Sebastopol is a kind of little cities that surprises you in all the perfect methods. It’s obtained that laid-back Northern California vibe that I completely love, however with so many hidden hotspots to find. When you’re prepared for a day stuffed with yummy meals, quirky artwork, and wine (at all times 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 realize these mornings while 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 outside market stuffed with artisan retailers, and Taylor Lane suits 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, perhaps even an almond croissant (as a result of, sure, carbs are a should when touring), and also you’re set. I may actually sit right here on my laptop computer all morning, however there’s extra to see!
U-Decide Raspberries
I used to like going wild blackberry choosing with my household in some hidden spots round my neighborhood. On the Boring U-Decide raspberry farm, it’s that very same type of down-to-earth expertise. They hand you a field, present you the right way to decide the ripest berries, and off you go! It’s type of like just a little treasure hunt, plus who doesn’t love the style of contemporary raspberries proper off the bush? Simply make certain to put on comfortable footwear (mud occurs!), and don’t neglect to seize considered one 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 until you’re prepared for a raspberry feast later. This bucket record journey is seasonal, so test the web site to verify they’re open!
AFTERNOON
Stroll Florence Avenue’s Junk Artwork
Now, that is the place Sebastopol’s quirky, artsy character actually shines. Florence Avenue is a residential avenue, nevertheless it looks like an outside 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 trustworthy, a few of these sculptures are so wild and kooky, they’ll make you giggle out loud. One in every of my favorites is a big fish made out of outdated automobile components—like, who thinks of that? You’ll undoubtedly 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 accessible!). It’s tremendous informal—you order on the counter—however the meals is critically connoisseur, particularly their seafood. The fish tacos? I may eat them every single day. They give attention to utilizing native components, which is a part of what makes every little thing so contemporary and attractive. When you can, seize a seat on the patio—it’s the proper spot to absorb some Sebastopol sunshine and people-watch.
Wine Tasting at Area
Alright, let’s speak 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 totally different wines from throughout Sonoma County utilizing these self-serve WineStation machines (actually, they’re like grown-up merchandising machines, and I find it irresistible). You may style just a little of every little thing with out committing to a full glass or bottle. I like discovering new native wines this manner as a result of you possibly can strive 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 different!
Discover + Store The Barlow
In any case that wine (and perhaps a little bit of a buzz), take a while to wander The Barlow. It’s this stylish outside purchasing space stuffed with native boutiques, dwelling decor retailers, eating places and extra wine tasting rooms (, 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 proper souvenirs or items.
And there’s additionally just a little picture sales space the place you possibly can take some enjoyable pics with your pals (as a result of all of us want 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 may seize a chilly one whereas attempting 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 undoubtedly earned a elaborate cocktail! Fern Bar is a kind of locations that simply feels effortlessly cool the second you stroll in. The house is ethereal, stuffed with hanging vegetation and greenery (it’s giving indoor backyard vibes), making it the proper spot to chill and chill out. It’s truly an awesome place for dinner too—they’ve an incredible menu—however we have 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 trustworthy—it didn’t have the identical Instagram-worthy allure as mine (presentation issues, proper?).
Dinner at Ramen Gaijin
That is hands-down top-of-the-line spots for ramen in Northern California! Ramen Gaijin will get packed, so undoubtedly make a reservation for those who 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 full of 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 wish to order seconds!
(Backup plan: If it’s too busy, Goldfinch is an incredible different!)
Dessert at Screamin’ Mimi’s
We’ve got 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 greatest I’ve ever had (and I don’t say that evenly). I went for the cherry chocolate almond, and I completed each single chunk. It’s the type of place that doesn’t look fancy from the skin, however when you style the ice cream, you completely get why it’s so fashionable. It’s the proper approach to wrap up your One-Day Sebastopol Itinerary.
And there you may have it! A full day of exploring, consuming, sipping wine, and making reminiscences in Sebastopol. Whether or not you’re choosing raspberries or taking part in pinball, this city is all concerning the enjoyable little surprises.
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CALIFORNIA: SONOMA COUNTY