About Sonoma's Sonoma, Ca, The Plaza

So today was a lovely day. For those who don't know - I've been away from home for a few weeks. I've been visiting my my Grandma in San Francisco. Yesterday my mom and step dad arrived here to join us. I'm headed back to Vancouver on Monday. It's been a great trip - a lovely 3 weeks spent with my 95 year old Grandma! Today we all packed in the car and headed out on a road trip - to Sonoma, California!! For those who've never been - it's a lovely little town filled with charming houses, sweet shops, lovely cafes, and of course delicious wines. We walked, we talked, we ate cheese in the park - and of course, our visit wouldn't have been complete without a lovely trip to a vineyard by the name of Sabastiani Vineyards. (AWESOME PINOT NOIR!!)

My two favorite parts of the trip (besides hanging out with my fam..) were

1) walking through the streets catching whiffs of beautiful orange blossoms - one of the sweetest scents my nose has ever feasted on.

and

2) Looking at the lovely homes that line the streets. Apparently - there seems to be an unwritten rule in Sonoma - outdoor chairs on the veranda are a must. Meticulously manicured lawns with lovely well cared for homes.

I loved it here - and have now added a new goal of having a vacation home smack dab in the middle of Sonoma. (I even picked up a copy of the local Homes and Land magazine to check out some of the homes for sale just for fun)

Oh my - if you've never been, you have GOT to go spend some time in this charming town - you'll love it!

Now please excuse me - I have a glass of pinot that's calling my name...

Sunrise over the Mayacamas as seen from Sonoma Mountain. A quick trip to the Sonoma Valley Visitor's Bureau will set you up with a list of places to go for views like this and things to do to make the most of your trip to our beautiful paradise. The Visitor's Bureau is housed in what used to be Sonoma's Library and it sits on the historic Sonoma Plaza. The Visitor's Bureau is run by Wendy Peterson whose broad smile greets everyone walking in the door.

Start here and you will find information on Sonoma's wineries and tasting rooms, lodging, dining, and shopping. And when you're ready to start your self-guided tour of Sonoma Valley you'll probably leave with a sticker somewhere on your person. You'll be amazed at how many of these you're going to see around the valley!

For more info check out this website: www.sonomavalley.com. And look me up when you get to town!

One of my very favorite restaurants, ever, will be serving their last meals on May 13th. Deuce has long been a regular favorite of ours for food, beverage, atmosphere and service.

If you have never been, treat yourself while you still can. If you have been, you should treat yourself again while you still can.

The location will remain, but the people that bought the business are putting in some kind of spaghetti factory with live music and dancing. At least that's what I've heard. I'm sure that will make the local residents happy -- to move to a new neighborhood.

In case you need directions, the address is 691 Broadway in Sonoma.

Their phone number is 707-933-3823.

Pete and Kirsten have done an outstanding job in every aspect and will be greatly missed.