As we’ve remarked before, one of the benefits of living in the North Bay means not having to travel far and wide for out-of-the-ordinary experiences.

Can’t make it to Kenya but always wanted to go on safari? Just head to Safari West.

Wish you could visit Germany’s famed Bavaria? Head to The Tourist Club on Mt. Tamalpais.

Never made it to Yosemite but in awe of tall trees? Muir Woods is right in our back yard.

The Old Faithful Geyser of California

There’s another treasure hiding in our midst as well, one for those impatient to visit Yellowstone: the Old Faithful Geyser of California, in upper Napa Valley just outside Calistoga – known for its hot springs and mud baths. Yes, the geyser here is a bit like comparing a bonsai to a redwood; nonetheless, it is one of only three geysers in the world that has earned the designation “old faithful” – meaning it performs at regular intervals. Every 30 minutes or so, sometimes every 10 or 20, the Old Faithful Geyser erupts about 60 to 100 feet in the air. It’s really a sight, and the gurgles and steam that warn of the impending eruption are always met with shrieks of glee and excitement from the kids in the crowd.

We should probably mention that this attraction is usually most-appreciated by the young ones in the group. They do get a kick out of the huge bubbles and surprise release of the geyser, plus the grounds have other fun attractions for their age-group: four-horn sheep and Tennessee fainting goats found in a petting zoo.

Mount Saint Helena and the Palisades mountains make up the scenic setting of the geyser, and though also small in comparison to the mountain ranges of the Rockies found in Yellowstone, they are breathtaking and beautiful, and do make you feel as though you’ve traveled far from home.

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Charming Glen Ellen Photo by: Glenn Franco Simmons

Along Highway 12 in Sonoma sits the “Valley of the Moon,” eastern Sonoma’s fabled area made popular by writer and adventurer Jack London, who lived in the region in the early 1900s. At its heart is Glen Ellen, a quintessential California Wine Country village that still retains the natural beauty and charm that London fell in love with a century ago and is a wonderful place to spend a leisurely day.

Enchanting vistas, rolling hills, colorful vineyards and bright wildflowers envelope the town and embrace the stone buildings, crooked streets and old oak trees. It’s no wonder that after traveling the world, London decided to settle on this land.

Jack London’s Cottage Residence Photo by Lance & Erin Willett

London lived in Glen Ellen from 1909-1916, during which he dedicated his time to the development of his passion project, “Beauty Ranch,” now Jack London State Historic Park. The park contains the cottage residence where London wrote, a museum in “The House of Happy Walls,” built inside a Redwood grove, the ruins of London’s dream home, Wolf House mansion, which was destroyed in a fire, and London’s grave site. The park covers over 10 miles of trails that take visitors through meadows and woodlands to these historic sites and offer views of the Valley of the Moon. Nearby Sonoma Valley Regional Park also has hiking and outdoor activities, including dog-friendly trails.

Just south of Jack London State Park is Jack London Village, a small compound of wonderful boutiques and restaurants overlooking Asbury and Sonoma Creeks. For a decadent treat, stop in the Wine Country Chocolates shop and tasting room to sample different truffle flavors such as Orange-Grand Marnier, Champagne and Pomegranate with Orange Blossom Honey.

Jack London Village Photo by Stephanie D.

It wouldn’t be a Wine Country town without wine, and there are several wineries – and worthwhile eateries – located in and around Glen Ellen along Arnold Drive and Highway 12.

Another reason why we love where we live: When a day’s outing allows us to combine stunning scenery, old California charm, and a fascinating insight into the life of one of American history’s most complex and adventurous authors.

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With so many reasons to love where we live, there’s often reason to celebrate. Most weekends, especially in spring and summer, you can find a fun festival nearby with a cool local vibe.

We’ve talked about some of the bigger festivals on this list already – the Mill Valley Film Festival, the Marin County Fair, the Sausalito Fall Arts Festival, and Wings Over Wine Country have all been mentioned on our list.

But some of the most entertaining events are the ones that make you say, “Only in the North Bay:” where else can you find festivals celebrating the poultry industry, accordion music, art-from-scraps, healthy living and spirituality, hot air balloons, salmon fishing and mechanical and artistic wonders – all on the same local calendar?

Each April, Petalumans gather to honor their town’s agricultural heritage at the Butter & Eggs Day Parade, featuring the Cutest Little Chick Contest (kids in chicken and egg costumes), a cow chip toss (a nod to a thriving dairy industry that includes Straus Family Creamery, Clover Stornetta and delicious cheeesmakers), and a plethora of activities and entertainment from the town once known as the “World’s Egg Basket.”

If you hear the sounds of polka, Tex-Mex and zydeco off the 101, it must mean the annual Cotati Accordion Festival is in full swing. Featuring musical styles that range from traditional to regional flavors to whacky Rock-pop-San Francisco-mischief music, the festival also provides a dancing tent and a “jam” tent where festival-goers can band together to play their favorite tunes.

Also in Cotati, one person’s junk is another’s masterpiece at Garbage Reincarnation’s annual art-from-scrap competition, Oh Rapture, It’s Scrapture!

For over 30 years, the Harmony Festival, held in Santa Rosa, has been a leading-edge lifestyle festival that celebrates the latest trends in health, music, arts, ecology, and spirituality. In recent years, Harmony has expanded into a major music festival as well, with 2011 drawing popular acts, Primus, The Flaming Lips and Michael Franti & Spearhead.

Further north, in Windsor, look to the skies in June for a colorful parade of balloons during the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic.

The Handcar Regatta takes place in downtown Santa Rosa’s Old Railroad Square and represents a public celebration of kinetic art. Encouraging community participation and human ingenuity, this is an event where participants race their hand-built cars and dress in costume, making for some good old fashioned fun.

The Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival has its origin as a celebration of the start of the Salmon fishing season and the annual Blessing of the Fleet. It is now also a weekend of wine, music and tradition, with bathtub races, a decorated boat parade, and a wooden boat challenge.

With so many unique and wonderful festivals celebrating the things we love about where we live, it’s impossible to pick just one favorite. Luckily, they’re well spread throughout the year, so we don’t have to choose.

Which festivals do you look forward to each year? Let us know in the comments.

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We’ve talked a number of times about how the North Bay is a gastronome’s dream. Whether looking for the best in organic foods, fresh local produce, ethnic cuisine, or unique dining, there are hundreds of options throughout the region to whet your palate. And if looking for specialty items such as cheeses, beer and wine, apples, oysters or olives – yep, we’ve got those covered too.

Thomas Keller’s world-famous restaurant in Yountville Photo by Katie Peek

When it comes to food, few places on earth live up to the excellence served every day here in the North Bay. Rattling off some of the best restaurants in town reads like a Top 10 list from Food & Wine Magazine – The French Laundry, Cyrus, Auberge Du Soleil, Farmhouse Inn, Dry Creek Kitchen…

Though a serious dinner in the North Bay can involve a month-long wait list and a considerable bill, part of the appeal of the region is that you don’t have to go to such lengths to enjoy amazing cuisine. Restaurants at all price levels take advantage of the fresh local meat and produce and serve up remarkable meals. For those budget-minded food lovers who are eager for a special dining experience, they can do so at a fraction of the cost once a year during Restaurant Week, a culinary celebration during which local restaurants create affordable, multi-course fixed price menus. In 2011, Napa Valley participated once again (their “week” is actually a month), Sonoma County hosted their second annual week and Marin County joined the fun for the first time.

CIA at Greystone in St. Helena Photo by B. Reynolds

For those who want to go a step further – who don’t want to just eat at one of the highest rated restaurants in the country – but want to put their Chef’s kitchen to use as well, we have some outstanding cooking schools. The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), widely recognized as the world’s premier culinary college, is located in and around the Greystone Cellars building in St. Helena. CIA at Greystone offers courses for continuing education and career development for professionals in the industry, as well as options for food enthusiasts, including Boot Camps and weekend immersion programs. Ramekins in Sonoma provides demonstration classes, hands-on classes and even courses for kids. Because, let’s face it, our little ones grow up eating hummus, sushi and crab, not just PB&J. And when it comes to those PB&Js? Organic peanut butter and locally jarred preserves on freshly baked bread, of course. Gourmet cooking supply chain Sur la Table hosts cooking courses at their store in Santa Rosa and Cavallo Point, home of the Michelin-star restaurant Murray Circle, offers an ever-changing roster of cooking classes and programs inspired by local flavors.

Celebrity chefs, Michelin stars, gourmet tasting menus, world-renowned cooking courses…a local could take it for granted. Or just sit back and enjoy the meal.

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There’s a special place located about an hour’s drive north of San Francisco where one can walk amongst giants, canoe down a bend, taste local wines, swing from treetops, enjoy quaint Main Streets, visit local shops and galleries and take pleasure in unique festivals.

Photo by Ingrid Taylar

The Russian River, the second largest river in the Greater Bay Area, begins in Mendocino County and winds south into Sonoma County, past ancient redwoods and charming river towns, before entering into the Pacific Ocean along the Sonoma Coast. The river’s path is divided into regions, including the Russian River Valley (upper Russian River) and the Russian River Resort Area (lower Russian River) and by simply following the river’s course you can find many attractions that make Sonoma County such a wonderful home and popular tourist destination.

Photo by Deb Harkness

The Russian River Valley, the largest of Sonoma County’s thirteen wine appellation regions, is home to over 100 wineries and growers who thrive thanks to the rich and fertile soil and an environment ideal for cool climate grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The region is open and expansive with landscapes of rolling hills peppered with wineries. To truly enjoy the area and get a taste of the region, try one of the several driving tours, including a cruise down Westside Road, a gorgeous scenic route between Healdsburg and Guerneville. And if beer is more your taste, be sure to sample the local brews from the Russian River Brewing Company. Special Tip: The annually released, much-coveted IPA Pliny the Younger is available every February for a limited time.  

Photo by Dave Schumaker

For a more family-friendly adventure, the lower Russian River Resort Area offers plenty of play. One can hike through Armstrong Redwoods, canoe, kayak, or wade along the river at Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville, tee off at Northwood Golf Course in Monte Rio or go on a sky-high adventure in Occidental. In addition to offering adventure, these eclectic hamlets are ideal for exploring on foot and enjoying the local vibe. A little bit country town, a little bit funky, the main streets offer lots of local color to accompany the unique dining and shopping experiences.

