Autumn is a relaxing season for a...

Autumn is a relaxing season for a visit to Northern California’s wine country. Summer crowds are gone. Vineyards display their fall colors. Crisp mornings, smoke rising from the chimneys of scores of B&Bs.;

To welcome the autumn traveler, the Sonoma County Convention & Visitors Bureau has updated its guide to wine country B&Bs.; A couple of dozen inns with photographs, sketches, descriptions. The Gables is a 112-year-old Gothic Victorian with a creek running by the property. Others: Creekside Inn & Resort, Heart’s Desire (fresh flowers, goose-down comforters), Huckleberry Springs (on 56 wooded acres), Madrona Manor (a longtime favorite), Ye Olde Shelford House (surrey rides to wineries for picnic lunches).

For a copy of “Wine Country Bed & Breakfast Inns,” write to the Sonoma County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 10 4th St., Santa Rosa, Calif. 95401. Telephone toll-free (800) 326-7666. At the same time, ask for the bureau’s calendar of events and visitor guide (lists historic attractions, wineries, recreational areas).

Meanwhile, the Wine Institute of San Francisco has prepared a 68-page guide with information on tours/tastings at 515 wineries throughout California. Contains maps, directions, details on picnic facilities. For a copy, send a self-addressed envelope with 45 cents in postage to the Wine Institute, 165 Post St., San Francisco 94108.

Paris Apartment

A note from Robert Bergida of Los Angeles: “A friend in Paris wishes to exchange his beautiful one-bedroom Champs-Elysees apartment (a half-mile from the Arc de Triomphe) for an apartment in Los Angeles for two or three months beginning in September or October. If interested, please call me at (213) 274-6566.”

Fall is the perfect time to be in Paris. Leaves will be turning on the chestnut trees. The frantic pace of summer will be over. Concerts and art exhibits are being scheduled throughout the City of Light. (Any season in Paris is the right season.)

Baja Guide

A four-page newsletter produced by the Mexico West Travel Club answers the “45 most commonly asked questions about Baja, Calif.” Discusses automobile insurance, the best seasons for touring Baja, fishing, road conditions, RV parks, whale watching. The Mexico West Travel Club’s newsletter assists members with trip planning, hotel discounts, tours and other services. If you’re a first-timer planning a visit along the 1,053-mile Baja Peninsula, club director Shirley Miller is ready with expert advice. For a copy of “Baja Questions,” write to Miller, P.O. Box 1644, Bonita, Calif. 92002, or call (619) 585-3033.

Australia Giveaway

Paul (“Crocodile Dundee”) Hogan has sparked a huge interest in Australia with his TV commercials and invitation for Yanks to “come visit the country Down Under.” The popular actor is singularly responsible for record crowds this year. In cooperation, the Queensland Tourist & Travel Corp. of Los Angeles has prepared five free special-interest brochures that spotlight activities in this Great Barrier reef state: fishing, golfing, diving, adventure holidays, yachting and cruising. The brochures portray Queensland as a high-priority South Pacific destination. The adventure brochure covers activities ranging from white-water rafting and kayaking to riding, camping, nature resorts.

For copies, call toll-free (800) 333-6050, or write to the Queensland Tourist & Travel Corp., 611 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles 90004.

Security

Ralph Slocum is known as public enemy No. 1 among pickpockets. Sells peace of mind for travelers. Security wallets that safeguard cash, passports, other valuables. The wallets are worn inside clothing. Designed for both men and women. Various styles clip onto slacks/skirts. Others hang from the neck or wrap around the ankle. Prices: $12/$22.50. At a time when pickpockets and purse snatchers are out in force in many cities, the security wallet is worth checking out. For a brochure describing Slocum’s line of security wallets, write to Warren of California, 416 W. San Ysidro Blvd., Suite K23, San Diego 92073, or telephone (619) 575-0523.

Visitor Guide

If friends/relatives are planning a visit, the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau will mail you free copies of visitor/lodging guides. Information on sightseeing attractions, restaurants, entertainment, special events, hotels/inns. The guides provide travel tips, name free activities in greater Los Angeles County, list transportation/tour services. For copies, write to the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau, 515 S. Figueroa St., 11th Floor, Los Angeles 90071.

