Southern Sonoma Country Life

McEvoy Ranch Launches a New Local Honey Collection

 

NEW this Spring! McEvoy Ranch Wildflower Honey Collection offers three unique local Northern California honey that pay homage to the tastes profiles of each region's flowers, orchards, vineyards, or fields the bees are visiting.   Marin Wildflower Honey A buttery mixture of native wildflowers, as well as backyard varieties such as Mexican Sage, Peppermint, Crepe Myrtle,  and Eucalyptus with a slightly lemony flair.   Sonoma Wildflower Honey A tasting profile of apple and pumpkin blossoms create a very delicate sweet honey.   Napa Wildflower Honey From the apiaries at some of Napa Valley’s finest wineries, where bees forage the sweet nectar right from the vineyard flowers.

Savor Them All With a  Wildflower Honey Gift Pack!

SHOP NOW

Boulevard Cinema & Petaluma Gap Wineries Offer the Perfect Summer Movie Pairing Experience: Wine Night at the Movies

Boulevard Cinema and the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance are pleased to jointly announce a summer series, “Petaluma Gap Wine Nights at the Movies,” pairing iconic wine-related films and Hollywood classics with premium wines from the Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area (AVA).

The monthly series will kick off on Tuesday, June 7^th, 2022 at Boulevard Cinema, located at 200 C Street in Petaluma, with a special screening of the movie, Decanted, a feature-length documentary about the creation of a new winery. 

Garry Brooks, owner and winemaker for the newly-opened Brooks Note Winery and Tasting Room in downtown Petaluma, will co-host this premier show and pour two of his acclaimed wines for attendees. 

Doors will open at 6:30 PM and reserved seating tickets may be purchased for $45 online at cinemawest.com. While watching the film, guests will enjoy wine and complementary gourmet popcorn, as well as an invitation to book a future tasting at the winery.

The Petaluma Gap Wine Nights at the Movies will continue throughout the summer on the following dates with these films and winery co-hosts:

July 5^th, You Will Be My Son, with Fogline Vineyards

August 2^nd, When Harry Met Sally, with Montagne Russe Wines

September 6^th, Steel Magnolias, with Light of Day Wines

At each screening, a Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance representative will be on hand to share highlights about the AVA’s distinctive and award-winning wines.  For more information email info@cinemawest.com.

The Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance would like to thank Boulevard Cinemas and its owner, Dave Corkill, for arranging and bringing this film series to the Petaluma community.

# # #

 

About the Wine Hosts

Brooks Note Winery is a small, family-owned winery, focused on making wines with elegant structure and balanced acidity, that demonstrate ripeness and intensity of flavor.  Featured at the June 7^th event will be their 2019 Pinot Noir from the Petaluma Gap and a 2021 North Coast Rosé, containing 95% Petaluma Gap grapes.

Fogline Vineyards, owned by Evan Pontoreiro, a founding member of the Petaluma Gap AVA, and his partner, Brent Bessire, is known for luscious, small-lot, world-class Pinot and Chardonnay, as well as Syrah and Zinfandel, with all fruit grown above the fog-line, primarily in the Petaluma Gap. 

Montagne Russe Wines (the French term for ‘roller coaster’) was launched by Kevin Bersofsky in his Napa Valley garage in 2006.  After being cited by Federal authorities for making too much excellent wine, he and his crew set their sights on creating the next cult wine label.  Montagne Russe specializes in cool-climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah, primarily from vineyards in the Petaluma Gap.

Light of Day Wines is a family owned and operated winery making wines that speak of place and time, from the ground to the glass, farmed with environmentally responsible practices. Our winemaking style focuses on minimal intervention while guiding the wine into the bottle. The Petaluma Gap provides a beautiful and unique place for farming and crafting wines. We are thrilled to share our journey with visitors at the winery or through a glass shared with friends around a home table.

About the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance

Founded in 2005, the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance (PGWA) exists to educate members of the wine trade and consumers about the Petaluma Gap AVA and to increase awareness of the region’s unique growing conditions and award-winning wines. PGWA additionally supports member winegrowers and vintners within the region through ongoing programs and communications designed to help them maximize their success within the industry. The group’s membership is made up of grape growers, wineries, associate business members, sponsors and local community members with a passion for the region and its wine.

Why I'll Be Celebrating Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee in Sonoma County — Expat Diary Dates!

