Around Healdsburg with Erika
Growing up in Healdsburg, Bon Ton Studio owner Erika Dawkins remembers her parents having lots of visitors. After traveling and studying fashion, she now understands why her hometown attracts so many - like those come-from-afar wine interns working the fall harvest. Dawkins met and married one of those interns, Ross Dawkins, a South African winemaker.
Bon Ton Studio is the brick-and-mortar iteration of the online business Erika started while living in southwest Australia for her husband’s job. It offers imported housewares and apparel in her signature aesthetic: natural materials, a subdued palette, and punches of vibrant color. Her elegant storefront sits across from several businesses owned by friends from her school days, including the El Sombrero taco shop and Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar. She laughs, “It’s like a Healdsburg High School reunion on this corner.”
Bon Ton Studio
Bon Ton Studio’s Turkish towels are soft and quick to dry. They’re great by the pool and, in a pinch, they double as a wrap on a chilly evening.
120 Matheson St, 707-591-4116, bonton-studio.com
Black Oak Coffee Roasters
The perfect spot to grab your morning coffee or break up your work-from-home days, Black Oak offers the most creative drinks (lavender chai anyone?) and a wide assortment of pastries, breakfast, + lunch options.
Lioco Wine
With grapes sourced from Sonoma to Santa Cruz, Lioco Wine Shop does their “minimalist winemaking” at a Santa Rosa cooperative.
125 Matheson St, 707-395-0148, liocowine.com
Dragonfly Floral
The sustainable flower arrangements at Dragonfly Floral have a wild, untamed feel that Erika adores.
425 Westside Road, 707-433-3739 dragonflyhealdsburg.com
Marine Layer Wines
Offering an approachable introduction to wine, Marine Layer brings the best of Sonoma County to your table. Their amazing team (and our fav, Aries Chardonnay) is what makes Marine Layer a must visit when in town.
Forager
Forager’s selection of curated antiques + goods made by local artisans offer a shopping experience like no other here in town. Forager brings the outdoors in, from their tree branch inspired taper candles to delicate birds nests.
Little Saint
Little Saint is a plant based restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and market focused on creating community + expanding the options of plant based meals.
Mill Street Antiques
At Mill Street Antiques, Erika points out bundles of dried proteas, a South African flower she uses at home and in her shop.
44 Mill St, 707-433-8409
Taqueria El Sombrero
Located around the corner from Bon Ton Studio, the chorizo breakfast burrito with a Mexican coke is a go-to at Taqueria El Sombrero.
249 Center St, 707-433-3818, elsombrerohbg.com
Bon Ton Baby
Voted best baby shop in the North Bay, Bon Ton Baby is a favorite for easy gifting under $50. Featuring a collection of soft colors and fabrics, Bon Ton Baby is truly the little sister to Bon Ton Studio.
Quail & Condor
Our favorite woman owned bakery, Quail + Condor, has the most beautiful selection of fresh baked pastries and bread. Their rosemary morning buns are a must, and be sure to check out their sister shop, Troubadour for sandwiches you’ll want to savor.
The Matheson Roof 106
Elevated cocktails + pizzas - what more could you ask for? Roof 106 at The Matheson is the best evening hang. Grab a spot by the fire with some friends, and sip down a Shiso Collins while you watch the sun set.
BloodRoot Wines
A Bon Ton shop girl favorite, BloodRoot Wines pairs unique blends of wine with the best spiced nuts (c/o Single Thread). Be sure to grab a glass of their Undertow red blend and hear the story behind the name.
