In the heart of the forest abutting the Russian River is the small resort town of Guerneville. The earliest vacationers to the area were the Pomo Native American tribe who would visit in the summer to enjoy the abundance of Salmon and sunshine. Back then they would hold drum circles and tribal gatherings to promote unity and celebrate the season.These were their Events on the Russian River. Today vacationers still swarm from near and far to gain that deep rooted feeling of unity and to celebrate the season. September is a month of festivals here in Guerneville, from the newer Unity Festival, to the historic Old Grove Festival, and the ever popular Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival. This is a great opportunity to celebrate in the sunshine and listen to live music outside before the rains come.  So come on out and eat, drink, and be merry during these September festivals!

Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival

The Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival is the Russian River's biggest event of the whole year!!! This year will be the 39th annual festival! This festival is held on Johnson's Beach every year in a picturesque setting where attendees can participate in swimming, canoe trips, kayaking, camping and more while enjoying the relaxing sounds of jazz and blues music. This year the lineup will feature Dave Koz & Friends, Kenny Lattimore, War, Kyle Eastwood, Buddy Guy, B. B. & The Blues Shacks, Taj Mahal Trio, Jackie Greene, and The Rad Trads. The festival will be held on September 12th and 13th and the music will reverberate through west county all weekend! To get tickets and find out about prices Click Here.

Old Grove Festival

Back in the day, way before my time, in the early 1930's there was a beautiful our door theater built in Armstrong Woods beneath the ancient redwoods. For decades concerts and theatrical events would take place in the open air where people would sing, dance, and celebrate together, however in the 1980's  the theater was closed out of concern for the environment. In 2006 the theater re-opened with strict regulations and limitations on what events could be held there and the availability of parking that would help alleviate environmental impacts. The Old Grove Festival will be held on September 19th. The gates will open at 4:30pm and the show will begin at 5:30. The featured band with be "Hot Buttered Rum" with an opener by the name of "One Grass Two Grass."  General admission for members is $24 and non-members are $30, Children ages 5-12 are $10 however the first child under the age of 12 will be admitted for free with an adult. Proceeds from this event go to support educational and stewardship programs, as well as, continued advocacy for all of the State Parks.

Unity Festival

The Unity Festival is a three day music festival that focuses on energizing the spirit and helping you reconnect with nature. Artists, musicians, dancers, and teachers gather together to inspire a growing community, promote conservation, stewardship and restoration of the planet, while celebrating unity through diversity. It is a chance for people and organizations to express and share ideas about topics such as green living, natural cures, alternative healing, and a global movement for peace. The festival will be held at 15905 River Road in Guerneville on September 18th at 12pm through September 20th at 10pm. The best part is that the proceeds from this festival will be donated to St. Jude Research Hospital for kids, Sane Start Courage Center (for abused children) and Vet Connect for disabled Veterans. To find out about the various passes and ticket prices Click Here.

I know you! You are sick of the constant attack from anyone with anything to sell! You are sick of the "buy this" "follow this" "get endless emails about this" attitude that everyone in the marketing world seems to have toward you. Sometimes we forget though, that they are talking to real people, with real lives, who really get irritated with the same old song and dance. These real people want real concrete reasons to follow you! You have to give them so much evidence that they can't live without liking your Facebook page that they have to click the like button!

#1 Snooping Rights:

People love to snoop! Give them a place where they can snoop all they want without getting into trouble! This is a great incentive to get people to like your page! I would say something like "Ever know something that no one else knows yet? You get that giddy feeling in your tummy and you have that goofy grin plastered on your face. A daily visit to our Facebook page will give you updates on news about the Russian River, what new shops or restaurants are opening and more importantly what people are SAYING about them. Catch up on all the latest gossip and find out what is going on in town by checking our Facebook page #RussianRiverLiving daily! We make a point to chat with the other locals and get the 411 on what is going on and let you know ASAP so you have the knowledge first!"

#2  Be A Know It All:

Give them the information they need to know to show their friends how smart they are! Outline important information.Whether or not you have ever invested in real estate, I think we can all agree that it is a very complex subject with many different elements. There are things like buying and managing a vacation rental, the inner workings of the title company, what being in escrow really means, the truth about Trulia and Zillow, and all the insurance you can imagine and why you need to have it...or don't need to have it, how to list your home, when to list your home, and why you need an agent...after all what are they really doing for you! Discuss all of these topics discussed in detail on your page allowing them to have the knowledge they need to sound very intelligent and professional when they are discussing these topics with others.

