Page 390 – Sonoma Magazine

Is Napa Hitting Restaurant Overload?

August 2016

By biteclub

Ninebark Restaurant has opened in Napa. Photo: Ninebark

Is downtown Napa hitting restaurant overload?

This week two high-profile restaurants have closed in downtown Napa, Atlas Social and Ninebark. Both opened in 2015, with much fanfare and high-profile backers, but with a seeming flood of upscale eateries opening almost weekly in the small-but-exploding downtown area, could this be the first sign of the restaurant bubble popping in Napa? Or Wine Country in general?

Ninebark in Napa (PD file) — Ninebark in Napa is a conde nast reader favorite for 2016 (PD file)

Atlas Social, a project of restaurateur Michael Gyetvan, seemed a sure win after the successes of Azzurro Pizzeria and Enoteca and Norman Rose Tavern. It wasn’t.

Basically, it’s become a challenge just to decide where to eat, and with so many high-dollar entrants into the game, where to spend your money — even when money is no object.

Also closed, at least temporarily, is Ninebark, which opened in the fall of 2015 with celebrated New York chef Matthew Lightner. Publicists announced June 29 that the restaurant will be doing a “necessary but temporary closure” without any further details — leading to plenty of head scratching, since the company that owns it, AVROKO Hospitality closed another restaurant in the same spot (starting as Fagiani’s, then pivoting to The Thomas) less than two years after opening.

A quick survey of Napa County’s restaurant inspections from 2009 to 2016 does show a steady increase in the number of eateries in the county (though it includes everything from gas stations to Michelin-starred spots), with an ongoing drop throughout the county and the city of Napa in 2015. If the trend continues, it could truly signal a change. Since it’s hard to quantify (350 reported restaurant inspections in 2009 to a peak of 474 in 2014 and a decline to 466 in 2015 and 325 so far in 2016), I can only say that anecdotally, it’s not hard to feel the land-grab for attention from new restaurants hitting its zenith. And a drop off looming ahead.

With that zenith, is increasing competition for attention by critics and eaters. Most recently, Curtis de Fede’s Miminashi, Ca’Momi Osteria and Two Birds/One Stone have taken on plenty of limelight, along with the further afield openings of Charlie Palmer’s Harvest Table (St. Helena), the continued Michelin hubbub around the Restaurant at Meadowood. Meanwhile, established heavy-hitters like La Toque, French Laundry, Press, Michael Chiarello’s Bottega, Bouchon, Mustards, Zuzu, Auberge du Soliel and Oentori have become destinations, and relative newcomers like Torc, 1313 Main, Evangeline and Sam’s Social Club remain on the radar.

Basically, it’s become a challenge just to decide where to eat, and with so many high-dollar entrants into the game, where to spend your money — even when money is no object.

Not surprisingly, we’re hearing much of the same in Healdsburg, where the restaurant scene is also hitting capacity, with several more restaurants on the horizon, and lots of recent openings spreading out the attention rather than focusing it on any one restaurant.

Atlas Social Club Restaurant in Napa opened in January 2015

Like any city, there’s a natural turnover, and not everyone will survive, but with more newcomers on the horizon, including a new steakhouse by Charlie Palmer at the forthcoming Archer Hotel in Napa, the CIA/Copia Restaurant and Michael Chiarello’s new food project in Yountville, competition is slated to get even tougher.

What’s your take? Survival of the fittest? Bubble bursting? Or just a fluke. Sound off.

Farm-to-Glass Drinks at Duke’s Spirited Cocktails in Healdsburg

July 2016

By Heather Irwin

Sorrel cocktail at Duke’s Spirited Cocktails in Healdsburg. (Photo: Ian Eddy)

Move over tasting rooms, there’s a new cocktail bar in the Burg. Duke’s Spirited Cocktail Bar has opened at 111 Plaza St. on the Healdsburg Square.