Throughout the year there are several festivals on and around the river celebrating wine, music, and art, including some of our favorites: the Wine Road Barrel Tasting, the Russian River Jazz & Blues festival, ARTrail Open Studios and Pinot on the River.

Whether you go for the wine, the redwoods, the festivals or the adventure, the Russian River is a wonderful place to experience the many things we love about the North Bay.

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Whether pungent and au natural for dipping or herb or citrus-infused and drizzled over freshly sliced summer tomatoes, specialty olive oils, and their production and degustation, are now almost as much a part of North Bay life as our award-winning wines.

As with our wines, our olive groves thrive on the Mediterranean climate found in the Wine Country, and spoil us with a staggering variety of exquisite products. Today, Napa and Sonoma counties support about 150 olive-oil producers who press their best olives into artisanal oils.

The Olive Press, now located in the Jacuzzi Family Winery on Hwy 121, is a must for olive fans. Co-owned by Deborah Rogers, who was named 2010 Producer of the Year, The Olive Press offers complimentary olive oil tasting, a vast array of award-winning oils, delectable gifts and even harvest tools.

Another destination is DaVero Estate, a family farm in northern Sonoma County. (DaVero’s Dry Creek Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil has been touted as ‘green-gold love juice’ by chef Mario Batali.) For a taste of their oils, as well as other treats from their farm, you can visit their tasting room in Healdsburg.

McEvoy Ranch, in that curious section of Petaluma considered Marin County, boasts 80 acres of organic olive trees, and offers tours, tastings, and workshops. You can even buy an organic tree to start your own orchard.

Finally, from December through February, you can go wild with all things olive as the Sonoma Valley celebrates the annual Olive Season. There are curing workshops, tastings, classes, olive-themed menus, events such as Martini Madness, live music, family activities, and art exhibitions. For more on top artisan olive oil producers in the Wine Country, click here.

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First there was the Antiques Roadshow on television, planting in our minds that riches may be hidden in our own attics. Then along came websites like eBay and Craigslist, making treasure hunting a breeze – and even a business - for many. However, while you can find great things online with the click of a mouse (vintage dog ashtray or ornate solid brass chicken fighters, anyone?), you miss out on the energy and small-town vibe found at an antique market or shop, not to mention the adrenaline rush as you discover that perfect, once-loved but long-forgotten item that you didn’t know you needed.

For those who seek the charming aromas and hometown feel of shopping for antiques in person, the North Bay offers a treasure trove of options.

Located on Gravenstein Highway in Sebastopol, Midgley’s Flea Market is where the “sharks” arrive when the “doors” open at 6:30 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. This neighborhood flea market has been in operation since the 1960s and, under a blanket of redwood trees and blue skies, you can find household items, tools, collectibles and even fresh produce. While there are some commercial vendors, the best stuff can be found, if you have the patience to look, from the independent neighborhood sellers who are clearing out their garages and attics. And, in return, you just may hear a good story about that lamp, teapot or clock.

Sebastopol is a hot spot for antiquing and a trip down Gravenstein Highway will also yield Ray’s Trading Co, and Trader Bucks, run by a retired San Francisco police officer and known for family heirlooms like Tiffany-style lamps, as well as dining room sets and even toy soldiers. However, the largest selection of items can be found at the sprawling 20,000 square-foot Antique Society, where a collective of 125 antique dealers sell everything from the kitsch to the extraordinary.

Another valuable find is Shoffeits Off the Square in Healdsburg. Also a collective, though with a more modest 30 vendors, the store is owned and operated by three sisters who create a beautiful atmosphere for those seeking collectibles, vintage furnishings, art, jewelry and more.

In Marin County, the antique “mecca” is San Anselmo. Stores like Shadows, Zaragoza, and others clutched along Sir Francis Drake near “the Hub” are must-visits with collections that go way beyond the few pieces that adorn the front display windows.

Also quite noteworthy are the three popular antique fairs:

Petaluma Antique Fair: Held twice a year (spring and fall) in historic Downtown Petaluma with 180 or more vendors offering antiques, collectibles and unique items.

Healdsburg Antique Fair: Annual antique fair held in the Healdsburg Plaza Park.

San Francisco Fall Antiques Show: The oldest continuously operating International Antique Show on the West Coast.

Of course, on any given weekend, you can pop in at the ubiquitous “Estate Sales.” As the saying goes, one man’s junk….

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Many adults and kids in the North Bay have access to some very high tech toys, but few will say no to an afternoon or evening of old fashioned fun spent gliding around a rink.

The Redwood Empire Ice Arena Photo by LA Wad

For those who prefer their skates with blades, Snoopy’s Home Ice – aka The Redwood Empire Ice Arena – is a wonderful charming rink. Part of the complex that includes the Charles M. Schulz museum, the arena, with its Swiss Alps atmosphere, has been a Santa Rosa icon for decades and offers public skating (beginning kids get to scoot folding chairs around to help them stay up), freestyle sessions for the more serious, private and group skating lessons, and birthday party facilities.

If wheels are more your thing, Cal Skate in Rohnert Park is like a blast from the past. One step inside and you’ll be transported to the carefree, low-tech days of the 50s. Skaters can choose in-line skates, or stick with the old fashioned ones. Either way, you’ll find fun music and the special moments from years past, the Hokey Pokey, couples skate, races and more.

Yes, we live in the midst of the world’s High Tech heartland, but we’re fortunate to have places nearby to enjoy simple fun, with no batteries or wifi required.

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Whale Watching at Bodega Head. Photo by Cameron Maddux.

Winter is the time of year when many of us take pleasure in staying close to home, snuggling by a fire, and enjoying seasonal traditions. However, for our fellow mammals the Pacific Gray Whale, winter is migration time. From December through May, 20,000 of these majestic creatures swim south from the icy waters of their Arctic feeding grounds to seek refuge in the warmer, sub-tropical waters of Baja, their chosen spot to mate and nurse their young.

While the migration season lasts for several months, February is a particularly interesting time because you’ll begin to see whales heading both north and south. The northbound whales are primarily pregnant mama whales looking to get back to Alaska as the ice begins to break up, while the southbound whales are juveniles who are lagging behind.

This great migration makes for a much-anticipated and awe-inspiring sight off our northern California coastline. There are several viewing sights in the North Bay, the top destinations being Bodega Head in Bodega Bay, Fort Ross State Park and Timber Cove.

For a unique vantage point, several companies offer chartered whale-watching tours for an up-close view of one of nature’s most incredible spectacles. Local fishing boats offer cruises throughout the season and the Oceanic Society has naturalist-led trips as well. In addition to the prolific gray whales, you may also catch a sighting of dolphins, humpback whales, harbor seals and maybe even a blue whale.

Our waters are rich in unique wildlife (in addition to whales, our part of the Pacific is also a hotbed for oysters and abalone) and whale watching is one more way in which we can enjoy these unique surroundings. 

Gray whale. Photo by Ryan Harvey

Some interesting facts about the Pacific Gray Whale:

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In Reason 72 we talked about all the wonderful North Bay nurseries, as well as the home and gardens of famed Sonoma County horticulturist Luther Burbank. But for those who lack a green thumb or anything resembling a yard, there are many amazing public gardens and unique nature areas to enjoy here in the North Bay.

If you’ve driven through Sonoma along Highway 121, you’ve no doubt noticed the twisted white picket fence and blue Adirondack chair fit for Jack’s Giant. These pieces mark the entrance to Cornerstone Sonoma and the whimsical gardens contained within. Cornerstone Sonoma offers shops, galleries, wine tasting, a marketplace and café, but it’s the incredible garden installations that catch your attention and draw you in. These rotating exhibits are the masterminds of some of the world’s finest landscape architects and designers, each given 1,800 square feet and the freedom to create anything from a tree covered in 70,000 sky-blue Christmas balls, a door that opens to seemingly nothing, a field of plastic daisy pinwheels, or an army of snowmen – part of an annual holiday display. More museum than garden, Cornerstone Sonoma is a unique environment filled with fanciful and surprising delights.

For an escape to Asia, it’s as easy as a trip to Quarryhill, a 20-acre botanical garden in Glen Ellen featuring one of the largest collections of documented, wild-collected Asian plants in the world. Magnolias, dogwoods, maples, birch, roses, lilies, and rhododendrons bloom amongst a landscape sprinkled with ponds, waterfalls, benches, paths and walkways – all set to the stunning backdrop of the Mayacamas Mountains.

The Marin-Bolinas Botanical Gardens in Bolinas are the result of another North Bay resident’s passion for plants. On display in the 14 acres is a children’s garden and over 2,000 species of succulents and euphorbia, collected from the exotic trips of the late Dr. Herman Schwartz.

The Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross offers 11-acres of spectacular gardens. Once privately held land but now open to the public 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, the Marin Art and Garden Center is an important community resource, serving as an event venue and a public park with educational programs. Meander amongst the ancient trees, observe butterflies in the Butterfly Habitat, stroll along the rolling lawns, admire the rose garden, let your kids frolic in the playground or steal a kiss with your sweetheart in the Victorian-style gazebo.

Whether in search of garden tranquility or curious to explore the stunning variety of flowers and plants that have found a home in the North Bay, there’s much to enjoy in these treasured settings.

Other Unique Nature Areas:

The Petrified Forest: Step back in time three million years and explore rocks, minerals, crystals and fossils.

Bouverie Preserve of Audubon Canyon Ranch: A private, non-profit nature preserve known for its amazing spring wildflowers.

The Laguna de Santa Rosa: The largest freshwater wetlands complex on the northern California coast.

Muir Woods and Armstrong Redwoods: Reason 49 on our list of 100 Reasons Why We Love Where We Live.

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Photos Courtesy of:

Blue Tree by Claude Cormier, Cornerstone Sonoma. Photo by Kellan.
Snowmen, Cornerstone Sonoma. Photo by Michael Risenhoover.
Quarryhill Botanical Gardens. Photo by Rodney Jonk.

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In a previous reason, we wrote about the high quality of education found in North Bay elementary and high schools. We are also fortunate, however, to have two excellent universities in our own backyard that offer much to enrich our communities and entice local high school grads looking to stay close to home.

