2024-2025 Petaluma Visitor Magazine

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2024-2025 VISITOR MAGAZINE PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA YourRefuelSoul!

What Moves You?

Hedge Realty was created to meet a need in the North Bay for a hyper-local agency with the ambition, vision, and marketing sophistication to truly distinguish client properties in a perpetually competitive market. They are storytellers, putting imagination into action, researchers, and analysts, synthesizing the best and freshest industry data.

Tim Little + Alexa Glockner are deeply sourced, longtime local realtors and homeowners with extensive networks among the area’s top artisans and most trusted vendors and specialists serving the North Bay real estate market. hedgerealty.com

Tim Little

tim@hedgerealty.com

DRE# 01910516

Alexa Glockner

alexa@hedgerealty.com

DRE# 01329001

HEDGE REALTY
MICHAEL WOOLSEY

Great Getaways

Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma is the ideal home base for a trip to wine country. Rest easy in the spacious guest rooms with Sheraton Signature Sleep bedding, and take advantage of amenities like the outdoor pool, a best-in-class fitness center, and on-site dining at Tolay Restaurant. You’re just minutes away from historic downtown Petaluma with easy access to wineries. Planning an event? The property has 11,000 square feet of versatile meeting space.

sheratonsonoma.com G @sheratonpetaluma

visitpetaluma.com
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Clad in Style

Situated in a historic silk mill with roots in Petaluma’s history, Hampton Inn Petaluma blends modern conveniences and local history in a boutique setting.

The property offers 75 guest rooms with eight suites. The friendly, accommodating staff is committed to offering a memorable guest experience. All rooms are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, mini fridges, and coffee makers as well as signature Hampton beds. After starting your day with a complimentary breakfast, explore downtown Petaluma or journey out for a lovely day of wine tasting. In the evening, gather for great conversation and handcrafted cocktails at the hotel’s bar, 1892, or next to a crackling fire pit in the outdoor courtyard.

hamptonpetaluma.hamptonbyhilton.com G Ê e @hamptoninnpetaluma

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Playtime in Petaluma

From floating down the river to paintball, dog story time, and jam sessions, Petaluma is fun for the whole family.

Petaluma's Culinary Guide

You can’t go wrong with a meal in a city overflowing with culinary talent. Here’s where to eat and drink.

Create and Make

Discover the local makers and artisans that call this place home, plus how to experience Petaluma’s vibrant arts scene.

3 visitpetaluma.com FROM LEFT: DAVID H. COLLIER; ISTOCK.COM/K_ATTAPON Inside Contents 5 Welcome 10 Sustainability 12 History 14 Explore Nearby 18 Accommodations 22 Downtown 74 Meetings 77 Relocate 78 Getting Here 79 Events On the Cover Rent paddleboards from The Floathouse and cruise down the Petaluma River. This photo was taken by Brown W. Cannon III features depts. 34
44
63
good boy! Take your pooch to the dog park. See page 37 for more. PAINTED PIANOS
downtown to eat and shop at locally owned spots. You may even catch an impromptu piano performance. 22 SCAN HERE See the digital version of this visitor guide. Get our Guide on the Go!
Explore

Goodness Grows

Even if you’re only a little interested in gardening, a visit to the Petaluma Seed Bank is like hitting the jackpot. The shop’s 1,000-plus varieties of open-pollinated, non-GMO seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds offer everything from tomatoes to flowers, as well as gardening products (including tools for kids) and sustainable living items. The company has always supported the community by carrying local products. Find honey, spring veggie starts, pressed flower cards—even owl boxes—among other items. All this, and friendly, expert gardening advice.

rareseeds.com/petaluma-seed-bank | G e @petalumaseedbank

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BROWN W. CANNON III (2)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Petaluma Visitors Program & Petaluma Downtown Association Marie McCusker

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Mary Roualdes

210 Lakeville St., Petaluma, CA 94952

info@VisitPetaluma.com 707-769-0429 VisitPetaluma.com

Sonoma County Tourism SonomaCounty.com | 707-522-5800

Welcome!

A blend of rural charm and urban sophistication, Petaluma offers a variety of memorable experiences.

PUBLISHERS

Nicole Bordges & Martha-Page Althaus nicole@wanderlustcontentstudio.com marthapage@wanderlustcontentstudio.com

MANAGING EDITOR Lauren Bonney

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Deanne O’Connor

CUSTOM CONTENT EDITOR

Callie Young Fromson

ART DIRECTOR Bree Montanarello

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Mary-Clifton Everette

COPY EDITOR Camryn Diagonale

PHOTO EDITOR Hazel McMillan PUBLISHED BY

CChartered in 1858, Petaluma is one of the oldest cities in California. During the Gold Rush, the Petaluma River carried produce, poultry, and dairy products to the growing populations of San Francisco, Oakland, and nearby cities. Today, Petaluma’s riverfront location is home to award-winning restaurants, stylish boutiques, antique hubs, and locally owned shops (p. 22).

When you stroll downtown’s walkable streets, you’ll discover iron-front buildings, brick-walled alleys, restored Victorians, and other landmarks that have earned Petaluma’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places (p. 12). And, as a regional and national leader of climate action, Petaluma is committed to its work toward zero waste and a sustainable future (p. 10). Experience those efforts for yourself as you enjoy our parks, river activities, and biking and hiking trails (p. 34).

Our fertile land and its bounty of ingredients make farm-to-table dining an integral part of our culinary landscape (p. 44). A Petaluma Gap wine (yes, we have our own AVA) or handcrafted libation (p. 52) is the perfect complement to your meal and one of the many facets of Petaluma’s artisan vibe.

Throughout this magazine, you’ll find insider tips, can’t-miss events (p. 79), comfortable accommodations (p. 18), and more. And if you need more information, stop by our Visitors Center and speak with one of our knowledgeable Petaluma ambassadors. Adventure awaits! –The Visit Petaluma Team

5 visitpetaluma.com Welcome BROWN W. CANNON III Reforesting MonthlyThrough
McEvoy Ranch
WanderlustContentStudio.com e @WanderlustContentStudio Visit Petaluma and Wanderlust Content Studio have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of information presented in the guide, but assume no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. All rights reserved. For updates, travel tips, events, and more, follow us on our social channels. Connect with Us TAG US! Share with us by using #VisitPetaluma on all social media channels. e @VisitPetaluma G @PetalumaCA

AWARD-WINNING WINES FROM A PETALUMA

PIONEER

Adobe Road Winery

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Anytime is a great time to visit Adobe Road Winery in downtown Petaluma.

Open daily, the welcoming tasting room is close to just about everything, making Adobe Road the perfect getaway for a fun-filled wine-tasting experience.

The small-lot producer is one of the hottest boutique wineries in the industry, crafting award-winning wines from premier vineyards in the Petaluma Gap AVA and Sonoma and Napa counties. Discover a world of delicious wine as you explore Adobe Road’s versatile tasting menu. The Reserve Tasting includes the winery’s flagship rich, luxurious cabernet sauvignons—always a highlight.

Petaluma’s dynamic culture, cool vibe, historic architecture, and old-world charm are within easy reach of San Francisco and Sacramento, making a day trip to the area a breeze. Ride the SMART train—the depot is just steps away. Adobe Road’s roots are firmly planted in Petaluma. Founders Kevin and Debra Buckler are among the city’s original wine pioneers. Kevin is a champion racecar driver, and his legendary sports car racing team is located here. Next year, the two worlds will merge into an exciting wine-tasting and event center on the vibrant downtown waterfront.

adoberoadwines.com theracingserieswines.com G e @adoberoadwines

theracersgroup.com G e @theracersgroup

7 visitpetaluma.com
Welcome toPetaluma! BROWN W. CANNON III 8

With deep agricultural roots and an artisan vibe, our Sonoma County town is ripe for exploring.

visitpetaluma.com
Welcome to Petaluma mural by artist Maxfield Bala
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eco-friendly

Travel with Purpose

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword in Petaluma—it’s a way of life.

Environmental consciousness

is deeply ingrained in our community, and we are committed to preserving Petaluma’s natural beauty and resources for generations to come. From car-free bike paths to green businesses, P-town has implemented a range of initiatives to reduce its ecological footprint and promote sustainable practices. We invite you to be a part of Petaluma’s eco-friendly journey.

planting change

With a passion for saving, growing, and sharing rare seeds, Petaluma Seed Bank is a unique shopping experience. The Seed Bank sells nearly a thousand types of seeds to keep heirloom varieties alive for future generations. Peruse the massive collection and take home a memento for your garden.

Waste Not

CUT DOWN ON SINGLE-USE PLASTICS AT THE REFILL MERCANTILE.

TTucked inside the Great Petaluma Mill, Refill Mercantile refillable household and personal care products. In an effort to cut down on single-use plastics, the shop encourages shoppers to fill containers with laundry detergent, dish soap, body scrubs, beard oils, sunscreen, and more. This certified California Green Business also offers other thoughtfully made products, like plant-based wax food wraps, naturally derived body products, and “Petaluma-scented” soy candles.

10 Sustainability
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/SPLINE_X; EMMA K CREATIVE; BROWN W. CANNON III; EMMA K CREATIVE
Refill Mercantile owners Dawna and Rob Mirante Dish soap at the Refill Mercantile Heirloom seeds from Petaluma Seed Bank

Travel Tips

FROM BIKING TO SHOPPING, HERE’S HOW TO RESPONSIBLY MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME IN PETALUMA.

Reuse, and Look Fabulous

EXPLORE ON FOOT OR BIKE

With pedestrianfriendly streets and bike paths, Petaluma is one of

SHOP LOCAL

Petaluma is full of locally owned shops (p. 22) and farmers markets (p. 69).

CHARGE UP

If your electric vehicle needs a charge, we’ve got you covered. Petaluma has 24 EV charging stations—and counting!

CUT DOWN ON WASTE

Bring a reusable shopping bag for your market and boutique hauls and

TRAVEL BY TRAIN

To explore more of Sonoma County, ditch the car and take the train. Board the SMART

THRIFT AND CONSIGNMENT SHOPS IN PETALUMA OFFER MORE THAN JUST BARGAIN DEALS—THEY’RE A SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING CHOICE WITH A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY. HERE’S WHERE TO GO.

Known for its eclectic mix of vintage clothing, accessories, and Thrifty Hippy is a treasure trove for unique finds. Celebrating 30 years in business, Alphabet Soup Thrift Stores sells clothing, furniture, books, and household goods at two downtown locations. Both shops are operated by the Petaluma Education Foundation, with proceeds going to local schools. Home Hub has pieces to spruce up your interiors, while Opera House Collective offers apparel and energy-clearing crystals. Great Stuff Thrift not only lives up to its name, but all purchases benefit Petaluma Pet Pals, a nonprofit dedicated to helping animals in need. Find a curated selection of secondhand children’s clothing and vintage glassware, retro T-shirts, and other Thread & Sole

11 Sustainability
FROM LEFT: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/OLESIA BECH; ISTOCK.COM/DMYTRO VARAVIN

A Piece of History

EXPERIENCE

PETALUMA’S PAST.

PETALUMA HISTORICAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM

Explore the area’s agricultural and Indigenous histories. The former Carnegie library invites visitors to meander through multiple exhibits free of charge.

PETALUMANS OF YESTERYEAR

Take a guided walking tour (held most Saturdays and Sundays during summer) with the Petalumans of Yesteryear.

BUTTER & EGG DAYS PARADE & FESTIVAL

Formerly known as the Egg Day Parade, this city-wide celebration is held each April with a themed parade, games, food, and more.

way back when

The Repurposing of Places

Petaluma’s historic architecture finds new use.

During the fall and winter, hear spooky tales of tragic fates, dark crimes, and ghostly sightings on a docent-led walking tour.

HHistory is alive and well in Petaluma, which is home to some of California’s bestpreserved architecture. The charming river town boasts three historic districts and several significant properties representing various styles, uses, and time periods.

From cast-iron facades to Italianate and Mission Revival architecture, visitors can still experience the lasting influence of Petaluma’s past in its shops, restaurants, residential neighborhoods, and along the waterfront.

Those checking into the Hampton Inn Petaluma today can practically hear the whir of machinery in the building that once produced silk thread, fishing lines, and parachute cords for NASA. Built for the Carlson-Currier Silk Company in 1892, this National Register of Historic Places property is a tangible reminder of Petaluma’s past as a major manufacturing hub.

Across town, sip a fresh brew at the Crooked Goat Brewing taproom on Howard Street, where gleaming taps have replaced farm equipment as the hot commodity.

For a dose of grandeur, check out the old American Trust Company’s commanding Neoclassical Revival exterior at Western Avenue and Petaluma Boulevard N. before peeking at the stunning art deco bank interior. (While you’re here, shop at Au Thentic and Jesse and Eye.) And for a completely different architectural style, head across the street to Athletic Soles, located in the 1882 Masonic Hall, an elegant iron-front building. Be sure to note the titled entry, which provides a clue to a past tenant—L&M Drugs.

To some, these historic buildings are merely beautiful facades; for Petaluma, they serve an important cultural need and are a proud reminder of the region’s entrepreneurial spirit.

History COURTESY OF SONOMA COUNTY LIBRARY (2)
GHOST TOUR The Carlson-Currier Silk Mill, now the Hampton Inn Petaluma Above: Egg Day Parade poster, 1923
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Poultry Powerhouse

FROM HATCHING INNOVATIVE IDEAS TO PARADING THROUGH TOWN, DISCOVER HOW PETALUMA BECAME “THE WORLD’S

In the mid to late 19th century, Petaluma established itself as a poultry town after the founding of the first commercial hatchery in the U.S. and the perfecting of the egg incubator. From that point on, commercial egg production took off.

product during the annual Egg Day Parade, naming a baseball team after the poultry breed, and even opening a chicken pharmacy.

