Ford Coppola Winery�
Doran Regional Park�
Morton's Warm Springs

Comment if you have questions or have been to one of these swim spots!

I love your stories.

06/11/2024

♨️ Where do we hang out in the evening? Yep, it's the fire pit! We love making s’mores and visiting with family and friends while enjoying a glass of wine around the fire. And the kids like it too, not only because of s'mores but also because the swings are right next to the fire pit, making the whole area a fun place for kids and adults alike.

Are you ready to warm up by this cozy fire?

Address

Guerneville, CA
95446

Website

http://LuckyBendlookout.com/

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🥾👼🏻“Hiking” with babies and toddlers? Is that a thing? Oh yes it is, and you can pair it with a trip to a winery.🍷 Today I am sharing with you some highlights of one of our most popular blog posts which is about easy hikes in Sonoma County. Comment below or check the link in my story if you want to see the full article with all of the hike details. The hikes we recommend are: 🥾Riverfront Regional Park 🥾West County Regional Trail 🥾Grove of Old Trees 🥾 Armstrong Woods . . . . . #bayareahiking #sonomahiking #sonomahikes #californiaadventures #exploreca #exploringwithkids #familyhiking #familyvacations #getoutdoors #armstrongwoods #groveofoldtrees #westcountytrail #riverfrontregionalpark #russianriver #sanfranciscomoms #sonoma #sonomafamilyadventures #visitcalifornia #sonomacounty

💛 When we bought Lucky Bend Lookout in 2012, we could tell that this house was special. My husband and our partners who are architects could see right away that the house was built with techniques that are not common. 🔎 We did some research and we learned that in the postwar era the local redwood mills in created panelized kit homes. Ours is known as the Redwood Home Model 960 by The Rockport Redwood Company. 📐The entire house is made of prefabricated panels and is designed on a rigid 4 foot x 4 foot grid. Each panel is formed with 4x4 redwood lumber and infilled with 2x6 tongue and groove redwood infill boards. There are no studs or drywall in the house, everything is literally solid redwood. 🌲The Rockport Redwood Company was in operation from 1907 to 1969, supplying lumber to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake and fires. The mill ceased operations in 1957 so it is interesting that the plans for Lucky Bend Lookout are dated 1966. It may have been a clearance sale. 📜 How did you like your little history lesson? P.S. The first image is a 2013 photo with old furniture but we haven’t been able to reproduce this photo just yet with our new furniture. It’s a tricky one! But dang I love this photo because it captures the modern essence of the living space so perfectly. . . . . . #luckybendlookout #airbnb #guerneville #russianriver #familygetaway #californiavacation #travelmoms #toddlertravels #travelwithkids #visitcalifornia #ontheriver #visitsonoma #sonoma #justcabinlife #bookdirect #vacationrental #vrbo #intheredwoods #superhost #airbnbsuperhost #workcation #workation #modernarchitecture

Let’s take a walk down Main Street in Guerneville starting at Lucky Bend Lookout & check out the restaurants on Main St. Baked on the River—closest restaurant to Lucky Bend Lookout. For breakfast they specialize in Scandinavian pastries & locally roasted coffee. They also have lunch, including vegan options. Many of their dishes you can order as a plate, pizza, or salad. Saucy Mamas— specializing in southern food & BBQ. The Lodge at Dawn Ranch—recently rebranded, this is one of the few fine dining restaurants in the area. Guerneville Taco Truck—at the Safeway parking. Classic bay area style burritos but for those who don’t want Mexican food, they also have burgers & dogs. Jay's Taste of India Food Truck--the newest spot for good food in town. We haven't yet tried it, but it's located across the street from Safeway. Main Street Bistro & Cabaret—wide menu selection & they often have live music which is a hit with the kids. Boon Eat + Drink—bustling farm-to-table bistro. Their flash fried brussels sprouts are KILLER!! Pat’s International—Asian fusion for dinner & California cuisine for breakfast. Has a very cool giant map of the Russian River on the wall. Piknik Town Market—open for breakfast & lunch, their biscuits are so good, even Oprah agrees. My favorite item is the biscuit with lox & crème fraîche. Their coffee is also really good. Roadtrip— Classic modern Amerian food. They have delicious burgers, salads, and some vegan items. The boisterous atmosphere is perfect for families that don't do well in quiet restaurants. Rivertime—a casual spot with American food. Big kids can play at the pool table & at the video games. Our kids enjoyed the wings & mozzarella sticks while Mom & Dad enjoyed watching the kids while sipping on some good draught beer. ⁣ River Inn Grill—classic diner close to the Guerneville Bridge, open for breakfast & lunch. A classic menu with eggs & toast, pancakes, burgers & salads for lunc