#3 Your Boss Is A Jerk:

Do you have one of those jobs where the stress is high, the work load is overwhelming, and your boss can be quite a jerk when he/she is having an off day...or perhaps everyday? Well, taking a few minutes on our Facebook everyday watching the peaceful videos of a place where you want to move will help you to relax. Make sure that you are posting fun interesting videos that have nothing to do with real estate and share art from extraordinary local photographers who capture the beauty of you area daily and give us all a reason to smile!

#4 Get The Giggles:

People love to laugh! Give them a reason to laugh. "Hey We Are Funny! Well...at least we think we are funny! Just kidding we are hilarious...not sold? Need a laugh? We post funny quotations, pictures, and videos that will brighten your day and have you rolling on the floor...do you? Laughter has been said to decrease depression, improve blood pressure and is great for your overall health so make sure to get your daily dose of the giggles! You and your doctor will be glad you did!" This is a great concrete reason that people should follow your page! Post things that are funny that will help them to want to like your page!

#5 Put In Your 2 Cents:

Let those who are following you know that their opinions matter! Everyone in the world has opinions but not everyone has the chance to share them. Say something to the effect of  "I absolutely LOVE hearing your opinions! When I go on Facebook and there are comments on a post it makes my day! But I am not the only person there either. #RussianRiverLiving has over 1700 followers and each one of them has an opinion as well. Visit our page to discuss local shops, what food is good in town, what events are coming up, which properties are on the market and which ones sold...and home much they sold for! Tell us what you think about the site and what you would like to see more of or less of and we will post more of what you want to see!" This will endear more people to your page because they are getting what they want when they get there!

#6 Avoid Awkward Silence:

Ever sat down at the dinner table with the family or found yourself surrounded by friends and there is this uneasy silence there because no one really knows what to say? I will be the first to admit that a little peace and quiet can be nice but sometimes the silence can be awkward! Give your followers a fun fact or a bit of news from the area that they can bring up and discuss in those situations to avoid sitting in uncomfortable silence. I like to make sure everything from cute pics to real news is posted on #RussianRiverLiving so everyone has the chance to learn something new and share it with friends and family.

#7 Hit The Road Jack:

Highlight your area and encourage people to come and visit! This is a great way to not only get people to follow you but to also turn those followers into leads! Tell them something like this "So you are going about your life working, cooking, cleaning, driving the kids to school, picking them up, racing from here to there all day long and thinking everyday "I need a vacation" Well maybe it is time that you take one! Maybe you are having trouble convincing your significant other that it is time to get away...use our Facebook page and show them the videos of the tranquil Austin Creek, or the fun that they could have relaxing in the Russian River. Once you are ready to go #RussianRiverLiving can help you plan out your vacation with all the great things to do and see and all the best shops and restaurants!"

Hope that these awesome tips have helped you get more likes on your Facebook Page. If you have any feedback please let us know what it is so that we can improve our page and show you what you want to see by posting in the comments below! For information about real estate call or text 707-217-1786 today!

Learn More About The Fort Ross Festival

Fort Ross was called home by an array of different cultures throughout the years. As a tribute to them, Fort Ross holds an annual cultural festival and it is coming up July 30th, from 10am-6:30pm. The event charges by car, not by person and this year there will be a $20 per car fee which includes the state parks fee of $8. This year's event will highlight the Kashia, Russian, Alaska Native, and California ranch era peoples that once lived in this amazing place.

The Kashia were the first people known to have lived in Fort Ross and many of them still live in the surrounding areas today. There is a group called the Su Nu Nu Shinal, which is made up of Kashia Pomo and Coast Miwok Indians from California who perform a traditional dance at the Festival. The dance takes place in a sacred dance circle that will be present at the festival. Also, the Russian House Kedry will bring Fort Ross to life with traditional Russian folk songs, dances, games, crafts and more! But wait....that's not all! The East Bay women's vocal arts ensemble called Kitka will be performing this year at the festival traditional songs from Eastern Europe.

