Now it feels like winter...It finally started raining, football weekends, and crab feeds everywhere!
One of my favorite foods is plentiful this time of year and crabfeeds are one of the favorite fundraisers for so many of the the nonprofits in Sonoma County. You think the wine country is just about the wine...this time of year we are crabaholics! Some weekends there are even several all-you-can-eat feeds to choose from. Dungeness crab is one of the sweetest, most succulent seasonal prizes from the Northern California coastal area. Everyone seems to have their own little secrets...for crab maximization!
- don't fill up on the bread or pasta (save room for the crab, please)
- bring your own bib (it can be a bit messy)
- bring your own cracker and picker implements (so you don't miss a morsel!)
and bring your friends- make it a party!
Dungeness Crab- Sonoma County Heaven!
So I would say if you have never tried our local Dungeness- this weekend would be a great time. Luckily this weekend the football game is on Sunday (if you have a room here at our little Russian River inn cozy up in your room and order a picnic). On Saturday you have at least five local Feeds to choose from with no interference from the big game- just decide who you want to support and show up prepared.
The Active 20-30 of the Redwood Empire Crab Feed is over at St. Eugene's in Santa Rosa at 6 pm- they include a silent auctiion too.
The Masonic Center in Sebastopol has two seatings at 5 and 7 pm. They are raising $$$ for the public schools.
Petaluma Lions Club starts their crabfeed a little earlier with a 12 noon seating and again at 7 pm with a bonus raffle.
Piner High School has their Booster Crab Feed Dinner and Dance over at the Santa Rosa Veterans Building with live music .
Presentation School in Sonoma Crab and Pasta Feed featuring all you can eat crab, pasta, an oyster bar, dancing and great company.
Next week there at least another 5-6 more feeds to choose from- everyone from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sonoma County to the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa to Montgomery High School. The crab boats sometimes haul in upwards of 30,000 pounds each trip so there is plenty to go around. These crab feeds go all the way into early spring so we will certainly have our fill...but by next November we will be dying for crab season again.
All the local restaurants celebrate the Glorious Crustacean on their seasonal menus too. Chef Stevo is featuring a Dungeness Crab Pot de Creme as one of the first courses at the Farmhouse Inn Restaurant. Have you tried it?
The only question left is what wine are we pouring? I am not a huge Chardonnay fan but with crab some can be magical, my sister-in-law prefers a beautiful sparkling from J Vineyards or Iron Horse, but somehow I always find a Sauvignon Blanc that works. The crab is so rich that something lighter works for me.
So let's get out there and support our local charities...
Here's to the Dungeness!!
You know you want to...you know you want to... "Live like a Local" in Sonoma County!
We wake up here in the wine country every day and we really, really don't take it for granted. There is so much diversity and focus on the right things in this area; so much to do and every day is beautiful- yes, even when it rains (not that it has lately - close to summer like conditions again this weekend). We live in a little slice of heaven and we know it!
Luther Burbank referred to this area as "God's chosen place in all the world, as far as nature is concerned." Even if you don't believe in God there is absolutely something very special about Sonoma County. If you don't know who Luther Burbank was the above link is to the Wikipedia entry about him - astounding - reponsible for over 800 strains and varieties of plants. Does the Russet Potato, Shasta Daisy, Fire Poppy, Freestone Peach, or Santa Rosa Plum sound familiar? If you make it up (or down) this direction be sure to stop by Luther Burbank Home and Gardens in Santa Rosa or the Experimental Farm in Sebastopol.
Luther Burbank Home & Gardens
Here at Farmhouse Inn we love sharing our Sonoma lifestyle with our guests...so we are working to take it one step further. Our illustrious concierge team is cooking up a nice little package that includes very special experiences at some of our friends' and neighbors' in the Russian River Valley. It started last year with our "Passport to the Russian River Valley" with 15 of our partner wineries offering a VIP tasting experience exclusively for the guests of Farmhouse. It has been so popular (with our guests and the wineries) that this year we are expanding on it. We are including even more exclusive experiences and even more of our neighbors with some momentos of your visit to the Russian River area thrown in. It is not completely put to bed yet so stay tuned - keep an eye on the packages page of the website for final details. So far, it will include a gift from our winery partner of the week, a very special custom experience at one of our favorite wineries, and a hands-on culinary experience and dinner at Relish Culinary School. And, of course, all the wonderful amenities of Farmhouse Inn, our special breakfast each morning of your visit and a 3 course dinner in the Farmhouse restaurant including wine pairings featuring wine from that day's experience.
