Bold makeup, bombastic sounds, tons of hairspray, patent-leather pants – and, of course, an endless amount of glitter. The spirit of glam rock was alive and well this Friday as U.K. band The Struts took the stage at the Napa Valley Opera House.
Over the past two years, The Struts have opened for the Rolling Stones in Paris, toured with Mötley Crüe and played countless concerts and festivals, including Napa’s own BottleRock festival – which featured not only a performance on the main stage, culinary stage and JaM Pad stages, but also an after show. On Friday, after having played two sold-out shows in LA and San Francisco during the week, the British band managed to top all previous concerts with a jam-packed, high-energy evening.
The Struts singer Luke Spiller at The Napa Valley Opera House, Friday November 4.
From the moment The Struts strutted on stage, the venue was in full swing with concert-goers jumping and swaying in ecstasy. Singer Luke Spiller enthralled the audience with exquisitely exhibitionist ensembles – to be expected by an artist whose style icons include Elvis Presley and David Bowie. Spiller has been outfitted by both Zandra Rhodes, the English designer who dressed Fred Mercury and Brian May, and Australian designer Ray Brown whose clientele includes AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest and Lady Gaga. The Struts drummer Gethin Davies, guitarist Adam Slack and bassist Jed Elliott also dressed to impress in true ‘70s glam rock glory.
The Struts: from left to right, bassist Jed Elliott, guitarist Adam Slack, singer Luke Spiller, drummer Gethin Davies.
Equally captivating as the glitz and glamor, was the group’s stage presence. The whole set was filled with whimsical and memorable moments in which the audience became part of the performance, singling along to nearly every word of “Put Your Money On Me,” keeping the beat with enthusiastic clapping to “Put Your Hands Up,” and following every command from Spiller — quiet one moment, roaring the next.
The Struts singer Luke Spiller commanding the audience at Napa Valley Opera House.
The night continued to crescendo; the music, the beat, the on-stage heat. When, during rock n’ roll anthem “Where Did She Go,” Spiller asked the audience: “are you ready to make history right here tonight?” the concert reached climax. On Spiller’s demand, the whole audience got down on the floor and then shot up on cue during the chorus.
With euphoric expressions, glitter in their hair and sweat streaming down their faces as they sang their hearts out in those final phrases, the audience got a taste of real golden-age glam rock — another sublime Napa night served up by The Struts.
Highlights from The Struts Show at The Napa Valley Opera House:
The sign at the entrance to the taproom at Grav South Brew Co. (Photo by Tim Vallery)
The sign at the entrance to the taproom at Grav South Brew Co. in Cotati. (Photo by Tim Vallery)
Grav South Brew Co. in Cotati is the newest addition to the burgeoning brewery scene in Sonoma County.
The brewery, opened in September, is run by Corinne Barclay and Greg Rasmussen. Barclay and Rasmussen met three years ago through a mutual friend, and quickly realized they had a lot in common: not only did they both work within fire protection (Corinne previously worked as a fire inspector and Greg is a fire captain in Forestville) and had both grown up on Gravenstein apple orchards, they also shared an affinity for beer: Greg loved to brew it, and Corinne loved to drink it.
The bar at Grav South Brew Co. in Cotati. (Photo by Tim Vallery)
When deciding to open up a brewery together, Barclay and Rasmussen wanted to pay homage to their shared background – not only by incorporating a shortened version of Gravenstein in the company name, but also through the design of the brewery.
“Greg’s father was very involved in Sturgeons Mill in Sebastopol, and we chose old growth redwood for our bar because of this,” said Barclay. “The apple boxes behind the bar are from my family’s farm. The wood on the bar around the brewing equipment was made from a salvaged water tank that Greg’s father had kept.”
Constructing their brewery in the Gravenstein South shopping center, Barclay and Rasmussen worked tirelessly alongside family, friends, and police and firefighter co-workers.
“We’re very fortunate to have had friends and family who have a wide skill set help us out with all aspects of design and construction,” said Barclay.
Morgan pouring brews at Grav South Brew Co. in Cotati. (Photo by Tim Vallery)
The hard work, collaboration and community spirit that built Grav South has created a “Cheers” vibe at the brewery; this certainly is a place where you can take a break from all your worries, where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.
Greg Rasmussen has been home brewing for 18 years. During this time, he has received over 150 local, state, and national awards for his beers. He is the recipient of the “Sierra Nevada Home Brewer of the Year” award (2013 and 2014) and the “Sonoma Beerocrats Brewer of the Year” (2013 and 2014). In 2015, Rasmussen won the Samuel Adams “Longshot Homebrew” contest, hosted since 1995 to honor home brewers. Longshot contest founder, Jim Koch called Rasmussen’s winning brew “a flawless robust porter.”
Rasmussen has also collaborated with several breweries, including Sierra Nevada Brewing Company for their 2014 Beer Camp series and the Bear Republic Brewing Company for 2 Pro-Am beers.
The beer sampler at Grav South Brew Co. (Photo by Jess Vallery)
At Grav South Brew Co., Rasmussen brews a “7 Figure” IPA, “Wet Hop” IPA, Bitter End, a tangerine beer, a wheat, rye, and a vanilla porter made with Madagascar vanilla. The brewery also offers a small wine list with wines by the glass for $5 and local guest taps from St. Florian’s,Henhouse, Petaluma Hill’s, and Plow Brewing.
Turkey panini and watermelon salad at Grav South Brew Co. (Photo by Tim Vallery)
Grav South Brew Co. head chef Scott Caddell, from Belvedere/Tiburon, will serve up a locally-sourced menu focused on fresh, bold flavors. There will be specials throughout the week and guests can expect different dishes depending on the season: watermelon feta salad, pozole, turkey panini, and smoked tri-tip sandwiches are a few examples.
