We Love Sonoma County

Santa Rosa: The Lucys Are Here!

2010-06-07T10:26:00.000-07:00

The Peanuts are back! After the Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Woodstock statues were made and placed around Sonoma County we were told that was the end. But they were wrong, and now we have 30 new, beautiful Lucy statues to look forward to!

Lucy getting a tiara.

A sign of the times.

A few finishing touches.

What a treat to see the artists at work. We'll be able to see the finished Lucys all over Sonoma County soon!

You can learn more about us at http://www.graberhomes.com/

Field Trip! San Francisco Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf

2010-06-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

One of the wonderful things about living in Sonoma County is being so close to San Fracisco. There really is no other place like it in the world. We made it from our front door to the parking garage at Pier 39 in 58 minutes. These are some postcards we made of our adventure.

The Famous Cable Cars

We had a hot fudge sunday at Ghiradelli Square. It was incredible.

The old and the new. Alcatraz, the Balcutha and major construction.

Street Cars take you where you want to go.

Tons of places to eat.

Just a moment in the the City.

Alioto's and the Fisherman's Grotto - Great places to enjoy fresh crab.

Entrance to Pier 39

There so many things to eat here - you can even eat out of a Volkswagen.

Alcatraz

Vibrant, even in the fog.

Looks like a fun way to check out the bay.

A Glimpse into the past.

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You can learn more about us at http://www.graberhomes.com/

Santa Rosa: Annadel State Park - Spring into Summer

2010-05-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

Annadel State Park in the Springtime.

The flowers begin to bloom.

There are lakes to explore.

A great spot for fishing.

Meadows where wild animals roam freely.

A ranger on horseback.

The view of Santa Rosa is worth the hike.

Here is a map in case you get lost:

View Larger Map

You can learn more about us at www.GraberHomes.com

Guerneville: Armstrong Woods

2010-05-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

One of Sonoma County's greatest treasures are the Seqouia Sempervirens, or Coast Redwoods. If you haven't seen them in person, you won't believe how big they really are. Some of them are 350 ft tall and 12-16 ft wide. They are the largest trees in the world!

But Armstrong woods isn't all about giant trees. Underneath them you can find some beautiful, tiny things too.

There are miles of trails, and places to camp and picnic.

There are even occasionally concerts here too!

Here is their info:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450

707-869-2015
707-869-5629 fax
17000 Armstrong Woods Road
Guerneville, CA 95446

Here is a map:

View Larger Map

You can learn more about us a www.graberhomes.com

Santa Rosa: Sift

2010-05-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

One of the great treasures of Sonoma County is newer to downtown Santa Rosa. Basically, Sift is yummy. We could write on and on about how tasty their cupcakes are, or how incredible their 'frosting shots' are, but we're going to be quiet and let the pictures speak for themselves.

We have been enjoying watching Sift grow and expand - they have a special section in the back for parties. But here you can wath the hustle of downtown Santa Rosa while you sit back and enjoy a unique cupcake.

Baked Fresh Daily (of course!)

This is our current favorite.

Cute and tasty - an excellent combination! Go, just go!

You can find them here:

404 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA‎ - (707) 703-4228‎

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And you can find out more about us at http://www.graberhomes.com/

A BIT OF THIS, A DASH OF THAT: BLUSH

2010-03-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

A BIT OF THIS, A DASH OF THAT: *BLUSH*

Santa Rosa: Fall Into Winter

2009-11-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

As we go from fall into winter, the vineyards start to turn colors after the harvest.

Benziger Winery in Glen Ellen looks incredible right now.

At Matanzas Winery in Santa Rosa, they not only grow grapes, but they have a lavendar garden as well.

The vines are starting to change color before they fall.

Matanzas Creek is a beautiful winery with excellent wines and incredible views.

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Looking out from Grange Road in Santa Rosa you can see the vineyards turn colors after the rain.

At Spring Lake in Santa Rosa the birds stop by on their way south for the winter.

Doran Beach in Bodega Bay.

Novemeber at the beach.

