Southern Sonoma Country Life

Herb Folk Seasonal Wellness Workshops — Vitality & Energy For Spring & Summer — May 4th, 1 - 4pm Tara Firma Farms

New on my radar for summer: Herb Folk Community Medicine

Clinic and Herb Shop

Opening June 2019 in downtown Petaluma

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Herb Folk is a Sonoma County non-profit making holistic healthcare, providing accessible, affordable and empowering holistic community clinics, classes and workshops and locally sourced herbs, extracts and goods.

Learn how to naturally support your system during the Spring & Summer months with herbs, nutrition, self care & intention. Everyone who takes the spring season Herb Folk workshop by Seasonal Wellness Workshop at Tara Firma Farms, Petaluma, Saturday, May 4 from 1-4pm takes home a seasonal herb blend that may be used as a tea or herbal vinegar infusion. Proceeds benefit community clinics & charitable work. Click here to sign up. 

 

Adventure Into Another World With Off The Map Travel on the French Island La Reunion, Deep in the Indian Ocean Between Mauritius and Madagascar

In my search to share unique and original travel experience opportunities with my readers, I look for amazing adventures and locales that are not exclusively priced for just the multi-millionaire budget. This one certainly fits the bill as a once in a lifetime trip:

Off the Map Travel has introduced an adventure to “another world,” taking guests through prehistoric jungle scenery to spectacular volcanoes and a night sleeping under the stars in a clear bubble on La Reunion Island.

Deep in the Indian Ocean between Mauritius and Madagascar, La Reunion Island is the setting for the new “Like Nowhere Else on Earth” experience.

On this French island at the crossroads of African, Indian, European and Chinese cultures where English, French and Creole are spoken — and a place likened to Hawaii with its landscape and volcano-filled topography filled with overgrown trees, lush foliage and volcanoes, La Reunion offers a natural paradise where it’s easy to imagine dinosaurs roaming during the Mesozoic Era.   

Begin your island adventure with a helicopter flight over the cavernous ravines, moon-like volcanoes and lush forest before landing at Hiker’s Eden, a lodge retreat deep in the mountains. There you'll enjoy a Creole lunch cooked over an open fire followed by an on-land exploration upward through the area’s lava tubes and caves created by the island’s volcanic lava flow to a ziplining experience through the jungle.

The evening offers even more adventure. Just outside of the small village of Les Makes, 1500 meters above sea level and in the middle of the tropical forest, settle into one of four individual bubble accommodations where the night sky and surrounding wilderness form a natural outdoor blanket. Each transparent bubble provides a sleeping and relaxation space and is connected to a shared bathroom and lounge. “Picture Jurassic Park all around you,” commented Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel.

“La Reunion is a dramatic land of fiery volcanoes, steep-sided jungle landscapes and starlit skies – off-the-beaten track and offering a taste of Creole culture with a splash of luxury,” Jonny Cooper continued. “It’s an area unmarred by tourism and filled with adventures.”

Off the Map Travel’s La Reunion “Like Nowhere on Earth” program is offered year-round, with the most popular travel months between May and October. Although the itinerary can be tailored to each guest, an example seven-night, eight-day itinerary with Off the Map Travel (www.offthemap.travel) is priced from $2465 USD per person, based on double occupancy (prices at the time of this writing).

Included in the price are:  daily breakfast; all transfers; accommodations in hotels and villas in the coastal town of Sainte-Gilles; one night in a see-through bubble; a tour into the lava caves; a jungle zipline and a heli-hiking experience to Hiker’s Eden with lunch. Flights are additional. 

For additional information, visit https://www.offthemap.travel/destinations/indian-ocean/la-reunion/.

