Seasonal festivals, a plethora of wineries, and folksy charm were some reasons why Travel + Leisure Magazine readers love Sonoma. In their 8th annual open-response survey, the city ranked as America’s 11th favorite among populations less than 100,000.
Over 50,000 readers participated in a poll that ran from October 2015 to April 15. Respondents rated their favorite places according to 65 categories, which included affordability, notable restaurants and parks.
Of the 30 top ranking communities, a few consistent themes emerged: friendly residents, a peaceful atmosphere and luxuries such as wine bars and tasting rooms — all categories in which Sonoma excels.
Readers also called out some specific Sonoma hangouts, including Scribe Winery and the Red Grape restaurant, known for their cab-friendly New-Haven style pizza.
Quaint seasonal festivals were also highlighted, including September’s Sonoma Wine Country Weekend and the Christmas time celebrations around Fairmont Mission Inn.
The highest ranked city was Park City, Utah, popular for its weather, festivals (including the Sundance Film Festival) and wine.
Tashi Kilburn sipped sparkling wine at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport on Thursday prior to boarding an Allegiant Air jet for what promised to be an unforgettable bachelorette party weekend in Sin City.
Kilburn, a bride-to-be from Santa Rosa, expressed amazement at being able to fly to Las Vegas from her local airport.
“We were going to fly out of San Francisco or Oakland, but the flights were getting expensive,” she said. “This popped up magically. Any time we can fly out of Santa Rosa, it’s all good.”
Anticipation and excitement greeted the debut of Allegiant’s new service to Las Vegas on Thursday. The new flights — along with the launch of new service to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport next Thursday — signal an important milestone for the Sonoma County airport, which is undergoing an expansion and is seeking more connections to farther-flung destinations.
At one point Thursday afternoon, two Bombardier planes operated by Alaska Airlines and the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 flown by Allegiant were lined up together on the tarmac, visible signs that Snoopy’s little airport is flying higher.
“It’s a pretty big deal,” airport manager Jon Stout said.
Neither the inbound nor outbound Las Vegas flights were on time Thursday. But passengers didn’t seem to mind.
Instead, they raved about being able to use their hometown airport. Others lauded Allegiant’s ticket prices, despite fees for bags, seat assignments and a host of other add-ons that upped the cost.
Samantha Wagner and her husband, Zac, said they were spending about $1,000 for round-trip airfare, three nights at the MGM Grand, a shuttle to and from the airport and a party bus Saturday night to celebrate Samantha’s 30th birthday. They booked the entire trip through Allegiant’s website.
The couple opted not to select seats to save a few bucks.
“I don’t care if I don’t sit next to my husband,” Samantha said.
Keira Finnegan and her husband Tim Pugh of Las Vegas were the first off the plane after Allegiant Air’s first arrival at the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, Thursday May 19, 2016. The two have never been to the area and wanted to escape the heat of Sin City and tour wine country.
Allegiant is the second commercial airline operating in Sonoma County. Alaska Airlines started providing nonstop flights from Santa Rosa to Los Angeles, Seattle and Portland in 2007, filling a hole left by the 2001 departure of United Express. It added flights to Las Vegas in 2008, but ended the route in 2012 and replaced it with flights to San Diego. Alaska also recently started daily service to John Wayne Airport in Orange County.
The Sonoma County airport hasn’t had two airlines in more than 20 years. On Thursday, it showed.
Workers scrambled to finish a walkway leading to an overflow passenger waiting area prior to the 4 p.m. flight to Vegas. Crews also hovered around reservation counters that are being refurbished to accommodate the two airlines.
Allegiant currently offers two flights a week between Sonoma County and Las Vegas, on Sundays and Thursdays. It plans a similar schedule to Phoenix-Mesa, starting next Thursday. The airline plans a quick turnaround of only 40 minutes between the arriving and departing flights. But Thursday, the MD-80 idled on the tarmac for four hours to allow more training for ground crews.
Stout said the hours for security screening also are expanding, from 5:30 a.m. until after the last flight has departed on Thursdays and Sundays. The long-term parking lot also is adding spaces.
Laurie Hake of Glen Ellen greets her sister Valerie Tufteland and her husband James Tufteland of Las Vegas at the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, Thursday May 19, 2016 after arriving on the first Allegiant Air flight from Las Vegas.