Grav South Brew Co., 7950 Redwood Dr #15, Cotati, CA 94931, (707) 753-4198, gravsouthbrewco.com, @GravSouth BrewCo
The taproom at Grav South Brew Co. in Cotati (Photo by Tim Vallery)
Chefs Matthew Williams and Moishe Hahn-Schuman got their first big break for Ramen Gaijin as a pop-up at Woodfour Brewing in 2014. Five months later, they opened their successful brick-and-mortar just down the street. Now, the chefs are hoping to do the same for one of their employees.
On Nov. 14, the restaurant will host TacoUp, a pop-up featuring traditional Mexican food including tacos (natch), aguachiles, sopas and ceviches inspired by Mexico City. Behind the concept is Ruben Alcaraz, a cook for Ramen Gaijin, who will team up with Bravas bartender Adam Barta to pair craft tequila and mescal cocktails.
The meal is first-come, first-serve from 5 to 9p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, 2016. Details here.
Williams and Hahn-Schuman plan at least one more pop-up in the next few months, focused on the food of Northern Thailand with craft cocktail wizard Scott Beattie. Stay tuned for more details.
The white knuckling has begun for Bay Area restaurants as the venerable Michelin Guide taps the region’s best restaurants over the next week.
On Tuesday, the annual restaurant rating organization announced their “Bib Gourmand” winners, categorized as restaurants “serving high-quality food on their menus and make it possible to order two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less”. Though that price point can be challenging around these parts, 75 restaurants made the cut, with four newcomers in the North Bay.
Bravas, SHED, Two Birds/One Stone and Village Sake were welcomed to the list this year, bringing the North Bay’s Bib Gourmand haul to 24, nearly a third of the total list.
In Wine Country, Bravas is the second “Bib Gourmand” restaurant on the list for the Stark Reality Group headed by Mark and Terri Stark (Monti’s is the other). Two Birds/One Stone, opened this summer by former Cyrus chef Douglas Keane and LA’s Sang Yoon was quick to make the list. After taking over the kitchens of SHED just about a year ago, Chef Perry Hoffman was a natural for the list.
Off the list this year: La Perla (closed) and Sazon (both Peruvian spots), Farmer and The Fox (closed). Bib Gourmands are not eligible for stars. Stay tuned next week for the star winners. Here is the full list of winners.
Congrats to these Marin and Wine Country Michelin Bib Gourmand Award winners for 2017
Patty melt with bacon, caramelized onions and avocado with potato salad at Starting From Scratch Cafe in Santa Rosa. Heather Irwin/PD
If you look closely, you’ll find hidden cafes in the most unlikely of spots: Office parks. It’s a growing trend, and one that goes against conventional wisdom of high foot-traffic, easy-to-find eateries open beyond 4p.m. But we think it’s kind of a brilliant idea to service the breakfast and lunch needs of office workers trapped in food deserts.
Take, for example, Chloe’s French Cafe (3883 Airway Dr., #415, Santa Rosa) which opened in 2008 and has become something of an institution for French pastries and casual lunches despite being at the back of a rather hidden medical building. Following suit, Chef John Franchetti’s namesake Franchetti’s Kitchen (1229 N. Dutton, Santa Rosa), Sondra Bernstein’s Suite D which features ramen pop-up dinners and other schwanky dining events, Bella Rosa Cafe(5491 Skyline Blvd. Suite 140, Santa Rosa), The Pharmacy Cafe (990 Sonoma Ave., #1, Santa Rosa), and now Starting from Scratch Cafe (404 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa in the Ag Credit building).
We asked BiteClubbers their favorite “hidden” office park spot. See what they said.
(Click on the word bubble)
These aren’t food carts or industrial kitchens pouring out bland processed food, but wildly creative chefs bringing excellent restaurant food to hidden spots inside office buildings.
Starting From Scratch, which opened this week inside the luxe new Ag Credit complex near the Sonoma County Airport, is both cafe and catering kitchen for longtime caterers Greg and Tammy Long. You may remember them from their days as custom omelet and breakfast burrito makers at the Wells Fargo Center farm market, but their new venture ventures into killer burgers, salads, sandwiches, and pastries.
Pumpkin Maple Cheesecake at Starting From Scratch Cafe in Santa Rosa. Heather Irwin/PD
From the breakfast menu: Scratch biscuits and gravy; daily quiche, breakfast burritos, and cinnamon Challah bread French toast for breakfast. For lunch, a massive Cobb salad ($15). For lunch, try the grilled chicken breast with Brie bacon and caramelized onions ($14), BBQ pulled pork with homemade sauce and coleslaw ($13 with salad) or the upscale **Patty Melt** with John Ford grass fed beef, bacon, avocado, caramelized onions, Havarti cheese and sriracha aioli ($16 with salad).
The portions are truly massive, and like most caterers, Greg and Tammy let the food do the talking rather than their egos, making for truly delicious, uncomplicated dishes.
Though the couple are still in start-up mode, they’re offering evening parties and custom menus for events, along with daily specials like Tammy’s “lasagna soup”, or **pumpkin maple cheesecake** — light, fluffy and not-to-sweet.
If it’s ever on the menu, don’t miss Tammy’s cheesecake inside a cake, which sounds so ungodly spectacular we can hardly imagine the decadence. Meaning we’re hoping she’ll make us one for our birthday. Which happens to be, um, whenever she makes one next.
Definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area. Open 7a.m. to 3p.m. week days. 404 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa in the Ag Credit building, (707) 843-3829, startingfromscratch.biz.
When my husband and I were first married, taking off for a spur of the moment weekend trip wasn’t a problem – we just went. But then we had kids, and things got complicated.