Opened in 1924, Hotel Petaluma was a cooperative effort of more than 800 local residents who pooled together their money—an impressive sum of $250,000—to build Petaluma’s first hotel. A true reflection of Petaluma’s community spirit, this momentous occasion is marked with a bronze plaque on the hotel’s exterior, engraved with the words “by the people, for the people.”

Since its opening a century ago, Hotel Petaluma has undergone several renovations, but its history and grandeur can still be seen in the building’s stunning architecture—check out the lobby’s original pull-door elevator—and comfortable accommodations. Experience this historical beauty for yourself.

A Look Back

AS ONE OF CALIFORNIA’S OLDEST CITIES, PETALUMA HAS QUITE THE HISTORY.

1852

Petaluma is founded on the former site of a Coast Miwok village and shipping depot along the Petaluma River.

1864

Grain merchant and entrepreneur John A. McNear builds a warehouse, marking the start of a family dynasty that will lead economic and civic development in Petaluma for nearly a century.

1871

The San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad line starts service from Marin to Santa Rosa with stops in Petaluma, solidifying the town as the region’s commercial hub.

1879

Local residents Lyman Byce and Isaac Dias invent the first practical egg incubator. (An egg boom is coming!) By 1918, Petaluma is declared “The World’s Egg Basket.”

1940

P-town lives up to its egg-y reputation: Petaluma’s chicken industry supplies 32% of California’s eggs.

The egg industry turned out to be so successful that Petaluma’s economy swelled, and it became one of the richest towns in America. Capitalizing on this momentum, special breeding programs were implemented, favoring the Single Comb White Leghorn hen.

After earning the title of ”The World’s Egg Basket,” Petaluma remained dedicated to all things chicken: celebrating the agricultural

Production peaked during the 1940s, when the region supplied Americans more than 600 million eggs a year. But after WWII, the industry headed into a slow decline. And while Petaluma’s egg boom is a thing of the past, the humble egg left its mark and serves as a reminder of the town’s agricultural roots.

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum

Experience the historical heart of Petaluma. Marvel at the building’s Neoclassical architecture and stained-glass dome, attend lectures and tours, view artifacts and exhibits, and explore the gift shop. Admission is always free.

petalumamuseum.com G

History FROM TOP: COURTESY OF PETALUMA MUSEUM; ISTOCK.COM/DIES-IRAE ISTOCK.COM/PINEAPPLE STUDIO
Ê
e
@petalumamuseum
visitpetaluma.com 13

CHECK IN

Located in north Petaluma, Quality Inn Petaluma-Sonoma is an easy jumping off point for exploring thanks to its location near U.S. 101.

explore nearby

All Roads Lead to Petaluma

Whether you head north to the redwoods, south to San Francisco, east to wine country, or west to the Sonoma Coast, there are so many day trips all within reach when you make Petaluma your home base.

NORTH SEBASTOPOL

Distance from downtown Petaluma: 17 miles

Have you ever wanted to feed a goat? Head to Redwood Hill Farms in Sebastopol. This family-run, sustainable farm offers tours of the property, featuring its olive grove, flower field, goat feedings, and “kid cuddling”—aka cuddling baby goats. (Advanced reservations required.) Afterwards, head to The Barlow for a bit of shopping and farm-to-table dining.

SANTA ROSA

Distance from downtown Petaluma: 16 miles

A quick trip north to

Santa Rosa puts you at Bees N Blooms, a lavender farm that also grows and sells cut flowers, pollinatorfriendly plants, and honey. Or, head to the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center. Learn about the “Peanuts” characters, then let your kids be kids with hands-on exhibits. And be sure to check out Snoopy’s Home Ice rink.

14 FROM TOP: ISTOCK.COM/TIFFANY CARLSON; COURTESY OF THE CHARLES M. SCHULZ MUSEUM AND RESARCH CENTER; ISTOCK.COM/NYNKE VAN HOLTEN
Head north of Petaluma to see the redwoods in Guerneville (above) and explore the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center (right).

Take a Drive

Stay in Petaluma and explore the Bay Area.

GREG FRANCO/LE CARTOGRAPHISTE visitpetaluma.com

Explore Nearby

START AND END IN PETALUMA

START: Classic diner food is on the menu at Hallie’s Diner

Order a breakfast burrito or a hotcakes combo for hearty adventure fuel. But if Italian baked goods are more your style, have an espresso and pastry at Stellina Pronto

END: Wrap up your day with a glass of wine at Brooks

Note Winery’s downtown tasting room. Then, tuck into seasonal plates from Luma Bar & Eatery

GUERNEVILLE

Distance from downtown Petaluma: 36 miles

Head further north and you’ll find the sprawling Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Meander through serene groves on self-guided nature trails (including an ADA accessible trail). If you’re more of a paddler than a hiker, visit the Russian River. Nearby Johnson’s Beach is a favorite summertime destination; rent kayaks and inner tubes from the boathouse for a leisurely day on the water.

SOUTH MARIN COUNTY

Distance from downtown Petaluma: 15 miles

Wander Muir Woods National Monument’s old-growth coastal redwood forest. Explore the 13-mile loop trail near Stinson Beach, a peaceful walk around the boardwalk, or hike deeper into the woods. Nearby, Mount Tamalpais State Park offers views of the surrounding areas. Go for a hike or have a

picnic at the top. Travel farther south to the Marin Headlands for hikes along coastal bluffs. While you’re here, stop by The Marine Mammal Center, an animal rehabilitation facility, for a fun, family-friendly day.

CHECK IN

Home2 Suites by Hilton Petaluma is located 10 minutes from the heart of downtown and offers all the amenities to help you unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

SAN FRANCISCO

Distance from downtown Petaluma: 40 miles

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head to the Ferry Building, a vibrant marketplace of artisan goods and eateries. Ferry Plaza, immediately outside the Ferry Building, hosts a farmers market every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Catch a cooking demo, spot a local celebrity chef, or pick up some fresh produce. Stroll along the Embarcadero to the Exploratorium or catch the ferry to Alcatraz. Don’t miss other San Francisco classics like the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Park, and cable car rides.

EAST SONOMA

Distance from downtown Petaluma: 14 miles

Discover the flavors of Sonoma Valley during a day of wine tasting. Drive through pastoral hillsides and in about 20 minutes, you’ll arrive

at Cornerstone, a delightful collection of tasting rooms, eclectic shops, and art-inspired gardens. From there, it’s just five miles to Sonoma Plaza—a square bordered by more than a dozen tasting rooms and home to the last mission built in California.

NAPA VALLEY

Distance from downtown Petaluma: 25 miles

Petaluma is an ideal starting point for the scenic 45-minute drive to Napa Valley. Shop, sip, and eat your way

START AND END IN PETALUMA

START: Order an espresso to go from Grand Central Petaluma, just a few blocks away from downtown’s SMART station.

END: Enjoy a refined plating at Table Culture Provisions Not ready to call it a night? Keep the evening going with a tiki drink at Kapu Bar

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FROM TOP: ISTOCK.COM/A-TOM; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ RYZHKOV PHOTOGRAPHY
Visit San Francisco’s Chinatown for handmade dim sum and other tasty eats.

CHECK IN

For a contemporary stay with well-appointed rooms and a 24-hour fitness center, there’s Courtyard by Marriott Petaluma.

through this iconic wine region. The valley also offers other activities like hiking and hot air ballooning.

WEST

BODEGA BAY

Distance from downtown Petaluma: 27 miles

A day trip to the coast from Petaluma is a

breeze. Head due west and a half hour later you’re in Bodega Bay, a rocky peninsula with bluffs that offer incredible vistas of the Pacific Ocean, easy trails, and beach access. Inland, you’ll find the village of Bodega, where movie buffs will recognize the old Potter Schoolhouse and church spire from the 1963 Alfred

START AND END IN PETALUMA

page:

Coast in other beach towns like Jenner, Fort Ross, and Timber Cove.

POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE

Hitchcock thriller The Birds. Snap a selfie with the life-size statue of the famous director outside Bodega Country Store. Then, check out the quirky mix of shops and galleries along the coastal highway before stopping for oysters at one of Bodega’s roadhouses. Stay put in Bodega Bay or explore more of the Sonoma

Distance from downtown Petaluma: 21 miles

Southwest of Petaluma, explore 150 miles of trails and 70,000 acres at Point Reyes National Seashore. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails for breathtaking coastal vistas and pristine beaches. Don’t miss

START AND END IN PETALUMA

START: Pack a picnic for your outing. Pick up some DIY lunch makings: jam from LALA’s Jam Bar and Urban Farmstand, a crusty baguette from Della Fattoria Cafe, and a wheel of brie from Marin French Cheese Co.

END: There’s nothing like ending a busy day with a cold beer. Kick off your evening with a pint at Brewsters Beer Garden before heading to Risibisi for authentic Italian or Sol Food for Puerto Rican plates.

the iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse, perched dramatically atop a sheer cliff. Keep your eyes peeled for elephant seals, sea lions, tule elk, and various bird species. Enjoy fresh oysters in Marshall or taste mead at Heidrun Meadery near

Order a French-inspired breakfast of quiche and croissants while overlooking the Petaluma

Bistro. Alternatively, go for a bagel and schmear from The Bagel Mill or Ethel’s Delicatessen

at Water

County-based growers. Or opt for Southern-inspired fare from Easy Rider. Close out your evening with a nightcap from Speakeasy before popping over to The Big Easy for live

17 visitpetaluma.com Explore Nearby CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: DEANNE O’CONNOR (2); ISTOCK.COM/VALENTYNVOLKOV; ISTOCK.COM/ GLOBALP
START: River Street END: In Sonoma County, it’s all about eating (and drinking) local. In downtown Petaluma, Central Market sources its menu items from Sonoma music. Opposite See the Golden Gate Bridge. This page from left: Visit Point Reyes National Seashore; take a hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley.

DID YOU KNOW?

Hotel Petaluma opened 100 years ago. Read about the hotel and more of Petaluma’s history on page 13.

great lodging

Where to Stay in Petaluma

From historic hotels to campsites to boutique inns, Petaluma is the perfect place to stay awhile. See VisitPetaluma. com/hotels for more.

BEST WESTERN

PETALUMA INN

200 S. McDowell Blvd., 707-763-0994, bestwestern.com/ petalumainn

This family favorite has a pool, complimentary breakfast, and on-site dining at Cafe Bellini.

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT

PETALUMA

SONOMA COUNTY

700 Caulfield Ln., 707-347-5400, marriott.com

Unwind in contemporary rooms and enjoy an outdoor pool and 24-hour fitness center. This hotel is close to the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds and offers free parking.

HAMPTON INN

PETALUMA

450 Jefferson St., 707-397-0000, hilton.com

Housed in a historic silk mill, this hotel offers modern-day comforts like a complimentary breakfast. In the evenings, relax by the fire pit with a glass of local wine or beer.

HOME2 SUITES BY HILTON PETALUMA

1205 Redwood Way, 707-992-4900, hilton.com

Indulge in the comfort and convenience of fully equipped suites with kitchens, and enjoy amenities like a pool, hot tub, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast.

HOTEL PETALUMA

205 Kentucky St., 707-559-3393, hotelpetaluma.com

Opened in 1924 in the heart of downtown, this boutique hotel is steps away from shops and restaurants. Just off the lobby, you’ll find wine tasting and fresh seafood.

KOA

CAMPGROUNDS–SAN FRANCISCO

NORTH/PETALUMA

20 Rainsville Rd., 707-763-1492, petalumakoa.com

Camp in Petaluma! From rustic to refined, you’ll find a variety of options including RV spots, cabins, and tent sites—plus, a dog park.

METRO HOTEL

508 Petaluma Blvd. S., 707-773-4900, metrolodging.com

This French-inspired property charms with amenities like fresh crêpes and pastries served every morning and clawfoot tubs.

MOTEL 6

1368 N. McDowell Blvd., 707-765-0333, motel6.com

Within walking distance of Lagunitas Brewing Company, Motel 6 offers free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and truck and RV parking.

QUALITY INN PETALUMA-SONOMA 5100 Montero Way, 707-664-1155, winecountryqi.com

This hotel features modern comforts including free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, complimentary breakfast, and seasonal pool.

SHERATON SONOMA WINE COUNTRY PETALUMA

745 Baywood Dr., 707-283-2888, sheratonsonoma.com

This award-winning hotel is the perfect home base for exploring wineries, Graton Casino, and the coast. Enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.

TRIP TIP

Leave the driving to someone else and take the SMART train. Start from downtown Petaluma to ride north to Santa Rosa or south to Larkspur. And if you’re headed to San Francisco, the train runs daily and is timed to coordinate with the ferry to the city.

