101 Things To Do Somoma County

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2013/2014 Gold Medal Winners:

2012 Lagrein, YOLO-Gold @ Orange County Wine Society, July 2014 2012 Tannat, YOLO-Gold @ Orange County Wine Society, July 2014 2012 Rosato di Sangiovese “Bocce”-Gold @ Orange County Wine Society, July 2014 2012 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Vly, Talty Vyd-Gold @ Orange County Wine Society, July 2014 2012 Pinot Noir, RRV, Clone 777-Gold @ Orange County Wine Society, July 2014 2011 Merlot, Knight’s Vly, Vena Vyd-Gold @ San Francisco Chronicle Feb 2014 2011 CabShiraz, Northcoast-Gold @ San Francisco Chronicle Feb 2014 2011 Pinot Noir, RRV, Montgomery Vyd-Gold Platinum @ Critic’s Challenge July 2013 2011 Syrah, Parenti Vyd--Gold @ Critic’s Challenge July 2013 2011 Carignane,Old Vines, Parenti Vyd-Best of Class @ Sunset Magazine Int’l Comp May 2013 2011 Zinfandel, RRV, Cattich Vyd-Gold @ San Francisco Chronicle Feb 2013 2010 Cuvee de Jose, North Coast-Gold @ San Francisco Chronicle Feb 2013

Contents Upcoming Events 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Page Holiday Happenings.................................................................................. 6 Wine Events................................................................................................. 6 Cloverdale Citrus Fair............................................................................... 6 Sonoma International Film Festival.................................................... 6 Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival..........................................................7 Apple Blossom Festival............................................................................7

Coastal Adventures

7. Take a Hike on the Coast.......................................................................14 8. Drive the Beautiful Pacific Coast Highway.....................................14 9. Fly a Kite on the Beach..........................................................................15 10. Ride a Horse on the Beach...................................................................15 11. Go Sportfishing.........................................................................................16 12. See Where Hitchcock Filmed the Birds............................................16 13. Wine Surf in Bodega Bay.......................................................................16 14. See the Whales.........................................................................................16 15. Discover Coastal Parks & Ocean Beaches.......................................16 16. Take a 3-Hour Sailboat Tour of Bodega Bay...................................18 17. Take a Kayak on a WaterTreks EcoTour.............................................18 18. Hike or Bike on a Willow Creek Trail.................................................18 19. Take the King Ridge Bicycle Trail.......................................................19 20. Spend the Day at Salt Point State Park............................................19 21. See a Real Fort at Fort Ross Historic Park.......................................19 22. See the Gallery & Take A Class at Gualala Arts Center...............19 23. Golf Oceanside at the Links at Bodega Harbour..........................19 24. Discover Life in the Tidepools.............................................................20 25. See the Vibrant Colors at Kruse Rhododendron Park.................20 26. Taste Wine at Sonoma Coast Vineyards...........................................20 27. Explore the Rugged Coast at Sea Ranch Lodge............................20

Back to Nature

28. Have an EcoAdventure...........................................................................21 29. Take a Hike on a Wine Country Trail..................................................22 30. Step Back in Time at the Petrified Forest.......................................22 31. Go Camping...............................................................................................22 32. Go Birding...................................................................................................23 33. Have an EcoOdyssey with EcoRing....................................................23 34. Spend the Day at Gualala Regional Park.........................................23 35. Join Sonoma County Regional Parks and Support the Parks....23 36. Explore North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park..........................23

Take to the Sky

37. Take a Nature Walk in the Sky with Wine Country Balloons.....24 38. Jump Out of an Airplane with NorCal Skydiving..........................24 39. Lift Off with Napa Valley Balloons.....................................................24 40. See Wine Country in a Vintage Aircraft............................................24 41. Get Up & Away in a Hot Air Balloon.................................................25 42. Tour Wine Country and the Coast in a Helicopter........................25

Family Fun

43. Take the Family to Scandia Fun Park................................................26 44. Go on Safari & Experience the Sonoma Serengeti......................26 45. Feel the Extreme Racing Experience at Driven............................ 27 46. Tour a Jelly Bean Factory at Jelly Belly.............................................27 47. Ride a Train or Carousel at Howarth Park.......................................28 48. Saddle Up at Cloverleaf Ranch...........................................................28 49. Pedal, Paddle or Fish Around Spring Lake......................................28 50. Spend the day at Schulz Museum......................................................28 51. Go Ice Skating at Snoopy’s Ice Rink...................................................28 52. Discover the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County...................29 53. Choose Your Battle at Laser Tag of Santa Rosa.............................29 54. Get Airborn at Rebounderz Indoor Trampoline Park....................29 55. Take the Kids to the Family Fun Series at Wells Fargo..............29

Craft Beer & Breweries

56. Tour Breweries with Brew Brothers Brewery Tours......................30 57. Sample World Class Brew at Bear Republic...................................30 58. Tour Local Breweries with North Bay Brewery Tours..................30 Directory of Breweries & Brewpubs..................................................31

Petaluma

59. Go to a Concert at Mystic Theater.....................................................32 60. Tour an Authentic Mexican Ranch & Museum..............................32 61. Explore the Petaluma Historical Library Museum.......................34 62. Enjoy Live Theater at Cinnabar...........................................................34

Russian River Resort Area

63. Golf in the Redwoods at Northwood Golf Club............................36 64. Go Fishing on the Russian River........................................................36 65. Walk Among the Giant Redwoods at Armstrong...........................38

Bohemian Highway - Freestone & Occidental

66. Treat Yourself at Osmosis Day Spa....................................................39 67. See a Concert at Occidental Center for the Arts...........................39 68. Ride the Ziplines in the Redwoods....................................................39

Sebastopol

69. Feed Hungry Plants.................................................................................40 70. Tour the Area on a Bike from Sevastopol Bike Center................40 71. Walk Through Northern Cal’s Largest Wetlands...........................42 72. Ride or Hike the West County or Joe Rodota Trail........................42

Santa Rosa

73. Stroll through Luther Burbank Home & Gardens........................43 74. Shop & Dine at Historic Railroad Square........................................43 75. Taste Wine & Pizza at Vintner’s Square in Santa Rosa...............43 76. Climb Aboard at Pacific Coast Air Museum.....................................47 77. Visit the Sonoma County Museums of Art and History...............47 78. See the Show at 6th Street Playhouse in Railroad Square.......48 79. Go to a Concert at Wells Fargo Center.............................................48

Healdsburg

80. Browse the World’s Only Hand Fan Museum.................................53 81. Take a Wine Walk in Healdsburg........................................................53 82. Party on a Pontoon at Lake Sonoma.................................................54 83. Tour Wine Country & Redwoods on a Segway..............................54 84. See Live Theatre and More at Raven Theater...............................56

Cloverdale

85. See the Show at Cloverdale Performing Arts Center.................. 57

Sonoma Valley

86. Tour Quarryhill Botanical Gardens....................................................60 87. See the Latest Exhibit at Sonoma Valley Museum.......................60 88. Indulge in Gourmet Chocolate............................................................61 89. Visit Jack London’s Home......................................................................61 90. Enjoy Stand Up Comedy with Crushers of Comedy......................61 91. Take a Tour of California’s Last Mission in Sonoma.....................61 92. Commune with Nature at Bouverie Preserve.................................61

Rohnert Park / Cotati

93. See a Concert at SSU’s Green Music Center....................................62 94. See the Show at Spreckels Performing Arts Center.....................62 95. See a Free Comedy Show at Sally Tomatoes..................................62

Beyond the Borders

96.

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100.

101.

Kayak the Napa River and Learn Its Secrets................................63 Take the Beermaster Tour at Budweiser in Fairfield................63 Relax in a Champagne Bath at Vichy Springs.............................63 Discover Thunderbird Mountain Trading in Garberville..........63 See Lake Tahoe from a Hot Air Balloon........................................64 Drive through the Avenue of Giants...............................................64

Sonoma County ®

Fall/Winter 2015-16 Volume 29, Number 9 707.604.7241 • FAX 707.676.9193

Hayley Yount Severe, Associate Publisher 707.845.1736 hayley@101things.com

Art Severe, Publisher 707.845.6299 art@101things.com

Sarah Amador, Contributing Writer amador.sarah@yahoo.com 101 Things To Do® in Wine Country magazine is distributed freely in hundreds of locations, printed 2x annually with an annual circulation in excess of 100,000 throughout the Sonoma County, Napa County, Marin County and surrounding regions.

For advertising information, call 707.845-6299 or 707.845.1736 101 Things To Do® magazines are available for Humboldt, Sonoma, Shasta, Butte, Lassen, Plumas, Tehama, Trinity, Siskiyou, Modoc, Del Norte, Mendocino, Napa, San Diego, Orange counties in California, and Curry, Jackson, Josephine, Benton, Coos, Douglas, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Tillamook and Yamhill counties in Oregon. Copies of 101 Things To Do® magazine are available free of charge in certain locations, are online in their entirety at www.101things.com, or are available by mail for a handling fee. 101 Things To Do® magazines are published or licensed to be published

by Blarney Publishing, Inc., which is owned and operated by CHC Corp.

GREGG GARDINER, President • David Else, Vice President

All content of the 101 Things To Do® magazine is copyrighted. No part may be reprinted without the expressed written consent of CHC Corporation. The name 101 Things To Do® is a registered trademark and may not be used without written permission. ©2015 CHC Corporation. Please visit 101things.com to view all of our publications.

Top Indoor Activities:

Page

Take the Family to Scandia Fun Park............................................................... 26 Feel the Extreme Racing Experience at Driven............................................ 27 Tour a Jelly Bean Factory at Jelly Belly............................................................ 27 Spend the day at Schulz Museum..................................................................... 28 Go Ice Skating at Snoopy’s Ice Rink.................................................................. 28 Discover the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County.................................. 29 Choose Your Battle at Laser Tag of Santa Rosa............................................ 29 Get Airborn at Rebounderz Indoor Trampoline Park................................... 29 Take the Kids to the Family Fun Series at Wells Fargo............................. 29 Tour Breweries with Brew Brothers Brewery Tours..................................... 30 Sample World Class Brew at Bear Republic................................................... 30 Tour Local Breweries with North Bay Brewery Tours.................................. 30 Go to a Concert at Mystic Theater..................................................................... 32 Tour an Authentic Mexican Ranch & Museum............................................. 32 Explore the Petaluma Historical Library Museum....................................... 34 Enjoy Live Theater at Cinnabar.......................................................................... 34 Treat Yourself at Osmosis Day Spa.................................................................... 39 See a Concert at Occidental Center for the Arts.......................................... 39 Feed Hungry Plants at California Carnivores................................................ 40 Stroll through Luther Burbank Home & Gardens........................................ 43 Taste Wine & Pizza at Vintner’s Square in Santa Rosa.............................. 43 Visit the Sonoma County Museums of Art and History.............................. 47 See the Show at 6th Street Playhouse in Railroad Square...................... 48 Go to a Concert at Wells Fargo Center............................................................ 48 Browse the World’s Only Hand Fan Museum................................................ 53 See Live Theatre and More at Raven Theater............................................... 56 See the Show at Cloverdale Performing Arts Center.................................. 57 See the Latest Exhibit at Sonoma Valley Museum...................................... 60 Indulge in Gourmet Chocolate........................................................................... 61 Take a Tour of California’s Last Mission in Sonoma.................................... 61 See a Concert at SSU’s Green Music Center................................................... 62 See the Show at Spreckels Performing Arts Center.................................... 62 See a Free Comedy Show at Sally Tomatoes................................................. 62

Upcoming 2 Events 1

Holiday Happenings

Saturday, November 14, 2015 - 12:00pm to 4:00pm A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Celebration Enjoy and help prepare a re-creation of Snoopy’s Thanksgiving meal of toast, popcorn, and jelly beans from the classic television holiday special, along with hands-on crafts, and other fun family activities! Charles M. Schulz Museum, 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa.

• www.schulzmuseum.org November 28, 5-8pm Geyserville Tree Lighting and Tractor Parade of Lights Hot chocolate, candy canes, Christmas tree lighting and the popular Tractor Parade of Lights.

Downtown Geyserville. •www.geyservillecc.com/ December 3, 4-8pm Guerneville Merchant Open House and The Great Tree Lighting Ceremony Guerneville merchants invite you to celebrate with food, drinks, shopping, joyful caroling, Santa Claus, and more, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Downtown Guerneville. •www.russianriver.com December 3, 5-8pm Windsor Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Ceremony Celebrate the opening of the holiday season under the glow of old lamplights of yesteryear with graceful horse-drawn carriages carrying guests around beautiful Windsor Town Green.

• www.olddowntownwindsor.com/events/

December 4 & 5 Joy To The World A Broadway Holiday Extravaganza Join Transcendence Theatre’s extraordinary cast of Broadway professionals for a concert filled with Broadway show stoppers, holiday favorites, & modern twists on some of the worlds most uplifting & cherished songs. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. www.wellsfargocenterarts.org/joy-to-the-world/ December 5, 2015 5-8pm Guerneville Parade of Lights Head out to the Russian River for Guerneville’s annual holiday parade full of bright lights, colorful floats, and live music.

•russianriver.com December 5, 2015 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm Holiday Lighted Boat Parade Watch a magical parade of beautifully decorated boats stream into the Petaluma River Turning Basin in the heart of historic downtown.

• www.petalumadowntown.com December 5 & 6, 2015 Monte Rio Holiday Wonderland Craft Faire Monte Rio Parks and Rec Center, Monte Rio, Ca December 12 & 13 30th Annual Occidental Holiday Crafts Faire Local shopping, feasting & chances to win special gifts provided by vendors & local businesses. Admission is free. Highlighting over 35 local & regional artists, the event will delight your senses.

• www.occidental-ca.org 6 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

Wine Events November 7 & 8, 2015 - 11:00am to 4:00pm

A WINE AND FOOD AFFAIR

Celebrate a weekend of wine and food pairing in the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys.

All of the wineries participating will have a favorite winery recipe available online, which they will prepare both days for you to sample, along with the perfect wine. www.wineroad.com November 21-22, 2015

Holiday in Carneros

Holiday in Carneros is the prelude to the holiday season in wine country. On the weekend prior to Thanksgiving, the wineries of the Carneros region open their doors for a special two-day event. Both Saturday and Sunday you can join the wineries in celebrating the holidays with wine & food pairings or barrel tastings, perhaps a new release or chat with the winemaker and uncover that little known cellar gem. 11-4pm in various Carneros Wineries. www.carneroswineries.org/events/ January 16 - 17, 2016

23rd Annual Winter WINEland

140+ Wineries offering limited production wines, new releases, library wines & meet the winemakers.

3

www.wineroad.com

Citrus Fair

February 12-15, 2016 Bring the family out President’s Weekend and have some fun, featuring rides, live music, exhibitions and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

With rides like The Freak Out, Super Shot Drop Tower, Yo Yo and The Zipper, the kids will have a blast!

Then take them to the livestock area and see the best in show and the petting zoo.

The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (SFCWC) is the largest competition of American wines in the World and broke records again, with an astonishing 6,417 entries from more than 28 states in 2015.

The Citrus Fair 2016 theme is “Pirates of the Fair‘ibbean. So yo ho ho mateys, bring the family for a swashbuckling good time!

4

www.cloverdalecitrusfair.org

Sonoma International Film Festival

March 30 - April 3, 2016 Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) is an intimate celebration of unforgettable cinema, world-class food and fine wine. The annual Festival features hand-selected films screened in intimate venues within walking distance of Sonoma’s historic plaza.

This unique 5-day event offers world-class cuisine from local artisans and exceptional wine from Sonoma vintners. Renowned filmmakers, in-

Upcoming Events - Festivals and Fairs dustry leaders and celebrities such as Bruce Willis, Susan Sarandon, Robin Williams and Danny Glover have walked the festival red carpet and enjoyed its intimate ambiance.

SIFF will showcase American independent narrative features, engaging documentaries, several tracks of shorts and world cinema from 25 countries including Spanish-language films honoring its community diversity.

Screening venues around the Plaza include the historic Sebastiani Theatre, Andrews Hall at the Sonoma Community Center, and other multipurpose rooms in community organizations. The fact that festival goers can walk between the various venues surrounding the Plaza, where its big hospitality tent is located, makes SIFF a unique and ‘totally-walkable’ festival.

“We are very proud of this year’s program celebrating the best in film, food and wine,” says Kevin W. McNeely, Executive Director. “Films ranging from thought-provoking documentaries on environmental and social issues, to the best in animation, world cinema, art and music, coupled with panels, parties and our unique hospitality will provide a rich experience for our audiences as well as visiting filmmakers.”

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www.sonomafilmfest.org

Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival

April 9 & 10, 2016 The Bodega Bay community will host its 43rd Annual Fisherman’s Fes-

tival. The Festival is packed with events for people of all ages, including craft booths, live music, good food, entertainment and more. A favorite attraction is the wine tasting booth featuring more than 25 Sonoma County wines and a beer booth with several local ales. You will find something for every palate from barbecued oysters, local fish ‘n chips, clam chowder and a variety of food trucks. Live music and entertainers perform on the main stage all day Saturday and Sunday.

Artisans and vendors from all over California and beyond offer a wide “Blessing of the fleet” photo by Lynn Prunty selection of arts and crafts.

The festival has its origin as a celebration of the start of the Salmon fishing season and the annual Blessing of the Fleet. Each year’s theme is chosen by the Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Marketing Association. At the Festival site itself you’ll see a wooden boat challenge where participating teams build a vessel and compete in a boat race.

The Fisherman’s Festival is a great venue for kids with a play area for face painting, spin paintings, games, a touch tank tide pool, and llamas (and guest pets) on parade.

Sunday’s Blessing of the Fishing Fleet is the highlight of the Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival. These solemn annual blessings had their start more than 50 years ago when the event was part of the “Discovery Days Celebration” and we had a thriving commercial fishing industry.

• bbfishfest.org

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Apple Blossom Festival in Sebastopol April 18 & 19

69th Apple Blossom Festival (Sebastopol) Come Saturday for the parade, then stick around for the exhibits, great food and live entertainment!

Curtis Salgado will headline an all-star lineup of blues greats for the 69th annual festival. Salgado’s credits include Blues Music Award Winner in 2013, B.B. King Entertainer of the Year and Soul Blues Album of the Year.

Salgado is a world class entertainer, who will be appearing in Sebastopol after completing a tour of performances throughout Europe. His career includes playing with Robert Cray, Santana and Steve Miller among others. Salgado’s slow-burning ballads and driving rockers is delivered with the vocal power and passion of a musical master.

Joining Salgado on Sunday will be the 2015 contestant for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, Lady Bianca. Bianca’s roots may have been in Georgia, but her heart is in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she is considered, “Queen of the Blues and Gospel. Her trio was featured in the 2014 international Boogie Woogie Festival in Lugano, Switzerland. Opening the show will be a Bay Area powerhouse, HowellDivine.

The Art Workshop of Western Sonoma County (AWS) will host their annual members’ show at the Apple Blossom Festival, starting with a reception on Friday, April 17 from 7 PM to 9 PM in the Sebastopol Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 282 S. High Street. Admission to the reception is free, and wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. The exhibition continues on Saturday, April 18, from 10 AM to 6 PM and on Sunday, April 19, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Entrance to the art show is included in the festival admission.

Ives Park (on Jewell Ave. and Willow St.) and the Sebastopol Center for the Arts at the Veterans Memorial Building, 282 High St. • appleblossomfest.com • awsomeart.org

DownloaD

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Mobile app!

Download our Mobile App and access up-to-date information about upcoming festivals, live concerts, live theater and other events. Save money on Gift Certificates and coupons for activities and dining options in the area.

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Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 7

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2015 by 101 THINGS TO DO ®

Our Featured Photographers

Marlene Ortiz Smith

I have loved the beauty surrounding me since I was a child and have grabbed any camera within arms reach to try and capture what I could see with my own eyes. Digital cameras gave me the freedom to see my results instantly so in turn l was able to learn quickly what would give me the results I was looking for.

What I love most about photography is being able to freeze a moment in life that touches your heart, and takes you to a place of peace and happiness.

www.marlene-memoriesphotography.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/MarleneSmithPhotography

Rich Fraguero

Each day many moments come and go, and we are left only with a memory.

A memory is a story in our mind which fades with time while little details are slowly lost. I am fascinated by the idea of being able to freeze a memory and bring it home with me...our memories fade over time but a picture lasts forever. The pictures I take are representations of the moments that have had an impact on my life. They are the captured moments I’ve been able to bring home with me and am able to treasure forever. I really believe a picture is worth a thousand words.

www. richfraguero.smugmug.com www.facebook.com/rich.fraguero

Eric Tobias

My goal as a photographer is simple. To have the viewer experience the same emotions I did when I photographed the subject. For me, photography has become a lifestyle. It’s my visual diary, my window into timelessness. I have a passion for photographing the wine county because every season and every back road brings a rich pallete of photo opportunities. My creativity never fails to be fed in this land of endless vineyards, vintage barns and pastoral landscapes.

www.inTransitionStudio.com www.facebook.com/inTransition.Studio

Mike Shoys

“I hope everyone loves the place they grew up as much as I love the redwood range since childhood, where my back yard was a redwood forest, I’ve been seeking out places of natural beauty just because it feels good. After years of day hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, and sunset watching, a camera was added to my pack and things started to change. At first, disposable cameras allowed me to share views from some amazing places, which I seemed to have a habit of finding. As time passed and my abilities improved and camera upgraded, photography became a main objective of outdoor adventures. These days I tend to plan trips around photography, which fits seamlessly with my desire to seek beauty.”

www. mikeshoys.com www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Shoys-Photography/416778685612

Discover Bodega Bay...

There’s no place in the world quite like Bodega Bay on

California’s beautiful coastline. From world class golf and sportfishing to relaxing beaches and ocean view wining and dining, you’ll find your coastal

wonderland at Bodega Bay! Visit the site of Hitchcock’s classic film “The Birds”. Fly a kite or relax on the Beach.

Hang ten on one of the west coast’s most frequented surfing beaches. Grab some saltwater taffy or fresh oysters!

The next four pages offer dining, lodging, shopping and activity options for the Bodega Bay area.

Plan your Bodega Bay getaway now!

2015-16 Bodega Bay Events: Nov. 28 & 29, 2015 Christmas Crafts Fair

April 11 & 12, 2016 Fisherman’s Festival

January 2016 (TBD) Chowder Day

May 21 & 22, 2016 3rd Annual Wool Festival Downtown Valley Ford

January (Date TBD) Grange Crab Cioppino Feed

Saturday, May 7, 2016 Castles & Kites at Doran Beach

February, 2016 The Beach Cabaret

July 4, 2016 Independence Day Fireworks Show

March, 2016 Hitchcock Film Festival March, 2016 Bodega Polenta Feed (Polenta Feed, BBQ & More)

Use the next four pages to plan your trip to Bodega Bay!

Aug 22 & 23, 2016 Seafood Art & Wine Festival Aug. (TBD) The Big Event BBQ/Parade

photo by Will Bucquoy

visitbodegabayca.com

Stay in Bodega Bay Adams Realty

“THE local real estate experts” 2001 Hwy One, Ste A, Bodega Bay (707) 875-3200 www.bodegabayrealty.com

“BEST” Vacation Rentals

Amazing homes with spectacular views!

1580 Eastshore Rd, Ste D, Bodega Bay (707) 377-4250 • www.BBBVR.com

Bodega Bay Escapes

Find the perfect Bodega Bay vacation rental!

1795 Highway 1, Bodega Bay (877) 809-7819 • (707) 875-2600 www.bodegabayescapes.com

Bodega Bay Lodge

The quintessential California coastal retreat.

103 Coast Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay (707) 875-3525 www.bodegabaylodge.com

Bodega Bay RV Park

The only full-service RV Park on the Sonoma Coast.

2001 Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay (707) 875-3701 • bodegabayrvpark.com

The Continental Inn

Old fashioned luxury with modern comfort and convenience.

26985 Hwy. 1, Tomales, CA 94971 (707) 878-2396 www.thecontinentalinn.com

Shop & Play Birdhouse Gifts

Fun treasures, jewelry, t-shirts, shells, birdfeeders, ceramics, glass, scarves, hats.

1409 Hwy 1, Bodega Bay (next to The Birds Cafe) 707-875-2900 _______________________

Bodega Bay Surf Shack

Rentals - Surf Boards - Kayaks - SUPs Clothing - Gifts 1400 Hwy 1., Bodega Bay www.bodegabaysurf.com 707) 875-3944 _______________________

Bodega Bay Massage

An eclectic blend of massage styles.

1580 Eastshore Rd., #F, Bodega Bay (707) 876-3174 www.bodegabaymassage.com

tered BBQ , Custom Tours, Ca More!

Special Events & Mention this ad for a special discount!

Wine Tours • Beer Tasting Tours Bodega Bay & Beaches Tour Cheese Tours • Transportation/Driver Call or email us today for rates & availability of your custom tour! Explore the secrets & hidden treasures of Sonoma County!

(707) 775-0282 • info@sonomaconcierge.com

www.sonomaconcierge.com

The Links at Bodega Harbour

Bodega Bay Sailing

Golf in breathtaking natural beauty!

21301 Heron Dr., Bodega Bay (707) 875-3538 • bodegaharbourgolf.com ______________________

Boat House Restaurant & Bodega Bay Sportfishing

Bodega Bay’s only Oyster Bar! 1850 Bay Flat Rd, Bodega Bay (707)-875-FISH (3474) www.bodegabayoysters.com ______________________

3 hour tour of Bodega Bay. Up to six people.

Call Rich - 707-318-2251 www.bodegabaysailing.com

Your gateway to the finest fishing on the coast!

1445 Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay (707) 875-3495 www.bodegabaysportfishing.com ________________________

Candy & Kites

A happy little store specializing in being nice to you for 31 years!

1415 Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay (707) 875-3777• www.candyandkites.com ________________________

Diekmann’s Bay Store

Groceries, Sporting Goods, Deli 1275 California 1 Bodega Bay (707) 875-3517 www.diekmannsbaystore.com ________________________

East Shore Outfitters

Your source for Bodega Bay Wear.

