Next Stop: Duncans Mills... one stop shopping…read more Different shopping experience! While taking the scenic route along the Sonoma County we came upon this Russian River town. The cute little town is nestled in the Pacific Coast among redwoods and vineyards. Shopping, restaurants, antique stores, art galleries, camping and recreation activities abound this town. We stopped to check it out. The stores are so cute in this quaint village and they strictly enforce covid regulations here. When entering the stores you must sanitize your hands, wear your masks, and social distance. If you love tea you must stop at the Tea Shop, they also sell spices. The bookstore is adjacent to the tea shop and is such a cute tiny store. There is also a plant store, the Antiquarian. Located on Hwy # 116, 4 miles inland from the coast. The town has a population of only 85. There is shopping and food on both sides. They even have a tiny post office and a train depot & museum. Review #2184

Selfishly, I want to keep this place a secret…read more For those in Northern California, this is a perfect overnight getaway. Though Christina Ferreira sold her beautiful inn, there are many AirBnBs along the river, or you can splurge with a place in Jenner. Start your day at the DM bakery, or visit Cape Fear for the best eggs benedict - instead of the heavy version most of us know, theirs is light and lemony. Stroll the shops and the exceptional Christopher Queen art gallery, where the owner, Nancy (sister to Christina) shows exceptionally dedication to her 10 artists, and curates shows that would make any city gallery owner jealous. End a perfect day with dinner at the Blue Heron - sit in the bar or better yet, out back...locals will make you feel at home and you'll leave with both a full belly and full heart.

Omg! If you are a Charlie Brown fan, this is a must-see! Nestled in Santa Rosa, you'll find this…read moregem. Learn about the life of Charles M Schulz and his beloved list of Peanuts Characters. There are comic strips and stories of Lucy, Linus, Sally, Rerun, Peppermint Patty, Snoopy and more! The Warm Puppy Cafe (where Charles Schulz ate Breakfast and Lunch daily when he was taking a break from his studio). Attached to it, is an Ice Skating rink. Come take your family and friends. Enjoy this incredible museum in honor of the late Charles Schulz and one of the most famous comics of our lifetime!

I am a nice Snoopy fan. Japan isn't the easiest to travel to see my Snoopy so I'm very grateful…read morethere is Museum near by home. There are different events that happen monthly and every holiday. I forgot what this specific event was called. Maybe a back to school or something with the school theme where they had giant yearbooks as a photo prop. That was hella cool. There events where you may have a chance to meet some of the talented artists on the Schultz team. Very family orientated and so much fun for kids AND adults creating art and memories. There is a ice rink available year round equipped with a dining area! A must visit for all Snoopy lovers!

Healdsburg Museum History Talks…read more Link: https://www.healdsburgmuseum.org/history-talks-in-the-plaza The Healdsburg Museum presents a special series of "History Talks" during the summer. It's held in the open-air Gazebo in Healdsburg's picturesque Town Square on Saturday mornings. It's led by a museum docent who presents a general history of Healdsburg with photos and maps shown on a big-screen TV. The photos and the presenter's descriptions really bring the past to life. Some of the photos show locations and historical events that took place around the square- right where you'll be sitting. You can see the before and after right there in front of you! Each Talk starts with this general history for 20 minutes or so. After the general history presentation another docent or amateur historian takes over and talks about a more focused part of Healdsburg history, complete with photos. Subjects in Summer 2024 included Healdsburg on the home front of WW 2, notable women of Healdsburg, agricultural history, Healdsburg transportation history and several more subjects. All these focused presentations are well researched and often include personal stories of the presenter and their family. There is a Q & A afterward during which some of the best, and most personal stories about Healdsburg come to light. The audience is comprised of visitors young and old and a few long-time residents who remember the past and the stories their ancestors passed down. You can sightsee around the square before or after the History Talk and there are numerous cafés, bakeries and restaurants to enjoy right there.

I love FREE museums and Healdsburg Museum & Historical Society is FREE, though it's Small. It's…read morehoused in a old Public Library building. It's got local Healdsburg history; Sonoma County history, stuff about the Russian River, founders, etc. There's the main room & a downstairs research area. From the website: "In 2001-2002 the Museum's permanent galleries underwent a major renovation and refurbishment. New sections and themes were added to the display, and more history is now included. Exhibit sections include: Southern Pomo and Western Wappo; the Mexican Rancho period; the founding of Healdsburg; the growth of Healdsburg; Agriculture (hops, prunes and grapes); Industry (lumber, quicksilver, gravel, canneries); Business; the Plaza; Festivals; Transportation; Resorts; Schools; Sports; the Homefront (during WWII and the Korean War); and the Russian River. Downstairs exhibits include: Edwin Langhart, Museum founder; Brainerd Jones, architect; Andrew Carnegie; and Music (at home, in the schools, town band)." Open: Tues-Sun 11-4 FREE Website: http://www.healdsburgmuseum.org/index.html

This is a tiny gem of a gallery that you must visit if you're in bodega. All the art pieces are…read moreabsolutely exquisite and beautiful. The ceramics pieces are incredible and we will definitely come back again. There is a beautiful koi pond and small Japanese garden behind the gallery which is gorgeous.

