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. Visitors to the Air Show can actually climb aboard a jet fighter, walk through a cargo plane, and get close up to historical aircraft, as well as enjoy kid friendly events and a car show. The 2010 Air Show includes flight demonstrations from the US Air Force’s F-15E “Strike Eagle” team, the US Navy’s F/A-18F “Hornet” team, and many others, plus an aerobatic racing challenge. You can read more about the 2010 Wings Over Wine Country Air Show in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

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.

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

Follow the reasons on Facebook

Photos taken by Jack Snell

Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors

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.

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

Follow the reasons on Facebook 

Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors

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?

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

Follow the reasons on Facebook

Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors

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.

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

Follow the reasons on Facebook 

Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors

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

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

Follow the reasons on Facebook 

Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors

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.

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

Follow the reasons on Facebook

Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors

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.

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

Follow the reasons on Facebook

Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors

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

Our Corporate Website
Our Facebook Page

Phone: 415.898.2545×104 Fax: 415-898-2963 Email: jmasterson@fhallen.com

Both the marketing and technology departments at Frank Howard Allen Realtors recognize that the Company must serve two sets of customers with extraordinary service and support; our REALTORS®, and their clients. We take great pride in providing tools and products that add value throughout the transaction process to all parties with state-of-the-art real estate technology including; pre-listing materials, fast and easy web property searches, automatic Home Alert e-mails, online neighborhood information and reports, and much more. We are constantly evolving our software and services to provide our agents and their clients with the best and most usable technology available.

In addition, we provide our REALTORS® with both in person and over the phone desktop support. Our agents have access to our myFHAllen “One Stop Shopping” software that provides Contact Management, transactions and forms with automated data entry, elegant reports including CMAs, Buyer’s Reports, Pinpoint Maps, and more. MyFHAllen also includes marketing tools such as listing packet materials, flyers, postcards and brochures, photographers and virtual tours, along with agent-branded Home Alerts and Agent Web Profiles. We also provide Tax Search software with Webmail/POP/IMAP access.

Jennifer Masterson has a 15+ year background in IT including IT Management positions at Birkenstock and Smith and Hawken, Systems Administration at Cisco Systems, Real Goods Trading Company, Tripp Lite and more. Jennifer has been a North Bay resident for more than a decade and she currently lives in Greenbrae, California, with her children.

View Jennifer’s blog posts on the Guide me home to Marin blog.

 

Mark your calendars for this Saturday, November 28, because Santa Claus is coming to our town! At noon, prepare to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Turning Basin in Downtown Petaluma as they arrive via riverboat. We’re pretty sure his sleigh is fine, but why not arrive via one of Petaluma’s treasures—our river. Parents and kids will delight when the Claus’ disembark and stroll through downtown greeting all with Holiday wishes and candy.

Santa’s arrival is just one of the many holiday events coming up in Petaluma. The 2009 Petaluma Holiday Events calendar has been published and features a comprehensive list of upcoming holiday fun. You can pick up a copy of the calendar from any of the major sponsors and contributors in town, including Haus Fortuna, Petaluma Visitor’s Center, Petaluma Yacht Club, Vine and Barrel, as well as many others. Of course the most up-to-date information can always be found at www.visitpetaluma.com.

December is right around the corner and many holiday events are scheduled. There’s the City of Lights Driving Tour, a self-guided tour of participating homes and businesses decorated for the holidays, which can be viewed throughout the month. Stop by the Visitors’ Center for a map of homes. One of my very favorite events is the Lighted Boat Parade on December 5. The flotilla of decorated boats will be on parade up the river and arriving at the Turning Basin at approximately 6:30 PM. It’s fabulous and festive and definitely fun!

So don’t miss the holidays in historic downtown Petaluma. Stuff your stockings with local cheer! And experience the charm of small town holidays.

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

As I mentioned in my previous post, Petaluma celebrates El Dia De Los Muertos in a big way and the festivities continue through this weekend. The altars are everywhere in shop windows, right on the counters next to cash registers and scattered about town. I highly recommend that you take a minute to explore Petaluma and see how families celebrate their deceased. Really, it’s a wonderful way to look at death as a part of life. Photos, favorite candy wrappers, flowers—each ‘ofrenda’—or altar is as unique as the person being celebrated.