Photo by Nick Young

Sonoma State University (SSU), in Rohnert Park, is said to be the one of the most requested campuses in the California State University (CSU) system and has been named a “Best Value” and “Most Green” College by the Princeton Review. SSU has also been named one of the “most wired” campuses in the nation by Forbes magazine, and has one of the only wine business programs in the country. 

The broader community also benefits from the university. It is home to one of the largest libraries – which is open to the public – in the CSU system and the state of California with more than 400,000 volumes. The library also houses a collection of Jack London’s writings, original letters and memorabilia. Community members can also take advantage of certain courses, lectures, and workshops, and in the near future the Green Music Center, a grand concert hall currently under construction.

Dominican, in Marin, provides college-bound locals the advantages of a small, private university. Serving about 2000 students, Dominican has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top tier of Western Universities for its Master’s program. The charming San Rafael campus offers small class sizes and a diverse faculty and student body.

For the community, Dominican has academic and non-academic courses in their Adult and Extended Education programs, and their award-winning library, with 100,000 volumes, is also open to the public.

Having two high-caliber universities located right in our communities is just another reason why we think the North Bay is such a wonderful place to live.

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We’ve written about the delicious, world-class wines we’re so fortunate to have in our backyard. Part of what makes them so great is the richness of the Wine Country soil, which is, in fact, also well-known and appreciated for another good reason: it makes a marvelous, soothing mud bath. Combined with the waters of local thermal springs, the volcanic ash found in Wine Country soil creates a mud that is said to smooth the skin, relax muscles, calm aches, and improve circulation.

The charming, historic Napa County town of Calistoga is where many head when a day of mud baths and relaxation are in order: the first resort to take advantage of the hot springs was opened there by Sam Brannan in 1860. Today there are over a dozen spa destinations in Calistoga. They bring the ash in fresh every day and mix it with steaming mineral water from a nearby spring, and add peat moss for texture and to help the body float, and aromatherapy ingredients such as lavender or eucalyptus.  

Combined with a massage, a visit to a steam room, and a dip in an inviting swimming pool, the mud baths are just one part of the full package that today’s attractive Wine Country spas offer to de-stress and rejuvenate.

A mediation area at Osmosis Spa, Sonoma County. Photo by Brent Olson

In Sonoma County, the unique treatment is that of the Cedar Enzyme Bath, offered by Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, located just off Bodega Highway en route to Occidental. The profoundly relaxing bath is much like being buried in warm sand on a beach – you are immersed up to your chin in a bed of finely ground cedar, rice bran, and plant enzymes, which create a calming woodsy aroma as the ingredients heat naturally, by fermentation. Osmosis, a true hidden gem yet a Sonoma County favorite and known worldwide, is said to be the only spa in North America offering this treatment.

Whether just eager to try a dip in the mud or in need of a full day of pampering and peace, few places deliver the way our local Wine Country spas do.

Resources:

• Calistoga Spas 
• Solage Spa
• Indian Springs
• Dr. Wilkinson’s
• Sonoma Spa Getaways 

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Explore the North Bay under a canopy of giant redwoods in Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, over coastal hills and sand dunes along Salmon Creek Beach and the Pt. Reyes National Seashore, through a scenic Sonoma vineyard valley…all on horseback.

Photo taken by Juan Luis

Photo taken by Vards Uzvards

Don your flannel shirt, chaps (or jeans) and a helmet and you’re ready to take on the endless resources the North Bay has for all types of equestrians – and our natural landscape provides a stunning backdrop. Depending on where you go, your ride can treat you to sights of grazing cattle, frolicking deer, panoramic views of the ocean, or a valley with blooming wildflowers. With the sounds of trickling creeks under hoof and swooping birds overhead, this unique way to experience nature makes for a truly memorable outing.

Nearby offerings include trail rides, overnight pack trips, professional boarding, clinics and lessons, therapeutic riding stables and summer camps.

Visit a ranch or stable to explore the North Bay by horseback:

Armstong Woods Pack Station, Guerneville

Baywood Equestrian Center, Fairfax

Chanslor Ranch, Bodega Bay

Cloverleaf Ranch, Santa Rosa 

Five Brooks Stable, Olema

Miwok Livery Stables, Mill Valley

Morning Star Farm, Novato

Roche Vineyards, Sonoma 

Victoria’s Fashion Stables, Petaluma

Willow Tree Stables, Novato

See which local parks and recreation areas allow horseback riding:

Marin County Parks & Open Space, Marin County 

Sonoma County Regional Parks, Sonoma County

Learn about Therapeutic Riding:

Equi-Ed, Santa Rosa

Giant Steps, Petaluma 

Halleck Creek Ranch, Nicasio
 

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“I firmly believe, from what I have seen, that this is the chosen spot of all this earth as far as Nature is concerned.” – Luther Burbank

Famed botanist Luther Burbank arrived in Sonoma County in 1875 and dedicated himself to breeding new fruits and flowers. Today, the North Bay remains a land rich in flora. Whether scouring nurseries in search of unique plants to bring home to your own backyard garden or simply admiring the local work of others, the North Bay is a treasure for botanists, horticulturists, and gardeners of all skill levels.

California Carnivores NurseryPhoto by Gwen Harlow

Luther Burbank Home and Gardens Photo by Jeff Tabaco

Baker Creek Seed Bank Photo by Ruth Temple

A trip down many a North Bay road leads to scores of specialized nurseries and a look at Sebastopol alone gives you an idea of the diversity and wealth of resources available. Sonoma Horticultural Nursery specializes in rhododendrons and azaleas. The garden and nursery is open year-round to visitors who are welcomed to get lost in their eight acres of demonstration gardens with over one-and-a-half miles of pathways leading over, under and around ponds, arches, benches and gazebos – you’ll think you’ve stepped into a living Monet.

Sebastopol is also home to Vintage Gardens, purveyor of 2,000 varieties of old and extraordinary roses, including Teas, Hybrid Perpetuals, Damask Perpetuals, Bourbons, Noisettes and Old Hybrid Teas, and one of the more unique nurseries, California Carnivores. This little shop of horrors is the largest carnivorous plant nursery and store in the United States and an extremely popular destination where visitors and patrons can see firsthand how these plants of prey – Venus flytraps, American pitcher plants, sundews, butterworts, bladderworts, tropical pitcher plants and others – feed themselves. The nursery even supplies utensils for feeding and magnifying glasses for an up close view.

Also in the realm of the unique, the Baker Creek Seed Bank in Petaluma offers one of California’s largest selections of organic and heirloom seeds, 1,200 varieties in all. Housed in the historic former home of the Sonoma County Bank, The Seed Bank is one of only three retail locations for Missouri based Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, which runs a huge mail-order business. According to store manager Paul Wallace, Baker Creek chose the location because the North Bay is home to the biggest concentration of its customers, with 50% of California orders coming from a within a one hour radius of Petaluma. Baker Creek is unique for collecting and offering many ethnic varieties of seeds, as well as carrying one of the largest selections of seeds from the 19th century. If you’re looking for Striata D’Italia Squash, Ali Baba Watermelon or Red Ruffled Eggplant, you’re in luck.

To learn more about the man who started it all here in Santa Rosa, you can visit the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, now a Santa Rosa City Park, and the locale where Burbank experimented with plants for most of his 50-year career. A visit includes the museum (located in the Carriage House), gift shop, and tours of the home, Greenhouse (which is said to have survived the 1906 earthquake without losing a single pane of glass) and more than an acre of gardens. You can even follow along with a self-guided tour on your phone. Here’s a snippet from the Greenhouse tour. The public tour season is from April through October, but the gardens are open year-round. This small gem located in downtown Santa Rosa is a wonderful way to take in a little local history and learn about one of the true Santa Rosa pioneers.

This is just a sampling of what can be found, but nearly every North Bay town has its own specialty, locally-owned nursery for purchasing and learning about plants – and a walk down many of our tree-lined streets shows that Luther’s legacy is alive and well in our front and back yards.

Interested in crops and local harvest? See also:

Reason #66: Hard, Soft, Aromatic, Pungent – and Delicious No Matter How You Slice It

Reason #62: Searching for the Great Pumpkin

Reason #57: Edible Pearls

Reason #55: Apple Delights

Reason #50: Organic at our Fingertips

Reason #48: Fall Flavors in a Glass

Reason #33: Local Harvest

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The North Bay is known world-wide for the first-class wines produced here. A natural pairing for wine is cheese, so it’s no wonder we are also home to several fantastic cheese-makers who have a strong local following, in addition to having gained national recognition and accolades. The Marin and Sonoma landscapes are conducive to all types of cheese-making, which allows for the production of such varieties as Cowgirl Creamery’s triple cream sunset-tinted Red Hawk, which harkens the essence of West Marin, to Vella Cheese’s Dry Monterey Jack, aged 7-10 months longer than your traditional Jack for a sweet nutty flavor, to Marin French Cheese Co.’s melt-in-your-mouth Rouge et Noir Triple Crème Brie, which was the first American cheese to beat the French in an international competition for brie cheese.

Much like with wine, the soil, raw materials and the climate add to the unique regional flavors. Local, independent producers take cheese-making to new heights and these artisans have perfected their craft while taking great care of the area, the environment and the materials used, following the cheese from pasture to the market, to create distinctive cheeses that are delicious and full of flavor.

Whatever you crave – a creamy Camembert, luxurious triple cream, bold blue, sharp cheddar or a tawny schloss – here’s where to find the best of the best. Most of these gems can be purchased directly online or found at local farmers’ markets and specialty stores, including Whole Foods, Dean and Deluca, Oakville Grocery and The Cheese Shoppe in Healdsburg.  

Achadinha Cheese Company (Petaluma): Established in 1955 in Bodega Bay before relocating to Petaluma, this family-run goat cheese company supports 1600 goats on 290-acres.

Andante Dairy (Petaluma): Established in 1999 by Soyoung Scanlan, a former biochemist and dairy scientist, Andante uses 100% Jersey cow’s milk, pasteurized goat’s milk from the ranch where the dairy plant is located, and mixed milk to produce the delicious cheeses which are all named after musical terms such as Picolo (a nutty flavored soft-ripened triple-cream cheese) and Nocturne (a slightly tart soft-ripened cheese that takes on a mushroomy flavor as it ages).

