Page 48 – Sonoma Magazine

Best Sonoma County Beaches: From Family-Friendly to Secluded

July 2024

By Maci Martell

Summertime in Sonoma County calls for several beach trips to cool off in the water or sunbathe on the shore while sipping a cold drink.

Scroll on below to find the best beaches in Sonoma County for all your summer waterfront needs.

Note: Due to an Aug. 30, 2024, breach in the Vacation Beach summer dam on the lower Russian River, Sonoma County Public Infrastructure has closed the summer road and bridge off Neely Road for the season.

Best for those who like some space: Blind Beach

Nestled near Goat Rock south of Jenner, this narrow pebble beach offers great views of the ocean and the impressive Arch Rock. It’s the perfect beach sanctuary for those who want to get away from it all while listening to waves crashing against rocks. Highway 1 and Goat Rock Road, Jenner, parks.ca.gov

Tamara Bautista, 3, laughs as she floats in the water at Veterans Memorial Beach in Healdsburg, California on Saturday, June 18, 2016. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat) — Tamara Bautista, 3, laughs as she floats in the water at Veterans Memorial Beach in Healdsburg, on Saturday, June 18, 2016. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)

Best for kids/families: Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach

Sometimes it can be difficult to find a beach that’s both entertaining and safe for kids. Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach offers essential summer activities, has lifeguard patrols and provides life vests to loan for free. River’s Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips is located nearby, off Healdsburg Avenue, to help plan your family river excursions. 13839 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov

Best for beachcombers: Schoolhouse Beach

Enclosed by rocky headlands, this beach has a glorious pebble shore and a low tide that sea scavengers will enjoy. The vibrantly colored and ocean-polished small stones and seashells are great for collecting, and the tidepools are teeming with colorful marine life, such as starfish, mussels, hermit crabs, sea anemones and other interesting critters and crustaceans. Viking Strand and Highway 1, Bodega Bay, parks.ca.gov

Mikos leaps into the air to catch a ball tossed by Ingrid Stearns on the beach at Doran Regional Park, in Bodega Bay on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Sonoma County parks and beaches reopened Wednesday, with State beaches expected to open this weekend. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat) — Mikos leaps into the air to catch a ball tossed by Ingrid Stearns on the beach at Doran Regional Park, in Bodega Bay on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

Best for dogs: Doran Beach

This regional park beach is popular for a number of activities: picnicking, fishing, paddling, bird watching, kite flying and even horseback riding. But perhaps one of its most beloved aspects is that it’s dog-friendly (on a leash, that is). Take your playful pup on a trail through the grassy dunes or wade by the gentle seashore for a memorable time. 201 Doran Beach Road, Bodega Bay, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov

Best for couples: Sea Ranch

There are six public access trails in Sea Ranch leading to coastal beaches, such as Shell Beach and Stengel Beach (temporarily closed to replace a wooden staircase) with its seasonal waterfalls. But perhaps the best beach for couples here is Black Point, a long sandy cove accessed via a steep wooden staircase. The beach is typically secluded and enjoys beautiful ocean views. Access Black Point Beach via Sea Walk Drive, located off Coast Highway 1, The Sea Ranch, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov

Bill Blaze, of Sebastopol, walks up the beach after surfing at Salmon Creek Beach, north of Bodega Bay. (Christopher Chung) — Bill Blaze, of Sebastopol, walks up the beach after surfing at Salmon Creek Beach, north of Bodega Bay. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)

Best for surfers: Salmon Creek beaches

Both North and South Salmon Creek beaches are popular spots for the local surfing community. On days when conditions are just right, experienced riders can enjoy some powerful swells while navigating gnarly rip currents. It’s also a good place for beginners when the waves are less intense. The sandy bottom of the ocean floor lessens the blows of wipeouts. 3095 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, parks.ca.gov

Best for water activities: Johnson’s Beach

Floating down the river is what summer is all about. This Guerneville beach is perfect for those who want to kayak down the flowing currents or simply relax on the water in inner tubes with a cold drink in hand. Whether you want to paddleboard solo or canoe with a group of friends, there’s no shortage of summer fun here. 16215 First St., Guerneville, johnsonsbeach.com

The Big Rocky Games at the Monte Rio Beach brings back good old all-American fun with sack races, rock skipping and ice cream eating contests. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Best for land activities: Monte Rio Beach