Can't you picture yourself here at Copain Winery? One of our winery partners who always offers our Farmhouse guests a very special experience. And it is only going to get better!
Sonoma has been in the news a bit lately and normally I wouldn't be parked in front of the television but the TV show "The Bachelor" is featuring a local Sonoma winery owner, Ben Flajnik and his search for "true love". Well, here at Farmhouse we are all about romance and though the hype of Hollywood gets in the way of reality I thought I would share one of the videos of Ben showing off his home town of Sonoma to the "ladies"- his own version of "live like a local". Pretty pictures of the area, anyway!
Ben certainly said it when he said he feels "blessed" to live here. We all do and I hope you come and visit soon...we love to share!
They even managed to fit in a walk in the redwoods. That last shot sure looked like our firepit here at the Farmhouse...s'mores anyone?
Don't forget -Winter wineland next weekend- would be a great time to make a visit.
Let's bid adieu to 2011 and ring in 2012 with a "to-do" bucket list in the Sonoma Wine country!
Get your party hats on for the New Year...
One of the safest celebrations must be over at Charles Schulz Museum - New Year's Eve kid-style. Count down to 12 noon for a balloon drop and a root beer toast and root beer floats to toast at
3 pm. (Hey- don't forget about their "Museum Mondays for the Little Ones" and try to fit in some ice skating at the Redwood Empire Ice Arena).
For the adults -music and party events abound- Tommy Castro (local favorite) will be at Mystic Theater in Petaluma and Elvin Bishop will be at the Last Day Saloon in Santa Rosa. Poor Man's Whiskey will be Hopmonk Tavern in Sebastopol.
The Farmhouse Restaurant has had a couple cancellations for the very special New Year's dinner the chef puts on. I think there must be some sort of flu bug going around or maybe too much holiday celebration for some people. See if you can snag one of those last minute openings.
Some folks from Texas weren't able to make their long planned trip so you just might be able to get a room for the night too...what better place to watch football from then from your cozy Farmhouse digs! No driving, fit in a spa treatment, and I heard a rumor the sommelier beefed up his champagne inventory!
Sunday (if you are not into football and recovery) why not head to San Francisco. The Exploratorium is really and truly open and the California Academy of Sciences is waiting to keep the family enthralled. And looks like the weather is cooperating again too!
Not into driving- How about a lovely stroll through our local Redwood Forest...
It truly is like walking in a cathedral... what better place to ruminate on 2011 and make some plans for 2012. Not resolutions...just plans!!
Now...on to the 2012 "bucket" list.
Though things quiet down a bit in the winter time we have a few Wine Country events in Sonoma County that may entice you to come for a viist.
Right around the corner is the 20th Anniversary celebration along the Russian River Wineroad - Winter Wineland on Martin Luther King's Birthday weekend. A great time to visit the wineries during a quieter time of year and you are more likely to be able to actually visit with the winemaker than during busy harvest time.
Music events always abound around the county but the Wells Fargo Center has been having some great shows lately. Gladys Knight is January 6 (no Pips though from what I hear). Then crazy lady Joan Rivers is on January 14th (conveniently the same weekend as Winter Wineland). And human pretzels arrive with the New Shanghai Circus January 24th!
And all the romance of Valentine's Day is just around the corner too. Here at Farmhouse we celebrate romance all year long but seems like the whole month of February the place just reeks of it. We get quite a few proposals and there's usually a couple of our "tiny" weddings in the offing. And of course, Catherine's favorite candy display for the guests, chocolate and conversation hearts even. Special wine pairings at the wineries too - hear a lot about chocolate pairings, believe it or not.
March starts off with a bang along the Russian River Wineroad. The first two weekends have over 100 wineries participating with Barrel Tasting at the wineries. A great, educational event and a chance to buy futures at quite a savings! I discovered a new favorite Zinfandel at Zichichi Family Vineyard during Barrel Tasting a few years back.
April brings Easter, wildflowers and usually budbreak in the vineyards. And the last weekend of the month is always devoted to Passport Weekend focusing on the Dry Creek Valley wineries and grape growers. It sells out every year so make sure to get your ticket early- tickets go on sale February 1st.