"It's worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change." —

Queen Elizabeth, 2019 Christmas Broadcast

Expats and Anglophiles will be partying in the streets around the world on Sunday June 5th in celebration of Queen Elizabeth's 2022 Platinum Jubilee. Whether or not you're a fan of British royalty, or any concept of modern monarchy for that matter there's no disputing the enormous sense of national heritage identity and pride felt by many expats such as myself when it comes to the Queen. 

In an era where it's understandable to question the preservation of such old-school pomp, ceremony and elitism that is undoubtedly the British monarchy, polls show that the majority of Brits are not in favor of ditching the royal fam any time soon. Maybe it's because the royals have managed to ride out thousands of years of unrest, including the enormous present day social changes that we do keep them around in an increasingly streamlined form. It's clear it's time to give back in new and effective ways. 

Despite their rocky patches and the odd particularly unsuitable family member (every fam has one), there's a steadying influence of a clan that has weathered storm after storm.

During this time in history that we're experiencing, I think that their old-fashioned anchor somehow provides a bigger picture, a larger, national and international family — and when the Queen passes away her exit from the precarious living world as we know it will undoubtedly be bigger than one would imagine. 

I have a small collection of royal memorabilia from growing up in the UK. We were given Silver Jubilee mugs at elementary school and I fondly recall the street parties and discos on the village green. I wrote and illustrated a booklet on the Queen that year, 1977, aged 11 in school. I still have it. I recall how proud I was with my work and it was probably my first book when I think about it now. 

And yes, the royals do cost the UK a lot, but they also bring in big bucks (or pounds sterling rather) in tourism — with billions expected to be raked in this summer. I don't doubt that there will be further trimming down of the coffers over the next two generations of the British royal family to align more with the style of other less ceremonial European royals. It's already started and it'll look a lot different by the time William and Kate take over the palace. 

Still, The Platinum Jubilee marks 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. And let's hear it for Elizabeth. For she is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee and officially the longest-reigning monarch in UK history. In fact, she is only a few years behind Louis XIV of France who is the world’s longest-reigning monarch! King Louis XIV spent 72 years on the throne from 1643 to 1715. Close behind are Johann II of Liechtenstein and Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, both with 70-year reigns under their belts. 

Queen Elizabeth II became monarch in 1952 at the age of 25 following the untimely death of her father King George VI. Since then, she has ruled and represented the United Kingdom for a whopping seven decades. 

The Queen has presided over 14 British Prime Ministers and has met 13 out of 14 US presidents.

 

"When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future" — 

Queen Elizabeth, 2008 Christmas Broadcast

 

The annual Trooping the Color event, also known as the Queen’s Birthday Parade, is taking place at Buckingham Palace in London on Thursday, 2 June. 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians are part of the procession that travels down The Mall to the Horse Guards Parade. Also joining are members of the Royal Family (on horseback and in carriages). The traditional RAF fly-past will also take place with the Queen watching from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. The event is open to the public and will also be broadcast live on BBC One. 

There will be a Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen’s reign at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday, 3 June. The following day, on Saturday 4 June, the Queen and members of the Royal Family will attend the Derby at Epsom Downs racecourse while, in the evening, the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace takes place at Buckingham Palace.

The Big Jubilee Lunch:

Over 60k people have registered to host Big Jubilee Lunches on the Platinum celebration weekend, with events ranging from world record attempts for the longest street party to back garden BBQ’s and everything in between. Over ten million people across the UK are expected to be joining the celebrations to share friendship, food and fun at Big Jubilee Lunches as part of this nationwide act of community friendship. People across the world are also joining in with over 600 international Big Jubilee Lunches being planned throughout the Commonwealth and beyond - from Canada to Brazil, New Zealand to Japan and South Africa to Switzerland. 

Vintage recipes come into their own during street parties. Iced buns, scones, Scotch eggs and sausage rolls, cucumber sandwiches of course, Victoria Sponge, sherry trifle, Pimms Cup. Here's a photo of me at brunch in my Petaluma kitchen on Harry and Meghan's wedding day. I'm looking forward to some festive shenanigans with local British contingency on the 5th. 

In London, on the same day, the Platinum Jubilee Pageant takes place. National treasures and iconic figures from music, film, sport and the arts will take part in the Pageant including much-loved celebrity names, alongside military personnel, key workers and volunteers.