While there are plenty of water sports to enjoy at Monte Rio Beach, its shore is superb for landlubbers. Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are free. There are also barbecue areas to grill by the beach and a food concession stand with summer grub. 20488 Highway 116, Monte Rio, mrrpd.org

Best for animal sightings: Goat Rock Beach

This beach is a great destination for animal lovers. Go birdwatching for gliding seabirds like gulls and sandpipers, catch a glimpse of breaching whales during migrating season and see a colony of Pacific Harbor seals with their pups throughout summer. No dogs are allowed and people should stay at least 300 feet away from the seals, especially during pupping season from March to August. Highway 1 and Goat Rock Road, Jenner, parks.ca.gov

Best for sunsets: Portuguese Beach

While any beach along the Sonoma Coast can provide excellent sunsets views, this is the ideal spot to get comfortable and really soak them in. Whether you’re fishing from the rocky bluffs, strolling on the wide sandy beach or relaxing on the grassy knoll by the parking lot, there’s no bad spot here to watch a stunning, golden sunset over the ocean. Eureka Drive and Highway 1, Bodega Bay, parks.ca.gov

Where to Get the Best Ice Cream in Sonoma County

July 2024

By Heather Irwin

Handline was built on the site of the old Foster’s Freeze in Sebastopol and they continue to keep soft serve ice cream on the menu. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

As the sizzling season continues with meltingly hot days and everlasting nights, thoughts turn to ice cream and its cousins — gelato and sorbet — to cool things down.

Scroll on below or click through the gallery above for a few of our favorite ice cream shops.

Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar, Santa Rosa and Healdsburg

This ice cream shop is worth a special trip. Unique flavors include passionfruit, Thai tea, salted caramel and Dutch cookie, each inspired by local produce and the seasons. The menu changes frequently.

539 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-978-3392; 116 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707-395-4426, thenoblefolk.com

Nimble and Finn’s, Santa Rosa and Guerneville

Cheeky by-the-scoop flavors include Front Porch Mint Chip (the mint is from one of the owner’s front porch), Meyer Lemon, Lavender Honeycomb and Whiskey Butterscotch. Add booze and you’ve got a sassy little float. We love the Permanent Holiday with creamy Meyer lemon ice cream, Lo Fi sweet vermouth and Goat Rock rosé cider, or the summery Strawberry Letter with strawberry sorbet, vermouth, elderflower and Champagne.

16290 Main St., Guerneville, 707-666-9411; 123 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-666-9590, nimbleandfinns.com

Sweet Scoops, Sonoma

Sonomans go wild for this housemade ice cream spot on the square, which always has 22 flavors, from simple vanilla to lemon custard and Mexican chocolate. Or this combo: pistachio and lavender fig. Yum. Ice cream flavors rotate regularly; check the website for current flavors.

408 First St. East, Sonoma, 707-721-1187, sweetscoopsicecream.com

Fosters Freeze, Santa Rosa

This old school burger and ice cream spot is all about the memories. Maybe because you’ve walked there, or your mom and dad took you in the family wagon, or it’s just Tuesday.

1400 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-576-7028; 855 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-542-3212, fostersfreeze.com

Handline, Sebastopol

This restaurant in Sebastopol was built on the site of an old Foster’s Freeze and they continue to keep soft serve ice cream on the menu.

935 Gravenstein Ave. South, Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, handline.com

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Santa Rosa

The ultimate kid spot with half a dozen flavors like crème brûlée, mudslide pie, white chocolate raspberry and Dole Whip pineapple sorbet.

2188 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-545-9866, menchies.com

Dave’s Gourmet Ice Cream, Santa Rosa

This local artisan producer uses premium organic milk, organic cream and liquid nitrogen (!) to make their ice cream. At a cool 321° below zero, the liquid nitrogen keeps fat and water molecules small, making for a creamier ice cream.

320 W. Third St. Suite A, Santa Rosa, 707-978-2635, dgicecream.com

Goguette ice cream — A variety of ice cream, or glacée, from Goguette Bread in Santa Rosa. (Goguette Bread)

Goguette Bread, Santa Rosa

While known for their mélange of breads and pastries, Goguette also churns out delightful, French-style ice cream, or glacée. Using locally sourced or imported (from France and Italy) ingredients, find flavors like pear, lemon, chocolate orange, Madagascar vanilla and more. The bakery now also sells ice cream cakes, with such flavors as vanilla, strawberry, pistachio and matcha.