The events culminate this weekend and a highlight for me is Friday’s candlelight procession. You can view a complete list of activities presented by the Petaluma Arts Council here. In addition, here is a list of altar locations, but you won’t really need it. Just take a walkabout in historic Downtown Petaluma and you’ll see the altars everywhere. You can also become a Facebook friend.

See you there! And if you attend, send me an e-mail at mohayer@fhallen.com. I’d love to hear about your experience.

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

If gardens are for people then outdoor art can be for inspiration. The city of Santa Rosa takes this inspiration a step further with the Art in Public Places Program, which recognizes that art and culture in a public setting can enrich a community. Currently the art project is displaying a presentation of the finalists’ latest proposals to the selection panel, before the final award is announced for the next installation of work.

 

Art in Public Places is one of several Arts and Culture programs made available by the City of Santa Rosa, supporting a total of six projects, including the Civic Artwalk. Artwalk is already in its second rotation and features the most recent installations of Robert Ellison’s Renaissance, William Wareham’s Missa week, Penny Michel’s Ice Woman IV, and Karl Saliter’s Collective Impulse. These works compliment the previous group of public art pieces that make up the Artwalk. The Artwalk begins at Depot Park in Railroad Square; the full route can be found here.

In addition to being distinctive visual landmarks, the outdoor displays look to become permanent timeless icons of inspiration to our greater region of scenic vineyards in Sonoma.

Posted by:Ernie Basoco

What a wonderful way to celebrate the dead. I remember hearing of ‘All Saints Day’ as a child. I’m sure I knew lots about it as a young Catholic School child, but it didn’t stick with me. When I moved to Petaluma 9 years ago, I remember quite distinctly seeing the ‘ofrendas’ or altars set up in a few scattered spots downtown. I was curious and a bit proud that our town would embrace this lovely tradition although I admit, I knew little about it. Each year the event has grown larger, I’ve learned more and now the downtown is chock full of ofrendas and events surrounding this celebration.

Our little celebration is all grown up. Beginning October 17 and continuing through November 2, this town will be buzzing with a jam packed calendar of events surrounding El Dia de Los Muertos. This is a family event, a time for celebrating with a family reunion – the living and the dead. It is believed that the dead return to visit their families once a year and this celebration is neither somber nor macabre. Rather a time for festivities and community.

During the celebration, you can view the altars made by locals to honor their dead. Families make altars and place ‘ofrendas’ (offerings) of food, fruit, candles, yellow marigolds and photos of the deceased. Each of these is a work of art. Wonderful and unique – some quite plain, and some so incredibly elaborate you will think they’ve been working on them all year – you may be right! There will be over 50 altars in shop windows, building walkways and tucked away in unusual spots. You can find a list of the altars in numerous locations downtown or at the Petaluma Arts Council. Spend some time on the Art and Altar Walk and I assure you you’ll want to be part of this incredible event.

The Art and Altar Walk is a stroll you can do anytime during the two week period. Other events include family workshops, poetry readings, folk dancing, and the culmination on October 30th with the traditional Candlelight procession with music dancing and Giant Puppets. This candlelight procession is worth a trip to Petaluma on Friday October 30 – you will be delighted, I assure you. The event will be on the river this year and it’s always a treat for the senses. Become a facebook friend and you won’t miss a single minute.

Or just head to downtown Petaluma and take in all that this unique and wonderful event has to offer. Just another reason to love our unique and wonderful place to live – Petaluma!

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

My good friend Mark recently asked me to recommend what he could do with friends coming to visit in Petaluma. Mark and I have known each other for nearly 30 years and both of us were city dwellers prior to moving to Petaluma. You could stay in San Francisco for weeks and never lack for things to do. But, he wondered, is there enough to do in Petaluma for someone visiting? Or will we need to send them out to greater Sonoma County?

Mark, I believe Petaluma can offer plenty of play!