Now, I know couples who have no issue taking their newborn with them wherever they go; smiling through the constant diaper changes and feedings – but my husband and I were never those kind of parents…not even close.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hotels in Sonoma County that understand that it can be a struggle to keep the whole crew content, and they’re more than happy to help out. Here are 6 local hotels that have the kind of family-friendly amenities that will make a trip with the kids a rousing success – or, at the very least, a lot less stressful:
The Inn at the Tides – Bodega Bay
The Inn at the Tides in Bodega Bay. (Photo courtesy of The Inn at the Tides)
This is a great hotel for a sea-loving family. When you’re done building castles in the sand and running around on the beach, there’s an arcade game room to entertain older kids and an outdoor pool for everyone. I like that this hotel is an easy 13 mile drive from the Korbel Champagne Cellars, and my husband likes that it’s near Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve so he can take the boys hiking.
Deluxe room. (Photo courtesy of The Inn at the Tides)
The Inn at the Tides family friendly amenities include: an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, complimentary cribs or infant beds in the room, and laundry facilities (any parent with younger kids knows that the laundry facilities are like a golden ticket).
Aerial view of the pool at The Inn at the Tides. (Photo courtesy of The Inn at the Tides)
Even the most sullen teenager will crack a smile when they get a load of this pool, and the view beyond.
Reserve your family-friendly room: The Inn at the Tides 800 Coast Hwy One, Bodega Bay, Ca 94923, 800-916-4339, innatthetides.com
Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa – Santa Rosa
The Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa. (Photo courtesy of Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa)
It may be the mid-century modern architecture, or the large obelisk with neon signs, but The Flamingo Hotel always makes me think of old Las Vegas. This resort-style hotel is located close to downtown Santa Rosa, and within easy driving distance to all sorts of family fun, like the Charles Schultz museum, Howarth Park, and the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County.
Room at the Flamingo in Santa Rosa. (Photo courtesy of Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa)
The Flamingo’s family-friendly amenities include: Outdoor pools, children’s pool free Wi-Fi, outdoor tennis courts, laundry facilities, babysitting or childcare, refrigerator in room, and a microwave (on request). It may seem like a simple thing, but the microwave is a big deal if you have kids who snack (all the time, every day) making it possible for you to reheat leftovers at 10 p.m., instead of calling room service, again.
Pool at the Flamingo Hotel. (Photo courtesy of Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa)
It doesn’t matter if it’s the middle of October, Sonoma County is still warm enough to justify an afternoon dip in the pool. There’s plenty of space to lounge by the pool at the Flamnigo while watching the kids swim, or fit in some exercise by doing a couple of laps.
Reserve your family-friendly room: 2777 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, (707) 545-8530. www.flamingoresort.com
Inn at Sonoma, A Four Sisters Inn – Sonoma
Inn at Sonoma, A Four Sisters Inn. (Photo courtesy of Inn at Sonoma, a Four Sisters Inn)
The Inn at Sonoma is one of the more upscale family getaways in Sonoma County, and they’ll welcome you and your brood with open arms. I appreciate the proximity to Sonoma Plaza (only two blocks away) and that the hotel has bikes for riding around downtown or on the mile-long bike path by the hotel.
Inn at Sonoma guest room. (Photo courtesy of Inn at Sonoma)
The Inn at Sonoma, A Four Sisters Inn’s family-friendly amenities include: High-speed Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast as well as a complimentary manager’s reception, a library, coffee, tea and cookies in a common area – and plenty of bottled water (if there’s a chance to stow some water bottles in my bag, I always do – the boys run wild wherever we go, and one of them will inevitably claim that they’re absolutely parched).
Hot tub at The Inn at Sonoma. (Photo courtesy of The Inn at Sonoma)
There’s no pool at the Inn at Sonoma, but there is an outdoor, uncovered hot tub on the second floor of the main inn building. This is definitely a much appreciated adult-only amenity.
Reserve your family-friendly room: Inn at Sonoma, A Four Sisters Inn, 630 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476, (707) 939-1340. www.innatsonoma.com
Holiday Inn Express Windsor Sonoma Wine Country – Windsor
Holiday Inn Express Windsor Sonoma Wine Country. (Photo courtesy of Holiday Inn Express Windsor Sonoma Wine Country)
In my experience, Holiday Inn can be hit-or-miss. But their services have improved considerably, and they remain a family-friendly hotel chain. The Holiday Inn Express in Windsor is an affordable wine country option, within close proximity to hundreds of wineries, and to Santa Rosa and Healdsburg.
Room at the Holiday Inn Express Windsor Sonoma Wine Country.
The Holiday Inn Express Windsor Sonoma Wine Country’s family-friendly amenities include: Outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, refrigerator, and microwave. The rooms are basic – but they have what you need to recharge for a day of new adventures.
Pool at the Holiday Inn Express Windsor Sonoma Wine Country.
If your kids want to take a break from exploring the surrounding area, this pool is the perfect place to spend a balmy afternoon.
Reserve your family-friendly room: Holiday Inn Express Windsor Sonoma Wine Country. 8865 Conde Ln, Windsor, CA 95492, (707) 837-0808. www.ihg.com
Fountaingrove Inn Hotel & Conference Center – Santa Rosa
Fountaingrove Inn Hotel & Conference Center in Santa Rosa. (Photo courtesy of Fountaingrove Inn Hotel & Conference Center)
The architecture at the Fountaingrove Inn will add an eclectic element to your family holiday. While located only 5 miles from downtown Santa Rosa, this hotel feels a world away from anything everyday.
