Lifestyle Archives

Aperture Cellars tasting room in Healdsburg. (Sonoma County Tourism)

Healdsburg Named the Friendliest Small Town in California

February 2026

If you haven’t been to the friendly town of Healdsburg lately, here are a few favorite recommendations for a quick and easy getaway.

Alexis and Cody have their first dance as a married couple in the farm's rustic barn. (Ashley Carlascio)

Bay Area Couple ‘Forever Grateful’ for Healdsburg Farm Wedding

February 2026

The couple's late spring wedding at a Healdsburg farm featured vineyard vistas, fun cocktails and ice cream served from a vintage Volkswagen truck.

Hiking along the Kortum Trail on the Sonoma Coast. (Jerry Dodrill)

Sonoma Coast Named One of the Best Solo Travel Destinations in the US

February 2026

Global travel platform Skyscanner names the Sonoma Coast among its top five solo travel destinations in the country, highlighting its rugged shoreline and peaceful escape from crowded itineraries.

EARTHSeed is a new permaculture farm that both grows food and fosters resilence in the land and its people. One of founder Pandora Thomas’ goals is to make the farm and its products accessible to those who have historically faced barriers to access, particularly communities of color. She hopes to offer a robust program of classes and farming internships. (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)

Over 50 Black-Owned Businesses in Sonoma County

February 2026

From winemakers to restaurant owners and wardrobe stylists, here are the Black entrepreneurs leaving their mark on Sonoma County.

Coffee and pastry from Flying Goat Coffee. (Jenna Fisher)

10 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Sonoma County

December 2025

Stumped on what to do when it gets damp and gray outside? Here are some suggestions on how to make a rainy day a little brighter.

Various vintage and modern holiday-themed decor, trinkets and home goods at Mavis & Mavis in Cloverdale. (John Burgess / Sonoma Magazine)

Find Unique Gifts at These Sonoma County Boutiques for a Very Vintage Holiday

December 2025

Here are some of our favorite places in Sonoma County for quirky, nostalgic and cool vintage finds this holiday season.

Read the Room: Interior designer Stephanie Meyer of AVCO Design loves the way her client uses teal and turquoise to match the color scheme Meyer created in the room. The palette blends seamlessly, yet festively. AVCO Design, 10310 Cherry Ridge Rd, Sebastopol, 707-634-2775, avcodesign.com

Sonoma Designers Share Their Decor Tips for a Merry Holiday

December 2025

How do you deck the halls without burying them? We asked a few Sonoma designers for their tips and tricks to make the season visually merry.

A student’s practice stitches lay on top of a cloth Sonoma County map that will be used for embroidery at Robert Mahar’s craft retreat at Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)

Embroidery Artist Robert Mahar Crafts With Vintage Vibes

December 2025

A celebrated embroidery artist and educator brings craft and creativity to his new home in Sonoma Wine Country.

A festive scene at Abbot's Passage in Glen Ellen during the holidays. (Melati Citrawireja / Courtesy Abbot's Passage)

Where to Find Holiday Markets in Sonoma County

November 2025

Sonoma County's wineries, restaurants and merchants are pulling out all the stops for the holidays this year with festive holiday markets.

The location of the Meadowcroft Winery tasting room at Cornerstone Sonoma affords visitors an eyeful of holiday wonder and whimsy. The Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Snowmen festival was on Dec. 4, and the lights stay on through December. (Michelle Walker)

25 Magical Holiday Experiences in Sonoma County

November 2025

It may not snow in Sonoma County, but the region becomes its own special winter wonderland as the holidays approach. Here are the best things to eat, drink and do.