Outside the airport’s waiting lounge, Steve and Carolyn Poggi of Santa Rosa greeted their daughter, Laura Bongiorno, who flew in from Vegas for a visit. The Poggis’ other daughter, who resides in Scottsdale, Ariz., is booked on a June 16 Allegiant flight to Sonoma County.
“This is so much easier than driving to San Francisco to pick them up,” Carolyn Poggi said.
Tim Pugh and Keira Finnegan flew in for the weekend to celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary. Neither had ever been to Wine Country.
“We hear it’s beautiful here,” said Pugh, noting that the mercury in Las Vegas is supposed to hit 100 degrees this weekend.
Officials say the new Allegiant service will boost Sonoma County’s tourism industry, which employs nearly 20,000 people. Total direct travel spending in Sonoma County was $1.82 billion in 2015, up almost $200 million from the prior year, according to one economic study.
“This is just bringing in more customers,” said Tim Zahner, chief marketing officer for the county’s tourism bureau.
The flights also benefit local companies that have business in the Las Vegas and Phoenix areas, said Jonathan Coe, president of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce.
He said in terms of infrastructure and economic growth, expansion of the Sonoma County airport is the “most important thing we are doing.”
Denver, Salt Lake City or Chicago remain the most coveted destinations for local travelers, as they offer connections to national and international destinations. Stout said he is meeting with representatives of eight airlines at a conference in Denver next month seeking such commitments.
Some of the airlines are anxious to see how things go with Allegiant before committing to service here, he said.
Allegiant has come under federal scrutiny recently following several incidents, including a low-fuel landing in Fargo, N.D., and an aborted takeoff in Las Vegas last summer. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the airline’s operations.
Stout acknowledged the airline has a “few issues.” But he said he considers the airline safe to fly.
Live in Sonoma County and you no doubt have taken visitors wine tasting, even if you know absolutely nothing about it other than you either like it or you don’t. Browse through the gallery below for some go-to tips for next time, guaranteed to make you look a little less clueless.
Do: Go wine tasting with friends. Everything tastes better.
Sip the wine slowly and nod your head when they ask if you notice the hints of chocolate and raspberry.
Don’t: Have more than two glasses at your first stop.
Do: Sniff the wine and then say the first thing that comes to mind as to what it smells like.
Don’t: Be turned off by disgusting smell descriptors. For example, cat urine, barnyard, berry mold, forest floor, wet gravel….
Don’t: Stop other wine tasters when you see them about to pour their taster into the dump bucket. Adults get weird about sharing — especially if they don’t know you.
Do: Swirl the wine around before tasting it. This makes it seem like you know what you’re doing and aren’t just there to get buzzed.
Don’t: Taste wine without eating anything. While most wineries will have a few appetizers to enjoy, it’s best to eat beforehand. To be safe, bring along some plain crackers.
Do: Bring a designated driver, or hire a private driver.
Don’t: Go wine tasting with a boss or a gossipy friend.
Don’t: Gulp the taster down and ask for a refill.
Don’t: Feel pressured to buy every wine you taste. But DO buy if the first glass invites a second. This means it’s a good wine.
Don’t: Wear strong perfume or cologne, and skip the essential oils that day.
Don’t: Turn away from the person pouring your wine while they are telling you what they are pouring.
Do: Ask questions (sometimes the conversation gets you more pours).
Do: Swish and spit, especially if you plan to visit several tasting rooms. Try to refrain from gargling.
Don’t: Feel like you have to spit if you don’t want to. If you’re enjoying your wine, feel free to swallow.
Don’t: Spill the wine — on you, or anyone else.
Do: Avoid tasting rooms that are full and feel like a bar (there are plenty of others nearby).
Don’t: Ask a Sonoma County winery to direct you to the best Napa tasting room.
Don’t: Feel that you need to say the right thing or do the right thing.
The accolades for Screamin’ Mimi’s in Sebastopol is no hype. Their “Deep Dark Secret” is out of the freezer and available every day as one of their best-selling mainstays, and locals describe the shop’s original flavors as “yummylicious.”
