AboutWilliam Conde Expertise I wish to serve as a sort of guide to the North Bay area, with extensive experience in Sonoma County proper, and abilities to help with more general questions regarding the Marin and Napa County areas. For questions regarding what the area is like, what to bring, where to stay, etc., I'm eager and capable to help bring forth solutions to your regional queries.
Please note that while I can suggest many wineries to visit in the area, there are so many to choose from that I wouldn't be able to answer questions about each and every one. I can also suggest non-winery-related sights to see and locales to visit, depending on whatever sort of vacation, business trip, or other excursion you may have in mind.
Also, I am not a wine expert (I don't drink alcohol), so please don't ask me specific questions about such-and-such labels of wine.
Experience I have lived in the Sonoma County region for 10 years and wish to help others understand and appreciate the unique experience that is being part of this area. I am goal-oriented and love to help "fill in the gaps," so to speak, of the plans and ideas of those who are considering visiting this beautiful region.
Education/Credentials Licensed Pharmacy Technician; B.S. degree in Chemistry (Biochemistry Emphasis).
Expert: William Conde Date: 9/5/2007 Subject: Hot Springs
Question QUESTION: I am travelling to Santa Rosa area at the end of this month and am looking for public hot springs - not expensive day spas. Any suggestions ??
ANSWER: Hello!
Though I don't know of that many off the top of my head, I do know that Morton's Warm Springs, in Glen Ellen, will be open weekends through the end of the month. I've been there myself, and it's a lovely place to visit, with pools heated to a variety of temperatures so that any guest will be able to find one or more at a comfortable, soothing setting. The location's URL is http://www.mortonswarmsprings.com/index.htm , for your browsing convenience.
If you would like me to search for other ones in our area, please let me know in a follow-up inquiry and I will do some more extensive research. Thanks!
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QUESTION: Unfortunately we will only be in the area Tuesday to Friday, so I am looking for a place open to the public all week (not just weekends). Please research others in the area and let me know. Thank You.
Answer Hello again.
After a good deal of research (pardon the delay), I've not been able to locate any hot springs in our area that are open to the public this time of year that are not also day-spa-ish facilities. Your best bet may be to look for a hotel in Calistoga that offers use of a hot springs pool to its guests (I'm pretty sure there's at least one)--that way, you'll know you're getting a well-maintained spring without having to buy expensive spa treatments.
I hope that this addresses your inquiry, and I apologize both for the extensive delay in answering your question and for the fact that I was not able to locate a suitable venue for your trip.