59 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, goguettebread.com

Screamin’ Mimi’s, Sebastopol

It’s no surprise that Food & Wine magazine has named this Sebastopol ice cream spot one of the best in America. There’s always a line, there are always kids with messy chocolate grins, and there’s always a new flavor to try. When it comes to rich dark chocolate, there’s always Mimi’s Mud or Deep Dark Secret.

6902 Sebastopol. Ave., Sebastopol, 707-823-5902, screaminmimisicecream.com

Two Dog Night Creamery, Sebastopol and Windsor

Formerly SubZero, this Sebastopol spot at the Barlow (and now in Windsor) calls itself “farm to cone,” using organic local ingredients and natural flavors for soft, gelato-style ice cream. Seasonal flavors like Summer Yuzu are a treat, while classic scoops, including Bananas Foster Crunch and Coffee Heath Bar always satisfy. One of the few places you can still get a banana split!

6760 McKinley St., Suite 110, Sebastopol, 707-823-9376; 9240 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 100, Windsor, 707-837-5965, twodognightcreamery.com

Lavender Angela’s Organic ice cream is served in a sugar cone at Iggy’s Organic Burgers on the plaza, Friday in Downtown Healdsburg June 30, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

Angela’s Ice Cream, Petaluma

Formerly known as Lala’s Creamery, this spot looks like the soda fountains of old, with a marble-topped bar and brick walls, but in addition to the traditional confections and banana splits, it serves up unique flavors. If you want to pair burgers with your ice cream, head on over to the Healdsburg location, home to Iggy’s Organic Burgers.

134 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, 707-774-6567; 1390 N. McDowell Blvd. East, Petaluma, 707-981-6910; 6671 Front St., Forestville, 707-820-1559; 109 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707-473-8636. angelasicecream.com

Petaluma Creamery, Petaluma

This historic creamery still makes house-made ice cream along with Spring Hill cheese. Most popular is the lavender ice cream, but Meyer lemon is also a contender.

711 Western Ave., Petaluma, 707-762-9038, springhillcheese.com

Once Upon A Slush, Petaluma

Taking over the former Amy’s Wicked Slush location in Petaluma’s American Alley in 2022, Once Upon A Slush has won over slush fans with its assortment of shakes, slushys, floats and soft serve. There are childhood favorite flavors like the blue raspberry slush and chocolate vanilla swirl soft serve, as well as new summer flavors such as black cherry, sour watermelon and cotton candy.

122b American Alley, Petaluma, 707-763-9253, onceuponaslush.com

Cielito Coffee and Ice Cream, Sonoma

This coffee and ice cream shop in the Vailetti Plaza shopping center on Highway 12 serves a wide variety of coffee beverages, milkshakes and ice cream.

205 Nino Marco Square, Sonoma, 707-343-7330, instagram.com/sweets_from_the_sky

La Michoacana, Sonoma

You can’t miss this ice cream spot’s bright pink and orange exterior. It’s best known for fruit paletas, or frozen ice pops. Try their Mangonada: blended fresh mango with ice, swirled chamoy sauce, topped with mango chunks and tamarind candy, and a tamarind stick.

18495 Highway 12, Sonoma, 707-938-1773, michoacana.com

Fru-Ta, Santa Rosa and Petaluma

All natural flavors, both traditional and unconventional. Among the more unique are rose petal, guava, cheese, membrillo, chongo zamorano and mamey.

Four locations in Santa Rosa and Petaluma, frutaicecream.com

A selection of hand-made ice cream and popsicles from Frozen Art in Roseland using traditional recipes from the owners' hometown, Tocumbo, Mexico. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat) — A selection of hand-made ice cream and popsicles from Frozen Art in Roseland using traditional recipes from the owners’ hometown, Tocumbo, Mexico. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Frozen Art, Santa Rosa

The Alcazars have been making Michoacana-style ice creams since 2011, originally as La Real Michoacana, and they continue to expand their lineup of 40 plus flavors. It now includes merlot chocolate chip, Kahlua, Mexican caramel, hibiscus flower, rum raisin and strawberry butter. The family comes from Tocumbo, Mexico’s ice cream-making capital.

500 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-331-2899, frozenarticecream.com

Squatch’s Ice Cream and Coffee, Rohnert Park

This nonprofit ice cream and coffee shop near Sonoma State funds a nearby student center and serves up Petaluma’s-own Mariposa ice cream.

1451 Southwest Blvd., Suite 111, Rohnert Park, 707-992-0841, squatchscoffee.com

Swirl Time Frozen Yogurt Bar, Rohnert Park

Another locally-owned Sonoma State fave serving up great fro-yo with a smile.