So there you have a few plans for the New Year all ready and waiting. We do live in the most wonderful place on earth and luckily don't mind sharing a little. Let me know some of your favorites for the New Year...I have a couple of holes in my calendar still.
Happy, Happy New Year to You and Yours. Be Safe and Healthy!
At last, lights and stockings are all hung, shopping and wrapping is done, the goodies and treats are baked...though I see kitchen Elves very busy in the restaurant getting ready for Christmas Eve dinner here at the Farmhouse Inn. The concierge staff have processed literally hundreds of gift certificates...I hope you are one of the lucky recipients.
Our guests seem to be full of holiday cheer; very relaxed and happy. We have lots of holiday treats for them, the rooms all have the decorated live trees this year, and all the great food and wine of Sonoma County beckons. Just imagine getting away to the wine country for the holiday.
The Russian River area is usually beautiful this time of year but this year has been absolutely gorgeous. Every day has been wintery crisp and cold in the morning and then brilliant sunshine and warm in the afternoon. This morning there were icicles dripping off the Adirondack chairs on the lawn and the food in the hummingbird feeders was frozen solid (poor hummers) but by noon it was T-shirt weather!
So what are your plans for the weekend? There is still time to pick up a Buche de Noel or some Cannoli from Cousteaux Bakery in Healdsburg. Word on the street is that it is Tony Bennett's new hangout. He was in town for a concert at the Wells Fargo Center last week and went in to Cousteaux 3 times in one day! How does he stay so trim and debonair?
The Farmer's market in Santa Rosa will have some things for the last minute shopper on Saturday morning...shop fresh and local (easy parking, too). Crab, anyone?
A trip to San Francisco perhaps, always festive for the holidays...Saturday there are two performances of the Nutcracker to get you in the mood. Or maybe Sunday the services at Grace Cathedral or let's pretend it is really winter with Ice skating at Union Square.
But maybe enough running around, let's just relax and cozy up with a movie, there are marathon Christmas Classics all weekend. A Christmas Story- everybody's favorite! Just saw one of those sexy leg lamps advertised the other day. Let's go for a little hike in the redwood forest to work off those Christmas goodies... We'll throw in a little drive to take in the local light displays. Certain neighborhoods are just over the top!
I am off to the Bay Area to see the Grandgirls and do our marathon sugar cookie decorating-- cookies, frostings, and sugary sprinkles all packed up in my sleigh.
So whatever your plans for the holiday...Festive up and enjoy!
This time of year the Farmhouse Inn concierge team tries to get out and about exploring anything new in Sonoma County that they may want to share with our guests. Remember last year when our Anna went out to Sonoma Canopy Tours to explore the new ziplining experience in the Russian River redwoods. Many of our guests have made their way out that way after hearing what an amazing experience it is.
Anna picked a gorgeous day to go exploring at Chalk Hill Estate last week. She met Rafael who runs their equestrian tours out at the estate. Here's some of her pix...getting ready to mount up!
Just imagine... trail rides over a 1400 acre wine country estate! Chalk Hill is up towards Healdsburg nestled in the foothills of the Mayacama mountain range that divides Napa and Sonoma counties. They are known for more than their outstanding wine; the Pavilion and equestrian center is world renowned. Part of the estate is at the 400' elevation with views all around of vineyards, ranchland, and the Russian River Valley. These shots will give you some idea!
The map can be viewed larger on their website but hopefully this small version gives you some idea of the scope of the property. Anna tells me that Peggy & Fred Furth's 2 dogs are buried in a little graveyard by the chapel. Peggy and Fred were the previous owners (since the early 70's) of the estate and largely responsible for the vision of the estate as a winery and for the ties to the equestrian community. Anna tells me that is the nicest tack room she has ever seen...you just catch a glimpse of the chandelier in the corner of this picture. And here is JT and friend Tiger. I think they know they landed in a little slice of heaven.
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You would think that would be quite enough fun for one day but noooo...then Anna went off to the Pavilion for the Chalk Hill Culinary tour. A tour of the organic gardens and their famed produce followed by an amazing wine and small plates food pairing presented by Chef Didier.
Anna loved the Sole "Purse" - A purse "made" of sole and filled with thinly sliced scallops in a Saffron sauce...enough with the small plates- she wanted to eat that all day long. A perfect ending to a perfect day, in a perfect location...Sonoma county wine country shows off again!
