INN SIGHTS TO SONOMA WINE COUNTRY... THE FARMHOUSE INN

SONOMA WINE COUNTRY WILDLIFE ADVENTURES

I was reviewing some of the previous Wine Country Blog posts and you must think we do nothing but eat and drink...and eat and drink and...here in the Sonoma wine country. Here at Farmhouse Inn we do seem to focus on those activities but there is quite a lot more to do in Sonoma County. The Russian River (canoeing, kayaking, fishing) runs right through the valley out to the Sonoma Coast.  Armstrong Redwoods (and trail riding through the park) is right down the road. Farmers Markets and farms galore, museums (Charles Schulz, anyone?), skydiving, ziplining...what is your pleasure?

Spring is just around the corner (after we get through the St. Patrick's Day celebrations) and that brings Easter - my grandgirls are coming to visit.  I bribed them with a trip to one of Sonoma County's most precious treasures...a visit to Safari West - maybe even on Easter Sunday for the Hunt for the Hare".  Every once in a while Danielle (age 12) expresses an interest in being a veterinarian and is interested in all things scientific.  And Jessica (age 10) is an extremely good student and curious about everything- I think they would both get lot out of a Safari Adventure at the animal preserve. It may not be Africa, but it's close! The animals are running free around your safari jeep allowing for a certain amount of interaction with the animals.  These pictures will tell the story.

SAFARI WEST BABIES...SONOMA COUNTY ADVENTURES 

	Baby flamingo for the flamingo exhibit
Brand New baby monkey	Mom & baby Zebra	Baby Ibex
Love that baby giraffe	Baby crane? or?

Can you guess what some of the babies above are?  Some are obvious but for better pictures and descriptions you should visit the Safari West Facebook page (and become a fan while you are there).
 In case you are wondering how close you can get to the animals...when you go out on the Safari Adventure tour you actually drive around looking for the animals and almost anything can happen.

The Preserve offers some wonderful events during the year-  some how wine manages to creep into everything in the wine country...they have a "Winos and Rhinos" Tour and a "Brews and Buffalos" tour- one of a kind beer sampling adventure on the wilds of the Sonoma Serengeti! And for Mother's Day the "Wild about Moms" brunch and tour but my favorite is the "Romp with the Animals" every New Year's.  Of course, we are all about romance here at the Farmhouse Inn so the Valentine's "Wild Jungle Love Tour" might be just the ticket.

Not kidding about the rhinos...have a look!

and squirrelly friend...psst- did you hear the one?

 Some more animal pictures for you...take a look at the species list on their site - truly astounding.  The website goes into the history of the Wildlife preserve and Peter Lang's original vision.  Thank goodness he decided to locate his sanctuary in Sonoma Wine country so we get the opportunity to share in his passion.

My what big Lemur eyes you have...

Wow...

a friendly warthog

They have quite a number of species of birds also, everything from a "Bustard" (White bellied) to a "Wood Rail" (Grey necked). They just had a baby Lorikeet hatch recently...a face only a mother could love.

baby lorikeet	ostrich...here's lookin' at you!	nice hairpiece
Andy with his breakfast

My very favorite though are the giraffes...such excitement everytime they have a new baby born out at Safari West.  A smattering of photos for you...love "Stretch" and "Dozer" - you have to come to meet them.

wink, wink...

whaddyu lookin' at?

Wine tasting- giraffe style!

  Yes, there are so many more pictures but I just don't think photos can do the experience justice- you have to come and experience it for yourself. 

Maybe this video will make the decision for you!

Safari West has quite a few videos on YouTube (even a couple showing giraffes being born- I couldn't decide what to share.  Check it out.

Newly coiffed for company

Sonoma band of ...

So beautiful...

 

Next time you are planning a trip to the Sonoma Wine Country allow time for a day at Safari West (they are only 15 minutes away from Farmhouse Inn) and yes, they have BQ lunches and dinners and a cafe for snacks- 'lest you thought we forgot about the food entirely.  I leave you with one last picture of this very regal fellow...'Til next week!