Keeping up the 90-year tradition of successive bars at the location (it was formerly John & Zeke’s, followed by the very short-lived Scout), cocktails are king, here, though ordering a well gin and tonic might get you a sidelong glance.

booz 2 — Interior of Duke’s Spirited Cocktails in Healdsburg. (Photo: Nat and Cody Gantz.)

Duke’s is all about seasonal craft libations, aka farm-to-glass drinks that include herbs, fruit vinegars, fruit purees and top shelf artisan booze. A couple examples: “Darling Nicki” ($11) includes Mezan Panama run, chai tea, Hamilton 151, Leopold’s Tart Cherry and Spirit Works Sloe Gin; “Rangpur More” ($11) with Opihr gin, rangpur lime shrub, pink peppercorn, saffron bitters and house tonic; or the “Barely Legal” ($12) with Charbay Meyer lemon vodka, Giffard Lychee, yuzu, lemon and grapefuit. I’m getting parched just writing this.

booz 3 — Sorrel cocktail at Duke’s Spirited Cocktails in Healdsburg. (Photo: Ian Eddy)

Wine, beer and ciders are also on the menu for traditionalists, as well as non-alcoholic housemade sodas (burdock root beer, grapefruit) and teas. Don’t expect much in the way of food, because this is clearly a bar, and not a restaurant (and trust us, there’s no lack of dining options in Healdsburg), but small bites include pickled veggies, mixed nuts, chips and salsa and Noble Folk ice cream sandwiches. Open late, but no one under 21 allowed inside.

111 Plaza Street, Healdsburg, 707.431.1060, drinkatdukes.com.

More Sonoma Wine Country Restaurants and Dining Reviews on BiteClubEats.

Duke’s Spirited Cocktails in Healdsburg serves seed-to-glass cocktails in Sonoma County Wine Country. Heather Irwin — Duke’s Spirited Cocktails in Healdsburg serves seed-to-glass cocktails in Sonoma County Wine Country. (Photo by Heather Irwin)

booz 4 — Afterglow cocktail at Duke’s Spirited Cocktails in Healdsburg. (Photo: Wendy White)

dukes_flowerdrink-440x600 — Duke’s Spirited Cocktails in Healdsburg serves seed-to-glass cocktails in Sonoma County Wine Country. (Photo by Heather Irwin)

Handline: SoCal Meets NoCal Seafood Coming

July 2016

By biteclub

Roasted summer squash with an almond romesco-style sauce and pepitas from Natalie Goble of Peter Lowell’s and the soon-to-open Handline Restaurant in Sebastopol. Heather Irwin/PD

As restaurateur Lowell Sheldon walks through the construction zone that will soon become Handline, the only visible reminder that this space was once a Foster’s Freeze is a small room on the western end of the building. The 1950’s powder blue tiles are, at least for now, still on the exterior, and the ghosts of a million soft serve cones and chili cheese fries hang heavy in the air.

Come September, this room will become a tortilleria, where Sheldon’s partner, Natalie Goble and her staff will make authentic, house-ground corn tortillas by hand each day.

Those tortillas will be part of the carefully-curated “coastal California” menu that Sheldon (owner of Peter Lowell’s Restaurant in Sebastopol) and Goble have been developing for more than a year. Slated for an early fall opening, the fast-casual restaurant pays homage to Northern California’s bounty of seafood and artisan farms, along with nods to Southern California’s burger and taco culture and a few hat-tips to the historic Foster’s Freeze that once stood on the property.

As Sheldon walks through the rest of the building, showing the massive production kitchen, walk-up counter, beverage bar and indoor seating area, the vibe is quite different. The highly stylized interior is made with reclaimed wood, giant soji-like panels that slide open to the outside, a spot where a tree will stand indoors, and the yet-to-be-built garden and patio areas, it’s clear that the space is the culmination of years of planning.