Screamin’ Mimi’s magnificence hasn’t escaped the nation’s attention, either. The Sebastopol ice cream parlor has been nominated for USA Today’s 10Best Contest in the Ice Cream Parlor category. This contest names the best of the best around the entire country. To spread the word about Screamin’ Mimi’s ice cream cheer and secure them in the 10Best, vote here. Voting ends May 23 at 9 a.m.
Located in the heart of Sebastopol, Screamin’ Mimi’s is a quirky quaint spot that often has a line out the door. It’s been a notable fixture of the town center for 21 years. With signature flavors like Peanut Butter Galaxy and Java Galaxy, their tasty treats are out of this world.
Priced by weight, the scoops are custom served to meet any appetite. Local fresh seasonal ingredients are the highlight at this exceptional ice parlor.
2 Tread Brewing Company has announced plans for an ambitious brewery, restaurant and beer garden at the Santa Rosa Plaza.
Co-owners Bill Drury, Tracy Heydorn and Christian August have been quietly planning a nearly 10,000 square foot indoor-outdoor space that will feature on-site brewed beers, a casual chef-driven menu, live music and a full bar at the former Fresh Choice restaurant (which closed in 2012).
“A friendly place for beer, bikes and music is something I know I want,” said Drury, “and I think we’re filling that niche.”
Two Tread Brewing architectural plans for a brewery and pub in downtown Santa Rosa
Drury said that August, formerly Head Brewer at Firestone-Walker, plans to brew about 1200 barrels in their first year, selling primarily onsite.
The buildout will begin in the next few weeks, with an anticipated opening in fall 2016.
“We want to create a community gathering place where people can relax with friends or family and enjoy some great beverages with some really interesting food,” said Drury. The brewery name references the treads of hiking boots, bicycles and the outdoors he and his co-owners love.
2 Treads joins other downtown Santa Rosa brewery businesses Russian River Brewing Co. and Third Street Ale Works. Sonoma County now has more than 20 craft brewers.
John Furrer loves cars, and like many Petalumans, he has a deep reverence for the classic car culture that’s fueled a considerable part of the city’s history.
The screeching tires, revving engines and renegade spirits of an era where cruising the boulevard was a quintessential part of small town Petaluma life were encapsulated in George Lucas’ 1973 coming-of-age film, “American Graffiti,” which was partially filmed on the city’s streets.
For the past 11 years, Furrer, the founder and current vice president of the nonprofit organization Cruisin’ the Boulevard, has worked to produce “Salute to American Graffiti,” an all-volunteer event that raises funds to benefits community projects while paying homage to the movie.
Furrer, a 64-year-old retired mechanic, said he’d always been a motor head, but his passion for vintage cars was kindled as he and his finance, Joetta, watched the filming of “American Graffiti” in Petaluma when they were engaged.
“It changed my perspective on what kind of car I wanted to own,” he said.
The pair got married in 1973, and the following year, he convinced his new wife to buy a 1931 Model A with a tax return. Since then, he’s customized the car, and taken his kids and grandkids for rides in the rumble seat while fostering his appreciation for classic cars.
“All new cars look the same,” he said. “Classic cars don’t look the same – they have that style. They’re memories, is what they are. You look at a classic car and it’s an instant memory from your past. There’s just something about them that has an appeal. It’s hard to explain.”
Furrer plans to bring out the souped-up Model A, along with his 1955 Chevy pickup truck, to be displayed with the 450 registered cars at the Salute to American Graffiti car show on May 21. About 30,000 people are expected to hit the streets of Petaluma for the series of events over the course of the weekend, with cars registered from several states and attendees from Australia, Europe and New Zealand coming for the show, he said, adding that the event’s popularity continues to amaze him.
The weekend-long celebration gears up May 19 with a “jump start” dinner with no-host cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Cattlemen’s in Petaluma; pre-sale admission is $45 at 765-3394. That same night, a public cruise in and celebration will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. at Accu-Line Brake and Wheel at 1051 A Lakeville St.
The following day, Salute to American Graffiti’s cruise-in and kick off social will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Plaza North shopping center on North McDowell Boulevard. The informal car show is free to the public and features reserved parking for 1975 and older American vehicles. XERB Radio will broadcast oldies on 88.1 FM, with members of the American Graffiti Tribute Team available to talk about the film, along with Candy Clark, Bo Hopkins and Lynne Stewart from “American Graffiti.”