1718 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, 707-795-7900, swirltime.com

Frozen yogurt from Honeymoon Frozen Yogurt in Sebastopol. (Courtesy of Honeymoon Frozen Yogurt) — Frozen yogurt from Honeymoon Frozen Yogurt in Sebastopol. (Courtesy of
Honeymoon Frozen Yogurt)

Honeymoon Frozen Yogurt, Sebastopol

This local yogurt shop is a favorite because of its organic ingredients and commitment to local farms. Plus, it’s open seven days a week.

7108 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol, 707-829-9866, honeymoonfrozenyogurt.com

Trader Jim’s, Various Locations

This little retro camper does only one thing: pineapple whips, a little aloha in a cup. It is non-dairy soft-serve that you can get with or without a float of fresh pineapple juice. Check farmers markets and other locations here.

707-681-1995, traderjimsfloats.com

Baskin Robbins, Various Locations

You can’t say 31 flavors without thinking of this classic ice cream spot. Daiquiri ice is among our favorite flavors.

Locations in Petaluma, Windsor, Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park. baskinrobbins.com

Cold Stone Creamery, Various Locations

A longtime chain favorite featuring simple base flavors from vanilla and chocolate to cake batter with dozens of mix-ins to make a truly unique scoop.

Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park and Petaluma locations. coldstonecreamery.com

2 Local Motels Named Among Best in California by National Geographic

July 2024

By Maci Martell

Travel site National Geographic recently released a list of five of the best retro motels in California. Two local motels, in Santa Rosa and Calistoga, made the cut.

Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa, originally opened in 1946 as a roadside motel, placed third on the list for its nostalgic design and nature-inspired interiors. The retro lodge is known for its hot springs-fed geothermal pools and modern, 1880s bathhouse-inspired MoonAcre Spa with clawfoot tub mud baths.

The Calistoga Motor Lodge features 97 guest rooms and suites and the onsite Fleetwood restaurant, serving Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Rooms from $246.

A vintage van parked outside a room at Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa in Napa Valley. (Courtesy of Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa)

The lounge at The Astro motel in Santa Rosa. (Courtesy of The Astro) — The lounge of The Astro Motel in Santa Rosa. (Courtesy of The Astro)

The Astro Motel in Santa Rosa, built in 1963 as part of a chain of space-themed motels, earned the fourth spot on National Geographic’s list for its modern revival and 1950s-themed interior.

After the turn of the century, The Astro fell into disrepair and became infamous for its seediness. The team behind Santa Rosa’s Spinster Sisters restaurant acquired the motel in 2017 and got to work on an ambitious remodel. The motel became a refuge for fire evacuees later that year during the 2017 wildfires in Sonoma County. The renovated motel officially opened to the public in January of 2018.

Retro decor at The Astro include “white leather banquettes, record players and signs for defunct soft drinks,” according to the National Geographic listing. The motel features 34 rooms and a guest lounge complete with a vintage sound system, a collection of board games and a daily complimentary breakfast from The Spinster Sisters pantry. Rooms from $139.

Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa, 1880 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, 707-737-0000, calistogamotorlodgeandspa.com; The Astro, 323 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-200-4655, theastro.com

Celebrate Petaluma Gap Wines at the Wind to Wine Festival

June 2024

By Tina Caputo

Brooks Note guests may choose between three different flights of five wines each, including current releases, single-vineyard offerings, and Pinot Noir-only selections. (Gary Ottonello)

The annual Wind to Wine Festival returns to the historic hay barn at Gambonini Family Ranch on Aug. 10 for an afternoon of sipping, sampling and discoveries.

Hosted by the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance, Wind to Wine celebrates wines from the windswept Petaluma Gap appellation. The event’s grand tasting includes selections from over 25 local producers, along with wine-friendly bites from the girl & the fig and artisan cheeses from Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company.

Named for a gap in the coastal mountain range that funnels cool wind and fog east from the Pacific Ocean through the city of Petaluma and south to San Pablo Bay, the Petaluma Gap achieved American Viticultural Area (AVA) status in 2017. The AVA is known as a top producer of Sonoma County Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah wines.