New York Tours

Gray Line offers scores of tours of New York. Prices: $12/$39.50. A couple of trips take in the major attractions of Upper/Lower Manhattan for $14.50 apiece. (A combination of the two tours will cost you $26.) Visits to the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the U.N., Rockefeller Center, the Garment District, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, the World Trade Center, Wall Street. Upper Manhattan destinations include Lincoln Center, Central Park, Columbia University, Riverside Drive, Grant’s Tomb, the George Washington Bridge, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Harlem. (Other tours devoted exclusively to Harlem feature visits to nightclubs, a gospel church, the Apollo Theater.)

For a folder, write to Gray Line of New York, 254 West 54th St., New York 10019, or call toll-free (800) 437-0051.

Washington Inn

We’re getting good reports on Three Creeks Lodge in Goldendale, Wash. A European-style inn set in a pine forest in southern Washington’s Simcoe Mountains. Rises alongside the Little Klickitat River. Streams, waterfalls, lush foliage. The lodge’s restaurant turns out seven-course dinners. Classical music, red roses for the ladies. The lodge is a member of La Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs (the international society dedicated to fine dining).

During winter, Three Creeks Lodge is a haven for cross-country skiers. From Seattle or Spokane, take Interstate 90 to I-82, then U.S. 97 south. From Portland, drive the I-84 to U.S. 97 north. The lodge features chalets/creekhouses with hand-crafted furniture, skylights, fireplaces. Rates: $46/$155.

Three Creeks Lodge, 2120 Highway 97, Satus Pass, Goldendale, Wash. 98620. Telephone (509) 773-4026.

Reader Recommendations

California--Doris Black, Glendale: “High Country Inn, Box 7, Sierra City, Calif. 96125. A serene, mile-high getaway surrounded by stunning mountains and natural lakes. Rates: $75/$110 for two, including a hearty country breakfast.”

California--Amy Lyn De Zwart, Long Beach: “The bookstore Adventures Unlimited, 5267 East 2nd St., stocks books on every aspect of travel from local day-hikes to exotic foreign trips. Excellent staff.”

California--Father Walter Minhoto, San Joaquin Valley: Praises Ian’s restaurant in Cambria. “Daily specials, friendly waiters. Makes for a most pleasant evening.”

California--Sam and Patricia Franco, Encino: “A gracious stay at Stonepine Estate Resort in Carmel Valley, 150 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley 93924. A chateau on a gated estate. Candlelit gourmet dinners, equestrian facilities. Outstanding. Rates: $160/$550 double a night.”

California--Doris N. Gaugh, Walnut: “Stayed in a delightful inn called Country Inn B&B;, 632 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, Calif. Eight bedrooms with private baths. Prices: $65/$105. A short walk to the Skunk Train Depot.”

California--Ellen Heeter, North Hollywood: Knickerbocker restaurant, 1310 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena.

Georgia--Vivana Brodey, Honolulu: “Highly recommend Springvale B&B;, 952 Edgewood Ave. N.E., Atlanta, Ga. 30307. Furnished with Victorian antiques. For less than $50 a night you sleep in turn-of-the-century luxury, wake up to a lavish breakfast and are cared for by people who are genuinely interested in your well-being.”

Michigan--Tim Diamond, Alhambra: “Sans Souci B&B;, 19275 S. Lakeside Road, New Buffalo, Mich. 49117. Splendid European-style country estate on 50 acres. Private lake. Close to Lake Michigan and Chicago. New, elegant accommodations, sumptuous food, warm hospitality. Rates: $80/$100.”

Oregon--Molly Shore, Los Angeles: Enjoyed the State House B&B;, 2146 State St., Salem, Ore. “A beautifully restored 1920s home along Mill Creek. Rates: $25/$60.”

Alaska--Nancy and Dave Smythe, San Gabriel: “Silver Springs B&B;, Mile 104, Old Richardson Highway, Glenallen, Alaska 99588. Rate: $55. This is on a bank of the Copper River. Great view.”

New Hampshire--Clare Frenow, San Diego: “Enjoyed Dowds’ Country Inn, On the Common, Lyme, N.H. 03768. Rates: $95 and up.”

Mississippi--Sara Frank, Santa Monica: “Enjoyed the Delta Point River restaurant, 4155 Washington St., Vicksburg, Miss.”

New York--Betty Wasserman, Rolling Estates: “Adams Center Inn, Route 11, Adams Center, N.Y. 13606, for fine dining.”

Nebraska--Dr. Margaret Ann Storkan, Redondo Beach: Deer Run B&B;, RR 1, Box 142, Tekamah, Neb. 68061. Rates: $38/$50.