1795A Highway 1, Bodega Bay (707) 377-4034 •eastshoreoutfitters.com _______________________

Hagemann Ranch Trout Farm

Come fish our ponds, no fishing license required, fishing equipment available.

18401 Hwy. 1, Bodega CA 94922.

(707) 876-3217 www.hagemannranch.com ________________________

Fisherman’s Cove

The Ren Brown Collection

Dedicated to showing contemporary art from both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

1781 Highway 1, Bodega Bay www.renbrown.com • (707) 875-2922 _______________________

Sonoma Concierge

Private, Custom Tours & Transportation.

Discover Sonoma County’s hidden treasures.

(707) 775-0282 • sonomaconcierge.com ______________________

Second Wind

Kites, Toys, Sweets and Fun! 1805 Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay (707) 875-WIND (9463) www.secondwindfun.com ______________________

Valley Ford Mercantile and Wool Mill

Local artists, yarns, organic bedding and clothing.

14390 Hwy, Valley Ford (707) 876-1908 www.valleyfordwoolmill.com

Wetlands Trail • Osprey Trail Blacktail Trail • Salmon Creek Miwok Village • Eagle View • Beach Ride ~ Group Rates ~ Private Rates ~ All Rides are Guided Rides available for ages 6 and up.

Horse ‘N Around Trail Rides All rides have ocean views!

2660 Hwy One, Bodega Bay (707) 875-8849 www.horsenaroundtrailrides.com

The best source for Bodega Bay Wear!

T-Shirts, Outerwear, Flip-Flops, Ladieswear, Kidswear, Gifts & Jewelry

Friendly Visitor Info!

FREE MAP & GUIDE! 1795A Hwy 1, Bodega Bay Look for the rusty pelicans!

707.377.4034

Horse N Around Trail Rides

2660 Hwy 1, Bodega Bay 707.875.3333 • horsenaroundtrailrides.com Reservations@horsenaroundtrailrides.com

• Garden Spinners • Flags & Windsocks • Beach & Air Toys • Salt Water Taffy and lots more candy • Single Line Kites • Dual Control Sport Kites • Traction Kites • Trainer Kites for Kite Boarding

Mention this ad for

10% off

your $20 or more purchase

1415 Coast Highway 1, Bodega Bay 707.875.3777 • candyandkites.com

Taste Bodega Bay Bay View Restaurant & Bar Italian Cuisine 800 Coast Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay (707) 875-2751 www.innatthetides.com

The Bluewater Bistro

A perfect combination of seaside and wine country cuisine.

21301 Heron Dr., Bodega Bay (707) 875-3513 •bodegaharbourgolf.com

Casino Bar & Grill

Historic old style roadhouse!

17000 Bodega Hwy. Bodega (707) 876-3185 www.thecasinobarandgrill.com

Duck Club Restaurant

The perfect place to start or finish your day.

103 Coast Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay (707) 875-3525 www.bodegabaylodge.com

Fishetarian Fish Market & Deli

Sustainable seafood & good eats!

599 S Highway 1, Bodega Bay (707) 875-9092 • www.fishetarian.org

Gourmet au Bay

Sonoma Coast’s only wine bar, bottle shop & gift store!

913 Hwy 1, Bodega Bay (707) 875-9875 • gourmetaubay.com

Sonoma Coast Vineyards

Sonoma Coast Vineyards produces handcrafted wines from the Extreme Sonoma Coast.

555 S. Highway 1, Bodega Bay 707-921-2860 • sonomacoastvineyards.com

Spud Point Crab Company

Old style Fishermen’s Wharf operation.

1860 Westshore Rd., Bodega Bay (707) 875-9472 • www.spudpointcrab.com

The Birds Café

Patio with Bay View - Fish & Chips Chowder - Fish Tacos - BBQ Seafood 1409 Hwy 1, Bodega Bay (across from Pelican Plaza) 707-875-2900 • www.thebirdscafe.com

Tides Wharf Restaurant & Bar No seats available…. without a view of the bay!

835 Coast Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay (707) 875-3652 • innatthetides.com

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17. Gourmet Au Bay 18. Hagemann Ranch Trout Farm 19. Horse N Around Trail Rides 20. Ren Brown Gallery

North Via Hwy 1: Petaluma - 27 miles Tomales - 15 miles Hwy 101 - 29 miles

21. Second Wind 22. Sonoma Coast Vineyards 23. Sonoma Concierge 24. Spud Point Crab Company 25. The Birds Café & Birdhouse Gifts 26. The Casino Bar & Grill 27. The Continental Inn 28. Tide’s Wharf Restaurant 29. Valley Ford Mercantile & Wool Mill

Fresh Seafood Case Fish & Chips Oysters • Calimari Prawns • Fish Tacos Organic Salads Gluten Free Options

C C * FREEFishetarian Fish Market

*with purchase of Lunch or Dinner up of Must present this aD howder (expires 9/30/16)

599 Highway 1 South (next to Lucas Wharf) Bodega Bay, Ca • 707.875.9092 • fishetarian.org

Coastal Adventures photo by Rich Fraguero

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Take a Hike on the Sonoma Coast

Sonoma Coast hiking options are diverse and plentiful, from sand dunes to peaks with trails offering vistas as far away as the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.

Sonoma Coast State Park There are three areas of the park that offer hiking opportunities. Most of the hikes along the headlands are not that strenuous as you are walking across fairly flat ground that is essentially an open prairie.

South Sonoma Coast Bodega Head has a relatively short hiking trail that goes around the headlands. This trail has spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Bodega Harbor, and the town of Bodega Bay. There is another trail that connects with the trail system found in the Bodega Dunes section of the park. Here you can walk along the headlands and on the beach. (On clear nights, Bodega Head is

an excellent place for star gazing!)

Sonoma Coast Trail is a pretty bluff-top route that connects to some wonderful secret beaches. During spring, wildflowers brighten the bluff: blue lupine, Indian paintbrush and sea sage.

Sonoma Coast Trail begins on the bluffs above Blind Beach, but hikers can also begin at Goat Rock, located a half mile north of the trailhead. The rock is connected to the mainland by a causeway. During the 1920s, Goat Rock was quarried, and used to build a jetty at the mouth of the Russian River.

A mile north of the trailhead, and 0.5 miles north of Goat Rock, you will find the mouth of the Russian River. The 110 mile-long river is one of the largest on the North Coast. At the river mouth, you can observe osprey nesting in the treetops. The California brown pelican is one of several species of birds that breed and nest on Penny Island, located in the river mouth.

Directions to trailhead: From Highway 1, ten miles north of the town of Bodega Bay, turn west on Goat Rock Road. Signed Sonoma Coast Trail begins at a small parking lot on the left of the road. If you’d like to begin this walk at Goat Rock, continue to road’s end at a large parking area.

Sonoma Coast Trail heads south along the edge of the bluffs. Soon, you’ll step over a stile and head across a pasture. The trail climbs to a saddle on the shoulder of Peaked Hill (elevation 376 feet). You then descend to the bluff tops, and cross a bridge over a fern-lined ravine. It’s a pastoral scene with grassy bluffs and a weathered old barn in the distance.

After crossing another ravine, the path reaches the Shell Beach parking area. A short trail descends the bluffs to Shell Beach. Another trail extends northwest, crosses the highway, and reaches redwood-shaded Pomo Canyon.

Picnic tables and walk-in (environmental) campsites are located near the creek.

Sonoma Coast Trail continues south, detouring inland around a private home, then doubling back seaward. The trail plunges into Furlong Gulch, then switchbacks back up to the bluffs. You can follow the trail or the beach to Wright’s Beach Campground.

Further north in Sonoma Coast State Park are two other trails. The Kortum Trail extends from Blind Beach to Wright’s Beach. Access (parking) is midway along the trail at Shell Beach at Wright’s Beach. The trail travels along headlands and down to a few beaches. You can also travel inland from Shell Beach by taking the Pomo Canyon Trail. It begins at Route 1, just across the pull-off entrance to Shell Beach and ends at Pomo Canyon Environmental Camp.

Another trail of note is at the northern edge of the park. Vista Point is a short loop trail that goes to breathtaking Vista Point. There is a parking lot and picnic tables at the trailhead.

Sonoma Coast Beaches: Miles of sandy beaches, rugged headlands with spectacular vistas, and a rocky coast with secret coves and arches carved by the sea and wind make this area popular for Sonoma hiking. Sonoma Coast State Beach is not one beach, but many. You could easily overlook them, because most aren’t visible from Highway 1. The beaches are tucked away in rocky coves, and hidden by tall bluffs. Colorfully named locales are some of the highlights of Sonoma Coast State Beach, thirteen miles of coastline stretching from the Russian River to Bodega Bay. The summer morning fog will usually burn off by noon.

Be aware of the danger of “sneaker waves,” frequent along this coast, that can sweep hikers off rocks.

See our website and Mobile App for a list and descriptions of all beaches.

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Drive the Beautiful Pacific Coast Highway

People from all over the world come to this area just to drive the spectacular Pacific Coast Highway (Coastal Highway 1). From the Golden Gate Bridge, take the Muir Beach exit, just past Sausalito/Marin City. You will wind past beautiful beaches and past the Point Reyes National Seashore. Highway 1 continues along the coast, breaking off briefly to go through the town of Valley Ford before rejoining the coast at Bodega Bay. You will want to stop here at the Sonoma Coast Visitor Center, then try one of the great oceanside restaurants for some fresh fish, crab or clam chowder. Another option is to go Wine Surfing at Gourmet au Bay (but keep in mind, the road ahead is a winding road, so perhaps better on the way back). Continue up the coast and you will pass numerous accessible beaches, including the extremely photogenic Goat Rock Beach.

As you continue north, in approximately 10 miles you will encounter Jenner by the Sea. The Russian River flows into the Pacific Ocean at Jenner.

Relax and enjoy the pelicans in flight, the cormorants and sandpipers hunting for their dinner, and hear the harbor seals barking. River’s End Restaurant, which overlooks the beach and is the best spot you will ever find for watching sunsets, has been named among the most romantic spots in the world. Jenner Inn offers lodging with breathtaking views. And just a few miles north (about 14 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

photo by Rich Fraguero 12), Timber Cove Inn and Alexander’s Restaurant offer a view-filled hide-away with culinary benefits.

You will also see Fort Ross State Park, where you can tour this 200 year old Russian Settlement, including an actual fort.

The next 25 miles includes more rugged coastal scenery, several accessible beaches, Sea Ranch Lodge and Restaurant, and Sea Ranch Golf Course.

Just over the Mendocino County border you will find yourself in the charming village of Gualala, where the Gualala River meets the sea. Here you’ll find an array of unique shopping opportunities.

(707) 869-2958 •parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450 •stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org

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Kite on the Beach

Spend a windy afternoon with your bare feet in the sand and your eyes fixed in the sky as you fly a kite on the beach. Watching the kite dip and soar as it is blown about by the wind will bring out the inner child in anyone.

These days, kites have progressed well beyond the simple single string-andtail models. Fly all sorts of more challenging and high performance kites, such as stunt kites and traction kites that will do flips and loops and figure eights with only the tug of a string. For the “power kiter,” try kitegroundboarding, buggying and free flying.

There are a full range of kites available, and the perfect place to start is at Candy and Kites in Bodega Bay. This colorful, coastal shop offers an out of this world selection of kites and accessories. As the name implies, however, Candy and Kites is not just for kites. They also sell a scrumptious variety of hand made chocolates, saltwater taffy, old-fashioned candies, flags, banners, spinners and a plethora of beach toys and books for the kids.

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ride through the protected wetlands where you’ll see an abundance of bird life.

A great ride for the whole family!

Osprey Trail is a scenic trail that winds through protected wetlands and around a turtle pond.

This trail is gentle and is an easy, comfortable way for you to enjoy riding a horse.

Salmon Creek Trail r ides through protected wetlands and down into the canyon to Salmon Creek. This trail has great views of the ocean and Salmon Creek.

Not recommended for timid or fearful riders. Enjoy the panoramic views of the ocean among the herd of Galloway Cattle. The trail is called the Blacktail Trail for good reason, they often encounter Coastal Blacktail Mule Deer as they graze on the hill. Not for timid riders.

Miwok Trail is one of their most diverse trail rides, with beautiful views of the ocean, you’ll walk along the serene Salmon Creek and under the canopy of trees where the Miwok Indians had a village along the creek. Not for timid riders. 2660 N. Hwy One, Bodega Bay. 707-875-8849 •horsenaroundtrailrides. com (707) 869-2958 •parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450 •stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org

1415 Coastal Hwy 1 in Bodega Bay (707) 875-3777. •candyandkites.com

Ride a Horse on the Sonoma Coast

So you want to ride a horse on the beach? Whether it’s on your bucket list or just something that sounds intriguing, it is possible with Horse N Around Trail Rides. These two coastal operators offer turnkey, affordable adventures you won’t soon forget!

Horse N Around is located on legendary Chanslor Ranch in Bodega Bay. Take an unforgettable ride through the beautiful dunes of Bodega Bay to the breathtaking Beach! This ride is not only fabulous because of the panoramic views of the amazing Sonoma Coast but also because you are helping save lives! Every penny goes to rescue horses that have been neglected, abused, abandoned or destined for slaughter. Most of the horses used for the trail rides are rescued horses that were given a second chance.

Wetlands Trail is a gentle ride with beautiful views of the ocean. A great ride for young cowboys and cowgirls, first time riders and timid riders. You’ll Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 15

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Go Sportfishing on the Pacific Ocean

This is a great time of year to go sportfishing. Bodega Bay is the gateway to some great deep sea fishing, whether you go north toward Point Reyes or south toward the Farrallon Islands. Anglers are reporting good catches of King Salmon.

At Bodega Bay Sportfishing you can jump on board for daily salmon and rock cod fishing aboard 55 and 65 foot fast, modern fiberglass vessels. Captain Rick Powers knows what is biting and where, so trust him. If possible, book a weekday, and you can expect much more on board attention.

They also offer Whale Watching Trips January through April.

Whether you make a day of it with some good friends or the whole family, this will be an experience you always remember! Get the latest fishing report at usafishing.com/bodega.html.

1410 B Bay Flat Rd., Bodega Bay 707.875.3344 •bodegabaysportfishing.com

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See Where Hitchcock Filmed “The Birds”

In 1961, Alfred Hitchcock was looking for a coastal location for his next film. He was looking for a remote area, free of interference from trees and mountains, giving him open and clear shots of sky. Bodega and Bodega Bay fit the bill, and almost three years later, the thriller The Birds was released.

Still standing today is the original schoolhouse in which Tippi Hedren and the schoolchildren took refuge, then tried to flee from the gulls and flocks of ravens. The ancient Potter School was condemned before the filming, so film crews shored it up. Over the years, the school has been used as a bed and breakfast, but is now a private residence, so please respect the owner’s privacy.

Next door to the schoolhouse was the schoolteacher’s house, but that was a facade built by the film crew, and is no longer there. A glimpse of the Bodega Catholic Church was seen in the film, which still exists. Some other structures burned down in the late 60s, but the serene countryside and the roads traveled are quite recognizable.

Shown in one of the opening scenes, Bay Hill Road can be found entering Hwy 1, both north and south of town. At the north end, drive up about a mile, safely turn around and look at the scene that was filmed over 40 years ago.

Remember the gas station that blew up? That was the Tides Restaurant and parking lot, used for the gas station, cafe and boat dock scenes. The gas station was actually blown up on a studio lot. The Tides complex which has been expanded and remodeled several times since then is now the Tides Wharf Restaurant, serving local seafood specialties with panoramic views of the bay. The Sonoma Coast Visitor Center in Bodega Bay receives thousands of Hitchcock fans every year, looking for a glimpse of scenery from the film.

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•visitbodegabayca.org

Surf in Bodega Bay

Gourmet au Bay is Sonoma County’s only waterside wine bar, bottle shop and gift store. What is “Wine Surfing”? First choose 3 wines to sample from their daily menu, then your glasses are slipped into a carefully crafted “surfboard”, then you’ll carefully carry your surfboard of wine out to their 16 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

beautiful viewing deck right on the bay. Linger on the deck and enjoy award winning wines, engaging conversation and a breathtaking view.

So experience an unforgettable Bodega Bay sunset and try Wine Surfing. Gourmet au Bay is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine or share a bottle and some cheese and delectable crackers with friends. Buy a bottle and enjoy complimentary corkage at many participating area restaurants. They are open every day from 11am to 7pm, Friday and Saturday until 8pm.

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913 Coastal Highway One, Bodega Bay 707.875.9875 •gourmetaubay.com

ee the

Whales

From late November through February you may see California gray whales, 40 - 60 feet long. They are migrating from the rich feeding fields of the Arctic region down the California coast. Pregnant whales are usually in the lead, with non-pregnant females and males following behind, courting and mating as they travel. After a four to seven week stay in the lagoons of coastal Baja, while the birthing takes place, the migration returns by the North Coast from late February through April. On their journey, the whales move past Point Reyes, the Farallon Islands, through Half Moon Bay and Monterey Bay, and follow the coastline along Southern California before reaching Mexico. Mothers and their calves leave last, so they can be seen passing by as late as early May. To see the whales at close range, you can take a whale-watching cruise or, if you’re fortunate, you may sight one of these incredible creatures as you gaze at the ocean from a bluff.

The fascinating migration of California gray whales can be observed from Sonoma County shores or on whale-watching cruises. Local fishing boats offer whale-watching cruises throughout the season. While on a cruise, you may see dolphins, humpback whales, harbor seals, seabirds, and possibly even a blue whale, the largest animal known to man. Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods offers Docent led Whale Watching Tours.

Whale watching season along the Sonoma coast peaks in December and January. Great viewing opportunities abound at Gualala Point and Stillwater Regional Parks, or Black Point and Walk On Beach accesses (in Sea Ranch).

The large males, females, and their calves, are often seen from Bodega Head.

The local Whale Watching Club gathers there with “Official Whale Watcher” gear and shows visitors what to look for and where whales have been spotted.

Other good locations include Fort Ross State Park, Timber Cove, Salt Point Park and Sonoma Coast State Beach (Shell Beach). Observers should look for the whale’s 10-15 foot spouts.

•stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org

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Discover Coastal Parks & Ocean Beaches

Sonoma Coast State Park is one of the most popular parks in Northern California for good reason. There’s plenty to do, including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, crabbing, beachcombing, surfing, picnicking, camping, and abalone diving. However, this is not a good place to go swimming or wading.

The park is made up of a series of beaches separated by rocky bluffs and headlands. There are long sandy beaches, secluded coves, tide pools, sea stacks, and natural arches. There’s an underwater park for divers that extends the length of the park. All these beaches have dangerous currents and waves.

Even the surf area is unsafe, and sneaker waves have claimed unwary visitors.

There are a number of beaches that you can walk or drive to. These include (from south to north) South Salmon Beach, North Salmon Beach, Schoolhouse Beach, Portuguese Beach, Duncan’s Landing, Shell Beach, Blind Beach, and Goat Rock Beach. The park starts just north of Jenner and extends 17 miles south to Bodega Head, totaling some 5,000 acres. The park is not

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Coastal Adventures

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photo by Marlene Ortiz Smith

pet friendly.

Many of the beaches provide habitat for endangered species and do not allow dogs. They are also not allowed on any of the trails. In places where dogs are allowed (primarily the parking lots) they must be kept on a 6 foot or less leash. According to petfriendlytravel.com, dogs are allowed on Doran Beach, Marshall Gulch, Carmet Beach, Schoolhouse Beach, Portuguese Beach, Duncans Cove, Wright’s Beach, Furlong Gulch, Shell Beach, Blind Beach. Dogs are prohibited at Salmon Creek North, Salmon Creek South, Miwok Beach, Coleman Beach, Bodega Dunes Beach, Goat Rock Beach.

•sonoma-coast-state-park.com

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Take a 3-Hour Sailboat Tour of Bodega Bay

Take a 3-hour sailing tour of Bodega Bay on a beautiful 33’ sailboat.

Owner/Captain Rich Crumley has been sailing since he was a boy. His goal is to not only ensure you and your companions have a good time, he will also educate you about local geology, history and the animals that hatch, feed, migrate and spout in the rich habitat of Bodega Bay. Rich, a former Park Ranger for Sonoma County Parks, says his boat, The Entropy II, can take up to four people on the three-hour sailing tours and reaches speeds of 6 to 12 knots (6.9 to 13.8 mph).

Expect to see sea lions, manta rey, white and blue heron. “This is a rest stop for migrating birds in the spring and fall,” Crumley explains. If it is the right time of year, you may even see migrating whales.

Captain Crumley generally will go sailing seven days a week at either 10am to 1pm or 2pm to 5pm. At just $80 per person, it is a real bargain and an unforgettable experience. They also offer a Sunset Cruise at $100 per person.

707.318.2251 • bodegabaysailing.org

Take a Kayak on a WaterTreks EcoTour

Imagine seeing harbor seals, blue herons and an ancient singing stone in one day. Depending on the season, and adventure you might see gray whales, white pelicans or bald eagles. In late summer, bioluminescent plankton attach to the fish and you can watch fish dart like fireworks under your kayak.

Where does all this wonder occur? It is where the river meets the waves, and WaterTreks EcoTours knows the special spots. Trained guides share Russian River Estuary history, such as Penny Island’s dairy or the Skywatcher, a Kashaya Pomo singing stone. Descended from a long line of Kashaya who live in the area, owner Suki Waters herself spent part of her childhood on the river and coast, learning to fish, harvest seaweed and how to identify the wildlife, flora and fauna of the estuary. WaterTrek’s Living Classrooms project helps students of all ages discover science and history firsthand. Open seven days a week, you will find their booth across from Café Aquatica in Jenner.

Kayak rentals also available photo by Eric Tobias daily. All reservations by phone: (707) 865-2249. WaterTreks runs year ‘round, so call them today to book your adventure!

707.865.2249 • watertreks.com

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Hike or Bike a trail in Willow Creek

This 3,000+ acre addition to the Sonoma Coast State Park is somewhat unique, not only for its beautiful, hilly landscape, but also for the fact that it survives through a stewardship program with LandPaths. While the land is open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, you’ll need to obtain a permit to do so. However, the money collected through this program allows for maintenance of the park (signage, brush clearing, trail cultivation, etc.) as well as the guarantee that you’ll have a pristine open space to explore for generations to come. The seed funds provide for public access and provided by the California Coastal Conservancy. Your assistance, too, is key to helping manage access to this park. One important way to help is by respecting private property boundaries that border all sides of Willow Creek.

The Park offers a 15-mile network of ranch and logging roads leading to numerous trails, perennial streams, and scenic overlooks. Trails connect with adjacent State Park lands (Pomo Canyon and Shell Beach), allowing hikers and bikers to trek from Duncans Mills to Shell Beach, approx. 7 miles each way. The park features forests and grasslands with stunning views of the ocean, including the popular “Islands in the Sky” loop. Access is from Duncans Mills off Freezeout Road (with parking lot through locked gate) or at the end of Willow Creek Rd off Coleman Valley Rd (limited parking on road) for current valid permit holders only.

If you would like to obtain a permit to hike, bike or horseback ride at Willow Creek, go to: www.landpaths.org/propertyexplorer/willowcreek-people-powered-park.aspx. To get a copy of a detailed map, go to stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org/pdf/wc_trailmap.pdf (707) 869-2958 •parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450 •stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org

18 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

Coastal Adventures

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Take the King Ridge Bicycle Trail

According to the Santa Rosa Cycling Club, “King Ridge Road is considered by many to be the crown jewel of North Bay cycling roads.” There are a lot of beautiful rides to choose from, so give it a try and judge for yourself. It is, without a doubt, a challenging and beautiful day trip, at 55 miles.

The ride begins in the Russian River Resort Area’s Monte Rio, from a parking lot on the north end of the bridge over the Russian River. From this Monte Rio Parks and Rec lot, turn left on River Road. Your route will parallel the river, then, after a turn onto Austin Creek Road, proceed upstream along that pretty creek. Relax and enjoy this redwood laden forest road about six miles, turning right onto Cazadero Highway.

Follow that road to past the lazy hamlet of Cazadero (mile 9). Stop at the general store if you need water or supplies.

At the junction, take the middle road (King Ridge). Ride the ridgeline and prepare yourself for some of the most breathtaking vistas you will ever see.

Over the next 22 miles, the road you’re on will change names from Hauser Bridge to Seaview to Fort Ross to Meyer’s Grade without really making any turns. At mile 36, we arrive at a junction with Fort Ross Road, coming up from the coast. Half a mile later, the other portion of Fort Ross turns left, while we continue straight south on Meyers Grade. Connecting with Highway 1, you will take this ultimate thrill ride down that coastal highway past Timber Cove, Fort Ross and Jenner by the Sea, finally bringing you to a relatively level road back to Monte Rio, passing the unique shopping hamlet of Duncans Mills.

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www.srcc.memberlodge.com/TGR

Spend the Day at Salt Point State Park

Salt Point State Park encompasses 6,000 acres of open grasslands, forested hills, pristine prairies and pygmy forests, as well as a rugged coastline and an underwater park. The site was once a sandstone rock quarry used to build San Francisco’s streets and buildings in the mid-1800s. Today, Salt Point State Park boasts over 20 miles of hiking trails, six miles of coastline and an underwater park.

Bike, trails, RV facilities, skin and scuba diving, horseback riding, fishing, a variety of camping options and educational programs are available at this phenomenal site. Unique to this park is the Tafoni (Italian for “cavern”). A natural phenomenon, Tafoni is a honeycombed network carved Salt Point Falls, photo by Rich Fraguero into the rocks, forming pits, knobs, ribs and ridges.

Salt Point State Park is located on Hwy 1, about 20 miles north of Jenner.

For more information, call (707) 847-3221.

(707) 869-2958 •parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450 •parks.ca.gov/?page_id=453 • stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org

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See a Real Fort at fort Ross State Park

Take a trip to the Fort Ross State Historic Park to see how members of the Russian-American settlement lived from 1812 to 1841. The park offers delightfully informative and entertaining tours as well as a reconstructed Russian Orthodox chapel, barracks and two corner blockhouses. The Rotchev House is an original building that was renovated in 1836 for the last manager of Fort Ross, Alexander Rotchev. Fishing, hiking, camping and scuba diving are popular activities at Fort Ross Historic Park, and after a long day of fun, relax in the shade with a picnic at the picturesque picnic area. Fort Ross State Historic Park is located 12 miles north of Jenner on Hwy 1.

