100 Things To Do In Sonoma County Before You Die

Harness up and zip through a redwood canopy, view all 21 California missions in one day, get buried up to your chin in a relaxing bath of hot cedar shavings—with 97 more items to go as you make your way through 100 Things to Do in Sonoma County Before You Die. From its stunning wave-dashed shoreline to its lush vineyard-quilted valleys, along the way you’ll discover that world-class wine with food to match is just one aspect of what this beautiful and bountiful part of the world has to offer. Try out a roving cooking class at Relish Culinary Adventures or enjoy an unforgettable meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant in an 1873 farmhouse. Applaud musicals and dramas at the 6th Street Playhouse or explore the great outdoors and watch for whales at Bodega Head. Pedal off through the countryside, paddle a ribbon of river, enjoy a wealth of cultural experiences—all that and more as you turn the pages of 100 Things to Do in Sonoma County Before You Die. While not a guidebook in the traditional sense, with third-generation resident and acclaimed travel writer Yvonne Michie Horn as “insider” guide, this book invites a nooks-and-crannies exploration of the entire county.

Sonoma County is a land of plenty with more than enough reasons to visit, even if you are one of the few not lured to her hundreds of wineries. The county suffered hard through the raging fires that took 7,500 homes in 2017, but the land and her people are nothing if not resilient. Sonoma is healthy, green, and rebuilding. We are nothing if not Sonoma Strong. Horticulturist Luther Burbank came to the area and found that pretty much everything grows in Sonoma County: Grapes that define world-class chardonnay and pinot noir grow in the Russian River Valley right alongside heirloom tomatoes and Gravenstein apples. Majestic redwoods scattered across the area form the centerpiece of Armstrong Woods State Park. Cows graze the many farms and dairies in this agriculturally rich expanse. With all of this bounty, food in Sonoma County is unparalleled, and chefs harvest the fruits of the land and sea for extraordinary cuisine at all levels, from food trucks to fine dining. Pair this cuisine with wines like cabernet sauvignon from Alexander Valley, zinfandel from the Dry Creek Valley, or pinot noir from the newly designated Petaluma Gap area, where the sea breeze is harnessed as it blows into the inlets of San Francisco Bay. Sonoma County is for the sophisticated wine aficionado seeking trendy tasting rooms spread throughout her 1,768 square miles"¬‚¬"and for the adventurer, who can wrestle with trails, golf courses, and hikes stretching from her wild rugged coast to the mountains that divide Sonoma from next-door Napa Valley. It is a vast county with much to explore, and 100 Things to Do in Sonoma County Before You Die will guide you to the highlights that make up this diverse county fifty miles north of San Francisco. But remember"¬‚¬"a hundred things in Sonoma just scratches the surface ... so plan to return again and again.

As one of the world’s top wine country destinations, Napa Valley boasts amazing food, breathtaking views, and, naturally, excellent wine. Spending time there is an unparalleled experience, whether you’re sampling a fancy meal or celebrating summer at the Napa County Fair. With the updated second edition of 100 Things to Do in Napa Valley Before You Die, gain new insights into this one-of-a-kind, California destination. Revisit some of the historical wineries or find ones that will push your taste buds to the next level. Eat with the locals who’ve loved the area for a lifetime, and learn more of the history at the Napa Valley Museum. Whether you’re catching a Shakespeare performance among the vines at Napashakes or riding through the valley in style on the Napa Valley Wine Train, you’ll discover new attractions and fall in love with the valley all over again. Local author Marcus Marquez lends a personal touch to the experiences in the guide. With carefully curated tips and itineraries, you’ll want to make your own memories in Napa Valley and share them with your friends.