Wine flows at Petaluma Gap’s inaugural WIND to WINE Festival at the Sheraton Petaluma on Saturday, August 8, 2015. (RACHEL SIMPSON/FOR THE ARGUS-COURIER) — Wine flows at Petaluma Gap’s inaugural Wind to Wine Festival at the Sheraton Petaluma on Saturday, August 8, 2015. (Rachel Simpson/For Petaluma Argus-Courier)

“The fog and wind from the Pacific Ocean play a crucial role in shaping the wines from grapes grown in the Petaluma Gap, giving them a distinctive blend of generous acidity and rich textures that linger on the palate,” says participating vintner Tony Lombardi, founder of Lombardi Wines in Petaluma. “The Wind to Wine Festival is a unique tasting because we’re a band of small family wine businesses, eager to connect with people by sharing our stories and wines.”

New at the festival this year is a trio of seated seminars for VIP ticket holders, hosted by local winemakers and vintners such as Garry Brooks of Brooks Note Winery in Petaluma and Randy Bennett of Sojourn Cellars in Sonoma. The immersive workshops include an exploration of the region’s cool-climate white wines, a comparison with the wines of Burgundy, and a deep dive into wines from the celebrated Gap’s Crown and Sangiacomo’s Roberts Road vineyards.

Festival tickets range from $90 for general admission to $145 for VIP tickets, which include early entry and access to one seminar.

Wind to Wine Festival, Gambonini Ranch, 7325 Old Lakeville Road No. 3, Petaluma, petalumagap.com

Exclusive Peek at Healdsburg’s Most Anticipated Brunch Spot

June 2024

By Heather Irwin

Oakville Grocery store on the Healdsburg Plaza (Courtesy of Oakville Grocery)

The idea of green eggs and ham has always struck me as something best left for Dr. Seuss after trying several well-meaning efforts from creative chefs. But a Turkish egg version with ham from Journeyman Meats, green goddess yogurt, dukkah spices, crushed pistachios and a jammy egg could easily persuade me to try it in a box, with a fox or pretty much anywhere.

Chef Beryl Adler, the owner of Acorn Cafe in Healdsburg, is spilling the tea on forthcoming dishes on his breakfast, brunch and lunch menu. The cafe, located in the 124 Matheson St. building that housed Oakville Grocery for 25 years, is slated to open in late summer (fingers crossed for August, Adler said).

Tiramisu French toast Acorn Cafe — Tiramisu French toast with brioche from Santa Rosa’s Goguette Bread, mascarpone sabayon (a rich cream sauce) and a scoop of Black Oak coffee ice cream from the forthcoming Acorn Cafe in Healdsburg. (Acorn Cafe)

Also on the menu are tiramisu French toast with brioche from Santa Rosa’s Goguette Bread, mascarpone sabayon (a rich cream sauce) and a scoop of Black Oak coffee ice cream; a bacon Benedict with brown butter Hollandaise; a fried chicken sandwich with housemade teriyaki sauce and pickled vegetables; as well as lemon pancakes and an acai bowl. The restaurant will also bake scones and muffins daily.

The interior of the former Oakville Grocery has been completely remodeled, with more windows and expansive indoor seating, in addition to the much-loved patio seats with a view of the plaza.

“The whole purpose of me wanting to open this cafe is to create a space where my wife can come after dropping my daughter at school and grab a beverage with friends,” Adler said.

Keeping with the family theme, the green eggs and ham dish is a nod to his 3-year-old, the chef said, though the ingredients are decidedly not nursery school fare.

Green eggs with ham Acorn Cafe — Green eggs with ham with a Turkish twist from the forthcoming Acorn Cafe in Healdsburg features ham from Journeyman Meats, green goddess yogurt, dukkah spices, crushed pistachios and a jammy egg. (Acorn Cafe)

“There’s nowhere really on the plaza for breakfast,” he said, noting that, while there are bakeries and coffee shops, a dedicated sit-down cafe has long been lacking.

After Acorn Cafe closes at 5 p.m., Adler hopes to create a community space inside the building for pop-up restaurants.

“It’s for entrepreneurs who dream of opening a restaurant, so rather than committing to a lease, they can test the waters here,” he said. (Healdsburg has long been a prime spot for new restaurant concepts, with places like Molti Amici, Maison Healdsburg Wine Bar and other tasting rooms serving as launchpads for entrepreneurial chefs.)

Adler previously worked at the W Hotel in Seminyak, Bali, and Ritz-Carlton locations in Half Moon Bay and Grand Cayman in the Caribbean. While coming up with the concept for Acorn Cafe, he created the in-house menu at Black Oak Coffee Roasters in Healdsburg (324 Center St.). The Ukiah-based coffee company, however, is not part of the Acorn ownership team.