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(707) 847-3286. •parks.ca.gov/?page_id=449 (707) 869-2958 •parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450

See Fine Art or a Concert at Gualala Arts Center

Get a taste of the area’s artistic culture. The Gualala Arts Center is home to some marvelous local and regional works of art. Several galleries showcase metal and wood sculptures, all kinds of paintings and even quilts. There are exciting special events occurring year round, including the well-known and well-attended “Art in the Redwoods Festival” in August. The Gualala Arts Center is a great place to go to learn a new hobby. You could learn watercolor painting, glass blowing, stone sculpture, jewelry making and even photography. The center is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The main building of the Gualala Arts Center is located off Highway 1 just south of Gualala off Old Stage Road. You are going to want to call ahead of time to see what exhibits and classes are available. The Gualala Arts Center is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on weekends from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Highway 1 South of Gualala • 707.884-1138 • gualalaarts.org

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Golf Oceanside at the Links at Bodega Harbor

Experience the beauty and challenge of a true Scottish style links course.

Perched along the spectacular Sonoma County Coast, the Links at Bodega Harbour combines breathtaking natural beauty with a recently remodeled Robert Trent Jones II design. Combining spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean from all 18 holes, rolling fairways, undulating greens, and native coastal rough, this golf course is sure to take your breath away.

Bluewater Bistro, right on site at the course, offers not only those wonderful mid-course refreshments, but also a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This ocean-side bistro offers a perfect combination of seaside and wine country cuisine for both golfers and non-golfers alike; serving only the freshest ingredients possible, from Sonoma County beef, to fresh fish right off the boat. Every Thursday from 5pm-8pm join them for Live Music/Martini Night with local music artists, martini specials, great wine country bar menu and sunset views you will never forget!

21301 Heron Dr., Bodega Bay • 707.875.3538. •bodegaharbourgolf.com Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 19

Coastal Adventures

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Discover Life in the Coastal Tidepools

The tidepools on the Sonoma Coast are teeming with life. From the nearly invisible aggregating anemones to the lively hermit crabs living in appropriated turban snail shells, everywhere you step there are fragile intertidal creatures underfoot. Many tidepool animals can be safely touched as long as it is done with great care and respect. A general guideline is to only touch animals as gently as you would your own eyeball. For example, anemones should not be poked and sea hares should not be squeezed.

As a general rule, organisms should only be picked up if this may be accomplished easily. No organism attached to a surface should be removed by force, however slight. Many animals, such as limpets, chitons, barnacles, mussels, seastars, and urchins are attached directly to rocks (permanently or temporarily) and using force to remove them would be harmful to them.

Animals that are actively swimming or moving away from people, or that resist being handled, should not be pursued or picked up. Animals such as lobsters or sea urchins, that are protecting themselves in crevices or under rocks should not be pulled free or picked up. There are two locations on the Sonoma Coast well-known for their abundant tidepool offerings: Salt Point State Park: Located 18 miles north of Jenner on Highway 1, there are many tidepools along the park’s coastline, including Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve. The visitor center is open on weekends from April through October and offers interpretive tidepool walks. If you’re lucky, you might even see a colony of harbor seals, or perhaps the wide tail of a breaching whale.

707.847.3221 Shell Beach, Sonoma Coast State Beach: You will find this rocky, expansive beach on Highway 1 three miles south of Jenner. The tidepools are rich and easily accessible. During spring and summer low tides, volunteer naturalists are available to help interpret the tidepools for visitors.

707.875.3483. •parks.ca.gov/pages/451/files/SONOMACOASTSB.pdf

25

See Vibrant Colors at Kruse Rhododendron Park

The vibrant colors of the lovely rhododendron are sure to delight at Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve. Bright pink blossoms are everywhere within the park’s five-plus miles of magnificent hiking trails. The lush greens of the ferns and foliage help to set off the marvelous colors. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are also m a ny h o r s e b ac k riding trails. This impressive forest is ever evolving as second growth redwood and Douglas fir continue to rise into the sky. The park’s 317 acres were donated to the state of California in memory of Edward P. Kruse, one of the founders of San Francisco’s German Bank. The land was once used by the family as a sheep farm.

The best time to experience the most vivid colors is springtime. The Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve is located about 20 miles north of Jenner near mile marker 43, adjacent to Salt Point State Park.

707.847-3221. •parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450 •parks.ca.gov/?page_id=448

26

Taste Wine at Sonoma Coast Vineyards

Their passion for the Pacific Ocean and Pinot Noir wine led John and Barbara Drady to the Sonoma Coast when they founded Sonoma Coast Vineyards (SCV) in 2001. With two combined decades of wine industry experience, they realized the challenge of growing grapes on the coast. So they enlisted master winemaker Anthony Austin, who brought his vast knowledge, incredible artistry and experience to SCV’s mission of producing exceptional wines from the Sonoma Coast appellation.

Their unique growing region, in the town of Freestone, is just five miles from the cold coastal climate. Its frequently fogshrouded fields are ideal for growing the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.

SCV’S tasting room is located right off Coastal Highway 1 in Bodega Bay, overlooking the bay. Walk-in tastings are available every day from 10:30 am to 6 pm (hours may change by the season so check their website or give them a call). Their low production Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays are well worth the visit, and the spectacular views are the pièce de résistance.

Add a great local cheese plate to any tasting flight for only $12.

Or for the ultimate Sonoma Coast wine tasting experience, reserve a private tasting in the Wines on the Edge Club Room. The private tasting is available by appointment at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Maximum 8 guests per tasting, and only $25 per person.

SCV also offers the “Sonoma Coast Food and Wine Experience”, a more intimate, educational experience featuring tapas-style food and wine in their Wine’s on the Edge Club Room. Hosted by one of their hospitality professionals, you will taste through five wines, each perfectly paired with locally sourced small plates. The menu is seasonal and subject to change. Vegetarian option available upon request. This tasting typically lasts 60-75 minutes.

707.921.2860 • 555 Highway 1, Bodega Bay •sonomacoastvineyards.com

27

Explore the Magnificent Coast at Sea Ranch Lodge

Sea Ranch Lodge is a serene destination on scenic Coastal Highway 1, close to the Mendocino County Line. Come to Sea Ranch for breathtaking ocean vistas, rugged and pristine bluffs and abundant wildlife.

The 3,500-acre community extends about 10 miles along the coastline, offering preserved open space, miles of hiking trails, and the Sea Ranch Golf Links, a Scottish-style course designed by Robert Muir Graves.

Right outside the door at Sea Ranch Lodge are 50 miles of hiking trails for guests to enjoy.

These trails meander through coastal meadows and conifer forests, past unique architecture and among distinctive, natural features. Most popular is the Bluff Trail which begins at the lodge and runs along the Sonoma coastline for over eight miles, ending at Gualala Regional Park, the northernmost coastal point in Sonoma County, just before you reach Mendocino County. Within a few minutes’ drive are hikes to local beaches and Salt Point State Park, with other breathtaking coastal trails to explore.

There are five public-access beaches at The Sea Ranch, with Black Point Beach just a five-minute walk from the lodge’s doorstep. Each has its own character, from rocky Shell Beach to sandy, windswept Walk-On Beach with driftwood sculptures and ever-changing shapes.

If you are a ‘birder,’ you can find over 100 species right outside your doorstep. Many residents of The Sea Ranch are avid naturalists and maintain lists of area sightings.

The acclaimed Black Point Grill at Sea Ranch Lodge features internationally-inspired California cuisine that emphasizes the freshest local ingredients.

And all seats offer an incredible ocean vista.

60 Sea Walk Drive, Sea Ranch • 707-785-2371 • searanchlodge.com

20 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

Back to Nature Groups can book private naturalist or docent-led hikes. Special EcoAdventure Packages are also available for groups, including kayaking, birding, tidepooling, horseback riding and star-gazing. Reservations at least 2 weeks in advance are recommended.

Whale Watching

photo by Rich Fraguero

Back to Nature

28

Take an EcoAdventure with Stewards of the Coast

Ecotourism is, by its simplest definition, “tourism to places having unspoiled natural resources.” Other aspects of ecotourism include “Voluntourism”, birding (birdwatching), tidepooling, wildflower & plant ID hikes, horseback riding, bicycling, kayaking and docent led ecology tours.

Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods is a non-profit organization that partners with the Russian River Sector of California State Parks to support volunteer, education and stewardship programs. The sector includes Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (outside Guerneville), Austin Creek State Recreation Area, Sonoma Coast State Park (from Bodega Bay to Jenner) and includes the Willow Creek watershed.

Stewards creates and coordinates Eco-tours in the Russian River District among the Redwood forests and on the Sonoma Coast.

The group can schedule you to be a part of Docent and Community Education Programs, including Whale and Seal Watches, Tidepooling, structured hikes on the coast and through the redwoods and ecology tours.

Stewards is now directly responsible for operating Austin Creek State Recreation Area, located adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, which was threatened with closure due to lack of state funding. The state accepted a Stewards plan to operate Austin Creek in partnership with the state. The 5,700 acre wilderness area is comprised of oak woodlands and chaparral, as well as the headwaters of East Austin, Fife, and Gilliam creeks.

It includes 24 campsites, two wilderness backcountry sites, 20 miles of hiking and equestrian trails and prehistoric sites dating back 4,000 years.

Austin Creek SRA offers back-country hiking in a remote wilderness area.

Your trip will include panoramic vistas of the coastal hills and Russian River Valley. Camping reservation can be made for Bullfrog Pond campground at www.hipcamp.com for some sites, others are first come, first serve.

Sonoma Coast State Park comprises over 10,000 acres and over 20 miles of magnificent coastline including the Willow Creek watershed. The park is actually a series of beaches separated by rock bluffs and headlands extending 17 miles from Bodega Head to Vista Trail 4 miles north of Jenner. The park includes over 19 miles of trails. Stewards is responsible for keeping the Visitor Center open at Jenner by the Sea, staffing it on weekends and most weekdays. Volunteers also work on restoration projects in the Willow Creek watershed. Stewards also supervises trail maintenance throughout the area.

Beachcombers, fishermen, sunbathers and picnickers can access the beach from more than a dozen points along the coast from Hwy. 1.

Whale Watch began as a response to the public’s growing concern and awareness of the fragile relationship with the dwindling population of remaining whales and also as a celebration of one of nature’s grand events - the annual migration of the Pacific Gray whale. The whales begin their journey at their summer feeding grounds off Arctic waters of the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. They travel down along the Pacific Coast to their winter calving lagoons off Baja California, Mexico. The whales return after breeding or with their young via the same route, usually closer to shore with the mothers on the outside and the calves closer inland for protection.

Groups of 10 or more can book private naturalist or docent-led Whale Watch programs.

Seal Watching

Sonoma County’s largest harbor seal rookery can be viewed at Goat Rock State Beach. Pups are born in March and April and reared through the summer months.

Docents are available on the weekends March through September for seal watching guidance. Special docent-led viewings can be arranged upon request.

Paddling

A variety of paddle adventures are offered along the Russian River and in the Jenner Estuary. Learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.

Observe river otters and marine mammals as they frolic in their natural habitat.

View a variety of bird life (including nesting osprey and blue heron). Enchanting Full Moon paddles are especially popular. Paddling adventures are offered during the spring, summer and fall. Kayak rentals are available upon request.

Hiking

A variety of hiking adventures are offered at Armstrong Redwoods, Austin Creek and Sonoma Coast State Parks. Enjoy old growth redwoods, oak woodlands and magnificent views of the Russian River and coastal areas.

Learn about the wide variety of local flora and fauna. Hiking adventures are offered year-round.

Tidepooling

Our coastal tide pools are teeming with intriguing inter-tidal life. Roving naturalists are available at specific beaches on low-tide weekends to safely introduce visitors to these fragile wonders. Tide pool adventures are offered on low-tide weekends during the spring, summer and fall.

“Voluntourism”

Interested in volunteering for a project in one of our State Parks while visiting this beautiful area? Voluntourism packages are being developed with local hotels. Spend half a day removing invasive plants, working on a trail or cleaning up our beaches. Voluntourism packages are offered year-round. Available programs include, but are not limited to: • Pinniped Monitoring Program • Marine Debris Monitoring & Beach Cleanups • Seabird Protection and Monitoring Program • Trail Crew (Coast and Redwoods) • Willow Creek Restoration • Fife Creek Watershed Restoration • Western Snowy Plover Protection

707.869.9177 •stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Austin Creek State • Docent and Community Education Programs Recreation Area • Whale Watch • Seal Watch • Tidepools • Sonoma Coast Hikes • EcoAdventures • Campground and Backcountry Camping Sonoma Coast State Park Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods (Stewards) is a non-profit, environmental and interpretive organization that works in partnership with California State Parks in the Russian River District to support volunteer, education and stewardship programs.

P.O. Box 2, Duncans Mills, CA 95430 T: (707) 869-9177 F: (707) 869-8252

www.stewardscr.org • stewards@stewardscr.org Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 21

Back to Nature

29

Take a Hike on a Wine Country Trail

30

Step Back in Time at the Petrified Forest

Whether you seek the spectacular oceanside vistas of the Sonoma Coast; the bucolic meandering trails of Sonoma County’s pastures and vineyards; or the awe-inspiring Redwood studded trails of Armstrong Woods, you will find endless adventure here in Sonoma County.

Most trails are within the boundaries of Sonoma County’s State Park s, Regional County Parks and Land Trust regions.

For a list of our top recommendations, including degree of difficulty, description of expected fauna and f lora, and directions to the trailheads, see our Mobile App (available in Google Play Store and iTunes App Store) or go to www.101things.com/winecountry/sonoma-county-trails. For more coastal hikes, see our Coastal Adventures Section.

Take a self-guided walking tour through a forest of giant majestic Redwoods turned to stone by a local volcano 3.4 million years ago; Docent led tours occur at 11:00 am, 1:00 and 3:00 pm and take approximately 1.5 hour.

See native trees such as live oak, douglas-fir, madrone, manzanita, rare wildflowers, and a scenic overview of Mt. St. Helena. Discover a 100 foot-high ash fall which contains deposits of volcanic material, such as tuff, rhyolite, iron, petrified wood chunks and obsidian. This walk is rated moderate. Complete your journey by taking the additional nature walk through groves of coastal redwoods and tan oaks not seen on the main trail. This walk is an added mile, and is rated moderately difficult.

Last year the Petrified Forest celebrated 100 years as a Public Attraction, established in 1914

by Ollie Bockée. She publicly promoted the forest and soon people from all over the world were flocking to see this unique area. Her heirs, the Hawthorne family, continue to improve and preserve the property as Stewards in the same proud tradition.

Settlers discovered this area in the mid 1800’s, and built cabins, noting and collecting the stone wood as a curiosity. One man known a s “Petr ifie d Forest Charley” unearthed a whole tree and became a guardian of this natural wonder. He charged “The Giant” photo by Eric Tobias people admission to view the petrified trees and met Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote about him and the trees. The distinguished scientist O.C. Marsh arrived in 1870 and took samples back to Yale University for study.

Be sure and set some extra time aside to look through the Nature Store, where you can purchase fossils, petrified wood samples and crystals. Between Santa Rosa and Calistoga.

4100 Petrified Forest Road, Calistoga 707.942.6667 •petrifiedforest.org 22 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

31

Go Camping in Wine Country

All along the coastline of Sonoma County there are fantastic beaches for camping. One of our favorite areas to go is the Sonoma Coast State Park.

This area is marked by 17 miles of long sandy beaches, separated by rugged headlands, coves and natural arches. There are many campsites from which to choose, such as Wright’s Beach, where there are 27 developed sites adjacent to the beach with picnic tables and fire rings. Nearby is the Bodega Dunes Campground with 98 campsites, complete with hot showers and plumbing.

Sonoma Coast State Park is a beautiful place to spend the night, and with so many spots along the ocean, there are plenty of options. The park is nestled along Hwy 1 between Jenner and Bodega Bay. Reservations are recommended.

For more information on camping at the Sonoma Coast State Park, call (707) 875-3483 •reservamerica.com Willow Creek Environmental Camp offers 11 primitive campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Campsites are within 1/4 mile from the parking lot and there is no running water.

The only State Park campground on the Russian River, sites are shaded by willows but close to a large beach for swimming and fishing.

•stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org Pomo Canyon Environmental Camp features 20 campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, pit toilets and running water nearby. Campsites are within 1/4 mile from the parking lot, one is disabled accessible. Camps are set in a beautiful redwood grove among the ferns. A three mile trail to Shell Beach takes off from the campground, crossing seasonal streams and rising up into

the grassland with marvelous views of the river and finally the ocean. To protect the wildlife, no dogs are allowed.

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is where the headwaters of the Sonoma Creek run through gorge and canyon, then across the meadow floor beneath scenic rock outcroppings. The park’s 2,700 acres includes 25 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. A self-guided nature trail along Sonoma Creek starts near the campground. Deer, raccoons and gray foxes are commonly seen in the park. From the 2,729-foot summit of Bald Mountain, on a clear day visitors can see views of the Sierra Nevada and the Golden Gate. Enjoy horseback riding, a 40” telescope at the Ferguson Observatory that can be rented, along with the group campground, for private parties through ReserveAmerica.com.

Want to camp among the Redwoods? Discover Armstrong Redwoods/ Austin Creek State Recreation Area, (707) 869-2015- 10 mi. N of Bodega Bay, 13 miles east on Hwy 116 to Guerneville to Armstrong Woods Road. 24 sites - $ 15 per night, water - No showers, $15 per night backpack sites. First come, first served. Trailers & RV’s limited to 20 ft in length. Disabled access to restroom facilities and some campsites.

•stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org Sonoma County Regional Parks offer year round camping at the following parks: Doran Park has a 2-mile stretch of sandy beach and is a popular place for visitors to picnic, build sand castles, fly kites, surf, fish and more. The Park is extremely family friendly and dogs are permitted on leash. (707) 875-3540 Gualala Point Park is a 195-acre park featuring open meadows mixed with coastal forest. The park contains a campground, trail system, coastal vistas, and sandy beaches. The park is located adjacent to the Gualala River.

(707) 785-2377 Hood Mountain Park is located at 1450 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa. Four environmental campsites are available in remote settings reached by hiking approximately 2 miles from parking areas. Sites include tables, food lockers and tent pads. Primitive toilets are nearby. Potable water and electricity are not available. (707) 565-2267

Back to Nature

32

Go Birding in Wine Country

Northern California and Wine Country boast some of the finest birding sites in America, so grab your camera and visit one of these outstanding birding hot spots. 101 Things To Do has partnered with Tom Rusert of SonomaBirding. com for this feature. Tom, along with Darren Peterie, are co-founders of The Sonoma Birding Organization.

They are well known and highly respected by the birding community across United States and Canada.

Tom recently received the prestigious Ludlow Griscom Award, presented by the American Birding Association. Photo credits: Kevin O’Brien, Christine Hansen, Audubon, Len Blumin, Sonoma Birding, Tom Moyer.

•sonomabirding.com Tom Rusert, For a complete listing of birding spots in Wine SonomaBirding.com Country, with descriptions and pictures of the birds you may see there, go to www.101things.com/winecountry/ go-birdwatching/.

33

Have an EcoOdyssey Tour with EcoRing

EcoRing is a non-profit organization with a goal “to ignite a vibrant ecotourism community with participation from the residents, business, local government and visitors in the Russian River area” In addition to assisting businesses achieve “green business” status, they provide EcoOdyssey Tours that utilize green and eco-friendly businesses and activities.

Fisherman’s Wharf to Point Reyes - Railroad History Tour: Six-night, four-day tour from San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf to Point Reyes. Bike the back roads of Marin County and kayak Tomales Bay. Hike or horseback ride in Point Reyes and ride in electric vehicles.

River to Ocean Tour: Four-day, three-night river to ocean tour from the Russian River to the Sonoma coast. Bicycle a portion of the historic North Pacific Coast Railroad, then kayak the lazy Russian River to Jenner by the Sea. See the harbor seals and walk the Coastal Trail along the spectacular coast of the Pacific Ocean.

Wine and River Tour: Four-day, three-night wine and river tour of the beautiful Russian River and green valleys. The adventure begins at historic lodgings overlooking the Russian River valley and then continues by bicycle along the bucolic Dry Creek Appellation area stopping to taste organic wines.

Spend the night perched above the Russian River close to the small town of Healdsburg and in the morning kayak the lazy Russian River.

Wine and Redwoods: Five-day, four-night tour of wine and redwood regions of the beautiful Russian River Valley. Enjoy tastings at organic wineries, biking on the West County Trail, kayaking on the lazy Russian River and riding electric-powered Segways to the Armstrong Redwood Reserve to see 2000 year old giant redwoods. Stay in upscale B&Bs and inns with panoramic views of vineyards and forest.

707.632.6070 • ecoring.org

34

Spend time at Gualala Point Regional park

Right at the Sonoma County and Mendocino County border is Gualala Point Regional Park. This 195-acre park is very popular with hikers, picnickers and kayakers. Easily accessible trails can take you throughout the park as well as to beaches on both the ocean and the Gualala River, which flows into the ocean near this park.

The day use area of the park has

a Visitors Center, picnic tables (some with BBQ’s) and restrooms with flush toilets.

The Visitors Center is hosted by volunteers and has outstanding displays of early California History, information regarding Native Americans, and the turn of the century logging industry.

46001 Gualala Road, Gualala • 707-884-3533 • gualalapark.com

35

Support Sonoma County Regional Parks

Sonoma County Regional Parks manages 51 locations throughout Sonoma County, including coastal campgrounds like Doran, Westside, Stillwater and Gualala; family-friendly Spring Lake Regional Park; hiking & biking wonderlands like Hood Mountain Regional Park and Helen Putnam Regional Park; and bird sanctuaries like Tolay Lake Regional Park. All parks require a nominal parking/entry fee, which is waived when you become a member.

A membership in Sonoma County Regional Parks is the easiest, most affordable way to regularly enjoy the parks. For $69 a year - less than $6 a month - a regular membership gives you: • Twelve months of free parking at all Sonoma County Regional Parks • One free night of camping at a Regional Park campground • One-time free admission to the Tolay Fall Festival for two adults and two children and free festival parking • Discounts on park programs, outings and merchandise • Savings and giveaways at outdoor recreation retailers • Regular updates on special events and other benefits

Parks members are a special group. They enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the special beauty of Sonoma County. They know time spent in nature is good for the body and the mind. They want to keep the parks healthy and accessible. Sound like you?

All membership proceeds go toward operations, maintenance and programming. When you become a member, you help Sonoma County parks thrive.

707.565.2041 • parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov

36

Explore North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park

The new 820-acre North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve offers nature lovers the first public access on the mountain’s north slope, with miles of trails and sweeping views. Located about three miles up Sonoma Mountain Road from Bennett Valley Road, the new park lies next to Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, giving open access to trails across both properties.

The North Sonoma Mountain park opened in February 2015, the result of 12 years of proper ty acquisition and planning by Sonoma County Open Agricultural Preserve and Open Space District and its nonprofit partners. The district paid about $20 million for five of the six sites that are now North Sonoma Mountain park, starting with the purchase of the 169-acre Jacobs Ranch in 2003. The ranch is now the park’s entrance.

The North Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail (3.8 miles one way) begins in the ferns and redwoods on the south fork of Matanzas Creek. It climbs to about 2,000 feet elevation, and connects to the western boundary of Jack London Park. The new park also includes a wheelchair-accessible vista point above the park entrance, and the Umbrella Tree Trail, a .75-mile trail to a lone bay tree and a picnic spot with views. (Note: the park does not yet have a drinking fountain, so bring water.)

5297 Sonoma Mountain Road, Santa Rosa 707-789-9644 •parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 23

Take to the Sky

37

Take a Nature Walk in the Sky with Wine Country Balloons

Wine Country Balloons offers some of the area’s most spectacular hot air balloon flights by experienced pilots with an average of 35 years experience flying hot air balloons.

Your Nature Walk in the Sky will begin just after dawn. As your hot air balloon ride sails gently along the wind’s highway, spectacular views will delight you. Among the surprises: the Pacific Coast, San Francisco’s Skyline, Redwood Forests, Geyser Mountains, the graceful Russian River and lush rolling vineyards. As your gentle giant dances it’s way back to earth, celebrate your high spirited ballooning adventure with their Scrumptious Champagne Brunch, served in a quaint cafe.

From their balloons, you can often view the redwood forests, Russian River, majestic mountain ranges, the Pacific coast and even the San Francisco skyline on a clear day. Being the original and oldest established balloon company in the region, they have developed a number of exclusive launch sites from which to choose. Having more of these options available allows them to adjust to the changing conditions on the day you fly, which can help greatly optimize your flight experience.

Wine Country Balloons can accommodate small intimate groups or larger groups of up to 20. This is an experience of a lifetime, so you should consider adding on a professionally edited DVD of your flight.

Want to get above it all to say “I Do”? For just $75 you can add a wedding service by a Pilot-Minister.

Discounts are available for children 6-12 and seniors over 65.

707 ‘LETS-FLY’ (538.7359) • Toll Free 800.759.5638 www.winecountryballoons.com

38

Jump out of an Airplane with NorCal Skydiving

When you jump out of an airplane more than two miles up, you’ll be falling at 120 mph toward the Russian River as it snakes through the vineyards of Alexander Valley and passes right next to NorCal’s landing field.

This adventure promises to be one of the highlights of your trip to wine country... perhaps of your life! The NorCal staff is dedicated to making sure you are having a blast from the time you drive into their parking lot until you leave with your video and first jump certificate.

The view from the airplane is spectacular (although you may be too nervous to notice!). When you reach your jump altitude, the tandem instructor will attach your harnesses together, the door will open, and out you go!

In a tandem skydive, a student skydiver is connected via a harness to a tandem instructor. The instructor guides the student through the whole jump from exit through free fall, piloting the canopy, and landing. The student needs only minimal instruction before making a tandem jump.

You will leave not only with the memories of your jump, but also a video record of it, in case they don’t believe you when you get home! Make your reservation today, before you lose your nerve, by calling (888) 667-2259.

