Discover, relax, dine, and meander through pastoral landscapes, exploring the “nooks and crannies”of this magical area

West Sonoma County is renowned for its lush landscapes, rolling vineyards, and charming small towns such as Sebastopol and Bodega Bay. The area offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities, boutique shops and wineries. Farm-to-table restaurants provide a taste of Sonoma's renowned agricultural bounty, making every meal a celebration of local flavors. Whether you’re wandering through artisanal markets, savoring fine wine, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, West Sonoma County invites a peaceful escape into a world of natural charm and relaxed sophistication.

Begin your adventure in Sebastopol, a convenient location to use as your base for exploration.
The Florence Avenue Art Walk is simply a MUST! This Sebastopol neighborhood boasts several blocks where every home has a display of fun, funny, whimsical, creative, kooky “trash art.” Patrick Amiot and Brigette Laurent have created this outdoor gallery of amusement, and it’s there free of charge to give laughs and smiles. Drive slowly down the street, or park and walk as you marvel at this outdoor display of quirky eccentricity. As you stroll, take in the larger-than-life rocker, the princely frog, the pink pig, the wicked witch, and dozens of characters on this three-block outdoor display. This will, simply said, make you happy.

The Barlow outdoor shopping mall is just a few minutes drive away. Forget any concept of a “shopping mall.” This was originally an apple-packing plant where you will now find everything from wine and beer tasting to places to eat, arts and crafts, specialty gear, and gift ideas with a local flavor. On the third Sunday of the month (August 18, September 15, October 20, and November 17) hop from vintage and antique vendors, local makers, jewelry, and plants while enjoying music from local vinyl DJ's! Stop…park…walk…explore. The Barlow is just plain fun … it’s exciting, eclectic, hip, and full of energy.

Speaking of energy, you may want to make a stop at Endless Energy Crystals where you will find all sorts of crystals, geodes, and specialty jewelry. Healing, energy, calming, and good luck are some of the properties these crystals and stones may give out. Drop in and check it out.

William Cofield Cheesemakers is a producer of British-style cheeses and offer carefully curated charcuterie boards. If you love cheese, trust me, you want to go here for the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich and cup of tomato soup! Friends at UC Davis, Keith Adams and Rob Hunter went on to follow different paths: Keith launched Alemar Cheese in Minnesota while Rob went on to pursue a career in winemaking. Rob is currently the head winemaker at the highly acclaimed Bennett Lane Winery in Calistoga. Keith and Rob re-united, forming William Cofield Cheesemakers. Coming full circle, a friendship re-united, where artisan wines, cheese and friendship simply and perfectly blended together.

When you are done, wander over to Two Dog Night Creamery! If you are an ice cream addict (like I am), savor ice cream like you never have before, locally sourced ingredients go into Two Dog Night’s delicious farm-to-cone, ice cream  ... “creamy” being the operative descriptor. Offering a variety of seasonal flavors, they also have their “standard” menu: I recommend a scoop (or two) of the dark chocolate peanut butter! Yum!

You’ll also have a variety of other food and beverage choices at The Barlow: Pizza, sushi, oysters, tacos, beer, wine … explore your inner foodie.For music, food, energy, excitement, drink, and a great place to stroll and take in the flavor of West Sonoma County, a visit to The Barlow is a must!