Local students will be presented with Henry Travers and Rich Poremba scholarships during a ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The weekend gets into full swing May 21, with Petaluma Mayor David Glass taking over the mic on XERB radio to broadcast oldies on 88.1 FM beginning at 8:30 a.m. The Cub Scouts host a Pinewood Derby event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Theatre Square, at C and Second streets. The public is invited to build a pinewood derby car and compete for trophies, with information about rules and entries online at redwoodbsa.org.
“American Graffiti” cast members will greet the public and sign photos from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and a display will be featured on the corner of Western Avenue and Kentucky Street with members of the tribute team on hand along with several cars featured in the movie.
The downtown cruise is from 4 to 8 p.m., and the suggested place to watch the event is along Petaluma Boulevard just south of B Street all the way down to the round-about before the Petaluma River bridge. For a full schedule of events, visit americangraffiti.net.
Browse the gallery below for highlights from last year’s “Salute to American Graffiti.” Photography by Jim Johnson / The Petaluma Argus Courier
Hotrods and Screamin’ Machines, Floats and Food Trucks, Bands, Horses and Bikes… The Luther Burbank Rose Parade, The Amgen Tour, Salute to American Graffiti, Off the Grid Food Truck Fleet, and so much more! It’s a busy weekend in Sonoma County!
FRIDAY, May 20
Salute to ‘American Graffiti’: ‘Cruise-in’ and kickoff social, 4-8 p.m. May 20, Petaluma Plaza and Plaza North shopping centers. Free. Cruise and Festivities on Saturday, May 21. 762-3394, americangraffiti.net. (Friday and Saturday)
Sonoma Bach Choir: Fifty-member ‘Voices and Pipes: Tongues of Fire’ concert, 8 p.m. May 20, Schroeder Hall, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $15-$25. (877) 914-2224, sonomabach.org.
Los Lonely Boys: Texas rock-blues-soul-country trio of musician brothers, 8 p.m. May 20, Uptown Theatre, Napa. $40-$50. 259-0123, uptowntheatrenapa.com.
Tommy Castro and The Painkillers: Classic rock, blues and soul, 8 p.m. May 20, HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol. $20. 829-7300, hopmonk-sebastopol.ticketfly.com.
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival: Winemakers, pinot and barbecue, 5-8 p.m. May 20, Pennyroyal Farm, Boonville. $50, sold out. Festival continues through Sunday, May 22. 895-9463, avwines.com.
Guarneri Jazz Quartet: Jazz in the Neighborhood concert series, 7 p.m. May 20, Copperfield’s Books, Santa Rosa. Free. 578-8938, copperfieldsbooks.com.
SATURDAY, May 21
Amgen Tour: Men’s and women’s cycling road races and Lifestyle Festival with live music and entertainment, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 21, downtown Santa Rosa. Free. tourrosa.com.
Luther Burbank Rose Parade: Floats, bands, horses and units march from Sonoma Avenue and E Street, 12:15 p.m. May 21, downtown Santa Rosa. Free. 542-7673, roseparadefestival.com.
Andre Nickatina: Hip-hop/rap artist (formerly Dre Dog), plus Husalah, 8 p.m. May 21, Phoenix Theater, Petaluma. $25. 762-3565, thephoenixtheater.com.
Fête de la Fleur: Wine tasting in the gardens blooming with spring flowers, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 21, Chateau St. Jean Winery, Kenwood. Free admission, food and wine for purchase. 257-5784, chateaustjean.com.
VOENA: ‘Voices of Broadway’ youth choir, 7 p.m. May 21, Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, Yountville. $25. 944-9900, lincolntheater.com.
SUNDAY, May 22
Off the Grid in Santa Rosa: SF’s wildly-popular Off the Grid street food round up — a conglomeration of food trucks, food tents, drink vendors and live music — is coming to Santa Rosa’s Coddingtown Mall (corner of Guerneville Road and Cleveland Avenue) beginning Sunday, May 22 and every Sunday thereafter from 11a.m. to 3p.m. http://offthegrid.com
Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus: Mozart’s ‘Requiem,’ 3 p.m. May 22, Glaser Center, Santa Rosa. $15. 527-4999, ext. 9228, santarosasymphonicchorus.com.