Rohnert Park Public Library

2009-07-26T17:31:00.001-07:00

The Rohnert Park Public Library is one of Sonoma County's best loved, new gems.

Connected to the new Rohnert Park City Center, you can find a labyrinth with a Alice in Wonderland motif.

Inside you can find a nice selection of books, tapes, dvd's, and one of the best, cutest kids reading area's anywhere. Here are a selection of pictures of the rotunda on the ceiling.

And the cow jumps over the moon (the moon is a skylight.)

The architecture is modern, but inviting.

Their search system is amazing. You can connect on the Internet, save your favorite books and they will deliver them to any branch that you like. They even have books to download to your ipod.

They have reading series, movies and a lot of special events for everyone.

You can find more about them here: http://www.sonoma.lib.ca.us/branches/Rohnert.html

Here is their address:
6250 Lynne Conde Way

Rohnert Park, CA 94928-2162

Here is the their phone number:

(707) 584-9121

Here is a map in case you get lost:

You can find out more about us at http://www.graberhomes.com/
View Larger Map<>

Rohnert Park: City Center Plaza Family Day

2009-07-24T05:03:00.000-07:00

The City of Rohnert Park debued their new City Center Plaza with their first annual Family Fun Day.

There are water fountains, and a great space for events, music and all kinds of fun.

There was music, face painting, local businesses and lots of food.

The day was a great success!

You can find the City Center Plaza here:

View Larger Map

You can visit the Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce here: http://www.rohnertparkchamber.org/

You can find out more about us at http://www.graberhomes.com/

Santa Rosa: The Sonoma County Fair 2009

2009-07-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

The Sonoma County Fair is here and if you haven't visited yet, there is still time! It is open July 28th - August 9th at the Sonoma County Fair Grounds.

There are horse races daily.

Lots of local animals to look at. We have some of the finest cattle in the country.

Clo always has free ice cream!

Willie Birds has the best turkey in the county. Try a giant turkey leg, you'll love it!

There are interesting things to see.

The Hall of Flowers is always a treat. It's different every year and at the end of the fair, you can...

...even buy the flowers afterwards.

You can find some of the strangest things to buy in the main pavilion - everything from the latest gadgets to a spa.

The carnival is always fun.

Tons of different foods to choose from.

Here is their website if you have any more questions:

http://www.sonomacountyfair.com/

Here is the schedule for the fair:

http://www.sonomacountyfair.com/scf_general_info.php

Here is a map in case you get lost:

You can learn more about us at http://www.graberhomes.com/

Santa Rosa: Wings Over Wine Country Air Show

2009-07-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

The Pacific Coast Air Museum and The Charles Schultz Airport in Santa Rosa put on The Wings Over Wine Country Air Show August 15th and 16th. It's a big deal, and it seems like half the county comes out to see it. You can find out more about the Pacific Coast Air Museum at their website here:

http://pacificcoastairmuseum.org/ Here's a map to the air show:

At the show you can see antique aircraft, warbirds, and modern day aircraft, some of which perform flybys and will be parked on the ramp for an up-close and personal look. One of the exciting features of the Pacific Coast Air Museum's Wings Over Wine Country Air Show that you get the opportunity to touch and feel the awesome power and might of these historic machines which have meant so much to our great nation's history. Here is one on the ground:

And a few in the air.

My favorite was the U2. It snuck up on us with it's electric engine, then switched to it's jet fuel and was out of site within seconds. It was probably the single loudest sound I have ever heard in my life, with the exception of a space shuttle launch I witnessed in Florida.

There is also a lot of tasty food and drinks at the show too. My personal favorite is a turkey leg from the Willie Bird's stand. They have a concession at most of the fairs and farmers market's throughout the county, as well as a farm and a restaurant here. You can check out their website here: http://www.williebird.com/

Their restaurant's address is 1150 Santa Rosa Ave. in Santa Rosa. They are going to be on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives on the Food Network soon. If you get a chance, you should watch the show and then check out the restaurant. I think they have the best tasting turkeys anywhere. Here is a picture of the restaurant and a map to show you how to get there:

Bon Appetite!