18 Accommodations COURTESY OF HOTEL PETALUMA/DUSTIN GROFF
Hotel Petaluma

For

Quality Inn Petaluma-Sonoma

Escape to the heart of Sonoma’s wine country. Quality Inn Petaluma is ideally situated near historic downtown off U.S. 101 and is a short drive to vineyards, coastal parks, restaurants, and shops. Make the most of your trip with complimentary breakfast, oversized guestrooms, and pool and spa, plus an attentive staff.

winecountryqi.com

Discover elevated comfort and create lasting memories at Courtyard by Marriott Petaluma. Contemporary rooms offer plush Marriott bedding, ergonomic workspaces, and free Wi-Fi for a successful stay. Savor delicious entrées and craft cocktails at the Bistro. Stay active in the outdoor pool and 24-hour fitness center. Free venue parking complements your meeting or event.

marriott.com/sfocp

Accommodations ISTOCK.COM/PERFECTLAB visitpetaluma.com 19 Courtyard Petaluma
Checking In
stay, check
more places to
out VisitPetaluma.com/hotels

Camping Fun

One of California’s top-rated campgrounds is ideally located only 34 miles north of San Francisco, at the gateway to wine country and just outside the delightful town of Petaluma. The 70-acre grounds feature 312 sites, from high-end RV sites with patios to camping cabins and cozy lodges stocked with comforts like linens and wine glasses. Petaluma KOA offers Wi-Fi, cable TV, a playground, a rec hall, kitchens, a hot tub, and pool (open May–October), along with a host of activities from hayrides to horseshoes. All sites have fire pits—the perfect way to relax under the night sky and gaze at the stars.

petalumakoa.com G @sanfranciscokoacampground e @petalumakoa

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Accommodations

Generations of Experience

With the real estate market shifting, it’s more important than ever to work with experienced REALTORS® who know the ins and outs of your market. Parrish Properties Associates is a father-daughter team local to Petaluma with a combined 40-plus years of experience helping their clients navigate all things real estate. Contact Parrish Properties Associates today to find out how their generations of experience can help you buy or sell your home.

COMPASS

Tony Parrish DRE# 01100168

Kristen Parrish Tamayo DRE# 01986416

parrishproperties.co kristen.parrish@compass.com

21 Real Estate

Discover Downtown

PETALUMA’S CHARMING DOWNTOWN HAS IT ALL—STYLISH BOUTIQUES, DELICIOUS EATS, GRACIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS, AND HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE. BEST OF ALL, IT’S ALL WALKABLE. SO PARK THE CAR TO EXPLORE, SHOP, AND EAT YOUR WAY AROUND TOWN.

W. CANNON III
BROWN

Local Love

DOWNTOWN PETALUMA LOVES ITS LOCAL MAKERS.

BOHO BUNGALOW This bohemian- and botanical-themed boutique stocks locally made gifts and homewares including whimsically patterned pillows and fragrant candles. While you’re here, sign up for one of Boho Bungalow’s weekend candle pouring classes.

FIBER CIRCLE STUDIO This shop sources high-end yarn and other products from local and small producers—plus, you can

FAMILY FINDS

STROLL THROUGH DOWNTOWN TO FIND THE PERFECT SOUVENIR.

• Board games and puzzles at Goblin Bros.

• Books galore at Copperfield’s Books

• Vintage video games and consoles at Nostalgia Alley (don’t miss the retro arcade in the back!)

• Toys, games, and books at Poppy's Petaluma

• Cute clothes and “Chick City” T-shirts at The Hunter & The Bird

• Vinyl and turntables at Paradise Found Records & Music

participate in unique workshops, like weaving, knitting, dyeing, and embroidery.

SONOMA SPICE QUEEN Wind McAlister is the spicy mastermind behind this 4th Street shop. Here you’ll find handblended, organic spice mixes and rubs, plus gourmet salts, hot chocolate, and teas. To learn how to harness the power of spices, attend one of Spice Queen’s monthly cooking classes.

FLM CERAMICS Find intricately patterned tiles, bowls, mugs, and vases at this storefront and check out the workshops in the adjoining pottery studio. Turn to page 65 to learn more about the FLM ceramicist.

Petaluma Antique Faire

Every April and September, downtown Petaluma transforms into a giant antique marketplace. Find all kinds of collectibles from more than 200 dealers. Just make sure there’s enough room in your suitcase to bring home a treasure. petalumadowntown.com/antique-show

Sustainable Shops

Go green at these three female-owned boutiques.

PENNYROYAL

Best for: gorgeous leather goods

This boutique features artisan goods and handcrafted homewares made with sustainable resources and methods. The shop’s eponymous bags are made with vegetable-tanned leather. Vegetable tanning is a process that uses natural tannins in tree bark and other plants rather than harmful chemicals.

ETHICAL CLOTHING

Best for: classic women’s fashions

For the conscientious shopper, this boutique meticulously sources all of its items from

domestically produced and mindfully manufactured clothing lines. The “slow fashion” retailer emphasizes quality items with classic designs, plus jewelry made by local artisans.

ESTUARY

Best for: cozy homewares

This shop offers a thoughtful collection of sustainable clothing, plus home and garden items (don’t miss the small-batch ceramics). In addition to sourcing fair trade and locally made goods, Estuary donates 1% of profits to nearby organizations, reinvesting back into the community.

23 visitpetaluma.com FROM TOP: ISTOCK.COM/FIRINA; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/I LOVE PHOTO; COURTESY OF PENNYROYAL; BROWN W. CANNON III
Pennyroyal Estuary

PAMPER

YOURSELF

For a little TLC, book a massage or facial at Soft Shell day spa or a blowout or new hairstyle at The Style Bar

Elevated Offerings

FROM JEWELRY TO HOME DECOR, HERE’S WHERE TO FIND THAT SOMETHING SPECIAL JUST FOR YOU.

Hidden Gems

Petaluma’s historic downtown is a haven for antique stores, each filled with unique finds and vintage must-haves.

FOR A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING

With 14,000 square feet and three floors, Sienna Antiques is an antiquing wonderland featuring everything from alabaster jars and vintage instruments to leather-topped desks.

FOR OLD-WORLD CHARM

Along Petaluma Boulevard, Chelsea Antiques is home to several independent dealers with items that range from unusual artifacts to ornate furniture.

FOR A DOSE OF AMERICANA

Check out Yankee Girl Antiques for handmade blankets, ’30s and ’40s furniture, silver vanity sets, colored glass, and delicate dishes. Soak up the nostalgia!

Robindira Unsworth’s exquisite handcrafted jewelry features delicate gemstones and intricate designs. Discover luxurious goods, like block-printed napkins and beeswax candles, at the newly opened Ceto Home and a variety of pieces at Wine Country Fine Furniture. If high-end kitchen items make you giddy, then home and pro chefs alike should pop into i Leoni to peruse its collection of Le Creuset, Staub, and Hestan Culinary cookware. Fashionistas can find chic frames at Uber Optics and designer goods at Vicki’s Secret Designer Consignments, which offers an exclusive selection of preloved designer clothing, handbags, and accessories. For those who prefer things that sparkle, Hollingsworth Jewelers Gallery can create custom pieces. And if the lure of carefully curated brands, accessories, and textiles aren’t enough to pull you into Au Thentic, then the ornate grandeur of the former bank’s (complete with a gilded vault) interiors are. You may even hear a live piano performance inside.

FOR A MIX OF OLD AND NEW

The Find-Petaluma is a consignment and home furnishings store that blends vintage with contemporary items. You may find things like well-oiled butcher blocks and rattan chairs. And don’t miss the local art.

FOR POST-WWII MEMORABILIA

If you prefer your antiques to celebrate the advent of post-war prosperity (think hand-painted toys and Ford truck hubcaps), then the Petaluma Collective Antique and Militaria Mall is for you.

FOR FARMHOUSE AND COTTAGE STYLE

Summer Cottage Antiques oozes with rustic charm, bold statement pieces, and just a touch of whimsy. Find everything from shabby chic dressers and ironwork lanterns to elegant chandeliers and earthenware.

grab a bite

Fuel your morning with a seasonal sip at Pink Owl Coffee. For lunch, order gravlax from Stockhome or a warm grain bowl from plantbased Lunchette. See page 44 for more eats.

24 Downtown CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM CENTER: ISTOCK.COM/TATIANA ATAMANIUK; COURTESY OF ROBINDIRA UNSWORTH; BROWN W. CANNON III; ISTOCK.COM: ANGHI, TTATTY, KYLE1963, MACIEJ KOZA, BY-STUDIO, WABENO
Robindira Unsworth Au Thentic

GET THE GOODS IN DOWNTOWN

Clockwise from top left: Discover rustic-chic wares at Summer Cottage Antiques; stock your space with handcrafted items from Ceto Home; find that perfect trinket at Au Thentic; beautify your kitchen with crockery from i Leoni

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: BROWN W. CANNON III; COURTESY OF CETO HOME; BROWN W. CANNON III; COURTESY OF I LEONI visitpetaluma.com

Historic Downtown Map

Find your way to your favorite spot in Petaluma’s walkable downtown.

Explore downtown Petaluma on foot. Visitors with

26 GREG FRANCO/LE CARTOGRAPHISTE Downtown POIs/A ractions EV Station SMART Station Toilets Parking Petaluma Visitors Center Wine tasting rooms Breweries Shopping Lodging Downtown District POINTS OF INTEREST 1 The Phoenix Theater 2 Mystic Theatre 3 Petaluma Yacht Club 4 Boulevard Cinema 5 Petaluma Arts Center 6 Petaluma Historical Library & Museum 7 Military Antiques and Museum 8 The Floathouse 9 Petaluma Walnut Park Farmers’ Market (Sat., May–Nov.) 10 Petaluma Chamber of Commerce American Alley POIs/A ractions EV Station SMART Station Toilets Parking Petaluma Visitors Center Wine tasting rooms Breweries Shopping Lodging Downtown District SHOPPING 1 River Plaza 2 Lan Mart Building 3 Petaluma Village Premium Outlets Downtown District Theatre District POIs/A ractions EV Station SMART Station Toilets Parking Petaluma Visitors Center Wine tasting rooms Breweries Shopping Lodging Downtown District LODGING 1 Hotel Petaluma 2 Metro Hotel 3 Hampton Inn Petaluma POIs/A ractions EV Station SMART Station Toilets Parking Petaluma Visitors Center Wine tasting rooms Breweries Shopping Lodging Downtown District WINE & SPIRITS 1 Barber Lee Spirits 2 Barber Cellars 3 Black Knight Vineyards 4 Avinage 5 Adobe Road Winery 6 Moylan’s Distilling & Stillwater Spirits 7 Sonoma Portworks 8 La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge 9 Kapu Bar 10 Vine & Barrel 11 Brooks Note Winery POIs/A ractions EV Station SMART Station Toilets Parking Petaluma Visitors Center Wine tasting rooms Breweries Shopping Lodging Downtown District BREWERIES & TAPROOMS 1 Brewsters Beer Garden 2 The Block Petaluma 3 TAPS on the River 4 Crooked Goat Brewing 5 Adobe Creek Brewing 6 Hoocha Hard Kombucha SERVICES POIs/A ractions EV Station SMART Station Toilets Parking Petaluma Visitors Center Wine tasting rooms Breweries Shopping Lodging EV charging station POIs/A ractions EV Station SMART Station Toilets Parking Petaluma Visitors Center Wine tasting rooms Breweries Shopping Lodging Downtown District SMART station POIs/A ractions EV Station SMART Station Toilets Parking Petaluma Visitors Center Wine tasting rooms Breweries Shopping Lodging Downtown District Public restroom POIs/A ractions EV Station SMART Station Toilets Parking Petaluma Visitors Center Wine tasting rooms Breweries Shopping Lodging Downtown District Public parking POIs/A ractions EV Station SMART Station Toilets Parking Petaluma Visitors Center Wine tasting rooms Breweries Shopping Lodging Downtown District Petaluma Visitors Center
NO CAR NEEDED
electric
can plug in
any of downtown’s EV charging stations.
vehicles
at

Community Workspace

Create. Collaborate. Innovate.

Keller Street CoWork is more than just a cowork space—it’s a home base for creative minds. Visionary people need more than a chair, a desk, and a laptop. They thrive on inspiration, community, comfort, and excitement.

With offerings like community work areas, meeting rooms, private offices, and dedicated desks, you’ll find a space designed for you to thrive. Members enjoy the benefits of community and connection through master classes, book clubs, yoga and art classes, social events, and more. Make reservations for a tour (walk-ins welcome, too!) and check it out.

kellerstreetcowork.com

G @kellerstreetcowork

e @kellerstreet_cowork

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The Hunter & The Bird

This charming children’s boutique located in the heart of historic downtown features a collection of carefully curated clothing and gifts. Find everything from colorful rain boots to adorable dresses, hoodies, rompers, and more.

thehunterandthebird.com e thehunterandthebird

Soft Shell Beauty Petaluma

For the ultimate in self-care, relax and rejuvenate at Petaluma’s premier day spa with a massage, customized facial, or other service. Let your radiance shine with makeup and brow artistry by skilled estheticians. Soft Shell Beauty also carries luxe skin care, essential oils, and candles in their aromatherapy gift boutique.

softshellpetaluma.com G e @softshellpetaluma

The Style Bar

The Style Bar knows that there’s nothing like great hair to make you look and feel your best. This luxury blow dry and beauty bar is the place to go in Petaluma for premium hair care service. Trust the expert stylists here to make your hair gorgeous, whether you’re looking for a full blowout, a cut and color, or specialized treatment—book your beauty service today.

the-stylebar.com e @thestylebarpetaluma G @stylebarpetaluma

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Downtown

Usher Gallery

Experience the powerful, uplifting nature of art in a welcoming space. Usher Gallery offers a curated collection of unique art and handmade objects from established artists and emerging talents at its retail gallery downtown. From prints, paintings, and pottery to clothing, crafts, books, and jewelry, everything is artist-made.

ushergallerypetaluma.com

G e @ushergallerypetaluma

Flower Casita

Petaluma-based florist

Flower Casita is known for its farm-to-vase, nature-inspired creations that showcase the natural shapes and textures of botanical elements. Most of the freshly cut blooms are locally sourced, allowing Flower Casita to cultivate relationships with local flower farms. As an event florist with an all-inclusive retail space, Flower Casita offers full-service wedding packages and delivery throughout the North Bay, as well as seasonal, private workshops.

flowercasita.com e @flowercasita e @eventsbyflowercasita

Ethical Clothing

Effortlessly stylish and mindfully manufactured clothing, shoes, and accessories. The clothes you reach for every time you open your closet.