Wyoming--Jane Barack, Los Angeles: “The Wildflower Inn, Box 3724, Jackson, Wyo. 83001, is near the Teton Village ski area. A log cabin with five guest rooms, all with baths. Prices range from $70 in low season to $105 in high season.”

Washington--Ruth Robinson, Santa Monica: “Shafer Mansion B&B;, 907 14th Ave. E., Seattle, Wash. 98102. Conveniently located in Capitol Hill section two blocks from Pioneer Park. Panoramic views of Seattle. Rates: $55/$145.”

England--D. M. Krause, Redlands: Recommends two B&Bs;: the Millhouse, Wels-Near-the-Sea, Norfolk NRZ3 1JZ (23/25 double), and The Old Rectory, Campsea Ashe, Woodbridge, Suffolk 1P13 OPU, England (36). “Both listed in “Guest Accom,” a selection of 318 great little places in Great Britain. An excellent room guide. Copies may be picked up at any of the accommodations listed.”

England--Dorothy Barbler, San Diego: Enjoyed a theater tour to London that included tickets to two shows, with side trips to Bath on the Orient Express. Arrangements through Sterling Tours. Call (800) 727-4359.

England--Moyna and Bob Harris, Anaheim: Fittock Cottage B&B;, Silver Street, Branston, Lincoln, England. Rate: 25.

England--Peggy Ward, Seattle, Wash.: “Sandford House Hotel, St. Julians Friars, Shrewsbury. Charming, beautifully decorated, excellent food and service. Great location and comfortable bed. Single 16/20, double 27/31.”

England--Katharine McCormack, Tarzana: Enjoyed a tour with Diana Stewart of Holiday Plans, Middlecroft Plumbland, Aspatria, Cumbria CA5 2EZ. “Her services for my one-day tour cost $45 U.S.”

England--Phoebe S. Liebig, Los Angeles: “The Anser Guesthouse is a vegetarian restaurant/B&B;, 18 New St., Sheringham, Norfolk, England. Rate is 9. Same for those wanting non-vegetarian fare.”

England--Bill and Fran Barker, Solano Beach: “In England, the best value for our money was the Benett Arms, Semley Shaftsbury, Dorset SP7 9AS, England. Rates: 21/35 a night.”

England--Marian Duncan, Del Mar: “Mary Louis Schiffer of the London Antique Connection is a real find. She knew just where to take me to shop, attend auctions. Write to Schiffer, London Antique Connection, 7 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SJ, England.”

England--D. Peters, Claremont: “Highly recommend Ring of Bells, a 13th-Century country pub and restaurant in the pretty village of North Bovey, Devon, England. In the Devon Moorlands. Accommodations are delightful. A swimming pool. About $26.50 U.S. per person a night.”

North Wales--Virginia and Gordon Footman, San Marino: “An outstanding driver and guide specializing in tours of North Wales, David M. W. Packer, 48 Penrhos Avenue, Llandudno Junction, Gwynedd LL31 9EL, United Kingdom. Our one-day tour cost approximately 70.”

Ireland--Marie, Edward and Holli Hume, Northridge: Rockfield B&B;, Avoca, Arklow, County Wicklow, Ireland. “Fabulous country breakfast, spectacular view. Rates: under $15 U.S. per night single, $30 per night double.”

France--Mary Wachsner, Sherman Oaks: Hotel Jardin des Plantes, 5 Rue Linne, 75005 Paris. “Refurbished, immaculate. Friendly proprietors. Rates: 390/490 francs a night for two.”

Greece--Mickey Jackson and Al Mortenson, Irvine: “Heartily recommend Sporades Tours, 13101 Laurinda Way, Santa Ana, Calif. 92705. Traveled to Greece, Turkey with tour leader Dr. Richard Caldwell, a USC classics professor.”

Denmark--Pat Hammer, Manhattan Beach: Ida Davidson’s restaurant, St. Kongensgade 70, Copenhagen. “An impressive offering of open-face sandwiches. Business in its 100th year.”

Sweden--Susan Hindle, Los Angeles: Hotel Kung Karl, Nils Ericsonsgatan 23, Box 428, S-401 26 Gothenburg, Sweden. “Convenient to the railroad station. A small, 70-room historic hotel. Double with breakfast about $100 U.S.”

New Zealand--Barbara Figelski, Studio City: “Mrs. Dora Neumegen runs a B&B; on the North Island, 30 Leyland St., Onekawa, Napier, New Zealand. Three bedrooms with a shared bath: $25 U.S. per room.”