Mention you saw this story in 101 Things To Do magazine, and get 20% off a tandem jump!

(888) 667-2259 • www.NorCalSkydiving.com 24 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

39

Lift off with Napa Valley Balloons

At Napa Valley Balloons your flight will be preceded by a pre-dawn Continental Breakfast, followed by a brief pilot orientation. Upon arrival at your launch site, you become a part of the buzz, from the hum of the inflater fans to the roar of the burners. Then... lift off, followed by... silence! Gently, the balloon lifts into the early morning breeze that ushers you above corridors of grapes and between the mountains of one of the most magnificent valleys on Earth. As you drift along there is no movement of air, for you have become the wind. Above it all, your experienced and knowledgeable pilot and host will welcome questions and serve as your guide for points of local interest and the Valley’s extraordinary beauty. Enchantment, romance, and excitement fill every colorful moment of this graceful adventure. Your flight is a momentous occasion to celebrate with special friends. The award winning Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. has been flying hot air balloons over the Napa Valley for over 29 years. They have FAA certified pilots and aircraft, a professional staff and an impeccable safety record with thousands of satisfied adventurers experiencing the pleasure of hot air ballooning. The experience will last an hour but the memories will last a lifetime! Once earthbound again, your flight is celebrated with Napa Valley’s finest sparkling wines at their delicious Champagne Breakfast, where best stories are told and lifelong friendships are sealed. For flight information and reservations call 800.253.2224. Visit their website for a photo gallery and more information.

800.253.2224 •NapaValleyBalloons.com

40

See Wine Country from a Vintage Aircraft

Here’s a chance to fly in a WWII 1942 open-cockpit biplane. Put yourself in the capable hands of Chris Prevost, president and founder of Vintage Aircraft Company. A commercial-licensed pilot for 30 years, Chris has flown over 75 different aircraft in his lifetime. Now celebrating 40 years of air tours over wine country, Vintage Aircraft offers flights in WWII aircraft: the convertible-in-the-sky, open cockpit biplane -- the Stearman; dual-control AT6 “Texan” and the rare fighters, P51 “Mustang” and P40 “Warhawk”Chris and his other two highly exper ienced commercial-licensed pilots, Tom Morris and Dan Vance offer 20-minute “Scenic Flights” over the beautiful Sonoma Valley and a variety of 40-minute “Explorer Flights.”

These include a “Wine Country Tour” of the Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Book a “West to the Pacific” tour over the hills of Sonoma, Novato, Petaluma and out to Tomales Bay for a majestic view of the Pacific Ocean.

Or take a “Spires of the City” tour for a panoramic look at Sausalito and Tiburon Harbors, circling Mt. Tamalpais en route to Pt. Reyes before returning to Sonoma. If you like, your pilots can add an aerobatic thrill to your experience, inverting in an open cockpit, a barrel-roll, hammer-head or a famous Cuban Eight maneuver.

Pull on your flying helmet, climb up the wing and strap yourself into the front seat for a lifetime thrill. The Vintage Aircraft Company is located at the Sonoma Valley Airport, 23982 Arnold Drive, in Sonoma. Take Hwy 37 to Hwy 121, about 6 miles north of the Hwy 37-121 intersection.

23982 Arnold Drive, Sonoma (707) 938-2444 • www.vintageaircraft.com

Take to the Sky

41

Get Up and Away in a Hot Air Balloon

Travel on Nonstop Flights to/from Los Angeles; Portland; San Diego; Seattle

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Aircraft; Helicopters; Balloons; Historic Aircraft

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Have the adventure of a lifetime with Up & Away Hot Air Ballooning. Up & Away Ballooning will provide you with everything you need to complete your journey, whether it is for a birthday, wedding proposal or just the highlight of your trip. This is an adventure you will never forget! You’ll meet early at the Sonoma County Airport. Then your journey will begin at the best available launch site to make it the most picturesque and the safest flight.

After helping to inflate the balloon (that’s part of the fun!), and a safety orientation, your one hour flight can range from 3 to 10 miles, depending on the wind current.

Depending on the altitude, you may see the Pacific Ocean, look into the Napa Valley or on a clear day, the buildings in San Francisco 60 miles away! At lower altitudes you will fly just above the grapevines and see rabbits, deer and other wildlife. You may even dip into a lake or pond for a “Splash and Dash”. When the pilot is not adding heat to the balloon, you will hear peace and quiet like no other you have experienced. You will also feel the unique experience of looking out all four “windows”. No other form of flight offers such oneness with nature.

The wonderful flight you just had is only half of your special morning.

After landing, Up & Away will take you back to the airport, retrieve your vehicle and head over to Kendall-Jackson Winery for a one of a kind gourmet brunch. The brunch is served on beautiful hand-painted plates with pictures of their balloons on them. Champagne and juice are poured in their signature stemware and a toast is made to all the new aeronauts.

You will leave with lifetime memories and a personalized flight certificate.

Call 707-836-0171 and reserve your flight today. You will find it surprisingly affordable. Note: Up and Away Ballooning has the only wheelchair accessible balloons in Northern California!

Sonoma County Airport

www.sonomacountyairport.org Follow STS on

(707) 836-0171 or (800) 711-2998 • up-away.com

42

Tour Wine country and the Coast by Helicopter

Take your wine country visit to a whole new level! Helico Sonoma will take you over vineyards and wineries that are just not accessible for the average visitor. 20-minute tours include Healdsburg’s Alexander Valley; Santa Rosa Sightseer, which takes you over downtown Santa Rosa, Mayacamas Golf Course, Annadel State Park and Spring Lake. 30-Minute Tours include Russian River & Pacific Coast; Dry Creek and Lake Sonoma; Old Faithful Geyser and Castello di Amorosa. Want more? One Hour tours include Pacific Coast to the Buddhist Temple; Valley of the Moon to Napa Valley; and a customized tour combining tours of your choice. Reserve your flight today. Tours start at $200 for up to three people.

5000 Flightline Drive, Santa Rosa (707) 526-8949 • www.helicosonoma.com

Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 25

Family Fun 44 ES

43

xperience the Sonoma erengeti at Safari West

Take the Family to Scandia Fun Park

You’ll find more than your fill of indoor and outdoor family fun at Scandia Family Fun Park. Head to Rohnert Park and find a “Grand” arcade, batting cages, Tidal Wave Blaster Boats where you can “blast” your brother with water, and even the Lil’ Indy Raceway, where you can ride solo or buddy up in a 2-seater car. Their fabulous mini-golf courses will challenge and thrill.

The Rohnert Park site also offers SpinZone Bumper cars. Now for a limited time they are offering Unlimited Play every day from 10am to noon for just $15.00 per person!

This includes Lil’ Indy Raceway, SpinZone Bumper Cars, Blaster Boats and of course the state-of-the-art Arcade. Scandia is the perfect place to celebrate with a party, spend time with the family or hang out while Mom and Dad do that wine thing! Come hungry because the snack bar includes all the family fun pizza and all the treats your family will want. Don’t delay... storm the castle today!

Conveniently located off Hwy 101, 5301 Redwood Dr., Rohnert Park (just a few minutes from wineries, hotels, and more).

707.584.1398 •scandiafunland.com

Have you ever pictured yourself on the Serengeti, traveling by jeep in the open air, being able to observe African wildlife at close range? Now, you don’t have to be transported to another continent to have the experience – you can go on a safari in Sonoma County!

Nestled between Napa and Sonoma, Safari West is an authentic African wildlife preserve and luxury tent camp—home to over 900 exotic, endangered and extinct-in-the-wild African mammals and birds. With their deluxe safari tent camp and onsite dining, they have everything you need for an inspiring holiday, Colobus Monkey - photo by Adrian Brody whether visiting for the day or overnight. Guests may explore the Sonoma Serengeti on an African wildlife safari led by trained naturalists, or relax in a luxury tent under the gaze of a graceful giraffe...the most unique adventure in wine country.

It’s the ultimate in Glamping!

Adventure abounds as you set out in a rugged, open air safari vehicle in search of zebra, blue wildebeest, springbok, Cape buffalo, Watusi cattle, kudu and more! Crossing terrain that ranges from steep and rocky to rolling savanna, the journey transports you to an environment much like the exotic and untamed lands of Africa, with our herds roaming virtually undisturbed over hundreds of acres. And, with a little luck, you might find yourself eyeto-eye with a towering, curious giraffe!

The on-site restaurant, the Savannah Cafe features chic dining and delicious safari ranch style barbecue meals prepared by their chef on a giant African fire pit called a boma, fueled by hardwood. They offer local wines featuring Sonoma and Napa Counties, selected South African wines, plus

INDOOR KART RACING Bring this ad in for $5 off ANY Racing Package

$

Birthday & Private Parties Teambuilding - Corporate Events Fund Raising - Gift Certificates Race Camps Driver Training League Racing Video Arcade Black Light Mini-Golf

DrivenRaceway.com

707 585-3748 26 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

4601 Redwood Drive Rohnert Park

Family Fun local featured brews and selected South African beers.

For a more intense experience, spend a night or two in a luxury safari tent. Guests should absolutely spend the night for a more complete experience. There is nothing more magical than falling asleep to the sounds of a kookaburra and waking to the resounding love-songs of the sarus cranes. Overnight stays give busy families the rare opportunity to form meaningful connections with each other and the environment in which we live.

The only distraction is the majestic beauty of the natural world and it’s most exotic inhabitants! photo by Adrian Brody A favorite private tour is the Brews and Buffalo Safari, a guided tour and beer tasting safari. This safari features a sampling of Sonoma County’s finest brewed ales and lagers and savory snacks.

Another popular tour especially for the wine enthusiast is the Winos and Rhinos Safari, a unique wine and adventure package. Guests can pile into the safari vehicle and pretend they’re exploring the wilds of Kenya. No one’s going to tell them otherwise - especially not the animals.

Safari West is located at 3115 Porter Creek Road in Santa Rosa. Prior reservations are required for tours, meals and lodging, and may be made through their website, or by calling (800) 616-2695 or (707) 579-2551. Safariwest.com.

business hours. Overnight parking is prohibited. An on-site dog walk area is available for guests traveling with pets. Jelly Belly factory tours are especially popular and referred to by many as a “unique and sweet experience”. Reservations are not required. photo courtesy Tomi Holt Ent. Tours are FREE and depart approximately every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. While the typical wait for tours is approximately 15 minutes, tour waits can be as long as 1 hour or more during certain holidays. Visitor Center is stroller and wheelchair accessible.

800-9-JELLYBEAN (1-800-953-5592) 1 Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield, CA. •jellybelly.com

(800) 616-2695 or (707) 579-2551 •Safariwest.com

45

Feel the Extreme Racing Experience at Driven

These are not your father’s go-karts! Hop on a sleek Italian electric car at Driven Raceway and lap the competition.

This racing experience will leave you breathless, with speeds up to 45 mph on a well-controlled indoor track.

From the moment the checkered flag drops, you will feel like you are in the race of your life! A screen projected on the wall shows you and your fellow drivers, your time and where you are placing, throughout the duration of the 30-minute race. Your stats will remain in the system after your race, so you can come back and challenge your own time again and again. You can easily make a day of it at Driven Raceway... with a full snack bar, video games, mini-bowling and even a black-lighted mini-golf course. Driven Raceway is set up for groups, too, from birthday parties to a VIP room for corporate team building. They are conveniently and centrally located right off of Highway 101 in Rohnert Park, or at 1560 Gateway Blvd, Fairfield. See their ad this section for a special offer!

Drop in or call for more information.

707-585-DRIVEN (3748) or 707-426-3748 •drivenraceway.com

46

Tour a Jelly Bean Factory at Jelly Belly

Step into the Jelly Belly Factory and smell the aroma of chocolate, peach, cinnamon, pineapple, or whatever is being cooked up that day. This famous factory is located in Fairfield, California, about 35 minutes from Napa.

During the 40-minute walking tour, Jelly Belly tour guides will show you a real working factory where they cook up over 150 different sweet treats. You will learn the secrets to how they create the legendary Jelly Belly jelly bean, and discover why it takes more than a week to make a single bean. The Jelly Belly Visitor Center is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and guided factory tours operate daily from 9am to 4pm PT, except New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Bus and RV parking is available during Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 27

Family Fun

47

Ride a Train or Carousel at Howarth Park

There are so many things to do at Howarth Park that it’s hard to name them all. There is a 25-acre lake that is perfect for fishing and boating, or you can play on the softball field or on one of the six lighted tennis courts. For hiking, biking or jogging, there are miles of winding trails that connect with the scenic Bay Area Ridge Trail.

Ride a miniature train, take a spin on the carousel in the amusement area, or ride a pony in the animal farm.

The simulated 1863 C.P. Huntington steam train takes guests on a quarter-mile train ride through the haunted tunnel, down to the pond where “Alfred the Alligator” lives, across the 100-year-old bridge and into the enchanted forest where Manny the Monkey likes to hang out! Children 12 months or younger may ride for free but must be accompanied by someone at least 16 years of age. Their whimsical carousel houses 30 horses, 2 chariots and over one thousand lights! Trails at Howarth Park link to Spring Lake Regional Park and Annadel State Park trail network.

There’s even a climbing wall that is fun and safe for all ages. The Land of Imagination is a one-of-a-kind educational experience where you can learn about American Indian culture and archaeology. Howarth Park is open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily, located on Summerfield Road in eastern Santa Rosa.

(707) 543-3282. •howarthpark.com

48

Saddle Up at Cloverleaf Ranch in Santa Rosa

For over half a century, Cloverleaf Ranch has provided a healthy, wholesome and fun vacation for children. Originally a boys’ working ranch, Cloverleaf has become a “home away from home” for thousands of children and adults from all over the world. Today, in addition to their award-winning horse boarding and riding programs, Cloverleaf is home to Sonoma County’s only Western Summer Camp Program. The Ranch provides the fun and excitement of the western frontier to participants, with activities such as horseback riding, campouts, hiking, swimming, ropes course, arts and crafts, and many more great activities. The 160-acre ranch provides one of the most scenic trail rides in Northern California.

If you’re searching for the opportunity to spend time with that special someone in an unforgettable setting, try a romantic tour for two, riding the trail, afterwards enjoying appetizers and drinks by the pool. Or you may choose to pause along the trail and savor a picnic under a beautiful old oak tree overlooking breathtaking views of Sonoma County. Ask for the affordable “Sweetheart Silver Spurs Package”. Or for the younger wrangler, ask about the “Buckaroo Clinic”. It includes horseback riding, crafts, games and snacks. Cloverleaf Ranch also offers a one of a kind experience for corporate events and private groups. Enjoy horseback riding, archery, a complete sports program including basketball, batting cages, riflery, a beautiful swimming pool, challenge course, zip line and many more available options. Perfect for team building!

They are located just off Highway 101 at the northern edge of Santa Rosa, only an hour’s drive from San Francisco.

3892 Old Redwood Highway, Santa Rosa (707) 545-5906 •cloverleafranch.com

28 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

49

Pedal, Paddle or Fish around Spring Lake

Amid the foothills of eastern Santa Rosa is the 320-acre Spring Lake Regional Park that features a three-acre swimming lagoon and 72-acre Spring Lake. Here excellent fishing and boating opportunities abound. Those without a boat can rent a canoe or paddle boat. There are also miles of trails for horseback riding, walking, hiking and biking throughout the park— all with beautiful views. Equestrian trails connect with trails in Annadel State Park.

The swimming lagoon has lifeguards, a sandy beach, a snack bar, showers and picnic areas. Plenty of campgrounds around the park allow a peaceful night’s sleep. At the educational Visitor’s Center, you’ll find lots of information on the animals and plant life that inhabit the park, as well as maps for a variety of trails. Spring Lake is off Montgomery Drive at 391 Violetti Drive, next to Howarth Park in eastern Santa Rosa.

707.539.8092 •Sonoma-county.org/PARKS/pk_slake.htm

50

Spend the day at Charles M. Schulz Museum

Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the beloved Peanuts cartoon strip, was a man who touched many lives through his work. At the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, there are exhibits on the man, the characters and the items that they inspired.

There are Peanuts animated television specials and interviews with Schulz shown throughout the day in the museum’s 100-seat theater. Outside is a Snoopy Labyrinth in the shape of the dog’s head. Call ahead and request a viewing in the Research Center to get a better understanding of Schulz through personal letters, photos and biographical works. At the Museum’s store, souvenirs of Schulz, Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Pigpen and all the Gang are available for sale. The Museum is open every weekday except Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum is open every day in the summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day). It is located in Santa Rosa on the corner of West Steele Lane and Hardies Lane (2301 Hardies Lane).

1667 W Steele Lane, Santa Rosa • (707) 579-4452 •schulzmuseum.org

51

Go Ice Skating on Snoopy’s Home Ice

For over forty years Snoopy’s Home Ice (a.k.a. The Redwood Empire Ice Arena) has literally been the coolest place in Sonoma County. A popular destination for Peanuts fans from across the globe, the arena complex is also home to the Warm Puppy Café and Snoopy’s Gallery & Gift Shop. With over 15,000 square feet of smooth ice and a unique alpine atmosphere, Snoopy’s Home Ice is a great place for families to enjoy recreational ice skating, casual dining or souvenir hunting.

There are public skating sessions daily so be sure to call ahead for details, prices and session times. Don’t want to skate? Spectators are welcome, and it’s always free to watch the graceful moves of the figure skaters or the action of Ice Hockey from the comfort of the fire-side tables at the Warm Puppy Café.

And yes, free WiFi is available! Finding a memento of your trip will be easy

Family Fun with over 1,600 unique Peanuts products to choose from at Snoopy’s Gallery & Gift shop. And don’t miss the mezzanine level, there are rotating displays of Peanuts memorabilia and collectibles and continuous showings of Peanuts animated specials for kids, and those who are still kids at heart. Located at the corner of West Steele Lane and Hardies Lane (1667 W Steele Lane), Snoopy’s Home Ice is the perfect place for family fun and is just across the street from the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa.

1667 W Steele Lane, Santa Rosa • 707.546.7147 •snoopyshomeice.com

52

Discover the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County

Bring the kids to a world of discovery, from the Science & Imagination Gallery to TOTopia, the toddler-only play space at Sonoma County’s Children’s Museum. The Ernest L. and Ruth W. Finley Science & Imagination Gallery houses a combination of imaginative play spaces and interactive exhibits based on scientific principles. Children can entertain their parents with a live show in the puppet theater, or cook up a healthy “pretend” meal in the café.

The kids will enjoy building various structures in the hardware store or watching busy honeybees work in the live beehive. Shoot large pollen balls across the gallery with wind cannons or brush a crocodile’s teeth in the dental lab. Other exhibits include a train car, light peg wall, tree house, health lab, magnet table and much more!

In TOTopia, families will experience a custom space designed specifically for the developmental needs of children ages 30 months or younger. Crawlers and toddlers can explore a tide pool water discovery area, a sensory table, a ball wall, a storybook cottage and more.

53

1835 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa • 707.287.4809 www.cmosc.org

events room with the ability to book private jump areas.

Looking for a unique and exciting party venue? Come play in one of their six themed, private birthday party rooms with a dedicated party host for 2 hours of fitness filled birthday fun!

Check in with their Facebook for Special Offers.

555 Rohnert Park Expressway West, Rohnert Park 707.416.4445 •rebounderzrohnertpark.com

55

Take the Kids To the Family Fun Series at Wells Fargo

The Clover Stornetta Family Fun Series is “fun-filled wholesome entertainment designed just for families”. This series of live productions includes Veggie Tales Live, October 21; Golden Dragon Acrobats, November 4; Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas, December 1; Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat, January 20, 2016; Roald Dahl’s The B.F.G (Big Friendly Giant), February 21, 2016; Clifford The Big Red DogTM – Live!, March 15, 2016; Story Pirates, April 10, 2016; Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, May 12.

The shows take place at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. They offer “Free Fun with Art” starting one hour before each performance, The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County will be bringing their “Museum-on-the-Go” experience to add to the pre-show festivities! And, of course, don’t forget about pizza and drinks available from their concessions stand, and stick around after the show for an autograph session with the cast (after all shows except Golden Dragon Acrobats and Veggie Tales Live!).

50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa 707.546.3600 (Box Office) • wellsfargocenterarts.org

Choose Your Battle at Laser Tag of Santa Rosa

The latest and perhaps most exciting Family Fun place in Sonoma County just opened! Whether it’s just you and a friend, you and your sister or the whole family, you will be thrilled to be on the hunt at Laser Tag of Santa Rosa. The multi-level arena is the ideal battleground, from the realistic fog to the spectacular lighting effects, accompanied by heart-pounding music!

This is affordable fun at just $6.75 per game; or buy a Membership for just $10 and your games are only $5.75, with the first game FREE! The first game is also free for Armed Service members, birthday celebrators and anyone who crosses the bridge from their San Francisco residence.

Grab a fun pack for three games plus a large soda (which you will need) for just $18. Or pay $20 for all you can play in two hours. The Family Four pack includes 12 games of Laser Tag, 8 slices of pizza and 4 sodas.

• 2 ½ hours of thrills in the Northern California Coastal Redwoods • 7 adrenaline-pumping zip lines - one over 800’ long!

• 2 sky bridges and a majestic spiral staircase high in the air • Open year-round • A high education experience of a lifetime • 30 minutes west of Santa Rosa

9011 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa • 707-755-3503 www.lasertagofsantarosa.com

54

Get Airborn at Rebounderz Indoor Trampoline Park

Rebounderz is the latest fun park to the area. Come in to Rebounderz, where family, fun and fitness come together in a whole new way!

Enjoy a massive combination jumper with 75 interconnected trampoline beds, a 4-lane foam pit, 4-lane basketball slam, trampoline dodgeball, fitness classes, an enormous indoor playground and toddler park for children 2-12.

There is also a Cafe and an adult lounge with free Wi-Fi, arcade games and skill games with redemption toys, basketball courts, and a large corporate Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 29

Craft Beer & Breweries In 1976 what some call the true renaissance of American craft brewing emerged with the founding of The New Albion Brewery in Sonoma, by home brew enthusiast Jack McAuliffe. Finding brewing equipment non-existent, he salvaged what he could from scrap yards, and built much of his equipment by hand, assembling his piecemeal gravity flow brewery in a former agricultural warehouse. Jack lived in a loft above the brewery. While this brewery went out of business after about 6 years, there were hundreds of homebrewers that were inspired and followed in Jack’s footsteps. The breweries they started have led to the revolution of better tasting beer that is so prevalent in Northern California today.

The Brewers Association (BA), the trade association representing small and independent brewers, recently released 2012 data on U.S. craft brewing.

Craft brewers saw volume rise 15 percent, with an increase in dollars of 17%.

Across the U.S. 2,403 total breweries operated for some or all of 2012, the highest total since the 1880s. 2013 data has not yet been released. •brewersassociation.org.

Both Sonoma County and Napa County boast many great breweries and brewpubs. For a comprehensive list, including contact info and a partial list of the beers they craft, page 29.

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Tour Breweries with Brew Brothers Brewery Tours

“Our tours are all about tasting great craft beer by visiting some of the best craft breweries in the area,” claims Chrissi Clay, wife to owner and craft beer enthusiast Richard Clay. Chrissi is the booking guru, media maven and adventure maker of this unique Brewery Tour Company.

Public tours include some of the area’s best craft breweries, like Petaluma Hills, Dempsey’s, Bear Republic, Baeltane Brewing, Moylan’s, Stumptown

Save 15% on a Brewery Tour!* * Just use promo code 101Things (good for most tours)

Our public tours include some of the area’s best craft breweries: May the • Petaluma Hills saints bless • Dempsey’s your pints!

• Bear Republic • Baeltane Brewing • Ruth McGowan’s Brewery • Stumptown Brewing • Woodfour Brewing Co. • Old Redwood Brewing Co. Get on the bus... and leave the driving to us!

• Fogbelt Brewing We also have tours in surrounding counties that include • Plow Brewing • Cooperage Napa Smith Brewing; Mare Island Brewing; Moylan’s and Iron Springs Brewing.

brewbrothersbrewerytours.com $85 VIBE Brewery Tour~with an option to include lunch Custom Tours Available. Choose up to 5 breweries!

Perfect for Corporate Events, Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties, Birthdays & more.

30 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

Brew Brothers Brewery tours

707 .206.PINT Reserve your tour today!

Brewing, Woodfour Brewing Company, Old Redwood Brewing Company, Fogbelt Brewing, Plow Brewing and Cooperage.

We also have tours in surrounding counties that include Napa Smith Brewing and Mare Island Brewing, Ruth McGowan’s Brewery and Iron Springs Brewing.

And you can count on adventure and a thorough education of the local brewers, the process of brewing and the distinctions between the varied offerings of beer, ales and lagers. The “Tour Ambassadors” will pick you up at the centrally located Park ‘n Ride lot at Rohnert Park Expressway and Highway 101. You will be pampered, fed and entertained as you sample beer at each stop, as well as on the way to each brewery on the spacious Tour Bus. While there are several “stock” tours to choose from, Brewery Brothers specializes in custom tours, so when you call to reserve your tour, tell them what you have in mind and let them create the best experience for you and your companions.

Custom pick-ups and drop-offs are also available.

You are always a VIBE (very important beer enthusiast) and not just a VIP with Brew Brothers Brewery Tours. So come see what “craft beer” means to them, and how real hospitality is served to their guests.

Use promo code 101THINGS and get 15% off most tours!

707.206.PINT • www.brewbrothersbrewerytours.com

57

Sample World Class Brew at Bear Republic

On the corner of Healdsburg’s historic downtown square, Bear Republic Brewing Company offers award-winning food and world class, handcrafted ales.

Established in 1995 by third and fourth generation Sonoma County residents, the Norgrove family invites you to discover their diverse menu, family friendly atmosphere and more than 14 freshly brewed beers on tap. Select from their flagship Racer 5 IPA® to the seasonal Racer X® and their many specialties. Bear Republic beers are brewed and aged following time tested and proven methods.