Though its more than a month before the restaurant will open when I meet up with Goble and Sheldon, it’s already clear the food is going to be pretty special. At the Sebastopol home of the couple, Goble has made a preview feast of some of the items she’s been developing, including fish tacos, ceviche and smothered summer squash. A opening menu on the table also includes raw and cooked oysters, chicken and bean tostadas, pastured beef and vegan burgers, fisherman’s stew, roasted padron peppers and of course, soft serve ice cream.

Goble spent months studying how to make authentic corn tortillas at El Molino Central in Sonoma, where owner Karen Waikiki (also of Primavera Tamales) is revitalizing the art of stone ground corn tortilla making. Though the women who deftly flatten and flip the corn masa into thick tortillas make it look easy, Goble says its a true art that takes years to perfect. Having worked for years at Peter Lowell’s, she brings that restaurant’s fastidious farm-to-plate philosophy to the restaurant as well.

It’s almost painful to pull ourselves away from the lush, rockfish ceviche with fresh avocado Natalie has prepared, and the roasted squash that comes from her family’s nearby Two Belly Acres Farm with charred onion and pepita sauce is, well, something we’ve been obsessing about for weeks.

Though there’s still plenty to do before opening, Goble and Sheldon already have a clear vision, a solid menu and the passion to make Handline a solid addition to the burgeoning Sebastopol dining scene—one tortilla at a time.

Handline Coastal California restaurant, opening in September, 935 Gravenstein Hwy., Sebatopol, Website.

5 Gorgeous Outdoor Rooms to Enhance Your Backyard

July 2016

By Christina Molcillo

Meditation room — Sometimes a space needs to be set aside for peace and contemplation. This outdoor room sets the stage for personal downtime. (Image via Decoist)

With summer in full swing, many of us spend most of our days – and nights – in our backyards. Whether barbecuing, throwing a party or just enjoying the night sky, the weather in California can make a backyard feel like just another room in the house.

Luckily, it can be just that. Here are five outdoor room ideas that will turn your backyard into an extension of your home:

Outdoor Kitchens

This outdoor cooking space features a pizza oven as well as a barbecue. (Image via livinator.com)

The pergola with hanging plants, lights, and a fire pit make this outdoor kitchen a cozy gathering place for chilly evenings. (Image via FurnitureFashion)

Outdoor Living Rooms

A section of patio has been set aside for this outdoor living room which features curtains for privacy, recessed lighting, and a large stone fireplace. (Image via Wagner Design Group)

Wicker furniture with sun and rain resistant pillows create an open air living area to enjoy during summer months. (Image via Pottery Barn)

Fire Pit Areas

This fire pit area takes the idea of an outdoor living room and makes it seem more like a comfortable campground. (Image via Designrulz)

Precisely placed pavers and a custom fire pit make this outdoor living space enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing. (Image via Woodys)

Outdoor Bedrooms

A hammock has been turned into a daybed in this unique example of an outdoor sleeping space. (Image via County Living)

A wooden gazebo is outfitted with mosquito netting and curtains, making this outdoor area suitable for a summer siesta as well as a full-night’s sleep. (Image via Party Buzz)

Meditative Spaces

Sometimes a space needs to be set aside for peace and contemplation. This outdoor room sets the stage for personal downtime. (Image via Decoist)

This more-permanent, but still open, meditation room with a water feature will bring calm to any set of frazzled nerves. (Image via Fresh Homes)

Double-Duty: 5 Summer-to-Fall Outfits

July 2016

By Amy Schaus

Are you ready for back to school shopping? I’m not. Why not prolong that summertime feeling a bit longer – these local finds are designed to make your summer to fall transition easier.

Michael Kors Alston Maxi Dress
Maxi dresses are easy to throw on and can be dressed up or down. Paired with heels and long earrings, you have an event-worthy outfit. Or grab comfortable sandals, toss a denim jacket into a tote bag, and you’re set for the entire day no matter the temperature.

To Buy: $140.00, Macy’s, 800 Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa.