Scoop of the day - coming soon to Chalk Hill... Rafael is a former polo player and let Anna in on a little California wine country secret. Next year they are planning on introducing polo tournaments in the pavilion with world class players and horses...can't wait for a return visit to check that out. We will keep you posted on all the happenings in our little neck of the woods.
23 Christmas trees, 24 wreaths, miles of ribbon and twinkly lights, stockings hung with care...Santa is coming to Sonoma County. And the pine cones- they are everywhere!
Farmhouse Inn creating Christmas memories...
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We have a live tree in every room this year, guest services is looking very festive, wreaths, ribbons, squirrels, and acorns galore. What else could be needed for the Christmas celebration? Oh, must be Catherine's old fashioned candy and treats at our "do-it-yourself" stocking bar...
Old fashioned candy you used
to get at Grandma's house (remember that Christmas candy dish?), peppermint candy canes, and a few Hershey's kisses thrown in for the Chocoholics, oranges, apples (a little health food can't hurt), and could that be a lump of coal for Joe?
The restaurant is decked out with Pine cones, sparkles, and stars, and a tree full of birdies and their nests...and of course our very own Gingerbread house (Pastry Chef Pattie won't tell us how many hours we owe her for that one).
This time of year is all about cozy fireplaces, comfort food, family, and the beauty of Sonoma County and the Russian River in the winter. The wind storm the other night pretty much took care of any leaves ready to fall (our gardener had such a look when he drove up yesterday). We lost power on Wednesday too- right in the middle of the restaurant tree decorating party. We had no idea what that tree was going to look like until the next morning- but worked out pretty okay. Candlelight and flashlights seem to lend to the festive atmosphere! All supervised by our very own Miss Charlotte of course.
Charlotte- head of decorating committee!
So listen, if you need to do some wine country Christmas shopping or just want to get away from the mall crowds and craziness, I invite you to come visit us. I guarantee we will maximize the Christmas spirit for you. And we have some fantastic last minute getaway specials just to help you celebrate the season. And if you are stumped for that perfect gift for someone- we can help with that too. A Farmhouse Inn Gift certificate is on just about everybody's wish list!
Need more tempting...hmmm...ice skating at the Redwood Empire Ice Arena (don't miss the hot chocolate at the Warm Puppy Cafe -of Charles Schulz fame), Petaluma's Lighted Boat Parade, or the Lighted Tractor Parade in Calistoga, open houses galore including at Luther Burbanks' Home & Gardens, and my very favorite this time of year....crab season opened finally on Wednesday and crab feeds (all you can eat) everywhere- at least one every week. Last night I had my first crab of the season over at my brother's house...Yummm!!
Sonoma County in the fall...the trees and vineyards awash in such vibrant colors. My son brought his family up last weekend and they were just blown away by the gorgeous fall color everywhere. I have a bush by my gate that is spectacular (I think it is an Australian native that normally has a burgundy leaf but has turned almost fluorescent, glowing orange). And the dogwoods I planted a few years ago are completely yellow, as is the catalpa. I can't even post a picture because pictures just don't do it justice. By next week, they will be losing their leaves and winter will be upon us.
Joe is actually doing his family Thanksgiving tomorrow as his family is traveling next week (and his birthday is on Thanksgiving this year- Happy Birthday, Joe!). Chef Stevo in the Farmhouse restaurant is gearing up for the big day...how hard it must be pull off the ultimate Thanksgiving dinner and still be ready for his regular amazing menu on Friday. Our guests will be happy to hear that some of the wineries are actually open on Thanksgiving Day- I posted the list from Russian River Wineroad to the Farmhouse Facebook page earlier today.
So many things to be thankful for in Sonoma County...the wine, the food, the people, the view from my living room window (and the view from my kitchen window), and when I drive to Farmhouse in the morning...looking for the hot air balloons in the sky...
from our friends at
Up and Away Ballooning.
Every morning (weather permitting) we see a few floating in the early morning - always a little jealous of the people in the balloons and their birds eye view of the wine country. If you ever get a chance, it is the only way to travel.
But they are mostly tourists and don't get to wake up to this amazing place every single day. When I moved up here from the San Francisco Bay Area my sons thought I was crazy (what did they know?). I had moved to the "back of the beyond" and "how long was I going to live here"? Well, I am afraid they will have to take me out in a box (or urn, actually)!