From the humble beginning of home brewing to the demanding process of commercial brewing, the brewers soon realized that to produce the distinctive flavors and aroma Bear Republic found appealing required the founding of their own Brew Pub. Through this process, owners Richard R. Norgrove, his wife Sandy, and Brewmaster Richard “Ricardo” Norgrove, and his wife Tami, developed the style and mark of Bear Republic’s award-winning ales and lagers. Bear Republic was recognized as the 34th largest craft brewery in the United States in 2013 by the Brewer’s Association.

The beers pair nicely with all of the menu items, and are often used as an ingredient. From the Big Bear Black Stout™ beer batter, to the one-of-a-kind Racer 5® buns made with spent grain from the brewing process, Bear Republic loves to cook with their beer. A relaxed, casual dining experience is what you should expect on your visit. Stop in and enjoy the house and specialty ales, along with any of the menu items. The pub is a fun, unique departure from your tour of wine country. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. And by the way, kids eat free! 345 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg.

58

707-433-2337 • bearrepublic.com

Tour Local Breweries with North Bay Brewery Tours

North Bay Brewery Tours is the brainchild of three local home brewers and craft beer enthusiasts: James Holt, Robert Watkins, and Ron Holt. James and Ron started brewing with their father years ago. At first it seemed like a difficult project, but with practice, they made beer after beer that turned out unique and delicious. It’s this same love for the hobby that gave Northern California its high concentration of amazing small brew houses. The three get

Craft Beer & Breweries

together regularly to brew their own beer, think of ways to share enthusiasm with this “hobby” and help the North Bay continue to earn its reputation for world-class craft beer.

Choose a standard 5-hour Brewery Bus Tour, which includes safe, roundtrip transportation to three different breweries; beer service on the bus; and a short presentation on the ingredients of beer and how it’s made. Or choose a 6-hour V.I.P. Tour, including all of the above, plus lunch and a behind-thescenes look at one of the breweries.

The tour is all about tasting great craft beer and visiting some of the best microbreweries in the world. The tour begins at one of their standard pickup locations in Rohnert Park or Petaluma, every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. You’ll then be taken in a luxurious state of the art 14-seat tour bus, to a few of Sonoma County’s or Napa County’s best microbreweries. You’ll enjoy beer tastings, brewing facility tours, and a chance to experience “Craft Beer Country” first hand! Your personal guide will explain how beer is made, the local history, and hear some of the inside stories that have become folklore in the local craft beer community.

Most importantly, you’ll be provided safe transportation to and from each brewery without worry. Northbay Brewery Tours invites you to “craft” your own personalized tour with their assistance.

Tours include some of the world’s best microbreweries, like Lagunitas, Third Street Aleworks, Bear Republic, Russian River Brewing, Stumptown Brewing, Woodfour and Old Redwood Brewing Company. And now, tours in Napa County include Napa Point, Napa Smith Brewing and Carneros Brewing.

Also available, ask about the $40 Friday Night Pub Crawl. Hop on the beer bus for transportation to and from four different bars/breweries.

Additional Services at North Bay Brewery Tours include Craft Beer & Cheese Pairings, a Homebrewing Workshop and transportation for special events.

707.602-7397. •northbaybrewerytours.com

Breweries & Brewpubs Barley & Hops Tavern

3688 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental 707.874.9037 www.barleyandhops.happytables.com

An eclectic selection of local & world brews.

Bear Republic Brewpub

345 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg 707.433.2337 •bearrepublic.com

Racer 5, Red Rocket Ale, Hop Rod Rye, Big Bear Black Stout, Peter Brown Tribute Ale, NorCal Ale

BEERCRAFT

5704 Commerce Blvd, Rohnert Park (707) 206-9440 • beercraft.com Taps change weekly

Calistoga Inn & Brewery 1250 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga 707.942.4101 calistogainn.com/brewery.html

Calistoga Wheat Ale, Pilsner, Red Ale, Porter

Carneros Brewing Co.

22985 Burndale Rd, Sonoma 707.938.1880 •carnerosbrews.com

Jefe-Weizen, Morena Ale, Cerveza Pilsner, Carneros IPA, Negra IPA

Cloverdale Ale Company

131 E. First Street, Cloverdale 707.894.9610 • ruthmcgowansbrewpub.com

Monster Brown Ale, Ruth’s Citrus Wheat Ale, Caroline’s Blonde

Dempsey’s Brewery

50 E. Washington St., Petaluma 707.765.9694 •dempseys.com

Sonoma Mountain Wheat, 707 Wet Hop Ale, Petaluma Strong Ale, Ugly Dog Stout, Boneshaker Double IPA

Fogbelt Brewing Co.

1305 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa fogbeltbrewing.com ®

Lost Monarch Wit, Atlas Blonde, Del Norte IPA, Hyperion Red

Heritage Public House

1901 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa 707.540.0395 www.heritagepublichousesr.com

Hop Monk Tavern

1) 230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol 707.829.7300 2) 691 Broadway, Sonoma 707.935.9100 www.hopmonk.com

Hopmonk Kellerbier, Hopmonk Tavern Ale, Hopmonk Dunkelweizen, Hopmonk ipa, Gordon Biersch Hefeweizen

Lagunitas Brewing

1280 N. McDowell Blvd.

Petaluma • 707.778.8776 www.lagunitas.com (Tours M-T 3pm; Wed-Sun 3pm & 5pm) Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’, Hop Stoopid,

IPA, PILS, Imperial Stout, Censored, Brown Shugga, Wilco Tango Foxtrot

Murphy’s Irish Pub

464 1st St East, Sonoma 707.935.0660 •sonomapub.com

A serious selection of genuine Irish brews, plus some local favorites.

Old Redwood Brewing Co.

9000 Windsor Rd, Windsor.

707.888.4980 • oldredwoodbrewing.com

The Fulton (Wheat), The Stack (Porter)

Pub Republic

3120 A Lakeville Hwy. Petaluma 707.PUB.9090 •pubrepublicusa.com

A great selection of locally made brews on tap.

Rincon Valley Wine & Craft Beer 4927 Sonoma Hwy, Santa Rosa 707.595.5516 • rvwineandbeer.com

Stone Russian Imperial Stout, El Segundo Hop Tanker IPA

Russian River Brewing

725 4th St., Santa Rosa 707.545.BEER • russianriverbrewing.com

Pliny the Elder, Pliny the Younger Damnation, Temptation, Perdition

Sonoma Springs Brewing

19449 Riverside Dr., Sonoma 707.938.7422 • sonomaspringsbrewing.com

SlowNoma (Belgian-style), Lil’ Chief (Pale Ale), Uncle Jack’s (Kolsch-Style), Enchanted Forest (Black IPA)

Stumptown Brewery

15045 River Rd, Guerneville 707.869.0705 www.stumptown.com

Rat Bastard Pale Ale, Bootlegger IPA, Bush Whacker Wheat

Third Street Aleworks

610 3rd Street, Santa Rosa 707-523-3060. • thirdstreetaleworks.com

Bodega Head IPA, Blarney Sisters’ Dry Irish Stout, Annadel Pale Ale, Puddle Jumper Pale

Woodfour Brewing Co.

6770 McKinley St, Sebastopol 707. 824.5600 •woodfourbrewing.com

Berliner Weisse, Sour Farmhouse Ale, Belgian Pale, Session Amber Lager, Wet Hop Session Ale, Dry Hopped Brown Bier, Coffee Porte

Welcome to “Craft Beer Country”

Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 31

photo by Eric Tobias building at 20 Fourth St., the building was constructed of local roblar sandstone and completed in 1906. The library and museum have displays that center on early Petaluma life, and feature a stained glass dome that is one of the only free standing domes in the state. The Petaluma Visitors Center is located at 210 Lakeville St., Petaluma.

Annual events include Butter & Egg Days Parade and Festival Spring Antique Faire; the annual Salute to American Graffiti; Art & Garden Festival; Rivertown Revival Music Festival; Taste of Petaluma Aug. 23 and Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival Sept. 13.

This historic town is ready for the 21st century: the entire downtown area is wired for free wifi! Save those 3G minutes and jump on their network.

For more information, call (707) 769-0429.

•visitpetaluma.com • petalumadowntown.com •petalumachamber.com

59 From Hwy 101, it’s hard to see Petaluma’s hundreds of well-maintained Victorian homes, its historical downtown (which is on the National Register of Historic Places), or the beauty of its riverfront.

Those who take time to explore Petaluma will be pleasantly surprised and will discover that all its treasures cannot be unearthed in only a day or two.

One of California’s oldest cities, Petaluma sprang from gold camps and later became a bustling river town from which manufactured goods were shipped south. Prior to this, Petaluma was the site of General Vallejo’s rancho, the Old Adobe, which was built in the 1830s. It is California’s largest adobe, and is now a state park open to visitors.

With the surge of gold miners to California, the Petaluma River became a major source of wild game to supply a growing population. In 1851, hunters set up camp at what is now Petaluma, and soon wild game was the main export from the area.

The city was founded in 1852 and chartered in 1858, becoming a thriving shipping and manufacturing center. For 98 years, the waterway contributed to Petaluma’s commercial success, making it at one time the ninth largest municipality and the third busiest inland port in California. Once the transport for miners and gold from Sacramento to San Francisco, relics of the two most remembered paddle-wheelers, the steamers “Gold” and “Petaluma” are displayed in the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum.

From the 1880s through the 1940s, Petaluma became famous as a poultry town and was known as the “World’s Egg Basket.” Petaluma was home to the world’s only Chicken Pharmacy (as featured in National Geographic and Ripley’s Believe It or Not). Great wealth was accrued during this period and is still evident in commercial buildings and homes from that time.

By the late 1940s, high costs forced thousands of chicken farms into the hands of a few large producers. In the 1950s, dairy farming and the charm of country living made Petaluma what it is today. Dairy is still a principal industry, along with a variety of specialty agricultural products, high tech industries including telecommunications and tourism.

A major local attraction is the Helen Putnam Regional Park on Chileno Valley Road, which offers scenic views, seasonal fishing, hiking and horseback trails. Petaluma also has seven city parks, so a good spot for a picnic or a barbecue is never far away.

And speaking of food, that is another of Petaluma’s hidden charms. The city has an almost unbelievable number of excellent restaurants that feature just about any cuisine imaginable.

After satiating one’s appetite, a brief walk to admire Petaluma’s historic buildings or waterfront might be in order. During the 1880s Petaluma underwent a building boom that resulted in a variety of ornate Victorian office and commercial buildings, including several iron front buildings. A walking tour brochure is available at the Petaluma Visitors Center that highlights significant aspects of these homes.

Antique collectors will keep busy in Petaluma. The town has more than 30 antique shops, several with multiple dealers. Another intriguing stop is the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum. Located in the Carnegie Library 32 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

Go to a Concert at Mystic Theatre

If you are looking for live entertainment, Mystic Theatre in Petaluma will not disappoint, with at least one band playing or concert almost every night. Upcoming concerts include Robin Trower, Wonderbread 5 and Mason Jennings plus Phoebe Bridgers.

McNear’s Mystic Theatre is described by many as the North Bay’s Premier Music Venue.

Built in 1911, The Mystic Theatre originally was host to live Vaudeville entertainment and in 1992 was renovated to accommodate live music performances for up to See Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings 550 guests. There is a at Mystic Theatre full bar and restaurant access making McNear’s Mystic Theatre first choice for a great night out. The McNear Building, home of McNear’s Saloon & Dining House and McNear’s Mystic Theatre is the legacy of the McNear family—a father and son team that towered over Petaluma for almost a century.

In 1886, John McNear built the building that today houses McNear’s Saloon & Dining House. In 1911, the building next door was completed. Today the two buildings are known collectively as the McNear Building.

George made additional contributions to the community, donating land for McNear Park, McNear School, the Petaluma Golf & Country Club, the fire station at 2nd and D, and more. Murals displaying the family’s history are located on the wall as you enter the restaurant.

Today this historic venue attracts big name performers, including names like Eddie Money, Billie Bob Thornton, Johnny Winter, Blues Traveler, Robert Cray Band, Marshall Tucker Band, and Jerry Jeff Walker.

20 Fourth Street, Petaluma • 707.765.2121 • mystictheatre.com

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Tour an Authentic Mexican Ranch & Museum

The Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park offers a unique look into the life of ranch owners in California when it was still part of Mexico. In its hey day, the adobe at the park was the largest private ranch in California.

To t his day it contains authentic furniture from that period 150 years ago when the ranch operated a tallow business and was used to raise

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(707) 769-0429 visitpetaluma.com 210 Lakeville Street LAKEVILLE (at Highway 116) Petaluma, CA 94952

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Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 33

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Petaluma history exhibits from the 1850s. The cornerstone for this stately Carnegie Library was laid in 1904. The building, designed by local architect Brainerd Jones and built from locally quarried stone, features the largest free-standing leaded glass dome in Northern California. The building is in the neo-classical style, featuring original fan-glass windows, round leaded-glass windows, also original interior wood paneling and columns. It also houses a fine research library.

Exhibits change periodically, and the upstairs exhibits are always free.

They also offer FREE walking tours of historic Petaluma, led by costumed docents. Come hear the history of Petaluma from the mouths of early settlers of Petaluma. Most Saturdays, May through October, meet on the steps of the Museum at 10:30 a.m. to begin.

The museum will also customize tours for groups traveling together, local groups or associations and for schools. Contact brgranados@yahoo.com for information.

photo by Rich Fraguero cattle and sheep. An informative guided tour takes you behind the scenes of a working mid-19th century California estate and teaches the inner workings of this unique time and place. After finishing the tour, find one of the delightfully shaded picnic areas and enjoy a relaxing lunch. The Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park is located on the edge of Petaluma, off Highway 116. They are open Tuesdays through Sundays 10am to 5pm.

13325 Adobe Road, Petaluma 707.762.4871 • parks.ca.gov/?page_id=474

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Explore the Petaluma Historical Library/Museum

The former library now houses Petaluma poultry, dairy, and Miwok Indian

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20 Fourth Street, Petaluma 707.778.4398 • petalumamuseum.com

Enjoy Live Theatre at Cinnabar Theater

Cinnabar Theater is an award-winning, critically acclaimed theater company and arts organization. Visitors can enjoy a variety of exciting performances, ranging from operas to original productions, from musicals to classic comedies and dramas, all in an intimate, 99-seat theater.

Their 2015 season kick s off with The Creature, running Oct. 16-Nov. 1. Award-winning playwright Trevor Allen breathes eloquent new life into Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. This riveting North Bay premiere of the San Francisco hit tells the poignant tale of a lost child, a monster who knows all too well what it means to be human.

Young Repertory Theater presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang November 20 - December 6. Fun for the whole family!

Feb. 5-14 see Bad Dates, an “hilariously idiosyncratic journey of self-discovery involving the Romanian mob, a Buddhist rainstorm, a teenage daughter, lots of shoes, and a few very bad dates.”

3333 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma 707.763.8920 • cinnabartheater.org

34 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

Russian River Resort Area

Russian River Resort Area includes the central town of Guerneville, as well as surrounding towns of Forestville, Rio Nido, Monte Rio, Cazadero, Duncans Mills and Jenner. With a population of just over 4,500 people, Guerneville is the largest community in the Russian River Resort Area. But when the season is upon them, and the river beckons the kayakers & canoers, beaches attract swimmers and revelers, you will swear that this small town is much larger. Whether you just want to paddle around at Johnson’s Beach or trek all the way downriver to Jenner by the Sea, you will find ideal river navigators ready with your gear and some excellent launch points. Most offer shuttle service as well, and some will even bring a kayak or canoe to your vacation rental.

Foodies will be pleasantly surprised by the many fine dining options,

from Michelin recommended dining to riverview bistros. Some of Russian River Area’s restaurants have had recent favorable reviews in the New York Times, Via Magazine and ChowHound. Wine enthusiasts will also be in luck, with over 50 wineries just a short drive away. Some restaurants also offer free corkage for locally purchased wines.

Plan to spend at least an afternoon in Armstrong Redwoods Natural State Reserve, an 805-acre park near Guerneville. Hiking trails wind among giant redwoods, some of which are more than 1,400 years old with a diameter of 12-16 feet and are more than 300 feet tall. You can stroll through the level basin to a quiet picnic area, or take one of the great hikes that lead you up above the trees. Bicycling is allowed in the park, and several local companies rent bicycles.

You can also tour Armstrong Redwoods by Segway. These totally silent vehicles are ideal for the park. See our story on Segway of Healdsburg.

Adjacent to the Armstrong Redwoods Natural State Reserve and sharing the same entrance, you will find Austin Creek State Recreation Area, a 4,200-acre reserve area of mountain ridge-top backcountry perfect for a variety of recreational activities. Bullfrog Pond Campground has primitive campsites and fishing in the man-made lake. Horseback Riding is available at nearby Armstrong Woods Pack Station. There you can plan a trail ride or a more extensive pack trip.

Halfway between Guerneville and Monte Rio, Northwood Golf is an inviting and challenging 9-hole course that winds through the redwoods (see story next page). Monte Rio is a historic resort area known as “Vacation Wonderland”. The Monte Rio Beach is very accessible with some shallow areas for the small ones.

Just a few miles up Bohemian Highway from Monte Rio, Sonoma Canopy Tours is a pristine park-like setting with seven high-flying ziplines, two beautiful skybridges, a unique spiral staircase, and a thrilling rappel to the forest floor. Plan on 2.5 hours to do it all (see story in Family Fun Section).

Going west from Monte Rio (toward the coast), you will find the community of Duncans Mills. This early stopping point for the train bringing San Francisco’s vacationers, and delivering the area’s timber back to San Francisco. Here you will find some very unique shops, galleries, restaurants and an excellent wine bar, with one of the most knowledgeable sommeliers in wine country.

If you continue to where the Russian River ends its journey, you will find yourself in Jenner by the Sea. This stunning little jewel of a town offers several fine restaurants and some very interesting ocean view lodging. You can

FERNGROVE The Russian River’s Best Getaway!

Cottages with comfort, charm and COTTAGES character in a perfect garden setting.

Just blocks from shopping, dining and the beach.

The ideal location for fun and relaxation at the river, surrounded by redwoods and wineries.

Jetted spa tubs and fireplaces available.

Heated saline pool in season. Free WiFi. Some cottages also include kitchens. Start each day with a delicious breakfast featuring signature home-made specialties.

16650 River Road, Guerneville • 888 243 2674 • ferngrove.com Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 35

Russian River even rent a kayak and paddle around the estuary. There are recent reports of Bald Eagle sightings around the estuary. Take a eco-tour with WaterTreks, open year ‘round!

Russian River Resort Area is a favorite destination for LGBT vacationers, with several gay resorts and bars, as well as hosting the annual Lazy Bear Weekend each August, and two Women’s Weekends in Spring and Fall. According to baycitizen.org, “The Russian River resort town of Guerneville has the highest proportion of same-sex couples in the Bay Area, with 8.7 percent of all households headed by two men or two women.”

707-869-9000 •russianriver.com

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Golf in the Redwoods at Northwood Golf Club

Northwood Golf Course, in Monte Rio, was originally created for the exclusive Bohemian Club. Designed in 1928 by Alistair MacKenzi, who also designed Augusta National and Cypress Point at Pebble Beach, Northwood remains one of the most scenic and challenging courses open to the public.

The genuine challenge, pristine beauty and

RIVERLANE RESORT AFFORDABLE CABINS WITH KITCHENS

POOL • HOT TuB • BEACH FREE WIFI • RIvER vIEWS • BBQS

ON THE RIvER AND IN TOWN!

Free extra weeknight! when you stay two or more nights, Oct. - May

1ST and Church Street, Guerneville 707-869-2323 • info@riverlaneresort.com book online

riverlaneresort.com Serving the Russian River area for more than 70 years!

16190 Main Street • Guerneville (707) 869-0608 • www.RussianRiverRealty.com 36 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

signature ninth hole combine to create a lasting, memorable golf experience.

You will find this nine-hole course not only memorable, but also affordable.

Northwood is also a great place for a tournament, conveniently located near Wine Tasting, the Russian River and the coast.

19400 Highway 116, Monte Rio • 707.865.1116 •northwoodgolf.com

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Go Fishing on the Russian River

The most challenging river fishing starts in fall. Small STEELHEAD (1/2 to 4 lbs) migrates up the river in late September and October along with the Chinook salmon. These fish generally stay in the lower river and are a lot of fun on light tackle or a 5wt or 6wt fly rod. Larger adult STEELHEAD 6 to 14lbs and occasionally into the 20lbs range start there migration up river in late October and November running through the winter months into early April.

Note: “No Take” on CHINOOK salmon or COHO Salmon if you hook a salmon while STEELHEAD fishing you must release immediately.

At the time of this writing, there is no fishing allowed due to low flow on the river. However, with the promised El Nino fall & winter, it is very likely that the low flow ban will be lifted.

In April and May another anadromous fish puts in an appearance – the small but mighty SHAD. What fighters these fish are! Mostly taken on flies and feathered lures, these fish provide a lot of entertainment as well as refining the fly fisherman’s skill in using sinking shooting heads with wet flies.

Summer brings warmer water and the bite turns on for SMALL and L ARGE MOUTH BASS. These fish, along with BLUEGILL provide solid fishing all summer long for our many visitors.

The Russian River is a Barbless Hook River year-round. Check the Fish and Game Regulations for specific rules, hook sizes, bag limits, and size of

“there is no other golf course quite like this.”

Northwood Golf Club 19400 Hwy 116, Monte Rio, CA 95462

A gorgeous canvas of sky, redwoods, and river combine to make this a must play golf experience in the heart of the Russian River Resort Area. This nine hole, par 36 layout is open year ‘round, with a 19th hole voted the area’s best sports bar.

Tee times: 707-865-1116 Or book on-line and save $$$ at www.northwoodgolf.com

Russian River

Guerneville

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Population 4,534 (2010)

9.879 sq miles (25.59 km²)

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707.869.9000 16209 First St, Guerneville 13250 River Rd. (Korbel) www.russianriver.com

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Great Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Open Daily 8 am - 8 pm

Guerneville’s best kept secret!

Try our Smokin’ Joe’s Barbeque!

Comfortable Indoor or Outdoor Dining on our Heated Patio

Call for Takeout!

17132 Hwy 116 • Guerneville (Just west of Downtown Guerneville)

gardengrillbbq.com | 707.869.3922

Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 37

Russian River fish. All tributaries are closed to fishing. These are spawning streams and we need to protect our native fish.

The Sonoma coast’s miles of shoreline provide great rock and surf fishing, along with world class abalone diving. Check Fish and Game regulations for specific rules, hook sizes, and bag limits. For fishing information, guide services, regulations books, and licenses contact King’s Sport and Tackle in Guerneville

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707.869.2156 • kingsrussianriver.com

Walk among the giant Redwoods at Armstrong

Visit the Giant Redwoods of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. The ancient coast redwood is the tallest living thing on the planet! These remarkable trees live to be 500-1000 years old and can grow to a diameter of 12 to 16 feet. A few trees survive over 2,000 years and reach 350 feet in height. As you enter the park, you will feel your own pulse drop, and a strange calm will overtake you as you breathe in the fragrant aroma and stroll through the fog-shrouded trails.

This “Nature’s Cathedral” is as close to magic as we mortals can imagine.

Sequoia sempervirens, also known as the towering coastal redwoods, cover the hillsides of this 805-acre Reserve. With miles of nature trails, visitors can enjoy the forest by foot or horseback. The reserve has a large outdoor amphitheater and numerous picnic facilities (which are available for weddings!).

There are no campgrounds in the Reserve, but there are camping facilities at the adjacent Austin Creek State Recreation Area.

Armstrong Redwoods Don’t miss Parson Jones photo by Eric Tobias Tree, the park’s tallest at 310 feet; The Oldest Tree, Colonel Armstrong Tree, estimated at over 1,400 years old; and the Icicle Tree, which displays unusual burl formations. The Discover Trail offers a wheelchair accessible pathway, interpretive panels in Braille and tree hugging platforms. Check in with Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods for docent led hikes.

In addition to the easy, level stroll through the park, numerous hikes are available, originating from within or just outside the park. These hikes range from 1 mile easy hikes to a moderate to strenuous 3.3 mile hike. Advanced level hikes begin in the Armstrong Redwoods and wind their way into the rolling hills, forests and grasslands of Austin Creek Recreation Area.

These hikes range from 5.6 miles with an 1100’ climb to 9 miles with a 1500’ climb.

Guided Armstrong Nature Trail group hikes are available by appointment only, and are typically offered for larger groups.

For further information, contact Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods at 707-8699177.

The Visitor Center is open daily.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is located two miles north of Guerneville at 17000 Armstrong Wood Road, off River Road.

(707) 869-2958 •parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450 • stewardscr.org/ 38 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

Bohemian Highway

Freestone & Occidental Looking for a scenic route to the coast or to the Russian River area? You won’t be sorry if you chose Bohemian Highway. This 10mile roadway winds through towering redwoods, bucolic pastures, rocky ravines and three memorable townships.

One of the first areas to be settled in Sonoma County, this stretch of backwoods is now a mecca for bicyclers, hikers, artists and other wanderers.

As you enter Bohemian Highway from the south, you find yourself immediately in Freestone. There are several reasons to stop here before you begin the drive, including a premium wine tasting room, a tasty bakery and a unique day spa.

As you proceed north on the Bohemian Highway, the next burg you encounter is charming Occidental. Begin by joining the locals for breakfast or lunch at Howard Station. Their juice bar is also a favorite for locals and travelers, many of whom begin their bicycle treks from Occidental. A favorite bicycle trip is This beautiful village boasts antique stores, unique gift shops and galleries.

Leaving Occidental, the highway winds through canopies of redwood, bay and acacia trees. On the way you will pass Sonoma Canopy Tours, where you can stop for a breathtaking zipline tour through the redwoods.

Monte Rio joins the north end of the Bohemian Highway to the Russian River. This cozy little hamlet boasts its own live theater, movie theater, golf course, tennis courts and a very family-friendly beach, where you can rent a kayak, indulge yourself at a concession and relax on the sandy shores.

66

Treat Yourself at Osmosis Day Spa

Recognized in local reader’s polls as the best spa in Sonoma county for the last 18 years, Osmosis is the PERFECT one-day spa getaway.