Fountaingrove Inn Hotel & Conference Center
The Fountaingrove Inn Hotel & Conference Center’s family-friendly amenities include: free Wi-Fi, in-room childcare (there is a surcharge for this), in-room refrigerator, and complimentary cribs or infant beds. The infant bed is a fantastic addition if you aren’t a fan of co-sleeping (although, when we go somewhere new, my kids always crawl into bed with us to feel safe).
Bar at the Fountaingrove Inn Hotel & Conference Center
The in-room childcare comes in handy when you want to spend some time at the Fountaingrove Inn bar lounge.
Reserve your family-friendly room: Fountaingrove Inn Hotel & Conference Center, 101 Fountaingrove Pkwy, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. (707) 578-6101. www.fountaingroveinn.com
Hotel Healdsburg – Healdsburg
Hotel Healdsburg. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Healdsburg)
Hotel Healdsburg is hands-down the fanciest hotel on this list, but if you’re headed to Healdsburg you may as well stay in style. The hotel has a full-service spa, complimentary bikes available to use around town, gourmet breakfast, and a craft cocktail bar. Sure, the kids will have fun, but it’s the adults who will be the big winners on this vacation.
Room at the Hotel Healdsburg.
The Hotel Healdsburg’s family-friendly amenities include: an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, complimentary cribs or infant beds, and an in-room DVD player. The rooms have a sleek modern design, and the Premier King room is decorated with paintings by local artist Wade Hoefer.
Pool at the Healdsburg Hotel.
This sixty-foot pool is surrounded by a landscaped garden, and the pool bar is open for drinks and dining service during the summer. Soak in the jacuzzi while the kids are swimming. Who said vacationing with children couldn’t be relaxing?
Reserve your family-friendly room: Hotel Healdsburg, 25 Matheson St, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 431-2800. www.hotelhealdsburg.com
Looking for some family-friendly things to do in Sonoma County? Click here!
California Sol (4101 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach.): The look is inspired by Taco Bell’s California roots and the California lifestyle. “It’s our take on California modern design and style and blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor,” Taco Bell said.
Heritage (14042 Red Hill Ave., Tustin): The look is inspired by the chain’s menu of Mexican-inspired food with a twist. “This style enhances our Spanish Colonial Mexican heritage,” Taco Bell said.
Modern Explorer (2246 S. Grand Ave., Santa Ana): “This rustic, modern style is a refined version of our Cantina Explorer restaurants,” Taco Bell said.
Urban Edge (303 W. Imperial Highway, Brea): “This design represents international high street style done the Taco Bell way,” Taco Bell said.
Taco Bell has opened several ultra-modern stores in Southern California that include “patios with fireplaces, communal dining tables made of reclaimed wood, exhibition kitchens, dome lighting, chalkboard menu specials and midcentury modern lounge chairs”, according to the Orange County Register.
Fireplaces?
The idea is to create a more inviting space with one of four “designs” that include California Sol, Modern Explorer, Heritage and Urban Edge, according to the OC Register.
Santa Ana taco bell redsign (Photo by Ana Venegas, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Though it seems a little off-brand for a restaurant known for $1 burritos, fiery Doritos Locos and their forthcoming fried chicken taco shell, Taco Bell continues to be a power player in the stagnating fast food industry.
Naked Chicken Chalupa coming soon. Courtesy Taco Bell
It wasn’t lost on us, however, that some designs look a heck of a lot like Chipotle, which is still struggling to win back customers after food safety issues last year. Coincidence? We think not.
Chipotle interior
The OC Register article had this amazing fact, however.
“Half the U.S. population eats Taco Bell once a month,” Yum CEO Greg Creed told CNBC during an interview Wednesday morning. The average customer visits every 11 days.”
Whaaaaaat?
“Modern Explorer” design. Courtesy Taco Bell
Do they know that one of the ingredients in the beef was once tested as an organic olive fly attractant in Sonoma County? The little guys couldn’t resist the smell, drowning in the deliciously scented lures. Seems even flies jones for a little beefy burrito action at 2a.m.
No word on any Sonoma County Taco Bell stores getting one of these schwanky upgrades, but reps said that franchisees will have the option to use one of the new designs when they are due for remodeling.
Pastries at Plank Coffee in Cloverdale. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Tucked in the hills just off of Highway 101, Cloverdale is Sonoma County’s northernmost city — if you miss your exit, you’ll blink and find yourself in Mendocino County. But don’t miss your exit — Cloverdale epitomizes an all-American town, inviting visitors to unveil its beauty and its many charms. Despite being recognized by Budget Magazine as one of the nation’s coolest small towns, Cloverdale still feels largely undiscovered by tourists.
Here are 13 of our favorite things to do in Cloverdale:
Start your day at Plank for some of Sonoma County’s finest coffee and pastries.
Mike Morisette and Marne Dupere brought a little slice of hipster paradise to Cloverdale when they opened Plank Coffee in 2012. Beyond their excellent espresso, don’t miss the cafe’s wide assortment of freshly-baked pastries, many of them vegan and/or gluten free. If coffee’s not your speed, cool off with Jordan’s Shrub of the Week, a healthy, fermented soda-alternative made from local produce. Contact: Plank Coffee: 227 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale; (707) 894-6187, visit on Facebook.