Search Listings Near Fort Ross

Throughout the history of Fort Ross, there is said to have been quite a few people from Russia who passed through or settled there. To honor these individuals and the cultural contributions they made to society St. Petersburg's Horn Orchestra of Russia will be performing 19th-century horn music from Imperial Russia. This music will be performed throughout the day from 10am-4pm while festival attendees participate in historic crafts, Alaska Native displays, and cooking demonstrations in the food compound.

The arts and crafts will make you wonder where you should start! Fort Ross was one of the first industrial centers of California, and many skilled craftspeople were hard at work throughout the centuries. On Saturday you will be able to watch a blacksmith, tinsmith, weaver, spinner, felt maker, laundress, soap maker, carpenter, broom maker, and many others prepare their wares for market and you will be able to join in the fun to make candles, mini-baskets, and rope!

If you would like to join in the many cultures that have lived in this area for centuries come on out and join us for this year's Fort Ross Cultural Festival. If you would like to stay and make a permanent contribution to our cultural diversity here in West County call or text 707-217-1786 today!

Photos courtesy of  http://www.fortross.org/Fort_Ross_Festival_2016.htm

The Russian River has been know as one of the best vacation spots in Northern California for decades! In the recent years however this idea has taken off, causing many of those vacationers to leave their city life and move out here to open shops and restaurants, creating a charming place for those who choose to vacation here. However, it's not just the shops and restaurants that draw people to our area. The natural beauty such as the Russian River, Armstrong Woods, the Pacific Ocean, not to mention the lush vineyards and tranquil creeks, makes tourists feel the pull all the way from the city, but that's not what I am getting at either! What I am referring to is the community events that draw people from everywhere to join us for the day...the weekend...and sometimes the whole summer! Virtually every weekend there is an event going on here on the Russian River. Some of the well known events are Women's Weekend, Bear Weekend, Russian River Jazz and Blues and the Vineman Triathlon, however those are not the only events that happen here on the river. This weekend and next Thursday we have two major events taking place here and I wanted to make sure you knew about them so you wouldn't miss them!

Civil War Days

 July 16th and 17th is a show of living history! Join us at Casini Ranch and watch as Duncan's Mills becomes the fields of Virginia circa 1863. Eager young men and women will gather to re-enact battles that took place in the Civil War while spectators stand by and catch a sneak peak at what life was like in that place and time. Visitors will get to see the camps of the Union and Confederacy, how civilians lived and served with the armies of 1863, and get a better understanding of the events that have been taken from the history books and brought to life! Battle times are Saturday 1pm to 4pm and Sunday 11am to 2pm. Admission for adults is only $12 and juniors ages 6-12 is only $6; if your child is 5 years old or younger their admission is free. This is a great time to gather your own troops and head on out for a fun filled and educational day in one of the most beautiful places in California! Now I know you didn't ask but let me tell you about the horses...The horses used in the re-enactment are actually horses that have either been hurt or retired from racing and were rescued. The horses are rescued and brought to live out the rest of their days on a gorgeous 40 acre ranch known as Camp Warhorse. They are retrained for the re-enactment and supported by  the CHAS's "Sponsor A Rescued Horse" program in which spectators are welcome to sponsor one of the warhorses in support of their new found talent. This weekend is shaping up to be one of the most exciting weekends on the Russian River this year so I hope to see you all out there in Duncan's Mills for another wonderful day in Sonoma County!

Homes For Sale Near Duncan's Mills

Monte Rio Variety Show

One of the most popular events on the Russian River takes place in Monte Rio in the summer at the Monte Rio Amphitheater where locals and tourists alike gather together for an amazing night of music, comedy, and fun. Next Thursday, July 28th, will be the 105th annual Monte Rio Variety Show which will be held at the Monte Rio Amphitheater. The event will begin at 7 pm and admission for adults is $25, children 13-17 years old is $10. If your child is 12 years or younger they get in free and all proceeds raise funds for local charities. If you find yourself in town before then the Monte Rio Fire Service Foundation will be hosting a BBQ at 4:30pm and all proceeds will go to support the local community including Monte Rio School Foundation. The menu will include a chicken or rib dinner, or veggie burgers for those who choose not to eat meat, as well as hot dogs, baked goods, and of course wine from the local vineyards here in wine country. The event is known for being a community event that has local community members that sell tickets and refreshments and for featuring artists that are already stars on stage or on the big screen. On the sandy shores of the Russian River the local community joins with these stars to carry on this tradition with Country music, Jazz, Rock, and Classical that has lasted for 104 years! The gates will open for chair set up at 7am so come early and experience the local charm of the Russian River Community!