Rejuvenate in the healing alchemy of a unique cedar enzyme bath, a fermentation bathing ritual found nowhere else on the continent. Be transformed by the gifted touch of expert massage practitioner in the well-appointed spa or in a private pagoda in a wooded paradise. Feel the radiant glow of a skin care treatment using the finest organic botanicals, tailored for your specific needs.

Reconnect with nature in five lush acres situated on Salmon Creek; four distinct garden environments and secluded forest trails connected by gently meandering pathways.

Reflect and savor deep calm and inner peace in the Kyoto-style meditation garden or suspended restfully in the hammock garden.

Osmosis is a destination, located on 5 secluded acres in the coastal hills of Sonoma wine country just 60-miles north of San Francisco. Walk to Freestone’s famous Wildflour Bakery, Joseph Phelps biodynamic wine tasting and the new Artisan Cheese Store.

Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary is open daily from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm. For more information, reservations and detailed directions, call (707) 209 Bohemian Highway, Freestone • 707.823-8231 • osmosis.com

67

Russian River

See a Concert at Occidental Center for the Arts

The Occidental Center for the Arts provides diverse, high-quality arts and cultural events to western Sonoma County and communities beyond. Housed in a newly remodeled performing venue with superb acoustics and an adjacent exhibition gallery, the OCA works to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors alike through diverse cultural performances, exhibitions, events and arts education that inspire, teach, and entertain. The Center’s goal is to bring world class talent to this small town with the idea to create a space for local artists to perform, develop, and display their work.

The Arts Center boasts an acoustically excellent auditorium, with a professional stage, lighting and sound, s u p e r b au di e n ce s eat i n g, a n ar t gallery, as well as an art classroom. The Redwood Arts Council and Occidental Community Choir have made OCA their preferred performance venue.

The Center offers performances, literary events and visual art exhibits year round. For performance schedule and ticket information see website. OCA is wheelchair accessible.

3850 Doris Murphy Ct, Occidental • occidentalcenterforthearts.org

68

Ride Ziplines in the Redwoods

Nestled off Sonoma County’s coast and deep in the Redwoods, Sonoma Canopy Tours is nature’s way of offering high adventure. As one of the longest and highest canopy tours ever created, Sonoma Canopy Tours features 2 ½ hours of thrills, 7 adrenaline-pumping ziplines—one over 800’ long, 2 sky bridges with picturesque views, a majestic spiral staircase and rappel. What you’ll see will amaze you. From panoramic forest views to thrillingly deep ravines, it’s the adventure of a lifetime, leaving you with a renewed appreciation for this unique eco-system.

Below are three options.

Day Flights (Classic Course): A zipline lets the magic of gravity do all the work. Fitted with a specially-designed harness, you’ll reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour on the fastest zips. On other elements of the course, you can savor breathtaking views of the majestic Redwood forest at a leisurely pace.

Night Flights (Classic Course): Experience their same great Classic Course (described above) after the sun sets! Along with the thrill of zipping quietly through the night time forest we take the time to view the night sky from our tree top platforms. Our guides will point out the constellations and other topics of interest. A unique way to spend your evening.

The Challenger: Besides featuring their longest zip line, this course is designed to offer levels of challenge that fit your comfort level. Multiple bridges and rappel options allow you to “challenge” yourself. Previous experience on the Classic Course or other zip lines is recommended but not required. The Challenger has the same age and weight requirements as our Classic Course. Each person must be 10 years of age and 70 pounds, the maximum weight is 250 pounds.

Reservations are recommended and can be booked online or by phone.

6250 Bohemian Highway, Occidental 888-494-7868 •sonomacanopytours.com Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 39

Distillery, where you can taste gin and whiskey and tour the distillery. There are also Wolford Glassblowing and Bronze Plus Art Foundry, where you can see the art being created. At Tibetan Gallery & Studio you can view the first Thanmochi ever painted outside of Tibet by master artist Tashi Dhargyal.

Community Market offers natural organic foods, as well as a tasting bar for beer and wine. • thebarlow.net •sebastopol.org

Sebastopol The bustling town of Sebastopol is a great starting point to explore all of western Sonoma County. An attractive, progressive community, population 7,525, Sebastopol is situated at the crossroads of Highway 12 and Highway 116 (which is also known as the Gravenstein Highway for the numerous apple orchards along its length). In springtime, the rich agricultural land surrounding Sebastopol is awash in delicate pink and white blossoms as thousands of acres of apple trees seem to bloom all at once!

The City of Sebastopol has four major parks, in addition to several smaller pocket parks. The major parks are Ives Park, Libby Park, Laguna Youth Park and the Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Preserve (which has a brand new entrance on Highway 12; see story this page). Ragle Ranch Park encompasses 225 acres and is a favorite spot for bicycling, horseback riding and picnicking.

Sebastopol’s annual Apple Blossom Festival will bring the area live music with a full line up of live blues performers on April 12th & 13th. This parade and festival is great fun for the whole family. In August, the Gravenstein Apple Fair brings more merriment, staged at the oak tree laden Ragle Ranch Park.

Sebastopol is famous for its concentration of antique shops and collectives along Highway 116, known as “Antique Row.” Be sure and check out Antique Society (and grab a muffin and coffee).

Farm Trails maps are available at the Chamber of Commerce and show how to find and tour local farms.

Shopping Sebastopol’s Main Street is a treat!

With eclectic shops like Silk Moon, Aubergine, Earth Child, Milk & Honey and Funk & Flash, you won’t be bored with the options. At The Uncarved Block, you can browse a collection of gemstones, minerals, meteorites and jewelry from all over the globe (and beyond!). They also have the world’s largest collection of Grateful Dead memorabilia!

The dhyana Center, on Main Street, offers Ayurvedic Yogo classes, a bathhouse and Self-Care Studio, an Herbal Apothecary Cafe & Lounge where you can grab a healthy mocktail.

Just a few blocks from Sebastopol’s downtown, on Highway 116, heading southeast, you will find another cluster of great shops and restaurants. Be sure and stop into Beekind for a taste of local honey. A bit further east on Highway 116, feed the hungry plants at California Carnivores.

On Highway 12 coming into town from east, find Gravenstein Station, which includes Sebastopol Inn, Coffee Katz, Lydia’s Express, a vegan/vegetarian restaurant in a genuine railroad car, a real caboose with wine tasting from Claypool Cellars (that’s right Primus fans, it’s Les Claypool’s place!) Or pick up some edibles at Peace in Medicine, if you are carrying your cannibus card.

Just across the street from Gravenstein Station, the newly opened and still growing Barlow Center is Sebastopol’s new tourist magnet, boasting wine tasting rooms, a brewery and a brewpub, great restaurants like Zazu, a bakery and a coffee house, Guayaki Organic Yerba Mate Cafe, Spiritworks 40 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

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Feed Hungry Plants at California Carnivores

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Tour the Area on a Bike from Sebastopol Bike Center

Gardeners cringe when bugs appear, but not Peter D’Amato. Bugs are assets to a guy who raises and sells plants of prey. As co-owner of his own little shop of horrors, Peter D’Amato’s California Carnivores in Sebastopol is a nursery that specializes in carnivorous plants. His passion for the hungry flora began at age 11 when he found a bug-eating plant in a southern New Jersey bog. Nearly four decades later, the Sebastopol business owner is still left breathless with excitement when discussing his product.

Visitors are astounded by the mechanisms the plants use to snag prey.

Consider the Venus Flytrap—its nectar lures the unsuspecting to a trigger-hairfilled trap that snaps shut with lightning speed. The Sundew envelops victims in tentacle-covered leaves, then hungrily feasts. In the nursery, the voracious plants snag bees, flies, fungus gnats and other tasty bits. When bugs are in short supply, D’Amato encourages customers to “Bring Your Own Bugs” (BYOB) to feed the stealthy plants. The nursery supplies utensils for feeding and magnifying glasses for jaw-dropping, up close views. The widest variety of carnivorous plants and plant care products in the United States are offered for sale, as well as D’Amato’s best selling book, The Savage Garden, now in its eighth printing. California Carnivores is one of 29 spots in North America recently selected by Rand McNally editors in the Best of the Road™ awards program. The annual program recognizes local restaurants, shops and attractions along five recommended road trips. The nursery also appears frequently on many TV shows and magazines as a popular tourist attraction.

2833 Old Gravenstein Highway, Sebastopol 707.824.0433 •californiacarnivores.com

Strategically located at the intersection of Highway 12 and Morris Street in Sebastopol, Sebastopol Bike Center can rent you a bike and put you on a trail right from their own parking lot. From there you can go west on the West County Regional Trail to Forestville, or east to Santa Rosa on the Joe Rodota Trail. Or you can ask them to help you customize a trip for you, based on your level of experience and your preferred view, whether it is past vineyards and tasting rooms, bucolic pastures, oceanside vistas or challenging mountain terrain.

Choose from casual cruiser models to hybrids. Or for experienced road cyclists there are lightweight high performance überbikes. Sebastopol Bike Center also delivers and picks up your rental bike, so they can get bikes to you even if you cannot get to them.

They also have a great selection of new and recycled bicycling gear as well as new and refurbished bikes for sale. Sebastopol Bike Center is a great place to visit.

6731 Sebastopol Highway (Hwy 12 & Morris St), Sebastopol 707.829.2688 • sebastopolbike.com

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2661 Gravenstein Hwy so. (Hwy 116) sebastopol • www.antiquesociety.com OPEN DAILY! CAFE ON SITE! 707.829.1733

Color Me Creative with an amazing selection of clothing featuring Habitat, CMC, Chalet, Fridaze, Woolrich, Salaam, Mill Valley and more.

Browse our selection of women’s, men’s and children’s shoes, Naot, Merrell, Pikolinos, Wolky, Chaco, Dansko, Keen, Born, Teva.

Textiles, blown glass, jewelry and home decor.

Boutique 195 N. Main St., Sebastopol Open Daily, 10-6

707-824-4300 silkmoon.org

Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 41

71

Walk Through Northern Cal’s Largest Wetlands

Laguna Wetlands Preserve in Laguna de Santa Rosa is the largest freshwater marsh in Northern California. The oak woodland and vernal pool complex surrounding the wetlands of the Laguna ecosystem once provided food to antelope, elk and deer herds. The Laguna is now a premier bird-watching area, though other wildlife is occasionally spotted.

The largest tributary of the Russian River, the Laguna drains a 254-squaremile watershed. Kayaking and canoeing in the Laguna is possible only in winter and only when rainfall has been significant within the previous one to two weeks.

A short walking trail adjoins the Laguna channel and loops around the City’s former wastewater ponds. From late Spring to early Fall, a floating pedestrian bridge is in place to connect to a trail on the east bank of the Laguna channel.

The Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail is one of Sonoma County Regional Parks’ newest trails, offering a unique opportunity to see the biologically diverse landscape of Sonoma County’s largest freshwater wetland.

The trail runs on the east side of the Laguna channel between Highway 12 and Occidental Road, photo by Tom Moyer with trailheads and parking areas located off of both roads. A 1.8-mile multi-use trail is open to hikers, cyclists and equestrians and includes an overlook area with benches and Laguna and vineyard views. Paved with crushed stone, the trail is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Laguna Wetlands Preserve in the city of Sebastopol is the best place to access the Laguna itself. You can walk the gravel trails past ponds and marshes to the seasonal bridge, or sit on benches under towering valley oaks and Oregon ash. A two mile hike encircles the entire area. Trails are accessible to walkers and wheelchairs but not bikes. Dogs allowed on leash.

Follow cool Santa Rosa Creek under towering oaks and thick willows, on top of the gravel access roads maintained by Sonoma County Water Agency. The entrance to the trail is on Willowside Road, 0.5 miles south of Guerneville Road and 0.5 miles north of Hall Road. At 0.7 miles along the trail, the City of Santa Rosa’s Delta Pond will appear on your left.

The end of the trail is at 1.5 miles, where Santa Rosa Creek meets the Laguna channel. To download the Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail Guide go to http://lagunadesantarosa.com/pdfs/TrailsBrochure-2015_Web.pdf The Laguna Foundation (celebrating its 25th year in 2015!) offers lively, informative docent-led walks in the Preserve.

707-527-9277 • lagunadesantarosa.com

72

Ride the West County or Joe Rodota Trail

The West County Trail between the towns of Sebastopol and Forestville is a paved path and relatively flat with a few gentle climbs. An unpaved horseback riding trail runs parallel to the trail.

The Joe Rodota Trail, a segment of the West County Trail, is paved and runs between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. It ís built on a former railroad right-of-way; several bridges have been constructed over the old trestles. The trail is especially popular in the spring with the vivid blooming of the wildflowers. It is also an excellent place for bird watching year-round.

The West County Trail and the Joe Rodota Trail offer beautiful farm and agricultural views. Both trails can be picked up from just outside Gravenstein Station and the Barlow Center, and there is ample free parking.

Don’t have your bike with you? Stop in to Sebastopol Bike Center, located in the Gravenstein Station center and rent a bike for an hour, for a day or for a weekend. Their shop is right at the starting point for either Joe Rodota

Trail or West County Trail.

•parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Get_Outdoors/Parks/Joe_Rodota_Trail.aspx •parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Get_Outdoors/arks/West_County_Regional_Trail.aspx 42 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

Santa Rosa 73

photo by Neight Elder Santa Rosa is the cultural, economic and political heart of Sonoma County. The rapidly growing county seat city has a population of over 170,000, making it the largest city in Sonoma County. Santa Rosa’s population was only 50,000 as recently as 1970.

Sonoma County is known for the grapes grown here and the world famous wines that result from that harvest. The area surrounding Santa Rosa is home to more than 250 wineries and vineyards, many with attractive tasting rooms, gardens and picnic areas.

The city of Santa Rosa has a diverse economy that is the envy of cities twice its size. Santa Rosa’s many businesses include manufacturing, electronics, wood products, tourism, higher education and more. Shopping areas are abundant and include the Historic Railroad Square, a mix of restaurants, retail stores and shops in refurbished stone and brick buildings. Sample some of Wine Country’s finest cuisine at Chef Josh Silver’s Jackson’s Bar & Oven. There are three malls, the recently remodelled Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa Plaza and Montgomery Village, each featuring hundreds of shops in a variety of fashions. Montgomery Village is home to a summer concert series (see more inside back cover). Downtown Santa Rosa’s Courthouse Square includes every sort of restaurant, clothing store, gift shop, bookstore and business imaginable. It is a lively, vibrant area. Be sure and check out Guy Fieri’s unique restaurant, Tex Wasabi.

The train depot, circa 1904, located in Historic Railroad Square has been restored to mint condition and is now the home of the Santa Rosa Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the California Welcome Center.

The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, located on the corner of West Steele Lane and Hardies Lane, was opened in Spring 2002. The 27,384-square foot museum includes permanent and temporary galleries, a 100-seat theatre, a room for drawing, and outdoor gardens. Just across the street from the museum, Snoopy’s Home Ice offers year ‘round ice skating.

A four-foot tall bronze sculpture of the Peanuts characters Charlie Brown and Snoopy, located in Depot Park in historic Railroad Square, is a tribute to Charles M. Schulz, who was a longtime Santa Rosa resident. The sculpture was a project sponsored by the City of Santa Rosa, the Cultural Arts Council of Sonoma County, and the Sonoma County Community Foundation.

The arts are an important part of Santa Rosa life. The city has several live theater groups. The Santa Rosa Symphony is known as one of the finest of its size, and the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts has a regular lineup of entertainers, dancers and other cultural events. 6th Street Playhouse, in Railroad Square, offers two stages with musical, dramatic and comedic productions year ‘round.

Natural beauty is also no stranger to Santa Rosa—the city has six acres of parkland for every 1,000 residents in more than 40 parks and recreation areas. Probably the best-known park in the city is the Luther Burbank Center, the former home of the famed horticulturist. Sonoma County Museum celebrates art and culture of the area and is a Smithsonian Affiliate.

Santa Rosa is host to a number of great events, including Peggy Sue’s All American Cruise each summer. See the procession of classic cars through downtown Santa Rosa, and take part in the Chili Cookoff June 12-15 this year.

For more information, contact the Santa Rosa Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 404-7673. www.visitsantarosa.com

Stroll through Luther Burbank Home & Gardens

Over the course of his 50-year career, famous horticulturist Luther Burbank experimented with and developed numerous plant varieties. At Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, learn about this amazing man’s life by visiting the Museum, his Greenhouse and the home he lived in from 1884 through 1906.

The museum is located in the Carriage House. Here you can see exhibits on Burbank’s life and influential work, visit the Gift Shop, and sign up for a Docent-led tour. The Greenhouse, designed by Burbank himself in 1889, is still used by the Gardeners for seed propagation. The Museum, Gift Shop and guided tours of the Burbank Home and Greenhouse are available to the public Tuesday through Sunday from April through October. Don’t forget to wander through the gardens and admire the beauty Burbank studied and to which he dedicated his life.

The Gardens are open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk. Luther Burbank Home & Gardens is located across from City Hall in Santa Rosa.

707-524-5445 • lutherburbank.org

74

Shop & Dine at Historic Railroad Square

75

Taste Wine & Pizza at Vintner’s Square

In Old Town Santa Rosa, restored turn-of-the-century buildings are filled with specialty shops, antique stores, fantastic restaurants and elegant hotels. This area is known as Railroad Square and was developed in the 1880s when the first trains arrived in Santa Rosa. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The 1904 train depot has been restored and is home to the California Welcome Center as well as the Santa Rosa Convention and Visitors Bureau. There you will find everything you need to plan your trip and maximize your stay. You’ll find dining for all tastes and budgets, plenty of diverse and charming shops and inviting tasting rooms and wine shops.

Railroad Square’s specialty shops offer trendy fashions, sporting goods, enticing gifts and furnishings for your home. For those who love browsing and collecting antiques, Railroad Square is Santa Rosa’s Antique Row, with many shops to choose from. Looking for glitz? Railroad Square jewellery shops offer a full array of shopping choices, from vintage and estate to contemporary designs. Christmastime is a special delight in Railroad Square, with festivities throughout the month of December, including free carriage rides and a holiday tree lighting. Railroad Square is a wonderful central location for exploring the entire county, and you will find a number of places to stay, from a national hotel/ spa to a charming historic hotel and award winning restaurants. In fact with over 18 restaurants, wine bars and coffee shops, your choices could not be more diverse.

Railroad Square is located in Santa Rosa, off Highway 101 at the Downtown exit.

707.578.8478 • railroadsquare.net

Santa Rosa Vintners Square has been a conceptual work in progress since the beginnings of D’Argenzio Winery. Vintners Square has become an urban village dedicated to providing culinary devotees all their wine and food needs in one central area.

Minutes away from Santa Rosa’s Historic Old Railroad Square Downtown, Vintners Square hosts not only the flagship outpost for D’Argenzio Winery, but also two other dog friendly Santa Rosa wineries, a brewery, barber shop, pizzeria, cigar shop, and a juice/coffee shop. This “Urban Wine Village” of Santa Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 43

Railroad Square Where

locals and visitors eat, shop

&

play.

Railroad Square is the historic “Old Town” in Santa Rosa. Railroad Square has a

charming ambiance and has become Santa Rosa’s Restaurant and Antique Row, plus the California Welcome Center, the first stop for visitors coming to Sonoma County. Come explore our eclectic mix of specialty shops and award winning restaurants, wine and craft

Shop & Play

beer shops, coffee houses and conveniently located hotels.

photo by Alv Alvarez

photo courtesy 6th Street Playhouse

6th Street Playhouse The North Bay’s premier, professional,

live theatre experience, celebrates their 10th Anniversary Season by presenting 12 in-house productions of plays and musicals for every taste!

52 W. Sixth St. • www.6thstreetplayhouse.com.. 707-523-4185

Assistance League® Thrift Shop is an upscale, resale shop offering quality clothing, accessories, housewares, small appliances, books and decorator items. 5 W. Sixth St. • www.sonomacounty.assistanceleague.org ....... 707-546-9484

photo by Dale Godfrey

The Welfare League Thrift Shop A unique resale shop featuring nearly-new clothing for the entire family; plus jewelry, housewares, crafts, books, games, accessories & collectibles.

126 Fourth St. • www.welfareleague.org............... 707.542.7480 Whistlestop Antiques Featuring 10,000 sq. ft. of treasures

and voted Sonoma County’s ‘Best’ antique store year after year.

Open Daily. Celebrating our 41st Anniversary!

130 Fourth St. • www.whistlestop-antiques.com......................... 707-542-9474

Green Fish Trading Co. Offers Japanese tansu chests, Tibetan carpets and Asian Folk Art accessories -“An Oasis of Calm and Good Taste.”

204 Wilson St. • www.greenfishtrading.com........ 707-528-8101 Olde Towne Jewelers Stunning collections of antique & es-

tate jewelry, diamonds & Rolex watches – expert jewelry & watch repair.

125 Fourth St. • oldetownejewelers.com............. 707-577-8813

OldTown Furniture/Furniture Depot The quality you deserve and the selections you want – from solid Oak Mission to slip-covered sofas.

110 Fourth St. • www.oldtownfurnitures.com..... 707-575-8287 Rococo Mercato-Purveyor of Stylish Goods Railroad

Square’s Newest, Most Fabulous One Stop Shop for Unique Gifts, Accessories, Handbags, Exquisite Jewelry and Home Déco. 127 Fourth St. • www.rococomercato.com ................................. 707-526-7500

Sack’s on the Square An Upscale thrift store benefiting Face2Face. 116 Fourth St. • www.f2f.org........... 707-541-7227

www.railroadsquare.net • 707.578.8478

Historic District Food & Drink

Santa Rosa

photo by Dale Godfrey

photo courtesy Jackson’s Bar & Oven

A’Roma Roasters Coffee, Tea & Ice Cream

European style coffeehouse with fresh roasted coffee that’s roasted daily right in the middle of the café.

Celebrating 24 years!

95 5th St. • www.aromaroasters.com................... 707-576-7765

Chevy’s Fresh Mex California inspired, mesquite fired flavor

and farm fresh ingredients. Chevy’s serves up delicious simplicity in a casual, energized atmosphere.

24 Fourth St. • www.chevys.com ......................... 707-571-1082

Jackson’s Bar & Oven Railroad Square’s hottest restaurant features classic American cuisine with creative dishes in a woodfired oven & innovative cocktails.

135 Fourth St. • www. jacksonsbarandoven.com... 707-545-6900 La Gare French Restaurant European cooking techniques.

Voted “Most Romantic Restaurant”. Open daily for dinner starting at 5:00 pm and offering reservations for private parties.

208 Wilson St. • www.lagarerestaurant.com ........ 707-528-4355

LoCoco’s Cucina Rustica Outstanding rustic Italian cuisine and named “Best Italian Restaurant” year after year. Come “mangia” with us in our beautiful little slice of Italy right here in Railroad Square. 117 4th St. • www.lococos.net .707-523-2227 Omelette Express Serving the finest breakfast and lunch in Sonoma County…from omelettes to hamburgers.

112 Fourth St. • www.omeletteexpress.com......... 707-525-1690 Romililly Wines Taste hand-crafted Sonoma County wines with the winemakers – a sit down style tasting.

10 Fourth Street #208 • www.romililly.com........... 707.473-0636 Stark’s Steak & Seafood Featuring the highest quality corn-fed prime and dry aged steaks, as well as all natural grass fed beef. Extensive selection of shellfish & grilled seafood.

521 Adams St. • www.starkssteakhouse.com...... 707-546-5100 Station 1870 Wine Bar Station 1870 is a Specialty Wine and

Craft Beer Lounge with weekly food menus tailored to our seasonal abundance.

123 Fourth St. • www.station1870.com .............. 707-623-9619

Lodging

The Brasserie Restaurant & Lounge Wine Country

Cuisine - fresh local ingredients which reflect the seasons and local flavors. Enjoy our outdoor dining and lounge.

170 Railroad St. • www.vineyardcreek.hyatt.com 7 . 07-636-7388

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Four Diamond Hotel with First-Class Amenities and Exceptional Service. Featuring a Full Service Salon & Spa. 170 Railroad Street • www.vineyardcreek.hyatt.com.... 707-284-1234

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1907. Historic ambiance and timeless hospitality.

308 Wilson St. • www.hotellarose.com ................. 707-579-3200

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Hotel La Rose Extending a warm welcome to visitors since

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Courtyard by Marriott ‘Ideally located for your relaxing getaway in Sonoma Wine Country!’ Completely renovated in Summer 2015.

175 Railroad Street • www.marriott.com/stscy..... 707-573-9000

The Pullman Kitchen Inspired California cuisine with a focus on the bounty of Sonoma County. Serving dinner Mon-Sat, with weekday lunch & weekend brunch. Private dining available.

205 5th St. • www.thepullmankitchensr.com ....... 707-545-4300

To Petaluma

Prince Memorial Greenway

Take the Downtown Santa Rosa Exit #489 off U.S. Hwy 101.

Follow us on Facebook for current specials and upcoming events!

46 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

Rosa Wineries, wine tasting rooms, and shops is located in the heart of Santa Rosa, making your visit the ideal way to enjoy the perks of wine country without leaving town.

Wineries include D’Argenzio Winery, Sheldon Wines, Two Shepherds and Krutz Family Cellars. You can also find Squire Cigars, The Barbery, and Fogbelt Brewing Company. They’ve also recently added Cibo Rustico Pizzeria and Juice on the Square to this culinary collection. Vintners Square offers it all in a beautiful Urban Village Winery setting right off Hwy 101 in Santa Rosa.

1301 Cleveland Ave, Santa Rosa • 707.280-4658 • santarosavintnerssquare.com

76

Climb Aboard at Pacific Coast Air Museum

Aviation History comes to life at the Pacific Coast Air Museum located at the Charles M. Schulz– Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa. The Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the acquisition, restoration, safe operation and display of historic aircraft.

In nearly 20 years of operation the museum has acquired more than two dozen historical aircraft, many of which have significant military service.

The museum engages in a variety of community outreach programs, including monthly open cockpit Climb Aboards, educational programs and the annual air

show. Each year tens of thousands of Sonoma County residents and visitors are touched by the Pacific Coast Air Museum’s efforts to keep aviation history alive.