Seating and wall decor at Plank Coffee in Cloverdale. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Have a hearty breakfast at Savvy on First
Savvy on First has all the trappings of a charming small town diner, but Chef-Owner Kristine Bodily kicks it up a notch with perfect gourmet touches throughout the menu. Your pancake is a ricotta buttermilk pancake and it’s served with real maple syrup. The sausage is a homemade patty with hints of maple and sage. Service is friendly and relaxed, and there’s a good list of local wines to boot. Savvy serves lunch and dinner, too. Contact: Savvy on First: 116 East 1st St., Cloverdale; (707) 894-3200, savvyonfirst.net
Savvy on First in Cloverdale. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Rent a bike at Cloverdale Cyclery
Owner Dave Reynolds has worked with bicycles for more than 50 years and believes Cloverdale features some of the best bike riding terrain in Sonoma County. You can rent bikes and gear by the day or week at his shop and ask him for area maps and ride suggestions. Rolling hills, the Russian River and Lake Sonoma are all easily accessed from Cloverdale. Contact: Cloverdale Cyclery: 117 Broad St, Cloverdale; (707) 669-0377, cloverdalecyclery.com
Cloverdale Cyclery. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Skydive into wine country
Several thousand people per year visit Cloverdale Municipal Airport to get their adrenaline pumping at NorCal Skydiving. Owner Jimmy Halliday says that, while most of his clientele travels from the San Francisco-area, people from all over the world pick Cloverdale to jump. “Most people are bucket-listers — just coming to do a tandem jump once for the experience, but we do train people to become expert solo-jumpers,” Halliday says. Kimberly Melendez and her daughter Melina came from San Jose to skydive recently. Moments after reaching the ground, Melendez said, “The scenery was awesome, just indescribable! I could see water, hills, vineyards, a pond — the free canvas of mother nature.” Contact: NorCal Skydiving: 220 Airport Rd, Cloverdale; (888) 667-2259, norcalskydiving.com
NorCal Skydiver landing at Cloverdale Municipal Airport. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Take a 20-minute flight in a Light Sport plane
If you prefer to take in the view from inside a plane, you can visit Shipway Aviation @ Hangar 10, also housed at the Cloverdale Municipal Airport. On Saturday mornings, Captain Ray Shipway and his wife Sher invite visitors to gather for coffee, donuts and conversation with other flight enthusiasts. The business specializes in teaching people how to build and modify their own Quicksilver Ultralight and Light Sport aircraft. Visitors may book a short flight with Captain Shipway by appointment. Contact: Shipway Aviation @ Hangar 10: 220 Airport Rd, Cloverdale; 707-584-9682, shipwayaviation.com
Light Sport Plane at Shipway Aviation Hangar 10 at the Cloverdale Municipal Airport. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Learn the town history at the Cloverdale History Center and Gould-Shaw House Museum
The Gould-Shaw House is a Victorian-era Gothic-Revival Cottage in the center of Cloverdale that dates back to 1862. Recognized in the National Registry of Historic Places, the property is maintained as a museum by the Cloverdale Historical Society, who also maintains the next-door History Center. More than anywhere else in Cloverdale, you’ll sense the small-town camaraderie here; the exhibits — which range from antique farming machinery to art of the native Pomo tribe to early 20th century clothing — are culled together by the volunteers and residents who take pride in their collection. Note: A friendly cat lives in the museum, so if you’re allergic, you will want to avoid this stop. Contact: Cloverdale History Center and Gould-Shaw House Museum: 215 N Cloverdale Blvd. Cloverdale; (707) 894-2067, cloverdalehistoricalsociety.org
Organ inside of the Gould-Shaw House in Cloverdale. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Experience outdoor art along The Sculpture Trail
More than 30 large outdoor sculptures are installed throughout Cloverdale and nearby Geyserville. The sculptures are displayed year-round and the exhibition changes annually. You can view or print a brochure from The Sculpture Trail’s website. Several of the sculptures are visible from Highway 101 or right along Cloverdale Blvd., so you’ll be able to see and appreciate some of the pieces even if the trail is not on your itinerary. Contact: (415) 608-6160, 101sculpturetrail.com
“Hands with Balls.” sculpture by Santa Rosa artist Peter Crompton, part of the Sculpture Trail in Cloverdale and Geyserville. (Photo by Peter Crompton)
Hang out on the Russian River at Cloverdale River Park
This park offers picnic tables and a scenic trail just over a mile long with access to the Russian River. The wildlife and views can be enjoyed year-round, and in summer it’s a good place to kayak or go for a swim. Throughout the trail, you can read information about the park’s riparian habitat and the flora and fauna it supports. Contact: Cloverdale River Park: 31820 McCray Road, Cloverdale, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov
Cloverdale River Park. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
In summer, savor the Cloverdale Certified Farmers Market and Friday Night Live concert series
This is a small market, but the quality of the produce and prepared foods is outstanding. You’ll find unbeatably sweet organic strawberries and tomatoes from Preston Farms, hot bites from Goodman’s Jewish Deli and the most delicious fresh pita chips from Falafel Fix. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the plaza features live music from a range of talent, family-friendly activities and premium Sonoma County beer and wines for sale by the glass. Contact: Cloverdale Farmers Market and Friday Night Live: Cloverdale Blvd. between 1st St & 2nd St., seasonally, cloverdalefarmersmarket.com
Falafel and pita chips from Falafel Fix at the Cloverdale Certified Farmers Market. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Have a burger for dinner
Cloverdale likes its burgers, but if you ask a local where to go, you’ll get differing answers. We’ll share three top choices and let your tastebuds lead you.
Hamburger Ranch and Bar-B-Que is easily reached by both Highways 101 and 128. Travelers and locals relish this classic road-stop for its tasty food and kitsch appeal.
For a juicy burger that comes with a great conversation, head to Railroad Station Bar and Grill and chat with owner JB, a Sherpa who summited Mount Everest five times before settling in Cloverdale.
Finally, for a taste of history, visit Pick’s Drive In, open since 1923. Just this year, Pick’s was purchased by David Alioto of Healdsburger, who promises that the charms and secret red relish of the historic restaurant will remain, despite updates to the menu. Michael Morrissey, manager of the Cloverdale Municipal Airport, says, “My best Cloverdale memory is of a group of four or five young kids on skateboards riding up to the window at Pick’s Drive In and pooling their change together to buy one milkshake to share. This was maybe ten years ago, but it’s still that way now. If you go to Pick’s right now, I bet that’s what you’ll see.”
