Cool stuff to do in Santa Rosa area?

Discussion in 'Pacific' started by afrokaze, Jul 22, 2013.

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  1. afrokaze

    afrokaze Pooh-Bah (1,962) Jun 12, 2009 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I know that some of this has been covered before, but I'm looking more specifically for outdoorsy type stuff (hikes, parks, etc) to check out near Santa Rosa with the gf Aug 12-14. Also looking for dining recommendations (yes, we're going to Flavor :grinning:) and any other cool stuff to check out in beer country. Thanks, cheers!
     
  2. flexabull

    flexabull Initiate (0) Mar 9, 2006 California

    Point Reyes and Annadel State Park. The later especially if you like mountain biking.
     
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  3. nataku00

    nataku00 Maven (1,317) Apr 5, 2010 California

    I've hiked Point Reyes a couple of times this year and it's a nice area for hiking when the weather is clear. The Tomales Point hike (9.5 mi round trip) had awesome views and plenty of Thule elk out earlier this summer when they were in breeding season, but I am a little out of shape and was definitely sore for the last two miles or so. The shorter trails in the southern portion of Point Reyes National Seashore are great as well.

    However, it's still a bit of a drive away from Santa Rosa, probably a good hour to hour and a half depending on traffic, but still a nice way to spend the afternoon before continuing north.
     
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  4. AptosBeerDrinker

    AptosBeerDrinker Initiate (0) Aug 9, 2011 California

    Annadel is awesome. Really cool mix of redwoods, open meadows, ponds, etc.

    Have you ever been out to Occidental? Really cool little town with an awesome little place called Barley and Hops Tavern. Some of the best pub food I have ever had. Also an amazing bakery in nearby Freestone (Wild Flour?)
     
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  5. mapleneck

    mapleneck Devotee (382) Jan 2, 2010 California
    Trader

    Armstrong Redwoods and Goat Rock State Beach
    Flavors Unlimited and Boon Eat + Drink in Guerneville
    Dierk's Parkside and Dierk's Midtown Cafe
    Spinster Sisters
    Belly West Coast Kitchen
    Willow Wood in Graton

    Still waiting for the following places to open this summer: Moonlight tasting room, Woodfour Brewing and Warped Brewing at Barlow in Sebastopol, and Fogbelt Brewing
     
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  6. thedirtyname

    thedirtyname Initiate (0) Dec 7, 2012 California

    Lagunitas tour. Their tasting room has outdoor seating... >_>
     
  7. DrAwkward82

    DrAwkward82 Initiate (0) Apr 16, 2005 California

    If you have any sort of nostalgic feelings towards Peanuts cartoons, the Charles M. Schultz Museum is pretty delightful.
     
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  8. ficklenicholas

    ficklenicholas Initiate (0) Jul 26, 2011 California

  9. drgarage

    drgarage Initiate (0) Aug 19, 2008 California

    Hiking Mt. St. Helena is the pinnacle (even though it's easy hiking, just long). I'm a fan of climbing Bald Mountain. On a clear day you can see SF, Oakland, an the Sierras.
     
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  10. polishkaz

    polishkaz Initiate (0) May 30, 2011 Connecticut

     
  11. HaveUSeenMyCellar

    HaveUSeenMyCellar Savant (1,246) Aug 30, 2012 California
    Trader

    Bring some bottles to Napa and have a bottleshare at my place in Napa. :-)
    When you heading up?
     
  12. mjl21

    mjl21 Initiate (0) Apr 3, 2008 California

    Can't recommend Flying Goat enough for coffee/pastries. They blow away Blue Bottle and Ritual Roasters. For dinner I really like Lococo's, Willi's Wine Bar, Zazu and La Texanita.
     
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  13. jtmartino

    jtmartino Initiate (0) Dec 11, 2010 California

    I was in Santa Rosa yesterday after spending the weekend in Guernville. We stopped at this cool little spot for brunch called "Worth Our Weight." It's a non-profit restaurant and culinary apprentice program where the food doesn't have a price, and they simply ask for a donation equal to what you think the meal was worth.

    It was actually a pretty great experience, and the food was excellent. More info here. From their site:

    WOW apprentices are young people from 16-24 who have faced major challenges in their lives, including foster care, difficulties with the law, homelessness, and significant family disruption. We provide tuition-free culinary and food service training.

    I had the huevos rancheros, but the chicken and waffle looked awesome too.
     
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  14. illidurit

    illidurit Pooh-Bah (2,061) Feb 5, 2007 California
    Pooh-Bah

    It's gonna be hot as balls in Santa Rosa in August. Go toward the coast. Point Reyes is incredible.
     
  15. drgarage

    drgarage Initiate (0) Aug 19, 2008 California

    I always enjoy a summer visit to Bodega Head beach. I like Goat Rock more, because you'll see seals really up close and personal. The big thing is hitting the coast -- it's almost always cool out there even when it's in the 100s inland.
     
  16. litheum94

    litheum94 Initiate (0) Dec 29, 2008 California

    Definitely Annadel if you're looking for some hiking. And I secon Barley & Hops Tavern. Stop by Wildflower Bakery in Freestone while you're out there for some awesome bread.
     
  17. PeterWeller

    PeterWeller Initiate (0) Jul 16, 2010 California

    Get tacos in Roseland. Second best trucks I've been to after Oakland.
     
  18. SanFranJake

    SanFranJake Initiate (0) Nov 2, 2012 California

    The ocean isn't too far away.
    Toad in the Hole is a decent pub.
    Hit up my buddies Aweful Falafel food truck...if you like bomb-ass food truck food and shwerma the size of your foot.
     
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  19. JorSince88

    JorSince88 Initiate (0) Jul 26, 2013 California

    Im will be making my first trip up to russian river soon, is there any fishing spots worth stopping by in the northbay?
     
  20. afrokaze

    afrokaze Pooh-Bah (1,962) Jun 12, 2009 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Thanks all, plans have been made and I'm pretty damn excited!
     
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