Things To Do
Wilson Winery
It was not a date.... The Maus' invited Arlene to Wilson Winery, and they said she could invite any one guest she wanted (strong hints 😉). So, naturally, she invited Yadi. Later, Dion was asked to drive us all there, and the five of us had a great time enjoying a tasting on the iconic Wilson deck. The tasting includes four Wilson wines to savor while taking in the panoramic vineyard views. It's open daily from 11 am to 4 pm. More details are available on their website.
Zialena Winery
Visit one of Arlene's favorite wineries and say hi to one of our close friends, Reece! The winery sits on a 120 acre property that has been in the Mazzoni family for nearly a century. Sitting on the Alexander Valley floor near the Russian River, Zialena offers views of nearby mountainsides dotted with oak trees. You'll absolutely love the atmosphere. Tasting room hours are 10 am to 4:30 pm daily. The last reservation time is 3:00 pm.
The Barlow
The Barlow is a 12-acre outdoor market district in Sebastopol, CA featuring local food, wine, beer, spirits and crafts made onsite by Sonoma County artisans. This is one of Arlene's favorite places to bring her computer and work (remote life perks). Sometimes Dion joins her in the outside seating to study, or to grab a bite to eat. Some of our favorite places at the Barlow are: Taylor Lane Organic Coffee, Two Dog Night Creamery, The Farmer's Wife Restaurant, Kosho Sushi, Golden State Cider and Crooked Goat Brewing.
Shiloh Ranch Regional Park
Enjoy a hike at one of our favorite parks! Shiloh Park is where Dion and Arlene got to know each other (as well as some of our closest friends), fell in love, and got engaged. This hike holds a special place in our hearts. The 850-acre park includes oak woodlands, forests of mixed evergreens, ridges with sweeping views of the Santa Rosa Plain, canyons, rolling hills, a shaded creek, and a pond. It offers nearly 8 miles of trails -- so you can hike as little or as much as you want.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Hike and take in the breathtaking views of Armstrong Redwoods. We are both in awe of these massive trees. The park preserves stately and magnificent Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as the coast redwood. The ancient coast redwood is the tallest living thing on our planet! These remarkable trees live to be 500-1,000 years old, grow to a diameter of 12-16 feet, and stand from 200-250 feet tall. Some trees survive to over 2,000 years and tower above 350 feet. If you go on a Saturday afternoon, look out for our spiritual parents, Don and Sue, who will likely be out doing some cart work!!!
Bodega Head Trail
One of our favorite dates includes taking an easy 1.7-mile loop hike along the coastline of long sandy beaches with stunning cliff views from several coastline trails. Or sit on the beach and just enjoy the sounds of the waves. This trailhead is near Spud Point Crab Company, so we recommend recreating our favorite date by visiting both this trailhead /beaching and then heading over to Spud Point for some delicious crab sandwiches and chowder.
Spud Point Crab Company
Dion took Arlene here on a date after learning she was obsessed with clam chowder. Chowder then a hike along the coast marked one of our most memorable dates. Carol’s World Famous clam chowder, is made fresh daily, and it's one of Arlene's favorites in this area! (If you go, bring her back some) They also sell a crab sandwich which is 1/4th of freshly picked crab meat mixed with their homemade sauce and served on a soft roll. You won't regret it! They are open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and have limited outdoor seating that overlooks Bodega Bay.
Stark's Steak & Seafood
Grab a bite to eat at one of our favorite special occasion restaurants - Stark's Steak & Seafood in downtown Santa Rosa. Arlene recommends the in house 28-day dry-aged steak (in your favorite cut) with the black peppercorn or house steak sauce. Dion recommends the lobster in the lemon soy butter. Don't forget to try our favorite sticky rice!
Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center
Celebrate the funny, touching and loveable Peanuts cartoon characters that decorate our hometown — Santa Rosa, CA. In tribute, the city of Santa Rosa sponsored "Peanuts on Parade" art projects, in which local artists decorated five-foot-tall fiberglass statues of a single character all around the area. You can find a list of all the statues and their locations below. Learn more about the cartoonist (or just go to read some fantastic comic strips) when you visit the Charles Schulz Museum. In September, the museum will be open on the weekdays from 11 am to 5 pm (closed Tuesdays) and on the weekends from 10 am - 5 pm.
Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar
It's no secret we're big fans of pie and ice cream! Grab a delicious treat at one of our favorite pie and ice cream shops. After giving a public talk, Arlene surprised Dion by sending him a chocolate pie with chocolate ice cream. To this day, she still believes it was too much chocolate... Dion still says, "not possible". Arlene enjoys the strawberry blueberry crumble with vanilla bean ice cream. 😋
Tomi Thai
Delicious Thai food with outdoor seating. Our favorites include: choo chee salmon, drunken noodles, and yellow curry. After you eat, walk around the Town Green for happy hour, cute shopping centers or take a stroll through the park.
Himalayan Restaurant
Delicious Indian food with the option for outdoor seating. Our favorites include: Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Vindaloo, Chicken Coconut, and the Butter Naan (to dip into your curry). Also, we have no idea why we only order chicken here. 🤷🏻♀️ Walk around the Town Green until you find Cravins Candy Emporium for delicious gelato and retro candy.
Fishetarian Fish Market
Order ahead at the Fishetarian Fish Market and have a picnic up the road at the beach in Bodega Bay or dine in at Lucas Wharf restaurant (next door) to enjoy the water views! Either way, check out the seals off the dock while you wait.
Willi's Seafood & Raw Bar
Located just north of the town square in downtown Healdsburg, the East Coast and South America meet Wine Country at Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar. Designed for sharing, the menu features items ranging from New England Style “Rolls” and Latin-inspired skewers to ceviches and tartares. The chef’s raw bar features an ever-changing selection of fresh seafood, including at least eight varieties of fresh oysters. If you go, don't forget to say hi to our good friend, Jen!