The Museums of Sonoma County, located in downtown Santa Rosa, consists of two museums, and together they stand in appreciation to Sonoma County's unique history, art and culture. The museums have over 25,000 exhibits of regional artistic and historic articles like wooden furniture, paintings, ceramics, documents, photographs and much more. The museums host a number of programs for children and families to educate them on art and local history. Tours are conducted to some of the area's historic sites. You can also visit the museums' shop where there is a large selection of creations from local artists.
If you love Peanuts (the comic strip), this is your paradise. From Schulz's original works to his witty quotes, you will find it all. Designed by David Robinson, the museum reflects Schulz's personality and style - modest, low key and comfortable. The area covers 27,384 square feet (8346.6 square meters) with permanent and temporary galleries, a 100-seat auditorium, classroom space and outdoor gardens and exhibits.
The Trione-Annadel State Park has more than one reason which makes it worthy of a visit. Spread across an area of 5,092-acre (2,061 hectares), the park is steeped in Native American history and is known for its volcanic rocks. Ecologically blessed with a diverse flora, the park is home to oak woodlands, maples, fir forests. Come spring, the park is blanketed in fully blossomed wildflowers.
The citizens of Santa Rosa have reason to be in a continually celebratory mood as their microbrewery of choice takes top honors nearly every year at Denver's Great American Beer Festival. Since its inception in 1997, it has won such accolades as “Small Brewing Company of the Year,” “Innovation in Craft Brewing” and "Large Brewpub Champion Brewmaster." Indeed, gold medal winners include such eloquently named brews as Damnation, Blind Pig and Pliny the Elder. Many of them can be found in pubs throughout the Bay Area, but the headquarters is a must-see destination. Russian River Brewing Company is also credited with inventing the Double India Pale Ale. The entire list of ales is fascinating, each of them unique in blend, texture and flavor. At the tap room, live music entertains crowds as they savor pizzas made thin, crisp and fresh.
Built by Peanuts comics creator Charles M.Schulz, the Snoopy's Home Ice is a renowned ice rink. Offering a number of activities like figure skating, the arena also offers opportunity people of all ages to wear their skates and have fun throughout the year. The arena is home to the Snoopy's Senior World Hockey Tournament where 64 international hockey teams compete for a week.
Safari West is a 400-acre (162-hectare) sanctuary in the center of the wine country, where exotic mammals and birds reside. Started as a private facility, the preserve is now open to the public and conducts tours and field trips for those interested. Attracting over 60,000 people annually, Safari West is dedicated to the preservation of species and conducts interaction with students and educational programs. Tent cabins and other lodging is provided for those who wish to stay at the reserve. Amenities on-site include swimming pool, restaurant, and massages.
A small winery located in the Bennett Valley, Sable Ridge introduces a minimum of four new wines in the market every year, and has been the proud recipient of several awards since 1998. Grapes grown in Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, and Sonoma Valley are bottled to produce a number of varietals, including "rich and balanced Zinfandels" that top the list of Sable Ridge's hand-crafted wines. You can buy their wines both online and from various restaurants and retail shops in California.
If Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sound like music to your ears, a visit to the Freeman Vineyard and Winery in the charming Russian River Valley town of Sebastopol awaits you. The brainchild of Ken and Akiko Freeman, this family-run winery is among the finest in the area, and the wines produced here are full-bodied and can go with haute cuisines. Check the website for more information.
Built in 1868, the Tomales Presbyterian Church and Cemetery in Tomales, is the oldest surviving Protestant church in Tomales, California. It was assessed to the U.S National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Located along a serene stretch of the Chileno Valley Road, the Windrush Farm is an educational venture for children founded by Mimi Luebermann. The farm consists of rolling green hills harboring sheep that are harvested for its wool. In summer, this beautiful farm organizes a summer camp for children, educating them about the farm and fowl animals therein. Activities in the camp typically include wool harvesting, sheep herding, wool felting, vegetable harvesting and milking goats. Children are also educated about the care-taking involving animals like goats, chicken, sheep, cows and alpacas.
What was once a mechanical workshop has now been transformed into an industrial chic office and warehouse space, complemented beautifully by the tranquil green and the babbling waters of the river nearby. Although furnished with modern amenities and a touch of contemporary style, the open floor plan has been retained, creating a space that is bright, airy and ideal for both work and creativity. The complex also features fabulous open spaces and the very popular Aqus Cafe. With its scenic location by the river, at the heart of Downtown Petaluma, the green at the Foundry Wharf is a popular choice for open-air events like theatrical performances, concerts and festivals. On most days, however, the green is simply a communal open space that serves as a place of rest, relaxation and refuge for the many who have their offices at the Foundry Wharf.