ethicalclothing-petaluma.com G @ethicalclothingpetaluma | e @ethicalclothing

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Downtown

Thread

and Soul,

Thread and Soul A Curated Collective

Find vintage and preloved apparel and gifts for men, women, and children, along with on-site salon suites providing beauty and skin care services. Thread and Soul, A Curated Collective blends style with sustainability for a uniquely conscientious shopping experience.

threadandsoulpetaluma.com G @thread & soul a curated collective e @threadandsoulpetaluma

Vicki’s Secret Designer Consignments

Find Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and more current high fashion on consignment at well below retail, along with personalized service at this chic downtown Petaluma boutique. vickissecret.com e @vickissecretconsignments

Ceto Home

Ceto Home is a destination for handcrafted furniture and home decor. On offer is a variety of wooden furniture, rugs, lighting, and many more home accents. Be sure to check out Ceto Home’s own collection of hand block-printed pillows, napkins, and tea towels. The earthy, natural qualities of these curated pieces bring warmth into your home.

cetohome.com | e @cetohome

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Downtown

Uber Optics

Nancy Revis and her team of optical stylists will help you select the perfect frames and lenses so you will always see life clearly with impeccable style. Discover why Uber Optics was voted Invision Magazine’s “America’s Finest Optical Retailer” and “Best Optical Boutique of the North Bay” by local newsweekly Bohemian

uberoptics.com

G e @uberoptics

Wine Country Fine Furniture

Furniture you’ll love for years to come, with something to brighten every room. Visit the Wine Country Fine Furniture showroom and find living room, dining room, and bedroom sets, plus lighting and wall art in a range of styles, with made-to-order options available.

winecountryfinefurniture.com

G @leatherclassics | e @wine_country_fine_furniture

Gallery One

This family-owned jewelry store offers an assortment of fashion jewelry, engagement rings, and wedding bands. Shop for the perfect jewelry in a friendly environment. Jewelry repair and custom design services are available to make your jewelry dream a reality.

hollingsworthjewelers.com

G e @hollingsworthjewelers

Nationally recognized Gallery One showcases an eclectic range of emerging and established contemporary fine artists, as well as the highest quality ceramics, glasswork, and jewelry crafted in North America. On view: works from Clark Mitchell, Laura Culver, and Nancy Lloyd.

petaluma-galleryone.com

G @gallery-one-petaluma

31 visitpetaluma.com Downtown
Hollingsworth Jewelers Gallery

i Leoni

Celebrating 20 years in historic downtown, i Leoni is a premier destination for luxury home goods, offering an exquisite collection of kitchenware, tableware, and decor from renowned brands worldwide. With a commitment to quality and sophistication, i Leoni provides discerning customers with a curated selection of premium products to elevate their living spaces.

ileoni.com | G @ileoni | e @ileonipetaluma

Alphabet Soup Thrift

Check out the clothing store for apparel and accessories for women, men, and kids, and find furniture, decor, and books at the home store. Alphabet Soup Thrift is operated by the Petaluma Educational Foundation, with proceeds going to local public, private, and charter schools.

alphabetsoupstores.com G @alphabetsoupthriftstore | e @alphabetsoupshops

Petaluma Educational Foundation

Celebrating more than 40 years of supporting local education. Petaluma Educational Foundation (PEF) grant and scholarship programs benefit more than 12,000 students annually.

pefinfo.com G @ petalumaeducationalfoundation | e @pefproud

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Downtown

Shop, Dine, and Explore

33 visitpetaluma.com Shopping Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant AT&T Wireless Coldstone Creamery D-1 Training (coming soon) Expedia Cruise ShipCenters Five Below
coming soon
(
)
boulevards,
Shopping
washingtonsquarepetaluma.com Fusion Nails and Spa Game Stop Gold Rush Jewelers Hallmark Creations Harbor Freight London Pride Cleaners Lucchesi’s Deli Marin Health (coming soon) Noah’s NY Bagels Ohana Hawaiian BBQ Panda Express Peet’s Coffee & Tea Pet Food Express Planet Fitness Round Table Pizza Safeway See’s Candies Staples Supercuts Washington Square Veterinary Wells Fargo Bank Westamerica Bank Xfinity WASHINGTON
CENTER STORES
At one of Petaluma’s busiest intersections, East Washington and South McDowell
Washington Square
Center has been Petaluma’s go-to retail center since 1973. You’ll find just about anything you could possibly want here, from several restaurants to a Safeway supermarket, banks, a veterinary office, a travel agency, jewelers, and dry cleaners. Come here for a mobile phone, a new hairstyle, or a mani-pedi. Washington Square truly has something for everyone. You’ll love the convenience.
SQUARE SHOPPING

Playtime in Ready’ set’ explore!

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EMMA K CREATIVE
Biking in Helen Putnam Regional Park

Petalu m a

Are you ready for a whole lot of fun?

From family-friendly outings to scenic trails to play in Petaluma By Calie Young Fromso and river activities’ discover al te ways

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EMMA K CREATIVE 36
Helen Putnam Regional Park has six miles of hiking trails.

CAMP OUT

Natural Woders

Rolling hills, gentle waterways, ideal year-round weather—Petaluma’s natural spaces invite exploration. Walk, hike, or float your way to adventure with these outdoor activities.

JJust southwest of Petaluma, Helen Putnam Regional Park is a compact wilderness area that feels much more expansive, thanks to the six miles of trails that meander through grassy hillsides and oak woodlands. The Ridge Trail offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Spanning 270 acres, Lafferty Ranch is near the top of Sonoma Mountain, which faces San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Take a guided hike (there are options for all abilities) and behold views of Mount Tamalpais, Mount St. Helena, and Mount Hood. Head southeast to Tolay Lake Regional Park, where a combined 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails cross grasslands and woodlands for one-way and out-and-back treks. The Three Bridges

Vista Point has a little bit of everything: views of meadows, mountains, San Pablo Bay, and the San Francisco skyline. You might even see golden eagles, burrowing owls, and grazing cattle along the way.

Shollenberger Park is recognized by the Audubon Society as an important bird watching site and is home to rare animal and plant species. Have your binoculars and camera handy as you walk the park's flat, circular terrain to catch a glimpse of more than 230 species of birds and other wildlife.

Once the most prosperous ranch during the Mexican period, Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park is a step back in time. Tour the adobe and admire lush farmland scenery while walking the grounds and relax in the shaded picnic area.

KOA Campgrounds–San Francisco North/Petaluma has ample space and accommodations. From tent sites and cabins to RV hookups, come ready for some outside time.

Let the Dogs Out

WHEN YOUR PUP HAS ENERGY TO BURN, HEAD TO THE DOG PARK.

Rocky Memorial Dog Park provides a nineacre open space for pups to run around off-leash. Or, let Fido roam free at the Urban Separator Off-Leash Dog Area, which is shaded in summer. The fenced-in Deer Creek Village Dog Park has watering stations for dogs, plus benches for their humans.

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FROM TOP: COURTESY OF KOA CAMPGROUNDS–SAN FRANCISCO NORTH/PETALUMA; ISTOCK.COM/OLGA KAZANTSEVA
KOA Campgrounds–San Francisco North/Petaluma

Game Time

READY, PLAYER ONE

It’s all fun and games in downtown Petaluma!

Goblin Bros. is your friendly neighborhood game store, offering the latest and classic board and card games. Ivy’s Hideout is the go-to for comics and collectibles.

Poppy’s Petaluma entertains wee ones with educational toys and games. And the whole family can work together to decipher clues while making memories in a Code Zone Escape Room experience.

shake it up!

Order a hearty breakfast special or a cheeseburger and chocolate milkshake at Two Niner Diner at Petaluma Airport

Fun for te Whole Family

“I’m

bored,” said no one, ever! Petaluma offers families plenty of adventures to choose from, and ways kids of all ages can learn and play.

FOR THE MUSICIAN

Take your future rock star to Tall Toad Music, where the huge inventory of new and used guitars and string instruments inspires budding musicians. The Phoenix Theater isn’t just a concert venue; it’s also a community center where teens can take music lessons and participate in jam sessions and music production and podcasting workshops for free.

FOR THE ATHLETE

Prepare for epic—and friendly!—paintball, Nerf, and laser-tag battles at Playland 707. If ollies, ramps, and bowls are your thing, Petaluma Skatepark is open from dusk to dawn to skateboarders of all ages and skill levels.

FOR THE SPEED DEMON

Friday nights are fast (and a little loud) at the Petaluma Speedway. Snag seats in the grandstand and watch stock cars rev and race on the fastest 3/8-mile oval dirt track in Northern California. Petaluma Airport’s Display Day is a chance to see innovative aircraft, like gliders and ultralights, up close and in person. All aboard Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART)! Catch the train at the historic downtown depot. Kids 18 and under and seniors ride free. With 12 stations on the 45-mile system, it's a low-fuss adventure for railfans of all ages.

FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER

Miniature horses are the star attraction at Stable Acres, home to American Made Miniatures Farm Sanctuary Kids can feed and pet the animals on a private tour. Petaluma Wildlife & Natural Science Museum might be the only wildlife center in the country run by high schoolers. Take a student-led tour and meet critters like Ginger the crested gecko. Take a relaxing outing to

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Tall Toad Music

SHOPPING TIME

Rusty Hinges Ranch for locally sourced food and gifts at the on-site market, then meet the resident chickens, pigs, and goats.

FOR THE HISTORY BUFF

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum has exhibits on Miwok history and Petaluma’s past, and offers downtown walking tours led by costumed guides. See page 12 for more.

FOR THE BOOKWORM

Copperfield’s Books offers young readers an impressive selection of children’s and YA titles. The bookstore also hosts readings and book signings by beloved writers in both genres. Grand Central Petaluma draws families to the riverfront for story time on Saturday morning, featuring a story and

sing-along, special guests, and coffee for grown-ups. It’s books and tail wags at Petaluma Regional Library’s Read to a Dog program, where kids can read aloud to service or therapy dogs in exchange for reading confidence—and some friendly canine encouragement!

From cute outfits to vintage video games, find even more kid-friendly places to shop on page 23.

TIME TO GEEK OUT

Rancho Obi-Wan houses the largest (Guinness World Records certified!) selection of Star Wars memorabilia and is a must for fans of the franchise. A docent-led tour is the best way to check out the rare collectibles.

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Activities
Film
Fans
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: BROWN W. CANNON III; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/LUCKY EYES; PAIGE GREEN visitpetaluma.com
Goblin Bros. Copperfield’s Books
BROWN W. CANNON III 40
Rent a vessel from The Floathouse before frolicking on the river.

Take Me to te River

Exploring the Petaluma River is a fun way to spend the day. These local outfitters have everything you need to get out on the water.

PETALUMA STAND UP PADDLE & KAYAK

The half-day, round-trip Old Town Petaluma tour is a leisurely way to experience the river. Paddle by kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Petaluma Marina into downtown, dock and refuel with lunch (you can’t go wrong with Brewsters Beer Garden or TAPS on the River), then cruise back with the breeze carrying you along.

THE FLOATHOUSE

With a large fleet of people-powered watercraft for rent— pedal and paddle kayaks, pedalboards, SUPs, canoes, rowboats, and even water bikes—The Floathouse lives up to its cheeky motto of “we put butts in boats.” The outfitter also offers group outings, lessons, and events like Bands on the Basin in the summer. Find The Floathouse docks in the Turning Basin in downtown.

CLAVEY PADDLESPORTS

A guided kayak marsh tour is a low-key way to explore the river’s grassy inlets and perhaps even spot egrets or great blue herons (tours are dependent on tide conditions.) If you’re feeling more adventurous, reserve a bioluminescence kayak tour on Tomales Bay. Paddle through the bay on a near moonless night and experience this natural phenomenon. Clavey Paddlesports also offers intro to kayaking classes and carries rafts, kayaks, and accessories.

Respect the Outdoors

LEAVE NO TRACE AND PROTECT OUR NATURAL SPACES.

Petaluma is home to some incredible natural places that need to be protected for future generations. We kindly ask that visitors follow the Sonoma County Leave No Trace Seven Principles: Stick to marked trails, pick up your trash and your pet’s waste, do your research before you go, be careful with fire, keep wild things wild, leave it as you find it, and share the outdoors.

HARBOR STAYS Dock your boat at the Petaluma Marina before checking in to your room at the Sheraton

Country

41 Activities
RIGHT: SCOTT HESS PHOTOGRAPHY visitpetaluma.com
For more wildlife spotting and water views, head to Shollenberger Park. Sonoma Wine

The Floathouse

Experience the unique beauty of Petaluma at The Floathouse. Take to the Petaluma River in kayaks, SUPs, pedal and rowboats, and more. Enjoy a leisurely paddle, explore the charming waterfront, and bask in the magic of this historic waterway. Create unforgettable moments with family or friends— your adventure awaits at The Floathouse!

thefloathousepetaluma.org G e @thefloathousepetaluma

Rooster Run Golf Club

Gentle hills, sprawling oaks, and an island green—the only one of its kind in the area—offer enjoyable challenges with variety between holes. Stock up at the pro shop, and stop by Rooster Run Café for post-round refreshments. Host your tournament at Rooster Run Golf Club—the club’s indoor/outdoor event space and the staff’s attention to detail ensure that your event is flawless and fun. Call 707-778-1211 for more info.

roosterrun.com | G @roosterrun

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CANNON

Playland 707

There’s nothing like a little friendly competitive action. Playland 707 is Petaluma’s premier destination for outdoor and indoor live action games like Nerf, laser tag, Gelly Ball, and paintball, with experiences for kids and adults and beginner and seasoned players. It’s perfect for a family outing, birthday party, or corporate team-building. Open weekends for walk-ins and weekends and weekdays for private parties.

playland707.com | G e @playland707

Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park

Explore Mariano Vallejo’s Petaluma Adobe, once the largest and most prosperous rancho in Mexican Northern California. This California State Historic Park boasts a shaded picnic area and an accessible path to a National Historic Landmark. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day).

