Things To Do
Historic Downtown Petaluma
Brenda grew up in Petaluma and loves every opportunity to share it with others! Tons of shops, delicious bites, and that small town vibe.
Hallie's Diner
A local favorite of ours, and a Petaluma staple. This spot might not be fancy but the food is delicious and the service always comes with a smile. We're never disappointed when we go to Hallie's.
Water Street Bistro
A bit of France in the heart of Petaluma, this breakfast spot offers a beautiful riverside view and delicious eats. Fresh pastries and yummy breakfast options, and on a personal note, the strata is Brenda's favorite.
Petaluma Coffee & Tea Co.
Do you love coffee? Cause Mike does! Well this local shop has everything you're looking for! An old school coffee company keeping true to their roots and offering a delicious morning brew.
McNear's Saloon & Dining House
This local favorite is a great spot for food, music, drinks, and really just having a good time. Filled from top to bottom with Petaluma history and memorabilia. We love going to watch a football game or just to grab a drink and people watch.
Taps
Sonoma County has exploded with beer and breweries. This riverside pub is the spot to sample over 30 different beers and never disappoints with the yummy bar food. Low key and fun, this is great view and hoping with family friendly fun.
Ayawaska RestoBar
As many of you may know, Brenda comes from a long line of proud Peruvians and we couldn't miss an opportunity to showcase a new favorite of ours. This fun RestBar offers a beautiful view of the Petaluma basin and a yummy sampling of Peruvian bites and drinks. The ceviche is delish!!!!!
Old Chicago Pizza Restaurant
In every move we've made it has been an item of importance, for Mike, to find our NEW pizza spot, and when we moved to Petaluma it was no different. Old Chicago is one of Mike's favorites and we'll confirm the pizza is definitely worth the wait. Great family spot over looking the famous main drag in the movie "American Graffiti."
Wild Goat Bistro
Searching for the California Farm to Table cuisine? Search no further as this yummy hidden gem is always delicious and a great display of local organic farming and cooking. A real treat for any aspiring or established foodie!
Ray's Delicatessen & Tavern
Headed out to the coast on a sight seeing adventure or hike? This is Brenda's favorite spot to grab a sandwich and a beer after a successful afternoon adventure. This old neighborhood bar is the perfect example of local favor and hospitality. Simply delicious and low key.
Ernie's Tin Bar
This old local haunt is a favorite of Marilu and Brenda's. This spot is famous for their "NO CELLPHONE" rule at the Bar. While at first it may seem odd, this bar is the friendliest place to grab a beer. You're likely to meet a range of the local cast of characters, from our humble local ranchers to the happy tourist hitting the California hot spots.
Sonoma Spice Queen
We told you, we're food crazed humans and that no different when we're cooking at home. We're obsessed with our local spice shop and don't miss any opportunity to check out her new creations. Her unique flavors have really enhanced our cooking experience.
The Barlow
In case we hadn't mentioned it yet, we live in Sebastopol and The Barlow is one of our favorite weekend spots. With a large variety of shops, breweries, restaurants and wine bars it's impossible to get bored. We are spoiled enough to live within walking distance and love taking an afternoon walk with the pup, that just so happens to end sitting in an outside patio, enjoying a local glass of wine, cider or beer.
Region.
This new wine bar has been instrumental in helping Mike and Brenda grow their wine pallet. All the wines offered here are made within Sonoma County and are often small batch wonders not easily found anywhere else. Haven't had a bad wine yet!
Golden State Cider Taproom
After Brenda studied abroad in the Basque Country, cider has taken over as her drink of choice. While this cider cannot compare to Sagardoa, Basque cider, this local cider company offers a delish array of sweet and tart ciders. Sebastopol is known for its apple orchards and this cider house really highlights the local harvest.
Crooked Goat Brewing
This brewery always has a rotating tap of their new brews and creations and is another fun stop on our afternoon walks. Great outside venue and they have boardgames to add a little competitive fun to our afternoon brew adventures.
HopMonk Tavern Sebastopol
Brews, food, and tunes! This is one of those local spots that is never a bad choice. When we're craving a good fish and chips or dinner and show this is our spot.
K & L Bistro
Oyster deliciousness and of course, a highlight of our local California farm to table cuisine. When we're feeling like gettin' fancy and spoiling ourselves this is the spot we go think of.
Screamin' Mimi's
ICE CREAM, ICE CREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! And if you don't Brenda definitely does! Homemade ice cream and a seemingly endless list of flavor options.
Retrograde Coffee Roasters
Mike's morning passion for coffee has lead us to a new favorite. Retrograde is a great display of Sebastopol locals and their art. This awesome coffee shops always highlights a local artist and the coffee only enhances the experience.
Red Bird Bakery
Yummy yummy in my tummy. If you like baked goods and pastries as much as Brenda, well, look no further. This small little bakery is jam packed with deliciousness, from breads to desserts. Haven't had a bad bite yet!
Timber Cove Resort
This coastal paradise is very special to Mike and Brenda, as this beautiful resort is the sight of our engagement. Mike surprised Brenda for her birthday to a weekend gateway and it was definitely a memorable event. While we know it's a ways out, if you're from out of town, it may be worth taking a coast drive up to the spectacular California north coast. The insanely beautiful rough and rugged landscape is exactly why we love living in the North Bay.
Bodega Head
One of the many wonderful things about living in Northern California is the natural beauty we are surrounded by. Mike and Brenda love visiting the coast for oysters but usually start with a hike to warm up. Bodega Head is a great spot to whale watch and an easy hike. One of the many wonderful hikes on the coast.
Potter School House
Mike is quite the movie buff, so when Brenda told him the Hitchcock movie "The Birds" was filmed in Bodega we had to visit this iconic site. The Potter Schoolhouse is right next to the St. Teresa church, also highlighted in the movie. Tourists aren't allowed inside the schoolhouse but if you're a movie fan its worth the stop.
The Tides Wharf & Restaurant
A drive down the coast isn't complete without a little chowder to warm up. A favorite spot of Brenda's the Tides over looks the ocean and offers fresh fish for purchase. A great little spot to grab a bite, maybe shop and stare at the ocean.
Tomales
The perfect little fork in the road. To the beach? Back to town? Or follow the coast? We love stopping in this cute town, since its got delicious bites, oysters and good coffee.
Dillon Beach
We took some of our engagement photos here, so it will always have a special place in our hearts. Its the perfect dog friendly beach and there is a delicious cafe over looking the beach to warm up watch the waves roll in.
William Tell House
Mike's love of oysters has taken us to some pretty delicious places. This being one of them!
Nick's Cove
Another spot dreamy spot, where we took more engagement photos. Beyond delicious food, drinks and view to die for. The road is curvy on the way there but the trek is worth the reward.
Point Reyes Station
Usually our last spot on the way back into town after our coastal drive. Another great spot to recharge and shop, however its also a great spot to hit before going on a great hike! You can hike out the site of the big Loma Prieta quake, which hit in 1989, causing major damage throughout the Bay Area.