Visit the museum to view the educational exhibits and walk among the static aircraft displays including the F-4 Phantom, F-14 Tomcat, F-86 Sabre, AV-8C Harrier, UH-1H Huey and more. Sit inside the cockpit of historic military aircraft the third weekend of each month and talk to knowledgeable docents and aircraft crews, many of whom served our country in these same aircraft.

Enjoy the spectacular Wings Over Wine Country Air Show each August.

Join the more than 20,000 air show enthusiasts who come to see military jet demonstrations from the Air Force and Navy, exciting aerobatic performers, warbird flights, simulated CDF fire drops, Sonoma County Sheriff helicopter rescue and dozens of static aircraft on display. In December bring your children or grandchildren to meet Santa who flies in by helicopter. Or just have a relaxing picnic lunch on the east patio facing the rows of aircraft on display.

There is truly something for everyone. The museum always encourages volunteers to be a docent or to help restore an historic aircraft.

One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa • 707.575.7900 • pacificcoastairmuseum.org

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Visit the Sonoma County Museums of Art & History

Museums of Sonoma County is actually two museums in one location, housing both the Art Museum of Sonoma County and the History Museum of Sonoma County. This Smithsonian Affiliate is located in the historic 1910 Santa Rosa Post Office, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The History Museum has been in this landmark building since 1985, but the Art Museum of Sonoma County joined them in April of this year.

The Art Museum of Sonoma County presents national and international exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. The Museum’s collection features artists who have lived and worked in Northern California. With diverse education programs, the Museum serves as a creative forum and public gathering place.

Their 4,500 sq. ft. gallery space, located in the former Conklin Bros. building

Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 47

Santa Rosa at 505 B Street. The new museum represents Phase I of a long-term expansion plan that will transform the entire corner of downtown Santa Rosa at 5th and B Streets.

Upcoming Exhibits: Oct. 31 - Feb. 7, 2016 Journey to Fountaingrove: From Feudal Japan to California Utopia. With items from their collection, Paradise Ridge Winery, and from private collectors, this exhibit spans the large geographical and cultural distance that Nagasawa had to navigate. It is the story of the connections that brought this unusual man to Santa Rosa, and the man himself who became know as the “Wine King of California.”

Dec. 12 - Feb. 7, 2016: Inside Magnolia Editions: Collaboration and Innovation. Under the direction of Don and Era Farnsworth since 1981, Magnolia Editions has been on the front lines of innovation, collaboration, and advocacy for timely and pressing social and political issues. Known primarily as a top-notch printmaking studio, their collaborative and signature experimental style has them working shoulder to shoulder with renowned artists from the San Francisco and New York regions, as well as other national and international contemporary artists eager to push their artistry and technical capabilities to new heights.

The History Museum of Sonoma County is a regional history center for the North San Francisco Bay Area. Its exhibitions and collections document the region’s rich land and history. The Museum serves the community as a gathering place and educational forum for youth and adults. Check their website or Facebook for upcoming History Exhibits.

Private Curator Tours and Private Docent-Led tours are available. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

425 Seventh Street, Santa Rosa • 707.579.1500 • sonomacountymuseum.org

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See the Show at 6th Street Playhouse

Santa Rosa’s 6th Street Playhouse is home to popular musicals and plays in an intimate setting. See the haunting comedy Blithe Spirit Oct. 16 – Nov. 8.

The cult classic Rocky Horror Show returns Oct 23 – Nov 8. See Charles Dickens’

classic A Christmas Story Nov 20 – Dec 20; or experience David Sedaris’ Santaland Diaries Dec. 4-13. One Man, Two Guvners runs Jan 15 – Feb 7, 2016. See Anton Chekhov’s From Russia with Love Jan 29 – Feb 14, 2016. Pulitzer Prize winner Anna in the Tropics runs March 11-26.

Silent Sky is a Science vs. Love story, running April 1-17. See the benchmark musical My Fair Lady May 6 – Jun 5. The nostalgic 50’s musical Forever Plaid runs June 24-July 17. For up to date information on 6th Street Productions and other live theatre venues, download the 101 Things To Do Sonoma County Mobile App in iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.

52 W. 6th Street, Santa Rosa • 707.523.4185. •6thstreetplayhouse.com

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See a Concert at Wells Fargo Center

Wells Fargo Center for the Arts is Santa Rosa’s premier arts center, offering top shelf performances of music, comedy and children’s entertainment throughout the year. Below is a list (subject to change) of upcoming performances.

Oct. 23 Emotions Music Entertainment presents Gloria Trevi Oct. 25 Symphony Pops: Great Ladies of Swing Nov. 3 Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings Nov. 5 Rick Steves – Lessons from a Lifetime of Travel Nov. 7 Whose Live Anyway? (Improv Comedy) Nov. 15 Putting Out the Fire: A Thanksgiving for Middletown Nov. 30 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis Dec. 11 Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas Dec. 3 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party Dec. 4 & 5 Transcendence Theatre Company presents

Joy to the World – A Broadway Holiday Extravaganza Dec. 6 San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Home for the Holidays!

Dec. 8 LeAnn Rimes Today Is Christmas Tour Dec. 11 Ballet Folklórico De Sacramento Posada Navideña Dec. 13 Symphony Pops:

A Very Merry Holiday Pops – Maestro’s Favorites Dec. 19 Moscow Ballet presents The Great Russian Nutcracker Dec. 22 Dave Koz Christmas Tour 2015 Dec. 23 The Brian Setzer Orchestra

12th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour 1-10-16 Psychic Medium John Edward 1-15 to 1-31 North Bay Stage Company presents Other People’s Money 1-22 to 2-6 Left Edge Theatre presents A Steady Rain 1-27-16 The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra Feb. 12-21 North Bay Stage Company presents Love Letters Feb. 14 Symphony Pops: Love Is a Many Splendored Thing Feb. 18 The Summit: The Manhattan Transfer Meets Take 6 Feb. 22 Black Violin (classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass) For a listing of upcoming performances in the Clover Stornetta Family Fun Series, see the story in our Family Fun Section, page 29.

50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa 707.546-3600.

• wellsfargocenterarts.org

For a comprehensive listing of concerts throughout Sonoma County download our Mobile App at Google Play Store or iPhone App Store 48 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

See Manhattan Transfer Feb. 18

Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 49

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11 Petrified Forest 12 Safari West 13 Santa Rosa Visitors Bureau 14 Schulz Museum / Snoopy’s Home Ice 15 Spring Lake Park 16 Sonoma County Airport

California Welcome Center Santa Rosa Visitors Bureau 707.577.8674 9 Fourth St (Railroad Square) Santa Rosa, CA www.visitsantarosa.com

17 Tex Wasabi Restaurant 18 Sonoma County Museums 19 Sunce Winery 20 Vintners Square 21 Wells Fargo Center for the Arts 22 Whistlestop Antiques

Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 51

Patterson’s Pub is a great gathering spot, a genuine Irish Pub with tasty pub food and an impressive selection of local and international beers. Jaded Toad BBQ & GRILL offers a fine menu and a beer garden and live music.

Other dining options include KIN, KC’s Downtown Grill, Chinois Asian Bistro, Lupe’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine, Saigon Bistro, Tomi Thai and The Omelette Express.

Across the highway in Windsor, find Johnny Garlic’s, Guy Fieri’s signature restaurant; Mary’s Pizza Shack; Applebee’s and Senju Sushi. South on Highway 101 to Shiloh Road, you will find Charlie’s Grill at Windsor Golf Course.

Located adjacent to the Russian River, Riverfront Regional Park is just minutes west of downtown Windsor. The main attractions in the park are two former gravel pits which have been reclaimed as lakes offering bass fishing.

No swimming is allowed in the lakes. This park offers a great level hike around the lakes, and an ideal spot for picnicking.

Annual events include the Windsor Chili Cookoff in March in Downtown Windsor and Windsor Green Half Marathon in May; Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic in June at Keiser Park; Summer Nights on the Green bring outdoor kids’ movies on Tuesday nights, plus live concerts, classic car shows, and weekly Farmers markets each Thursday night. Valet parking is provided for bicyclers. Cinco de Mayo festival is May 5. Additional festivals throughout the year include A Fine Arts Show, an Earth Day Celebration, an October Harvest Fest, a Zucchini Festival, Tomato and Pepper Festival, and an Annual Pumpkin Festival.

Truly, there is something happening all the time in Windsor! Spend the day and explore!

photo Courtesy Windsor Chamber of Commerce

Windsor

Old Downtown Windsor is home to many fine dining restaurants and venues, with some of the best spots in the area featuring many choices of cuisine. You will also find shopping choices from fashion jewelry and clothing to sporting goods, toys, books and more. Satisfy that sweet tooth at Powell’s Sweet Shoppe or Nieve’s Mexican Ice Cream shop. Find that special item at Mark Shimizu Design jewelry store; Something Special showcases jewelry and special gift items; Images is the place for gifts, accessories and ear piercing; at Atrellis you can find fresh, beautiful flower arrangements and ideal gifts; Kaleidoscope offers over 3,000 books, games and toys; you will also find fashion apparel stores like My Chic Boutique, Material Girl, Mirror Mirror and Island Fever.

Old Redwood Brewing Company offers tasting flights of their latest nanobrews, or taste wine right next door at Windsor Tasting Lounge. Tasting Room on the Green offers wine tasting from two different wineries, Mutt Lynch and Deux Amis.

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11th Annual Scarecrow Days Oct. 24 ~ Nov. 7

7th Annual Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove Dec. 1 ~ 31

Windsor Winter Wine Walk Nov 19, 5pm ~ 8pm

Windsor Certified Farmers Market Sundays 10am ~ 1pm, through Dec. 14

www.olddowntownwindsor.com

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52 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

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Healdsburg

The picturesque town of Healdsburg (population 11,600) is located in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country, 70 miles north of San Francisco. It is a small but vital community with a diverse economy based on agriculture, tourism, lumber and retail businesses. The town’s center is a charming Spanish-style plaza surrounded by a variety of shops. This centrally located plaza is the heart of the community and the focal point for several local events and celebrations, including summer concerts, a farmers market, car shows and more.

Healdsburg could be considered the perfect wine country town— not too big, not too small—and situated right where the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys, all prime wine regions, come together.

Healdsburg has more than 100 wineries within a 30-minute drive from town. The wineries and the area’s natural beauty attract more than one million visitors annually.

Some of the finest small wineries and tasting rooms in all of Sonoma County are located in Healdsburg, many with tasting rooms right on the famed Healdsburg Plaza. Park on the plaza and walk to more wineries than you can pack into a weekend; a world class brewpub, Bear Republic (see story page 24); so many top restaurants, several luxury hotels and a handful of unique antique shops.

Situated along the Russian River, Healdsburg is a perfect spot for canoeing and swimming during the hot summer months. Bicycling is also popular in the area, and northwest of town is Lake Sonoma where visitors can enjoy watersports and fishing.

A town to explore by foot, Healdsburg has dozens of well-preserved Victorian commercial buildings and homes as well as many excellent shops, restaurants, hotels, and Bed and Breakfast inns to accommodate any traveller. In the summertime, strollers can cool off by heading for Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach at the south end of town for a dip in the refreshing Russian River. Canoes can be rented at the beach for those who want to float farther downstream For more information, contact the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau at 217 Healdsburg Ave., (707) 433-6935.

If live theater is your passion, spend an evening at Raven Theater.

The recently renovated historic building is host to live dramatic performances, musicals and live concerts. See their current productions at www.raventheater.org.

A unique way to tour and taste wine in the Healdsburg area is by segway. Segway of Healdsburg offers a great Dry Creek Winery tour and a Russian River Valley tour, where you will ride on your own personal electric vehicle. You will find them easy to use and great way to glide your way to the wineries. See their story on page 23. Mention their ad and get a “101 Discount”!

The Annual Barrel Tasting event is the first weekend in March.

Healdsburg is a great place to find yourself to participate in this much anticipated annual event. Other events in Healdsburg include the Healdsburg Jazz Festival in June. Performance venues are all over the Healdsburg area. Find out more and get your tickets at www.healdsburgjazzfestival.com •healdsburg.com

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Browse the World’s Only Hand Fan Museum

The Hand Fan Museum in Healdsburg is the only museum in the United States dedicated solely to the display of hand fans, and is a perfect place to learn about the varied artistic and cultural uses of the seemingly simple hand fan. The fans themselves have been used for centuries as fashion accessories, in religious and ceremonial rituals, and even in battle. The fans depict a diverse variety of beautiful scenes in many mediums and patterns that tell the stories of the cultures and individuals who have used them. The museum also offers an array of beautiful fans for purchase. The Hand Fan Museum is located at 219 Healdsburg Avenue in Healdsburg.

707.431-2500 • handfanmuseum.org

81

Take a Wine Walk in Healdsburg

The wine lover’s lament: Too much wine and not enough time! So park the car in Healdsburg (or stay at one of their luxurious inns) and walk to tasting rooms from over 30 wineries, with wine from seven appellations. Pace yourself by stopping into a few galleries, boutiques and jewellery stores. Make a reservation to end your wine tasting day with a meal at one of Healdsburg’s many acclaimed restaurants.

There is truly no other way to experience 29+ varietals in over 30 tasting rooms, all in walking distance from each other. Discover unique boutique wineries like Davis Family Vineyards, Toad Hollow, thumbprint Cellars and Murphy-Goode. Sample library wines from Ferrari-Carrano, La Crema and Windsor Vineyards.

Check their website for a complete list of wineries surrounding the Healdsburg Plaza, and for upcoming events.

Ski • Sail • Kayak see the boats you can rent at

lakesonoma.com

• winewalkhealdsburg.com

Float Your Boat on beautiful Lake Sonoma!

Boat Rentals:

• Kayaks • Runabouts • Ski, Sail & Fishing Boats

10 Minutes West of Healdsburg on Dry Creek Road

Call for reservations today!

707-433-2200 or 707-526-7272 BBQ Area • Deli • Swimming Beach Large Patio Available for Parties Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 53

Healdsburg

“...mixes contemporary cool with plenty of Norman Rockwell charm... not to mention mouth watering eats and drinks.”

–Fodor’s

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Go Boating on Lake Sonoma

Located at the upper end of Dry Creek Valley, Lake Sonoma offers a nice family area for picnicking, swimming, bank fishing, and picnics. Yorty Creek is located far up the Dry Creek arm and can be accessed by car from the city of Cloverdale. Facilities include chemical toilets, free sheltered picnic areas, a car-top boat launch (no trailers allowed), and a swim beach. Note: no drinking water is available at Yorty Creek. Yorty Creek is managed as a day use area.

Boat-in campers wishing to launch and park overnight at Yorty Creek must check in with the visitor center and obtain a parking permit to avoid receiving a citation. Swim at your own risk, as there is no lifeguard on duty and please keep an eye on your children.

Please, no glass or dogs on the swim beach.

At the Lake Sonoma Marina, you can rent ski boats, fishing boats, canoes and kayaks.

You can even have a floating party on a pontoon Patio Boat, which can be rented up to 24 hours at a time!

The store/deli has handmade sandwiches, drinks (beer, water, soda, etc.) and camping supplies. 707-433-2200. •lakesonoma.com Stop at the Visitors Center and The Don Clausen Fish Hatchery, the most modern fish hatchery in the State of California. The lake preserves much of the scenic natural sprawl of the two drainages and their numerous stream-laced side canyons and supports an array of wildlife that includes golden eagles, mountain lions, and even a pair of endangered peregrine falcons. The damp earth of its creekside trails holds the prints of deer and raccoons, as well as the skitterings of rabbits and mice. Before the water-scooter enthusiasts get going in earnest in late May, hikers and canoeists in this 18,000-acre park can enjoy a quiet unbroken by the buzz of waterborne motors.

Hiking: There are 40 miles of Sonoma hiking trails that are shared with horseback riders. Forty miles of trails lead through continually varying terrain.

You can traverse open grasslands dominated by the complex silhouettes of ancient oaks, climb canyons shaded by thickly growing redwoods and bays, or explore woodlands dappled with sunlight filtering through a wild scramble of red-trunked madrones.

A 4-mile sampler of the park’s diverse habitats that also gives fine views of both arms of the lake starts at the Little Flat trailhead. Walk west and then south to pick up Bummer Peak Trail, then go northwest on Half A Canoe bike path, taking an unsigned trail north to No Name Flat. From here, follow Rockpile Road east about 1/3 mile to Digger Pine Flat, then zigzag downhill through a wooded canyon to Dry Creek Trail, which returns you to Little Flat.

•parks.sonoma.net/laktrls.html • lakesonoma.com

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Thankfully, there’s Healdsburg.

Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce (707) 433-6935

Start your journey at

HEALDSBURG.com 54 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

Tour Wine Country & Redwoods on a Segway

The Segway is a self-balancing, personal transporter. These unique electric vehicles are surprisingly easy to use, with a maximum speed of 12 mph and the ability to make a 360 degree turn while standing still.

Tours with Segway of Healdsburg are sure to be a memorable experience for any celebration, team building or fun outing you want to plan. Choose from a Wine Tasting tour where they take you to two boutique wineries in either the Russian River or Dry Creek Valley wine growing region; or the magical Armstrong Redwoods State Park tour. All the tours have beautiful views and fantastic wine country adventures. Photos are included in all tours and a gourmet picnic can be added. Advance reservations required. Please check their website or call 707-953-3477 for more information regarding these fun filled Segway Tours!

707-953-3477 •segwayofhealdsburg.com

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Advertisers & Activities

1 Bear Republic Brewery 2 Lake Sonoma Marina 3 Hand Fan Museum 4 Healdsburg Museum 5 Healdsburg Moving and Storage 6 Shoffeitts off the Square Collective 7 Wine Road

Russian River Winery Tour Armstrong Redwoods Tour Mention this ad for $25 off per rider!

Collective

Beautifully displayed antique furniture, collectibles, vintage furnishings, local art, jewelry and much more from over 40 vendors in a clean, comfortable, well-lit environment located just “off the square” and across from the Visitor Center! The styles run from Antique and Vintage to Shabby Chic and just about everything in between.

Shoffeitt’s Off The Square Collective • 707.433.5556 208 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg (South of the Plaza Marketplace) Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 55

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See Live Theatre and More at Raven Theater

Healdsburg

Raven Theatre is a group of individuals just like you – community-minded individuals with an interest in preserving performing arts. With funding for arts disappearing in our schools, the responsibility for supporting the arts lies firmly with us. With this in mind, a dedicated group of volunteers banded together to save the historic Raven Theater in downtown Healdsburg, with dreams of enriching the lives of locals and visitors alike, by offering a conveniently located, eclectic array of first rate, ongoing entertainment.

That same goal pushes this merry band forward today, as they now expand into a second location (downtown Windsor), and look to add more offerings for youth, broaden their role as a gathering place,

The hand Fan MuseuM

Changing Exhibits of from

fans

1700-2000

Fans for Sale $1-$100 Museum Hours Wednesday-Sunday 11-4 and by appointment 219 Healdsburg Avenue Healdsburg, CA Tel. 707-431-2500 www.handfanmuseum.org

56 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

wow audiences with top-name acts, bring in both amateur and professional stage productions, and add more world music and dance shows to their ever increasing lineup.

Current offerings for the new season include: Dracula... Oct 16 - Nov 1 - Healdsburg The sexiest vampire ever comes to life (and death) on stage!

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play...

Dec 4 - 20 - Windsor An affectionate live radio version of the holiday classic.

Brighton Beach Memoirs...

Jan 29 - Feb 14 - Healdsburg Neil Simon’s smart, funny, insightful coming-of-age comedy.

All My Sons... Apr 8 - 24, 2016 - Healdsburg Greed, love, deceit, and the fragility of the American Dream.

Bye Bye Birdie... Jun 24 – Jul 10 – Healdsburg Twist, shout, sing and shake those hips!

RAVEN THEATER HEALDSBURG, 115 North Street, Healdsburg RAVEN THEATER WINDSOR, 195 Windsor River Road, Windsor Call 707-433-6335 for information on other upcoming shows.

•raventheater.org | raventheater.org/windsor/.

For a comprehensive listing of upcoming Live Theatre in Sonoma County download our Mobile App at Google Play Store or iPhone App Store

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CL

Sonoma County’s northernmost city is Cloverdale, located in the wine rich Alexander Valley. Situated next to the border of Mendocino County and surrounded by the Mayacamas Mountains to the east and the Coast Range to the west, Cloverdale offers an ideal location to stay and relax, away from the fuss of the big city! From this community you are only 87 miles from San Francisco, 31 miles from Santa Rosa, 47 miles to the historic town of Sonoma, and 48 miles to Jenner along the scenic Sonoma coast. You are also within 20 minutes of Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley wineries. Mendocino Village is less than 1.5 hours from Cloverdale.

With a population now over 8,000, the countryside is dotted with oaks, madrones and Douglas fir as the geography begins to make a transition to the steeper, wetter areas in Mendocino County.

Visitors interested in the history of Cloverdale and the region can visit the Cloverdale Historical Society Museum located at 215 N. Cloverdale Blvd. The museum is housed in the historical Gould-Shaw House, one of the oldest documented dwellings in Cloverdale, and contains Native American and pioneer artifacts, as well as a recreated general store.

The Cloverdale Historical Society promotes the Old Time Fiddle Festival in January where you can listen to fiddle jamming in a tough, but friendly competition, along with handmade crafts, great food, an exhilarating dance and rousing entertainment.

Make plans to be in Cloverdale in February so you can attend the annual Cloverdale Citrus Fair, a four-day celebration of the agricultural bounty of the region. The fair, well over a century old, features exhibits, arts and crafts, live entertainment, wine and beer tasting, a parade and the always popular midway. This year’s theme is “Pirates of the Fair ‘bean”.

Cloverdale boasts a lush natural environment hosting a variety of outdoor recreation possibilities. Cloverdale River Park offers seasonal fishing and river access for kayaks and canoes.

There are family picnic sites with barbecues and it is a great spot for wildlife viewing along the Russian River and seasonal freshwater ponds. To reach the park take the Boonville/Hwy. 128 Exit from Highway 101 and travel east 1/2 mile to 31820 McCray Road.

Furber Park, City Park and Tarman Park are city parks offering a variety of amenities. Cyclists can enjoy miles of quiet country roads that meander through the gently rolling landscape and beauty of the wine country, starting from downtown Cloverdale. Favorite routes include River Road, Dutcher Creek Road, Asti Road and Highway 128.

Just minutes away is Lake Sonoma, offering swimming, boating, camping, fishing and hunting, and The Congressman Don Claussen Fish Hatchery. Connected to the hatchery is the Lake Sonoma Milt Brandt Visitor Center, which is open Thurs-Sun 9am to 4pm. Tours of the hatchery are available for free during spawning season from January through April. When full, the lake has a surface area of more than 2,700 acres and 50 miles of shoreline.

Cloverdale Performing Arts Center offers a 99-seat venue with live theater, concerts and more. For more information, Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at 126 N. Cloverdale Boulevard or call (707) 894-4470. • www.cloverdalechamber.com • www.cloverdale.net

While Cloverdale is known for its great outdoor activities, its outstanding wine tasting opportunities and its family-oriented events, they are now making a name for themselves with productions at the sparkling new Cloverdale Performing Arts Center.

A product of local efforts, extensive planning and a great deal of sweat from the communal brow, the Center offers an intimate 99-seat theater that is acoustically ideal. Plan to come to this quaint but “cool” town, grab a nice dinner, check in to one of their historic B & B’s, and grab a seat for a great show.

Upcoming productions include the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street December 4-12. Each production includes two Sunday matinees.

Check out their website for a schedule of 2016 productions.

You can also show off your own talent at their Friday Night Open Mic Nights, from May through September. Come in and sing, dance, juggle or test your stand up comedy act!

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Cloverdale

See the show at Cloverdale Performing Arts Center

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Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 57

Cloverdale Where Wine Country meets the Redwoods!

Tucked into the hills of Sonoma County is a place still

untouched by the hustle and bustle of its San Francisco Bay Area neighbors. In this carefully preserved corner of Northern California, time moves to a more gentle rhythm and the quality of life is as authentic as the flavors produced by its many vineyards and orchards.

From the citrus-scented air to picture-perfect views, this is wine country in its

purest form. But there is plenty to do in Cloverdale, and much of it an easy stroll around town. Come find out for yourself why Budget Travel named Cloverdale one of its “Coolest Small Towns in America”. Check the Cloverdale Chamber website for upcoming events!

Wine, Dine, Shop & Play Cloverdale Ale Company

Come taste award winning craft beer!

131 East First Street, Cloverdale 707-894-9610 www.cloverdaleale.com

Hamburger Ranch & BBQ Stop in for Burgers & BBQ at this world-famous Americana Roadstop.

31195 N Redwood Hwy, Cloverdale 707-894-5616 hamburgerranchandbbq.com

Eagle Tech Collision & Towing Enterprise Rent A Car

Piacere Ristorante Italiano

Fritz Underground Winery

Pick’s Drive-In

Great Italian food, featuring We’re here when you need us!

Internationally trained Chef José Pelayo.

208 N. Cloverdale Blvd.

504 N. Cloverdale Bvd., Cloverdale 707-894-3977 • www.eagletechcollision.com 707-894-0885 • piacereristorante.com Visit our Underground Winery Tasting Room from 10:30 to 4:30 daily.

24691 Dutcher Creek Rd., Cloverdale 800-418-9463 • fritzwinery.com

An authentic 50’s style drive-in!

Burger Restaurant · Hot Dog Joint Ice Cream Parlor.

117 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale 707-894-2962

Railroad Station Bar & Grill

Great selection of craft beers, local wines plus patio dining.

114 Rairoad Avenue, Cloverdale (707) 894-4779 railroadstationbarandgrill.com

Oat Valley Vintage Antiques & Collectibles Great prices, awesome merchandise and friendly faces.

1215 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale (707) 894-4814

Towers Gallery

Fine Art & Unique Gifts Featuring Local Artists.

Come see our “Autumn Colors” Exhibit!

210 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale 707-894-4331 • towersgallery.org For more information on events,

lodging, dining and more go to the Cloverdale Chamber website!

Feb. 12-15, 2016

cloverdalecitrusfair.org

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Feb. 13, 2016 Ft. Mason Festival Pavilion www.winejudging.com This year’s Theme...