2024 – 2025 Special Events

Living History Day: Late May

Fandango: Late September

Sheep Shearing Day: Early April

sonomaparks.org parks.ca.gov/petalumaadobeshp

G e @sonomapetalumaparks

G @petalumaadobestatehistoricpark e @petalumaadobeshp

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Activities

C u linaryGuide Pe taluma ' s

EMMA K CREATIVE
MOLTO BENE! From the owners of Stellina Pronto bakery comes Stellina Alimentari. This Italian specialty market includes a bottle shop, deli counter, and imported goods. Don’t sleep on the shop’s sandwiches, loaded with Italian meats and cheese on focaccia.

From savory bites to sippable delights, Petaluma knows how to satisfy your tastebuds. In this guide, discover hidden gems, hear from culinary pros, and know where the locals go. But be prepared: You’ll need a few days to eat and drink your way around town. Get ready to dig in!

Caffeine Fix

WHETHER IT’S COFFEE OR TEA, HERE’S WHERE TO FUEL UP.

Grand Central Petaluma

Ecuadorian coffee and specialty menu (think cardamom mochas) with Petaluma River views Petaluma Coffee & Tea Co.

House blends, fair-trade beans, and loose-leaf teas from around the world

Avid Coffee

Espresso drinks, plus keto- and paleo-friendly options and nitro cold brew

Stellina Pronto

Classics like cappuccinos, macchiatos, and other Italian-inspired goodness

Local Haunts

AYAWASKA RESTOBAR

Head here for Peruvian plates overlooking the Petaluma River. Go for the ceviche, then tuck into a plate of lomo saltado.

BELFARE

At this south Petaluma spot, get the fried chicken sandwich topped with dill pickles, sesame mayo, and cajun cabbage.

EASY RIDER

Southern cuisine meets Northern California ingredients. Start with pork belly biscuits and a roasted beet salad, followed by the braised short rib.

EL ROY’S EXPRESS MEX

This Sonoma County favorite turns out tacos, tortas, and burritos from two food trucks and a brick-and-mortar location.

LUNCHETTE

Order the kimchi grain bowl with roasted mushrooms, pickled rainbow carrots, and broccoli-miso salad.

SAKE 107

For out-of-this-world sushi, try the 107 Special roll: shrimp tempura, crab, and garlic-laced eggplant wrapped with thinly-sliced avocado.

STOCKHOME

It’s all about the Swedish meatballs at this counter-service restaurant. Served with mashed potatoes, pickled cucumber, and lingonberry jam, this plate is a must-order.

TORTILLA REAL

You’ve gotta order the tacos at a place where the corn tortillas are made fresh every day. Go for the carnitas and carne asada tacos, and don’t forget the guac and house-made chips.

WILD GOAT BISTRO

Everything on the menu is delicious, but the quinoa-sweet potato cakes with Brussels sprout slaw and lemon tahini are extra special.

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FROM LEFT: ISTOCK.COM/BAIBAZ; BROWN W. CANNON III Follow the locals and enjoy these standout meals.
Ayawaska RestoBar

CHECK IN

Take a trip to Paris at the Metro Hotel, a cool, Parisian-inspired place to stay downtown.

IN THE KITCHEN

A Parisian Affair

Chef-owner Stephanie Rastetter brings a taste of France to Petaluma at Water Street Bistro.

“I really, really love food,” Stephanie Rastetter says. So much so that when she ends her busy days as chef-owner of Water Street Bistro, she heads for her home kitchen and cooks. “Yes,” she admits with a laugh, “I have an obsessive love affair with food.”

For the past 25 years, Rastetter, a dedicated Francophile, has fostered that love affair in a building on Water Street overlooking a picturesque bend of the Petaluma River. Inside, wide windows frame the idyllic view.

Customers begin to line up before the restaurant’s 8:30 a.m. opening. Along with a short menu of made-toorder hot breakfast items, an array of croissants, cookies, tarts, and pastries await.

“All are more buttery than sweet,” she says, “as one would find in France.”

Step up to the counter and choose from a daily changing, handwritten menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, and quiches, all created with deep appreciation for Petaluma’s abundance of fresh local produce and products and Rastetter’s love of French cuisine—a passion she inherited from her French grandmother. Four classic entrees, including boeuf bourguignon and duck confit, are always offered.

While Rastetter acknowledges that many of her customers’ schedules demand that they eat on the run, she happily serves those with the time to linger over a glass or two of wine, savor every bite of their meal, and converse with other diners.

“As is commonplace in France,” notes the chef. –Yvonne Michie Horn

Eat Your Way

FROM EGGY CLASSICS TO REFINED DELIGHTS,

Order a sourdough bagel with lox, schmear, capers, and red onion from The Bagel Mill (wheat for the bagels is milled on-site) or a chocolate babka and everything bagel at Ethel’s Delicatessen Tea Room Cafe serves elevated, yet approachable, fare—think egg croissant sandwiches

and potato pancakes with smoked gouda and harissa. Sax’s Joint whips up 1950s diner flair with its inventive take on French toast. Country skillets, scrambles, and hash are what’s

on order at Hallie’s Diner. And for scratchmade, organic breakfast, there’s locally beloved Eggspresso Cafe. (Pro tip: Order The Petaluma breakfast sando.) The Brunch Station serves breakfast favorites along

with log cabin vibes. Try the ricotta toast with salty-sweet pecans or a selection of housemade pastries at Della Fattoria’s downtown cafe. Go decadent with a helping of cinnamon bun pancakes, complete with maple cream cheese, and a signature bellini at Cafe Bellini

morning toast

If mimosas are more your style, head to Cafe Mimosa to sip on the flavor of the month or partake in bottomless mimosa brunch (weekends only).

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Water Street Bistro Stephanie Rastetter

Through Petaluma

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH OFFERINGS HERE CAN’T BE BEAT.

Crowd Pleasers

From

tacos to

sushi to pizza, you can’t go wrong with these mainstays.

At Ray’s Delicatessen and Tavern, build your own sandwich or opt for one of Ray’s specialty creations (the hot pastrami is a must-try). In the Theatre District, join the line of hungry locals at Sol Food for Puerto Rican favorites like tostones and pollo al horno. Head to Don Pancho’s for tasty salsas, or Mi Pueblo’s two Petaluma locations for Mexican dishes like quesadillas, tacos, and burritos. If nigiri, sashimi, or a roll is what you’re craving, check out Fuji Sushi. And for even more Asian fare, there’s Pho Sonoma, Soban Korean Cuisine, and Thai River. Juicy, locally raised beef burgers are on order at Acme Burger, and come hungry to Brewsters Beer Garden for barbecue, along with 20-plus beers on tap and duck-fat shoestring fries. If you’re in the mood for pizza, try Old Chicago Pizza’s pepperoni-topped classic or Stonework Pizza & Tap’s stone-fired creations. But for a Sonoma County original, there’s Mary’s Pizza Shack. Enjoy a Mary’s Combo—salami, pepperoni, mushroom, and sausage—on the patio.

47 visitpetaluma.com Food & Drink
CLOCKWISE FROM CENTER: CALLIE GODLEY (2); JESSICA FIX PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY OF DELLA FATTORIA; PAIGE GREEN; BROWN W. CANNON III
The Bagel Mill Hallie’s Diner Hallie’s Diner Mary’s Pizza Shack Sol Food Della Fattoria

Tantalizing Treats

PETALUMA’S SWEETS GAME IS, WELL, PRETTY SWEET.

MAKE IT A DOUBLE

SCOOP: For those in need of ice cream, there are two Angela’s Organic Ice Cream locations (opt for a classic sundae or a mini “crack” pie) and Sweet Scoops Homemade Ice Cream—go for a helping of Alota Choca-lata.

LET THEM EAT (CHEESE)CAKE: From chocolate fantasy to the New York original to candy-loaded creations, a slice from J.M. Rosen’s Cheesecake is a decadent treat.

cream cheese-filled empanadas, or select from dozens of unique chocolate confections.

SLUSH IT UP: Once Upon a Slush doles out fabulously frozen drinks—slushies, floats, shakes, frappes—and treats like affogato and layered slush and softserve combos.

YOU GUAVA BE KIDDING: Travel to South America with just one bite of Grand Central Petaluma

SLICE, SLICE BABY: Petaluma Pie Company serves classic flavors like lemon meringue, coconut cream, and pecan—or go wild with a slice of apple pecan crumble with salted

cheesy goodness

If your kind of treat is of the cheesy variety, then you’re in luck. Sonoma County is home to excellent cheesemakers. Turn to page 68 to learn about Petaluma purveyors and taste your way along the California Cheese Trail.

IN THE KITCHEN

Paradiso Found

Husband-wife team Dennis Hernandez and Malena Hipolito established their wine-country dream.

At a time when casual work attire for chefs has become the norm, chef Dennis Hernandez opts for the traditional white jacket and toque.

“Respect for the cuisine,” he calls it.

That respect is why table linens are crisp, silverware shines, and glassware gleams in the restaurant he and his wife, Malena Hipolito, own in the heart of downtown Petaluma. It’s also why everything that emerges from Cucina Paradiso’s kitchen is created from the finest ingredients and made from scratch.

Ravioli di anatra is a triumph of large, handrolled pasta sheets filled with roast duck and sauced with sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and basil. For pollo rotolato arrosto, chef Hernandez takes free-range chicken breast, stuffs it with arugula and pancetta, and roasts it to flavorful brownness—simple, respectful of the ingredients, and perfectly executed.

Those serving the food are equally committed to perfection, moving calmly yet swiftly among tables and knowledgeable about the food and wine. Many are Italian-speaking, and some have been with Cucina Paradiso since its early days. The chef speaks of them as family.

In 1998, with young children in tow, the Hernandez-Hipolito family left San Francisco with a dream of establishing an Italian kitchen in wine country.

“We settled upon Petaluma as an ideal place to raise our family and start our restaurant,” Hipolito says.

With Hernandez in the kitchen and Hipolito in front of house, Cucina Paradiso flourished for years in a downtown shopping mall.

“We worked hard and the community was supportive,” Hipolito says. In 2014, when a building became available in Petaluma’s historic center, they transformed it into what it is today—their ultimate dream of a wine-country Italian kitchen. –Y.M.H.

48 Food & Drink THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: ISTOCK.COM/GRESEI; ISTOCK.COM/MAGONE; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/PHOTOMAVENSTOCK; CALI GODLEY; STEVE RUSTAD; OPPOSITE PAGE: BROWN W. CANNON III (4)
Cucina Paradiso Malena Hipolito and Dennis Hernandez Dennis Hernandez

IRRESISTIBLE EATS

Clockwise from top left: Try dishes like seasonal petrale sole roulade at Easy Rider; order a sushi roll or go for a dinner combo at Fuji Sushi; devour a juicy burger at Pub Republic; and gather around for hearty Puerto Rican plates at Sol Food

visitpetaluma.com

Date Night

Petaluma has the perfect table for two.

At Speakeasy, order small plates to share, sip a flute of bubbles, and enjoy live music. Celebrate a special occasion at Seared, a riverfront steak and seafood restaurant, or over French cuisine at Brigitte Bistro Sugo Trattoria serves Italian-inspired dishes with a California twist, while Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant turns out favorites like seafood linguine. Indulge in sultry Mediterranean flavors at Pearl or share a filet and a bottle of wine at one of only 12 tables at Street Social. At Michelin Bib Gourmand-heralded Risibisi, authentic Italian dishes are served in a convivial atmosphere. Petaluma’s bounty is the star of the show at Central Market, which features local ingredients in its hearty mains. Go all out and reserve a table at splurge-worthy Table Culture Provisions for seasonal, haute cuisine in an intimate setting.

(Beer) Garden Party

Brewsters Beer Garden is a welcoming spot with a diverse tap list. The family- and dog-friendly outdoor restaurant offers its own brews—typically a lager and an IPA—but the highlight is the California-focused draft list, all poured from taps outfitted with kitchen utensils. If one of Brewsters’ beers isn’t on tap, go for another Sonoma County brew.

TASTE OF P-TOWN

Every February, Petaluma restaurants participate in Sonoma County Restaurant Week a food extravaganza featuring special prix-fixe menus. See page 79 for more.

Pub Eats

FOR A LIVELY AND FAMILYFRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE, HEAD TO PUB REPUBLIC.

The dishes that emerge from chef Carlos Camacho’s kitchen put a creative spin on pub grub. High-quality local ingredients, organic when possible, are used throughout the menu of salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers, large plates, and desserts. The Brussels sprout tacos remain a beloved favorite and it’s easy to see why: crispy sprouts sauteed with garlic and white wine, topped with toasted almonds, cheese, and avocado, and finished with a squeeze of lime. –Y.M.H.

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Table Culture Provisions Grab a burger. Order a beer flight. Sugo Trattoria Brewsters Beer Garden Try the spicy buffalo chicken legs.

LAGUNITAS BREWING COMPANY

• The vibe: Perfectly shaded outdoor setting with live music and plenty of pups

• The details: This OG in the Petaluma brewing scene continues to draw crowds to its outdoor space. Swing by for one-off beers at the Disorderly House of Brewing.

• What to drink: Go for one of the tasting room-only Belgian strong ales aged in wine barrels. (Non-drinkers love the booze-free hoppy waters.)

HENHOUSE BREWING CO.

• The vibe: Barrel-aged beers in a cozy taproom packed with locals

• The details: With its 30-barrel Palace of Barrels, this beer outpost is where you can find pours of barrel- and bottle-aged beer. Don’t be surprised if you stumble across beers pushing 10% ABV or more, so fortify yourself with eats from the rotating food trucks.

