Mentioned by Sonoma 2 days itinerary
The Essential Sonoma Wine Country Guide
"The Railroad Square Historic District is the historic heart of what used to be the city’s ‘Old Town’, and is now a beautiful center of preservation and heritage surrounded by architectural gems, quaint stores, antique shops, busy restaurants and vibrant cafés. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Railroad Square has a number of beautifully restored and preserved buildings that echo the bygone era of the railroad age, and charming stores selling items and antiques. The square boasts plenty of things to see and do, as well as places to dine and enjoy a drink."
"The Railroad Square Historic District is the original center of Santa Rosa in days past. This area has been preserved as a heritage site. Now you will find memorabilia around the square as well as an abundance of cafe and bars."
"Railroad Square Historic District is the heart of old town Santa Rosa. A stroll around here is among the fun things to do in Santa Rosa, California."
"This massive park is one of the hidden treasures of Santa Rosa. Located on the eastern edge of town, Trione-Annadel offers miles of trails, not just for hiking but for mountain biking and horseback riding, too. The various hikes span the range of difficulty, and they offer varying views of forest, marsh, Lake Ilsanjo and more."
"Spring Lake Regional Park is a 320-acre area which offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities and adventures surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. The park is crisscrossed by a network of paths and trails for walking, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. There is a three-acre lagoon for swimming in the summer months, as well as a 72-acre lake for fishing, boating and other water sports, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing."
"If you’re itching for some recreation, spend the day at Spring Lake Park. In addition to over 9 miles of walking trails, the park has its own swimming lagoon and picnic areas. Fill up a cooler with a day’s worth of goodies, pack a beach bag, and head over to the park for some good-old-fashioned outdoor fun."
"Famous for being the home of renowned horticulturist, Luther Burbank Home and Gardens in California pay homage to the place where he lived and worked for over 50 year, as well as his horticultural genius. Born in 1849, Luther Burbank was famous for his plant breeding experiments - he introduced more than 800 new varieties of plants to the world, including fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains that we grow and eat today. The house and gardens are a Registered National, State & City Historic Landmark and showcase Luther Burbank’s work over his time in Santa Rosa."
"A few minutes towards the South of Old Courthouse Square lies the Luther Burbank homes and Gardens, a public park worth visiting. It was once home to Luther Burbank, a noted American horticulturalist who performed several of his life works here. The site includes his former home, grave, greenhouse, gardens, fountains, ponds, everything beautifully preserved and maintained."
"A small but significant garden and history walk. Well labeled, constantly being improved and valued by the city. Worth going to for a short walk in a beautiful garden, and a bit of history."
"If you’re eager for more, check out the historic Mission San Francisco Solano – the last and northernmost of the 21 California Missions. Or if you’re up for a unique all-day tour of Wine Country, step inside the vintage, open-air Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley for a casual day of exploring and wine tasting."
"The Redwood Empire Ice Arena is an ice skating rink in Santa Rosa that opened in 1969 and was the brainchild of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz. At the rink you can go ice skating or there are ice hockey games that you can watch if you happen to be in town at the right time. These include Snoopy’s Senior World Hockey Tournament which takes place annually and sees teams compete from all over the world."
"A great bike-to winery, Bartholomew Park occupies a 375-acre nature preserve with oak-shaded picnicking and valley-view hiking. The vineyards were originally cultivated in 1857 and now yield certified-organic, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon softer in style than Napa and lush Zinfandel. There's also a new collection of reserve wines and a new private tasting experience. Bottles are $27 to $48."
"Richmond has arranged for the folks at Artesa Vineyards & Winery (1345 Henry Rd.; 707-224-1668; artesawinery.com) to greet you with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine at their hilltop aerie: When the Spanish Codorníu family decided to build an American outpost, they cut the top off the highest point on their new property, inserted a winery, and replanted the grass on the roof. The result resembles a half-submerged submarine. The Codorníu clan had been making sparkling wines since 1872, and they continued to do so when they arrived in California. But in 1997, they shifted their operations to still wines, which they've been producing for four and a half centuries: chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and the occasional Gewürztraminer or cabernet franc."
"Stout’s offers you a typical American Irish pub where you can enjoy fine food and great drinks. At nights it turns into a dance club with a DJ, live music or karaoke and the atmosphere is pretty good. You shouldn’t look for a place to sit, because when the music is on, they take everything away, even chairs and tables!"
"I had just had eye surgery and the nicest young lady helped me to get my order quickly and even offered to take it to my car."
"Established over two decades ago to celebrate the spirit of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa's Wednesday Night Market is the county’s premier Farmer's Market and Street Fair. Held every night over a three-month period during the summer, the market is located in downtown Santa Rosa. It is a gathering of locals and visitors who come to sample food, cold drinks and listen to live entertainment."
"The Wednesday Night Market in Santa Rosa has been in operation for over 20 years and is a mixture of a traditional farmers market and a street style fair. The night market runs during the summer months in Santa Rosa so make sure that you don’t miss it if you are in town, and you can expect to find lots of delicious food here as well as live music, dancing, and some delicious drinks."
"This is one of the good dive bars which attract mostly local people and offers strong drinks at the lower prices. The service here is great and it makes you feel comfortable. The bar tenders are exceptionally friendly."
"Legendary chef John Ash is no longer affiliated with this restaurant, but his statement as the 'godfather of Wine Country cooking' is still felt through the recipes, supplemented by ingredients plucked from the culinary gardens next to 92 acres of vineyards. The setting is special occasion, with white tablecloths, ornate fabrics, and romantic lighting, but the food is approachable, such as Mary's brick chicken with creamed garden greens and rosemary-infused smashed potatoes, or sweet potato-Bellwether Farms ricotta gnocchi with garden kale, and shaved Achadinha Capricious cheese. Craving even more delicious food?"
"With a beautiful atmosphere and sublime American cuisine, John Ash & Co. never ceases to impress its guests. The restaurant is situated in Sonoma County’s Vintners Inn, which is in the middle of a vineyard. The classic interior decor complements its outdoor terrace, which boasts breathtaking views."