Do you need a spa treatment followed by some peaceful pool time? Here is what we recommend in West Sonoma County! 🧖🏻‍♀️ Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary (@osmosisdayspa) Located in Occidental, Osmosis is the most popular, most unique, and most beautiful spa in the county. They are known for their Cedar Enzyme Bath, rejuvenating massages, organic facials, and Zen-inspired meditation gardens. Weekend appointments are booked out for several weeks in advance so be sure to plan ahead. 🧖🏻‍♀️ West Sonoma Inn & Spa The West Sonoma Inn & Spa is located in Guerneville on over 6 acres, adjacent to a hundred acre vineyard. It’s a convenient location if you are staying at Lucky Bend Lookout because you could easily walk there. They offer a wide variety of massages, body treatments, and facials. To make your appointment call 707-869-2874. 🧖🏻‍♀️ Boon Hotel & Spa (@boonhotelspa) Boon Spa is located in Guerneville and they offer a wide menu of massage services. They also have a pool and hot tub that you are welcome to use for up to 2 hours either before or after your spa service. If you visit with a group of 4 people for a spa day they will provide a free bottle of champagne. To make your appointment call (707) 869-2721 or email [email protected]. The video on this post features the outdoor space at Boon Hotel & Spa. #luckybendlookout #californiawinecountry #exploreca #spaday #freshairtherapy #guerneville #occidental #intheredwoods #sanfranciscomoms #sfmoms #sonomamassage #sonomaspa #staycation #visitcalifornia #osmosisdayspa #sonomacounty #experiencerussianriver

Perfect for the family - toddler ready! Alisha, June 2024 . . . . . #luckybendlookout #airbnb #guerneville #russianriver #familygetaway #californiavacation #travelmoms #toddlertravels #travelwithkids #northbayadventure #visitcalifornia #ontheriver #visitsonoma #sonoma #justcabinlife #bookdirect #vacationrental #vrbo #intheredwoods #superhost #airbnbsuperhost #workcation #workation #sonomacounty

Apple season is already here! Here are some ideas on how to partake in a wonderful apple harvest in Sonoma County. ⁣ 🍎Andy’s produce is a market in Sebastopol, located very close to Hale’s apples. It’s a really nice place to stop with convenient operating hours. We got our bushel of organic gravenstein apples here this year and they are delicious! ⁣⁣ 🍎Apple-A-Day U-pick in Sebastopol is a popular and beloved apple farm. They open on the weekends starting in mid-September. 🍎Walker Apples⁣ in Graton is located at the end of a scenic country dirt road. They grow 27 varieties of apples throughout the season. It's not a u-pick farm but the farm store is open daily. 🍎Hales Apple Farm⁣ in Sebastopol has a roadside stand with over 30 different varieties of heirloom apples throughout the season. You CAN do U-PICK but you have to call ahead to make arrangements. 🍎Chileno Valley Ranch in Petaluma has u-pick. Check their web site for the opening of reservations. 🍎 EarthSEED Farm is located in Sebastopol. Make an online reservation for apple picking only on Saturdays. Appointments are available on the prior Tuesday. 🍎Make it an Adventure!🍎 Apple-A-Day, Walker Apples, and EarthSEED are very close to each other so you could easily visit all on the same day. To make your trip to a whole day adventure you can visit kid-friendly Russian River Vineyards (@russianrivervineyards) for wine tasting after picking apples. You just might be lucky enough to be there when they are playing live music! On your way back home you can stop for dinner on the patio at (@underwoodgraton) located in downtown Graton. If you end at Apple-A-Day, then we highly recommend stopping at Hazel (@restauranthazel) for dinner in nearby Occidental. Our kids love sitting at the bar so they can watch the chefs make pizza. P.S. I died (in a good way) when I had their flash fried brussels sprouts! . . . . . #sonomafamilyadventures #bayareafamily #baya