Though the Queen won't personally travel in The Gold State Carriage, led by The Sovereign’s Escort, the carriage will lead the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, embracing the latest in digital technology to evoke the excitement and majesty of her journey to be crowned 70 years ago.

Platinum Jubilee Beacons: The United Kingdom’s long tradition of celebrating Royal Jubilees, Weddings and Coronations with the lighting of beacons will continue for the Platinum Jubilee. 

A beacon chain, once used as a tool for communication, has now become a symbol of unity across towns, borders, countries and continents and is often the central point of focus for any outdoor gathering or celebration. In 1897, beacons were lit to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. In 1977, 2002 and 2012, beacons commemorated the Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees of The Queen, and in 2016 Her Majesty’s 90th birthday. Over 1,500 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories.

The Principal beacon, involving The Tree of Trees (a 21m high 'tree' constructed of 350 smaller trees), will be lit in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace at 9pm. 

There will be three kinds of beacon events:

• Community Beacons – thousands of beacons will be lit by communities, charities and different groups throughout the regions of the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories.
• Commonwealth Beacons - beacons will be lit in all capital cities of the Commonwealth - 54 in total.
• Principal Beacon - to be lit on the 2nd June in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

"In times of doubt and anxiety, the attitudes people show in their daily lives, in their homes and in their work are of supreme importance." — 

Queen Elizabeth, 1974 Christmas Broadcast

I'm looking forward to a bit of fun with teapots and a few close pals here on the 5th, Stateside. Why not? 

To read more about the royals, check out and subscribe to my sister Kerry and co-editor Maria's terrific weekly The Royal List newsletter. 

 

First Ever Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience a Huge Success

It was my pleasure to check out Saturday's Vintner's Plaza Grand Tasting at the first ever Healdsburg Food & Wine Experience. a three-day celebration featuring the best of Sonoma County and world-renowned food and wines.

This extensive festival showcased our region’s lauded makers – farmers, growers, winemakers and chefs – alongside globally recognized wines from the greatest wine regions of the world.

The goal of this new festival was to highlight the vibrant culinary diversity, sustainable farming practices and deep connection to the agriculture of Sonoma as it relates to the rest of the world. It certainly was an extraordinary event, with every small attention to detail in the connection of so many movers and shakers in the wine and food world in our county.

If you missed your chance to meet, eat/drink with and learn from a blend of super talented celebrity, Michelin-starred and James Beard award- winning chefs, world-renowned wine experts, wine makers and grape growers all in one place, then you'd best put the Healdsburg Food & Wine Experience on your radar for next May.

First stop before hitting the Vintner's Plaza Grand Tasting Experience was the Healdsburg Bar & Grill for tasty Sips & Sliders. 

I was thoroughly impressed by all the effort that went into beautifying each tasting booth. Lovely flowers, thoughtful shaded presentation, lots of care with hydrating guests in the heat and recycling. 

Packed with options, activities and unique locations, the event schedule offered a lineup suited for everyone’s tastes and pocketbook!  Customize your weekend experience next year. Options vary based on purchased ticket package, featuring a variety of culinary experiences with celebrity chefs (I caught Award-winning chef and restaurateur, Fan Favorite and contestant on Top Chef, Food Network star and judge, coach and judge on Fox’s Next Level Chef Nyesha Arrington crafting delicious tacos featured above at the Matheson), seminars, bbq and ranch tours, a country and western concert and super exclusive VIP evening parties.

Click here to see all the events that took place over the weekend in various scenic locales. 

To showcase this new event's commitment to the region, HW&FE plans to make a significant contribution to the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation towards healthcare, affordable housing and other critical support services for the Foundation’s farmers and families.

Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience is set to create a new scholarship fund for economically-challenged students of Healdsburg High School Future Farmers of America who wish to pursue a career in agriculture and farming.

It was rather a whirlwind visit for me as I had family visiting all weekend, though 2033 I for one will be sure to keep my calendar clear for the whole weekend to savor more of the wide range of events and experiences. Fun crowd, friendly folk making sure everyone had the best time. 

Locals may enjoy a volunteer stint or two during the weekend as a great way to experience the event. Check out the website for news on next year's celebration. 