‘Double Take’ Gala: First-birthday celebration and fundraiser for the Museums of Sonoma County, 5 p.m. May 22, Vintners Inn, Santa Rosa. $200. 579-1500, sonomacountymuseum.org.
Wavy Gravy’s 80th Birthday: The Woodstock legend is throwing a party to raise funds for Seva Foundation’s global sight restoration programs and has big names slated to entertain the masses, 2-10 p.m. May 22, Sonoma Mountain Village Event Center, Rohnert Park. $20-$150. seva.org.
Leon Russell and Lee Gallagher & The Hallelujah: Music legend plus up-and-coming Bay Area band, 8:30 p.m. May 22, Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $36-$41. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.
Guy Gavriel Kay: ‘Children of Earth and Sky’ author at Brave New Worlds series, 2 p.m. May 22, Copperfield’s Books, Petaluma. Free. 762-0563, copperfieldsbooks.com.
Chef Alton Brown visited Santa Rosa in advance of his Eat Your Science Live show at the Luther Burbank Center on Thursday, May 19, 2016.
A pitstop at The Naked Pig by Brown garnered the high praise of “1 of the top 5 bites of the tour” with an Instagram photo of their caramelized leek waffle. Flying Goat also got a nod for it’s Bangkok (one of my very favorite drinks!) Glad you stopped by @altonbrown!
It’s Day 47 of his tour, and clearly he’s reached a “crispy” level, but we’re glad he got to check out our food scene (and maybe a visit with his fellow FN chef-lebrity Guy Fieri?). Brown heads to Reno, NV tomorrow. Hope you took a Sonoma County doggie bag. 😉
NEW
Pictured: left to right it’s Jose Araiza, Ryan Max, Holly McCarroll, Samantha Holmes and Emma Devitt. Photo courtesy Emma Devitt
It seems almost cruel to be talking about Napa’s Bottlerock 2016 (May 25-27) since all the tickets are long gone, but hey, we’ll be there tasting and posting all the eats, drinks and spectularity on opening day if you’re stuck in the office. The music, food and wine festival, now in its fourth year, takes over the Napa Fairgrounds with four music stages, a dedicated culinary stage, 75 restaurants (including food trucks and pop-ups), 28 wineries and 26 breweries.
You know we’re here for the food, so here are a few highlights…
– High end restaurants including Redd, La Toque, Morimoto, Meadowood and Oenotri, Ca’momi, Angele, Cole’s Chophouse, Goose and Gander and Hurley’s bring their food to the people with grab and go eats throughout the festival.
– The trucks pull up with plenty of noshing from Me So Hungry, Dabba Indian food, Curry Up Now, Bowl’d Acai, Curry Up Now. Sonoma locals Tips Tri-Tip and The Farmer’s Wife represent.
– New to me: Waffles from Suite Foods, West Coast Frozen Kuhsterd, Bling Bling dumplings, vegan pop-up Jack in the Wild, Jeepney Guy Filipino, Sweet Puff organic cotton candy, and LA’s Sage Vegan Bistro.
Two Tread Brewing architectural plans for a brewery and pub in downtown Santa Rosa
2 Tread Brewing Companyhas announced plans for an ambitious brewery, restaurant and beer garden at the Santa Rosa Plaza.
Co-owners Bill Drury, Tracy Heydorn and Christian August have been quietly planning a nearly 10,000 square foot indoor-outdoor space that will feature on-site brewed beers, a casual chef-driven menu, live music and a full bar at the former Fresh Choice restaurant (which closed in 2012).
“A friendly place for beer, bikes and music is something I know I want,” said Drury, “and I think we’re filling that niche.”
Two Tread Brewing architectural plans for a brewery and pub in downtown Santa Rosa
Drury said that August, formerly Head Brewer at Firestone-Walker, plans to brew about 1200 barrels in their first year, selling primarily onsite.
The buildout will begin in the next few weeks, with an anticipated opening in fall 2016.
“We want to create a community gathering place where people can relax with friends or family and enjoy some great beverages with some really interesting food,” said Drury. The brewery name references the treads of hiking boots, bicycles and the outdoors he and his co-owners love.
2 Treads joins other downtown Santa Rosa brewery businesses Russian River Brewing Co. and Third Street Ale Works. Sonoma County now has more than 20 craft brewers.
