Santa Rosa,
the Hub of Sonoma County

I like that though the city center is growing up, there still prevails a small agricultural farm town feeling. Amidst pocket communities of new homes you'll find feed stores, hog farms and cattle grazing on lush pastureland sandwiched between vineyards. In the fall visitors can travel the Farm Trails to tour local farms and taste fresh produce. You might get to stomp some grapes ala-Lucille-Ball at one of the colorful wine harvest and crush events.

Santa Rosa enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with temperatures in the summer mostly ranging in the 80’s, except for a couple of weeks in late summer. Renowned horticulturist Luther Burbank resided in Santa Rosa. He praised its fertile soil and mild weather. There are endless varities of flowers and trees adorning the city year 'round. Luther Burbank’s home and gardens are open to visitors.

There are many things to see and do right in Santa Rosa's city center. A good starting point is Historic Railroad Square. The old train depot now houses the Santa Rosa Visitor’s Bureau.

There are two excellent wineries located in scenic settings included in today's self-guided tour, Kendall-Jackson Wine Center and Paradise Ridge Winery . If the two nearby wineries included in this day trip don't satisfy your wine-tasting appetite, the visitor's bureau has information about the many wineries a short drive from the city center. In and around Railroad Square you can easily walk to 45 businesses, coffeehouses, fine dining, hotels, coffee shops, and a number of enjoyable shops and boutiques.

Sonoma County Museum at 425 7th Street (707) 579-1500 presents exhibits that spotlight Sonoma County’s arts and culture.

The Fun for Kids page describes a variety of activities for children of all ages.

The Fun for Dogs page has information about dog-friendly spots around the city.

The Charles M. Schultz Museum, Snoopy’s Gallery and Gift Shop, and the Redwood Empire Ice Arena are located at West Steele Lane and Hardies Lane. Enjoy the Snoopy museum and then walk a block to the ice arena for some cool skating (or just watching the experts). Have some refreshments at the Warm Puppy Café, where Charles Schultz often started his day with breakfast.

Fill up the gas tank before you take the thirty-minute drive into the scenic Santa Rosa hills to a real African experience at the Safari West Wildlife Preserve and African Tent Camp.

Have you ever stayed overnight in a safari tent camp? You can do it here. Not to worry. While you’ll have a view of the “veldt" from your elaborate tent, guests and resident wildlife are safely separated from each other. The preserve is located at 3115 Porter Creek Road (707) 579-2551 or (800) 616-2695.

Farther up the road you'll come to the Petrified Forest at 4100 Petrified Forest Road, (707), 942-6667. Follow a walking trail through a grove of fallen gigantic petrified redwoods.

The Pacific Coast Air Museum at 2230 Becker Blvd. (707) 575-7900 has an impressive outdoor exhibit of vintage airplanes. Climb up and look inside. Imagine yourself above the clouds in these enduring winged veterans.

For wine country-inspired dining, the following are popular restaurants. John Ash & Company, (707) 527-7687, is a rustic-designed restaurant. You can enjoy the view of the vineyards from its outdoor seating patio. The excellent fare is reflected in the pricey menu. Its chic atmosphere may not be comfortable for young children. The restaurant is located west of Highway 101 at 4330 Barnes Road.

You’ll find upscale and elegant Syrah Restaurant in Railroad Square at 205 5th Street, (707) 568-4002.

V Monti’s Rotisserie & Bar, (707) 568-4404, in the Montgomery Village shopping center near Farmers Lane and Sonoma Avenue, has outdoor seating and a kids’ menu. You might want to go early and work up an appetite by visiting some of the more than 70 shops at the Village. In the summertime there are free concerts in the square.

Willi’s Wine Bar, at 4404 Old Redwood Highway, (707) 526-3096, is a casual roadhouse restaurant, known for its “small plate” menu. There is covered and heated outdoor seating. This lively and trendy venue is most comfortable for adults.

Zazu, a farmhouse restaurant about five miles off Highway 101, at 3535 Guerneville Road, (707) 523-4814, describes itself as “Playful Americana and rustic Northern Italian inspired.”

For casual dining there are a number of chain restaurants, ethnic restaurants, mom and pop-type eateries, and coffee houses surrounding Courthouse Square at 5th Street and Mendocino Avenue. In the summer, Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Farmer’s Market is held at the Courthouse Square at 5:00 p.m. Farmers’ booths line Mendocino Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets.

You can enjoy live theater through July at the 6th Street Playhouse, located at 52 West Sixth Street in Historic Railroad Square

A unique movie night experience can be had at the Rialto Theater across the street from Howarth Park at 551 Summerfield Road. The Rialto shows independent, foreign and classic films. The cozy lobby is charmingly decorated with a wine country wall mural. Classic movie posters line the walls of corridors leading to intimate theaters. If you are a classic film buff, this is for you. (The Rialto features mainly adult films. Call the theater (707) 525-4840 for film ratings.)

Now go to the free Santa Rosa map and self-guided tour for an abbreviated itinerary for your day in this city in the country.