Bellwether Farms (Sonoma County): This year alone Bellwether Farms has won six awards for their products, from their crème fraiche to their Blueberry Sheep Milk Yogurt. (Still not sure what to do with crème fraiche? Check the recipe section of their website.) Their cheeses are used by many of the finest restaurants across the country and have been featured in The New York Times, Martha Stewart, Fine Cooking and other gourmet food magazines.

Bodega Artisan Cheese (Bodega Bay): Another family farm, Bodega Goat Ranch has been producing handcrafted cheeses in small batches for over 25 years. Bodega Artisan Cheeses include three fresh pasteurized cheeses (Fresco, Crema, and Country Cottage), two aged cheeses – one a Goat Manchego – and a dessert-style cheese.  

Cowgirl Creamery (Pt. Reyes): Opened in an old converted barn in Pt. Reyes Station in 1997 by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith, with milk from nearby Straus Family Creamery, Cowgirl Creamery now has shops in Point Reyes, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., and facilities in Pt. Reyes and Petaluma that you can tour to learn about the cheese-making process. You can even take classes at the Pt. Reyes location.

Marin French Cheese Co. (Novato): Perhaps the gold standard of cheese-making in the area, Marin French Cheese Co, also known as The Cheese Factory and Rouge et Noir, is the oldest cheese manufacturer in the North Bay – and the country – producing hand-crafted cheeses since 1865. Exquisite, award-winning varieties include classic Brie, Camembert, breakfast cheese and an artisan series. Equally compelling are the company grounds, which are popular with picnickers, hikers and cyclists.

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company (Pt. Reyes): Grade A raw-milk blue cheese made from a closed herd of Holstein cows that graze on the certified organic, green pastured hills overlooking Tomales Bay, and influenced by the coastal fog and the salty Pacific breezes.

Redwood Hill Farm (Sebastopol): A sustainable goat dairy farm located among the redwoods in Sebastopol since 1968, Redwood Hill is committed to making the least processed artisan goat milk cheeses. Varieties include Chèvre, raw milk feta, Bucheret, and goat milk cheddars. They also produce goat milk yogurt and kefir.

Spring Hill Jersey Cheese (Petaluma): Known by locals as “The Creamery,” this local institution has been an integral part of the farming tradition in the Sonoma County area since its foundation in 1913 and produces cheddar, Jack, curds and specialty cheeses.

Vella Cheese Company (Sonoma): Makers of handmade and sustainably produced Monterey Jack, Cheddar and Asiago cheeses and known for their carefully aged and nurtured Dry Jack. Their historic Sonoma location (a stone-walled building from 1904) is open to visitors. 

Additional Resources for Cheese Lovers:

The Cheese School of San Francisco – The only independent institution of its kind in the nation dedicated entirely to helping people maximize their enjoyment and appreciation of cheese.

California’s Artisan Cheese Festival – Held annually in Petaluma, this event features farmstead artisans who hand-craft small batches of cheese and support local agriculture and sustainable practices.

American Cheese Society

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During the month of October, pumpkin patches spring up throughout Marin and Sonoma counties. Whether you just need that perfect pumpkin for the front porch or want to go out for a full day of fun, you¹ll find a wide variety of patches that offer a tremendous array of goodies and activities, in addition to the popular rotund squash.

In the mood for organic pumpkins, gourds, squash, apples and vegetables, or­ even organic ice cream for those warm October days? Visit West Marin’s Nicasio Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch.

If you want the experience of a real working farm, head to Peter’s Pumpkin Patch at Spring Hill Cheese Farm in Petaluma, where you can pick your own pumpkin, dig for potatoes, taste their freshly made cheese, pet farm animals, milk a cow, navigate the hay maze, and enjoy delicious homemade pumpkin ice cream.

Also in Petaluma, the Pumpkin Fairy Godmother descends upon the Adobe Pumpkin Farm each weekend to sprinkle magic fairy dust, tell enchanting stories and visit with children. This working farm also includes a haunted manor, antique tractor display and many gift shops, including a Christmas Shoppe to get you ready for the next season.

Those looking for a challenging hike might try the 4-acre corn maze at the Petaluma Pumpkin Patch. Although known for its maze, which is personally designed anew each year by Farmer Jim and is also open at night for the truly adventurous, this patch also offers pumpkins, gourds, squash, activities, and special events.

From pumpkins to baked goods to hay rides and petting zoos, October is a great month to get out and enjoy our wonderful North Bay fall weather.

For a list of pumpkin patches in Marin and Sonoma counties, check out the annual roster of pumpkin patches on the Marin Mommies blog.

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It’s Friday and the weekend beckons. Oh, what to do? Where to go? Well, some of us are heading north to Healdsburg. Why Healdsburg? Two answers usually come to mind: Shopping on the square and Shopping on the square.

With boutiques, art galleries, jewelers, an independent bookstore, and gourmet food purveyors, there are plenty of interesting places to while away a beautiful lazy Sunday, whether shopping or just browsing the unique goods.

In addition to the great shopping, there are, of course, many dining options (from delis to bistros to world-class fine dining) and several wineries (it is Wine Country after all).

Photo Credit:  Gord McKenna	Photo Credit:   Gord McKenna

If that’s not enough to draw you to this magical town, just add in the culture - the variety of festivals and the top-notch attractions at the Raven Performing Arts Theater. These finds complete the Healdsburg trifecta.

Want to spend more than just an afternoon? There’s a choice of lodging to suit every mood, from Bed and Breakfasts to Chic Hotels.

Photo Credit:  Healdsburg Magazine	Photo Credit:  Steve Shupe

Picturesque town squares are aplenty here in the North Bay – think the charming plaza in downtown Sonoma, or the lively square in Mill Valley. These wonderful spaces, with their own unique character, serve as a cultural hub. It’s no wonder that a selling point in many real estate ads is “close to town.” For grabbing a cup of coffee, catching up with friends, walking your dog, people-watching, shopping, or enjoying a delicious meal, town squares are the pulse of a community and one aspect we treasure about where we live.

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It’s no secret that California wines are something to be treasured. We have an ideal climate for winemaking, have exquisite vines, and have raised and attracted a serious number of genius winemakers. California is responsible for more than 90% of all wine produced in the US and is the fourth largest wine producer in the world. The Wine Country region – with its beautiful, natural backdrop, and celebrated delicacies and lifestyle – is a top tourist destination. Sometimes it’s easy to take such things for granted.

Photo credit: Romy Schneider

Late summer/early fall is a perfect time to explore the Wine Country – when the air starts to get a little crisp, the leaves are changing to a colorful yellow and crimson, and the flocks of tourists have returned home. This time of year, also known as Crush, is when you can witness first-hand the excitement of harvest season: grape-picking, sorting, crushing and fermentation. Wineries become abuzz with the energy a new vintage brings and the smell of crushed grapes permeates the air.

September is also California Wine Month, a month-long celebration dedicated to the state’s ideal climate for wine, beautiful wine country landscape, talented winemakers, local lifestyle and cuisine, and commitment to sustainability and the environment. To celebrate, many wineries and regional associations offer special events – a list of which can be found here.

But the autumn harvest festivities don’t end there as October brings the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, a three-day celebration featuring wine tasting, chef demonstrations, the World Class Championship Grape Stomp, live jazz, a craft pavilion and more.

So for those still yearning for warm weather outings and the joy of simple pleasures – it’s as easy as enjoying a glass of California wine and savoring the beauty of the North Bay.

In keeping with our “Reasons” theme, here are 10 Reasons to love California Wine.

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You may not be aware, but Sonoma County has a fully-functioning airport located in Santa Rosa where you can hop on a plane and head to Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas or LA, without the hassle of dealing with the San Francisco or Oakland airports. While we know there’s more than enough to do right here in our backyard (our 100 Reasons are just a start), it is nice to escape every now and again, and even nicer without taking the Airport Shuttle for two hours or paying for Park n’ Fly.

Aside from catching your flight, the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport is actually a destination in and of itself. You can head over to the Sky Lounge, open 7-days a week, and watch private jets, hot air balloons, helicopters and other aircraft come and go. With an outdoor patio located along the runway, you’ll be up close for the action. And trust us; this isn’t your normal airport fare. The Sky Lounge is an American style steakhouse with a delicious dinner menu, affordable lunch and delightful breakfast. There’s even a raw bar. In fact, the only peanuts you’ll see are the comic strips, statues and other memorabilia decorating the airport in honor of its namesake.

And once a year, aviation buffs from all over descend on the Charles M. Schulz Airport for the Pacific Coast Air Museum’s Wings Over Wine Country Air Show, the largest air show in Northern California. Though a large scale event, the intimate setting means one can easily climb aboard a jet fighter, walk through a massive C-17 transport plane, and get close up to historical aircraft, as well as enjoy kid friendly events and a car show.

In addition to the Air Show, the Pacific Coast Air Museum operates both an indoor museum with exhibits, photos and artifacts, as well as an outdoor museum with contemporary and antique aircraft on display – some of which you can even climb aboard. Docent tours are open to school children and there are also additional classes and activities.

Sonoma County is an amazing spot for those interested in aviation – both the history, as well as modern commercial flights. And if you really want to be a part of the action, you can even attend flight school.

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Photos taken by Jack Snell

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The California Wine Country is known for world-class winemaking, artisan food purveyors, gorgeous vineyard landscapes and local harvest. However, it’s not all just easy country living, and if you’re looking for a way to cut loose on a Friday or Saturday night, downtown Santa Rosa makes for a wonderful North Bay destination. Also known as the Arts District, this thriving downtown was named one of California’s best mid-sized city downtown areas in 2007. With the many dining, art, and night life options available, it’s easy to see why. On one side of the Mall and 101, you’ll find just about every flavor of restaurant: Thai, Indian, Italian, French, California fusion and more in a picturesque setting with the iconic Art Deco Barnes and Noble building and plenty of shopping.

On the other side of the Mall and 101 is Railroad Square, anchored with the beautiful and historic Hotel LaRose. There are more dining options with award-wining restaurants, plus shopping and entertainment. One great entertainment option is the Summer Nights Street Party, held the first Friday of the summer months. For year-round options, check out Aroma Roasters, which offers café style live music along with killer peanut butter pie and great teas and coffee. Or try the Last Day Saloon, with its club atmosphere that features music ranging from 80s to Rock to Blues.