You can learn more about us at www.graberhomes.com

Santa Rosa: Wild Oak Saddle Club

2009-04-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

We were recently invited to a lobster dinner at the Wild Oak Saddle Club in Santa Rosa. We had the best time!

The club sits on the polo fields inside Oakmont next to two gated communities - White Oak and Wild Oak. As you can see, they have spectacular views!

The Wild Oak Saddle Club is a private social club with 200 member families. The clubhouse building was remodeled in 1995 to include an 80 person dining room.

The club has facilities for tennis and swimming, picnic areas, BBQ , cards and dominos.

They have a bar with lockers where you can keep some of your favorite bottles of wine or liquor. What a great way to share with friends!

Their site says that "there are no restrictions on membership (gender or otherwise) but each proposed member must be sponsored by two present members and be approved by the membership." We think whatever the cost, it membership will be well worth the money!

Here is the Saddle Club's Mailing Address if you would like to stop by and take a tour:
550 White Oak DriveSanta Rosa CA, 95409
Here is their phone number: 707 539-8629

Here is a map in case you get lost:

View Larger Map

You can learn more about us at http://www.graberhomes.com/

Sonoma County - Winter Into Spring

2009-03-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

This is a really beautiful time of year all over Sonoma County. It's warm one day, cool the next. The apples trees are strarting to flower, the oak trees are still bare. There are mustard plants everywhere and sky is very, very blue.

The mustard is in full flower. So are the wild radish.

The oak trees are just about to start budding - but not quite.

There is a trail that winds its way throughout Sonoma County. If you ever come upon it, it's well worth pulling over and going for a walk, or a ride.

One Sunday we were on our way home and we saw a little farm in Sebastopol that had a sign that said Fresh Organic Eggs. We stopped in, rang the doorbell and bought the freshest eggs on earth - they went out to the henhouse right then and there! Best eggs ever!

It won't be long before the apple trees start to bloom. Then the grapes will start to grow again.

We had to pull over on Highway 12 between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol because this incredible field was blooming.

This doesn't show the color, but it still looks pretty cool, don't you think?

You can learn more about us at http://www.graberhomes.com/

Sizzling Tandoor in Santa Rosa

2008-11-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

We recently went to Sizzling Tandoor Indian Restaurant in downtown Santa Rosa for dinner and had the best time! They have been in business for over 20 years and it is easy to understand why.

One of the highlights of the evening were the belly dancers. This evening, two girls from the Black Sheep Belly Dance Company were performing. For more information on Black Sheep, check out http://www.blacksheepbellydance.com/.They are very good at what they do and you can see them in action in the movie below:

Our server recommended that we try a beer called 10,000 Monks. It was an excellent choice.

We decided to order a whole bunch of different things, mostly because everything looked so good. We are glad that we did. It was way more than we could eat in one sitting, that's for sure. Pictured is the Tandoori Mix Grill, Lamb Vindallo, Chicken Tikka Masala, Baigan Bharta, Palak, and the Daal Bukara and of course some rice.

You can play chess with salt and pepper shakers if you have to wait to get a table. It's a nice touch.

This is a picture of the Tandoor Mix Grill with Tandoori Chicken, Lamb Tikka, Shekh Kabab, Fish Tikka and Shrimp.

The staff was very attentive, super friendly and we highly recommend this restaurant.

Here is their website: www.sizzlingtandoor.com

The Bohemian did a review and you can read it here:

http://www.bohemian.com/bohemian/08.29.07/bite-0735.html

You can find them here at 409 Mendocino Ave in Santa Rosa.

You can call them at (707) 579-5999

Here is a map in case you get lost:

You can learn more about us at www.graberhomes.com

Sonoma: Train Town

2008-08-20T17:10:00.000-07:00

Sonoma's Train Town is one of Sonoma County's great treasures. If you are visiting Sonoma and you love trains, you absolutely must check out Train Town.

Here is a diesel that was running the day we visited. Diesels run Monday through Saturdays. Steamies always run on Sundays.

There is a roller coaster, a ferris wheel, a carousel, flying planes, trains that you can climb on and even video games.