How can the “father of the California wine industry” still be walking around after more than 160 years? Why do thousands of beer lovers flock to Sonoma County from across the US once a year? Where can we play “top gun” in a real fighter jet? And why are Snoopy, Woodstock, and all the Charlie Brown gang standing around all over the place? Countless curiosities, icons and hidden treasures fill the pages of Secret Sonoma: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. From hidden beaches on a world-famous coastline to wineries unknown even by oenophiles, from the tallest trees on the planet and NASCAR stars to rollicking tales of 18th and 19th century California, this is your ticket to adventure and surprises in the California Wine Country. A veteran author and Sonoma County native, Karen Misuraca reveals her deepest, darkest secrets of where she sees ghosts of centuries past, buys fetishes to vanquish her enemies, and bellies up to the bar in Gold Rush-era roadhouses. Where does she fly through the treetops, stargaze through powerful telescopes, and loll in geothermal hot springs? Even if you and your friends have been here before, and especially if you live here, Secret Sonoma is your new book of wonders.

Tuck into a steak as big as your plate at a stagecoach roadhouse that never stopped welcoming passersby, dine sumptuously at a restaurant awarded three Michelin stars within two years of its opening, or carry home empanadas from a kitchen connected to a gas station. With 81 more items to savor, you’ll have almost endless options to explore as you make your way through Unique Eats and Eateries of Sonoma County. Each page offers a story, the backstory of what makes the eats or eatery unique. Tales take you from the county’s wave-dashed coastline to its lush vineyard-quilted valleys. Along the way you’ll learn that before bountiful and beautiful Sonoma became known as wine country it was a renowned food basket. Unique Eats pays tribute to its heritage with Dungeness crab pulled from the sea, Gravenstein apple orchards fighting to save their place among the vines, and the distinct flavor of Crane melons. While not a guidebook in the traditional sense, local author Yvonne Michie Horn nevertheless will take you on a food-centered journey into the nooks and crannies of the entire county, stopping in along the way to become acquainted with chefs, restaurants, and great things to eat, all with a compelling story to tell.

As a Star Wars fan, you've seen the movies, from A New Hope to The Last Jedi, and beyond. And of course you've probably had a faux lightsaber battle or two, pretending to be Luke Skywalker, Rey, or maybe Kylo Ren. But can you name the seven actors who have portrayed Darth Vader? Do you know how Ralph McQuarrie helped shape the world of Star Wars? Are you familiar with Deak Starkiller, Darth Plagueis, or Drew Struzan? Have you seen the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special? 100 Things Star Wars Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource for true fans of the galaxy far, far away. In this revised and updated edition, Dan Casey has collected every essential piece of Star Wars knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activites, and ranks them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist for viewers old and new to progress on their way to fan superstardom.

California's Sonoma County is known for its wineries and a magnificent natural landscape--a picturesque mix of rugged coastline, steep cliffs, forested hillsides, and verdant agricultural valleys. A collection of 125 of the county's best day hikes are combined into this guide, providing access to 60 miles of coastline and thousands of acres of greenspace. All hiking levels are included, with a focus on mid-range hikes.