Petaluma, California is located in Sonoma County, just 38 miles north of San Francisco. It is the first town you encounter after crossing the Sonoma County Line —The Gateway to Sonoma Wine Country. Our weather is beautiful and our community has grown up quite a bit in the past decade.

Here are a few must-dos on my list when visitors venture this way. Young or old, there’s an activity for everyone.

Take a Hike (or a walk if you will)

Petaluma is full of parks and walking paths. One of my favorite Petaluma parks is Shollenberger Park , a 165-acre park popular among hikers, bikers, bird-watchers and dog walkers. There, along the park’s levee trail, you can get an up-close look at wetlands wildlife – including over 150 species of birds – and the river flowing past with its collection of ramshackle, high-tech and human-powered boats. Saturday mornings, I have a standing date with my friend Sara for a walk, talk and gawk. There’s so much ground covered in our four mile walk that we hardly notice that we’re exercising at the same time. A new path recently opened that extends the path for several more miles and leads to the Ellis Creek Water Treatment Plant, which puts you at eye level with otters and other wildlife. Though I haven’t ventured down the new trail yet, this blogger had an amazing visit and I can’t wait to explore it this weekend.

Other favorite parks include the Oak Hill Park located at Oak and Howard Streets which includes a great playground, an off-leash dog park, Petanque courts as well as a labyrinth. Petanque in Petaluma? You bet. Now where else can you find all that in one park? Helen Putnam Regional Park also makes for a great outdoor experience, offering hiking with great views. (There may be a parking fee at Helen Putnam depending on how you enter the park.)

For a complete list of parks, go to the Visit Petaluma website and check out one that looks good to you.

Take a Tour

Winery tours, including our very own Petaluma Gap Wineries, offer a great way to spend the day. Look here for tours and times. Most are by appointment only.

Not only do we feature Sonoma County fine wines here in Petaluma, but our beers are notable as well. Lagunitas Brewing Company has grown into a major player in the brew market and they offer weekly tours. They also boast a Taproom and Beer Sanctuary, which is very impressive and relaxing with great live music and people watching. Open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3-9 and weekends from 1-7, the Taproom and Sanctuary is a great place to land after a tour or a long day exploring Petaluma. Get directions to the Brewery here.

If you’re looking for something savory, McEvoy Olive Oil Company gives tours at different times during the year and Cowgirl Creamery’s newest facility is located in downtown Petaluma. The Creamery is a production-only facility, which means no retail here, but you can check out the amazing array of award-winning cheeses produced right here in Petaluma. More information about their tours can be found here.

For the kids, you can check out Mrs. Grossman’s Sticker Factory. The 110,000-square-foot corporate headquarters with 90 employees features the world’s only sticker factory tour.

There are dozens of other tours in town – garden tours, Victorian home tours and walking tours; you can view a great list of additional tours here.

Take a Taste

I don’t think you’ll find a better restaurant selection in a city the size of Petaluma – our chefs come from all over and offer an array of menu types, from Himalayan to Thai, Italian to California Cuisine, you name it, it’s here. Award-winning, charming and delicious, some of our restaurants have even caught the eye of the prestigious Michelin Guide. Cucina Paradiso, Risibisi and Hiro’s are among those mentioned.

Our Visitor Center website, www.visitpetaluma.com, offers a great dining guide, which can be viewed here. It is also a great place to start when planning outings that will suit your guests’ interests. For now at least, the program is still funded by the City of Petaluma so the website is quite accurate and up to date.

I’m glad to report there’s plenty to do right here in Petaluma, Mark! With all of our food, wine, art, cultural and recreational activities, you could easily fill a day or two or three.

Do you have favorite day-trips around town? I’d love to hear about them. Comment to this post or email me at mohayer@fhallen.com.

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

This week marked the official changing of the season and as each day of fall brings us closer to Thanksgiving, it has me thinking about the wonderful bounty Sonoma County has to offer, and the generous nature of my friends and neighbors. My husband and I live in Petaluma and each year we shoot to have a productive garden, as do most of our friends. It’s late September and all of the gardens I have seen in the past few weeks are producing amazing crops and everyone seems eager to share in the bounty.