Hamburger Ranch and Bar-B-Que: 31195 N Redwood Hwy, Cloverdale; (707) 894-5616 Railroad Station Bar and Grill: 114 Railroad Ave, Cloverdale; (707) 894-4779 Pick’s Drive In: 117 S Cloverdale Blvd, Cloverdale; (707) 894-2962
Pick’s Drive-In in Cloverdale, open since 1923. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
Catch a show at the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center
The arts scene in Cloverdale is impressive, especially for a town its size. The Cloverdale Performing Arts Center is a beautiful 99-seat theater, designed by Paul Gilger, who also designed Santa Rosa’s 6th Street Playhouse. With six shows in the regular season, the theater strives to cater to a wide variety of audiences; you’ll find comedy and drama, with some shows geared toward adult audiences and some that will appeal to families. The Performing Arts Center also hosts community events like Books on Stage, a free series of readings and interviews with literary writers, and the Cloverdale Historical Society’s Speaker Series. Contact: Cloverdale Performing Arts Center: 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale; (707) 894-2214, cloverdaleperformingarts.com
“The Adventures of Mr. Toad,” based on The Wind in the Willows, premieres at Cloverdale Performing Arts Center on December 2, 2016. (Poster by Rob Wilson, robwilsonwork.com)
Catch a movie at The Clover Theater
This cozy, independently-owned movie house has four screens and a whole lot of heart. You’ll find first-run movies and special screenings along with well-priced snacks. Owners Ryan and Katheryn Hecht continually renovate and update the theater and its offerings, first installing digital projectors and state-of-the-art sound, then adding Three Twins ice cream, beer, wine, and a comic book shop. Contact: The Clover Theater: 121 E 1st St., Cloverdale; (707) 894-6347, clovertheater.com
Kelley and Young Wine Garden Inn in Cloverdale. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Stay overnight at a B&B
Bed and breakfasts are a great way to extend your Cloverdale experience. For more Victorian flavor, stay at Kelley and Young Wine Garden Inn, a bed and breakfast housed inside a Queen Anne Victorian home, built in 1901 and listed on the United States Register of Historic Places. Guests are provided with a choice of seven guest rooms and use of the gorgeous veranda, gazebo and gardens. For an Old West experience, stay at Old Crocker Inn, a five-acre ranch-style bed and breakfast founded in the 1880s as a hunting retreat. The Old Crocker Inn offers guests a choice of five lodge rooms and five cottage rooms, four of which are dog-friendly.
Kelley and Young Wine Garden Inn: 302 North Main Street, Cloverdale; 707-894-4535 Old Crocker Inn: 1126 Old Crocker Inn Rd, Cloverdale; (707) 894-4000
Cottage at the Old Crocker Inn in Cloverdale. (Photo courtesy of Old Crocker Inn)
Looking for more things to do in Sonoma County? Click here.
Graton Gallery in Graton. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Art and entertainment in Sonoma County you may not know about…but should.
This article is part of a series called “Hidden Sonoma.” To see the full list of 80+ things to do in Sonoma County, click here.
Graton Gallery in Graton. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Art in an Unsuspecting Place: Graton Gallery
There isn’t much to the tiny town of Graton, yet the long, narrow Graton Gallery and its adjoining sculpture garden are worth exploring. The gallery showcases original fine art, paintings and prints, as well as jewelry, pottery, textiles, glass and woodcrafts from more than 50 artists. Sculptures and fountains abound in a fenced-in garden area. New shows debut every six weeks, and if the timing is right, wine flows and snacks are served.
Covers You Covet: Treehorn Books
Remember books? Before Kindle? The folks at Treehorn Books love tomes so dearly they celebrate them in a mishmash clutter of new and used treasures, at bargain prices to encourage us to read more. Row after row, shelf after shelf (plus ladders to reach them), there are all kinds of inventive categories such as the Sixties, Fire & Disasters, Counter-Culture, Earthquakes & Floods, Drama, first editions (including signed) and lots of rare gems, plus the more expected History and Children’s Literature sections.
Treehorn Books in Santa Rosa. (Photo by Erik Castro)
Burning Man Without the Desert: Paradise Ridge Winery
The giant “LOVE” sculpture at Paradise Ridge Winery was created for the Nevada festival in 2007 and now has a permanent home in the winery’s secluded meadows. Every year, other Burning Man pieces are installed for rotating shows curated by the Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation. That might mean temples (the ones that don’t get burned), towers and wind machines placed along paths amid the groves. Most of the pieces are interactive: feel free to crawl and clamber.
4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-9463, prwinery.com
A work by Roger Berry is one of the sculptures currently on view at Paradise Ridge Winery. This show, ‘Geometric Reflections,’ curated by Kate Eilertson, will remain open until April 30, 2017. (Photo by Robbi Pengelly)
Java and the Hut: The Rio Theater
On the Russian River, alongside the no-nonsense bridge at Monte Rio, sits a most unusual movie house. The films screened in the historic Quonset hut fronted by a marquee are just one feature of the Rio Theater, in its 65th year. The breakfast-and-lunch cafe and coffeehouse on the elevated deck out back is a second reason to go. The third: the weekend outdoor market.