I always think of family this time of year and coming from a family that doesn't always get along (feelings do run high at our get togethers) it makes me feel nostalgic for those that are no longer with us around the Thanksgiving table. And with the passing of some of our family members a lot of our holiday traditions have fallen by the wayside.
Michele Anna Jordan hit the nail on the head her local Press Democrat column this week...her headline read "On turkey day, it's who, not what" but still I miss the traditions (okay and the people that helped carry them on each year). Since my family has never been a huge fan of turkey (and the mess it makes of the kitchen) we have branched out into other main courses for the holiday; but the cranberry jello relish from my cousin, the yams (complete with marshmallows) was a must have from my mom, the pecan pie (my dad's favorite), were always made to go with the lamb, the roast beef, the grilled steak, even the cracked crab, etc. We have this thing in our family called "Lemon Bisque" that I am in charge of (for our extremely small holiday party) this year...I can't explain it - you have to join the family to find out!
Ahhh...the Romance! We had three of our "tiny" weddings here at the Farmhouse this last weekend ...most of our weddings are just for two people, the bride and the groom. And this is where the romance comes in...these elopements are becoming quite the "thing" here at Farmhouse. We used to do the larger, event style weddings but gave them up a few years back. They were too hard on the staff, the property, and even seemed a little hard on the bride and groom. Then two years ago we started offering our elopement package just for those people who wanted to get married without the circus atmosphere. We've had couples from Paris, from Denmark, from Canada, and even our own backyard- Healdsburg. 
We never advertised- just had a package on our website but somehow they found us and made us part of their story. That's the Farmhouse - we are all about celebrating Romance!
Enough said...I have a picture to share with you that pretty much says it all!
These are our new friends, Randy and Marcia, (now Mr. & Mrs. Garrett) from out Texas way. They found each other (it is never too late) and decided by the third date what they wanted...each other! But with 6 grown daughters between them and 15 grandchildren besides- a big wedding just wasn't what they wished. The Farmhouse was happy to host them and be a part of their joyous celebration...of each other. I have some other pictures to share with you but we do have a photo album (a work in progress) on our new website. I will be adding more picures of our romantic couples soon.
Speaking of... the new website went up just 10 days ago; a culmination of an entire summer's work. Take a look...We feel the new site is more reflective of the property and what we are about... we are so happy with the changes and it gives us the capability of adding pictures, adapting and freshening the site as we change, and keeping more in touch with our guests and what is important to them. I was able to put up a whole new page about our Monday Night Dinners coming up soon in just moments yesterday and have a calendar of Wine Country Events up on the home page too. And the video we worked so hard on with Otterrock Films is right on the home page (starring our Miss Charlotte, of course).
Ain't technology grand? Let us know what you think!
Fall in Wine country...October, my favorite...leaves turning, crisp evenings, chilly and foggy mornings, and absolutely perfect 80 degree weather this weekend. Indian Summer is upon us, the Sonoma grape harvest is getting close to wrapped up, pumpkin patches and harvest everywhere, and several haunted houses to visit - Halloween is right around the corner.
The fireplaces at Farmhouse Inn are starting to get some use, the firepit is very busy every night (love those s'mores)...don't you love the smell of wood smoke in the air?
This is the last weekend for the Tolay Fall Festival on a 1,700+ ranch outside of Petaluma. A Native American Village with demonstrations, Kiddie Corral, Creepy Crawly Critters, hay rides and over 5,000 pumpkins (grown by the tolay Twisted Farm) to choose from. Pumpkin Patch on steroids! Gunny Sack races and a pumpkin seed-spitting contest.
This is a good weekend for hitting the Pumpkin Patches- you need time to do a spooktacular carving job, don't you? But if you get distracted you still have time - Healdsburg is having a Pumpkin Festival next Saturday at the Farmer's Market.
Did you see the post we shared on the Farmhouse Facebook page of Ray Villafane's carving of one of Adobe Pumpkin Farms pumpkins? This one is so amazing I just have to share it again...
Visit his website and facebook page for some more awesome stuff. He lives in Arizona so I guess we won't be able to swing by on another great event this weekend. It is also the last weekend for the Artrails Open Studios self guided tours. What a great weekend to drive around the Russian River Valley and western Sonoma County scouting out the artists' studios and actually seeing and talking to them about their creations. I only visited 5 studios last weekend but came home with two treasures. I will post pictures of those soon.