Charter Club Flamingo Shirt Dress
Who doesn’t love flamingoes? Here’s an example of a retro-inspired shirt dress from Charter Club that says summertime, but will look equally great in the fall with a cardigan and ballet flats. The navy color is a great contrast for the pops of pink.

To Buy: Now $51.99, Macy’s, 800 Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa.

Ralph Lauren Denim Fit & Flare
Repeat after me. Fit and flare. This style is universally flattering. Nipped in at the waist to highlight your shape, wear it now as is. Come fall, add a cropped blazer, even tights and ankle boots, when the temperatures really drop.

To Buy: $125, Macy’s, 800 Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa.

Saltwater Sandals by Hoy
In Sonoma County warm temperatures can span into September; sometimes even early October. I’m not giving up my sandals yet. A fond memory from my childhood, Salt Water Sandals by Hoy have been a cult classic since the 1940’s. These leather sandals are simple, classic, and water resistant—the main selling point for me (outside of the vintage feel).

To Buy: Less than $40, Santa Rosa Shoes, 2255 Cleveland Avenue, Santa Rosa. (don’t walk – run to nab a pair before they’re gone for the season!)

Karena Ballet Flats
On a quest for the perfect pair of ballet flats? The Karena from Rainsong Shoes in Healdsburg, will gracefully take you from summer to fall. The pointed toe elongates the legs and the fun laces will make you channel your inner ballerina and dance, dance, dance.

To Buy: $129, Rainsong Shoes, 117 Plaza Street, Healdsburg, raninsongshoes.com

Five Perfect Poolside Wines under $20

July 2016

By Peg Melnik

Cowabunga.

At times we just can’t resist doing a cannonball off the diving board. Couple that with a refreshing splash of wine, and you’ve got yourself an extraordinary sun-kissed summer day.

Here are 5 poolside wines under $20:

Cycles Gladiator, 2015 Central Coast Chardonnay, 13.5%, $11. A tasty wine that’s a steal at this price. The stone fruit makes it a standout, with just the right oak treatment: light. While it’s not complex, it is layered.

Edna Valley, 2015 Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc, 13.7%, $15. Grassy, with notes of grapefruit, lime and mineral. It’s a refreshing quaff, great for the budget-minded.

Sidebar, 2015 Russian River Valley Rosé, 12.5%, $21. This is knockout, a bone dry rosé with aromas and flavors of watermelon, strawberry and mineral. It finishes crisp, with a lingering note of strawberry.

Lindeman’s, 2015 Bin 85 Pinot Grigio, 12.5%, $11. This pinot grigio has bewitching aromas of jasmine and white nectarine. Notes of apple and pear in the mix. Delightful. Finishes crisp.

DeLoach 2014 California Chardonnay, 13.5%, $12. This chardonnay is floral with a kiss of orange blossom and, on the palate, notes of honeydew melon and pear.

Francis Ford Coppola Reinvents Virginia Dare Wines

July 2016

By Linda Murphy

How dare he? Because he’s Francis Ford Coppola.

The master movie storyteller is spinning another tale, this one of Virginia Dare, the first white child born of English descent in what would become the United States, in 1587. He’s artfully doing it through wine, and in a way only FFC can.

In 1835, a winery opened on Roanoke Island in North Carolina. It produced a range of wines, including Virginia Dare, made from Scuppernong grapes that grew wild throughout the South. The wines were sweet and had an oddly pungent aroma that wouldn’t sell in California today, yet they were immensely popular until Prohibition.

The brand was sold several times, and eventually abandoned in 2011. Coppola scooped it up and began telling Virginia Dare’s “story” via four wines released in 2014: The White Doe (Chenin Blanc and Viognier), Manteo (red blend), Two Arrowheads (Viognier and Roussanne) and The Lost Colony (Malbec and Syrah), each with a Colonial-era story behind it.