Both locations offer a charming downtown area with trees, art sculptures, and of course, Snoopy and the Gang.

Hungry the next morning? Be sure check out the Omelette Express, where the humorous gentleman who takes reservations makes the 20-minute wait totally worth it, even before you get to the delicious food.

You can also follow Downtown Santa Rosa on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date with what’s happening.

Do you have a favorite destination in downtown Santa Rosa? Let us know in the comments.

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Photo taken by RobW

This time of year is when Mother Nature puts on one of her most spectacular shows – the Perseid meteor showers, which are predicted to bring as many as 60 or more meteors an hour streaking across the night’s sky during its peak, August 12 and 13. And what better place to watch the show than Sonoma County? With very little light pollution and plenty of secluded beaches, parks and campgrounds, it’s the perfect viewing area.

You don’t need to know a lot about astronomy to watch the shower. In fact, the meteors appear in all parts of the sky and this year’s shower will also peak under a moonless sky, making for an impressive show viewable from most locales. However, our Sonoma County clear, dark sky is sure to present the perfect canvas. So, grab a lawn chair, some caffeine and a blanket, and enjoy the show. The hours before dawn are the most active times, so your best bet may be to find a campground near the beach at Goat Rock or somewhere else isolated from city lights. Need some more tips? Here’s what NASA has to say.

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In the North Bay, our wonderful topography offers an incredible terrain for cycling, running and hiking. In addition, the coastal backroads present terrific routes for day trips by car. Known by many but sometimes forgotten by locals, Highway 1 is a treasure. On a lazy Saturday morning, you can get up, jump in the car (make sure you have fuel), and head out to Highway 1 to enjoy the views and unique sights.

If you want to turn your scenic drive into a day of sightseeing or activities, there are plenty of stops along the coast. Starting in northern Sonoma, you can admire the many “Sea Ranch” style homes in Sea Ranch, known for their modern, sustainable appearance and built to have minimal visual impact on the natural landscape. Fort Ross, celebrating its bicentennial in 2012, is a great stop for history buffs, and both Shell Beach and Goat Rock provide excellent walks and hiking trails. At the right time of year (January through May), you can go whale watching at Bodega Head, as more than 20,000 gray whales migrate past the Sonoma Coast each year.

Oh, and is your journey making you hungry? Check out the dining options on Highway 1 – from Indian food to burgers to award-winning dining – you can find it on this beautiful route.

And if after all this you’re not ready to drive back home, Salt Point offers fantastic camping, and there are a number of quaint Bed and Breakfast options.  

Who needs to get their kicks on Route 66 when you’ve got Highway 1 in your backyard?

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Joe Cool, Game, Set, Match – Made by Frank Howard Allen Santa Rosa agent Jeanie Olson – and one of 94 statues created for a 2007 tribute to Peanuts creator Charles Schulz.

Many of us grew up reading the Peanuts comic-strip. As kids, we all identify with the characters…whether having a Charlie Brown moment when we try but fail again, or dreaming we are Snoopy and setting out on a fabulous adventure. As adults, we see the cast of characters from a larger perspective and understand how they can at once represent our inner child, teach us a life lesson, and make us smile. Peanuts creator Charles Schulz was a genius and brought those beloved characters to life for nearly 50 years. His body of work and the reach he had throughout this world is unparalleled (his Peanuts comic strip was read by 355 million people during its peak and he is the only American comic strip artist to be honored with a retrospective at the Louvre in France).

Which is why it’s no wonder that his influence is felt throughout Santa Rosa and Sebastopol, where Schulz lived and worked for most of his career. The Sonoma County airport is named for him, the library at Sonoma State University is named in honor of Schulz and his wife Jean, and one cannot miss the “people-size” statues of the various Peanuts characters sprinkled around Santa Rosa– but nowhere is his spirit more alive than Hardies Lane, located two blocks from his art studio and home to the Redwood Empire Ice Arena (also called Snoopy’s home ice, Schulz would walk from his studio to the rink for meals at the Warm Puppy Café) and the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, which opened in 2002.

We are fortunate to have this fabulous, dynamite and ever-evolving museum and research center in our community. The museum is small in scale but rich in content; you can walk through at a quick pace or stop to enjoy the nuances. One special treat is the two-story-high mural Charlie Brown, Lucy and the Football, which is a mosaic of a classic Charlie Brown scene made from over 3,000 Peanuts strips printed on ceramic tiles. Another unique item is a wall from Schulz’s Colorado Springs home on which he painted a mural for his daughter in 1951. The wall was later discovered by subsequent owners, resurrected and carefully relocated to the museum. In addition to permanent exhibits, there are opportunities to see other established and up-and-coming cartoonists on the second Saturday of every month. There are also Museum Mondays, which are special mornings for children aged 1-5 that take place the fourth Monday of each month from March through September and every Monday from October through February.

The Schulz family has been so very generous in their support of local efforts in education, the environment and social areas. The museum and Schulz’s legacy are a big point of pride for our area and add to the special quality of where we live.

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And a Sea Captain and Firemen and even a Mermaid – all of them masterfully assembled with brightly colored pieces of — junk.  

The genius behind the creations is Sebastopol artist Patrick Amiot, and thanks to his admiring neighbors who asked to display his work in their front yards, Florence Avenue in Sebastopol has become known as “the art street.” 

Natives of Canada, Amiot and his wife and fellow artist, Brigitte Laurent, have created hundreds of fabulous, environmentally-friendly sculptures. In addition to those on Florence Avenue, they also grace areas of Sebastopol, are exhibited at art galleries, and have even played a role in raising money for community schools.  

As Patrick states on their website: “‘The whole purpose of my work is to glorify these objects, because they have their own spirit. When a hubcap has traveled on a truck for millions of miles, and has seen the prairies in the winter and the hot summer asphalt, when it’s done traveling with that truck and finds itself in the scrap yard and I find it, I kind of like to use that. This hubcap, or whatever piece of metal, from the day it was manufactured until now, has an important history. And I like to think the spirit of all these things lived incredible lives. If they could talk to you, they could tell amazing stories. That’s something I don’t want to hide.’”  

As we mentioned in reasons # 10, 20, 22 and now here in #28, we’re fortunate to have access to an amazing art scene, from priceless masterpieces from the world’s great artists to homegrown creations made from toasters and hubcaps.

Have you been to Florence Avenue? What’s your favorite piece?

Check out Patrick Amiot on Flickr. (Photo credits: Karen Foley)

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Photos by: Karen Foley

Though a young state, California enjoys a rich and fascinating history, much of which can be explored right here in the North Bay.

One place to start is Petaluma. At 152 years old, Petaluma is one of California’s oldest cities and boasts a well-preserved historic downtown area that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Petaluma offers a wonderful historical walking tour of this area, which includes a stop at the location of what was originally the world’s only chicken pharmacy. (According to tour information, the pharmacy was featured in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and National Geographic, and dispensed 50,000 pills daily.) It’s also worthwhile to visit the “A” Street Historic District, a six-block area near the historic downtown which takes you past an eclectic mix of homes and churches built between 1860 and 1925 where you can enjoy Petaluma’s beautiful Victorian homes. Visiting the historical homes and landmarks of this delightful city provides great insight into its early years.

Photos by: Karen Foley

Santa Rosa is another place one can explore California history. There’s the Railroad Square District on the west side of town that can take you back a century to the days of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad which bisected Sonoma County. Also worthwhile are the neighborhoods of St. Rose, with a combination of historic homes and commercial buildings, and Cherry Street, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Santa Rosa. On Cherry Street you’ll find historical homes that range from the charming Queen Anne style to stately Colonial Revivals.

For more information about historic attractions in the North Bay, check out these sites. If you have a site of historic interest to recommend, please let us know about it.

Visit Petaluma

The City of Santa Rosa

Historic Homes of Healdsburg Walking Tour

Mission San Rafael Arcangel

Sonoma State Historic Park

Jack London State Historic Park

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Photo taken by Tinou Bao

The North Bay has a lot to offer car aficionados – both young and old – whether you’re into cheering from the stands, taking hairpin turns on your own, or just admiring new and vintage vehicles.

In Sonoma County, the Infineon Raceway is home to an amazing motor-sports industrial park of more than 65 businesses, including car preparation and restoration and vintage car storage, not to mention the nearly 340 days of high-speed racing a year. And for those who want to take part in the action themselves at Infineon, there’s the Jim Russell Kart Racing and Driving School. Kart racing is open to kids 8 and up while the school is open to drivers 14 and older (Highway Survival courses are offered for teens and adults).

Driven Raceway, also in Sonoma County, in Rohnert Park, is great for indoor Kart Racing. This is an ideal place to take the family, whether it’s a rainy day, or hot, hot, hot outside. With both kids and adult Karts available, everyone can have fun. If you really get into it, you can even race in their leagues. And if the kids get bored of Dad’s need for speed, there is an arcade, a mini-bowling alley, and even black-light mini golf.

Several towns in the North Bay also host classic car parades or car shows, including the Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance, the Tiburon Classic car show and Corvettes at the Castle in Kenwood.

Are you a car or racing fan? What’s your favorite event?

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Photo taken by Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar

Imagine sitting down among the scenic beauty of a vineyard, surrounded by lush grape vines, roses and rolling hills. Add to that a gourmet lunch paired with your newfound favorite wine and you’ve got yourself a pleasant way to spend an afternoon in the Wine Country. Whether you live in Sonoma or Napa Counties or are just visiting, a Wine Country picnic is a wonderful way to enjoy the area. Unfortunately, you can’t just spread out a picnic blanket anywhere, but several wineries do have picnic spots. Some may require reservations or fees, so best to do a little research before setting out.

To prepare for your picnic, stop by Whole Foods in Napa (one of the largest we’ve seen) or visit the well-known and beloved Oakville Grocery in Oakville (arrive early to avoid crowds). Another great option for the gourmet foodie is Dean & DeLuca in St.Helena. Have a sandwich or salad made to order at the deli, pore over their amazing selection of pre-made dishes and specialty items or just grab some truffle salt to take home. You can then head over to nearby Louis M. Martini Winery and enjoy your feast at one of their sunny picnic tables. If your tasting tour takes you to Calistoga, you can visit Bothe State Park which offers picnic tables amongst Redwoods, ferns and Douglas Fir trees – they even have a swimming pool for those hot summer days. If you prefer to buy your picnic fare at the winery, try Chateau St.Jean or V. Sattui. Chateau St. Jean allows you to buy wines by the glass and take them out on the grounds – which feature spectacular gardens. V. Sattui is known for their enormous cheese counter and has a delicious deli as well. Off the tourist path a little bit is Jimtown Store in Alexander Valley. Like Oakville Grocery, this is more country store meets California gourmet.