Angela’s Organic Ice Cream located in downtown Forestville is one of our favorite ice cream shops. The only ice cream I consider worth the calories is the super fancy artisan stuff and Angela’s is absolutely worth it! They have a huge variety of flavors, many of which are seasonal. They also have several dairy free flavors. I love the location for many reasons. First, it is on the way to Lucky Bend Lookout from the SF Bay Area. And second, it’s close to a lot of things to do in the area. It’s across the street from the West County trail which we like to bike on, just down the road from Burke’s canoe trips and Steelhead beach, easy to get to from Riverfront Regional park, it’s close to many wineries, and it’s close to our favorite apple farms (gravenstein apple season is here, btw). Have you tried Angela’s yet? If not, I hope you get to go there soon! . . . . . @angelas_icecream @experiencerussianriver #experiencerussianriver #yessonomaco #bayareakids #californiaadventures #exploreca #forestville #sfmoms #siliconvalleytoddlers #sonoma #sonomafamilyadventures #visitcalifornia #visitsonoma #northbayadventure #angelasicecream

Have you been to Safari West in Santa Rosa? What was the most memorable animal behavior you observed? Located on the outskirts of Santa Rosa, it was quite the immersive experience as we got to be so close to the animals. My favorite animals were the very curious giraffes🦒 and the amorous zebras🦓 and ostriches. We learned a lot from our guide Lizzie, and got to relax in a really cool vintage jeep from the 1940s. I REALLY wanted to drive that jeep! 😂 P.S. Don’t forget to tip your guide!!! . . . . . #adventuringwithkids #bayareafamily #californiavacation #exploreca #safariwithkids #familieslovetravel #familytrip #freshairtherapy #getoutdoors #getoutdoorsmore #getoutsideandexplore #greatoutdoorsadventure #northbayadventure #optoutside #outdoorkid #sfmoms #sonoma #southbaymoms #toddlertravels #travelingkids #travelwithkids #safariwest #santarosa #sonomacounty

When was the last time you hated playing mini golf? Never, I hope! Mini golf is an American classic and we are lucky enough to to have two mini golf courses along the Russian River. PeeWee Golf and Arcade is in Guerneville, near the bridge and there is another PeeWee Golf in Rio Nido. We had a little more than an hour of time to kill between wine tasting and dinner so we took the kids to the one in Guerneville. It’s pretty cute and quite unique. They even have a big tabby cat who rules the land. 😺 It was so sweet that the kids got to choose a free toy from the arcade when we finished. . . . . . #luckybendlookout #bayareafamily #bayareminigolf #bayareakids #bayareamoms #bayareatoddlers #californiavacation #californiawinecountry #exploringwithkids #familieslovetravel #familytrip #getoutdoors #intheredwoods #ontheriver #sanfranciscomoms #simpleadventure #sonomafamilyadventures #staycation #travelingkids #wineadventures #guerneville #guernevillepeeweegolf #visitcalifornia #visitsonoma #yessonomaco #experiencrussianriver #sonomacounty

Awesome spot, and Sarah was so thoughtful throughout the check in and check out process. Amazing location, value, and hosts :) Thank you!! . . . . . #luckybendlookout #airbnb #guerneville #russianriver #familygetaway #californiavacation #travelmoms #toddlertravels #travelwithkids #northbayadventure #visitcalifornia #ontheriver #visitsonoma #sonoma #justcabinlife #bookdirect #vacationrental #vrbo #intheredwoods #superhost #airbnbsuperhost #workcation #workation #sonomacounty