• What to drink: Savoring a “zero day” Big Chicken double IPA (usually released in January or February) is a real treat. Just prepare yourself for lines.

CROOKED GOAT BREWING

• The vibe: Laid-back, comfy setting with community events

• The details: This brewery kept the same things people loved about its original Sebastopol location—dog-friendly, delivery from local restaurants, and fun activities like Girl Scout Cookies and beer pairings.

• What to drink: Try something different like the fresh and tart Bramble blackberry ale.

ADOBE CREEK BREWING

• The vibe: Small-batch beers with clever names and an approachable and friendly staff

• The details: Located in Petaluma’s Theatre District, this taproom’s frequently refreshed tap list means you’re in for a new experience every time. The patient beertenders are more than willing to walk you through a flight of four beers or offer advice on a pint that fits your preferences.

• What to drink: It’s Been a Slice hazy IPA is always a good idea.

THE BLOCK

• The vibe: Lively “food park” with events and dozens of taps

TO P E T A L U MA

From big-name breweries to smaller producers, these are the can’t-miss places to sip local suds.

• The details: A culinary destination for food trucks, The Block boasts an impressive tap list of up to 30 beers. Don’t miss the $2 off “hoppy hour” weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m., or swing by later for bingo, trivia, open mic nights, and live music.

• What to drink: Sip a locally brewed Two Rock Brewing Company Redwood Empire aged stout.

TAPS ON THE RIVER

• The vibe: River views and Sonoma County-made brews

• The details: With a veritable who’s who of Northern California brewers to choose from on its 40 suds-long tasting list, you have the enviable challenge of deciding which beer to drink first. Sit at the wood-topped bar or take your pint to the patio for a look at the river.

• What to drink: TAPS usually has a few choices from the famed Russian River Brewing Company.

51 Food & Drink ISTOCK.COM/VLADIMIR_KARPENYUK visitpetaluma.com

From Breeze to Bottle

TRY THE TERROIR Petaluma is right in the heart of Northern California’s wine country. If you’re eager to try all that this region has to offer, explore nearby Sonoma County wineries. See page 16 for more.

Defined by wind patterns, the Petaluma Gap AVA is unlike any other wine-growing region in the country. By Martha-Page Althaus

OOenophiles know that soil and terroir affect how a wine tastes. But wind and fog? They matter, too!

The 200,000-acre Petaluma Gap AVA, which runs between Marin and Sonoma counties, is defined by its wind and fog conditions. Here, a combination of morning and afternoon fog, midday sun, average daily temperature swings of 40 to 50 degrees, and a 15-mile wind gap lends itself to favorable growing conditions for pinot noir, chardonnay,

and syrah. Cool breezes and fog blow in from the Pacific Ocean, which causes lower yields, smaller clusters, thicker grape skins, and longer hang time. That increased hang time allows flavors and fruit characteristics to fully develop. The result is powerfully flavored varieties: Petaluma Gap pinot noir evokes rich red and blue fruit; chardonnay is crisp and bright; and syrah offers notes of white pepper. Eager to taste for yourself? Here’s where to sip local Petaluma wines.

TASTE DOWNTOWN

ADOBE ROAD

WINERY

Adobe Road offers tastings in a familyfriendly tasting room (pooches are welcome, too!). Stop by on Thursday nights for live music. Coming soon: A state-of-the-art visitor center and tasting experience in downtown.

AVINAGE

Pop by Avinage every Thursday afternoon, 4 to 7 p.m., to see what’s

being poured at the weekly tasting. The owners know their stuff, so ask questions and try something new.

BARBER CELLARS

This tasting room shares space with a cheese shop, so you can sip local wines paired with local cheese and charcuterie. Win-win!

BLACK KNIGHT CELLARS

Come for pours of estate wines and sparkling varietals, stay for the live music and happy hour specials.

BROOKS NOTE

WINERY

Savor Petaluma Gap pinot noir in a bright, airy space. Don’t miss live music on Friday nights and monthly Sip & Paint nights.

LA DOLCE VITA WINE LOUNGE

Order a cheese board, nibble marinated olives, and order a flight of wine—the perfect evening does exist!

SONOMA PORTWORKS

Ports and after-dinner wines are the specialty

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GARY OTTONELLO; COURTESY OF PETALUMA GAP
AVA Pair your Petaluma Gap AVA wine with a vineyard view. Adobe Road Winery Brooks Note Winery owners Joanne and Garry Brooks

here, but you don’t have to wait until nightfall for a sip. Make a reservation for a tasting from noon to 5 p.m. (Tip: At only $20 per person, it’s one of the most affordable tastings around.)

VINE & BARREL

It’s easy to while away an afternoon at this bottle shop and wine bar. Order tapas and a few glasses of wine before a short walk to dinner nearby.

TASTE AT A WINERY

AZARI VINEYARDS

At this boutique winery, sip estategrown, award-winning Petaluma Gap pinot noir and syrah in an intimate setting. Book an appointment in advance.

KELLER ESTATE

Book the Plaza Tasting for an introduction to Petaluma Gap AVA wines, and enjoy the pastoral vineyard view.

PARUM LEO

Enjoy a tasting at this winery housed in a

renovated hay barn from the 1900s. It’s a comfortable, relaxed, and friendly setting.

REIS RIVER RANCH VINEYARDS

This 630-acre, working horse and cattle ranch offers a tasting tour (Thursday and Friday only) that explores the property’s wetlands, ancient oak trees, and pastures.

RON NOBLE WINES

Come here for a truly immersive experience: Begin with a glass of estate pinot noir, take a walk through the vineyard, enjoy a guided tasting, then sit back with light bites and discuss your favorite pour.

SANGIACOMO FAMILY WINES

This Sonoma-based winery sources from five vineyards in the region, including two Petaluma Gap AVA vineyards. The Signature Terrace Tasting & Vineyard Experience includes tastings of five wines and a vineyard stroll that highlights Sangiacomo’s history and sustainability initiatives.

get tiki with it

Step into Kapu Bar for strong vacay vibes and inventive cocktails. Its cavern-like entrance instantly transports you to island time with tropical decor and Hawaiian-inspired bites.

In Good Spirits

COCKTAILS, ANYONE?

For craft cocktails made with Northern California spirits, grab a barstool at Mario & John’s, open since 1946. McNear’s Saloon and Dining House has daily drink specials, plus burgers and sandwiches to soak it all up. Head to Torches for no-frills happy

hour specials Tuesday to Saturday, or sit back with a drink in the Barber Lee Spirits tasting room. To shake things up, head to the Barrel Room at Griffo Distillery & Tasting Bar, which features elevated, seasonal classics made with house-distilled spirits.

53 visitpetaluma.com Food & Drink FROM RIGHT: ISTOCK.COM/Z10E; BROWN W. CANNON III
Griffo Distillery

Taste the Gap

Defined by the wind that cascades over the vineyards, the Petaluma Gap is a unique cool-climate growing region, producing hundreds of award-winning complex and balanced wines, including pinot noir, chardonnay, and syrah. Taste them at local tasting rooms, or ask for Petaluma Gap wines at your favorite wine shops and restaurants.

petalumagap.com/taste-the-gap   |  G e @petalumagap

Avinage

Avinage was established by husband-and-wife team Damien and Shree Carney, who sought to open a neighborhood store and local hub for all things wine. The bright, friendly shop carries a curated portfolio of California and European wines, with a focus on producers using low-intervention, sustainable practices. Weekly tastings (Thursday 4-7 p.m.) showcase a local or regional winemaker.

avinagewines.com | e @avinagewines

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Food & Drink

Brooks Note Winery

Brooks Note Winery was established in 2012 by Garry and Joanne Brooks, who make balanced, elegant wines from Sonoma, Marin, and Mendocino counties. The tasting room, set in a renovated 100-year-old building in downtown, offers upscale tastings of wines from the Petaluma Gap and beyond. Open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations recommended. brooksnotewinery.com G e @brooksnotewinery

Sangiacomo Family Wines

You’re invited to savor Sangiacomo Family Wines. Enjoy a relaxed, personalized wine tasting on the terrace while soaking in breathtaking vineyard views of the historic Home Ranch in the heart of Sonoma Valley. Taste estate wines and discover how a century of farming transcends from grape to glass for the perfect sip.

sangiacomowines.com | G e ú @sangiacomowines

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Food & Drink

A Taste of Peru

Serving authentic Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist, Ayawaska RestoBar brings a world-class dining experience to Petaluma. The Dagnino family of restaurateurs indulges your senses in the rich and vibrant tastes of Peru with exotic shared plates, supremely fresh ceviches, luscious entrées, and a cocktail list fit for paradise. Buen provecho (bon appétit)!

ayawaskasf.com

G e @ayawaskasf

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Cucina Paradiso

Family-owned Cucina Paradiso is an elegantly traditional slice of Italy, with gracious hospitality and an excellent wine list from Italy and Sonoma County. Chef-owner Dennis Hernandez creates everything from scratch, including fresh pastas, desserts, and bread, using only the finest ingredients.

cucinaparadisopetaluma.com

Mexican dishes made with heart. The Flores brothers’ secret is using the handmade, family traditions of their native Guadalajara to prepare slow-cooked carne asada, carnitas, birria, lengua, chicken tinga, and beer-battered pescado. Vegetarian dishes feature the same attention to detail and quality ingredients as meat dishes on the menu.

57 visitpetaluma.com Tortilla Real Restaurant Traditional
tortillareal.com G
e @tortillareal
Food & Drink

Central Market

Savor farm-to-table fare grown right here in Sonoma County at Central Market. Chef and owner Tony Najiola sources ingredients for the Mediterranean-inspired menu from his own organic Muleheart Farm. A curated selection of wines, beer, and cocktails complements the excellent food and relaxing atmosphere.

centralmarketpetaluma.com

G @cmpetaluma | e @central_marketpetaluma

Sake 107

Owner and chef Eiji Ando specializes in making expertly prepared sushi, sashimi, izakaya, and other Japanese specialties. Sake 107’s selection of premium sake (rice wine) is equally impressive and pairs well with the creative menu.

sake107.com G @sake107 | e @sake107petaluma

Wild Goat Bistro

Set inside the historic Great Petaluma Mill, Wild Goat Bistro offers a menu of honest food made with fresh, local ingredients. The welcoming space evokes a European bistro; here guests can dine on seasonal dishes and shareable plates, gluten-free specialties, vegan options, handmade desserts, and a curated wine list with regional and global vintners.

wildgoatbistro.com G e @wildgoatbistro

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Food & Drink

Della Fattoria

For more than 20 years, Della Fattoria and the Weber family have been providing the greater Bay Area with organic artisanal breads. Della Fattoria now offers a breakfast and lunch menu built on locally sourced seasonal products, a pastry team, bustling coffee bar, and colorful floral shop, all housed in a community-focused dining room. Open Friday–Sunday 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; open Thursdays for grab-and-go items only. Della Fattoria breads are also available daily at Petaluma Market, Whole Foods Petaluma, and at many local restaurants. dellafattoria.com | G e @dellafattoria

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Old Chicago Pizza

Old Chicago Pizza has been serving up delicious deep-dish pizza for more than 40 years. Enjoy the views from the eatery in historic downtown. The second location on North McDowell offers delivery and pickup, with sit-down availability.

oldchgo.com G @oldchgo | e @oldchicagopizza

Grand Central Petaluma

Coffee, chocolate, and community. Owned by a former New York mixologist, this local coffee, chocolate, and empanada shop has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Savor seasonal featured coffee drinks with unique ingredients and flavors, and enjoy the many multicultural events on the riverfront, including family story time on Saturdays and Art Play Sundays.

grandcentralpetaluma.com | G e @grandcentralpetaluma

Eat well and discover treasures at this family-owned eatery and retail shop. Stockhome’s restaurant—awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2019 and 2021—serves contemporary Swedish and Mediterranean dishes with flavor. In the store, browse the selection of household wares, wellness essentials, gifts, and other unique finds made by local artisans and designers.

stockhomerestaurant.com G e @stockhomepetaluma

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Stockhome
LORENA PHOTOGRAPHY

Avid Coffee

For Avid, coffee and community is their passion—and they’re immersed in the whole process. From sourcing partners, to roasting, to reinvesting in the community, Avid sees coffee as transformative and an opportunity to make the most of a daily ritual. Experience their passion for coffee at their shop downtown.

avidcoffee.com e @avidcoffeeroasters

Petaluma Coffee & Tea Co.

Stop at this independently owned roastery and cafe, where all the locals meet for a cup. Check out the full cafe and choose from more than 40 coffee varieties and 100 teas available for purchase by the pound. Open Monday through Saturday, roasting daily.

petalumacoffee.com G Ê e @petalumacoffee

El Roy’s Express Mex

Why wait for Taco Tuesday? With a shop in downtown and food trucks located in Petaluma and Santa Rosa, family-owned El Roy’s Express Mex makes it easy to order up delicious crispy tacos dorados, torta Cubanas, street tacos, and more tasty food, any time! Voted best food truck by “Petaluma’s People’s Choice” for seven years running.

elroysexpressmex.com | e @elroysexpressmex

61 visitpetaluma.com Food & Drink

Angela’s Ice Cream

Sweeten your day with a treat from Angela’s Ice Cream, serving up farm-to-cone, small-batch ice cream churned in Sonoma County. Stop by the shop in downtown or in east Petaluma and choose from hefty scoops in classic and creative flavors, decadent sundaes, and pints to go, plus cookies, brownies, and other homemade baked goodies.

angelasicecream.com e @angelas_icecream

This spacious outdoor restaurant in downtown Petaluma serves locally sourced cuisine and a full bar offering seasonal cocktails, craft beers, and natural wines. Brewsters Beer Garden is the perfect spot for a special event, with amenities including a large fire pit, private events bar, heaters, shade umbrellas, live music in season, and much more to keep the party going.

brewstersbeergarden.com G e @brewstersbeergarden

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Brewsters Beer Garden
KJOY PHOTO

DISCOVER PETALUMA’S CREATIVITY

Make Create

FROM HANDMADE WARES TO TRADITIONAL ARTS TO DELICIOUS CREATIONS, PETALUMA HAS A MAKER CULTURE FOUND NOWHERE ELSE. MEET THREE ARTISANS WHO CALL THE CITY HOME—PLUS, WHERE TO BUY THAT QUINTESSENTIAL MADE-IN-PETALUMA FIND.

visitpetaluma.com
KNIT AND PURL Check out Fiber Circle Studio in downtown and Playful Day Yarns in Barn5400 for sumptuous hand-dyed yarn.
STOCKSY/MAGDALENA M

Handmade Goods

DISCOVER PETALUMA’S BEST BUYS.