On a recent Saturday morning, Cody, my neighbor’s dog and I, were out for a walk and stopped by a friend’s home. She was busy with a huge batch of tomatoes that had just been dropped off by another friend and was in the midst of whipping up a monster batch of gazpacho that she would take to two different feasts to be enjoyed by 50 or more people. Way to share the bounty.

Shortly afterward, on the same walkabout, I stopped by David’s, another friend and neighbor. He was making a white bean salad he’d seen in Gourmet Magazine and needed some colorful tomatoes. Though not quite done with my walk, I went right home, picked all of the ripe sun gold cherry tomatoes I had in my garden, returned to David’s, and a short time later was savoring a most amazing and delicious salad.

Around town, I have also spotted several other examples of the giving spirit of our delightful community. These neighbors just put out their excess and invite you to help yourself!

        

This generous nature is just one of the many qualities I relish about the area. I see it firsthand so often and I recently learned of an organized group that epitomizes this spirit, Petaluma Bounty. This community-based nonprofit operates on a 5-acre parcel within a mile of downtown. I spoke to the farm manager last week and she told me that an elderly neighbor whose home abuts the property donated the land for the purpose of a farm.

The work they do there is truly incredible and they offer several programs, including: Bounty Hunters – a food-gleaning program that collects fresh, surplus food from backyard gardens, farms and businesses and distributes it to food pantries and senior centers; Bounty Box Food Club – weekly boxes of organic fruits and vegetables are sold at wholesale prices to low-income families; and the Bounty Mobile Market – organic fruits and vegetables sold at wholesale prices for those on limited budgets, and at retail prices to those who can afford it. A new location, at the Mail Depot at 4th and C streets each Wednesday from 9-noon, is just one of many dispensaries. A full schedule can be found here.

The Petaluma Bounty has an active volunteer program including ‘the food posse’, a group that will harvest fruit from local backyards or farms to sell from their mobile markets or at the farm stand. The Petaluma Bounty would like you to join them to help spread the word about how to bring healthy food to everyone—become a ‘vigilante’ and share the bounty!

Let me know if you have an innovative community group you’d like more folks to hear about. Contact me at mohayer@fhallen.com.

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

My very favorite event in Petaluma happens twice each year—the semi-annual Petaluma Antique Faire is coming up this weekend. And, if you haven’t been before, plan on it this Sunday, September 27. You won’t be sorry. I truly believe this is why I ended up moving to Petaluma nine years ago. After casually stumbling on the Antique Faire, I fell in love with the town that supports exactly this type of event and many others throughout the year.

10 years ago, my husband and I were living in San Francisco and needed to get out of dodge for the weekend. We hopped in the car – once we located it – If you’ve ever lived in SF with no parking, you’ll know just what I mean by that! – and headed over the Golden Gate Bridge towards Sonoma County.

Crossing the bridge is refreshing in and of itself after weeks in the city, but driving up 101 you truly get the sense that the city is behind you when you finally reach the two-lane highway in Novato. There’s an 11 mile stretch between Novato and Petaluma where large expanses of land, parks, no homes to speak of, and the San Pablo Bay wetlands spread out before you while cows appear on both sides of the road. You automatically take a deep breath and relax. And sometimes you get the equivalent of a scratch and sniff cow with that deep breath, which only adds to the charm.

The first exit on the two-lane highway portion of 101 is to Petaluma’s Historic Downtown. Petaluma, founded in 1858, is just 38 miles from San Francisco’s Russian Hill. Who could resist this? Besides, it was time to grab a bite and a beer. Having just come from the city, we snagged the first parking space we could find, which of course put us about 4 blocks from the action, but it seemed so close to us! As we wandered around the quaint town, we noticed that some of the streets were closed to traffic and then it happened – we stumbled on the most amazing array of antique dealers I’ve ever seen. Amid the beautiful historic buildings (Petaluma was miraculously spared from damage during the 1906 earthquake), Historic Downtown Petaluma was transformed into an antique marketplace. We wandered for hours enjoying the people watching, the antiques, the tranquil river backdrop, the gorgeous weather and the ample free parking! The people were so friendly, the day was a perfect escape, and twelve months later we moved to Petaluma and we couldn’t be happier.