We visited a couple months ago and returned for a special art demo…read more I am amazed at their gorgeous collection of Japanese art. The entire place is decorated beautifully and tastefully and it doesn't feel like everything is stuffed in every nook and cranny. There is an upstairs filled with more ceramics, beautiful pieces of vintage tansus (Japanese wooden chests) and other forms of delicate art. I even loved the peaceful Japanese garden you can enjoy from inside the shop if you sit and relax on their couch. Ren is such a cordial and friendly proprietor. I enjoyed chatting with him and hearing about his love for Japanese art. He was celebrating three decades of his successful business back in February, 2025. We stopped in for a scheduled gyotaku (fish print) demonstration on this Saturday afternoon. The artist was Chris Dewees and he showed all the attendees how to do an indirect fish print on silk. It was an interesting process using a medium-sized black fish he caught himself! He showed each step of the process and generously shared what type of paper, paints and other supplies he uses. It was interesting to watch this process transpire until ultimately, the fish print was done. He paints in the eyes later. There was a beautiful collection of other fish prints he has done, many for sale. He said he has a story for each of his works of art. He shared a few stories which added to the uniqueness of his art. During a previous visit, Ren invited us to view his larger Japanese garden behind the store. Absolutely breathtaking and peaceful. I understand the merchandise changes regularly so we look forward to visiting his beautiful shop again very soon. This artist's work will be displayed from April 25 - June 8, 2025. Employees are all personable, professional and ready to help.

I feel very lucky to have a place like the Children's Museum of Sonoma County right here in Santa…read moreRosa! There are so many fun, hands-on activities and special events for kids, which makes a membership absolutely worth it. We especially love the extra-large Light-Brite, water play area, and art room, but there is SO much more to explore. Totopia is also fantastic if you have little ones under 3--it's such a great space for them to play and explore. My only complaint is that the museum can get pretty crowded, so I definitely recommend getting there early if you want a little more space to enjoy everything. I'm also really excited and grateful that they are planning to expand the museum, which will create more exhibit space and hopefully help with the crowds.

This is a non-profit children's museum in Sonoma county in Santa Rosa. It's fun for all ages…read moreespecially if you're a kid at heart. It's centrally located in town and very close to the Charles Schultz (Peanuts/Snoopy) museum which is pretty well known. Pluses: - fun for all ages, but especially the littles both indoors and outdoors. - pretend play areas indoors including a dentist office and a medical clinic and a fast diner. All 3 were a hit w/my kids. - lots of other hands on activities inside to include a treehouse where kids can load apples and send them up and down baskets, my kids love that when they were little. - very popular air launchers to shoot wind spinners. - a huge manual pinball machine that is super fun, my kids never tired of making the pinball launch over and over. - a miniature train set that goes around, it's on the 2nd floor. - plenty of outdoors activities and play areas. - a little stream for water play, little kids love that. - a real life former medical helicopter (a bit random, but still cool). - a climbing structure, and a few other play areas also. - so many ways to tire your kids out, guaranteed a good nap on the way home and they'll prob sleep a lot that night. Minuses: - The building indoors is really quite packed. The different features are each thoughtfully designed and very nice and colorful, but it can get crowded here. - Pretty expensive admission. We got a discount, but I think their prices have increased. All in all, a great little place and good for creative play for kids maybe up to like 5th-6th grade at most, but best for 9 or younger probably.

A hidden gem in Santa Rosa! The California Indian Museum and Cultural Center offers a powerful and…read morerespectful look into the history and traditions of California's Native communities. The exhibits are thoughtful and well-curated, especially the one on Ishi and the cradle baskets. The space is small but meaningful, and the staff was welcoming and knowledgeable. A worthwhile stop if you're in the area!

We came from Sacramento with the intentions to visit this museum. I had messaged requesting a time…read morethat was not available and I forgot to schedule a "time". We got into town and I called the museum, they did not have any time time available but told us to come on . They made an accommodation. My toddler enjoyed looking and trying to unlocking the cases. The museum was great and bigger then I had expected. The gift shop was awesome too! It was nice to see brands such as NTVS, the old Native Threads before Amy and her sister took over, also seeing the hand made jewelry from California Natives. I did recognize the jewelry even without the labels. It was a bummer that this museum is not apart of the museum for all when my husband asked. Someone should look into that and the museum be removed from the list.