20396 Bohemian Highway, Monte Rio, 707-865-0913, riotheater.com
The Rio Theater in Monte Rio. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Theater Without a Marquee: Camp Rose Players
On four weekends in October, the Camp Rose Players perform at an unlikely location: Healdsburg’s Fitch Mountain, an extinct volcano dotted with humble cabins and the occasional high-end home. Camp Rose, an early-1900s recreation site on the Russian River, had an inn that was remodeled in the 1970s as a restaurant, bar and theater. It’s now a private residence, but Suzanne Webb, daughter of the theater’s founder, Jane Moore, continues to stage plays in the Camp Rose theater on the first floor. It has 30 red velvet seats, professional sound and lighting, yet no marquee, as tickets are sold by word of mouth and a mailing list. Bonus: There’s parking.
SOFA, So Good: South of A Street
The South A Street district concealed on the back side of Santa Rosa’s Juilliard Park is an old-fashioned cluster of small shops, galleries, artist studios and eateries refreshingly free of anything close to a chain. No Starbucks, just Atlas Coffee Co. down an alley with a hodge-podge of found furnishings, a record player and great java. Denizens have dubbed it SOFA and it’s full of surprises, including one of the city’s top restaurants (The Spinster Sisters), one of its finest bakeries and cafes (The Criminal Baking Co. & Undercover Noshery) and the edgy Imaginists theater company.
Artist Taunee Callahan flips through a magazine as she waits for people to visit her gallery during the SOFA Artwalk in Santa Rosa. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
Dinner with the Show: Green Music Center
Dine before one of the indoor/outdoor shows at Green Music Center in the summer. For roughly $100 to $140, attendees are greeted with a glass of sparkling wine, seated on the front row of the Dining Terrace — one of the best outdoor seats available — and served a three-course meal, followed by the show. Wine and beer are available for purchase and you can pre-order a boxed salad or sandwich from Boudin Bakery and a bottle of wine. They’ll be waiting for you when you arrive, whether you’re seated at a table or on the lawn.
Green Music Center on the Sonoma State University campus, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu
Concert goers to the Green Music center enjoy the music on the lawn during a bluegrass concert. (Photo by Will Bucquoy)
Way Off Broadway: Transcendence Theatre Company
The Great White Way meets the Milky Way when the Transcendence Theatre Company transplants the best of Broadway to an unlikely stage beside the romantic ruins of an old winery. Professional actors who have appeared on Broadway or in the touring companies take the stage in the middle of Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen for a summer of “Broadway Under the Stars.” The remoteness adds to the magic. Gourmet food trucks and local wines make for an unforgettable dinner show. $42 and up.
The Transcendence Theater Company on stage at Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen.
Buddhism at The Barlow: Tibetan Gallery & Studio
With an endorsement from the Dalai Lama and financial backing from a retired Silicon Valley executive, Tashi Dhargyal is at work in Sebastopol on an art piece unlike any other. He is creating a two-story-tall traditional Tibetan scroll painting he hopes will travel the world before it comes to rest in a Tibetan monastery. Watch Dhargyal at work on the thanbhochi at the Tibetan Gallery & Studio at The Barlow center, where he uses traditional materials such as hand-ground mineral pigments and 24-karat gold. His gallery also features small prints, silk scarves and other one-of-a-kind items.
There are plenty of little-known treasures in the great outdoors of Sonoma County.
This article is part of a series called “Hidden Sonoma.” To see the full list of 80+ things to do in Sonoma County, click here.
Coleman Valley Road. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Roadway to Heaven: Coleman Valley Road
Pity all who’ve yet to discover that the start of Coleman Valley Road in downtown Occidental is the gateway to one of the planet’s most gorgeous routes up-and-over to the ocean. By car, bicycle or motorbike, climb up and up through woods and pastures. Pause for as long as you like at the zenith, to infuse your soul with the majesty of the elevated coastal panorama, then glide down, down to Highway 1 at Coleman Beach, between Bodega Bay and Jenner. Breathtaking.
Full-Moon Kayaking on the Russian River: Suki Waters’ Watertrek
Joining one of Suki Waters’ full-moon night paddles in the estuary of the Russian River is like taking a crash course in local ecology. Waters regales paddlers with local history (her parents were Miwok and Pomo) and explains the importance of the phases of the moon to Native Americans throughout time. She also teaches participants about zooplankton and phytoplankton, some of which glow in the water at night. The three-hour tours are for all ages; reservations are recommended.
Suki Waters of WaterTreks EcoTours in Jenner. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
A Hint of Healdsburg History: Exploring Old-Fashioned Alleys
Tucked between the streets of downtown Healdsburg is a handful of old-fashioned alleys well-marked by street signs. Walking them will send you skidding back to the town’s founding in 1867, 10 years after Harmon Heald laid out the town grid. Created as narrow frontages for barns, stables and carriage houses, the alleys today are quiet, tree-lined lanes. In Alleys 1 and 2 are historical barns now used as garages and studios.
Chasing Waterfalls: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
After several days of a good, hard winter rain, venture to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood to view one of Mother Nature’s magnificent seasonal waterfalls, a 25-foot cascade rushing between giant boulders cloaked in green moss. Take the Canyon-Pony Gate Loop and prepare to climb: How better to burn several hundred calories than to ascend 400 feet on the 2-mile loop for what has to be one of the best “selfie” spots in Sonoma.
Waterfalls at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. (Photo by John Burgess)
Hug a Tree: Sonoma Plaza Self-Guided Tour
Native plants may be all the rage, but non-native plants can make for intriguing tree exploration. Imagine redwoods, Douglas firs, Norway spruces and southern magnolias all rooted within a few pristine acres on the Sonoma Plaza. Take naturalist Tom Rusert’s self-guided tour with his tree map and see that this is one time where there’s no such thing as barking up the wrong, er … you know.
