I love Hallberg Butterfly Gardens (see previous review). But while they get five stars for concept…read moreand purpose - butterfly conservation and education - they get one star in execution. In all the times I've been here - and it's many over the years - I have never seen a single employee on the property. There is no one available to answer questions, tell you about butterflies, or even discuss events. We signed up for an event today, and there was not a single person on the property. We wandered around for an hour and found NO ONE. Oddly enough, you can't get in touch with them via phone, either, because no one ever answers. Try for yourself and see. There's no outgoing info when you call, and you cannot leave a message. Amazingly, there aren't even posters displaying the different types of butterflies you might see, or how to identify them. Given that this place focuses on butterfly education, you would think they would offer some education...? Moreover, the place is falling apart - it's run down with poor signage. There's also a massive amount of disorganization: we signed up for one event on 7/2, and got confirmation for an event that already happened weeks ago. There was no info contained in the email beyond the gate code and the time to show up. We didn't know if someone would be leading the event or if we would be meeting people there. (Answer: no and no.) Hiring a part-time assistant to organize public events that attract people here would be a worthwhile investment, one would think...? I am ALL about natural spaces and supporting science education, and have always supposed the Gardens -- but if this place wants to make money and keep fans, they need to prioritize, even minimally, the people and events that support their existence.

What a local gem! I…read moregrew up in Sonoma County and I was just about today years old when I discovered this spot. Louise Hallberg was the original matriarch who created this property and lived to be over 100! In her 60's she began to cultivate and grow this beautiful space. It's truly a labor of love that is still preserved today. Donation based, you can schedule a self guided tour to view the gardens. We scheduled online and brought a picnic which was a wonderful idea and perfectly lovely afternoon in the meadow. We didn't see a lot of butterflies but that's ok. The property is lovingly tended by many volunteers. Truly a hidden gem in West County.

Great sandwiches and reasonable prices. Will definitely be coming back soon for sure.read more

By far the worst sandwich I've had in Sonoma County in 30 years !!!…read moreObviously, they changed owners they pulled out the local made products and have nothing but processed Junk and Candy The godfather used to be this amazing tri-tip barbecue sandwich. This was pathetic. They should throw away all the tri-tip and not offer the sandwich anymore. They used to serve this hot now it's cold and 50% gristle This sandwich used to come with barbecue sauce, red onions and peppers. Halfway through my first sandwich, I noticed no peppers, I opened the other half before I ate it, and it was the stem of the pepper and one other tiny and a sliver of a red onion and a ton of mayonnaise and they use kinder's barbecue sauce, squirt bottle, not the good old stuff. So don't waste your money on a $15 sandwich which is in the garbage can now.

I was just at Whole Foods a few weeks ago and boy did they transform that space to make way for…read moreTaylor Lane (formerly known as Taylor Maid.) I was headed to work and running a bit late so I didn't have as much time to chat as I would have liked. (Namely I wonder what happened to the original café spot in Whole Foods? Will they simply be doing the smoothies now? Moving on. ) I took the barista's recommendation for a lavender latte to go along with the avocado toast. It was beautiful and crafted expertly but boy oh boy lavender lattes will never be repeated by me. Sooo not my thing. Hahha. I love the coffee and espresso by Taylor Lane so I'll just order differently next time. Speaking of NEXT TIME - I look forward to another avocado toast and plan to be enjoying that soon! I never really got into the trend of avocado toast but clearly I didn't know what I was missing. The bread was toasted perfectly - crisped on the edge but soft inside. The guacamole was creamy and flavorful and balanced perfectly with the lemon and sesame Adding to it all, micro basil and a drizzle of olive oil. HEAVEN. Great addition!!!

Stopped in today with a Yelp Party Pass for a morning treat. When I first walked into the Whole…read moreFoods store, I completely missed seeing the location of the coffee bar. It's not marked too well. By the time I toured the entire store and made my way back to where I started, there it was relocated next to the front door! I ordered the avocado toast which is served on a Red Bird Bakery thick slice of yummy wheat bread. The avocado spread was lemony and bright, topped with sesame seeds and sprouts. It was quite good. I ordered an Americano coffee drink, and there was really too much water mixed with the shot of espresso. The two gals that were serving were both very friendly and quick. It's a nice set up and they also have Red Bird pastries too! I really love this Whole Foods store and Taylor Lane is a great addition!

May 2, 2026 - Santa Rosa…read more This has become our go-to spot whenever we're in Santa Rosa. The bike racing theme gives it a fun, unique vibe, and the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming. Service is consistently quick and friendly--but definitely make reservations, because this place is always busy. We started with their delicious house bread served alongside an olive tapenade--such a great way to kick things off. We also ordered a bottle of the Tom Mackey Cellars 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, which paired nicely with everything that followed. For appetizers, we shared the grilled polenta and calamari, both of which were excellent. For my main, I ordered the house special seafood risotto, which was flavorful and perfectly cooked. My husband had the Spaghetti Pescatore--loaded with wild prawns, clams, calamari, fresh scallops, and fish of the day in a light tomato, garlic, and olive oil sauce--and it was just as good as it sounds. Around the table, we also had the lamb ravioli, Spaghetti Levi Leipheimer, and the Gnocchi Riviera, and every dish was a hit. Consistently great food, a lively atmosphere, and reliable service make this our must-do restaurant while in Santa Rosa.

