I first visited The Barlow in Sebastopol when it was in its last throws as a dilapidated, former apple processing plant. I wrote an article for a local business publication on earlier plans for a (San Jose) Santana Row-style mixed use development that would have brought flashy apartment living to the historic heart of town.
After much debate with planners in this famously low-key west country community, developer Barney Aldridge went back to the drawing board and came up with what we see today when we visit the three-year-old Barlow — a bustling space for wine and beer makers, tasting rooms, a coffee roaster, bakery, restaurants, salons, art galleries and boutiques.
In the warmer months, The Barlow Street Fair welcomes locals and visitors to enjoy additional food vendors and live music.
I visited last summer for dinner at Zazu Kitchen and Farm, but hadn't been back in a while. Passing through the area on an early March morning, I stopped off for a quick coffee at Taylor Maid Farms HQ on McKinley Street. Parking is ample and free. As businesses opened up for the day, musicians strummed, joggers jogged, morning coffee-goers gathered at outdoor seating. With the whole point of the place being a showcase for Sonoma County sustainable food and beverage production, I strolled through a tunnel of enticing aromas — all things delicious in the process of being baked, roasted and racked. The Barlow is coming of age and most units have something interesting to take a look at.
Food shopping is always top of my list. I appreciate a mall or shopping area that incorporates a grocery store in its midst. We're spoiled for choice with great food shopping in Sonoma County. This was my first time in Sonoma County's worker-run Community Market. I found lots of products that I haven't come across in other stores in the region.
If you haven't visited The Barlow, it's a great starting-off point for walking on through downtown Sebastopol. If I'd had more time during this particular visit, I would have stayed for lunch and was tempted to play hooky and take in a matinee at the terrific Rialto Cinemas right next door to The Barlow. Talk about one-stop day out, from dawn-t0 dusk. I'm looking forward to re-visiting during street fair season.
Last year, I read in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat that Barney Aldridge plans to turn the building that is currently leased to organic Yerba Mate maker Guayaki into a "luxury modern" 90-room hotel. First he has to find suitable accommodations for fast-expanding Guayaki. Don't expect to book in for a stay for at least two years.
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