A year later, Coppola fessed up that the wines were made at the former Geyser Peak Winery in Geyserville, which he purchased in 2013. He renamed the place Virginia Dare Winery, without any connective tissue to North Carolina, Scuppernong or Virginia herself.

Coppola's Virginia Dare Winery in Geyserville. (facebook.com/VirginiaDareWinery) — Coppola’s Virginia Dare Winery in Geyserville. (facebook.com/VirginiaDareWinery)

“The myth of Virginia Dare always intrigued me, and as a child I remember the wine because of the pretty blond girl on the label and the ‘Say it again, Virginia Dare’ jingle they used to advertise on the radio,” Coppola said. “My goal is to revive the brand so that it isn’t lost to future generations.”

Today, the flagship wines are the 2014 Russian River Valley Chardonnay and 2014 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (both $25), tasty and made more cheerful by the smiling face of Virginia on the label. She likely died at a very young age, but hey, that’s moviemaking.

Made in Sonoma County: Standout Handbags from The Silo

July 2016

By Amy Schaus

Looking for sleek simple lines and modern designs? OSKA, a high end boutique in Healdsburg, caters to women who want to appear effortlessly chic and casual at the same time. OSKA recently launched Sonoma County designer Adelle Stoll’s line of handcrafted handbags and leather goods – The Silo. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store for Fall 2016…

The Silo at OSKA

Fans of American-made modern design may remember The Silo from previous brick and mortar locations in Healdsburg and Windsor, but this latest endeavor is a perfect match for global brand OSKA. Adelle Stoll’s materials selection echoes her minimalist approach and centers around wool felt, rich shades of leather and brass accents. Combined, these materials create drool-worthy pieces that will last for years.

The Silo’s “Un-Sewn” collection represents the first of many designs that are inspired by Adelle Stoll’s beloved Sonoma County. Each bag is named after a Sonoma County park or beach as an homage to the natural beauty of Northern California.

Check out some of our favorites:

Shiloh – Oxblood Color – $189. Also available in Black, Brown and Red.

Kenwood in Felt – Anthracite Color – $228. Also available in Charcoal, Merlot and Olive.

Armstrong – Chestnut Color – $248. Also available in Black, Oxblood, Red and White.

Riverfront – Black/Oatmeal Color – $348. Also available in Oxblood/Oatmeal, Black, Chestnut, Oxblood.

Just in time for fall, the Silo capsule also includes a new collection of leather and sterling silver jewelry you can’t find anywhere but OSKA.

OSKA, 310 Center Street, Healdsburg

Tolay – $177

Hot Spots for Summer Cocktails

July 2016

By Courtney Paige

Hot on the summer cocktail trail, we’ve sought out the best in-season refreshments — the hot and the spicy, the tangy and tart, the cool and the frosty. Everything you need to stick around — at least, for one more round.

MONTI’S – Santa Rosa

Strawberry Fields
Strawberry season won’t last forever, so gather this libation while you may. This Monti’s original, created by bartender Scott Hampton, is reminiscent of a strawberry lemonade — with a kick and a hint of mint to keep your palate cool. A must “see and sip” conjured from a mix of Redemption Rye, Strawberry Shrub, Lemon, Mint, and Bitters

Paloma Diablo
A new spin on the classic margarita’s salsa and rhumba, this cocktail’s dance card is full. The lime is replaced with grapefruit; the heat swirls on the taste buds as you savor the essence of jalapeño. El Charro Silver Tequila, Fresh Grapefruit and Jalapeño.

cocktails - 1 (2) — Strawberry Fields & Paloma Diablo (Courtney Paige / Sonoma Magazine)

JACKSON’S – Santa Rosa

This summer, Jackson’s pays tribute to pop stars Bowie and Prince with a series of cocktails fit to take you into a Space Oddity. Bar manager Hannah Jacobs is the “cocktail commander” behind the rotating themes for Jackson’s specialty drinks. A key ingredient — Jacobs’s in-house herb infused simple syrup.