Russian River Living isn't just about finding the cute little cottage that overlooks the river and enjoying the beautiful redwoods year round, it's about becoming a part of the community! The community feeling comes from walking into your favorite restaurant, bar, or shop and having them call you by name and welcome you back year after year! It's about hoping in your car and racing out to the river when there is a community event that is happening, such as the Ironman 70.3 Vineman Triathlon that is this Sunday, July 12th. It is about relishing the feeling of the cool river water cleansing your soul on a hot summer day and letting the massive redwoods infuse your spirit with peace. It is about waking up and lying in bed for awhile just to hear the birds chattering and the stillness that the forest brings. Russian River Living is about finding a home that best suits your desires. If you are the type of person that likes the rustic cabin with the large deck and a yard then we have that for you here on the river, and if you are the type of person that likes the elegant chic home with a pool or a view of the ocean then guess what?... we have that too! Over the last few months I have made it a point to send out an email that had the adorable little cabins that were full of river charm, but today the listings I choose are the ones that are a little more modern and are too alluring to avoid seeing for yourself!

7200 Giovanetti Forestville CA 95436

Located along a sweet little winter creek is this stylish contemporary home featuring three spacious bedrooms with huge windows that allow the occupants to look out over the treetops and distant mountains. It has a pond style swimming pool with a Zen feel and a deck for relaxing on hot summer days!

Oh and don't even get me started on the kitchen...It is fabulous! Your friends would forever envy you when they see the large kitchen with elegance that would put most kitchens to shame.It has an open floor plan, modern appliances, and even an island!The dining room also has floor to ceiling windows that offer views of the gorgeous landscape! The living rooms manage to balance the chic modern look with the cozy feeling due to the warm fireplace and beautiful tile floors! The land surrounding the home is a gardener's dream with lots of direct sunshine and raised gardens! There is also a private guest suite and a separate art studio!

Listing provided by Artisan Sotheby's International Realty

22164 Umland Jenner CA 95450

This home has a special kind of class...it is almost as if a giant came along and grabbed a handful of trees and ripped them out of the ground and plopped this envious home down in their place! The home is in an ideal location surrounded with trees but with a sunny open space in the back and a view of the ocean in the front!

The best of both worlds since you can hear the ocean surf and yet you don't have the crazy wind because the trees act as a breaker and you can garden too because the trees part allowing lots of beautiful sunshine. Actually this home can speak for itself because around here this home is known as Clark's Cove and is a successful vacation rental! This home features not one but two large decks with a front seat view of the crashing waves and endless horizon!

The main house has three bedrooms and two baths and there is a cute little 800 sqft studio on the lower level that has one half bath. The main house has two other rooms that have been used as sleeping areas but could be art studios, offices, or maybe even a home gym. The home has both a fireplace and a wood burning stove that offer defense against the coastal chill in the wintertime! This property includes a separate 56,192 sqft lot adjacent to the property as well!

Listing Courtesy of Coldwell Banker

19543 Redwood Monte Rio CA 95462

Another classy property that I want to share with you has both the River views and views of Northwood golf course! When you enter the property the first thing your going to see is stunning landscaping and the 8th hole!

This home is perfect for the avid golfer because the course is in your yard!!! In addition the home features  a beautiful kitchen with its own wine fridge and modern appliances...not to mention ample cupboard space and a dinning room that has a large sliding glass door with a view of the golf course.

The floor plan is open allowing for a spacious feel to the home and a cute modern fireplace decorates the living room and is the perfect gathering spot for family and friends. This contemporary home has two stylish bedrooms and two beautiful bathrooms. It is said to have about 1408 sqft and is located just 15 min from the Pacific coast! The home also has a deck that is perfect for relaxing on during a hot summer day!