This weekend you can expect over 180 dealers spread throughout 4 blocks of downtown Petaluma beginning at 8AM and running till 4PM. Wear your hat and sunscreen and don’t forget to bring a sweatshirt just in case. For more information go to www.Petalumadowntown.com or for a complete list of Petaluma events go to www.visitpetaluma.com. And if you attend or have other insights you’d like to share, please email me at mohayer@fhallen.com or comment below. I’d love to hear about your experiences. And if you can’t make it this weekend, the Spring Faire will be coming around in April.

Enjoy! I know I will.

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

There is as much an art as there is a science to buying luxury properties in our wine making region that offers such a special quality of life. Early in my real estate career I naturally looked beyond handling traditional “in town” property sales. I was attracted to the reasons why several buyers looked beyond the traditional reasons to purchase property.

I quickly learned these reasons have to do more with complementing the special quality of life through a vision of the buyer, which is often inspiring. From the vineyard to the architectural masterpiece, to the coastal view property, handling sales for all these types of property was stimulating for me.

A vision I could not have expected in the luxury property arena was that for the love of horses, ranches, and scenic rural property.

When you are saddled to and you are riding a well trained thoroughbred or quarter horse on your scenic property, when you interact with the horse and the environment, you have an inspirational reality of that vision. From the Sonoma Valley to the coastal range along the beach, plenty of scenic rural properties exist which certainly have room for horses. For more information about special properties with that vision, please contact me directly at 707.537.2324 or here.

Posted by:Ernie Basoco

Santa Rosa takes great pride in its historic neighborhoods and has taken steps to preserve certain districts within the City for historical purposes. There are currently eight such designated historic neighborhoods and the integrity of the designation is overseen by the Cultural Heritage Board, an all volunteer board appointed by City Council and overseen by the City’s Department of Community Development.

Each historic neighborhood has its own unique qualities. The eight historic neighborhoods are:

• Burbank Gardens
• Cherry Street
• McDonald
• Olive Park
• Railroad Square
• Ridgway
• St. Rose
• West End

When looking to purchase or remodel a home located in a historic neighborhood there are certain additional zoning considerations to take into consideration. For more information about what it means to be in a historically designated neighborhood in Santa Rosa go to Historic Preservation.

Posted by:Jen Phillips

It’s not exactly the New York City big apple or the Napa Valley, yet. Sonoma County’s biggest city is about to get its own, however, much like the national attention for long distance running events reserved for marathons from Maui, to San Francisco, and to Chicago.

Santa Rosa, California is home of the biggest city in the Sonoma wine making region. The first marathon and half-marathon event set to launch here takes place on August 30th, 2009. The design and passion behind the upcoming event originated with Arthur Webb, a 67 year old veteran distance runner who has finished the 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon 10 times over, 9 times within the 60 hour race time limit.

The race welcomes beginners, intermediate runners, and advanced competitive athletes. A 12 week training program for the full marathon can be found by clicking here. For a 12 week training program for the half marathon, click here. To register for the race, please visit the Santa Rosa Marathon site.

Posted by:Ernie Basoco

This is Joey’s rose. Well, it used to be. It’s right at nose level, and the first time Joey saw it he actually stopped and smelled the rose. No, I’m not kidding! He looked back at me like he was saying “Did you see this, Mom”. Then he hopped like he does when he gets really excited, and he had a pep to his step as we went further into the back yard to…you know. For days every time we went to the backyard he would stop and sniff.

Today he didn’t. He walked past without even a glance. He wasn’t in a rush. He just didn’t notice it. I think he’s been spending too much time with his humans. Notice the beauty around you, and take a moment to enjoy it today.

Posted by:Beth Urban-Purtell

Last Saturday, I spent some of my day standing in the rain at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts at the Finish of the Wine Country Century, a showcase ride of northwest Sonoma County put on each year by the Santa Rosa Cycling Club. My fellow cycling aficionado and I were promoting the return of the Amgen Tour of California (ATOC) (premier professional cycling race in USA) to the City of Santa Rosa. Anyone who has lived in Sonoma County in the past 4 years has had the awesome and amazing opportunity to see the best cyclists in the world, both men and women, race to the Finish line in downtown Santa Rosa one day in February – it’s an honor, a privilege and a heck of a good time!