Tickets Available for VIP Vineyard Truck Tour & Dutton Ranch BBQ With Texas Cowboy Chef Tim Love — Sunday, May 22nd, 2022

As part of  Sonoma County Winegrowers' co-founding partnership with this coming weekend's inaugural Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience, it is offering its exclusive Truck Talks for the first time to consumers 

Historically, Truck Talks have been part of the county winegrowers' outreach and education when it hosts media or Somms/wine trade in Sonoma County.  Guests have the opportunity to spend time with lauded local grape growers and experience Sonoma County from each farmer's perspective. 

As part of this year's first Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience, this literally equates to grape growers picking up 2-4 consumers in a truck from their hotel and giving them a unique Sonoma County tour -  to a particular vineyard the grower farms to taste the wine from that specific parcel. There are stop offs at favorite coffee shop and other area favorites.

This is your invitation to walk the vineyards, touch the soil, drink the wines and learn how wine is made from the person who makes it. A true “maker behind the magic” experience.

After the individual tours, all of the grape growers will bring their guests to Dutton Ranch in the Russian River for an old-fashioned BBQ where wines from all of the growers participating will be poured.

Truck Talks take place on Sunday, May 22nd from 9am-2pm (approximate timing) with Truck Talks  from 9am-11:30am and lunch at Dutton Ranch hosted by “Texas Cowboy Chef”, Tim Love from 11:30am-2:00pm (approximate timing).

Shuttles will return guests back to hotels and parking lots in Healdsburg mid afternoon. 

Located in the heart of California wine country, the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience is a three-day celebration featuring the best of Sonoma County and world-renowned food and wines.

The festival will showcase the region’s makers – farmers, growers, winemakers and chefs – alongside globally recognized wines from the greatest wine regions of the world. If you're interested in checking out the festival, tickets are still available for the Vintners Grand Plaza Tasting on Saturday 21st May as well as the Vineyard Tours and Dutton Ranch event.

The Vintners Plaza Grand Tasting features wines from Sonoma, Napa and internationally renowned regions. Delicious foods will be prepared by local and internationally known chefs who will present their creations. Enjoy the live music of band Wobbly World and meet some of your favorite chefs who will be signing autographs throughout the day. Click here for more info. 

Time To Trestle. Petaluma Trestle Rehabilitation Meets City Council Priority Status — A Centenary Year Update

Want to see the dilapidated Petaluma Trestle turned into a riverfront community promenade? I do. I wrote an in-depth feature on the sore subject of this decaying mass back in February of this year. The article (click here) traveled far and wide within our community and I'm pleased to have played a small part in the push to present reasoning for its rehabilitation before the Petaluma City Council as a priority item for our town.

Who's on board?

Five Council members and the Mayor and that was enough to push the Trestle to the top of the council's to-do list. 

The Petaluma Women's Club, entering its 126th year of active improvements in our community, is also on board, big time. The Women's Club has written its appreciation in a letter to the City for making the Trestle a priority.

"We think your timing is critical to update and finalize the design, to provide legal and DPW staff and funding and to collaborate with SMART to get this done," wrote co-president Colleen Mahoney, adding that the project deserves the City's attention so that our community can finally see this nuisance and liability turned into a visionary, rehabilitated promenade for visitors and residents to enjoy.

In fact, the Women's Club has pledged to help with this legacy project, in keeping with its significant and substantial local works over the past century and a quarter. On behalf of all 150 members, Colleen asked that the project be accelerated as an opportunity for business, community leaders, city council and staff to join forces and get this done:

"The City needs to play the lead role, but we are poised to gather community-wide momentum to finally see this project become a reality."

After all, it was Ida McNear who formed The Petaluma Women's Club in 1895. By 1900, the following creed was adopted: "We desire to do all in our power to make Petaluma an ideal town, that may be known as the home of good citizenship. In the effort for clean streets, good water, pure food and better sanitation, we will constantly be on the alert to aid our street and City officials."

I can't help but think that Mrs. McNear would be relieved to know that the Women's Club has championed this year as "Time to Trestle."

Its leaders are committed to hosting fundraisers/benefit concerts and collaborations with multiple organizations within the community to support and boost federal and state grant monies that must be secured by the City in the coming months.

Although this is a municipal project, everyone needs to think outside of the box with funding strategies.

Petaluma City Council is insufficiently staffed by its own admission and reluctant to over promise and under deliver, so let's hope that this public right of way that Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit currently has responsibility for may make this a project that SMART engineers could somehow help get off the ground before transfer of ownership to the City. SMART understands bridges, structures and permits after all. And the Trestle has been a big liability for SMART so one would hope that it is keen to pass the baton to the City. It would certainly be SMART's opportunity to shine in Petaluma. 