“This little acorn fell from their family tree,” he said of his time working for Black Oak owner Jon Frech.

In addition to serving Black Oak coffee, Acorn Cafe will have beer and rosé on tap.

Stay tuned for opening details.

What’s Going on at Monti’s in Montgomery Village?

June 2024

By Heather Irwin

At Monti’s restaurant in Santa Rosa. (Sonoma County Tourism)

Recently, I reached out to readers asking for their restaurant recommendations and questions. You didn’t disappoint.

In fact, I got so much great feedback, I started adding a reader question to my Bite Club column. (Bite Club is published in The Press Democrat on Sundays and on sonomamag.com weekly.)

Bite Club reader Marie S. asks, “What’s going on at Monti’s in Montgomery Village?”

Mark and Terri Stark’s longtime Santa Rosa restaurant closed in late March for a remodel and menu update. The refreshed interior will include a new kitchen, as well as new flooring, furniture, bar tops, bathrooms and expanded patios. Watch for lots of Mediterranean blue and yellow, with rattan finishes.

The menu will focus on contemporary Mediterranean dishes and keep fan favorites like the lamb burger, pizzas and rosemary fries, but it will also add some homemade pasta and grilled fish. Monti’s staff are working at the Starks’ other restaurants during the renovation. The 20-year-old restaurant is slated to reopen in late July.

Guide to Fourth of July in Sonoma and Napa counties 2024

June 2024

By Ana Fingerson

Stacy Allegro, left, Scott Lane, Dillon Clower and Cameron Lane participate in the Kenwood 4th of July Hometown Parade, in Kenwood, on Monday, July 4, 2016. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

Looking for something to do for the Fourth of July? This year, Sonoma and Napa counties will host parades, firework shows, outdoor barbecues and more.

Fireworks will be available to view in Sebastopol, Windsor, Rohnert Park, Petaluma and Sonoma.

Check out our roundup below of July Fourth weekend celebrations planned for Sonoma and Napa counties.

Sonoma County

Wednesday, July 3

Sebastopol: The Sebastopol Kiwanis club will host the annual “3rd of July Fireworks and Music Extravaganza” with live music from The Soul Section, School of Rock, DJ Chris W and more along with a flag ceremony and fireworks show. The event will be held at the Analy High School football field. Lawn chairs are welcome, camping chairs are prohibited. Gates open at 5 p.m. with firework show being the last event at 9:30 p.m. $17 with early bird tickets available until June 30. $20 general admission. $5 for youth ages 6-11, free for kids 5 years and or younger. 6950 Analy Ave., sebastopolkiwanisclub.org

Windsor: Celebrate Independence Day with the Town of Windsor’s “Windsor Kaboom.” This event will have live music, food, activities for the family and a fireworks show to end the night at Keiser Park. The event will benefit children’s programs through the Active 20-30 Club. 4-10 p.m. $10 for those 13 years or older. $5 for those ages 3-12. Free for anyone under 3. 700 Windsor River Road, windsorkaboom.com

Cloverdale held its first Fourth of July parade on the 150th anniversary of the founding of the town Monday, July 4, 2022. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat) — Cloverdale held its first Fourth of July parade on the 150th anniversary of the founding of the town on Monday, July 4, 2022. The third annual Fourth of July Parade in downtown Cloverdale will be held at 10 a.m. on July 4, 2024. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat) (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Thursday, July 4

Cloverdale: Attend the third annual Fourth of July Parade held in downtown Cloverdale. Parade starts at 10 a.m. on West Third Street, making its way down to Railroad Boulevard. The event will be accompanied with live music, parade floats, food and drinks. Free. East First Street and Cloverdale Boulevard, cloverdalechamber.com. Cloverdale has suspended all sales and prohibited use of fireworks due to extreme fire danger.

