Sonoma

Meet your neighbor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Only a short drive up Highway 12 one will find SONOMA a city rich with great wine, unique boutiques, fantastic restaurants and an abundance of outdoor activities offering something for every taste. Since this city is our neighbor, take a weekend for some dedicated exploring.

Eat

The Sunflower Café is the place to go for an incredible breakfast and perfect cappuccinos. Sit in front for a view of the park, or take in the large shaded back patio. 421 First St. West (707) 996-6645; sonomasunflower.com.

For sophisticated bistro cuisine, lunch or dinner at the El Dorado Kitchen is not to be missed. If you’d rather do lunch picnic style, swing by the El Dorado Kitchenette for sandwiches, salads and wood-fired pizzas. For a unique treat, order the vanilla house-made soft-serve ice cream and ask for the olive oil and sea salt topping—don’t knock it till you try it. 405 First St. West (707) 996-3030; eldoradosonoma.com.

The Carneros Bistro and Wine Bar offers seasonal flavors at their best by using ingredients from local producers and fresh from the restaurant’s garden. 1325 Broadway (707) 935-2042; thelodgeatsonoma.com.

Do

Cycling is one of the best ways to take in Sonoma and its surrounding valley. Take a guided bike tour or rent a bike and explore on your own. Visit bikesonoma.org for maps of rides and Sonoma biking information.

For great nature walks and hiking head up to Sonoma Valley Regional Park. The 162-acre park offers both paved and dirt trails and is dog- and horse-friendly. 13630 Sonoma Highway; www.sonoma-county.org/parks/Pk_snoma.htm.

If you have kids in tow, check out Train Town. The 10-acre park offers kids of all ages a step back in time with rides on old-time amusement park rides and scaled-down, vintage reproductions of trains. 20264 Broadway (707) 938-3912; traintown.com.

Sonoma has no shortage of wine tasting rooms and caves in which to indulge. For a complete list of wineries and tasting rooms visit sonoma.com.

Imagine falling into complete relaxation through a weightless massage. Well, that is exactly what the Watsu treatment at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is like. 100 Boyes Blvd. (877) 289-7354; fairmont.com/sonoma.

Shop

Finding great shopping in Sonoma is effortless—simply walk around Sonoma Plaza. From home stores to galleries, there is a store that will satisfy every whim.

Stay

The Lodge at Sonoma may be part of the worldwide Marriott chain, but this hotel is full of local flavor—from food to spa products to artwork by local artists that is available for purchase. 1325 Broadway (707) 935-6600; thelodgeatsonoma.com.

With six unique rooms decorated in antique splendor and all the modern creature comforts we love, the Ledson Hotel offers a touch of yesteryear right in the heart of town on the Sonoma Plaza. 480 First St. East (707) 996-9779; ledsonhotel.com.

The El Dorado Hotel offers boutique accommodations within walking distance of the best shops and restaurants. 405 First St. West (707) 996-3220; eldoradosonoma.com.

Heard & scene

For live music, many argue that Murphy’s Irish Pub is the best place in town. Every Thursday night at 7 p.m. the music starts, so put on your dancing shoes and order a pint. 464 First St. East (707) 935-0660; sonomapub.com.

Insider tips

If you have a few extra days to kick around the valley, head up to Healdsburg.

 

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