I messaged County Supervisor and SMART Board chair David Rabbitt and he replied that same day that SMART is all in as well. Though: "Neither have the funds to do anything but working collaboratively, we will be seeking opportunities".  Promising news. 

Petaluma City Council Member Kevin McDonnell spoke with me at length about the challenges ahead. In short, there are three obstacles to overcome: the first is to get the City Attorney to say yes it can be done considering all the legal wrangling and for the City to then take charge; the second is to nail down the nuts and bolts of the engineering project and the third is to secure funding. 

"It's a lottery, you just don't know," Kevin explained with regards to grant applications. "SMART has access to additional funds the City doesn't, so it's really important what the City does with SMART."

"The City is just now recovering from a 10 year battering," he added. "There are many, many priorities. Yet I've been very hopeful that the Trestle rehabilitation will happen. It's central to our community. It's why we have a downtown and others don't and struggle. We must preserve our downtown and go for the grants now." 

It was great to catch the Trestle on CBS News on May 11th. Click here for the news clip .

Coffee with chief instigator of the Trestle restoration campaign, Living History Museum President Christopher Stevick and his wife Elaine Stevick caught me up on news from their end. Chris and Elaine met me for coffee at Riverfront Cafe to fill me in on the latest from their perspective as two of the city's most passionate campaigners (along with Petaluma Pete) for the rehabilitation of this important California heritage site.

Chris has poured his heart and soul into the future public promenade, which he describes perfectly as "Our balcony to the river".

"And the river is the heart of our town," he adds. "Santa Rosa put a lot of money into historic Railroad Square. The Trestle is already here. A town needs a square and we have a river and this is our version."

On Monday May 1st, the City Council agreed to prioritize the trestle’s restoration over the next two years. According to the Petaluma Argus Courier, prior to a six-hour city priority discussion, council member Dave King was confident the trestle restoration would be at the top of the list for the next two fiscal years.

“It’s always been significant, (but) it’s largely been a question of money,” King told the Argus in a phone interview. “Prior to Measure U, the City was strapped pretty badly, the budget was pretty tight all the way around. But as time has progressed, the trestle isn’t getting any better and something has to be done with it.”

I'll be posting regular updates with how to get involved in the Trestle project. A community promenade for festivals, events and general, every day enjoyment of the great outdoors promises to be a riverside delight. Things are happening and that's great news for Petaluma. 

 

Sonoma County — Life Opens Up Spring 2022 — A Slice of Cheese, Wine, Style & Design

“You have to be a romantic to invest yourself, your money, and your time in cheese.”

Anthony Bourdain

Well, I am definitely a romantic. And I invested more of my household staple budget and shopping time in cheese and wine during the past couple of years than ever, making sure as much of it as possible was local.

And I'm so glad that so many of you did too as we're coming through the other end of the long struggle for our regional farmstead producers who were so incredibly hard hit by the on-again, off-again shutting of restaurants and hospitality venues, their major source of income. It's heartening to see so many cheesemakers and artisan producers back at it in public, with tours, dinners and special events this Spring. 

I was delighted to attend the 16th annual California Artisan Cheese Festival in Santa Rosa at the county fairgrounds on Saturday May 6th. It was lovely to spend the day with good friend Lynne Devereux, former Marketing & Public Relations at Laura Chenel's Chèvre & Marin French Cheese, who was instrumental in the cheese festival's early days at the Sheraton Petaluma. I haven't seen Lynne, who lives in the East Bay since long before the pandemic so it was terrific to catch up in-person on life, the universe and strawberry-infused cream cheese bagels at a bustling, real life, local festival. 

Cheesemakers, beer makers, wine and mead producers, olive oil makers, you name it, the taste makers of the region were representing. It struck us that the lines of patient patrons waiting to taste have grown far more civilized given everyone's manners these days in not over crowding one another. It may be that there needs to be line hosts to keep things going in future years if we stay as sensible for the long term!

I hope next year to hear that the cheese tours will return. I've been on quite a few over the years and they're always so much fun. I love meeting folk from all over the world who come to explore the true flavor of terroir in and on our cheesemaking facilities, ranches and farms.

This cute crew had to be captured on film as they nibbled their way around some 60 or more vendors.