Each year, in preparation for the ATOC, the City of Santa Rosa “bids” to hold a Stage Start, Finish or both, committing approximately $175,000 to the event. Because City coffers are stretched beyond their limits this year providing essential services, a group of us under the direction of Mo McElroy (Visitors and Convention Bureau) have committed to raising the $175,000 needed to bring the Tour back in 2010! Visit www.keepthetour.com to donate and stay informed. We’ve just learned that in 2010, the Tour of California will be held May 16 – 23!

Cycling enthusiasts have long recognized Sonoma County as a premier destination – it’s hard to beat the combination of spectacular scenery, back roads, variable terrain, and a public that is becoming more conscious and respectful. The cycling community is a dynamic one attracting people, businesses, low-impact use of the environment, creating a health-conscious and highly social subculture.

There is a superb article in the Press Democrat, Section B, Sunday, May 3, 2009, about “joys of riding in Sonoma County.” Whether you’re out for a ride with the kids on the Prince Greenway (Santa Rosa), challenging yourself to reach the top of Pine Flat (Healdsburg), taking a quick hour of exercise in a loop around Oakmont, riding from home to work and back each day, here for “spring training” with your team, or cheering for your favorite hometown elite cycling hero, Levi Leipheimer, at the TOC Finish or, Yes!, raising money in the rain, cycling is one more spectacular reason I treasure living in Sonoma County.

Call me (707-481-3390) for suggestions about riding in Sonoma County.

Posted By: Carolyn Metz

It’s all true, everything you have imagined and dreamed about the ultimate getaway can be found at our very own Kenwood Inn and Spa, right here in Kenwood, California. The Mediterranean-style villas of the Inn are tucked away in Sonoma County’s Valley of the Moon.

The readers of Conde Nast Traveler have recently named the Kenwood Inn and Spa the Top Resort in Mainland USA in the magazine’s 21st Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. In addition to this distinction, The Conde Nast Readers’ Poll of April 2009 named The Spa at Kenwood one of the top 3 Resort Spas in the United States.

The Spa uniquely utilizes the power of the grape. Based on oils extracted from grape seeds, penetrating and protective qualities of topical treatments are used for a variety of Spa treatments. Vinotherapy is incorporated by the Spa with custom made products, including red wine extracts, Chardonnay and Riesling oils, and formulated elements to promote healing, revitalization, and relaxation.

The restaurant at the Kenwood Inn & Spa offers yet another undeniable indulgence as it is available only to in-house guests. Italian-born Maestro della Cucina, Chef Renzo Veronese shops local farms and farmer’s markets, supplying the kitchen with in-season organics and fresh ingredients to create a rustic Italian, a la carte menu focused on house made pastas with meats and fish that incorporate estate grown fruit.

If you desire the special qualities of our wine making region for relaxation and outdoor scenic beauty, you don’t have to look much further for a world class Spa, Resort and Restaurant.

Posted by:Ernie Basoco

While driving up north of Santa Rosa and listing a short sale for $299,000 in Windsor, I continued further to preview some of the 35 properties that are available in Santa Rosa that have from 5 to 100 acres. For clients with animals, a wonderful place to settle is towards Safari West in northern eastern Sonoma County, our version of Africa in the Wine Country.

Hillsides of wheat colored grasses surrounded by ranches and vineyards leads one to the exotic world of Nancy and Peter Lang, with the sights and sounds of the Serengeti of Santa Rosa. This inspirational African style oasis is a delight to adults and children.

I have my birthday luncheon here annually with my family. The grandkids enjoy it and I don’t have to clean up.

This is a delightful area to visit with wonderful opportunities to share with the family.

Posted by:Judy Freedman

Sonoma’s wine making region celebrated its annual Passport to Dry Creek Valley wine tasting event this past weekend. The annual event showcases over 50 wineries and over 150 vineyards of Dry Creek Valley, which is a fine way to get intimate with this appellation. Along with the special weekend events including live entertainment, outdoor cookouts, and fine foods are of course—the unique tastings.