Forestville: The Forestville Chamber of Commerce will host a Fourth of July kick-off barbecue with lunch and music from noon to 4 p.m. under the oaks. 6990 Front St., forestvillechamber.org

Healdsburg: Join families and kids for the annual “4th of July Kids Parade and Duck Dash,” presented by the Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise and the City of Healdsburg. Free lemonade, hot dogs, snow cones and more. There will be games, duck races and live music from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Healdsburg Plaza. Admission is free. Matheson Street and Healdsburg Avenue, healdsburg.ca.us

Healdsburg: Prune Packers will play the Athletic Edge for a Fourth of July baseball event. All ages welcome. 6 p.m. at Recreation Park. $9 for those 12 years and older. Purchase tickets at tix.com. 515 Piper St., prunepackers.org

Kenwood: Register early for the Fourth of July Hometown Parade at Plaza Park. Runners participating in the Empire Runners Club 3K or 10K footrace will start at 7:30 a.m. Footrace registration prices are $45 for youth under 18 running in the 3K and $60 for adults. $62 for youth running in 10K and $72 for adults. A pancake breakfast at Kenwood Community Church and silent auction in Plaza Park will start at 8 a.m., followed by a parade at 10:30 a.m. and Rotary Shindig with live music, food and drinks at noon. The Rotary Club of Glen Ellen-Kenwood is sponsoring the barbecue and live music. The event will wrap up at 3 p.m. 170 Warm Springs Road, kenwoodparade.org

Petaluma: Join the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum and other community members in celebration of the “4th of July Choral Concert and Bell Ringing.” Enjoy music, history and ringing the historic Korbel Bell. 10-11:15 a.m. Free. 20 Fourth St., petalumamuseum.com

Petaluma: Petaluma Parks and Recreation presents another year of “Stars & Stripes Dogs & Bikes.” There will be a bike parade, dog costume contest, farmers market, jump houses and more. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. 320 North McDowell Blvd., cityofpetaluma.org

Petaluma: Fireworks will be launched from the Petaluma Fairgrounds creating a show for those watching from surrounding neighborhoods and permitted areas. The Petaluma Fairgrounds will be closed for public safety. Show starts around 9:30 p.m. For more information and to see a map of places to view the fireworks, go to cityofpetaluma.org.

Rohnert Park: Celebrate the Fourth of July with live music, family games, food, drinks, a baking contest, inflatable fun zone, outdoor escape room, robot rumble and eight-person video gaming. Noon to 4 p.m. Free entry. 5401 Snyder Lane, rpcity.org

Rohnert Park: The Santa Rosa Symphony and Transcendence Theater Company will perform at the “4th of July Fireworks Spectacular,” held at Weill Hall and Lawn at Sonoma State University. 7:30–10 p.m. This family friendly concert will be followed by a post-concert fireworks show. Tickets for lawn seating are $40 and $20 for youth. Tickets for outdoor table seating are $80. Indoor seating ranges from $45-$75 depending on seating zone. 1801 East Cotati Ave., sonoma.edu

Sonoma: Watch the parade make its way around the historic Plaza of Sonoma at this year’s “Hometown 4th of July Parade, Celebration and Fireworks Show.” An old-fashioned festival with food, drink and game booths by nonprofit organizations in Sonoma will follow the parade. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. 453 First St. East, sonomavolunteerfirefighters.org

Guests enjoying picnic's and family events on the lawn during the Santa Rosa symphony performance at the 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular at Sonoma State University's Green Music Center in Rohnert Park, California on July 4th, 2018. (Will Bucquoy / For the Press Democrat). — Guests enjoying picnics and family events on the lawn during the Santa Rosa symphony performance at the 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular at Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center in Rohnert Park on July 4, 2018. This year’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular will be held from 4:30-7 p.m. at SSU’s Weill Hall and Lawn. (Will Bucquoy / For the Press Democrat)

Sunday, July 7

Penngrove: This year marks the 48th annual Penngrove Parade, “The Biggest Little Parade in Northern California,” which will start at 11 a.m. sharp on Main Street in downtown Penngrove. A barbecue, kid’s games and music will follow the parade. No dogs allowed. Outside food and drinks prohibited in Penngrove Park. This event is a fundraiser to benefit community. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free entry. 11800 Main St., penngrovesocialfiremen.org

Napa County

Thursday, July 4

Napa: The Sunrise Rotary Parade will start off at the intersection of Second Street and School Street, making its way downtown with floats, classic cars and more. Parade starts at 9:30. Free to watch. donapa.com

Napa: Wind down at Oxbow Commons after Fourth of July morning events with activities for all ages, like kids’ inflatables and Carnival games, local cuisine, beer and wine, and live performances from local artists. 3-10 p.m. Free to enter. 1268 McKinstry St., fourth-july.com

Napa: Take a break from fireworks with the more eco-friendly “Napa Drone Show.” This show will consist of up to 400 drones flying in formation to create 16 3D displays similar to a fireworks show. Some places to watch the show are Oxbow Commons, First and Third Street Bridges, Veteran’s Memorial Park, China Point, Riverfront Green and Riverfront Promenade. 9:30 p.m. Free to watch. donapa.com

American Canyon: Take part in American Canyon’s 4th of July Parade, Festival and Fireworks. The parade will start at 3 p.m. on American Canyon Road and Elliott Drive and make its way down Elliott Drive towards Amarillo Drive. At the end of the parade, a festival will begin at 4 p.m. with music, free activities and food vendors. A fireworks show will start at dusk with visibility from the Community Park II located on the corner of Donaldson Way and Benton Way. americancanyon.gov.