Off the Map Travel

Off the Map Travel is a team of travel experts who work with experiences and destinations that allow people to explore hidden wonders of the world. Specializing in soft adventure and viewing of the Northern Lights, Off the Map Travel creates tailor-made itineraries that offer a distinctive vacation based on first-hand experience. Off the Map Travel vacations anticipate travelers’ needs with pre-planning and customization. Each bespoke itinerary is tailored to the ages of participants, creating experiences for families, groups, couples and singles that are comfortable and luxurious, with activity levels appropriate for all participants. www.offthemap.travel

For more information on tailor-made 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

 

Petaluma Downtown Association Presents Butter & Egg Days 2019 — Saturday, April 27

                 

 

Saturday, April 27th Petaluma's annual Butter & Egg Days parade steps off at noon and marches through historic downtown in a festival of fun and activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.   Clover Sonoma leads the Clover Kids’ Parade, which precedes the main parade at 11:30am with a procession of preschoolers and primary grade youngsters and their families. __________________________________________________________________________________   Join the Cutest Little Chick Contest! Petaluma Egg Farm is excited to host the 35th annual Cutest Little Chick in Town Contest. It's always such a treat to see all of the creative and cute costumes and those darling little people all decked out in yellow! Contest judging takes place in front of Copperfield’s Book Store on Kentucky St. Check in 9:45. The contest will start at 10:15.

Friends of the Parade Button Discounts!
Spend $5 and save by shopping locally!

 

Discounts are  available from April 20th - 28th

at participating shops. 

To get the discount you must be wearing your button!

Buttons are available for purchase at the Petaluma Visitors Center, Lombardi's Deli, Raley's, Crown Hair Salon and Petaluma Market.

If that's not enough fun for one weekend, don't miss the open air Petaluma Antique faire, downtown  from 8 am to 4 pm.

Spring Events at McEvoy Ranch

Saturday, May 4th 
Spring hillsides are blooming and gardens are loving the sunshine after the long winter’s rains. McEvoy Ranch's Garden Manager, Patty Hawkley, makes the most of the bounty of the season by creating inviting wreaths placed around the Ranch. You can too! Join the team at McEvoy for this special spring wreath making workshop led by Francesca Perez of Francesca’s Flowers & Gardens in Santa Rosa. 

$150.00 Click here to register.

 

Sunday, May 12th
In honor of Moms everywhere McEvoy Ranch is setting aside normal tours and tastings for the day to celebrate moms with a special patio party.

What better way to celebrate Mom than surrounded by the beauty of an organic olive oil ranch and vineyard? Tear your Mom to this special Patio Party and enjoy a buffet of ranch nibbles, tickets for four wine tastings, live music, special sale prices on oil & natural beauty products and optional tours throughout the day. What a great way to celebrate, relax and soak up the sunshine and views.

 

$60.00 Click here to register.

 

Blossoms, Bees & Barnyard Babies — Sonoma County Farm Trails, Spring Tour April 27th & 28th

RSVP is required to receive event map.
Click here to join the fun !

Petaluma Arts Center April Session of The Ideas Lounge Series Features Molly Best & Timo Rivetti on The Arts & Managing the Art of Real Estate in Petaluma, Lagunitas Lounge, April 18th

 

The Idea Lounge
Thursday, April 18th
Lagunitas Lounge
Doors open at 6:30.  Program starts at 7

For the Arts: Molly Best "The Art of Managing an Arts Center"
For Life; Timo Rivetti "The Art of Real Estate"

Molly Best is thrilled to be surrounded by the talent that fills the Art Center.  She is now the PAC’s operational manager and has been busy getting up to speed over the last couple weeks. 
 
Having grown up in Petaluma and now raising her children here, she is very invested in helping her local community grow creatively.  She is an artist, a baker and in a past life, a butcher. 
 
You may recognize her from her days at the Tea Room Cafe or Thistle Meats.  She is no stranger to Petaluma and PAC is proud to welcome her as the newest member of its team. 

Timo Rivetti is a passionate practitioner in the art of real estate in Sonoma County. He enjoyed a diverse career background in his native UK and California prior to earning his reputation as a skilled Petaluma-based property negotiator and dealmaker. 

