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

Sebastopol is a type of little cities that surprises you in all one of the best methods. It’s received that laid-back Northern California vibe that I completely love, however with so many hidden hotspots to find. When you’re prepared for a day full of 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 recognize these mornings while 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 way in which, is a cool outside market full of artisan retailers, 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 true right here in Sebastopol, so that you’re getting one of the best of one of the best. Seize a latte or a pour-over, possibly 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-Choose Raspberries

I used to like going wild blackberry selecting with my household in some hidden spots round my neighborhood. On the Boring U-Choose raspberry farm, it’s that very same type of down-to-earth expertise. They hand you a field, present you learn how to choose the ripest berries, and off you go! It’s type of like a bit treasure hunt, plus who doesn’t love the style of contemporary raspberries proper off the bush? Simply ensure to put on cozy footwear (mud occurs!), and don’t overlook to seize certainly one of their raspberry popsicles on the way in which 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 verify the web site to verify 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 avenue, but it surely appears like an out of doors 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 trustworthy, a few of these sculptures are so wild and kooky, they’ll make you snort out loud. One among my favorites is a big fish made out of previous automotive elements—like, who thinks of that? You’ll positively 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 out there!). 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 day-after-day. They concentrate on utilizing native components, which is a part of what makes every part so contemporary and attractive. When you can, seize a seat on the patio—it’s the right spot to take in some Sebastopol sunshine and people-watch.

Wine Tasting at Area

Alright, let’s speak wine as a result of what’s a visit to Sonoma County with out it, proper? Area is that this wonderful spot the place you may pattern over 50 completely different wines from throughout Sonoma County utilizing these self-serve WineStation machines (actually, they’re like grown-up merchandising machines, and I find it irresistible). You’ll be able to style a bit of every part with out committing to a full glass or bottle. I like discovering new native wines this manner as a result of you may 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 different!

Discover + Store The Barlow

In any case that wine (and possibly a little bit of a buzz), take a while to wander The Barlow. It’s this fashionable outside purchasing space filled with native boutiques, residence decor retailers, eating places and extra wine tasting rooms (you realize, 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 a bit picture sales space the place you may take some enjoyable pics with your mates (as a result of all of us want an excellent 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 full of 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 concerning the enjoyable). 

Pre-Dinner Cocktails at Fern Bar

By now, you’ve positively earned a elaborate cocktail! Fern Bar  is a type of locations that simply feels effortlessly cool the second you stroll in. The house is ethereal, full of hanging crops and greenery (it’s giving indoor backyard vibes), making it the right spot to sit back and chill out. It’s really an ideal 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 trustworthy—it didn’t have the identical Instagram-worthy appeal as mine (presentation issues, proper?). 

Dinner at Ramen Gaijin

That is hands-down among the finest spots for ramen in Northern California! Ramen Gaijin will get packed, so positively make a reservation should you can. My favourite seats are on the ramen counter the place you may 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 hen Kara-age—it’s so crispy and flavorful, you’ll wish to order seconds! 

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

Dessert at Screamin’ Mimi’s

We’ve got to finish the day with ice cream, proper? Screamin’ Mimi’s is a little bit of an area legend, and their ice cream is actually a few of the finest I’ve ever had (and I don’t say that evenly). I went for the cherry chocolate almond, and I completed each single chew. It’s the type of place that doesn’t look fancy from the skin, however when you style the ice cream, you completely get why it’s so widespread. It’s the right solution to wrap up your One-Day Sebastopol Itinerary.

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

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CALIFORNIA: SONOMA COUNTY