Sonoma Valley Visitor’s Bureau, 453 First St. E., 707-996-1090, sonomavalley.com
Hit it Stiff: Northwood Golf Course
Golf among towering redwoods at the nine-hole Northwood Golf Course along the Russian River in Monte Rio. The course was designed by Alister MacKenzie, the landscape architect behind the Augusta National course in Georgia and a handful of other legendary links. Views from the greens are nothing short of amazing, especially in the morning, when mist clings to the treetops like a shroud. The course is best known for its challenging holes and affordable rates; all tee times cost less than $50.
Northwood Golf Course, Monte Rio. (Photo by John Burgess)
Sculpture Off The Main Drag: Foss Creek Pathway
Some of Healdsburg’s best public art can be found along the Foss Creek Pathway, an in-progress paved walkway that runs on the west side of Foss Creek, from the Vineyard Plaza/Safeway shopping center on Vine Street to the skate park on Grove Street. Along the two-block stretch in front of City Hall, passersby can marvel at a number of ornamental benches and art pieces provided by the Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation. A complementary audio tour package is available from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department office.
Public art along the Foss Creek Pathway in Healdsburg. (photo by John Burgess)
A Meandering Trail: Willow Creek Trail
A permit is required to hike the 8-mile Willow Creek Trail that connects the hills behind Duncans Mills with Sonoma Coast State Park, but the effort is well worth it. The trail meanders up hills and down dales, through forested ravines and past fish-bearing streams, all the way to Shell Beach. Portions of the tromp follow trails used by Native Americans, settlers, traders and loggers of yesteryear. The Islands in the Sky loop wanders through redwood and Douglas fir forests to an incredible ocean overlook.
Access from Freezeout Road, Duncans Mills, 707-544-7284, landpaths.org
Untouched by Logging: The Grove of Old Trees
In an unusual location for the remaining old-growth redwood stands in Sonoma, the Grove of Old Trees is perched high on a remote ridgetop, hidden along narrow, twisting Fitzpatrick Lane off Joy Road in Occidental. The grove is owned and managed by the land conservancy group LandPaths and includes 28 peaceful acres traversed by a network of wide, easy-to-walk trails. Access is free, but be forewarned: There are no amenities, save for a picnic table.
Grove of Old Trees, Occidental. (Photo by John Burgess)
Historical Resting Place: Mountain Cemetery
Local history lives on at the Mountain Cemetery, a short walk north of the Sonoma Plaza, where the likes of Gen. Mariano Vallejo, Ernest Boyes and other town founders were laid to rest. Sonoma historian Fred Allebach’s self-guided Mountain Cemetery Walking Tour brochure, available free at the kiosk in the parking lot, includes a map of one of the oldest cemeteries in California and gives details about 42 gravesites, forever occupied by some of Sonoma’s most memorable characters, among them ranchers, winemakers, bootleggers and murderers.
Free Paddling in Petaluma: David Yearsley River Heritage Center
Petaluma is shaped by the river that runs through it, and a boat trip down the Petaluma River is a great way to experience the city. The folks at the David Yearsley River Heritage Center send folks out on complementary rowboat, canoe, kayak and sailboat excursions every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. That’s just enough time to paddle into downtown for lunch at one of the city’s riverside restaurants.
Free paddling in Petaluma. (Photo by Mark Aronoff)
A Flipping Good Time: Lake Sonoma Disc Golf Course
The nine-hole Lake Sonoma disc golf course, set amid the grassy, rolling hills at the edge of the Warm Springs Recreation Area picnic spot, has become a favorite among local disc-sailing players. The course is set in a manicured park and has restrooms and free parking — and it’s just off the beaten path enough to make it special. Purchase provisions at the Dry Creek General Store (3495 Dry Creek Road) on the way there. The first tee is on the north side of the main parking area.
Jack London State Park from Horseback: Triple Creek Horse Outfitters
Triple Creek Horse Outfitters leads trail rides through Jack London State Historic Park that offer the same vantage point author Jack London himself had as he explored the rugged, 1,400 acres of his beloved Beauty Ranch. Erin Ellis, who runs the rides with her husband, Dominic Bettinelli, employs rescue horses and has been riding through Glen Ellen since she was a child. Hour-long rides are $75 for small groups, $140 for a private tour. All rides include a tour of Jack London’s writing cottage, as well as tickets for complimentary tastings at Benziger Family Winery.
Triple Creek Horse Outfitters leads trail rides through Jack London State Historic Park. (Photo courtesy of Triple Creek Horse Outfitters)
Off-the-Map Lake: Lake Suttonfield
Peel off the 1.2-mile, paved main path through Sonoma Valley Regional Park and make your way to Glen Ellen’s secret sweet spot. Lake Suttonfield, cradled in the hills surrounding the town, is a wee bit of England’s Lake District hidden in Wine Country. The 2-mile trail ringing the lake offers plenty of spots to lean back against an oak or dip your toes in the water. Because the reservoir is part of Sonoma Developmental Center, it doesn’t appear on maps of the regional park, leaving it largely unexplored except by locals. To get there from the main park path, take the East Sutton Lake Trail, to your left from the parking lot on Highway 12.
13630 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen
Lake Suttonfield, Glen Ellen. (Photo by Crista Jeremiason)
A Vision from Above: The Sea Ranch Chapel
The hobbit-size Sea Ranch Chapel in Gualala looks like it soared down from the clouds, landing with its wings spread on a private, tree-studded meadow off Highway 1 and overlooking the Sonoma Coast. Designed by James Hubbell in 1985, the volunteer-maintained structure is graceful, Gaudian and somewhat bizarre. Just 360 square feet, the chapel seems to dance with its beautiful roof plumes, shell-curved wood siding, ceramic accents and stained glass spilling light to the mosaic tile floor. Open daily for tours and meditation.
Highway 1 at Sonoma Mile Marker 55.66, across from Bosun’s Reach Street, 707-785-2444, thesearanchchapel.org