Timo credits his propensity for creative thinking and out-of-the-box ideas and solutions as the common thread that ties together his rich and varied past career experiences to his ongoing success as one of the region's consistently top performing real estate brokers. Born to Italian immigrant parents in Peterborough, UK, Timo left home at 16, attending Eastbourne Art College with a focus on photography in his late teens. 

This led to an introduction to the vibrant art and music scene in Brighton, England. Timo managed bands in his 20s, the most successful of which, Curiosity Killed the Cat, rose to number one in the British music charts. Timo brokered a deal in which he and the band worked with Andy Warhol at The Factory in New York, producing a music video. 

Numerous start-up opportunities followed on both sides of the Atlantic, with a brief move into the advertising industry bringing him to San Francisco in 1990. Timo tried his hand in various internet companies prior to the birth of his third son in 1998, the year he took the plunge and studied for his real estate license. 

After being in the business for over two decades, Timo has built a wide network of community connections and is focusing much of his attention on working with others in visualizing how to broker deals that better life in Petaluma for all. A long time soccer coach and hobby winemaker, Timo was a founding member of the Petaluma Gap Winemakers Association. He is married to Southern Sonoma Country Life editor & freelance writer/author, Frances Rivetti. Timo and Frances raised their three sons in the area.

Established in 2016, the Idea Lounge is an exciting series of talks with a twist! Two speakers: one from the arts, one not. The audience uncovers what they have in common, revealing connections between art & life. The Idea Lounge is part of PAC Out of the Box, a series featuring collaborative activities that take place literally and figuratively outside the walls of the Arts Center and outside the typical art exhibition. Now in its 5th season, the Idea Lounge has featured speakers of all paths of life, presenting on a variety of topics.

The Idea Lounge is produced by Petaluma Arts Center. Interested in speaking at a future event?

Contact Molly Best at mbest@petalumaartscenter.org

New Route for 2019 Camino Walkers — Sea of Arousa Camino Espiritual Walk and Boat

CaminoWays.com, the Camino experts, have launched a wonderful new North West Spanish Camino route available for pilgrims in 2019: the Sea of Arousa Camino walk and boat, also known as Camino Espiritual. I have friends who have walked all or parts of the trail and several who are planning their own pilgrim walks. This new route will no doubt lighten the load of international pilgrims on this increasingly popular bucket list activity, walking and weaving through beautiful coastal landscapes, villages and ancient monasteries from March through November.

The Sea of Arousa Camino trail was recently approved by Santiago Cathedral as an official Camino de Santiago route. The trail takes pilgrims through quaint coastal villages, lush forest tracks, vineyards, sandy beaches and ancient monasteries following an alternative route to the classic Camino Portugues.

This fascinating Camino trail is also known as Camino Espiritual as this unique Camino includes a boat trip across Arousa Estuary retracing the route taken by the body of St James on its way to Santiago. 

Not to miss on this trail:

Wonderful Pontevedra Old Town

Picturesque granaries in the village of Combarro

Forest trails to Armenteira Monastery

A swim at the beach in Vilanova

Boat trip across Arousa Bay to Padron

A short break on the Sea of Arousa Camino Espiritual from Pontevedra can be walked in just 4 days but if you'd like to receive your Compostela certificate it's recommend that you start your walk from Vigo or Baiona to walk at least 100kms into Santiago.

PRICE / WHAT'S INCLUDED

Self-guided tour, 5 nights from Pontevedra to Santiago starts from around $550 per person sharing; including 5 nights' accommodation with breakfast, luggage transfers, boat ticket, holiday pack with route information, 24/7 assistance number

An 8-night self-guided tour from Baiona to Santiago starts from around $850 per person sharing;  including 8 nights' accommodation with breakfast, boat ticket, luggage transfers, holiday pack with route information, 24/7 assistance number. 

Dinners, airport transfers and hotel upgrades are also available. Flights, lunch and insurance not included.

