One of my favorite things in life is to spend the weekend away with my husband. My wonderful sisters offered to watch our children. My older sister took our younger two and my younger sister took our older two children. They live walking distance from each other, whereas, I live an hour and 20 minutes away from them. My husband and I did not want to stay home in a quite and empty house. What would we do for 3 days and 2 nights without our children? I wouldn’t need to clean up after them. So we decided to get away and feel like a couple again.
We like to plan our trips ahead of time because most of the great resorts are taken if you try to reserve them last minute. However, this trip was planned the day before. After spending the whole morning looking for a place to stay at I finally came across ……
1. Garden Valley Ranch :
They offer one of a kind Victorian cottage that can be rented for a minimum of 2 nights. What more can a girl ask for when out of her window she sees 9 acres of roses? Such a romantic getaway destination because you will be the only guest at the ranch. Drink wine with your loved one near the pond, fountains, arches, or the variety of gardens at the ranch.
2. Florence avenue street of art:
I love art, especially recycled art. On Florence avenue you will find art pieces in front of many of the homes, including the home of the artist. The artist designed recycled sculptures to fit the owners interest. This is great to do if you are an early bird like us who wants to do something before things open up. located at : Florence ave, Sebastopol, Ca, 95472.
3. Wine tasting at Lynmar Estate
This is probably my favorite wine tasting winery ever. They are so kid and pet friendly. They also have a beautiful garden outside where you can take your wine with you and enjoy the beautiful scenery. They are opened daily from 10am-4pm. They are located at 3909 Frei road, Sebastopol, Ca 95472. www.lynmarestate.com.
4. Garden tour and Take pictures at cornerstone Sonoma:
This garden has 20 different rooms which were each designed by different landscape architects and designers from around the world. This is a great place to come and get inspiration for your next landscape project and to take some unique pictures at. Before you plan to visit the garden check on their website if the garden will be opened to the public because they host private events here. www.cornerstonesonoma.com They are located at 23570 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, Ca 95476.
5. Bee kind:
Try honey before you buy it. This is a great shop that offers a variety of different honey. If you are thinking of becoming a bee keeper then this is the shop for you. They offer everything you need (even bees). They are opened Mon-Sat from 10-6pm and Sunday from 10am- 4pm. Located at: 921 Gravenstein hwy S./hwy 116, Sebastopol, Ca 95472 www.beekind.com
6. Sebastopol Farmers Market/green string farm:
Sebastopol Farmers Market: If you like fresh organic food and some live music then come to this market. We loved the Pure Puer tea because their teas are naturally aged. Also, don’t pass up trying incredible broth (The bone broth company). located in the Sabastopol plaza. They have this market every Sunday all year round from 10am until 1:30 pm. www.sebastopolfarmmarket.org
Green string farm is a great place to stop by and get some fresh bread, vegetables, fruit, canned goods, extra virgin olive oil, and more. You can also tour the farm which they offer the first Saturday of every month a 12 noon. located at: 3571 old adobe road Petaluma, Ca 94954. They are opened during the winter from 10am-5pm and during the summer from 10 am -6pm. www.greenstringfarm.com
7. Shop and dine at Petaluma downtown:
There are many antique shops, great places to eat at, and beautiful Victorian homes.
8. Historic walking tour in Petaluma:
Walk by 38 different historic buildings. You can get the map and information packet at Petaluma visitor center or go online and print it out at www.visitpetaluma.com
9. Moms apple pie:
If you are craving something sweet as well as fresh then stop by and choose from one of 16 different fruit or cream pies. located at: 4550 Gravenstein hwy. Opened daily from 10am-6pm. www.momsapplepieusa.com
10. Explore history at Petaluma Adobe:
This was a working rancho from 1836-1846. Enjoy taking a look inside 11 rooms. They are opened on Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm. They are located at 3325 Adobe Rd, Petaluma, Ca 94954. www.petalumaadobe.com
Petaluma and Sebastopol is a great place to visit. We both really needed to get away and stay in our very own rose garden. We were able to take night walks, walked barefoot on green soft grass, and smelled more roses than our noses could handle (at least I did). I loved feeling like a couple again and my husband opening and closing the car door for me. But now it is time to go home and unbuckle car seats and put on shoes on little feet before we get out of the car because someone likes to take her shoes off. 🙂
There is no place like home…