One-Bucket Checklist Day in Sebastopol, California: 12-Hour Itinerary

Sebastopol is a kind of little cities that surprises you in all the most effective methods. It’s obtained that laid-back Northern California vibe that I completely love, however with so many hidden hotspots to find. In the event you’re prepared for a day stuffed with yummy meals, quirky artwork, and wine (at all times wine!), then let’s have a look into my private, tried-and-true itinerary for Sebastopol. Let me warn you, it’s a day that’ll make you fall in love with this place.

MORNING

Espresso + Breakfast at Taylor Lane

You already know these mornings if you want a severely good espresso (or tea) to get going? Taylor Lane in The Barlow is the place for that. The Barlow, by the best way, is a cool outside market stuffed with artisan outlets, and Taylor Lane matches proper in with its industrial stylish vibe. My husband loves their handcrafted espresso drinks, and he’s choosy about his espresso! 

Enjoyable reality: their flagship location is correct right here in Sebastopol, so that you’re getting the most effective of the most effective. Seize a latte or a pour-over, perhaps even an almond croissant (as a result of, sure, carbs are a should when touring), and also you’re set. I may actually sit right here on my laptop computer all morning, however there’s extra to see!

U-Decide Raspberries

I used to like going wild blackberry selecting with my household in some hidden spots round my neighborhood. On the Boring U-Pick raspberry farm, it’s that very same form of down-to-earth expertise. They hand you a field, present you how one can choose the ripest berries, and off you go! It’s form of like slightly treasure hunt, plus who doesn’t love the style of recent raspberries proper off the bush? Simply ensure to put on cozy footwear (mud occurs!), and don’t overlook to seize one in every of their raspberry popsicles on the best way out. They’re to die for! 

A pair fast ideas: you pay by the pound, so don’t go too loopy except you’re prepared for a raspberry feast later. This bucket record journey is seasonal, so examine the web site to ensure they’re open!

AFTERNOON

Stroll Florence Avenue’s Junk Artwork

Now, that is the place Sebastopol’s quirky, artsy persona actually shines. Florence Avenue is a residential road, nevertheless it looks like an outside artwork gallery as a result of each few homes have these wonderful junk artwork sculptures within the yard. They’re all made by native artists Patrick Amiot and Brigitte Laurent, who turned their entrance yard into an exhibit and it simply unfold from there. 

I’ll be sincere, a few of these sculptures are so wild and kooky, they’ll make you snigger out loud. One among my favorites is a big fish made out of outdated automotive components—like, who thinks of that? You’ll undoubtedly need your digicam prepared for this stroll!

Florence Avenue is simply three blocks lengthy, from Bodega Ave. to Healdsburg Ave. I discover it simpler to search out parking close to Bodega Ave. 

Lunch at Handline

This place is a complete discover. Handline is housed in a former Foster’s Freeze (so sure, there’s soft-serve ice cream accessible!). It’s tremendous informal—you order on the counter—however the meals is severely connoisseur, particularly their seafood. The fish tacos? I may eat them on daily basis. They deal with utilizing native substances, which is a part of what makes all the pieces so recent and engaging. In the event you can, seize a seat on the patio—it’s the right spot to absorb some Sebastopol sunshine and people-watch.

Wine Tasting at Area

Alright, let’s discuss wine as a result of what’s a visit to Sonoma County with out it, proper? Region is that this wonderful spot the place you possibly can pattern over 50 totally different wines from throughout Sonoma County utilizing these self-serve WineStation machines (actually, they’re like grown-up merchandising machines, and I adore it). You’ll be able to style slightly of all the pieces with out committing to a full glass or bottle. I really like discovering new native wines this fashion as a result of you possibly can attempt a sip of one thing you may not often order. Plus, it’s simply enjoyable!

PS: Getting a glass of wine on the fashionable Pax tasting room is a GREAT various!

Discover + Store The Barlow

In spite of everything that wine (and perhaps a little bit of a buzz), take a while to wander The Barlow. It’s this fashionable outside procuring space filled with native boutiques, dwelling decor outlets, eating places and extra wine tasting rooms (you recognize, simply in case you didn’t get sufficient earlier!). I’m personally obsessive about Acorn, Rust, Indigenous Designs & JG Switzer—they’ve such distinctive items that make the right souvenirs or presents. 

And there’s additionally slightly picture sales space the place you possibly can take some enjoyable pics with your folks (as a result of all of us want a great picture op!). 

EVENING

Play Pinball at The Rewind Arcade

I do know this sounds random, however belief me—this place is a lot enjoyable! The Rewind Arcade is stuffed with pinball machines and arcade video games from the 80s and 90s, that’ll take you proper again to your childhood. However right here’s the twist: this isn’t only for children. It’s an adult-friendly spot with beer faucets lining the partitions*—sure, you heard me proper! You’ll be able to seize a chilly one whereas attempting to beat your excessive rating on a classic machine (which I by no means do, however hey, it’s all in regards to the enjoyable). 

Pre-Dinner Cocktails at Fern Bar

By now, you’ve undoubtedly earned a flowery cocktail! Fern Bar  is a kind of locations that simply feels effortlessly cool the second you stroll in. The house is ethereal, stuffed with hanging crops and greenery (it’s giving indoor backyard vibes), making it the right spot to relax and chill out. It’s truly an amazing place for dinner too—they’ve an incredible menu—however we had been simply there for cocktails this time. 

I went for the creamy Thai Iced Tea cocktail, and oh my goodness, it was like a drink and dessert rolled into one. Peter ordered the Corpse Reviver, which was equally scrumptious, however let me be sincere—it didn’t have the identical Instagram-worthy allure as mine (presentation issues, proper?). 

Dinner at Ramen Gaijin

That is hands-down probably the greatest spots for ramen in Northern California! Ramen Gaijin will get packed, so undoubtedly make a reservation should you can. My favourite seats are on the ramen counter the place you possibly can watch the cooks in motion—it’s like dinner and a present! We ordered the Roasted Mushroom Donburi, which is filled with umami goodness, and the Shoyu Ramen with pork stomach. And DON’T EVER skip the fried rooster Kara-age—it’s so crispy and flavorful, you’ll need to order seconds! 

(Backup plan: If it’s too busy, Goldfinch is an incredible various!)

Dessert at Screamin’ Mimi’s

Now we have to finish the day with ice cream, proper? Screamin’ Mimi’s is a little bit of a neighborhood legend, and their ice cream is actually among the finest I’ve ever had (and I don’t say that frivolously). I went for the cherry chocolate almond, and I completed each single chew. It’s the form of place that doesn’t look fancy from the surface, however when you style the ice cream, you completely get why it’s so common. It’s the right solution to wrap up your One-Day Sebastopol Itinerary.

And there you might have it! A full day of exploring, consuming, sipping wine, and making recollections in Sebastopol. Whether or not you’re selecting raspberries or taking part in pinball, this city is all in regards to the enjoyable little surprises. 

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CALIFORNIA: SONOMA COUNTY