There are a lot of little details around the park that make the trip very special.

The scenery is great. They have lakes, streams, waterfalls, metal bridges and tunnels.

Here are their hours of operation:

June1 through Labor Day
Everyday 10 am - 5 pm

September 1 through May Fri, Sat & Sun
10 am - 5 pm plus all major holidays except Thanksgiving & Christmas

Here is their address:
20264 Broadway - Highway 12 Sonoma, CA 95476

Here is their phone number:
(707) 938-3912

Here is a map in case you get lost:

You can find out more about us at http://graberhomes.com/

Petaluma: Better Botanicals

2008-07-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

Now I know that the products are not actually made in Sonoma County but it is a locally owned company worth talking about. Most of the products are made in India under the strictest Ayurvedic guidelines. The products are free of animal ingredients, petroleum derivatives, synthetic colors and synthetic fragrances.

I first became a fan of the line many years ago with the Kokum Butter Body Balm. Another one of my favorite products is the Rose Tulsi Toning Mist.

The baby and kids line, Baby Botanicals is also terrific. The line is great for little ones or adults with sensitive skin. We especially like the Wash-a-ma-callit all over cleanser. For wiggly bodies, it is nice to have one tube that does it all!

For a list of local retailers or to purchase products on line, check out

http://www.betterbotanicals.com/.

Use coupon code "SonomaWeLove" for a special 15% discount.

To learn more about us, go to http://www.graberhomes.com/

Santa Rosa: Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport

2008-07-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

If you are visiting the wine country, the Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport is a great way to get here. Flights come in daily to and from Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

The airport is a nice, small, hastle-free way to get here and get home.

While you wait for your flight you can eat at the Sky Lounge Restaurant and Raw Bar.

The Raw Bar is a great way to start or end your stay in the Wine Country.

Charlie Brown, Linus and Snoopy will be here to greet you.

There is even a Snoopy Store on it's way!

http://www.sonomacountyairport.org/

Parking is very easy. You can see more about parking here:

http://www.sonomacountyairport.org/files/pdfs/airport_parking_flyer_7_1_08.pdf

You can learn more about the Horizon Flights here:

http://www.alaskaair.com/Default.aspx?ASDBD=J1

Phone: (707) 565-7243

Address: Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport
2200 Airport Boulevard Santa Rosa, CA 95403

You can learn more about us at http://www.graberrealestate.com/

Glenn Ellen: Benziger Family Winery

2008-05-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

Benziger Family Winery is a favorite destination for locals and travelers from all over the world.

At Benziger, you can treat yourself to the best winery tour in Sonoma County. The 45 minute tour takes you on a tractor-pulled tram through the vineyards, along the crush pad, into the cave and concludes in the tasting room. During the tour, your friendly guide will explain the ins and outs of this very unique property as well as the basics of Biodynamic farming.

Their website says:

"Benziger Family Winery is creating a new definition of wine quality through its certified-sustainable, organic and Biodynamic winegrowing practices. Their 85-acre, certified Biodynamic Sonoma Mountain estate has become a research and teaching center for the cultivation of grapes with more flavor, intensity and site-specific vineyard character. The family shares its farming knowledge and experience with their longtime grower partners throughout Sonoma County."

Our take on Biodynamic farming? It's a sustainably farmed piece of Earth that produces better grapes and fantastic wines. Don't believe it? Stop by the winery and taste for yourself. You won't be disappointed!

If you are sold, then you might consider joining their wine club. Members receive six shipments per year of two bottles of their best wines. Included in the shipments are tasting notes and recipes. Members also enjoy a 20% discount throughout the tasting room and free tours for up to four people.

Come to the tasting room and discover the award-winning wines. These range from the fantastic values of the Sonoma County line that you will find in stores to the Vineyard Designate and Estate wines found only in the tasting room or through the Wine Club.

The friendly staff will pour you tastes of their best wines and help you find a new favorite.

Don't forget to allow time to browse through the gift shop. Here, you can also find light snacks such as local cheeses and organic crackers to enjoy. Add a bottle of wine enjoy a picnic on the grounds.

