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Whole Lotta Love with Led Zeppelin Burlesque: Brought to you by the ever-sassy and saucy Cabaret de Caliente, the eighth annual Whole Lotta Love show combines rock ’n’ roll with playful burlesque and variety acts. The soulful and sultry Scarlett Siren & The Howlin’ Tramps will provide the live music and there will be fun prizes from a raffle, benefitting the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. This 18-and-over event will rock Petaluma’s Mystic Theater on the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, Feb. 9, with doors opening at 8 p.m. and the show starting at 9 p.m. Tickets range from $35 for premier seating to $150 for a VIP table for two. (Photo by Crista Jeremiason)
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Valentine’s Day Bubbles and Bonbons for Bounty: A romantic night wrapped in a benefit concert, this Valentine's Day (Feb. 14) event is a great opportunity to celebrate love with a significant other as well as the local community. Critically-acclaimed jazz musician Bonnie Brooks will provide the musical entertainment with accompaniment by John Simon, so be sure to wear your dancing shoes. The event will take place between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. at the glamorous Hotel Petaluma, and will also feature bubbles, fine wines and delicious desserts. Tickets range from $35-$75. (Photo by Rebecca Chotkowski)
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Pair a Picnic with Panoramic Views: Can't find the right words for your Valentine's card? Let the natural beauty of southern Sonoma County serve as a sonnet to your sweetheart. At Helen Putnam Regional Park you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape - there are trails for all hiking abilities. After weaving through oak woodlands, striding along grassy hillsides and ambling by Cattail Pond, settle down for a picnic by one of the large benches overlooking the valley. Picnicking in Sonoma County is not for amateurs, so make sure you load up your basket or backpack with gourmet foods...
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There's no shortage of great spots for picnic provisions in Petaluma. Lombardi’s Gourmet Deli and BBQ is a meat-lovers paradise with barbecue specialties like the smoked pulled pork or spicy buffalo chicken ranch sandwiches. And don't miss their classic picnic potato salad! At Lucchesi’s Deli, build your own sandwich from a variety of fresh options, like honey maple turkey or Italian sausage. Another local favorite is family-owned Ulia's Delicatessen. Choose from freshly prepared salads, vegetarian options such as falafel pita with homemade tzatziki, and gourmet sandwiches like the “Ulia” with parma prosciutto, pesto, brie and house-made muffuletta. Get some cookies from Paul's Cookie Company for dessert. (Stock photo)
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Spend a night on the town: Looking to add some pizazz to your date night? Jan Rosen’s 256 North - equal parts upscale dining establishment and lively cocktail lounge - is sure to dazzle your date, there's even a grand piano for live entertainment. On Valentine’s Day, multitalented artist Robert Joseph (aka RoJo), known for his open mic nights around the area, will perform at the restaurant. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.; there's no cover charge. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
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The staff at 256 North will make you and your date feel right at home - you can often spot Rosen greeting regulars and new guests. The dining and bar areas are large enough to provide a quiet corner for the two of you. Order happy hour cocktails and shared bites, like the ahi poke marinated in a soy ginger sauce or the truffle mac and cheese, or opt for an entree, like the wild king salmon with saffron sauce, Bloomsdale spinach, artichoke hearts, toy box cherry tomatoes over gnocchi (pictured). Be sure to get a slice (or two or four) of Rosen’s famous cheesecake. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
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Take a walk on the rustic side: Located in the historic Great Petaluma Mill, Wild Goat Bistro pairs rustic charm with seasonal ingredients and fine wines handpicked by owner and chef Nancy DeLorenzo. The menu features small plates perfect for sharing, like roasted brussels sprouts wrapped in maple applewood bacon and polenta fries sautéed with pesto and served with a roasted red pepper sauce. Standout large plates include red wine-braised short ribs with potato gratin and Swiss chard. There's Neapolitan-style pizza, too, like the favorite Fog Lifter, topped with spicy Italian fennel sausage, pepperoni and bacon. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
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Wrap up your evening with a slice of Wild Goat's chocolate hazelnut cake (pictured) or the rich dark chocolate cake layered with Nutella mousse, then take a moonlit stroll along the Petaluma River and across the Riverwalk Footbridge - a romantic close to a rustic date night that’s so Petaluma. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