Listing Courtesy of Zephyr Real Estate

OINK Oink oink...do I smell BBQ? Mmmm Yummy! It probably has to do with The Juicy Pig moving into town! That's right ladies and gentleman Bucks has been sold! The new kid on the block is The Juicy Pig and boy are they on a roll! The rich scent of delicious pork BBQ greets you before you even open the door...the staff work side by side in comfortable companionship...like family...and the chef himself offers a friendly smile to all who visit! But I bet your wondering "When did they move in???" Well, they actually have only been open for three days and there are four owners that all joined together to open this BBQ restaurant...Uh maybe I should start at the beginning!

As locals Julie and Christopher Aff and their friends Shawn Webber and Ruben Gomez saw the steady progression of restaurants popping up all over the Russian River and the demand for fresh local ingredients driving more and more tourists to this area, they decided to take a chance and purchase the building that used to be Bucks Rivermill Dinner Theater. Since the location is well known by locals and tourists, their chances of success were boosted significantly.

In addition, their choice in menu items reflects graciously on the lifestyle here on the Russian River with everything from fresh local produce from small farms to Bodega fish! After years of fishing and hunting, Chris has developed a love for the River area and the community here. "We are doing barbecue food and smoked food but we are also making it so everything is from local gardens and farms...all of our vegetables...we source as much of our meat from Sonoma County as possible. All of our wines are from Sonoma County and the beers, we are trying to use Sonoma County liquor as well...and we are keeping everything at a price point that is accessible because what we want is for our place to be accessible so it's never a budgetary issue and they can come anytime they want," says Chris.

They will be open from 11am to 10pm everyday and the menu will be constantly growing and changing over time.

Of course, I couldn't leave without asking Chris what he thinks of when he hears Russian River Living and his answer was a description of the very thing that has kept people coming back here year after year, generation after generation.

"I just think of being on the River, fishing on the river, the redwood trees and everybody having a good time!"

If you have been to the Russian River before then you will know exactly what I am talking about when I say "River Charm." Yep, that is what's in high demand here on the river; homes with river charm are flyin' off the market so fast it's hard to keep up! But have no fear Millar and Company is here! Too Cheesy? Yeah, probably but at any rate I have handpicked three properties in the area that are just dripping with river charm and won't be around for long, so if you see one you like give me a call right away at 707-217-1786 and let's go out and take a look together! For those of you that have never heard of "River Charm" take a look at these homes and they will show you what exactly that means.

19387 Redwood Monte Rio CA 95462

This home is located in the Northwood subdivision in Monte Rio and is laden with river charm! From the breathtaking views of the golf course to the lazy afternoons on the Russian River. This home has everything you will need to enjoy a peaceful vacation here on the river! Or maybe you are planning a move?

Well the home itself has a spacious kitchen that opens to the deck and high cathedral style ceilings that lend to its appeal. It has three bedrooms that are absolutely breathtaking and three elegantly styled bathrooms.It has a cozy living room with a wood burning stove that makes you feel at home the minute you walk in. The large deck includes a private hot tub that is great for relaxing year round!It has a unique atrium entry with stunning landscape and an adorable koi pond with a fountain. This home is listed at only $785,000 and in this market, it is not going to last long so if you want to see this home for yourself call or text 707-217-1786.

Listing Courtesy Of Zephyr Real Estate

9085 Middle Monte Rio, CA 95462

This cute little dome house is the epitome of river charm...with gnomes!!! The owner built this property in 1987 with redwood and cedar giving it that rustic forest feel that is accented by large decks and sunken hot tub! There is a seasonal creek that runs under the bridge...yes it has its own bridge! It is simply adorable and when you add to that a unique garden, spacious living room, kitchen, family room, and den this is a deal you wont want to pass up.

There are three lovely bedrooms with interesting shapes due to the dome shape of the home itself as well as one full bath and one half bath. The full bath sports a beautiful mosaic bathtub featuring a mermaid and if you check under the stairs there is a sweet little alcove for afternoon lounging. The home is heated both by central heat and a wood burning stove for chilly nights and there is a garage and detached carport as well. As far as river charm goes this is it so if you are interested in something that is unique to our area give me a call at 707-217-1786.

Listing Courtesy Of Russian River Realty

17436 Guerneville Highway Guerneville CA 95446

This sweet cottage style home is dripping with sunshine and river charm. Although it only has about 856 square feet the large windows and high ceilings make it feel much more spacious then the square footage would suggest.