I am going to try for 5 more studios on Satuday but Sunday
Pinot on the River in Healdsburg is calling me!
Just think, 100 top Pinot producers
in a walk around tasting with food and fun-
as they call it "total Pinot Immersion". Yes!!
Next weekend is Halloween...are you going to a party? What is your favorite costume this year? I am going down South to see my grandbaby- it is her second Halloween (Last year she was a cute little kitty) so I have to dress up as something- but not too scary. Locally we have some very scary haunted houses that pop up around the county. So if you are into that try the one out in Guerneville just down the road from the inn... in the abandoned Amusement Park yet.
DR. Evil's House of Horrors
Their promo video is scary enough for me- don't think I have to actually go visit...they actually have warnings and disclaimers all over the place...not for little kids or faint of heart. Dr. Hopper's Horrortorium and Blind Scream is another one over in Santa Rosa in an old deserted restaurant. Yikes!
Hey, before I close I thought I would do a little promo for Farmhouse Inn - we had a guest stay with us a few months ago and she just wrote a fantastic article in her blog but the pictures she took while here were even more amazing! Take a look at Carolyn's FoodGal Blog and let me know what you think.
Here at Farmhouse Inn we have our fall harvest display up in Guest Services and pumpkins all over the property. We are seeing seasonal things changing in Chef Stevo's menus and we are drinking more red wine with the arrival of chilly evenings.
And Miss Charlotte is trying on her Halloween costume!
Have a good week!
Northern California weather is pretty amazing all the time but has this Sonoma County weather ever been more perfect? I forget how much I love October every year...the colors changing, the still warm days (but with that fall crispness in the evenings), all manners of Harvest going on and of course, amazing wine country fall traditions. 
Misty Russian River with Fall Color
This Harvest has been really hard on our poor winemakers- the long cool summer looked promising but with the delay in ripening now they face the damage from the recent rains. I was over at Quivira up in the Dry Creek Valley the other day and they had a block of Syrah that wasn't ready for harvest and they were thinking they may not even get to harvest it at all. So sad...
There's a couple of Harvest Celebrations this Saturday -the Crush Festival in Healdsburg showcases 35 wineries with local restaurants and live music. Hudson Street Wineries in Healdsburg are throwing a Shore Dinner with bluegrass music, Lobster (of course), and wild blueberry pie! Yes, yes, wine too- there are about 5 wineries involved. And a big Harvest Celebration at Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves on Saturday with foot-stomping music, and a sample of their Harvest Chili and Cornbread with wine of course!!
We got our crazy pumpkins delivered from the family ranch. Take a look at this specimen up by the Farmhouse Inn Barn. I wish I had something next to it so you could see the scale of it- You can sit on it. And then all the different "babies" by comparison. How did Charlotte get in there?
The Great Pumpkin Charlotte, Black Farm Kitty Heirloom Pumpkins
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Are we ready for Halloween or what?
If that is not enough pumpkins for you we have Pumpkin patches all over Sonoma county...just a sampling!
Anderson Pumpkin Patch - Petaluma -with a 2 acre corn maze, hay rides and pumpkins.
Fields of Green Pumpkin Patch- Sonoma boasts a maze, hay ride, and "friendly" chickens.
Muelrath Ranch- Santa Rosa- hay tunnel, maze, animals, and pumpkins.
Grandma's Pumpkin Patch- Healdsburg- hay stack, maze, climb-on tractors, pumpkins.
Oluf's Pumpkin Patch- Windsor- petting zoo, maze, face painting, pumpkins.
Punky's Pumpkins- Santa Rosa- hay maze, jumpies, slide, and mucho pumpkins.
Adobe Pumpkin Farm - Petaluma- more of the same, even a haunted barn, a pumpkin fairy godmother, pony rides, and a coffee barn too.
Great Peter Pumpkin Patch-Spring Hill Jersey Cheese Co.- Petaluma- dig potatoes, milk a car, pet the animals, taste the cheese.
Petaluma Pumpkin Patch- Petaluma- Amazing 4-acre corn maze famous for slowing traffic on the freeway, BBQ on the weekends.
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But this weekend no pumpkins for me -I am following Artrails - some of my friends are artists in the area and this is a great weekend to visit. 133 artists all over Sonoma County open their doors to the public for two weekends in October- meet the artists and talk to them and hopefully make a purchase. It definitely adds to the story behind the piece when you have actually purchased it directly from the artist in the studio they created it in. 