Pink Cashmere
This oh-so-smooth combination of sweet watermelon with savory basil-infused simple syrup finish is served on the rocks via a Collins glass with a watermelon garnish. The recipe includes Hansen’s Organic Habanera Vodka, Watermelon, Basil Syrup, Lime Juice, and Peychaud’s Bitters.

Jackson's "Pink Cashmere." (Courtney Paige / Sonoma Magazine) — Pink Cashmere (Courtney Paige / Sonoma Magazine)

Ziggy Stardust
Step aside Cosmopolitan and Lemon Drop, there’s a new diva in town. Ziggy Stardust’s carefully mulled raspberry compote is blended and strained into a cocktail glass to create an intricate balance of sweet & sour on the rim, tart & tangy on the tongue. Frida Kahlo Tequilla Blanca, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice, Berry Compote, Raspberry Extract, Cherry Bitters, Sweet and Sour Rim.

"Ziggy Stardust." (Courtney Paige / Sonoma Magazine) — Ziggy Stardust (Courtney Paige / Sonoma Magazine)

CHALKBOARD – Healdsburg

Monkey Pod
A vacation in a cocktail presented in an irresistible faux coconut glass. A fine confection of rum, coconut, tamarind (sweet and sour), cacao, and lime.

Ghost in a Shell
A rare sight and devilish delight, this labor of love libation – created by bar manager Nathan Grise Myers – begins with a six day marinate of lemongrass in cold coconut milk. Then add a gin so smooth and transparent that it hides surreptitiously behind the rum, creating an unexpected chill.

Ghost in a Shell & Monkey Pod (Courtney Paige / Sonoma Magazine)

BARNDIVA – Healdsburg

Funny Face
Move over Mai Tai, this summer splash is “beach in a glass.” A classic combination of Broker’s Gin, Fresh Grapefruit, Pomegranate Hibiscus Syrup, White Rose Syrup, Fresh Citrus, and Fee Bros. Peach Bitters that will bring on the grin of all grins.

Take Me With U
This cocktail is like taking a joyride in a fancy convertible with the wind in your hair and not a care in the world. Imagine the top down, the sun low on the horizon, salt spray in the breeze as the lemon verbena syrup pairs with baked apple, nutmeg, vanilla bean, cardamom and dried orange peel; the flavors elusively illuminated by Zaya Rum.

Funny Face & Take Me With U (Courtney Paige / Sonoma Magazine)

LA ROSA – Santa Rosa

La Sandia Margarita
This cocktail is a hot toddy on the rocks, served with a Tajin spiced rim. When you get beyond the spicy start, La Sandia erupts with an explosion of melon ball reminiscent of a hot summer picnic. Cool components: Maestro Dobel, agave, fresh squeezed watermelon, and lime juice.

La Diabla
A mesmerizing mix of mango and jalapeño — mango meets crisp citrus finish with a touch of heat on the back end. The sizzle from the jalapeño enthralls your tastebuds, then lingers, but just long enough to hold you over until the next transporting sip. A fecund fusion of Agavales Tequila, mango puree intermingled with jalapeño peppers.

La Sadina & La Diabla (Courtney Paige / Sonoma Magazine) — La Sandia & La Diabla (Courtney Paige / Sonoma Magazine)

The Challenge: Hike 150 Miles of Sonoma County Trails

July 2016

By Derek Moore

Kenn and Linda Stuckey thought they had covered a lot of ground over a half-century of hiking Sonoma County’s trails.

But at 82, the Santa Rosa couple made new discoveries while completing a summer hiking challenge sponsored by the county’s Regional Parks department. In all, they walked more than 50 miles.

“It gives us time together away from the crazy world,” Kenn Stuckey, a retired marriage and family counselor, said of the couple’s passion for the outdoors. “We’re kind of old-fashioned. It’s hard to put up with some of that stuff that goes on out there.”