These are just some of the places where we love to wine and dine outdoors – there are many more options. Let us know if we missed one of your favorites, or if you have a recommended wine or dish at any of the places we mentioned.

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Sonoma County is an outdoor wonderland. With several regional and national parks, there are countless activities to partake in and trails to embark on. One of our favorite activities is to hike the Good Speed trail to Gunsight Rock. This hike starts out in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood and takes you into adjacent Hood Mountain Regional Park. Many people hike to the summit, but the view from the top is obstructed by Manzanita and pine tree cover. However, about a quarter-mile below the summit is Gunsight Rock. The hike takes close to four hours round trip, but the views from this vantage point more than reward you for your efforts as you can see just about all of Sonoma County. In fact, on a clear day you can see the ridges in Napa and Marin as well. The journey to Gunsight Rock is just as enjoyable. You’ll travel through redwoods, over beautiful bridges and running water and pass by bay laurel, oaks, grasslands, wildflowers and wildlife. Notably, it has been said that this is one of the places you can spot Peregrine Falcons – but you have to have a quick eye as these majestic birds of prey are known to be one of the – if not the – fastest animals on earth.

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In addition to homebuyers, the North Bay attracts businesses large and small. Many well-known companies – Williams-Sonoma, LucasFilm, and Amy’s Kitchen, not to mention so many of the wineries – have either gotten their start here or have headquarters in the area.

We all know the wineries open their doors to visitors, but there are also a good number of other local companies that allow us to experience first-hand how their product is made. These “factory” tours are widely popular amongst locals and tourists alike. 

For those who remember collecting stickers as a kid, or who have kids of their own with the passion, a visit to Mrs. Grossman’s sticker factory in Petaluma will take you back to those days of red hearts and gold stars. Highlights of the tour, to which many local school children are privy, include watching the laser web (the technology behind the company’s exclusive laser-cut stickers) and creating a postcard in the Sticker Art Room. Another tour that’s popular with the kids is the Jelly Belly tour. You have to travel a little farther – out to Fairfield – but this tour is unique and worth the trip. Here you’ll go behind the scenes and witness why it takes more than a week to make a single bean. You can also visit the candy store and swing by the Sample Bar where you can try all the different flavors and build your own unique recipes.

For the adults, there are tours that reveal the secrets of some of the delicious food and drinks made in this region. If you’re a fan of olive oil, a trip to McEvoy ranch is a must. While in Petaluma, you can make a day of it by also visiting the Marin French Cheese Company and Lagunitas Brewing Company. For that last stop, be sure to schedule time after your tour at the brewery to relax in the Beer Sanctuary with some live music.

More info:

Mrs. Grossmans Sticker Factory: www.mrsgrossmans.com
Tours are Monday-Thursday by reservation only.

Jelly Belly Factory: www.jellybelly.com
Guided factory tours operate daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Lagunitas Brewing Company: www.lagunitas.com
Tours are every weekday at 3:00pm.

Marin French Cheese Company: www.marinfrenchcheese.com
Tours are available seven days a week at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, Noon and 3:00 pm. Most cheese making activity occurs Monday through Thursday between 10:00 am and Noon.

McEvoy Ranch: www.mcevoyranch.com
Upcoming special tours: Garden Walk & Lunch – July 8, August 19, September 16; Orchard Walk & Mill Tour – August 7, September 11, October 2

Read what fellow bloggers Martha O’Hayer and Judy LeMarr have had to say about some of their favorite tours.

Do you have a favorite tour to add to the list? Let us know in the comments.

Follow along as the full list unfolds – 100 Reasons Why We Love Where We Live

Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors

Image via Wildcat Dunny

When you’re lucky enough to live in or around the Napa/Sonoma Wine Country, it’s easy to take the amazing scenery for granted. One great way to gain a new perspective is to take flight and view the area from above. There are several options for doing this, including helicopter and hot air balloon rides.

Another, less expensive option is to visit a mountain-top winery and take in the panoramic views. The well-known standard for this is Sterling Vineyards in Calistoga. Its hilltop location provides panoramic views of the Napa Valley and there’s even an aerial tram – the only one of its kind in the valley – to get to the top. Sterling Vineyards is also kid-friendly, offering juice boxes for little ones.  

If you find yourself in Sonoma Valley, there’s Kunde Family Estate in Kenwood, which just last week announced the official launch of its new Mountain Top Tour and Tasting. Offered every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the tour takes you through the Mayacamas Mountains and up to 1,400 feet where you’ll be greeted with panoramic vistas, breathtaking views and a beautiful setting for tasting their sustainably-farmed, estate-grown wines. Like Frank Howard Allen Realtors, Kunde Family Estate is family-owned and has also celebrated 100 years of serving the North Bay.  

Balloon Rides
Napa Valley Drifters
Balloons Above the Valley
Napa Valley Balloons, Inc.

Helicopter Rides
Wine Country Helicopters
Napa Helicopter Charters 

Follow along as the full list unfolds – 100 Reasons Why We Love Where We Live

Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors

We are fortunate to have so many national and regional parks in this area and Spring Lake Park is one of our favorites. With so much to do in this recreational area located in Santa Rosa, it’s hard to pick just one thing, but we’re partial to paddle boating on Spring Lake. You can rent paddle boats during the summer (May through September) and it’s a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the scenery. You can also windsurf, kayak or canoe and there is a boat ramp that is open year-round. If you’d rather enjoy the lake from dry land, there’s an easy path around the lake for running, walking, cycling or horseback riding, as well as trails throughout the park that even connect you to nearby Howarth City Park and Annadel State Park, creating an outstanding 8-mile recreational facility.

Read what fellow blogger Ruth Buzzard had to say about Spring Lake:
http://www.guidemehome2sonoma.com/2010/4/8/what-is-that-lake-in-santa-rosa

Follow along as the full list unfolds – 100 Reasons Why We Love Where We Live

Posted by: Frank Howard Allen Realtors

Right now it seems as though everyone has World Cup fever and the buzzing sounds of the South African vuvuzela horn are taking the planet by storm. As it turns out, we have a bit of Africa right here in our own backyard. Giraffes, gazelles, zebras and hundreds of other animals inhabit Safari West, the wildlife preserve that covers 400 acres in the Santa Rosa ‘Serengeti.’ The mission of Safari West is preservation through breeding, education, research and public interaction. It’s a wonderful escape and will leave you amazed at the fact that you are so close to home. When you think of Sonoma County’s activities and unique benefits, wine-tasting, bike riding and exquisite locally-grown foods all come to mind, but there’s also a vast expanse of breathtaking nature and this is just one more way to enjoy it.

Fellow blogger Ruth Buzzard wrote this about Safari West: http://www.guidemehome2sonoma.com/2009/4/30/africa-in-the-wine-country

Follow along as the full list unfolds – 100 Reasons Why We Love Where We Live

Posted by: Frank Howard Allen Realtors

Sonoma Counties best kept secret

The best bike ride for timid bicyclists like myself is the Joe Rodota Trail, 2.8 miles of paved trail that follows an abandoned railroad line between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. Walking, biking, running, roller skating and more can be experienced on this beautiful and peaceful trail. On a Sunday morning you will wind up at the colorful Sebastopol Farmer’s Market featuring diverse foods, local produce and arts and crafts.

A great opportunity for young children to experience walking, bicycle riding, horseback riding, and roller skating in this serene setting. You can see the Laguna of Santa Rosa, the historic railroad, train trestles and enjoy fantastic birding along the way.

Posted by:  Judy Freedman

Sonoma County is very fortunate to have an educational preserve located in Glen Ellen that serves Elementary School children in the 3rd through 5th grades.

I have just finished my first season as a docent for the spring hiking season at the 535 acre Bouverie Preserve. Over 2,000 children visited the Preserve and had educational programs presented by Bouverie Docents in participating classrooms.

The children had the opportunity to observe more than 130 species of birds, 350 species of flowering plants, and numerous large mammals such as the bobcat, grey fox, and coyote. The children delighted in holding the striking black skinned and red bellied newts, banana slugs and fungi were plentiful this season.

Opportunities to Visit the Bouverie Preserve: Guided Nature Walks
Walks are open to the public on Saturdays throughout fall and spring. Reservations are required. See coming walks and the Saturday Bouverie Backyard Naturalist Series for one to three mile hikes.

The Bouverie Preserve of Audubon Canyon Ranch is approximately 6 miles north of the historic town of Sonoma, along Highway 12 in the Valley of the Moon near the village of Glen Ellen. Access is by appointment only (see below).

Posted by:  Judy Freedman

Recently I was lucky enough to spend some time at the Plaza in the Town of Sonoma. What a gorgeous and fun place to hang out. I took Highway 12 from North Santa Rosa to Sonoma, which makes for a great drive on a spring day and takes you past tons of wineries including Kunde Estates and Ledson Winery, which is housed in a gorgeous Normandy-style castle. (Here is a list of Sonoma Wineries with a number of them along Highway 12. There are also great places to lunch along the way and even beautiful places to stay such as the Kenwood Inn & Spa.)

Once you arrive in the City of Sonoma (mostly called the Town of Sonoma), you can head over to the Plaza off of Broadway. The Sonoma Plaza is the largest in the state and home to the Sonoma Cheese Factory, the Sonoma Barracks used by General Vallejo in the 1850s and now a Historic Landmark, the Toscano Hotel, and the Sonoma City Hall.

The Town of Sonoma has a rich history in California: it was the Capital of the California Republic, which existed for a whole 26 days in 1846. It is considered the birthplace of the California Wine Country and as a side note, is also the birthplace of the well-known housewares company Williams Sonoma.

With historical buildings, amazing shops and restaurants, scenic drives, and lots to do, it’s hard to beat a refreshing and relaxing trip to the Town of Sonoma.