FOR A SPLURGE

From delicate layering chains to bold statement pieces, Robindira Unsworth’s handcrafted jewelry is made with gems like quartz, moonstone, aquamarine, and labradorite. Need a new bag? Head to Pennyroyal for leather carryalls, from crossbody slings to structured shoulder bags.

FOR THE HOME

Trees are transformed into art with Resonate Woodworks’ butcher-block cutting boards and acacia and resin serving trays. And at Ziz Land, Alissa Kaplan’s hand-tied, Shaker-style brooms are also works of art. (Yes, brooms!) –Martha-Page Althaus

ARTISTIC BLOOMS

If you want to know how to create beautiful bouquets, book a floral design, flower arrangement, or wreath-making workshop with Flower Casita

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: DEBBIE WILSON; BROWN W. CANNON III; COURTESY OF ZIZ LAND; LAURA SCHNEIDER; COURTESY OF ROBINDIRA UNSWORTH; COURTESY OF MCEVOY RANCH
Pennyroyal Ziz Land Robindira Unsworth McEvoy Ranch Barn5400 Pennyroyal

THERE’S MORE! SHOP THESE PETALUMA PRODUCTS.

Find dainty jewelery from Siri Hansdotter (sirihansdotter.com), hand-poured candles from Barely Lit (barelylitco.com), and sustainably-grown cannabis (and delivery) from Farmhouse Artisan Market (farmhouse.delivery).

Artisan Hub

FIND A KEEPSAKE AND SUPPORT LOCAL MAKERS.

Barn5400 is home to several Petaluma artists and makers including Nicki Adani (sculpture; fine-art paintings), North Bay Creations (woodworking pieces), and Blake Aaseby (oil paintings; pastel and acrylic drawings). Visit Barn5400 to see artisans at work and try something new: Take a ceramics class at Kickwheel or get your organic garden started with information and environment-friendly supplies from Harmony Farm Supply & Nursery

Check out the calendar of events for more info on Wknd Fest, artisan popup markets, and more.

Molding Passio

Forrest Lesch-Middelton’s ceramics studio creates hands-on opportunities for all skill levels. By Jordan Fraser

AA self-proclaimed unmotivated product of Seattle’s counterculture, Forrest Lesch-Middelton owes his career to his high school ceramics teacher. After being told he could make a living following his passion for clay, the ceramist never looked back.

He put down roots in Petaluma in 2009, drawn to the area’s unique mix of urbanism and agriculture. And after he opened FLM Ceramics, local stalwarts like Della Fattoria and Table Culture Provisions quickly became clients.

“I stumbled on opportunities because of my love of ceramics,” Lesch-Middelton says. “I wanted to create a space that could actively create opportunities for other artists.” It’s this attitude that connects him to the creative community in Petaluma, where he and his wife, Beth Schaible—whom he praises at every opportunity for her unsung work behind the scenes—recently opened Petaluma Pottery, an educational counterpart to FLM Ceramics.

Studio members have access to the essential materials for practicing at their own pace, and can show off their creations at biannual studio sales.

“Some students recoup their annual membership in sales and still turn a profit,” Lesch-Middelton beams—a victory not only for the studio artists but also for the ceramist, who’s offering space for others to make a living doing what they love.

Organic Skin Care

Treat your skin to products from Benedetta’s 100% botanical line (try the facial regimen starter set). At McEvoy Ranch, shop for lavender- or citrus-scented ODE Olive Oil Beauty products made from early-harvest olive oil. If you can’t make it to the ranch, visit the downtown warehouse outlet. –M.P.A.

smallbatch beauty

In nearby Penngrove, shop for Three Sisters Apothecary’s smallbatch bar soaps, body butters, and bath salts at Soap Cauldron. Inventive scents range from Meyer lemon and agave to mission fig and honey.

65 CREDIT visitpetaluma.com Made in Petaluma
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/PIXEL EMBARGO; VOLATILE PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY OF MCEVOY RANCH; COURTESY OF THREE SISTERS APOTHECARY; COURTESY OF FLM CERAMICS
Beth Schaible and Forrest Lesch-Middelton

ARTS ALIVE

Every third Thursday of the month, this city-wide art experience includes interactive events. petalumadowntown.com

Art wit Heart

Life On Earth Art founder Tracy Ferron builds community, connection, and healing through art. By

OOne part engine of healing for underserved populations and one part creative community hub, Life On Earth Art empowers individuals to develop artistic relationships with themselves and others.

Having always been interested in creative endeavors, founder Tracy Ferron went back to school in her 40s to study Jungian psychology and art.

“I emerged an artist,” she says of the beginning of her second act, “and I truly believe that making art is inherently healing.”

In today’s world, it’s easy to feel disempowered and alone, but Ferron believes we are meant to face challenging circumstances together through care and the creative arts. She created her nonprofit, Life On Earth Art, as a way for people to connect with themselves, others, and a greater social purpose.

“I’ve lived all over the world but never felt the sense of home and community like I do in Petaluma.”
–Tracy Ferron, founder of Life On Earth Art

Social change is core to Ferron’s vision. Her most recent large-scale piece, Unbound, was a collaborative effort of 1,500 psychiatric patients, hospital staff, and community volunteers designed to foster hope and destigmatize mental illness.

Ferron joined Petaluma’s arts community through humanitarian projects where she bonded with socially minded artists.

“I’ve lived all over the word but never felt the sense of home and community like I do in Petaluma,” she says. “It’s a vibrant, heartfelt community that takes pride in its gatherings and rituals, and people just care about each other.”

In a 12,000-square-foot warehouse in the heart of Petaluma, Life On Earth Art hosts classes, workshops, gallery displays, performances, poetry readings, and artist studios. The venue’s calendar is as full as it is diverse, and all creative mediums are welcome.

Culture & Community

DISCOVER PETALUMA’S VIBRANT ARTS SCENE.

Community-based art hubs across town are bringing artisans of various mediums under one roof. Slough City Studios has a gallery, shop, studios, and fun programming like Intro to Paper Cutting. Magic Shop Studios has 11 lightfilled studios where you can watch artists during open studio hours. And The Art Hatchery is a collection of studios in an old chicken hatchery.

Plan a downtown gallery stroll. For fine arts, head to Gallery One (Petaluma’s oldest gallery) and Oli Gallery

Handmade gifts and rotating exhibits by local artists are on display at Usher Gallery, while

Alchemia supports artists with disabilities. Across the Petaluma River in a historic railroad depot, Petaluma Arts Center hosts rotating exhibitions, concerts, and workshops.

On the performing arts front, the intimate Cinnabar Theater has produced classic plays and new works for more than 50 years. The 100-seat Polly Klaas CommunityTheater is a former church turned community hub for readings, lectures, and theater. Looking for live music? Check out who’s playing at The Phoenix Theater or Mystic Theatre, the North Bay’s premier live music venues. –M.P.A.

mural town

You can’t miss Petaluma’s vibrant murals. Check out the public displays of art at Petaluma Swim Center, Petaluma Coffee & Tea Co., Keller Street Parking Garage, Copeland Street, and The Phoenix Theater

66 THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: KELSEY FLOYD; BROWN W. CANNON III; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/GINO SANTA MARIA; OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: BROWN W. CANNON III (2); EMMA K CREATIVE; KELSEY FLOYD Made in Petaluma
Murals on the outside of The Phoenix Theater Life On Earth Art
67
ART ALL AROUND Clockwise from top left: Making Progress mural by MJ Lindo-Lawyer and Joshua Lawyer at the Petaluma Swim Center; local art at Gallery One; pin cushions from bi rite by Nat Saia at Magic Shop Studios; Tracy Ferron and the Unbound installation at Napa State Hospital

Local Flavors

PETALUMA’S FOOD AND DRINK ARTISANS BRING THE FLAVOR.

CHEESE, PLEASE

Petaluma Creamery has been churning out European-style butter and cheese since 1913. Visit the old-school creamery for a scoop of ice cream. Achadinha Cheese Company offers farm tours and cheesemaking classes (appointments required). And at Marin French Cheese Co., sample brie and camembert, grab a baguette and a bottle of wine, and have a picnic by the lake.

RANCHES AND FARMS AND JAMS

Just 15 minutes from downtown, McEvoy Ranch is a 550-acre oasis. Book a wine or olive oil tasting. A few miles north, follow the sound of bees to Lavender Bee Farm where more than 5,000 lavender plants dot the grounds. (Pick up a jar of blossom honey while you’re here!) Back downtown, LALA’s Jam Bar and Urban Farmstand offers tastings of its homemade jams and jellies.

THAT’S THE SPIRIT

Book a tasting at these Petaluma distilling and drinking establishments: Ports and after-dinner wines at Sonoma Portworks; small-batch spirits (gin, whiskey) at Griffo Distillery; single-malt ryes, moonshine, and absinthe blanche at Barber Lee Spirits; and grappa, brandy, vodka, and gin at Moylan’s Distilling & Stillwater Spirits –M.P.A.

68 Made in Petaluma
Marin French Cheese Co. Marin French Cheese Co. Griffo Distillery Jupiter Foods

Distiling Traditio

Jill Olson’s family business channels creativity into farm-to-glass spirits and cocktails.

RRecreating old family recipes, meticulously crafting new ones, and the art of fermentation are in Jill Olson’s blood. As cofounder of Sonoma Coast Spirits, Olson comes by it naturally— her grandfather owned a distillery and her sister owns a winery. So it was only fitting that Olson’s passion turned into a family business.

“[Before forming the company,] I had been pouring cocktails at various events, and received high praise

“I love to see the smile on people’s faces when I serve them something delicious.”
–Jill

Olson, cofounder of Sonoma Coast Spirits

and encouragement to bottle my concoctions for all to enjoy,” Olson recounts. Thanks to this feedback and Olson’s knack for distilling, she and her husband founded their spirits brand in 2011.

All of the small-batch, handcrafted spirits, pre-mixed bottled cocktails, and olive oils at Sonoma Coast Spirits are as fresh from the source as you can get, made with herbs and citrus from Olson’s garden. And as for her favorite part of the business, Olson loves creating new products for people to try.

“I love to see the smile on people’s faces when I serve them something delicious,” she says.

Try Olson’s farm-to-glass creations for yourself at Sonoma Coast Spirits’ appointment-only tasting room on North McDowell Boulevard.

FOR THE GRILL

Get house-cured cuts, homemade sauces, and legendary grass-fed beef jerky from Angelo’s Meats. And F.A. Nino’s hot sauces and dry rubs can be bought online or at local grocery stores.

Hyperlocal

FARM TO TABLE HAS A WHOLE NEW MEANING IN PETALUMA.

In downtown, Jupiter Foods is a specialty grocery store that stocks organic, regionally grown produce and pantry staples. Further afield, Rusty Hinges Ranch sells “Real Meal Bundles” of responsibly grown, local ingredients and family-friendly recipes. Tara Firma Farms is a regenerative farm specializing in grass-fed meats. For the ultimate sampling of Petaluma’s bounty, check out the farmers markets: East Side Farmers’ Market at Lucchesi Park (Tuesdays, year-round); Walnut Park Farmers’ Market (Saturdays, May–November); and the Evening Farmers’ Market at Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds (Thursdays, June–September).

69 visitpetaluma.com Made in Petaluma OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ISTACK.COM/BHOFACK2; COURTESY OF MARIN FRENCH CHEESE CO.; BROWN W. CANNON III; MICHAEL WOOLSEY; COURTESY OF MARIN FRENCH CHEESE CO.; THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: MICHAEL WOOLSEY (2); ISTOCK.COM/REZKRR
Jill Olson (center) is the cofounder of the family-run Sonoma Coast Spirits. Make a drink with Sonoma Coast Spirits original vodka.

FLM Ceramics

Potter and tile artisan Forrest Lesch-Middelton creates functional pottery and architectural tiles with his signature design and technique. The FLM Ceramics Showroom, set under the same roof as Petaluma Pottery in downtown, features his handmade dinnerware and tiles, along with letterpress stationery, leather journals, and other fine crafts.

flmceramics.com | e @ flmceramics | e @petalumapottery

Marin French Cheese Co.

French tradition meets California vision at the country’s oldest cheese company, operating since 1865. Visit the historic creamery and retail shop for delicious soft-ripened cheese and everything else you need to enjoy a picnic on the scenic grounds. Open daily.

marinfrenchcheese.com

G @marinfrenchcheesecompany | e @marinfrenchcheese

Barely Lit

Women-owned and family-operated Barely Lit curates all-natural and sustainable, good-smelling products that fill your space with subtle, peaceful scents. Find small-batch soy wax seasonal candles in and around the Bay Area, as well as where it all started, here in Petaluma.

barelylitco.com  G @barelylitco | e @barely_lit_co

LALA’s Jam Bar and Urban Farmstand

Discover small-batch artisan jams (made with low sugar and no artificial ingredients), unique gifts, and other locally sourced foods at Sonoma’s only jam store. Take LALA’s Jam Making 101 class (held every Sunday) and learn to make your own jam!

lalasjams.com

G @petalumajams | e @lesliegoodrich

70 Made in Petaluma

Art for the Collective

Life On Earth Art is on a mission to harness the transformative power of art and collective creativity for personal and community well-being.

