Sebastopol is a type of little cities that surprises you in all the perfect methods. It’s acquired that laid-back Northern California vibe that I completely love, however with so many hidden hotspots to find. Should you’re prepared for a day stuffed with yummy meals, quirky artwork, and wine (all the time wine!), then let’s have a look into my private, tried-and-true itinerary for Sebastopol. Let me warn you, it’s a day that’ll make you fall in love with this place.
MORNING
Espresso + Breakfast at Taylor Lane
You understand these mornings if you want a critically good espresso (or tea) to get going? Taylor Lane in The Barlow is the place for that. The Barlow, by the best way, is a cool out of doors market stuffed with artisan retailers, and Taylor Lane matches proper in with its industrial stylish vibe. My husband loves their handcrafted espresso drinks, and he’s choosy about his espresso!
Enjoyable truth: their flagship location is correct right here in Sebastopol, so that you’re getting the perfect of the perfect. Seize a latte or a pour-over, possibly even an almond croissant (as a result of, sure, carbs are a should when touring), and also you’re set. I might actually sit right here on my laptop computer all morning, however there’s extra to see!
U-Choose Raspberries
I used to like going wild blackberry choosing with my household in some hidden spots round my neighborhood. On the Boring U-Choose raspberry farm, it’s that very same sort of down-to-earth expertise. They hand you a field, present you tips on how to choose the ripest berries, and off you go! It’s sort of like slightly treasure hunt, plus who doesn’t love the style of contemporary raspberries proper off the bush? Simply be sure that to put on cozy footwear (mud occurs!), and don’t neglect to seize one in every of their raspberry popsicles on the best way out. They’re to die for!
A pair fast suggestions: you pay by the pound, so don’t go too loopy except you’re prepared for a raspberry feast later. This bucket checklist journey is seasonal, so verify the web site to ensure they’re open!
AFTERNOON
Stroll Florence Avenue’s Junk Artwork
Now, that is the place Sebastopol’s quirky, artsy persona actually shines. Florence Avenue is a residential road, however it appears like an out of doors artwork gallery as a result of each few homes have these wonderful junk artwork sculptures within the yard. They’re all made by native artists Patrick Amiot and Brigitte Laurent, who turned their entrance yard into an exhibit and it simply unfold from there.
I’ll be sincere, a few of these sculptures are so wild and eccentric, they’ll make you chuckle out loud. Certainly one of my favorites is a huge fish made out of outdated automobile elements—like, who thinks of that? You’ll positively need your digital camera prepared for this stroll!
Florence Avenue is simply three blocks lengthy, from Bodega Ave. to Healdsburg Ave. I discover it simpler to search out parking close to Bodega Ave.
Lunch at Handline
This place is a complete discover. Handline is housed in a former Foster’s Freeze (so sure, there’s soft-serve ice cream out there!). It’s tremendous informal—you order on the counter—however the meals is critically gourmand, particularly their seafood. The fish tacos? I might eat them daily. They give attention to utilizing native components, which is a part of what makes every thing so contemporary and attractive. Should you can, seize a seat on the patio—it’s the right spot to absorb some Sebastopol sunshine and people-watch.
Wine Tasting at Area
Alright, let’s discuss wine as a result of what’s a visit to Sonoma County with out it, proper? Area is that this wonderful spot the place you possibly can pattern over 50 completely different wines from throughout Sonoma County utilizing these self-serve WineStation machines (actually, they’re like grown-up merchandising machines, and I adore it). You’ll be able to style slightly of every thing with out committing to a full glass or bottle. I really like discovering new native wines this fashion as a result of you possibly can attempt a sip of one thing you won’t normally order. Plus, it’s simply enjoyable!
PS: Getting a glass of wine on the stylish Pax tasting room is a GREAT various!
Discover + Store The Barlow
In any case that wine (and possibly a little bit of a buzz), take a while to wander The Barlow. It’s this stylish out of doors procuring space stuffed with native boutiques, house decor retailers, eating places and extra wine tasting rooms (you realize, simply in case you didn’t get sufficient earlier!). I’m personally obsessive about Acorn, Rust, Indigenous Designs & JG Switzer—they’ve such distinctive items that make the right souvenirs or items.
And there’s additionally slightly picture sales space the place you possibly can take some enjoyable pics with your folks (as a result of all of us want a superb picture op!).
EVENING
Play Pinball at The Rewind Arcade
I do know this sounds random, however belief me—this place is a lot enjoyable! The Rewind Arcade is stuffed with pinball machines and arcade video games from the 80s and 90s, that’ll take you proper again to your childhood. However right here’s the twist: this isn’t only for youngsters. It’s an adult-friendly spot with beer faucets lining the partitions*—sure, you heard me proper! You’ll be able to seize a chilly one whereas making an attempt to beat your excessive rating on a classic machine (which I by no means do, however hey, it’s all concerning the enjoyable).
Pre-Dinner Cocktails at Fern Bar
By now, you’ve positively earned a flowery cocktail! Fern Bar is a type of locations that simply feels effortlessly cool the second you stroll in. The area is ethereal, stuffed with hanging vegetation and greenery (it’s giving indoor backyard vibes), making it the right spot to sit back and calm down. It’s really an amazing place for dinner too—they’ve a tremendous menu—however we had been simply there for cocktails this time.
I went for the creamy Thai Iced Tea cocktail, and oh my goodness, it was like a drink and dessert rolled into one. Peter ordered the Corpse Reviver, which was equally scrumptious, however let me be sincere—it didn’t have the identical Instagram-worthy allure as mine (presentation issues, proper?).
Dinner at Ramen Gaijin
That is hands-down among the best spots for ramen in Northern California! Ramen Gaijin will get packed, so positively make a reservation when you can. My favourite seats are on the ramen counter the place you possibly can watch the cooks in motion—it’s like dinner and a present! We ordered the Roasted Mushroom Donburi, which is filled with umami goodness, and the Shoyu Ramen with pork stomach. And DON’T EVER skip the fried rooster Kara-age—it’s so crispy and flavorful, you’ll need to order seconds!
(Backup plan: If it’s too busy, Goldfinch is a tremendous various!)
Dessert at Screamin’ Mimi’s
We’ve to finish the day with ice cream, proper? Screamin’ Mimi’s is a little bit of an area legend, and their ice cream is actually a number of the finest I’ve ever had (and I don’t say that flippantly). I went for the cherry chocolate almond, and I completed each single chew. It’s the sort of place that doesn’t look fancy from the surface, however when you style the ice cream, you completely get why it’s so in style. It’s the right strategy to wrap up your One-Day Sebastopol Itinerary.
And there you have got it! A full day of exploring, consuming, sipping wine, and making recollections in Sebastopol. Whether or not you’re choosing raspberries or enjoying pinball, this city is all concerning the enjoyable little surprises.
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CALIFORNIA: SONOMA COUNTY