🥵Let’s talk about to do at the Russian River when the weather is hot! 🌞 First a little bit of background for folks who are not familiar with the Russian River area. During the summertime, the weather is usually somewhere in the perfectly warm 80s but every so often there is a heat wave and the temperature gets into the 90s. This is what we like to do when it’s hot! 🏊‍♀️ Swim in the river of course! You don’t have to just swim in one area. You can go for some adventures! We like to get into the canoe and paddle down river near the Vacation Beach dam so the kids can jump off of a rock that we have named “Pirate Rock”. There are many small beaches along the river so you can paddle, get out and swim, paddle, get out and swim, and repeat. 🍹 Enjoy batch cocktails and watermelon Agua Fresca! We have a signature cocktail that we make every summer, called The Lucky Bender. It has ginger beer, coconut rum, fresh lime juice, and plenty of ice. Comment below if you want the recipe! 🙅🏼‍♀️Avoid cooking and hanging out at stuffy restaurants at all costs! Just run to Safeway and grab a bowl of fruit salad, a veggie tray, a couple green salad kits, some local cider from @goldenstatecider, hot dogs, and buns. Boom you have vacation dinner. 🍨 Eat plenty of cool treats. For some seriously gourmet ice cream you can go to @nimbleandfinn in downtown Guerneville or for a shave ice go to the parking lot at Monte Rio beach (weekends only) and enjoy some top quality uniquely flavored shave ice from @mondotruck. There is also a typically enormous selection of frozen treats at Safeway. 😴Sleep with a fan on and if you must, wear wet socks. It’s a trick I use about once per year. 🥵 🧊 What do you like to do to keep cool? Comment if you want to add to the list! . . . . . #luckybendlookout #adventuringwithkids #bayareafamily #bayareakids #californiaadventures #californiavacation #exploreca #familieslovetravel #familygetaway #guernevi

🟢 What is blue/green algae? Is it at the Russian River this summer? Let’s talk about it so you can be well informed! Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which naturally occur in waterbodies, can grow very rapidly into an algal bloom due to factors such as warm water temperature, calm conditions, and certain nutrients in the water. There is no way to be 100% sure if an algal bloom is toxic just by looking at it, so it’s best for swimmers and boaters to keep away from all algal blooms. 👀 What are signs of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)? *Streaks in the water that look like spilled paint *Odors described as gasoline, septic, or fishy *Mats, scum, or foam at the surface or along the shoreline *Small blue-green, green, white, or brown particles in the water ☣️ What are the dangers? Some algal blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to people and pets. Dogs and small children are most likely to be affected by HABs due to their smaller body size and probability to play in the water for longer periods. Exposure can cause eye, nose, mouth or throat irritation, headache, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold- and flu-like symptoms. For dogs, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty breathing, seizures, or even death. 🟢 How can I be exposed to algal toxins? Exposure to HAB can happen during swimming or other water contact and when individuals accidentally swallow the water. 🥽 How can you protect yourself from HAB? *Follow posted advisories *Stay away from algae and scum *Do not let pets and other animals go into the water, drink the water, or eat scum and algal accumulations on the shore *Do not drink the water or use it for cooking *Wash up after water play 🟢Are there any HABs in Sonoma County? Throughout the summer Sonoma County health officials will monitor conditions along the Russian River. Should conditions change to support the growth of blue-green algae information will be posted on

Ready to spin? Ready for a nap? Ready to watch butterflies? We got a hammock chair so you can do just that. . . . . . . . . . #luckybendlookout #airbnb #guerneville #russianriver #familygetaway #californiavacation #travelmoms #toddlertravels #travelwithkids #northbayadventure #visitcalifornia #ontheriver #visitsonoma #sonoma #justcabinlife #bookdirect #vacationrental #vrbo #intheredwoods #superhost #airbnbsuperhost #workcation #workation

Goat Rock State Beach is the closest ocean beach to the Russian River area. The Russian River empties into the Pacific Ocean at Goat Rock State Beach so you can enjoy both the river and the Ocean from this spot. The seals like this beach too, and you can often see hundreds of them resting on the sand. When we visit Goat Rock State Beach we like to make sand avalanches, build driftwood forts, and find pretty rocks. The water is beautiful but we don't recommend you go for a wade or swim because the currents are very strong! 🌊Did you know that sometimes the river doesn't quite make it all the way to the ocean because a sand bar forms? It's quite an interesting phenomenon. Sometimes the river water gets so high that the sand bar has to be taken down so the town of Jenner doesn't flood. . . . . . #bayareafamily #bayareamoms #californiabeaches #familieslovetravel #familygetaway #familytrip #familyvacations #kidsandnature #northbayadventure #optoutside #outdoorkid #russianriver #jenner #sanfranciscomoms #sfmoms #southbaymoms #visitcalifornia #goatrock #goatrockbeach #sonomacounty #experiencerussianriver

