As I finish up my last week Inside-Sonoma County, I have been frantically trying to make that one last visit to my favorite Sonoma County spots- eateries, drinkeries, state parks, and markets. Here are a few favorites from my year in Sonoma County. Think I am missing out on a top eat/drink/do in Sonoma? Let me know, and soon! Eat {…}
[SONOMA INSIDERS: The Jenntern is almost done with her tenure here Inside Sonoma, which means we'll have to let her go and she'll have to find a job that pays her in money and not just stale coffee. If I can get one more blog post out of here - what should it be? - Tim Z] So some {…}
Yea, I said it. Take a hike. Or 3. These 3 hikes offer dramatically different views of the county, and awesome ones at that. So grab some picnic supplies and get some fresh air while taking in the unique scenery found in these and the many other state and regional parks in the county. 1- Goodspeed Trail to Gunsight Rock: Sugarloaf State Park/Mt Hood Regional Park- The {…}
Sonoma County is best-known for its wine country dining and farm fresh ingredients, but there are some fantastic and unique ethnic options as well. Next time you want a culinary adventure that won’t break the bank check out one of these places. Pupuseria Salvadorena- next to the 7-11 on Maple Ave and Brookwood (across from the Sonoma County Fairgrounds), look {…}
Several wineries feature art exhibits, but none quite like Paradise Ridge’s outdoor sculpture garden, Marjike’s Grove. The sculpture garden can be found about half-way up the road to the winery’s tasting room, famed for its incredible views of the Santa Rosa valley. The theme and art selection changes annually as determined by the winery owner, Walter Byck. The sculptures are {…}
Sonoma County may be most well-known for its impressive output of wine varietals such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel; but Sonoma County micro-brewed India Pale Ales carry their own prestige as the some of the nations finest. In fact, one of our local brewmasters, Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing Company, is credited for the invention of {…}
While cycling the wine tasting routes in the Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys is popular, I prefer to head west on the Joe Rodota and West County trails. For one, I like to leave physical activity out of my wine tasting excursions. Secondly, in the early fall, the wild blackberries in bloom along the Joe Rodota trail make a much more socially {…}
One of my favorite pastimes in Sonoma County over my first five months here have been the amazingly fun, random, and downright strange festivals and fairs occurring non-stop around the county. I’ve grape-stomped, taken down a Willie Birds’ turkey leg the size of my head, and made the tough decision between attending the regular rodeo versus the Mexican rodeo. These {…}
Windsor is kind of like the forgotten middle child of Sonoma County. Not the County hub like Santa Rosa and not a wine country destination like Healdsburg, Windsor can be all-to-easily overlooked. The town square features many of the same Healdsburg-esque offerings- a locally sourced eatery, Green Grocer, wine tasting at The Windsor Wine Shop, tasty caffeinated beverages at Cafe {…}