Local Designer Uses Japanese Design Principles to Transform Santa Rosa Home

June 2024

By Karen Kizer

The COVID-19 pandemic was a difficult time for Santa Rosa emergency physician Dr. Omar Ferrari and his family, who were forced to spend a lot of time apart for health and safety reasons.

After that prolonged stressful period, Ferrari and his wife, Brenda, decided a home transformation was in order. They tapped Sonoma-based designer Andrea Halkovich to renovate their Rincon Valley ranch home in hope of creating, in Halkovich’s words, “a tranquil haven.”

“After so much stress from (fire) evacuations and then COVID, I really was motivated to create a space for this beautiful family that was really peaceful,” says Halkovich. “(Now) they feel so much lighter in their home and that is what is so powerful about design. It has such an ability to change us.”

Halkovick melded Omar’s love of modern minimalism with Brenda’s preference for bohemian and “Japandi” styles (a combination of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics).

“I think it is so important for everyone to feel seen and represented in a space. It is what gives us all that sense of home,” says the Sonoma-born designer.

The result is a mix of contemporary simplicity with heavily patterned touches, all guided by Japanese design principles that are visible throughout the home.

In the kitchen, Halkovick took color cues from the Japanese age-old method of Shou Sugi Ban, wherein wood is charred and takes on a gray-to-black hue.

To evoke the Japanese concept of Ma, which values taking pauses, Halkovich put a window above the sink to create visual rest between twin appliance garages. The window overlooks the Ferrari’s outdoor koi pond, creating a connection with nature — the Japanese method of Shakkei (“borrowed scenery”). To restate the indoor-outdoor connection, the kitchen island gets its earthy green color from the pond.

The relaxed space is contrasted with a super-veiny quartzite backsplash that Omar prizes for its “heartbeat”-like appearance.

Powder room. (Luis Costadone) — Powder Room. (Luis Costadone)

More heavy-pattern contrast was added to the powder room via a House of Hackney floral wallpaper. To blend the saturation of color with the rest of the home, Halkovich ensured the black background of the florals was present in the kitchen (on the counters and cabinets) and bathrooms (cladding in the shower). The room’s earthy green wainscoting is pulled from the koi pond and kitchen island color.

The use of several square and rectangular windows and light fixtures provide interest, albeit quietly thanks to their clean-lined geometry. The repetition of shapes creates a pleasing rhythm, as light and shadow are cast onto empty interior spaces of the floors and walls. This was intentional, owing again to the Japanese concept of Ma. A large square window over the tub framing nearby trees doubles down beautifully on Shakkei.

“There is a whole science behind design and surrounding ourselves with nature,” says Halkovich. It has a “very positive impact on our well-being, including reduced stress and stronger immune systems — this really struck a chord with my clients.”

Contact Andrea Halkovich, of Sonoma Interiors, at 707-322-6719, andrea@sonomainteriors.com.

Modern Home in Santa Rosa Foothills Listed for $2,745,000

June 2024

By Karen Kizer

This modern three-bedroom, three-and-half-bathroom situated on ten acres in Santa Rosa is listed for $2,745,000. (Steven Magner)

Situated on 10 acres in the northeast foothills of Santa Rosa is a modern three-bedroom, three-and-half-bathroom for sale. The asking price is $2,745,000.

The 2,800-square-foot dwelling at 7784 Foothill Ranch Road is sleekly designed with slate board and batten siding and a series of single sloped roofs.

The interior benefits from vaulted ceilings and bucolic views. The floor plan is open-concept, with an airy great room that includes the kitchen, dining area and living room.

Other amenities include a wine cellar, a study, and a pool and terrace that’s perfectly perched and minimalist to give focus to the spectacular surroundings of nature.

For more information on 7784 Foothill Ranch Road in Santa Rosa, contact listing agent Bob Pennypacker, of Sotheyby’s International Realty, at 707-799-6032, 707-395-0656, 7784foothillranch.com