Do you canoe? If you are thinking about it, give the Russian River a try! It's easy to take a canoe trip with Burke’s canoes in Forestville. They provide everything including the ride back! We have also canoed many times at the Russian River estuary in Jenner. It’s so great because you get to see lots of wildlife from various sea birds to seals and sea lions. Where have you been canoeing before? Tell me about it! . . . . . #adventurefamily #bayareakids #exploreca #familygetaway #familyboating #familytrip #familyvacations #freshairtherapy #getoutdoors #getoutdoorsmore #kidsandnature #naturefamily #northbayadventure #russianriver #forestville #burkescanoetrips #simpleadventure #sonomafamilyadventures #staycation #visitcalifornia #visitsonoma #yessonomaco #experiencerussianriver #sonomacounty

For our girls’ weekend e wanted space, peaceful surroundings, and private bedrooms for naps and relaxing. The best description I can think of is the feeling of living in a tree house. Looking out of the huge windows and seeing only trees, the river, and the sky was lovely. We appreciated the hiking recommendations and the ideas for local restaurants and massages. -Wendy, April 2024 . . . . . #luckybendlookout #airbnb #guerneville #russianriver #familygetaway #californiavacation #travelmoms #toddlertravels #travelwithkids #northbayadventure #visitcalifornia #ontheriver #visitsonoma #sonoma #justcabinlife #bookdirect #vacationrental #vrbo #intheredwoods #superhost #airbnbsuperhost #workcation #workation #sonomacounty

Rio Nido has always been a hub of activity, especially in the summer. And now there is even more going on in Rio Nido with the re-opening of the Rio Nido Lodge! We stopped by to check it out and found that they are definitely family friendly with plenty of food options, generously sized artisan cocktails, and bocce and corn hole at the back patio. When the kids get bored of bocce they can take a stroll down the road and play some mini golf while the grown-ups continue to forest bathe with cocktails in hand. There is also a swimming pool and restaurant at the Rio Nido Roadhouse with live music on Saturdays! What a perfect place to spend the day! . . . . . #californiaadventures #californiawinecountry #exploreca #exploringwithkids #familieslovetravel #familyvacations #freshairtherapy #getoutsideandexplore #intheredwoods #kidsandnature #naturefamily #northbayadventure #ontheriver #rionido #russianriver #sanfranciscomoms #sfmoms #sonoma #sonomafamilyadventures #sonomawine #southbaymoms #staycation #travelingkids #travelwithkids #sonomacounty via @SmarthashApp

Do you think it is easy or difficult to paddle a SUP? Have you ever done it before? It’s obviously easy to DANCE on a SUP as my daughter has demonstrated in the video. 😂 P.S. Lucky Bend Lookout has a SUP so you can do your own dance when you come to stay! . . . . . #luckybendlookout #adventurefamily #adventureiseverywhere #adventuringwithkids #bayareakids #californiaadventures #californiavacation #exploreca #familieslovetravel #familygetaway #familytrip #familyvacations #getoutdoorsmore #guerneville #intheredwoods #northbayadventure #optoutside #outdoorfamilies #russianriver #simpleadventure #sonomafamilyadventures #southbaymoms #staycation #visitsonoma

Sweet Dreams! In green on a queen (size bed)! 💚 💚 💚 (with cozy heated floors for when it's cold and plenty of fans for when it's hot!) . . . . #vacationrental #airbnb #vacation #travel #vrbo #vacationhome #vacationrentals #airbnbhost #familyvacation #vacationmode #homeawayfromhome #homeaway #interiordesign #superhost #getaway #travelgram #holiday #airbnbsuperhost #instatravel #luckybendlookout

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Our Story at Lucky Bend Lookout

Hello! My name is Sarah Peabody, co-owner of Lucky Bend Lookout Vacation Rental and I am the one that is talking to you from our page. I also run the facebook group Sonoma Family Adventures where I share fun tips on how to have a great time while visiting west Sonoma County.

🙋🏼‍♀️Who am I?

I am Sarah and I live in San Francisco. I am a wife, Mom of 2 elementary age children, and a Physical Therapist.

🏠Why did I get started in hospitality?

I got it from my Mom who was a travel agent and taught me to love travel. Back before I was a PT I worked in hospitality at a theme park, a hotel, and at a market in wine country. I have always enjoyed helping people, whether its to help them have a great time or to help them heal from injury.