From there, we highly recommend that you visit the "sister" winery that is only about 3 miles away toward Sonoma on Highway 12. Imagery is owned and operated by one of the Benziger brothers and produces many hard to find varietals and hosts an incredible art gallery.

Here is their website: http://www.benziger.com/

Here is their phone number: (888) 490-2739

You can find them at 1883 London Ranch Rd. Glen Ellen, CA 95442

Here is a map in case you get lost:

You can find out more about us at http://www.graberrealestate.com/

Santa Rosa: Pacific Coast Air Museum

2008-05-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite places to visit in Sonoma County is the Pacific Coast Air Museum.

You can walk among the nearly two dozen aircraft on display.

The museum has some great exhibits and even a gift shop.

Here is their website: http://www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org/

If you would like to learn more about their Wings Over Wine Country Show you can see that here: http://www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org/airshow2008/airshow2008.asp

Here is their phone number: 707-575-7900

Here is their address: 2230 Becker Blvd. Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Here are their hours:

Tue & Thu 10:00 - 4:00

Sat & Sun 10:00 - 4:00

Here is a map in case you get lost:

You can learn more about us at http://www.graberrealestate.com/

Santa Rosa: Howarth Park

2008-04-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

One of Santa Rosa's great treasures is Howarth Park. We love going all year long, but we especially love it when the spring and summertime comes.

The park has a train, a carousel, pony rides, even an animal barn with all kinds of cute animals (some smelly ones too!)

You can rent paddle boats, row boats, and even sail boats at Lake Ralphine.

The playground has been expanded to include a rope tree that kids love to climb, a volcano with steam, running water and dinosaur bones. It has a Wild West mock-up, and best of all, on hot days it has a water park that kids love to play in!

Below is one of the newest additions to Howarth Park.

It's fun to feed the ducks, especially this time of year when there are so many babies in the water!

The pony rides are a great way to do a little bit of horseback riding without having to go too far.

We like the mini-park with the rock climbing wall. There is also a softball park, tennis courts and if things get too hot, you can walk across the street and go see an independent movie at the Rialto theater. You can see their movie schedules here: http://www.rialtocinemas.com/

Also, across the street is the popular East West Cafe, as well as a Mary's Pizza Shack. You can see Mary's website here: www.maryspizzashack.com/

Camp Wa-Tam:

Every year Sonoma County kids look forward to Camp Wa-Tam at Howarth Park.

Here is what their website says they get to enjoy:

"Canoeing, archery, nature & craft projects, and hiking to Spring Lake for a day of swimming. Thursday is a special day and evening. Campers arrive at 1pm and spend the afternoon putting the finishing touches on their costumes and props for the very exciting Parents Night Program! Dinner is cooked over a campfire, and all parents, grandparents, and firends begin arriving at 6:30pm for an hour of entertainment as the campers present songs, skits and spontaneous comedy. Following the program, parents say good night, and we wind up the day with a snack, a special T-shirt ceremony, and a peacful night's sleep under the stars!"

Ages: 6-12 Days and Times: Monday-Wednesday 930am-3pm & Thursday 1pm-Friday 10am (Sleepover Thursday Night!)

Optional extended hours available Mon-Wed, 3-5:15 pm (for an additional fee)

Location: Howarth Park (630 Summerfield Road)

Cost: $135 (resident)/$145 (non-resident)

Registration: Begins Jan 10, click here to register

Optional extended hours: available Mon-Wed, 3-5:15 pm ($35) Registration for extended hours:

Begins Jan 10, click here to register

Here is their website in case you need more information:

https://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/departments/recreationandparks/programs/camps/summercamps/campwatam/Pages/default.aspx

Here is a map of Howarth Park that might be helpful (Spring Lake too.) You can click on it to make it larger:

Here is a map to the park in case you get lost:

You can find out more about us at http://www.thetwoyoucantrust.com/

Santa Rosa: Historic Railroad Square

2008-03-30T11:16:00.001-07:00

If you are going to visit Sonoma County, make sure you make time to visit Santa Rosa's Historic Railroad Square.

