Sebastopol is a type of little cities that surprises you in all the very best methods. It’s bought that laid-back Northern California vibe that I completely love, however with so many hidden hotspots to find. For those who’re prepared for a day crammed 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 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 way in which, is a cool outside market crammed 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 reality: their flagship location is correct right here in Sebastopol, so that you’re getting the very best of the very best. 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 might 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 form of down-to-earth expertise. They hand you a field, present you find out how to decide the ripest berries, and off you go! It’s form of like a bit of treasure hunt, plus who doesn’t love the style of recent raspberries proper off the bush? Simply ensure that to put on cozy footwear (mud occurs!), and don’t overlook to seize one among their raspberry popsicles on the way in which 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 listing journey is seasonal, so examine 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 avenue, however it looks 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 kooky, they’ll make you giggle out loud. Certainly one of my favorites is a big fish made out of previous automobile elements—like, who thinks of that? You’ll undoubtedly need your digicam 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 gourmand, particularly their seafood. The fish tacos? I might eat them each day. They deal with utilizing native elements, which is a part of what makes all the things so recent and engaging. For those who 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’ll be able to 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 like it). You may style a bit of of all the things with out committing to a full glass or bottle. I like discovering new native wines this manner as a result of you’ll be able to strive a sip of one thing you won’t often 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 filled with native boutiques, house 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 a bit of picture sales space the place you’ll be able to 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 crammed 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 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 undoubtedly 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, crammed with hanging crops and greenery (it’s giving indoor backyard vibes), making it the proper spot to chill and loosen up. It’s truly an amazing 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 sincere—it didn’t have the identical Instagram-worthy attraction 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 undoubtedly make a reservation should you can. My favourite seats are on the ramen counter the place you’ll be able to 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 hen Kara-age—it’s so crispy and flavorful, you’ll need to order seconds!
(Backup plan: If it’s too busy, Goldfinch is an incredible different!)
Dessert at Screamin’ Mimi’s
Now we have to finish the day with ice cream, proper? Screamin’ Mimi’s is a little bit of a neighborhood legend, and their ice cream is actually a number of the finest I’ve ever had (and I don’t say that calmly). I went for the cherry chocolate almond, and I completed each single chew. It’s the form of place that doesn’t look fancy from the skin, however when you style the ice cream, you completely get why it’s so well-liked. It’s the proper solution to wrap up your One-Day Sebastopol Itinerary.
And there you might have it! A full day of exploring, consuming, sipping wine, and making recollections 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