Old Time Fiddle Festival April 9, 2016 Citrus Fairgrounds www.cloverdalefiddles.com

Pirates of the Fair’ibbean

www.cloverdalechamber.com

Stay in Cloverdale

History & The Arts

The Alexander Inn

Vintage Towers Inn

History Center

A recently remodeled luxury modern farmhouse Bed & Breakfast within walking distance to restaurants, galleries, wineries, shops, theaters, and bars. Dog-Friendly!

119 W Third St, Cloverdale 707-894-8557 www.thealexanderinn.com

A unique Wine Country Bed & Breakfast. A Great for Weddings & Special Events! Call about our mid-week Getaway Specials.. just $159 per night!

302 N. Main Street, Cloverdale 707-894-4535 www.vintagetowers.com

Visit historic Gould-Shaw House, learn about Cloverdale and enjoy our garden and outdoor patio for your picnicking pleasure.

215 N. Cloverdale Blvd.

707-894-2067 www.cloverdalehistory.org

The Old Crocker Inn

Les Ryan Century 21 Real Estate

Performing Arts Center

This Ranch Style Bed & Breakfast was founded as a hunting retreat in the 1880s by railroad magnate Charles Crocker. Peaceful 5-acre setting.

1126 Old Crocker Inn Road, Cloverdale 707-894-4000 www.oldcrockerinn.com

We are located in a charming Victorian House in central downtown Cloverdale. Stop by and say hello.

Welcome to our special town.

114 Lake Street, Cloverdale 707-894-5232 c21lesryancloverdale.com

We dream, create, craft and present delightful theatrical experiences! Come see the show or come to Open Mic Night!

209 N Cloverdale Blvd, Cloverdale (707) 894-2214 www.cloverdaleperformingarts.com

The Ranch House

Super 8 Cloverdale

Arts Alliance

Conveniently located off HWY 101 near several wineries and vineyards, and the Citrus Fairgrounds. 15 minutes from Lake Sonoma and 30 minutes from Santa Rosa.

1147 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale (707) 894-9288 www.super8cloverdale.com

From the Sculpture Trail to Discovering Art, THE Jazz Club to the Gallery, Music Workshops to Friday Night Live, we bring a full range of artistic experiences to our community.

204 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale 707-894-2067 • cloverdaleartsalliance.org

Completely remodeled, close to amenities, amazing views. Perfect for relaxation and fun for two, or small group ready for a retreat getaway.

374 Hot Springs Rd, Cloverdale 510-432-8362 https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6216100 http://www.vrbo.com/698532

Join us for Friday Night Live May 27th to Sept. 2nd, 2016

Weekly Live Music in the Plaza every Friday night!

See cloverdaleartsalliance.org/fridaynightlive/

photo by Rich Fraguero

Sonoma Valley Sonoma Valley, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is believed to be the birthplace of the California wine industry. The Sonoma Valley is blessed with exactly the right combination of soil, sun, seasonal moisture and geography for growing wine grapes of exceptional quality.

This rich, verdant valley boasts dozens of wineries, including many names you will most certainly recognize. The valley begins in the north at the edge of Santa Rosa and extends 17 miles south to the Carneros Region, an area cooled by the drifting fogs of San Pablo Bay. It is bordered by two mountain ranges: the rugged Mayacamas to the east and the Sonoma Mountains to the west. The valley’s towns include Kenwood and Glen Ellen to the north. To the south, the town of Sonoma offers an abundance of unique inns, restaurants and shops.

Activity in the town of Sonoma revolves around its picturesque and historic plaza, a shady oasis dotted with more than 200 trees, which is the location of the Sonoma City Hall, a beautiful stone building that doubled as the Tuscany County Courthouse on the former TV series Falcon Crest. Built in 1908, the city hall was designed with four identical sides so that the merchants that surround the plaza would all have the same view. The plaza is the site of several celebrations and special events each year, such as the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival in September.

The Plaza offers the ideal place to park your vehicle and simply walk to your choice of over two dozen wine tasting rooms, an Irish Pub and a couple of breweries. The town of Sonoma draws thousands of visitors every year who come to enjoy the area’s fine wineries, great restaurants, unique shops, numerous resorts and spas, as well as its natural beauty and historical attractions. Just at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains in eastern Sonoma is the town of Glen Ellen. This area is now a popular destination for wine tasters, honeymooners and history buffs

WINE COUNTRY

Our two visitor centers are open seven days a week.

Stop in for

12 121 121 37 37

FREE Guides + Maps

S O N O M AVALLEY. C O M

86

Tour Quarryhill Botanical Garden

Quarryhill is a 21 acre botanical garden of lush, mature flowering Asian trees & shrubs. Magnolias, dogwoods, maples, birch, roses, lilies, rhododendrons and much more adorn paths and walkways, offering hidden places to gather your thoughts, beautiful ponds and waterfalls, and stunning vistas of the Sonoma Valley.

Quarryhill welcomes visitors year round to enjoy their gorgeous Asian woodland garden... a rich diversity of Asian Flora. All seasons in the garden have their own magical beauty. Self-guided tours are available during any open hours, without reservation. Docent-led tours are available by reservation. Group tours for garden clubs and other groups or organizations are also available with advance reservation. There is an ADA compliant section of the garden available to those with disabilities, but access requires transportation up into the garden by golf cart, and requires advance reservation. Photography is welcomed. Please remember that Quarryhill is an educational and scientific collection. Removing seeds or cuttings from the garden is strictly forbidden. For your convenience, picnic areas are located near the parking lot and in the garden. To ensure the beauty of the garden for all, pets (except guide and assistance dogs) and smoking are prohibited. Monday - Saturday, 9am - 4pm Closed Sunday and Holidays.

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AND SO SHOULD YOU

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For more information go to www.sonomavalley.com

12841 Sonoma Hwy., Glen Ellen • 707.996.3166 • quarryhillbg.org

BEGAN HERE 12

alike. Being in the climate it is, this region is best known for producing crisp Chardonnays, dry Rieslings with a hint of spice and delectable, fruit forward Pinot Noirs. With the Napa Valley right over the hill with their robust Cabernets, and other red varietals, it’s refreshing to know that the Sonoma Valley offers a different specialty. Many of the wineries that lay on the valley floor around Sonoma, Glen Ellen, and Kenwood offer different wines than you will find on the other side of the hill. A couple of must taste wineries: Benziger (great Tram Tour available) and VJB Vineyards & Cellars, offering a deli and Tuscan villa style patio seating.

But wine is not the only thing that this area is know for. Glen Ellen’s history includes one of the great all time American authors, Jack London. The Jack London State Park is where the once brilliant writer worked diligently on some of his most famous novels.

The small town of Kenwood, also located in historic Sonoma Valley, has charm as well. Bed and Breakfasts, wineries and vineyards line the area. Kenwood is also situated in close proximity to Sugarloaf State Park, where one can choose to hike, and enjoy the peacefulness of nature in the area.

Not far from here, on the outskirts of Santa Rosa, is Annadel State Park. This park offers many hiking and jogging trails, as well as some solid fishing spots. Lake Ilsanjo holds a variety of fish, from bluegills to black bass. Many come for the wildflowers that come into bloom during spring, and stay until the beginning of autumn. These can be seen off of the various trails that traverse the park, which can be navigated by foot, bike and in some cases by horseback. Camping is not allowed, nor are campfires or grills within the park perimeter. The park is east of Santa Rosa, and located at 6201 Channel Drive, Santa Rosa.

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60 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

See the Latest Exhibit at Sonoma Valley Museum

SVMA exhibitions feature the work of local, national, and international artists. Content originates from private collections and artist studios and is borrowed from museums, galleries, and other sources. Media include painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, ceramics, architecture, industrial design, graphic design, printmaking, film, video, textiles, and crafts. Qualified guest curators plan and assemble the shows. The museum’s new LaHaye Sculpture Gallery presents a rotating series of large-scale sculptures that appear concurrently with main-gallery exhibitions.

Sonoma Valley Upcoming exhibits include: September 12 to December 6: Kara Women Speak: Jane Baldwin. Open Wed-Sun 11am-5pm. Sept. 12-Dec. 6: An Accomplishment in Creativity: The Egyptian Children’s Tapestries. December 19 to March 6, 2016: Contemplative Elements: Danae Mattes and Frances McCormack. December 19 to March 6, 2016: Between Nature and Technology.

551 Broadway, Sonoma. 707.939.7862 • svma.org

88

Indulge in Gourmet Chocolate

learn about great wine, drink the wine, keep on laughin’, eat delicious local food, see gorgeous wine country views and laugh more! Their motto: “Macerate in Comedy!”

Shows are presented once a month in February, April, June, July, September, October, December - on occasion they add pop up shows. Purchasing tickets in advance online is recommended.

The Crushers of Comedy understand that human imagination is our only unlimited resource and LIFE IS SHORT, FILL IT WITH HILARIOUS EXPERIENCES! www.crushersofcomedy.com

Indulge that chocolate craving and sample some of the finest truffles, dark chocolates and delightful chocolate creations wine country has to offer. Wine Country Chocolates’ mother-daughter team have created a tasting room with delightful sampling opportunities. Truffles are their specialty, so come in and find chocolate nirvana in these heavenly delights.

Specialty truffles include wine-infused truffles, fruit puree truffles, espresso & liqueur truffles. You can even watch the chocolatiers at work in their viewable kitchen!

Wine Country Chocolates has been featured on “Bay Area Backroads” and “In Wine Country” TV shows.

Can’t make it to Sonoma Valley this trip? Go to their website and join their “Truffle Club”. You’ll get regular deliveries to your door, a constant reminder of one of the best parts of Wine country!

Wine Country Chocolates is located in Jack London Square in Glen Ellen, with a second location off the Sonoma Plaza at 414 First St. Treat yourself today!

Mission San Francisco Solano was founded the 4th of July, 1823 (21st in order) by Padre Jose Altimira. The Mission is named for St. Francis Solano, missionary to the Peruvian Indians.

The Indian name was thought to be Sonoma. Now part of the Sonoma State Historic Park, the Mission houses the Jorgensen watercolors of Missions of California. There is no active church at the Mission.

The Mission is in the Sonoma State Historic Park in Sonoma, in the middle of the Sonoma Valley wine region. (California Landmark 3). Open daily 10am-5pm.

414 First St. , Sonoma • 707.996.1010 • winecountrychocolates.com

114 East Spain Street • 707. 938.1519 • sonomaparks.org/pub/place/1

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Jack London’s Home

Jack London was the author of some of the greatest stories ever written about the wild outdoors, and he lived right here in Sonoma County from 1905 until his death in 1916. It was here while living with his charming wife, Charmagne, on his fantastic 1,500-acre ranch, that he wrote most of his later stories and novels.

The ranch has since been donated to the State of California and has become the Jack London State Historic Park. Bicycling and horseback riding are allowed on some trails. A summer horseback riding concession is available in the park. See the bathhouse, the dam and lake—which were built by the author—and check out the museum dedicated to London, which is housed in “The House of Happy Walls.” The original silo, barns, stables and “pig’s palace” are still standing by the parking lot and picnic area.

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2400 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen 707.938-5216 • parks.ca.gov/?page_id=478

Enjoy Stand Up Comedy with Crushers of Comedy

CRUSHERS OF COMEDY™ is a comedy production based in historic Kenwood, a beautiful wine country town in the Sonoma Valley. Their stand up comedy show events take place in dark wine caves, barrel rooms, on wine crush pads and in the vineyards under the gorgeous wine country skies. They also host shows at the iconic Flamingo Resort Hotel in Santa Rosa.

At these wine country stand up comedy shows, you’ll laugh out loud,

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Take a Tour of California’s Last Mission in Sonoma

Commune with Nature at Bouverie Nature Preserve

Appreciate nature at its most pristine at the Bouverie Preserve in Glen Ellen. This magnificent property was donated for preservation to Audubon Canyon Ranch by David Bouverie in 1979. The private, non-profit nature preserve offers guided nature walks to the public. Oak woodlands, mixed evergreen forests, riparian areas, and chaparral feature prominently in a spectacular landscape dominated by Stuart Creek Canyon. This location is known for its amazing spring wildflowers and is home to hundreds of plants and animals, including more than 130 species of birds, 350 species of flowering plants and many native California mammals including the bobcat, grey fox and coyote. Guided nature walks are offered to the public throughout the year. Visitors of all ages can participate in docentled, natural history hikes.

In small groups, hikers can take one of many trails through mixed evergreen forests, flower-carpeted oak woodlands and rugged chaparral. For people with disabilities, an accessible path leads from the parking lot through an oak woodland to a viewing area with benches—good for bird watching and near a seasonal stream overlooking a meadow covered with wildflowers in spring. Access is by appointment only. Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis and can be made up to a month in advance. 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.

707.938-4554. •egret.org/bouverie.html

Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 61

Rohnert Park

an elegant hospitality center and a beautiful Dining Facility and Bar, Prelude, the ideal place to dine before the show or catch your breath during intermission. Prelude also offers a great facility for special events, and has already been the location for a number of weddings.

On the horizon is an adjacent outdoor theater, architecturally based on the renowned home of the Boston Symphony’s summer venue, Tanglewood.

The new home of the Santa Rosa Symphony, Weill Hall has already attracted such world-class performers as Lang Lang and Yo-Yo Ma; comedians Bill Maher and Aziz Ansari; and Wynton Marsalis. Ticket information is available at gmc. sonoma.edu/events or by calling (866) 955-6040.

1801 East Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park 866.955.6040 •gmc.sonoma.edu/events

Green Music Center, photo by Drew Altizer

Rohnert Park just celebrated their 50th year of existence. With a population of over 42,000, Rohnert Park is Sonoma County’s third largest city. Thoughtfully designed for families, it is one of the first planned communities in the United States. Bikeways and walkways connect its tree-lined boulevards and attractive neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is designed around a park and elementary school.

Rohnert Park has become the Family Fun and Entertainment capital of Sonoma County, with Driven Raceway, an indoor raceway (see story in Family Fun Section); Scandia Fun Center, with a state-of-the-art grand arcade, batting cages, bumperboats, Lil’ Indy raceway, miniature golf, Cal Skate skating rink; and Double Decker Lanes, a solar powered bowling alley. (see story in Family Fun Section) Foxtail Golf Club is a public course, which winds around a good portion of Rohnert Park and offers two 18-hole championship golf courses.

Spreckels Theater is a magnificent complex of theater venues: the facility totals 41,000 square feet and houses two theaters designed and built exclusively for dance, music and theatrical performances. For a lineup of upcoming shows, see story on this page.

The latest entry into your entertainment options is Graton Casino.

Touted as the state’s largest casino, this sprawling facility offers 3,000 state-of-the-art casino slots and 144 table games. The complex includes 12 dining options from fine dining to casual. Plans include building a three-story hotel on site.

Rohnert Park has a number of lodging choices, including a Doubletree Inn right off of the Golf Course.

Rohnert Park is home to Sonoma State University and Green Music Center, now home of the Santa Rosa Symphony and host to world class musical performers.

Sonoma Mountain Village is a 200-acre planned mixed-use community that combines existing and new commercial space with homes, fun amenities, rich culture and a sense of community. Sonoma Mountain Village is the first One Planet Community in North America. The Event Center and Sally Tomatoes Cafe & Bar are 100% solar powered.

•rohnertparkchamber.com

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See a Concert at SSU’s Green Music Center

The centerpiece of the Green Music Center, Sonoma State University’s ambitious and sprawling fine arts project, is the 1400-seat Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall. The Hall features three floors of handcrafted, European steamed beech maple seats, each seat crafted to gain optimum acoustics. There is literally not a bad seat in the house. The modular rear wall of Weill Hall opens fully, extending the concert experience to an outdoor audience of up to 3,000. The beautifully landscaped outside area includes a “jumbotron” video for those who would prefer complementing their experience with a picnic.

Within the Green Music Center complex is Schroeder Recital Hall, inspired by the soaring spaces of European churches and featuring seating for 250. The Brombaugh tracker organ, a rare and important find, graces the stage-end wall from its own balcony. This versatile complex is focused on creating the highest quality music education experience possible for students and the community.

The Green Music Center also includes a multi-use education facility, 62 Sonoma County • Go to www.101things.com/winecountry

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See the Show at Spreckels Performing Ars Center

The Spreckels Performing Arts Center comprises 41,000 square feet and houses two theatres designed and built exclusively for dance, music and theatrical performances.

The Nellie W. Codding Theatre seats 550 patrons and offers a variety of dance, music and theatre performances. The innovative Bette Condiotti Experimental Theatre seats up to 125 patrons and presents more unusual programming as well as productions by local arts groups, schools and civic organizations.

Spreckels Theatre Company has received rave reviews from the live theater community with recent productions. Upcoming productions include The Light in the Piazza, Oct. 9-25; Little Women, the Musical November 27th- December 20th; The Holiday Gift (ballet) November 13 & 14; A Nightmare Before Christmas (ballet) December 5; the Musical Into the Woods January 8-17.

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5409 Snyder Ln, Rohnert Park • 707.588.3400 •ci.rohnert-park.ca.us/index.aspx?page=231

See a Free Comedy Show at Sally Tomatoes

Sally Tomatoes Restaurant / Nightclub / Event Center is the popular gathering spot at Sonoma Mountain Village in Rohnert Park. Every first and third Tuesday, each and every month, you can see a free comedy show while sampling from their highly acclaimed menu of local and sustainably farmed cuisine.

Plan to be there as Tony Sparks hosts the Laughing Tomato Comedy Showcase, with great seasoned local and Bay Area comics performing.

The show starts at 8pm, but get there early for the food and drink specials.

In addition to the free comedy lineup, Laughing Tomato Comedy Showcase is bringing some world class comedians. Past comedians include David Alan Grier, Michael Kosta and Todd Barry. Get your tickets for Gilbert Gottfried on November 19.

Can’t wait for the next one? The Sonoma County Blues Society brings a featured band and an all-star blues jam every Wednesday, and Sally Tomatoes features live music every Friday.

Sally Tomatoes is available for your special event as well. Give them a call or just stop by to see what all the excitement is about.

1100 Valley House Dr, Rohnert Park • 707-665-9472 •sallytomatoes.com

Beyond the Borders K N R 96 L S

ayak the apa iver and earn its ecrets

Who were the first settlers of the Napa Valley and what were they famous for? Who grew the first grapes in Napa Valley? Who had the first commercial winery in Napa?

Discover the answers to these questions and many more as you meander down the Napa River in a kayak. Enjoy Napa Valley is a one-of-a-kind docent led kayak tour. On this tour you can expect a completely laid back event. The kayaks provided are stable and well suited for beginners with life jackets included.

Every group is unique, so whether you are a beginner, intermediate or experienced kayaker, you will enjoy this tour. The History Tour itself is approximately one and a half hours long. For the last half hour-or more you will have the choice of exploring on your own.

History Tours launch at 8:30am, 11am and 1:30pm daily.

You can also simply rent the kayaks and do your own exploring. Enjoy Napa Valley offers a 2-hour and an all day rate, when kayaks are available.

History Tours meet and begin at 100 Riverside Drive in Napa. Enjoy Napa Valley’s History Tour runs year round, weather permitting.

707-227-7364 • enjoy-napa-valley.com

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Take the Beermaster Tour at Budweiser

Just a half hour from downtown Napa, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour in Fairfield is a fun and educational day trip. We recommend that you opt for the Beermaster Tour, for a true behind-the-scenes look at how Budweiser is made and packaged. You will gather in the gift shop, where you can peruse some memorabilia and get a sense of how this company has been producing beer for over 150 years. This extensive tour will include the immense vats where the hops are brewed, the Lager Cellar, Packaging Facility and Finishing Cellar, including

a sample directly from a Finishing Tank (bring a jacket, it gets cold)! The finale of the tour is a tasting of their varied brews, including limited edition brews of Stella Artrois, Shock Top and Michelob. The Brewmaster Tour is $25 or $10 for ages 13-20 (does not include tasting). Reservations can be made by calling (707) 429-7595 or emailing fairfieldbrewerytour@budweisertours.com. Tours start at 10 am and 2 pm.

3101 Busch Drive, Fairfield • 707.429-7595. • budweisertours.com

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Relax in a Champagne Bath at Vichy Springs

Vichy Springs is a unique 157 year old historic hot springs resort located in Ukiah, only one hour north of Santa Rosa. Vichy offers the only naturally warm and carbonated Vichy mineral baths in North America.

At Vichy Springs you’ll feel a million miles from your cares, and “your heart will sing a new song”. Vichy Springs’ history includes visits from the likes of Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and William Harrison, Teddy Roosevelt and daughter Alice, Mark Twain, Jack London and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Vichy offers delightfully appointed rooms and cottages for overnight stays.

Included in their room rates are breakfast in the morning, full use of the naturally warm and carbonated “Vichy” mineral baths, hot soaking pool, Olympic size swimming pool in season and 700 private acres for walking and hiking. Vichy Springs offers massage and facials between 8am and 8pm.

For the fit and firm the baths are simply one of the most relaxing feelings one can experience in water.

The carbonation after three or four minutes dramatically dilates the body’s capillaries and gives the bather a feeling of warmth and peacefulness. Tranquility follows and usually the bather begins to gently float in the bath. Due to the unique properties of the water the bather’s skin is softened in the water and feels much like a baby’s.

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707. 462.9515. • www.vichysprings.com

Discover Thunderbird Mountain Trading

Shop the World Famous Thunderbird Mountain Trading Company, nestled in the Heart of the Redwood Forest on Scenic Hwy 101, just before Richardson Grove Redwoods State Park. Captain Shon has worked with Native American Indians since the 1970s, and has the largest collection of American Indian jewelry in Northern California.

Thunderbird Mountain Trading has a large selection of handmade Navajo kachina dolls or dancers, sand paintings, dream catchers, carved Navajo fetishes and peace pipes, and handmade textiles from Peru such as Alpaca rugs, hats, ponchos, teddy bears, scarves and shoulder bags. They carry handcrafted moccasins and boots made by the Huron-Wendat Indians of Eastern Canada, and a large variety of furs, fur rugs, blankets and pillowcases from around the world.

Don’t pass up their homemade jams, jellies, marmalades, fruit butters and smoked Salmon; Wild Alaskan King or Chinook Salmon as well as Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon, ocean-caught off the Kenai River in Alaska, the coldest, cleanest waters in the world.

705 Hwy 101 #3, Garberville (south of Richardson’s Grove) 707-247-3100 • ThunderbirdMountainTrading.com Go to www.101things.com/winecountry • Sonoma County 63

Mineral Hot Springs Resort & Country Inn www.vichysprings.com

Famous Champagne Baths, Overnight Accommodations and Day Use See why Jack London, Mark Twain, Ulysses S. Grant, Teddy Roosevelt, Robert Louis Stevenson and many other distinguished guests fell in love with this resort.

Welcoming visitors and world-wide travelers for 161 years 18 well-appointed rooms and 8 private cottages available for overnight stays

Indulge in first class spa treatments

California Historic Landmark No. 980 North America’s only warm, naturally carbonated “Vichy” baths, famous worldwide Mineral hot pool and Olympic-size pool

Massage, Facials, Hot Stone Massage and Reflexology Treatments

700 acre private reserve for walking, hiking and rejuvenation

2605 Vichy Springs Rd, Ukiah 707-462-9515

Reservations may be needed for Day Use

Beyond the Borders

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See Lake Tahoe from a Hot Air Balloon

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Drive through the Avenue of the Giants

Lake Tahoe offers some of the most breathtaking vistas anywhere, whether it’s from the top of Heavenly as you ski its wide slopes, from a trail overlooking Emerald Bay, or perhaps best… from a hot air balloon overlooking everything!

Your Lake Tahoe Balloon tour will begin shortly after sunrise, so try to say goodnight to the gaming tables early. You will meet at Tahoe Keys Marina where you will board the Tahoe Flyer, the worlds only U.S.C.G. certified balloon launch and recovery vessel. While cruising to the designated launch site on Lake Tahoe a deluxe continental breakfast is served on board.

Watch as the experienced crew prepare the balloon for launch, then… lift off! Take in the fresh alpine air as you rise above the lake, to magnificent panoramic views of Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, and Desolation Wilderness. On a really clear day, you might even glimpse Yosemite and the coastal foothills over 150 miles away.

The flight concludes with an impressive landing on the upper deck of the Tahoe Flyer, where you will enjoy the traditional champagne toast with mimosas and snacks for the cruise back to shore. Please allow four hours for the entire trip. .

530.544.1221 • laketahoeballoons.com

Heading north from Sonoma County, you will encounter some beautiful sites, but none so magnificent as the Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile slight detour from Highway 101. You will pass under and through 51,222 acres of redwood groves. It is by far the most outstanding display of these giant trees in the entire 500 mile redwood belt.

Passing through several small hamlets, from the southernmost Phillipsville, where you can find restaurants, a grocery store, a restaurant and several access points to the Eel River. Just north of Phillipsville, the artist community of Miranda offers lodging and dining. Next you will encounter Myers Flat, with a fine dining restaurant and a wine tasting room, as well as a great family campground. Additional hamlets include Weott, Redcrest and Pepperwood, which is the northernmost community on the Avenue.

Along the way you will encounter dozens of tourist-oriented attractions, including the 346-foot tall Founders Tree and the Dyerville Giant.

•avenueofthegiants.net

CABINS

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Finest RV Park on the North Coast

Close to Victorian Ferndale, Ave. of the Giants, Loleta Cheese Factory, Ocean Beaches TL Rating 10/10/9 • Tent, Cabin & Large Pull Thru Sites • Free WiFi • Casino Shuttle

2189 Riverwalk Drive • Fortuna CA 95540

707-725-3359 • www.riverwalkrvpark.com

I SUPPOSE ONE IS NEVER LOST I F O N E I S E X A C T LY W H E R E O N E I S S U P P O S E D T O B E .�

It is impossible to become lost if you never knew where you were in the first place, how you got there, or if you would ever go home. In that sense, being lost and being found are quite the same thing.

W W W .V I S I T H U M B O L D T . C O M

From the Signature Tours to the Tasting Room to the marquee Flights of Fairfield, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery offers a variety of experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.

For more, call 707.429.7595 or visit BudweiserTours.com.

© 2015 Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser® Beer, St. Louis, MO