Main Corridor Merges with Main Street – Towns along US-101 tempt, tantalize travelers
You’ve tasted wines in Sonoma Valley. You’ve floated down the Russian River. You’ve even discovered out-of-the-way wineries in Dry Creek and Alexander valleys.
But, have you discovered the hidden-in-plain-sight gems that are mere blocks from US-101? Lining the main corridor of Sonoma County, and paralleling US-101, are small cities and towns that have a sophisticated flair that belie their rural exterior.
Rock Around the Clock
Movie director George Lucas found the perfect place to represent 1962 small-town America for “American Graffiti.” Petaluma’s streets were the setting for the “romance, racing and rock and roll” the movie captured.
The music is hot and the nightlife vibrant in Petaluma. Several venues around town offer award-winning entertainment. Music enthusiasts and history buffs alike flock to McNear’s Mystic Theatre, a renovated 1911 vaudeville theater, which features live music and dancing.
This charming city has one of the best-preserved historic downtown areas, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll past Victorian homes and Iron Front buildings, or stop at a cafe for a refreshing break.
Gallery at Schulz Museum
Kids and Accordions at Play
Brimming with character, Cotati is a lively mix of old and new — from rustic barns and historic churches, to festivals and a summertime farmers market. An assortment of restaurants, shops and services further showcases Cotati’s eclectic nature.
Cotati’s town square is actually a hexagon, one of only two such designs in the United States. The statue of accordion player Jim Boggio honors one of the founders of the Cotati Accordion Festival.
Arts Abound
Rohnert Park, a bedroom community, is home to Sonoma State University and all the cafes and bars that go along with being a college town.
The arts are high on the list here. Despite being under construction, Sonoma State’s Green Music Center has become a focus for the performing arts through several programs. Ace performances don’t end there: Spreckels Performing Arts Center is a top ticket for plays, concerts, operas and special events.
Overflowing with Activity
Santa Rosa, Sonoma County’s largest city, is home to two delightful town squares – Courthouse Square and Railroad Square – that charm visitors with intriguing shops and restaurants. Both have their own flair, so visit often to find your favorite local spot.
The Charles M. Schulz Museum is a cool way to learn more about the life of this celebrated cartoonist and his Peanuts characters. While there, stop in at Snoopy’s home ice, the Redwood Empire Ice Arena.
Famed horticulturalist Luther Burbank’s home and garden, located in downtown Santa Rosa, are registered Historic Landmarks. His home for more than 50 years, Burbank conducted plant-breeding experiments that introduced more than 800 new varieties of plants.
A ‘Locavore’ Dining Destination
Windsor has gone from a sleepy small town to a well-developed destination. Foodies delight in this latest wine country dining center. Choices abound, from traditional French bistro fare to seasonal menus, from pub fare to high-end dining.
A mixture of revival architectural styles that host shops ranging from apparel to candy surrounds the town green, a site for festivals and gatherings.
Hidden Treasures to be Found
Detour off 101 and discover magnificent scenery in Geyserville, a hidden treasure in Alexander Valley. A one stop-sign town, it has wineries that offer world-class wine tasting for a small or no fee. Explore amazing vistas by bicycle along quiet back roads. Refined and hearty dining delights travelers.
Jimtown Store, on Highway 128 in rural Healdsburg, is a great coffee stop for travelers. This authentic country store is nestled in the vines. Also on tap are freshly prepared
Jim Town Store
food, home-baked goods, local products, eclectic American antiques and more. Don’t miss the chocolate pudding; this alone is worth the trip.
Vineyards Meet the Redwoods
The northern-most Sonoma County town, Cloverdale, is where the vineyards meet the redwoods. Vineyards and numerous premium wineries border the town to the south, while the majestic redwoods tower over Cloverdale to the north.
While in Cloverdale, stop by Pick’s Drive-In. Locally owned since 1923, Pick’s emerges from the past with shakes, burgers, and stools at an outdoor counter. It’s known for its fresh burgers, crispy fries, thick hand-scooped milk shakes and malts, and a root beer float that will amuse your taste buds.
This is an opportunity to meander your way up Sonoma County. Don’t be in a hurry. Stick around and stay awhile. Find accommodations at www.sonomacounty.com.