One of my favorite local cheesemaking families is Achadinha Cheese Company, just outside of Petaluma on Chileno Valley Road. I was delighted to see Donna Pacheco and family featured on Sonoma County's Life Open's Up videos. It really shows how beautiful it is in our part of the country. Look for Achadinha cheeses at your local California farmer's market and in regional stores. 

Last week was a busy one. I was also lucky enough to attend a fantastic winemaker dinner at the new Montage resort nestled among 258 acres of rolling vineyards and oak tree groves, outside of Healdsburg.

Thank you dear friends Michael and Carla Carpenter for the invite. Michael co-founded The Redd Collection — a retail wine business primarily focused on fine & rare wines. He and his family live in Southern Sonoma County where he has his finger on the pulse of California wines as well as wines from around the world. If you're looking to start or expand a wine collection, Michael's your guy. And he makes the wine world fun in his down-to-earth approach to sourcing and explaining everything from great value every day wines to whatever amazing wine suits your personal pallet & wallet.

Every year, Michael participates in Sonoma County Vintner's annual spring Barrel Auction extravaganza that takes place each year in Sonoma Wine Country over several days and at multiple locations. 

The intimate winemaker's dinner we attended featured a delicious menu served in a spectacular glass-enclosed, private modern dining room with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wine pairings served by renowned Fisher Vineyards and Patz & Hall Winery. 

It was my first time visiting the resort which features an 11,500-square-foot spa, a zero-edge resort pool, three signature dining options, including a seasonal poolside restaurant, inspired by our  region’s culinary heritage and renowned wineries. It really is spectacular. 

After the cheese festival I stopped by the Water Shed Warehouse in West Petaluma's riverfront neighborhood on 1st Street. Another friend, Wendy Owen, messaged me that she was going to be there with her sumptuous textile pillows and cushions for a pop-up that sounded intriguing. 

Needless to say, this beautifully renovated 100-year-old former grain warehouse which neighbors Foundry Wharf is a place to watch in Sonoma County for upscale style and design. It's exciting to see what happens next in that neighborhood.

 

 

 

Travel Tuesday — Inntravel's Beginner's Guide to European Walking Holidays

Inntravel is best known for seeking out foot travel along the lesser-taken paths of Europe. Since walking holidays are more popular than ever these days, the European-based travel company has commissioned the experienced route finder, Andy Montgomery to write a new online guide. 

“Finding the right walking holiday is the crucial first step.  Going too far out of your comfort zone can ruin a holiday, but get it right and every trip for years to come will be on foot,” she says. Among the important topics covered that new and inexperienced walkers will want to consider are: 

• How to decide upon the location: considering temperature, number of daylight hours, reaching the holiday, avoiding the busy honeypot sites, whether to opt for an itinerant hotel-to-hotel or a single centre holiday, and the importance of building in rest days.
• Tips for judging how difficult the walking will be: length, grading, number of days, ascents and descents, terrain, and whether to choose a circular or linear route are all considerations.
• Whether to opt for the flexibility of a self-guided holiday with route notes and maps provided, or a guided group walking with like-minded people who are all required to move at the same pace.
• What to pack for a walking holiday:  the best footwear for the terrain and quick dry, breathable clothing, the benefits of walking poles, a rucksack, and miscellaneous items like knee supports, sunscreen, first aid, sunglasses, a flask for water, and Vaseline for blister prevention.
• Preparing and getting fit for your walking holiday such as the need to break in new boots and walking for a distance at home on consecutive days, not just once a week.

More than 40% of new customers this year are opting for entry level (easy grade 1 and grade1-2 routes) walking holidays, according to Inntravel. As a result more flexible and accessible walking holidays have been introduced for 2022.

THREE NEW EASY EUROPEAN WALKING HOLIDAYS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS

Guernsey Herm and Sark
Gentle Guernsey and its islands offer a delicious blend of both exotic and foreign, yet are reassuringly familiar –perfect for those new to a walking holiday. Introduced in April, the holiday combines a single centre 4-star hotel stay in one of Europe’s prettiest harbor towns with a pass for the local bus network to access walks that explore the dramatic cliff tops, quiet country lanes and crowd-free beaches.  Price: from £445pp based on 2 sharing, including 4 nights’ B&B, 1 dinner, daily bus pass, return transfers to Guernsey airport or ferry port, maps and walking notes, and GPS navigation. Grade 1 and 1-2.