🛶When did we start our business?

We were looking to buy a house in 2012 and we quickly found out that even with all the money we had saved, that buying a decent home in San Francisco was nearly impossible. We then stumbled upon this house in Guerneville and it was love at first sight, even with the termite damage, roof damage, and crumbling deck.

🧡Why I love what I do:

I love helping people to have a great time and I just love hookin' people up! It brings me joy.

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Continue reading for a description of Lucky Bend Lookout.

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Think traveling with kids means sacrificing gorgeous, architecturally inspiring accommodations? Think again. Your kids will feel like woodland creatures—and you’ll feel like a travel-planning wizard—when your family settles into our mid-century modern cabin, tucked into a dense stand of redwoods beside the Russian River in Guerneville. (One ancient redwood has been presiding over our part of the forest for over a thousand years!) A true mid-century modern gem, Lucky Bend Lookout was architect-designed and constructed in 1966, and is kid-friendly down to the childproofed details. It’s environmentally friendly, too—during a recent remodel, we took care to increase thermal performance by 400 percent (that includes heated floors!) and used only sustainable building materials and native plants. Protecting nature—which is so gorgeously on display here—is a priority for us. In true mid-century modern tradition, the Lucky Bend Lookout’s open floor plan, elevated treehouse-style deck, enormous windows, and warm redwood walls and ceilings merge indoor and outdoor spaces. Have you ever vacationed somewhere that’s brimming with natural beauty and felt guilty for just wanting to relax inside with a good book? Here, that’s no dilemma. Watch ospreys soar among the redwoods from the couch in the living area, decorated with clean lines and whimsical fabrics. Or sauté fresh vegetables from the Guerneville Farmers Market in our fully stocked kitchen as you watch your kids play outside on the deck. Then, present your handiwork to your hungry family at the sleek dining table—which has room for 10—and watch the Russian River drifting by in the fading light of evening while the adults sip our region’s famous wines. Or you can get even closer to nature and feast at the eight-person outdoor dining table on the spacious deck among the trees. Or plan on an epic day of activity and reward yourself with our private chef who will prepare a gourmet meal right to your tastes right there are Luck Bend Lookout and sweep away all the dishes and cleanup afterwards while you relax on the deck in the warm breeze. After dinner, get cozy in the living room and watch the stars reflect their sparkle on the river as you browse Netflix, HuluPlus, or Pandora Radio on our 47-inch flat screen TV. The couch doubles as a pull-out bed. For the kids, we keep our cabin clear of breakable knickknacks and stocked with all the gear you need. A Pack ‘n Play, high chair, step stool, potty-chair, toddler bed rail, baby swing, and stroller keep the little ones safe. Plus, we supply a few extra goodies to keep them happy, like a water table, a swing set under the deck, and some inside toys. One bedroom features a reading nook and a sturdy set of bunk beds for a fun, summer-camp setup, except much comfier—we use memory foam mattresses on all of our beds. And your kids’ imaginations will run wild with the magical redwood grove in view just outside their window. Two adult bedrooms, with queen-sized beds and mid-century modern details like s**g carpeting and low-profile beds, invite you to sink in for the night. A view of the redwoods will greet you in the morning. Our home is a dream for families who love the river life with a floating dock, along with stairs that lead directly to the river. The water will literally be steps away! As our guest, you’ll also enjoy complimentary use of our two kayaks, and canoe. The dock is not guaranteed to be available on a set date. It is usually in the water approximately from Mid-June through September which is when the seasonal dams are added to the river.

Downtown Guerneville is only a mile from the Lucky Bend Lookout. We are located 10 minutes by car from the nearest winery and 15 to 20 minutes from dozens more. There are even kid-friendly wineries in the area! A sandy beach along the Russian River is a 10-minute walk from the property, or hop in the car and head 20 minutes to the Sonoma Coast to surf, explore tide pools, and spot harbor seals sunning themselves. Lucky Bend Lookout comes with beach chairs, an umbrella, beach toys, a cooler, a picnic basket, and a cruiser bike. Our calendar fills fast—the time to book your mid-century modern oasis is today! Give us a call at 415-516-6961 Sonoma County TOT Certificate #1082N.