More details about this route click here: SEA OF AROUSA CAMINO ESPIRITUAL 

To book you can visit caminoways.com or contact Camino travel experts at info@caminoways.com

The Petaluma Museum Association Presents An Exhibit of Scott Hess' Photographs Inspired by On A River Winding Home — Opening Reception Saturday April 6th, 5 to 8 Pm

Celebrate Earth Day: Get back to nature in Sonoma County

 

 

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Discover  more of the amazing bounty offered by land and sea as Sonoma County celebrates Earth Day this year with events, festivals, volunteer opportunities, or by simply getting outdoors and breathing in the glorious spring air.

There's so much to do and see here that Earth Day — Monday, April 22nd — is more like Earth Month. Start a week early with a events at Quarryhill Botanical Gardens, Alexander Valley Vineyards, Windsor Earth Day and Wellness Festival, or a tour at Safari West.

Near the actual day, there are opportunities to volunteer for a beach cleanup or take in an art exhibit that showcases climate change. Celebrate the weekend after and experience Earth Day on stage, an annual family friendly festival in Santa Rosa. 

Earth Day is a time to connect with the land and with each other in the great outdoors that we're so thankful for – all 1,576 square miles of it. More than 60 regional and state parks make Sonoma County one of California's most diverse natural destinations. Hike among towering redwoods; watch for whales, otters, or sea lions along rugged Pacific coastline; paddle through the inviting cool waters of one of three rivers, and get to know neighboring small towns.

Find more outdoor activities at www.sonomacounty.com/outdoor-activities.

Earth Day events:

Quarryhill Earth Day Celebration
April 13
The peacefulness of the Quarryhill Botanical Garden that stretches over 25 acres — home to more than 25,000 rare and endangered plants — provides the ideal setting for celebrating the many ways we can conserve and protect our planet.
Quarryhill Botanical Garden, Glen Ellen
www.quarryhillbg.org
www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/quarryhill-earth-day-celebration

Earth Day Tour at Alexander Valley Vineyards
April 13
Celebrate Earth Month at Alexander Valley Vineyards with a special tour hosted by owner Harry Wetzel, IV, focusing on the decades of sustainability at AVV. The 1.5-hour tour will look at the environmental, economic, and social elements of sustainability that have been implemented since 1962 at Alexander Valley Vineyards.
Alexander Valley Vineyards, Healdsburg
www.avvwine.com
www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/earth-day-tour-alexander-valley-vineyards

Windsor Earth Day and Wellness Festival
April 14
This earth-friendly and health-friendly event on Windsor Town Green features entertainment for all. Pick up spring produce and food at the Windsor Farmers Market. There will be children's games, activities, and crafts, health and wellness booths, and more!
Windsor Town Green, Windsor
www.townofwindsor.com/339/Earth-Day-on-the-Green
www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/earth-day-and-wellness-festival

Earth Day at Safari West
April 14
Have an Earth Day adventure at Safari West! Once a year, the whole world comes together to celebrate the wildlife and wild places that make the planet wonderful. This Earth Day, Safari West is inviting a bunch of friends to help make the Sonoma Serengeti that much more special. Discover amazing organizations fighting to conserve species the world over! And of course, enjoy a safari adventure all your own.
Safari West Wildlife Preserve, Santa Rosa
www.safariwest.com/calendar/earth-day
www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/earth-day-safari-west

Earth Day Beach Clean Up
April 20
Join Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods and Partners for their annual Earth Day Clean Up of North Jenner Beach and the Lower Russian River in Jenner, which is part of Sonoma Coast State Park. Come join the Steward Ship, partners and communities to clean up the river and beach, by sand and kayak. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Jenner Visitors Center, Jenner
www.stewardscr.org/events/earth-day-registration
www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/2019-earth-day-beach-clean