Many great events take place in the Plaza, including:

A year-round Farmer’s Market held Fridays from 8:30 am – noon
Free docent-led tours at The Toscano Hotel are offered Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 1-4pm
Fireworks on the Fourth of July
The Sonoma Jazz Festival
For more events, click here.

Not in the mood for one of these events? Then grab a lunch and have a picnic in the park.

The Sonoma Plaza has been Yelp’d and you can check out the reviews here.

What is your favorite stretch of the California Wine Country?

Posted by:  Jennifer Masterson

It’s the hap-, happi- est time of the year! I know you’re thinking that I’m nuts, we just got over that crazy holiday season.

Let me clarify: for me, the upcoming weekend is the best of the year in Petaluma. Each year for the past 29 years, on the fourth Saturday in April, Petalumans old and young join in for the Annual Butter and Egg Day Parade. Petaluma’s premiere event draws tens of thousands who love a parade and all of the hoopla that goes with it. Our heritage is celebrated with cows and chicks and a plethora of activities. The Cutest Chick Contest, Cow Chip Toss and more will provide entertainment for everyone. This year’s event is themed ‘Petaluma’s Shining Moments.’ There have been many. Join the fun and you may create your very own shining moment on Saturday! Don’t forget your camera. It’s a slice of Americana, I assure you. The Parade starts at Noon and the events of the day run from 10 AM until 5 PM.

As if that weren’t enough, on Sunday, April 25, Petaluma opens its doors and closes its streets for the 24th Annual Antique Faire. Historic Downtown transforms into an antique marketplace from 8 AM to 4 PM with over 180 dealers. Streets are closed to traffic and an atmosphere that can only be found in our historic downtown is created. Take your time, stroll Kentucky Street and shop to your heart’s content. Amazing and fascinating items from days gone by are there for you to browse or buy. The weather is almost always perfect so grab your hat, some sunscreen and head downtown for day two of my favorite weekend.

Unfortunately, you won’t see me there this weekend. Family obligations beckon me to the east coast. So alas, you are on your own. Find your way to Petaluma and bring your friends and family. You’ll see why we love it here. You’ll see lots of friends and neighbors. Say hi to someone you don’t know and see why I think it’s the “most wonderful time of the year!”

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

The weather is warming up and the brew pubs are beckoning.  Sonoma County serves up amazing wines, we know, but as the old saying goes…”it takes a lot of beer to make great wine.” Winemakers, and just plain old folks alike know that sometimes there’s nothing better than a cold one.

Petaluma features two breweries, Dempsey’s in the Golden Eagle Shopping Center and Lagunitas Brewery on N. McDowell in a most unlikely spot, a business park.  Neither will disappoint.

Dempsey’s award-winning selection of beers are produced on site and best enjoyed with some of their fine pub fare. Find yourself a nice spot outside overlooking the Petaluma River and watch the action while you sip a pint or two. The atmosphere is casual so don’t rush your stay, grab a burger, enjoy their amazing salads or decide on a delicious dessert. The beer is cold and the living is easy.

Lagunitas Brewing Company has been around for some time, but recently opened their Tap Room and Beer Sanctuary. Aptly named, you need to experience the Beer Sanctuary yourself to understand why it feels like such a great getaway. The Tap Room and Beer Sanctuary opens at 3pm Wednesday through Friday; Saturday and Sunday it opens at 1:00pm. When the taps are open, the music is playing so check out who’s up next on the Sanctuary stage. You just never know the extent of the talent. We do know that the beer, as well as the food menu, is seasonally inspired. Lagunitas keeps adding to their brews—one of the latest is the Wilco Tango Foxtrot. Check out the virtual tasting here.

So if Petaluma is the gateway to Sonoma County and wine country, maybe soon we will be known as the gateway to beer country. Santa Rosa has the 3rd Street Aleworks, which does all brewing on site and features much outdoor seating, a diverse menu, a pool table, and sporting events on the many screens.  Also in downtown Santa Rosa is The Russian River Brewing Company with its wide selection of award winners.

Occidental has Barley and Hops Tavern. Healdsburg features the Bear Republic Brewing Company.  HopMonk Tavern in Sebastopol has been transformed into an unpretentious venue where you will enjoy American Craft Beer as well as the European Classics served by fun folks with a passion for all things beer. Music can be found at all of these establishments on varying schedules. So kick back and enjoy a cold one, listen to some music and savor a truly Sonoma-style hand-crafted beauty!

Do you have a favorite local brewery?

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

Judy Le Marr on our GuideMeHome2MarinLuxury blog just posted about Muir Woods in Marin County. Personally, I love Muir Woods. However there is a gem in Sonoma County, a cousin, if you will, to Muir Woods: Armstrong Woods – also known as Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Armstrong is great on a hot summer day, as the Redwoods offer shade and relief from the heat. Though this past Sunday was quite drizzly, it was still amazingly pleasant.

There is something magical and awe inspiring about Redwoods. Standing beneath so many huge Redwoods always makes me remember that they are on the planet for such a long time, that it took years for them to grow, and that we need to be really grateful and seize each moment in life. With the oldest tree in the park an estimated 1400 years old (that’s Colonel Armstrong), my few years seem quite short.

The tallest tree is Parson Jones, of which I have attached a shot. Parson Jones is 310 feet in height and just a short .1 mile walk from the entrance. To look up and see the top of Parson Jones is quite amazing.

One of the best things about Armstrong Woods is the numerous trails it offers. You can walk the manicured trails for up to 1.7 miles (to the picnic area and back). There are also more strenuous and less formal hikes on many trails with a variety of levels of exercise involved. In addition to the hiking and picnicking, there are places to walk your dog and ride your horse. There are even nearby camp grounds (not affiliated with the park).

To get to Armstrong Woods from Highway 101, you take  River Road to Guerneville and turn right at Rio Nido Road. I think it’s an added bonus to go play in Guerneville – there are some great restaurants and shops if one is up for playing the tourist.

Where is your favorite place to enjoy our North Bay Redwoods?

Posted by:Jennifer Masterson

Have you ever wondered about that lake on the east side of town? I remember when my family first moved to Sonoma County, Spring Lake instantly caught my curiosity. From my map it was clearly marked, but it seemed rather odd that a lake would be in the middle of a city the size of Santa Rosa. It has forever intrigued me, so I decided to search the internet and find out more. A bit disappointed not to find much history, I did discover the lake is part of an earthen dam built in 1963 and is owned by the Sonoma County Water Agency. As it turns out, it is more of a reservoir than a lake.

Of course, if I had delved further, I may have come across more information, but for the purpose of this post, I want to share with people why I love this wonderful nature area.

As I’ve mentioned in other posts, I love to walk! So once a week I meet one of my friends at Spring Lake and we take our dogs on a spin around the lake. We also include Howarth Park in the walk, as it adds a bit more distance to our jaunt and allows our pets to have more time to play together. Plus, I have the pleasure of spending time with my dear friend, which is a double bonus.

Click picture for more information

I also make it a point to include a tour of Spring Lake when clients or visitors from other parts of the country (and world) meet with me and ask for an introduction to the area. What better way to introduce them to our community then to show off this delightful spot. You can follow this link to learn more. And if you are so inclined, go for a couple of hours, or spend the day. Spring Lake is part of the 320-acre Spring Lake Regional Park and offers plenty to do in addition to walking trails, including camping, fishing, picnicking, swimming, cycling and horseback riding.

Do you know more about the history of Spring Lake? Or have a favorite activity to do in the area? Please share in the comments.

Posted By: Ruth Buzzard

Spring Break for school-age kids is almost here. So what are you going to do while your kids are out of school? Some folks may travel but many of us will take advantage of what is at our fingertips and enjoy a stay-cation right here in the North Bay.

Sonoma County

Go Skating: Ice, Roller, or Board
Tee up with some Mini- Golf
Drive like Mario Andretti
Find an arcade and spend some of those spare quarters
Swing set or teeter totter at a playground
Take a hike, walk, or bike in the beautiful wine country
Take the Train or ride a Ferris Wheel at Train Town
Sit on the dock of the Bay
Visit Shell Beach
Ride the Carousel or see what else is happening over at Howarth Park

Heading North
Take the Skunk Train for a ride with a view.
Mendocino coast, while there check out the Mendocino Chocolate Company or even try Whale Watching (did this last year – it was awesome, but definitely required sea sickness patch).
Head a little north to MacKerricher State Park and check out the tidepools.
Take a long drive through the Avenue of the Giants and enjoy the Redwoods and the roadside attractions.

And of course there are always the old stand-bys:
Check out a book
Go to a Movie
Play a board game

For activities in Marin County and San Francisco, check out our GuideMeHome2Marin Spring Break post .

Posted by:Jennifer Masterson

Springtime in the North Bay means the weather can change from sunshine to rain clouds day by day – or even hour by hour, as we’ve seen this week. So this time of year, whenever I spot sunshine I say, “Let’s go play!”

One recent sunny day that desire to play led to a trip to Shell Beach, which is part of the Sonoma Coast State Beach. As a part-time Sonoma County resident, getting to this gorgeous beach is easy to do. The drive from Fountain Grove (North Santa Rosa) takes you down River Road through Guerneville towards Bridgehaven and then about five minutes along Highway 1.

Once you arrive, there is a great walk between Shell Beach and Goat Rock (okay, okay, the names aren’t pretty, but the views are). As the walk covers some marshy-areas, there is a convenient boardwalk covering some of the trail. It’s just such a fun place to go. My understanding is that in addition to the views there is sometimes entertainment on the one huge rock between the two beaches where you can often see folks bouldering.

Now this was our third attempt at Shell Beach. The thing is, we have never really “conquered” this walk/hike. The reason: lack of preparation and bad timing. The first time we went was November, 2008. Believe it or not, the sun was out and it was a gorgeous fall day. But right before we arrived the fog and cold hit – we weren’t dressed for it so we walked a little bit and then went back and enjoyed the fabulous views from the parking lot. No love lost really as it was a fun and pretty drive.

We next tried in, I believe, spring of 2009. Better prepared with heavy fleeces we thought we would end up walking longer – turned out we needed hats, too, as our ears froze in the wind. So we drove over to Goat Rock and spent a couple hours watching the waves while sitting under a cliff which kept the wind off of us.