THE SONOMA COUNTY REGIONAL PARKS TRAILS CHALLENGE

The annual Trails Challenge sets the bar of hiking, running, biking or riding at least five county trails between June and September. The event, which awards prizes to finishers, promotes physical exercise and getting out in nature.

More than 500 people have completed the Trails Challenge since 2014. Many find the experience so invigorating they continue well beyond the minimum requirements to explore as many trails as they can pack in over the four-month window.

Dan Evans, 74, and his 11-year-old grandson, Owen McLaughlin-Evans, visited 15 county parks for last summer’s challenge.

The pair first took up hiking together five years ago, when Owen was 6. They began with hikes at Hood Mountain Regional Park east of Santa Rosa, entering from Pythian Road. After six months of gradually increasing their distance, they completed the full 3-mile hike to Hood Mountain’s 2,730-foot summit.

parks 4 — Angela Payne traveled through Petaluma’s Helen Putnam Park on horseback, and shot this photo in 2015. (Angela Payne via Facebook)

“We picked the five most strenuous trails to do first,” Evans said.

This year they summited from the Los Alamos Road trailhead on the park’s western edge, an 8.57-mile trek on the Alder Glen/Hood Mountain/Summit trails, their biggest challenge of the year.

Evans, a former marathoner and triathlete, said his goal was to pass along his passion for exercise and the outdoors to his grandson.

It worked. During last summer’s Trails Challenge, the pair hiked nearly 77 miles of trails.

“He’s my hero,” said Evans, a real estate broker and farmhand. “I’m so impressed with him, and he has really developed a love of hiking and nature.”

Their favorite hike was the 3.8-mile North Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail from Sonoma Mountain Road to Jack London State Historic Park, which offers a fantastic 180-degree view of northern Sonoma Valley and the Santa Rosa Plain.

parks 3 — Joy Johnson at Riverfront Regional Park. (Joy Johnson via Facebook)

“While the health message definitely resonates with many participants, we found the larger message is really one of discovery,” said Meda Freeman, a spokeswoman for county parks.

“Trails Challenge hikers are visiting parks they’ve never seen before. They may walk regularly at Spring Lake, for example, but have never visited Pinnacle Gulch in Bodega Bay or Helen Putnam west of Petaluma.”

More than 80 percent of hikers say they visited a park for the first time as part of Trails Challenge, according to Freeman.

Sonoma County has more than 50 regional parks and more than 150 miles of trails for running, hiking and biking. The average distance covered during the challenge is 20 to 25 miles.

parks 6 — Michael DeppeCarter and son Bodhi at Pinnacle Gulch. (Michael DeppeCarter via Facebook)

Participants ranked Hood Mountain, Taylor Mountain, Riverfront, North Sonoma Mountain, Foothill and Shiloh as their favorite county parks.

Finishers who turn in an online trails log will get hiking-related gifts. Those who post a photo of themselves taking the challenge on Regional Parks’ Facebook or Instagram pages (using the #SonomaCountyParks #TrailsChallenge hashtags) are eligible for monthly park membership giveaways.

Kids receive an official “TrailsChallenge Explorer” certificate and are eligible for a free nature-themed book from Sonoma County Library.

Kenn Stuckey and his wife have standard equipment they bring with them on all of their hikes, including poles for navigating tricky terrain and a folding saw to trim branches overhanging trails as a courtesy to other hikers.

parks 7 — Lauren Ashlock at Sonoma Valley Regional Park. (Lauren Ashlock via Facebook)

Six of the parks the couple visited last summer were new to them. That included Healdsburg’s Riverfront Regional Park, which they judged to be their favorite.

“It was serene and quite beautiful,” said Kenn Stuckey.

He said he and his wife hope eventually to hike every trail in the county park system.

“We just want to see them all,” he said.

The hiking challenge is geared toward all fitness levels. Participants can browse trails in a downloadable handbook at parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.