Reflectivity - Artists on Climate Change + Four Elements Festival
April 20
Healdsburg Center for the Arts presents the exhibit Reflectivity - Artists on Climate Change, April 20 - June 2. In addition to the opening reception on April 20, Reflectivity will feature the Four Elements Festival, a one day street festival and celebration of Earth Day. The Four Elements Festival will be on Plaza Street from 1-5 p.m. with art activities for kids, Sonoma State's Center for Environmental Inquiry, Symmetry Arts tree stilt walkers, guest speakers, and live music.
Healdsburg Center for the Arts, Healdsburg
healdsburgcenterforthearts.org
www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/reflectivity-artists-climate-change

Earth Day on Stage
April 27
Santa Rosa's 10th Annual Earth Day Festival is a free, family-friendly festival that brings the community together through fun activities, live performing arts, and inspiring exhibits that raise environmental awareness. Don't miss out on this opportunity to celebrate the Earth with great people, local food, beer and wine.
Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa
www.srcity.org/2139/Earth-Day-OnStage
www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/santa-rosa-earth-day-festival

Travel Pick — Visiting London? Take a Spy & Espionage or Wartime London Tour

London is known for its war time history and is rich with political heritage of World War II. If you're a history buff and/or a fan of spy/espionage stories (true or fictional, although it's hard to tell the difference, these days) and you're planning a trip to London, check out Evans Evans' collection of new, small group half day tours in which you have the chance to travel back in time to London's wartime era and learn about a side of the city that you never knew before. I quite fancy taking one of these tours & if I do, I'll be sure to share my experience.

Imagine yourself a spy as you learn about London's Cold War espionage or discover the devastating effects of the Second World War as an expert tour guide brings London's wartime story to life.

London's longest-established and largest sightseeing company invites you to explore London's intriguing, hidden gems from the past. With a group of no more than 16 guests, you'll experience a side of London that few know about, such as the dark, secret world of international espionage or the ruins, battlefields and monuments where iconic leaders and soldiers once stood during WWII. Small group sizes make for a more intimate and authentic way to connect with expert tour guides who will give you the inside scoop on historical monuments, landmarks and important wartime 

Spy & Espionage Tour of London: On this behind-the-scenes tour, explore the shadowy world of London with tales of treachery, tragedy and subterfuge. Learn about Britain's top intelligence agencies and the different roles they play in protecting the country. See the home of MI6 that was famously featured in several James Bond movies, the headquarters of MI5 and visit the public sites where spies exchanged top-secret information to the Soviet Union. Visit locations used by Intelligence Services to recruit their agents and be shaken and stirred by the stories of some of Britain's most infamous traitors and double agents. Your tour will finish in style at the St Ermin's Hotel where you see the former headquarter of MI6, and an original coded message written on silk hangers in the lobby. Afterwards, enjoy a vodka martini in the hotel's Caxton Bar where, in the 1950's, Guy Burgess handed over top-secret papers to his Russian handler.(3 hours, from April 1 – Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 – March 31) $95

Wartime London: History enthusiasts will never forget this iconic tour as they discover the devastating effect the Second World War had on the city of London. Expert tour guides bring the story of this devastating chapter in British history to life over 75 years later. Explore the ruins of a church destroyed during the bombing and the bomb damage from the First World War. You'll also see where Sir Winston Churchill delivered his VE Day speech to a jubilant British Crowd, important wartime headquarters such as Churchill's Cabinet War Rooms and Dwight D. Eisenhower's Supreme headquarters and Downing Street, where Neville Chamberlain famously broadcast the British declaration of war on Germany.Pass through Parliament Square en-route to Whitehall, where along the way you'll see the statues dedicated to notable Allied figures including Churchill, Eisenhower, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Sir Arthur “Bomber” Harris, as well as several monuments dedicated the Battle of Britain, Women of WWII and the Cenotaph- the site of Britain's national war memorial. (3 hours, from April 1 – Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 – March 31) $102.25

For more information and reservations, please visit www.evanevanstours.com or call Evan Evans at (866) 382-6868.