That brings us to this sunny Sunday. The views were gorgeous. We had our thick fleeces, we had our hats. He had his hiking shoes. I had my run around town, thin, tennis shoes. It turns out that while it was sunny and beautiful, one morning of sun does not completely dry the world of the previous weeks rain. If only I had worn hiking boots, too. We did end up walking for about 20 minutes before turning around, and the views were worth the cold, wet feet. But somehow, someway, we shall conquer Shell Beach. But that will be another post.

Click the map for a larger view

Do you have a favorite hike in Sonoma County?

Posted by:Jennifer Masterson

Happiness and Sonoma County go hand-in-hand as we’ve seen in the past few posts. Our surroundings are tranquil and generally we find that our lifestyle keeps up with the latest technologies while preserving our rural way of life.

This week alone, we’re experiencing a wide variety of local events that invite the world to see our incredible diversity. From the California Artisan Cheese Festival, that takes place this weekend, March 26 through March 29, to the possibility that Google will select Petaluma as a test city for its ultra high-speed fiber network. (You can nominate Petaluma at www.googleluma.com – hurry deadline is March 26). There’s lots going on just north of the Marin County line.

On the financial front, our own Petaluma based Calix, Inc (formerly Calix Networks, Inc) just this week received $82 Million in its initial public offering and saw shares rise 16% on its first day of trading. I’ll bet there are some happy people there, too! Full details can be found here.

My point is this, we in Sonoma County, and in Petaluma in particular, value the old and the new, and embrace the possibilities that both provide. Petaluma stays on the cutting edge of new technologies while preserving our rural heritage. We all know that balance is the key to a happy life; well, by the look of it, we have a great balance right here in our own back yard!

Have more examples of how we balance preservation and innovation? Post your comments below.

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

Spring has officially arrived! An acquaintance once asked me what time of year was my favorite in Sonoma County. That’s a tough question, as I find such delight in all of the seasons. However, if I were to choose, it would be spring time.

After a very wet winter this year, we are now experiencing beautiful sunny days, clear blue skies and green hills laden with daffodils, and of course, longer daylight hours. When I wake up in the morning I immediately put on my walking shoes, saddle up the dog and head out to do my three mile walk. What a great way to start the day! I find that walking in the hills with my trusty canine helps to clear my mind, but it also allows me to think of how fortunate my family and I are to live in such a wonderful place as Sonoma County.

In fact just today I was talking with a friend of mine about world travels and all the places our family has visited and lived. New Zealand has always been at the top of our favorites list and it’s no surprise that we chose to live in Sonoma County because of the similarities. If by some chance New Zealand was moved to the coast of Sonoma County, I doubt we could differentiate between the two.

Spring also reminds me of renewing oneself after the winter months. Since November, we have been under siege with cool wet weather, short days and heavy clothing. Just like the plants that spring out of the ground, so too is it time to put on lighter clothes, start weeding the garden and step out early to walk the dog.

As the Frank Howard Allen motto says, “Love Where You Live.” In reference to Sonoma County, no truer words were ever spoken.

What are your favorite things to do in Sonoma County during the spring?

Posted By: Ruth Buzzard

According to CNN Money Magazine’s 2010 real estate profile, Napa, CA is ranked #17 in the nation for forecasted price appreciation. Money details that many cities close to the Bay Area saw a huge run-up in home prices during the post 9/11 boom that lasted through 2006.

Napa is a very well recognized city in Northern California’s wine making region, known for world class culinary dining experiences and vineyards. Napa is also one of the largest cities north of the Golden Gate Bridge with a population of 133,522, according to Money.

Santa Rosa is the largest city in northern California’s wine country with a population of 154,200, which also neighbors iconic and timeless rural Kenwood, CA. Money ranked Santa Rosa #1 in the nation for forecasted price appreciation.

According to market information, prices grew more than 121% from 2000 to the early 2006 peak and have since fallen more than 45%. Today Money concludes that the decline is over and Santa Rosa prices will gain 6% this year, more than any other U.S. city, while at #17, Napa prices will gain 2.3% this year.

This being recently reported, each property situation may be less ordinary and more unique from the median and averages calculated or forecasted by Money Magazine.

Weigh in with your opinion by posting a comment on how you feel about buying real estate in 2010.

For more information about your relocation, next move, or unique properties across the Bay Area contact Ernie Basoco at 707.292.0192 or visit www.ebasoco.com.

Posted by:Ernie Basoco

Living in Santa Rosa just keeps getting better and better…

According to Money Magazine, Santa Rosa’s real estate prices will gain more than any other U.S. city this year and the forecasters are saying the decline is over. Full article.

This is no surprise to me with over 50% of Santa Rosa’s available inventory in contract.

For everyone who’s been waiting to see what’s going to happen with our local real estate market, now is the time to purchase real estate in Santa Rosa. Look at how Santa Rosa compares to other cities in California. In my opinion, they have this information backwards. The list should be reversed, and we should be on the top where we belong. Can you tell I love Santa Rosa?

Don’t forget that Santa Rosa also has the distinction of being one of the 5th happiest cities in America according to the Huffington Post, and Santa Rosa is applying for Google’s ultra-fast Internet network for residents.

Like I said – living in Santa Rosa just keeps getting better and better…

Posted by:Beth Urban-Purtell

Did you know that Santa Rosa/Petaluma is the 5th happiest city in America according to interviews with more than 350,000 Americans? The Huffington Post article can be found here.

The “life evaluation” for each city consisted of job opportunities, personal finances, physical health, moods, emotions, and communities. Based on my experience living in many different cities across the country, I think Santa Rosa should be #1. We are all so blessed to live here, and I’ve never seen more “nice” people concentrated in one area.

Now, news has broken that Google is offering to build an ultra-fast Internet network for residents in one or more lucky U.S. towns. WOW! Can you imagine how happy we’d all be if Santa Rosa was the chosen city? I’m just sure we’d launch into the #1 position on the happiness scale. Let’s all get involved and lobby Google on behalf of our beloved Santa Rosa!

Get involved, make a difference and be happy!

Posted by:Beth Urban-Purtell

I have been a participant of dog agility for six years (my dog is seven – I missed the first year) and am amazed at how it transforms dogs. In fact, I am so impressed that I created a dog agility arena at my house and every Saturday a group gets together (with our trainer, Ina) and we run our dogs through the paces. The dogs all know when it is “agility Saturday” and Lola (my miniature fox terrier) gets very excited when I put her special blue agility leash on as we head out to the course. There are several jumps, two tunnels, a long balance beam, a steep A-frame, a teeter-totter, weave poles, and a large tire jump.  We continually mix up the order so the dogs are always challenged. 

The outcome is amazing – shy trembling dogs with their tails and ears down turn into superstars quickly as they run through the course. Their chests puff out, their tails and ears go up as the dogs achieve success on the course. And it is designed in such a way that all dogs will be successful, even if they only do one or two obstacles. For more advanced dogs, they are constantly being challenged – as they come off one obstacle, there will be two new obstacles in front of them and they have to go to the one we either point to or call out. The dogs and the handlers have to pay attention. In fact, the most important thing I have learned in dog agility is – it’s all about the handler – when I get confused, mess up commands or fail to point in a timely fashion, the dog gets confused and doesn’t know what to do. So it is really not about the dog – I think dogs have a natural inkling to agility – it’s the handlers that slow them down. Sort of like raising kids – the importance of clear direction.

Dog Agility Events Calendar

Posted By: Edward Reiners

The weather is cloudy, rainy and gloomy…. Yes, we’re grateful for the rain – all of it!  However, if you’re in need of some fun, the next two weekends are just what the doctor ordered!

Get out of the house and enjoy the 32nd Annual Wine Road Barrel Tasting here in Sonoma County. This is your chance to sample wines still in the barrel, buy “futures” and meet winemakers.

For maps, ticket information, an introduction to wine tasting, and much more visit www.wineroad.com. Don’t forget to check out the list of wineries that will also be pouring on both Fridays. You’ll find it at the bottom of this page.

Just one more thing that makes Sonoma County special!

If you go:

BARREL TASTING – TWO WEEKENDS
March 6-7 & 13-14, 2010
11:00 am – 4:00 pm each day

Posted by:Beth Urban-Purtell

A huge study released last week found that people in Petaluma and Santa Rosa are happier and healthier than anywhere in California and ranked 5th in overall happiness in the nation!

Over 350,000 Americans were polled for the Gallup-Healthways Well Being Index. Forty-two questions covered a number of areas of health and well being including jobs, finances, health habits and mental attitudes. 753 participants from Sonoma County were included in the survey. They commented on healthy habits and behaviors such as eating well, including consuming fresh fruits and vegetables each week, exercising regularly and not smoking. 

Placing 5th overall in the US for Happiness quotient, Petaluma–Santa Rosa once again shows its true colors. What’s not to be happy about? Look around you, Petaluma has so many treasures; it’s hard to count them all. 

USA Today has the full list of winners ranked here; number one in the country for overall happiness was Boulder, Colorado. 

So folks, Disneyland may be the happiest place on earth, but Petaluma is the happiest place in California!

 

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

There truly are so many great things to love about the North Bay, which encompasses Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties. Folks travel far and wide to visit our towns and here we are with all sorts of fun things to do right in our very own backyards. I feel so blessed and each weekend my family and I try to venture outside and enjoy the beautiful landscape that surrounds us.

On a recent weekend in January, we decided even though it was cold and foggy, that we would go for a walk/hike in Annadel. Annadel State Park is located in Sonoma County, 60 miles north of San Francisco and on the eastern edge of Santa Rosa.

Once you arrive, there are many parking options: outside parking is free and adds a nice bit of exercise to the trip, or you can pay a $6.00 fee to park inside. Because it was chilly, we chose to park by the entrance and walked round trip for about an hour in areas where the terrain was varied but not too steep. I would feel comfortable taking my kids on this nature walk – feeling that the surroundings would keep their grumbling to a minimum (plus as long as we call it a nature hike instead of a “walk” it seems more like an adventure). On this day, with the fog and the mossy green trees, it felt like a cinematic walk in the woods.

I look forward to going back on a sunny and warm day, but I am guessing the trails will be more crowded. Annadel is also very popular with mountain bikers and horseback riders, so it’s good to be careful on the trails as a pedestrian.

Want to know more about Annadel? Check out these links:

• Mountain Biking

• Hiking at Annadel

• Video of Hiking and Biking at Anndael

Posted by:Jennifer Masterson