I heard our friend Rik Olson (#28 on the map) spent the week cleaning up his studio so he could fit some people in...bet that doesn't happen often. He has created some of the graphic images we use here at Farmhouse Inn. You will see a lot of them on the new website we are working on but here is a sample. It's one of our favorites...we used the bee skep on this last year's mug. Cool, huh?
Every year I find a new hidden treasure and make a few new friends. I wish I could buy it all but where would I put it (have you seen my garage)? Saturday I will concentrate on the Russian River and West Sonoma County. With so many artists to choose from I need to plot and plan a little to seek out the hidden away studios that you would never see or find otherwise. Pack a picnic and come out and enjoy our perfect October Harvest weather. Here's a link to a YouTube channel with personal invitations from some of the artists. http://www.youtube.com/artrails#p/u/12/RTZdSgLnD40
Summer is winding down with a crash! Misty, foggy, almost drizzling morning- had to use my windshield wipers. Have you ever wondered what we do in the fall here in the wine country? This weekend is a perfect example of a couple of the wonderful things we have to keep us busy.
The Sonoma County Harvest Fair is this weekend and the weather will be perfect. One of my favorite events of the year highlighting the wonderful food and wine and harvest time. Lots of food and activities for everyone...the Grape Stomp Competition is not to be missed.
Beer and wine tasting! (visit the Marketplace and purchase the award winners -
over 250 gold medals - 20% off case purchases)
Wine tasting seminars and Chef demonstrations
Arts and crafts and shopping
Music- from Strolling Dixieland to Jazz
Cows, llamas, and rabbits (oh my!)
Scarecrow building (and unbuilding) contest
Grape Expectoration Contest (it is exactly what you think it is)
Lego building contest
Pumpkin Carving contest
Easy Bake oven bake off
Great American Pumpkin Toss
Haunted Room and Mummy Wrap
and don't forget the Grape Stomp Competition!!
You may not acually see all the winery people there...The wineries are crazy busy with harvest right now and in a bit of panic mode (I think the winemakers are getting a little grumpy). The weatherman is predicting our first rain in months this next week and it can have a serious impact on the harvest. Only about 20% of the grapes are in so far (with this cool summer we've been having) and this whole weekend they will be working non-stop to get as much harvested as possible. Check out the Farmhouse Facebook page- we had posted a harvest time video from Russian River Wine Road the other day - Such energy this time of year- those big lights all around the county; they start picking in the middle of the night. And the rumble of grape trucks everywhere! Many of the wineries are having harvest celebrations too- Harvest luncheons and parties all over the wine country this time of year.
Levi Leipheimer’s King Ridge GranFondo charity bike ride-A few of our guests here at Farmhouse Inn are participating tomorrow in the 103 mile bike ride out to the coast and all through Western Sonoma County and the Russian River Valley. 7,500 riders will set out from Santa Rosa, California in a start that will strain the edges of the streets. Last year they had 6000 participants and it only took 25 minutes to get them all started. This is not a race, and no awards are given for finishing first. It is an opportunity to push yourself in some of the greatest cycling country this continent has to offer. Best of all? You get to ride with Levi himself!
The FondoSonoma Festival is located at the Finley Center, event central where riders will Start and Finish the GranFondo. Everyone in the community is invited—the FondoSonoma Festival is free to all, whether you’re riding the GranFondo, waiting for someone to finish the GranFondo, or a local resident who has no idea what the GranFondo is. Something to do while you are waiting for the riders...if you are not participating.
And a bit more Harvest fun at McClelland Dairy this weekend- actually every weekend in October, if you can make it. Visit the farm and try your hand at milking a cow- the big but gentle- Dixie, I think.
Free admission includes a visit to the pumpkin patch, petting farm animals and watching cows being milked in the parlor. Not only will you find cows here but the farm also has goats and chickens! There is a farm store featuring other products produced on the farm like free range eggs, European Style Organic Artisan Butter and Lavendar.
Love it...the light is changing and we can feel fall in the air. That perfect October weather with our nice warm days (we still have some California Indian summer ahead of us) but those "little crispness in the air" evenings. And a spritz of rain now and then to wash the dust off a little. Colors and flavors are changing -time for red wine in front of a cozy fire and comfort foods!