Here is Depot Park in Railroad Square. That's the visitor's center in the background. It used to be a train station and rumor has it that the train may come back someday soon.

How about the bronze statue of Charlie Brown and Snoopy in the background? Sonoma County loves Charlie Brown!

You can see the Santa Rosa Visitor's webpage here: www.visitsantarosa.com/visitorscenter.asp

There is a lot we can say about Hotel La Rose and Josef's, but we think they say it best themselves:

"Celebrating 100 years of hospitality, Hotel La Rose is the only Sonoma County hotel to be listed with the National Trust Historic Hotels of America. We're the best place for you to find not only historic architecture, but also charming character. Hotel La Rose has anchored Santa Rosa's Railroad Square since 1907. With its comfortable atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff, Hotel La Rose is perfect for both business executives and vacationers looking for a place to call home while exploring Sonoma County. With two different, but equally appointed buildings, we are able to offer our guests a choice of the Main Building's historic elegance and charm or the airy ambiance of the Carriage House.

Let Hotel La Rose be your gateway to Sonoma County's wineries, redwood forest and beautiful Pacific coastline. Given its location at the heart of Railroad Square, Hotel La Rose is within an easy stroll of antique and specialty shops not to mention the Downtown Business District and Santa Rosa Plaza shopping center. You may choose from a variety of restaurants, all located within three blocks of the hotel's front door. Situated northwest of the intersection at Highway 101 and Highway 12, Hotel La Rose is a convenient gateway to all of Sonoma County.

Josef's is open for Lunch and Dinner. Reservations are accepted. Please call us at (707) 571-8664. Banquet rooms for 12 to 60 people are available."

You can find out more about Hotel La Rose here: www.hotellarose.com/ and you find out more about Josef's Restaurant and Bar here: http://www.josefsrestaurant.com/

LoCoco's is a local treasure and it is our favorite Italian food in Santa Rosa. Their calamari is to die for, but don't forget to try their chicken cooked under a brick... we don't know what the brick does, but the chicken tastes perfect every time.

A few doors down is one of Santa Rosa's best Wine Bars.

Wine Spectrum is a required stop for any wine enthusiast. You can taste some of the world's best wines by the glass, and then buy the bottle in a nice, relaxing atmosphere. The people working here really know their wines, and by the time you leave here, you will too.

You can find more about them here: www.winespectrum.com/

Railroad Square has some great antiques shops, too many to mention here!

Santa Rosa's Historic Railroad Square has a lot of charm, and a lot of fun places to eat and shop. If you enjoy doing either of those things, make sure you make time to stop by, you won't regret it!

Here is a map in case you get lost:

You can see more about Santa Rosa's Historic Railroad Square at www.railroadsquare.net/

You can learn more about us at http://www.thetwoyoucantrust.com/

Five Dragons Martial Arts

2008-03-01T13:40:00.001-08:00

Five Dragons is a excellent martial arts school we have discovered in Santa Rosa.

They have been voted "Best Martial Arts School In Sonoma County" by the Bohemian Readers Poll in 2006, 2007, 2008 and so we dropped by to watch and decided to give them a try.

They have a 'geckos' class, which is a class for younger kids. We had been looking around at other schools in the county and we were very impressed with the instructors at Five Dragons. They are incredibly patient, and you can tell they really enjoy what they do, and the kids benefit on a level that deeply rewarding.

Here is a video of our son learning some coordination skills (and having a lot of fun doing it!)

Our son is very shy, but his classes at Five Dragons have helped him quite a bit. We can tell that he is feeling more comfortable with himself as he is building up his self confidence and strength. Two months ago he couldn't do any push-ups, or even jumping jacks (he's four, give him a break!) But now, he can do twenty jumping jacks, ten push ups as well as some basic defensive maneuvers! How great is that?

Many of their students and instructors hold regional, state, national and even world martial arts titles. They are the only local school to compete internationally and they have taken titles in Puerto Rico, London and Italy.