Dry Creek Valley has intentionally stayed intimate to its special quality of winemaking history by continuing to be farmed by families from generation to generation. The valley proudly confesses it has eluded the trend of corporate consolidation. All but just a few of the 62 bonded wineries in Dry Creek Valley are family owned.

When you visit this appellation with its 139-year winemaking history, you will in most all cases taste four generations of a family tending to remarkable vineyards with the perspective gained from the humility of farming and from the rich zeal to improve each vintage. The Seghesio family first planted vineyards in 1895 and the Rafanelli family has been making estate-bottled Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot for four generations.

World class wines from the smaller volume producer and the generations of families perspective is also creating a continued influence in the Napa Valley, where commercialization and global consolidation has been more prevalent. The blend of the experiential wine barrel sampling complimented by the family winery tradition can be found at Dave Del Dotto Caves in St. Helena. If you desire the special quality of the smaller family winery that produces world class wines, Northern California’s wine making region has so much to experience.

Posted By: Ernie Basoco

This weekend was the Dry Creek Valley Passport wine tasting. 45 wineries opened their doors for the annual event highlighting the magic of the Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County. We tasted old vintages, component, and barrel tastings at Amphora Winery, De LaMontanya, Family Wineries, Kokomo Wines, Papapietro Perry, Passalacqua Winery, Peterson Winery and A. Rafanelli Winery.

The wine country was looking its best on this beautiful warm spring day. The views from many of the wineries across the Dry Creek Valley were exquisite especially from the decks of the Passalacqua Winery which featured the wood oven pizza fired up by caterers serving the famous 4 minute wood fired pizza with homemade toppings.

The De LaMontonya Winery featured DeVines Pizza catering, wonderful wines, and music from the 60’s with a hippie look.

A. Rafanelli Winery included a bountiful spread, their wonderful wines and many happy wine tasters.

Before coming to the Dry Creek Valley, of course, I was previewing the many short sales, foreclosures and priced right real estate in Santa Rosa and surrounding areas. This is a great time to buy property in Sonoma County and move yourself into the wine country.

Feel free to email me at jfreedman@fhallen.com or call me at 707.972.5596.

Posted By: Judy Freedman

With the local food movement’s growing popularity many people are discovering what Sonoma County residents have known for a long time – Sonoma County has fresh local produce, cheese, seafood and meat all year long. In fact, Santa Rosa’s Farmer’s Market is twice a week, every Wednesday and Saturday, rain or shine, at the Veteran’s Building east parking lot.

Sonoma’s love of local food runs deep and you will find it proudly adhered to in many local restaurants and grocery stores. For a list of all Farmer’s Markets in Sonoma County go to Sonoma County Farm Trails website by clicking here.

Bon Appetite!

Posted By: Jen Phillips

It is officially Spring and gardens are popping up everywhere in Sonoma County. Trees are blooming, vines are budding and daffodils are shiny bright. It’s time for the summer gardeners to start weeding, tilling and planning their season’s fruits and vegetables. I say summer gardeners because the serious gardeners had their plans set in motion long ago and have been working their gardens all winter. The rest of us seem to start from scratch each year, figuring out how many tomatoes to plant and what other fruits and vegetables might be good to go along with them, or more accurately, what the kids might be enticed to eat. No matter which camp you are in this year it is a virtual bonanza for gardening. The White House is doing it, San Francisco City Hall is doing it, the neighborhood school is doing it, growing your own food is not only economical and environmentally friendly, it is now cool.
Luckily, Sonoma County makes it easy. As the home of the famed horticulturist, Luther Burbank, Sonoma County is renowned as a gardening hotspot. Check out the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens website for more details on Luther Burbank’s contributions to Sonoma County. Although gardening maybe cool and trendy now, Sonoma County residents have long been hooked on its alluring powers. Whether you are an expert or novice, Sonoma County provides the seasons and seasoned expertise to make it easy.

Posted By: Jen Phillips