Wonders of Western Sicily
Discover the quiet charms of Western Sicily and the dreamy Egadi Islands with their distinct North African accent and gentle pace of life. From the medieval hill-town of Erice, walk to vibrant Trapani, where an hour’s ferry takes walkers to Marettimo, the furthest-flung of the Egadi Islands. Here, follow Inntravel’s trails, including those along thyme-scented slopes where peregrine falcons and Bonelli’s eagles swoop overhead. The final two nights are spent in the Moorish coastal village of Scopello, gateway to the beautiful Zingaro Nature Reserve.  Price: from £775pp based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights’ B&B, 1 picnic and return ferry Trapani to Marettimo plus transfer on day 5, luggage transported, route notes and maps, and GPS navigation. Grade 1 – 2.

The Quiet Side of the Italian Riviera 
Away from the crowds, explore the Ligurian Riviera’s alluring villages and stunning coastline from the stylish coastal village of Moneglia, using the inexpensive local rail network.  Conveniently set between the Cinque Terre and Portofino Bay (2022 will mark 25 years since the Cinque Terre gained UNESCO status), walkers use the excellent rail links to access some of Italy’s finest and most flexible coastal walking.  Set in the hills just behind the seafront, stay in the friendly, family-run boutique hotel, Villa Edera, with a gourmet restaurant, a pool and a lift conveniently situated in the hotel garden which takes guests directly down to the railway station. Price: from £860pp based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights’ B&B, wine tasting session with tapas, route notes and maps, and GPS navigation. Grade 1 – 2, and 2.

Click here for further information on Inntravel’s walking holiday guide for new walkers visit
    
For more information on Inntravel generally, please visit www.inntravel.co.uk    

Heritage Homes & Landmarks Of Petaluma Spring Garden Tour — May 7th, 2022

Heritage Homes & Landmarks is thrilled to resume its popular house tours and invites you to an afternoon of exploration of elegant residences and gardens in bloom: a glimpse of Petaluma’s past and present beauty.

 

On tour day, Saturday, May 7th, 2022, two vintage homes and an historic church will open their doors to tour-goers, and an idyllic garden tended by a Master Gardener will soothe the soul. 

 

he Petaluma Historical Library & Museum offers refreshments in its shady Garden Court. Tickets would make for a great Mother’s Day gift and a lovely way to spend time with family and friends on Mothers Day weekend.

 

Although a few of the destinations on the map are fairly close to each other, this is not considered a “walking tour.”

 

Tickets are priced at $25 for adults and children over 12. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. To purchase tickets, stop by the Museum at 20 Fourth Street in Petaluma, Thursday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Masks requested, please.

 

Ticket sales directly benefit the Petaluma Museum Association.

 

On Tour Day, May 7th, ticket purchasers should plan to arrive to the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum at 20 Fourth Street in Petaluma (corner of Fourth and B Streets) at 12:00 noon to pick up tickets to guide you through your tour (actual tour hours begin at 1:00 to 4:00 PM). These handouts won’t be available at the homes.

 

Tickets may  also be purchased the day of the tour at the Museum starting at 12:00 noon. Actual tour hours are from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

 

If you buy tickets online through Brown Paper Tickets, you will be on a will-call list – just stop by the Museum on Saturday, May 7th starting at 12:00 noon to pick up your tour brochure.

 

The actual tour time runs from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. 

Travel Tuesday — Explore Norway's Senja Island From Air, Land and Sea

Senja by Heart - Kjopmannsoya_Pan

Frank-Andreassen_www.nordnorge.com.jpg

Mefjord Brygge - fishing piers.jpg

Now this one dropped into my inbox the other day and it sounds amazing. I get sent a lot of media releases from travel companies but I only share trips that I'd love to take myself.

A new autumn adventure has launched in northern Norway, providing an exclusive opportunity to experience the Arctic from three perspectives — from the air in a private helicopter, on land while hiking and e-biking across dramatic coastal mountaintops, and on the water and under water to meet Arctic aquatic life.

The five-day Senja Autumn Adventure has been created by specialist travel company Off the Map Travel for an exclusive holiday of relaxation and unusual experiences including snorkeling by the fjords.

Senja is Norway’s second largest island and a revelation to travelers to the Arctic. The itinerary has been specially curated for the autumn temperate weather to combine a variety of activities and excursions to showcase Senja in multiple ways. And maybe offer a glimpse of the Northern Lights if you're truly lucky. 