Good museum and art center with added California perspective…read more This museum is a hidden gem it would be a gem in any community. The selections are gems of the first waters. Unique and representative of local communities who have been here for hundreds of years. Please make N effort to visit when you are in the area. Metta john

I was greeted with a hostile attitude by the woman who staffed the reception area as though she…read moreresented my entrance. After asking about tours, I was abruptly told that there would be none that day as they had an "event" that evening docents were preparing for. I asked about opportunities the following day and she dismissed the question as one of insensitivity by responding " my volunteers are all over the age of 50 and not knocking down my door to volunteer after an event!" As one of the few attractions in Ukiah, it would benefit the organization to have more welcoming and informative personnel- when I came home later that day and looked up their website, I realized the "event" was their annual gala - which is all she had to tell me and I would have completely understood the "all hands on deck" commitment something like this requires. Bad form and bad protocol...this woman is not suited for a position of hospitality.

I didn't know what to expect here. Was here during the middle of the week and went into the park…read morelocated in the center of town. It used to be the county courthouse they reconverted into a museum. Authentic display of geologic, indigenous cultures, early settlers, and post war era artifacts that you see up close. $2..donate.. then ask them a lot of hard questions like.. where were some of the settlements? Why are there women's saddles but no men kinds? Get a hotdog in the park.

I have volunteered at the Lake County Courthouse Museum for several years and witnessed its…read moreevolution. The museum has grown to be a wonderful repository for local artifacts as well as a perfect venue for community events. The space is accommodating for meetings, social gatherings. I even staged a murder mystery dinner there recently. A great place for any special occasion.

We lucked out with a break in the rainy weather so we could enjoy walking around the Pacific Coast…read moreAir Museum to enjoy all of their displays. It was fun talking to all of the volunteers on site about the interesting stories they had about the planes, activities and learning more about the history of the planes on site. The planes aren't open to walk in during rainy weather but are open during certain times of the year so be sure to check that out before you go in case it is something you want to do. They also have some hot dog days if that is of interest to you as well. Many of the planes and helicopters they have on site are in impressive condition and some need some maintenance or a new paint job. It is wonderful to know that our donations go toward maintaining everything on site. All of the volunteers we saw that day were all so friendly and obviously enjoy what they do. As we understand it, they will be relocating in the future so we look forward to returning to the museum for another visit and to see what they do with all of the interesting artifacts they currently have on display. It was fun to see some of the old airplane seats that used to have the ashtrays and sound dials for music in the arm rest. That was a fun memory to reflect on from our flying days from waaaaay back when! Parking was so convenient as it was right outside the entrance. Make sure you check their calendar so you go on days they're open. Please consider making a donation to help the museum continue growing and maintaining everything they have. Go check them out when you have a chance! It was fun to see so many planes in such a small area! Bet it's really interesting to see how they rearrange the layout from time to time!

I actually rather enjoy machinery museums so I made a point to come here. There were so many…read moreaircraft and it was really cool because you could get inside a few. What really made this great was we happen to come on a day when they have a bunch of old timers here talking about the planes. They were so friendly and knew so much. It's great to get info from people that actually flew planes, some just like the ones they have here. If you can go on one of those scheduled dates I highly recommend it because they really bring a lot to the experience. If not it's a great chance to check out several styles of aircraft, get some pics, and learn on your own. Make the trip if you're into this sort of thing at all.

A neat surprise of two separate galleries, one art, and the other history. Very interactive and…read moreawesomely local! FYI, it took me about an hour at the history museum in about 30 minutes in the art museum. Art: this museum is the one story building that is on the corner of B St, and very conspicuous with the signs on the wall. I hear that the exhibitions rotate every five months or so and is the contemporary art side of the museum. It's a smaller of the two galleries but definitely worth a visit. History: as someone who is not very familiar with the county, I did not know that this was the post office that used to be on 5th Street, some blocks over from its current location. There's more explanation inside the history museum if you are interested in learning more! The second floor is the permanent exhibition regarding the history of Santa Rosa. The first floor seems to be rotating exhibitions. *I actually found the exhibitions at the history museum quite engaging as they put a lot of interactive elements such as wine tasting (reservations needed) and a petting zoo for band instruments and a chance to listen to music using a turntable and cassette tapes. I usually visit most museums once, but I would definitely love to come back to the history museum in the future- and maybe bring some friends and family so they can also enjoy this magnificent space as well.

Be Still My Art Art…read moreand history museum located in the heart of Downtown Santa Rosa that's been celebrating the region's history and art scene for over forty years (ca. 1985). The Good: *More than the name implies, as it's not just a history museum but also an art museum, as well as a sculpture garden. *Staff were incredibly helpful and friendly. *$12/adult, $10/senior, and $6/kid makes this an inexpensive option for things to do, especially on a rainy day. *The art section of this museum is truly incredible. There were some truly beautiful pieces of art on display here that left us mesmerized. The Meh: *Only open Wed - Sun. *The history section of this museum was just OK, but maybe it just didn't hold up to the art portion. The Ugly: *Paid street parking only. Conclusion: Great little museum to come check out when visiting the area and a good way to kill an hour or two.