If you want tips on things to do and tourist attractions in California's Wine Country, then check out HowExpert Guide to Sonoma County without the Wine. Do you love living amongst towering redwoods, rolling hills, and world-class wine but never know where to take guests visiting from out of town? Do you draw a blank when thinking of something to do? Are you stuck in a rut and tired of doing the same handful of things? HowExpert Guide to Sonoma County without the Wine is the casually inspiring guide for you. Written by a 20-year Sonoma State University import from Los Angeles, these tips are practical, evergreen, and type diverse. Most tips highlight locations for trip ideas, while some focus on how best to participate at the location. Intermixed the tips are little asides labeled "Fun Fact" or "Did You Know." They mostly serve as trivia to use for showing off. Read from start to finish or by relevant chapter. Be warned; in an area covering a land mass larger than the state of Rhode Island, there is sure to be an activity missed or a new activity that has since spawned. As no category is exhaustive, the everchanging nature of an urban area is addressed with multiple reminders to search online for further (and current) information. Looking for ideas on where to take the little ones on the water this summer? Check out the chapter on Sonoma County's lake, river, and Pacific coastline. New to the area and want to make it to all the holiday festivities? Check out the chapter Haunts and Holly in Sonoma County. Casual and light-hearted, HowExpert Guide to Sonoma County, doesn't take itself too seriously while earnestly offering a wide array of day trip ideas for memorable experiences. Check out HowExpert Guide to Sonoma County without the Wine to learn tips on things to do and tourist attractions in California's Wine Country. About the Author Tia Starr is a California native who moved to Sonoma County from Los Angeles County in the early 2000s when she studied at Sonoma State University. A passionate writer since early youth, Tia has written for various sectors, including news, theater, education, and marketing. Compassionate and empathetic, Tia has worked with special needs populations in both residential and educational settings. Since graduating from Sonoma State in 2007, Tia has built her brand as an academic consultant who continues to assist numerous students in reaching their short- and long-term goals. You may recognize her from SRJC productions between 2012-2015, when she attended for continued education. Today you're most likely to find her at an escape room or running an event photobooth across Sonoma County and the Bay Area. HowExpert publishes how to guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.

Brent is often asked by his KZST listeners where to find the best restaurant, or about a special place to take out-of-town guests. The guide books he has seen are business motivated or ego motivated. Brent decided that what was needed was a pamphlet that listed the best things about Sonoma County. He wanted to know what the local people did and where it would be more interesting to go. So he asked his listeners to call into the studio at KZST and (on the air) tell Brent about their favorite Sonoma County experiences. The ideas for a small pamphlet grew into enough things to fill a big pamplet and still more ideas came pouring in. Brent knew that he was going to have to put everything together in a book, and so the work began.

If you want tips on things to do and tourist attractions in California's Wine Country, then check out HowExpert Guide to Sonoma County without the Wine. Do you love living amongst towering redwoods, rolling hills, and world-class wine but never know where to take guests visiting from out of town? Do you draw a blank when thinking of something to do? Are you stuck in a rut and tired of doing the same handful of things? HowExpert Guide to Sonoma County without the Wine is the casually inspiring guide for you. Written by a 20-year Sonoma State University import from Los Angeles, these tips are practical, evergreen, and type diverse. Most tips highlight locations for trip ideas, while some focus on how best to participate at the location. Intermixed the tips are little asides labeled “Fun Fact” or “Did You Know.” They mostly serve as trivia to use for showing off. Read from start to finish or by relevant chapter. Be warned; in an area covering a land mass larger than the state of Rhode Island, there is sure to be an activity missed or a new activity that has since spawned. As no category is exhaustive, the everchanging nature of an urban area is addressed with multiple reminders to search online for further (and current) information. Looking for ideas on where to take the little ones on the water this summer? Check out the chapter on Sonoma County’s lake, river, and Pacific coastline. New to the area and want to make it to all the holiday festivities? Check out the chapter Haunts and Holly in Sonoma County. Casual and light-hearted, HowExpert Guide to Sonoma County, doesn’t take itself too seriously while earnestly offering a wide array of day trip ideas for memorable experiences. Check out HowExpert Guide to Sonoma County without the Wine to learn tips on things to do and tourist attractions in California's Wine Country. About the Author Tia Starr is a California native who moved to Sonoma County from Los Angeles County in the early 2000s when she studied at Sonoma State University. A passionate writer since early youth, Tia has written for various sectors, including news, theater, education, and marketing. Compassionate and empathetic, Tia has worked with special needs populations in both residential and educational settings. Since graduating from Sonoma State in 2007, Tia has built her brand as an academic consultant who continues to assist numerous students in reaching their short- and long-term goals. You may recognize her from SRJC productions between 2012-2015, when she attended for continued education. Today you’re most likely to find her at an escape room or running an event photobooth across Sonoma County and the Bay Area. HowExpert publishes how to guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.