You can check out their website at http://www.fivedragons.com/

You can call them at (707) 523-4744 and they are located at 1005 Cleveland Avenue in Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Here is a map in case you get lost:

You can learn more about us at http://www.thetwoyoucantrust.com/

Cloverdale: The Citrus Fair!

2008-02-16T20:31:00.001-08:00

The first fair of the year is finally here for Sonoma County... The Citrus Fair in Cloverdale!

The Citrus Fair website says "The Cloverdale Citrus Fair is the second largest Citrus Fair on the West Coast and the earliest fair of the year."

The theme this year is “Salute to Agriculture.”

They have livestock on display, as well as art and creations made from citrus fruit.

They also have traditional carnival rides and food.

Here is their website: www.cloverdalecitrusfair.org/

Here is their address:

1 Citrus Fair Dr Cloverdale CA 95425-3627

Here is the map in case you get lost.

You can learn more about us at http://www.thetwoyoucantrust.com/

Sebastopol: Analy Nursery School

2008-02-05T23:01:00.000-08:00

Analy Nursery School is one of Sebastopol's best kept secrets. It is one of the last co-op preschools around and it is a great place for Sonoma County kids from toddler age all the way to up to preschool age. Analy Nursery School is a parent participation expirience, so the parents get a chance to learn and have fun along with the kids.

The Analy preschool is famous in Sebastopol for its annual Halloween Carnival. It's one of the only places you can bring your kids and not be worried about them being frightened by any scarry costumes (they're not allowed.)

They have a cake walk and more often than not, you'll go home with a home-made cake!

We have had so much fun being a part of this school. We currently serve as the presidents of the board, and are proud parents who participate as well.

Since 1957 Analy Nursery School has provided pre-school children and their parents the opportunity to share their first school experiences and to build special friendships that last a lifetime.

Our parent participation nursery school offers an outstanding and varied program for both children and their parents because it is a cooperative effort.

Our experienced teachers work together with every parent to build a unique atmosphere emphasizing social development and learning through play and a wide variety of multi-sensory experiences.

You can check out their website at http://www.analynurseryschool.com/

They are at 466 Johnson Street in Sebastopol, 95472

You can call them on the telephone at: (707) 823-4940

Here is a map if you want to go see them in person:

You can learn more about us at http://www.thetwoyoucantrust.com/

Glen Ellen: Jack London Village

2008-01-26T07:22:00.001-08:00

We were enjoying Glen Ellen today and stopped in to check out the Jack London Village. It is an interesting building that was originally General Vallejo's saw mill, but has been converted into a collection of gourmet shops. We had time to go into two of them, but next time we will definitely go in and enjoy the rest.

First, we went into Raymond and Co. Cheesemongers and had a delightful experience tasting about ten different cheeses from all over the country.

The cheesemonger on staff was very knowledgeable and extremely friendly. We tried cow, sheep and goat cheeses. Our favorites included the San Joaquin Gold 18 month cheddar, Sally Jackson Sheep Tomme, and the Crater Lake Gorgonzola. You can click on this picture to enlarge it and see what else was on the menu.

You can find out more about them at

http://www.raymondcheesemongers.com/ or give them a call at (707) 938-9911

They are open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wed.-Sun

Next, we walked over to Wine Country Chocolates and were overwhelmed with chocolaty goodness. Not sure if that is the technical term, but it is what is is, so just deal with it... the chocolate experience was that good!

We haven't been to that many chocolate places with a tasting room, so this was a tasty surprise.

They let us try the ganache that goes inside the truffles, and then chunks of chocolate ranging from 35% milk chocolate up to a deep, dark 80%. That day, they were sampling the filling from thier Cabernet Savingon truffle which was just incredible. Of course, we had to purchase a few of the finished product and I can honestly say that they are some of the very best chocloate truffles that I have ever had.

You can find out more about Wine Country Chocolates here:

http://www.winecountrychocolates.com/

Or give them a call at (707) 996-1010, They are open 10 am to 5 pm daily.

Jack London Village is located at 14301 Arnold Dr.Glen Ellen, Ca. 95442

And here is a map in case you get lost:

You can learn more about us at http://www.thetwoyoucantrust.com/