Category Archives{Local Secrets}

Local Secrets in Sonoma

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Marvel at the Magic of Winter on the Sonoma Coast

The thundering crash of the waves. The velvet gray clouds, sparked with brilliant shards of gold as the sun streams through. Oh, the invigorating nip of the air, fragrant with sea salt! The Sonoma Coast is a magical spot in the winter, and beckons with seasonal activities from succulent crab feasts, to exhilarating seaside hikes. And did you know, during {…}

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Shop Sonoma County for perfect holiday food gift

Martha Stewart has just released a new book on entertaining, updated to modern tastes for global flavors and even more elaborate foods for eating and gift giving. Sigh. Not only are we expected to throw perfect parties and come up with perfect culinary presents, but now, the world of opportunities is so much bigger. To that, we say, thank goodness {…}

What Sonoma Wine goes best with Crickets?

What Sonoma Wine goes best with Crickets? Country Cricket Burger at Brody’s Burgers in Santa Rosa on Cleveland Avenue Grass-Fed beef, Monterey Jack Cheese Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles, Ketchup, Mustard and…Bacon-Cheddar seasoned Crickets! Yum! Also they feature Buffalo, Lamb, Kobe Beef & Veggie Burgers as well- delicious!

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Glen Ellen Farmers Market

Sweet heart of a farmers market. Featuring local farms, delicious olive oil, fresh fish, sustainably locally humanely raised meats, knife sharpening, french toast made fresh for you, galettes, cookies and superb local artisans. Every Sunday 10am to 2pm from May through October 30th.

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Safari West Wildlife Preserves

A wonderful adventure awaits you at the Wildlife Preserves. A safari vehicle transports you while the tour guide explains the history of the animals as well as the history of the Wildlife Preserves. Feed the giraffes and stand in a bird sanctuary with bird seed in hand and watch the birds dine from your hand. A great place to visit {…}

Burke's Canoe Trips

This is an amazing value in so many ways. It is an automatic de-stress to modern day life! The cost is only $60 per canoe (which can mean as low as $15 per person). We drifted down the Russian River and immediately spied some turtles before our first bend in the River. There were beaches along the way for picnic {…}

Farmer Envy?

Release your inner farmer with an afternoon in the country at one of McClelland Dairy’s farm tours. Learn about the farm and how the animals are cared for; visit the nursery and pet the “babies”; and try your hand at milking a cow! After the tour, sample their European-style organic artisan butter and visit the Farm Store, where products grown {…}

This Gem's Within Reach

The gorgeous neo-classical 1904 Carnegie Library Building in Historic Downtown now houses the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum with its treasure trove of historic artifacts from Petaluma’s heyday as the “Egg Basket of the World”. The intimate museum also features changing exhibits, including the upcoming “Beyond” exhibit on loan from the Smithsonian. Costumed docents from the museum lead tours of {…}

Leave Your Stress on the Dock

Snag a coveted spot on one of Dolphin Charters’ Petaluma River Cruises. When you step into the boat you’ll feel like you’re in a different world as you float by the wildlife inhabiting the river. The 3-hour cruise starts in the Downtown Petaluma Turning Basin, continues downriver and eventually returns to the starting point. A naturalist onboard regales you with {…}

Think Port in Petaluma

The Petaluma River runs through it, but one of the best ports anywhere is high and dry (though it’s only a block from the river)! Sonoma Valley Portworks, located in the understated but chic riverfront warehouse district, offers free tasting of their award-winning artisan ports and after-dinner wines. Come on a Saturday and the port might be paired with a {…}