Life On Earth Art supports the community with studio services at its headquarters, and through community artmaking programming. Offerings include art classes, teen learning labs, studio art parties, event space rental, and art shows. Life On Earth Art’s participatory art experiences wield the most impact. Collaborating with multimedia artists, social activists, community groups, and art therapists, Life On Earth Art co-creates art for large-scale installations to ignite societal healing and change.

lifeonearthart.org

G @lifeonearthart

e @life_on_earth_art

visitpetaluma.com
71 Made in Petaluma

Griffo Distillery & Tasting Bar

Griffo Distillery makes award-winning, “scientifically crafted spirits” with incredible flavor. Griffo is best known for the flagship California-style Scott Street Gin and Cold Brew coffee liqueur, made in collaboration with Equator Coffees. The Tasting Bar offers seasonal cocktails and monthly events with live music and food trucks, ranging from Drag Trivia to D&D Night with local game shop Goblin Bros. Reserve a distillery tour or tasting online.

griffodistillery.com | G e @griffodistillery

McEvoy Ranch

This family-owned working farm is known for its award-winning organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and flavored Agrumato Method Olive Oils that are co-milled with organic olives and whole fruits or herbs. Olive oil is sustainably produced at the ranch here in Petaluma and is traceable, fresh, and simply the best you can buy. Visit McEvoy Ranch to experience an extraordinary olive oil, wine tasting, or tour; make your reservation today at 707-769-4138 or online.

mcevoyranch.com

Made in Petaluma
G e @mcevoyranch
72 COURTESY OF SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM/MICHAEL WOOLSEY (2)

Local Goodness

Farmhouse Artisan Market is a premium source for Northern California craft cannabis. The family-owned market carries a vast selection of products in a variety of categories, from top brands and small, local producers. Not sure where to start? The friendly, knowledgeable staff is ready to offer trustworthy advice. Farmhouse Artisan Market provides convenient and professional same-day or scheduled delivery. Visit the website at farmhouse.delivery to learn more.

farmhouse.delivery e @petaluma.farmhouse

visitpetaluma.com
73

gather here

Think Outside the Box

Petaluma offers a wide variety of venues for a meeting, event, or wedding.

“Petaluma is not a cookiecutter destination. You can go anywhere in the country for a corporate meeting and find a downtown with a few high-rise buildings to circulate guests around in. But here, the entire town of Petaluma is your conference room. We send guests all over town and outdoors in beautiful settings with great weather.”

–Becky Sarlatte, sales director at Hotel Petaluma, shares why Petaluma is the perfect location for meetings and events.

Q: Petaluma has long been known as a charming wedding destination. What about meetings and events?

A: Corporate events that meet in Petaluma can get much of that same wedding weekend experience—just during the week instead! Attendees can have their morning meetings, go off-site for meals, walk around downtown, come back for a cocktail reception, then go out for an after-party. Anyone can book a conference at a hotel with an on-site food and beverage minimum and be done. We offer something different.

STAY IN DOWNTOWN

Roll out of bed and hit the ground running! Book a room at Hotel Petaluma or Hampton Inn Petaluma, located in the heart of downtown. See page 18 for more accommodations.

Q: What does the perfect Petaluma meeting day look like?

A: We like to send guests off on pre-conference activities, like an olive oil tasting at McEvoy Ranch or an afternoon exploring the Sonoma Coast. Later that evening, there will be a welcome reception at the hotel or at a nearby tasting room like Black Knight Cellars, which is within walking distance of Hotel Petaluma. The next day, there’s morning meetings with breakfast pastries from Costeaux, a French bakery in the lobby. Then, we’ll send you off with boxed lunches for a winery visit. Back downtown that evening, there’s a group dinner in the private meeting room at Seared, followed by drinks at Torches—they have line dancing on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which is always fun!

74 FROM TOP:
MICHAEL WOOLSEY; COURTESY OF BECKY SARLATTE

Bond with your team over a farm-to-table meal.

Where to Meet

FROM COUNTRY CLUBS TO HISTORIC LOCALES, THERE ARE MANY UNIQUE MEETING PLACES IN PETALUMA. GO TO VISITPETALUMA.COM/PETALUMA-MEETINGS-VENUES FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF VENUES.

HERMANN SONS HALL PETALUMA #26 caodhs.org

KELLER STREET COWORK kellerstreetcowork.com

MENTOR ME CAVANAGH RECREATION CENTER wearementorme.org

MYSTIC THEATRE mystictheatre.com

PETALUMA ADOBE STATE HISTORIC PARK parks.ca.gov

PETALUMA ARTS CENTER petalumaartscenter.org

PETALUMA COMMUNITY CENTER cityofpetaluma.net/ parksnrec

PETALUMA ELKS LODGE #901 elks901.org

PETALUMA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB petalumagolfandcountry club.com

PETALUMA-HAMILTON #180 MASONIC LODGE masons180.org

PETALUMA HISTORICAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM petalumamuseum.com

PETALUMA PARKS cityofpetaluma.net/ parksnrec

PETALUMA REGIONAL LIBRARY sonomalibrary.org

PETALUMA VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING sonomacounty.ca.gov

PETALUMA WOMAN’S CLUB petalumawomansclub. com

Rustic & Refined Spaces

THESE RANCH AND FARM SETTINGS MAKE BEAUTIFUL EVENT BACKDROPS.

Chileno Valley Ranch mikeandsallygalebeef ranch.com

Flying Cloud flyingcloudfarm.com

Garden Valley Ranch gardenvalley.com

Hawkwood Hill Farm hawkwoodhillfarm.com

Monkey Ranch monkeyranch.com

Olympia’s Valley Estate olympiasvalley.com

Rosewood Events rosewoodevent.com

Rusty Hinges Ranch rustyhingesranch.com

Spring Hill Estate springhillestate.com

THE PHOENIX THEATER thephoenixtheater.com

POLLY KLAAS COMMUNITY THEATER pollyklaastheater.org

ROOSTER RUN GOLF CLUB AND EVENT CENTER roosterrun.com

SONOMA-MARIN FAIRGROUNDS & EVENT CENTER sonoma-marinfair.org

Walker Creek Ranch Conference Center walkercreekranch.org

75 visitpetaluma.com FROM LEFT: MICHAEL WOOLSEY; ISTOCK.COM/LENTA
Events
Meetings &
BROWN W. CANNON III 76
Settle in Petaluma and enjoy strolls through downtown.

“Communities are made by nesters—those who settle, and in settling come to deeply know, love, and care for the place they have settled into.”

Sheehy, Petaluma historian and On a River Winding Home author

roots

Home Is Where the Heart Is

The things that make Petaluma such a great place to visit also make it a great place to live.

START WITH THE LOCATION. If you draw a circle on a map of Northern California, Petaluma is right in the center. Perfectly positioned, Petaluma is the southernmost gateway to Sonoma County wine country, yet is also conveniently located to San Francisco’s big-city vibes. (Turn to page 16 for more.)

OUTDOOR RECREATION AND SPECTACULAR SCENERY ARE ALSO NEARBY. Bodega Bay is a half hour to the west; to the north and south, Northern California’s majestic redwoods await.

PETALUMA IS JUST THE RIGHT SIZE—not too big and not too small. The city is self-contained, offering residents everything they need for an exceptional quality of life—not to mention a passion for sustainability (p. 10).

BUT THE REAL HEART OF PETALUMA SPEAKS TO SOMETHING MUCH DEEPER. If you ask a resident what makes Petaluma such a great place to live, you’ll probably hear about the city’s strong sense of community and generous spirit. This is a place to put down roots.

77 visitpetaluma.com BROWN W. CANNON III (2) Relocate
planting
GET MOVING Find more info at VisitPetaluma.com/ relocation-resources
Shop for locally made goods. Peruse Petaluma’s galleries.

DID YOU KNOW?

head into town

Getting Here

Thanks to its central location, Petaluma is easy to get to.

BY PLANE Petaluma is roughly 1 to 1.5 hours away from four international airports: Oakland International Airport (OAK, 52 miles), San Francisco International Airport (SFO, 52 miles), San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC, 84 miles), and Sacramento International Airport (SMF, 85 miles). Plus, there are two local airports—Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS, 25 miles) and Petaluma Municipal Airport

BY TRAIN The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) is a great way to get to Petaluma

and to explore Sonoma and Marin counties. The line stretches north to Santa Rosa and south to Larkspur, with plenty of stops along the way, including right in the heart of Petaluma.

BY BOAT From San Francisco, take the ferry from the Ferry Building to the Larkspur Ferry Terminal. From here, you can hop on the SMART train, a short walk from the ferry terminal, to be dropped off in downtown. (You can even bring your bike on the ferry and train!) Or, sail your own vessel into town and dock it in the Petaluma Marina and Turning Basin.

If you drive north toward Petaluma along the U.S. 101, you’ll go through part of the Petaluma Gap AVA . Turn to page 52 to learn more.

BY BUS Petaluma Transit can take you all over Petaluma and offers several routes for traveling within Sonoma County.

BY CAR Conveniently located along U.S. 101, Petaluma is a breeze to get to by car. From San Francisco, take the 101 north until you arrive in Petaluma. From Sacramento, take I-80 west and connect with Lakeville Highway. Lakeville will take you directly downtown. And from the East Bay Area, take I-580 west toward Oakland. Cross the Richmond Bridge and merge with the 101. From there, it’s an easy cruise into town.

78 Getting Here SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM
All roads lead to Petaluma.

Mark Your Calendars

Come and share in our community spirit at these annual events. Head to VisitPetaluma.com/events for more details.

February LumaCon lumacon.net

Sonoma County Restaurant Week socorestaurantweek.org

April

Butter & Egg Days Parade & Festival petalumadowntown.com

Spring Antique Faire petalumadowntown.com

Film Fest Petaluma petalumafilmalliance.org

May Salute to American Graffiti Car Show americangraffiti.net

June

Movies in the Park (through October) cityofpetaluma.org

Sonoma-Marin Fair and World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest sonoma-marinfair.org

July

Independence Day Fireworks Celebration cityofpetaluma.org

Art & Garden Festival petalumadowntown.com

Rivertown Revival rivertownrevival.com

Petaluma Music Festival petalumamusicfestival. org

September

Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival petalumarivercraftbeer fest.org

All Hallow’s Art Fest halloweenfolkartsociety. com

Fall Antique Faire petalumadowntown.com

Clo Cow Half Marathon, 10K, 5K clocowhalf.com

October

El Día de los Muertos Petaluma G El Día de los Muertos Petaluma

Trick or Treat Trail petalumadowntown.com

Annual Cemetery Tour cityofpetaluma.org

November

Veterans Day Parade & Flyover petalumaveterans parade.com

Santa’s Riverboat Arrival petalumadowntown.com

Small Business Saturday petalumadowntown.com

December

Merchant Holiday Open House petalumadowntown.com

Lighted Boat Parade petalumadowntown.com

Gingerbread House Showcase & Competition hotelpetaluma.com

SCAN HERE Discover even more Petaluma events!

FOR THE PERFECT NIGHT OUT, CHECK OUT ARTS ALIVE.

Held on the third Thursday of each month, this city-wide celebration features artist talks and demos, poetry readings, create-your-own art stations, gallery exhibits, and more. All events are within walking distance, so grab a drink beforehand, stroll a few exhibits, and end the night with dinner downtown. petalumadowntown.com

FLAMENCO FEVER

DON’T MISS THE MONTHLY SHOW.

FLAMENCO! LIVE! is held every second Saturday night at The Big Easy and features dancing, guitars, and singing that transports you to southern Spain. flamencolive. weebly.com/shows

79 visitpetaluma.com CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: ADRIANA L; STEVE RUSTAD; COURTESY OF LIFE ON EARTH ART/ARTS ALIVE; COURTESY OF FLAMENCO! LIVE!
Events
Artistry Unleashed
Petaluma Music Festival
save the date
El Día de los Muertos Petaluma
80

Hotel Petaluma, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Stepping into the charming courtyard entrance of Hotel Petaluma, you know you’re staying someplace special. A historic property in the heart of downtown, Hotel Petaluma is now part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton and continues to welcome guests with warm hospitality and modern accommodations. From the grandeur of the spacious lobby with its fireplace and bar to chic guest rooms, everything about Hotel Petaluma is fresh and inviting. You’re close to Petaluma’s great shopping, dining, and entertainment. Stop by for happy hour at The Shuckery, enjoy wine and cheese pairings at the Barber Cellars/Petaluma Cheese Shop, or start your day with coffee and exquisite pastries at Costeaux French Bakery, all set within the hotel. For a meeting or gathering, Hotel Petaluma offers stylish spaces and full resources for an effortless event.

hotelpetaluma.com | G e @hotelpetaluma

VICTORIA WEBB PHOTOGRAPHY

The Art of the Bath

Discover a realm of opulent bath and skin care products, crafted with the utmost care using the finest gourmet plant oils, butters, botanicals, and pure essential oils. Nestled in nearby historic downtown Penngrove, Three Sisters Apothecary, a family-run business, handcrafts these treasures in small batches. Step into the retail shop, welcoming you daily, where a delightful adventure unfolds. Immerse yourself in a world of gourmet bath products and explore an array of precious and unique gifts for an experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

soapcauldron.com G e @soapcauldron

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