Clean simple architectural lines accent the wide open floor plan and the loft style with a spiral staircase give it the feeling of traveling to a distant world! There is a newer kitchen and bathroom and two adorable bedrooms in this home and unlike many of the homes in the area it is above the flood level with plenty of parking! There is a large fully fenced yard that is perfect for kicking back with friends and family for an afternoon BBQ or to let your dog run around and get some exercise. There is also a wrap around porch that would be perfect to relax on a summer day.

Listing Courtesy Of Vanguard Properties

If none of these homes are quite what you were looking for call or text 707-217-1786 and lets have a chat so I can find you a home that better fits with what you envision for yourself here on the Russian River!

YEEEHAA! It is that time again and we are revving up for the 2015 Russian River Rodeo! The Rodeo Sweethearts are feeling the friendly competition as they compete for the crown! A special congratulations to last years Queen of the Rodeo, Cecelia Curlee! The Rodeo will begin on Thursday June 25 with the Russian River Rodeo Sweetheart and Queen Dinner where we will get to meet all of the sweethearts for this year's Rodeo. The reception begins at 5:30pm and dinner is at 6:30 however if you want to have a seat you will need to RSVP at 707-489-1303 before June 14th. The dinner will be held at the Cazadero Fire House and everyone is welcome.

I don't know about you, but I have always loved barrel racing and this year's Rodeo is going to have down and dirty barrel racing and admission is free! WooHoo! The 4D Barrel Races will begin at 7pm on Friday June 26th so come on out and watch as these beautiful horses and their western riders fly around the barrels and come to the finish line in just seconds! Then on Saturday morning join the community for a spirited Cowboy Breakfast from 7am-12pm! But the fun doesn't stop there, at 1pm at Bill Parmeter Field the 2015 Rodeo Grand Entry Opening Ceremonies will begin kicking off this years Russian River Rodeo! Come on out to Duncan's Mills and watch as crazy cattle get roped by experts, horses charge barrels, and the Rodeo Sweethearts charm the members of the local community. Jackpot Team Roping sign ups will be at 4pm on Saturday and at 5:30pm the contestants will head on out and show us what they've got!

If you aren't able to make it out on Saturday then don't you worry your pretty little head because we have another day of Rodeo festivities in line for you! Sunday 7am there will be a good old fashion Cowboy Breakfast followed by Sunday's Opening Ceremonies starting at 1pm. This is a weekend that you don't want to miss here on the Russian River! I hope to see you all out In Duncan's Mills for an amazing day of Great Food, Great Friends, and Great Fun!

As a member of the local community I can tell you first hand that Duncan's Mills has everything from wonderful loving people to great views of beautiful landscape. If you would like more information on Duncan's Mills click here. If you are interested in moving to Duncan's Mills Call or Text 707-217-1786 or Search Homes For Sale Here.

14461 Memory Lane Guerneville California 95446

Here on the Russian River one thing that is very prominent are our vacation rentals. This is a big vacation town and often people who work in the city will head on up to the river for some peace and relaxation during the summer months. This new listing on Memory lane is a successful vacation rental that has attracted a horde of people over the years and continues to thrive today. We will be holding an open house on Sunday May 31st from 2-4pm. For Directions Click Here As you approach the home you can see the care that has gone into its upkeep by looking at the beautiful roses that line the edges of the property and the towering bamboo that skirt the small pond at the front entrance. Upon entering the home you will see a quaint living room perfect for hanging out and relaxing with a book, playing board games, or just kicking back and watching TV. The home has an open floor plan allowing a full view of the kitchen which has beautiful counter tops, lots of cupboard space, a bar and a large dining table that you, your family and friends can make memories at! To the left of the front door is a cute little bedroom with a closet and a window looking out at the majestic redwoods. Down the hall is a full bath and off of the kitchen is the master suite. The master bedroom is spacious with an attached bath and a sliding glass door that opens to the back deck. Out on the deck is where the magic really begins! There is a large granite top table perfect for outdoor dining on warm spring and summer days. There is a fire pit area that is great for making smores and stargazing, a ping pong table for some healthy competition, and a hot tub that is perfect for relaxing after a long day. If you are interested in learning more about this home call or text 707-217-1786 today.