Diversity of experiences abound in this Northern California region
Sonoma, CA- There’s much to love and appreciate in Sonoma County. Every visit to the magical Northern California region invites exploration and diving into a new experience.
Sonoma County eloquently sums it up, “Local orchards and vineyards beckon with rejuvenating farm tours and vineyard hikes, new experiences abound and new restaurants are popping up around the region. It’s a perfect time to get out and celebrate how Life Opens Up and show nature some love this Earth Day with the arrival of spring.”
7 Spring Travel Ideas in Sonoma County
1- Bodega Bay Oyster Company Opens Bodega Cellars Winebar
Indulge in freshly shucked Miyagi and Kumamoto oysters on the half-shell with the Bay-To-Bottle pairing flight experience at Bodega Cellars, complimented by a tasting of wines or ciders. Adjacent to the shellfish shop, this wine bar offers expansive views of grasslands over a relaxing glass of wine. Stay awhile and slowly savor the bounty of local ingredients with a bowl of seafood chowder, smoked salmon on a half bagel, or platters of fresh raw oysters on the half-shell.
Bodega Bay Oyster Company has been family owned and operated since 1985, featuring sustainably-farmed oysters in the plankton-rich waters of Bodega Bay. The oysters, clams, and mussels are sold daily alongside a carefully curated selection of local goods. Learn more at http://bodegabayoyster.com/
2- Jam Joy Bungalow
Grab a mouthful of pickled carrots, barbecued meat, cilantro, and jalapeños, all served on a crunchy baguette in the Bahn Mi at Jam Joy Bungalow’s new restaurant on the Sebastopol Square. This popular sandwich isn’t the only thing on the menu that features French and Vietnamese culinary influence. There’s also a Vietnamese Ice Coffee served with locally brewed Bella Rosa and condensed milk.
Jamilah Nixon-Mathis’ take on Southeast Asian flavors at her new brick and mortar is a blend of cultures celebrating the fresh ingredients abundantly available in Sonoma County. Her food truck still operates as a catering option for private events, showing up around town as a high-spirited bright neon pink truck and serving up street food with street cred. Hints of Jamilah’s time spent cooking in Thailand emerges from each bite as it swirls around with the kind of fresh ingredients that the region is known for. Open Thursday through Monday from 11:30 a.m. through 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy a special pop-up here from SubHuman Sandwich Shop, featuring a Crabby Boi filled with earthy pea shoots, a heaping amount of sweet Dungeness crab hinted with sesame oil, and topped with a light grapefruit turmeric vinaigrette on a toasted potato roll. The Chicken Parm Vodka Bomb sando is another indulgent selection with creamy vodka sauce, spicy arugula, and burrata atop a fried chicken cutlet in a bun. Check it out at https://www.jamsjoybungalow.com/
3- Sonoma Wine Rides
Take your “travel pod” on the ultimate Sonoma County experience with Sonoma Wine Rides’ private tours, where custom crafted itineraries can include wine tastings, beer and cider tours, coastal excursions, ziplining through the redwoods, world-class dining and anything in between.
Take a Sonoma County Wine Tasting Tour with your smaller group and visit three wineries with complimentary water and charcuterie boxes. Explore different wine regions and book consecutive days with Sonoma Wine Rides for a worry-free getaway. TO get started visit https://sonomawinerides.com/
4- Goat Yoga and Animal Assisted Therapy with Rescued Animals
This April, join the rescued animal residents of Charlie’s Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary for a fun filled yoga class with the occasional friendly goat (or sheep) distraction. Led by yoga instructor Sheila Martin, who is a health and wellness enthusiast, this class will invite guests to recharge with a centering practice and rediscover how to find balance with ever-shifting environments. They are offering two special classes this April at the farm, where yoga mats will be provided and placed in socially-distanced spaces.
This joyful farm filled with incredible animals is also offering animal assisted therapy services for at-risk youth through virtual and in-person sessions. Support the program with a Pay-it-Forward donation, which will harness the power of animal connection to strengthen the mental health of our community. Explore it at https://www.charliesacres.org/
5- St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Celebrates 50 Years
Mark a half-century legacy with the Kopf family’s wines at St. Francis in Kenwood, where guests will explore the rich Sonoma County heritage through anniversary-themed tasting flights, food-accompanied estate pairings, and award-winning wine and food pairings. Members will be presented with a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes look at the winery’s sustainable viticulture practices.
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards President & CEO, Rick Bonitati, expressed his appreciation for this year’s new offerings as they chart a path for the future of the winery and the industry as a whole. “We are proud and honored to celebrate fifty years in Sonoma Valley and recognize the contributions of so many who helped us to become who we are today. While we work diligently to perform at the highest level of excellence with our current programs, it is the ingenuity of our dedicated staff that truly makes anything possible for the future,” stated Mr. Bonitati. Visit https://www.stfranciswinery.com/
6- Sonoma Botanical Gardens
Along with a new rebranding and repositioning, Sonoma Botanical Garden has also been treated with a complete makeover. The ponds received a facial and a duckweed extraction, making way for a perfectly picturesque spot on the wooden bridge overlooking a garden view with glistening reflections on the water. The historic stone walls were restored, facility buildings were renovated, and more improvements continue to be made as this internationally recognized wild Asian woodland garden.
Visitors will also spot the familiar and beloved Meyer Lemon plant, a hybrid citrus fruit native to China, along with a variety of other citrus plants with Asian origins. Efforts to expand the deliciously refreshing citrus collection are in motion, including the cultivation of Kumquats, Buddha’s hand, and more. Visit Wednesday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.
Take a journey, visit www.sonomabg.org
7- Miracle Plum Kitchen adds flowers to everything
Taste the freshness of springtime in Sonoma County with the new “Flower Power” edible garnishes added to everything at Miracle Plum Kitchen, including salads, cookies and scones. Order breakfast and lunch from their ever-changing online menu, with specials like a housemade focaccia sandwich filled with lemony smashed chickpeas, chermoula, roasted carrots, feta, arugula and Flower Power. To honor the revitalizing energy of the season, this pantry product is now available in the shop for takeaway.
Committed to food equity, this women-owned commissary kitchen offers a small scholarship for qualified folks identifying as women, BIPOC, and immigrants. Check their website for pop-up food events, like the Boro Baba modern Persian food experience on April 3rd, featuring a saffron and yogurt-marinated chicken tender Joojeh Kabob and a gluten-free Saffron-Rose Rice Krispie Treat.
Experience a unique adventure, learn more at https://www.miracleplum.com/