A mountainous island blessed with dramatic topography, Senja is Norway’s jewel when it comes to views, especially in autumn when it presents a palette of dark browns and greens from the mountains and sparkling turquoise from the sea.

The program begins in Trømso, dubbed “the Paris of the North” for its fashion, food and culture. Then the true adventure begins with a helicopter ride to Senja traveling above the island’s mountains and plateaus before landing in the small fishing village of Mefjordvaer on the Northwest coast.

“Senja is one of those unknown areas of the world, an unspoiled part of Norway, bursting with color and dramatic scenery,” comments Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel. “This is a special chance to experience Senja from multiple sensory angles. Our program is designed to consider every traveler’s wish and maybe even provide a glimpse of early Northern Lights.” 

All meals are included with North Norwegian favorites including reindeer shank and Skreigrunn cod. Accommodations are at Mefjord Brygge, a resort village with hotel rooms, apartments and cabins, a location favored by nature lovers, adventure seekers, photographers and hikers.

Guests have access to a wellness area with sauna, outdoor hot tub and solarium, an idyllic area for relaxing and soaking up the 360 degree views. A private pier overlooks a fjord that attracts local wildlife and has even more views of the rugged mountains on every side.

Water-based activities include a private boat trip to explore the island and search out seals playing beneath the surf, a visit to view salmon shoals, and an Off the Map Travel “exclusive experience” -- snorkeling in some of Senja’s crystal clear bays and inlets with the opportunity to explore Røst Reef, a cold-water coral reef and home to many distinctive species of fish.

As well as being a wild fauna and flora sanctuary, Senja is a paradise for bird watchers with a mix of marine birds, sea eagles, falcons and golden eagles.

Guests will also enjoy an e-bike tour through the mountains, accessing jaw-dropping viewpoints from the cliff edge and taking in the changing shades of the water along the coast before arriving at a secluded beach for a private-dining, chef-created experience of locally sourced seafood and ingredients.

The five-day, four-night Senja Autumn Adventure itinerary is priced from £5499 per person ($7149 USD at the time writing), based on double occupancy, including all activities, all meals, private chef for the secluded beach meal only, transfers, one night’s hotel accommodation in Trømso and three nights’ accommodation in Senja.

Flights are additional.

Itinerary Detail

Day 1: Arrive in Trømso for the first night and spend the evening exploring the city. Take a short walk to the stunning viewpoints looking down over the city and maybe watch the sun before dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants on offer. Depending when you arrive, there may be the option of an excursion or boat trip, too.

Day 2: After checking out, a short transfer to the airport will take you to your helicopter to take you across the stunning landscape to Senja. If helicopters aren’t your thing, your Adventure Artist can arrange alternative transport. In Senja, relax and settle into your accommodation before setting out on foot to explore Mefjordvaer, a small fishing village. Enjoy a leisurely dinner with beautiful views.

Day 3: After breakfast, gear up for a day trip on your own private boat to explore this beautiful island from the ocean. You’ll have your own crew and the option to head out in the morning or evening for three hours. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy your surroundings and another delicious dinner.

Day 4: For your final day in Senja, there is a special day planned for you with an activity exclusive to Off the Map Travel. You will be picked up by private boat transfer after breakfast and taken to Torsken, a rugged area on the west coast of Senja. Upon arrival you will experience an ‘underwater fjord tour’ in various bays and water inlets, a snorkeling experience giving you the opportunity to explore Senja’s crystal-clear waters. You will see a variety of sea anemones and flowers, and explore shallow coral reefs that are home to fish and starfish. You can then head up river to see salmon and visit a larger bay where you may even see seals playing beneath the surf. You are likely to see sea eagles too. Once finished, you can enjoy lunch before setting out on a beautiful e-bike tour through the fjords to a secluded beach for a private dinner prepared by your own, personal chef.

Day 5: After breakfast, transfer to Trømso via air, land or sea, taking in the beautiful landscape as you go. If you’re not ready for the adventure to end, speak to one of the team to see how they can tailor the trip for you.

OFF THE MAP TRAVEL

 The team at Off the Map Travel works with experiences and destinations that allow people to explore hidden wonders of our planet. Specializing in Soft Adventure OTMT creates tailor-made holiday itineraries offering authentic experiences not offered by many larger travel companies.  For more information on Off the Map Travel itineraries visit www.offthemap.travel; call 1-646-701-0041; email info@offthemap.travel  or join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or Pinterest