My husband and I ate there for our anniversary. At 6:30 PM on a Wed, no reservations needed. I've…read morebeen before on a weekend, and it was very crowded. Service was good, we enjoyed the bread and our bottle of chianti. They served olive tapenade with the bread. We both had salads that we enjoyed very much, the arugula with fennel, goat cheese, golden beets & balsamic and the RADICCHIO salad with pear, gorganzola cheese, fennel & balsamic. We both loved our entrees: They were just perfect: SPAGHETTI PESCATORA FETTUCCINE BOLOGNESE To top it off we shared a Tiramisu for dessert. Everything was absolutely delicious. The service was good and prompt, the very boisterous waiter was kind, enthusiastic, and sometimes hard to understand. All in all it was a great experience. The vibe is old school Italian restaurant. I love that their wine list has plenty of Italian wines because CA wines give me a migraine. Its a sweet place that I will return to.

This single block is the charming part of the old Santa Rosa commercial district. The buildings…read moredo retain a smidgeon of late 19th - early 20th century look. The retail shops are mostly mom & pop's that cater to tourists, but there are antiques, thrift shops and a restaurant or 3 that locals do patronize. The old train depot houses a California Welcome Center. You can get Nor Cal tourist brochures and maps there. Don't wander much north of 4th street, skid row is close-by. Crime is not rampant here, but the neighborhood is less than savory. Avoid north of 5th street after dark. If you are a far flung visitor, 90 minutes is all you need for a walk about 4th street and a meal.

Railroad Square is such a great addition to the downtown Santa Rosa area. It has businesses you…read moreactually want to frequent while also having that old town charm that isn't found much anymore. There is also a great diversity of shops and restaurants in this area. Where else in Santa Rosa can you buy new running shoes, get your hair cut, get brunch, shop for antiques and new items, get lunch, dinner, drinks, and hang out on a park bench all in walking distance?? Nowhere that I know of! If you are in the area and coffee is your thing - Aroma Roasters and Flying Goat are both great options. If you are looking for Mexican food go to Chevy's. Yes it is a chain, but it has been there forever and you really can't beat the fresh made tortillas. Omelette Express is your classic Santa Rosa breakfast place if you are in a mood for eggs. Every time I walk around down here I discover a new little shop or building I haven't really appreciated before. Parking wise, you do have to pay to park, worse yet with the annoying meters downtown Santa Rosa is now decked out with where you have to wander around to find the nearest pay station. But, overall parking is cheap, and if you are really pinching your pennies there are plenty of side streets with free parking in the vicinity. Extra stars for a train station that has been used in movies and a smattering of Charles Schultz character statues which round out the Sonoma County atmosphere.

I've visited this office twice this year, once for our marriage license and again to submit the…read morecompleted marriage license and to order our marriage certificate. Before the first visit, I read the entire section on their website on how to get the right paperwork completed and turned in, but I ended up more confused than anything. What's worse, is that their website explains that "The staff of the Clerk-Recorder-Assessor's Office are forbidden by California legal codes to practice law or provide legal advice; this prohibition includes giving advice about what forms you might need or how you should fill them out." So, we went in not knowing where to begin. Took time off of work to get there on a weekday morning. Thankfully, we walked in and there was no line. The woman there got us to fill in what was needed, pledge our legally required vows, pay the required fee and printed the license right there. She gave it to us along with other paperwork and it took no more than 10 minutes. This is an expensive piece of paper! $82 dollars and if you mess up when writing on it, you'll have to pay the same if not more, for a replacement. Having our internet-ordained minister fill in the license was no easy task. The instructions on the back were not very clear, but we winged it. Went in on Monday and had the man at the neighboring desk help us this time. He wasn't the most bubbly, but still very helpful and made sure our license was completed correctly. We filled out the certificate application, paid the $15 dollars and waited maybe only one single minute and voila! - we were legally married and had a colorful certificate in hand to prove it! Once we got to the lobby, we noticed two men getting married just outside with a single witness and their cute dog. It was so lovely to see! We got to go out and shake their hands and wish them well. I'm so pleased with both of our experiences at this office. Don't know if I'll ever need to come back, but I know it should be a breeze.

My first time to their location in Sebastopol. I typically go to the one in Healdsburg and enjoy…read morethat location quite a bit. I always come to listen to music- specifically jazz, which they feature quite a bit. The outdoor setting at this location is very nice. I could see it conducive for events or group reservations. I came with a friend to hear the music and there's plenty of seating. There's a huge redwood tree near the table which offers shade and there are also umbrellas in the sunnier locations. They were making pizza in their own pizza oven today- however for a 10 inch pizza I thought $22 was a little bit much. There are definitely a nice variety of Pinot's offered. However, I was in the mood for something chilled and I opted for their Rose of Pinot. I was pleased with the size of the pour but not sure I would order that variety again. I do appreciate that you can bring your own snacks there

All right, I'm a little obsessed with Furthermore Wines…read more Our group of 8 had an AMAZING experience here. Dave was our host, and he was so knowledgeable, so personable, and so fun. He took excellent care of us and truly spoiled our group at our tasting. We did a small tour on the grounds and learned a lot about their process and the pinot noir process in general. We all loved the wines so much that everyone bought at least 1 bottle, and two of us signed up for their wine club. In fact, we had such a good time, that our group came BACK to share a bottle of wine in between our reservations. Dave took care of us and we were happy to spend some more time with him. It is such a great place -- the wine is incredible, service is excellent, views are gorgeous, and you feel you are right where you belong. Cheers!

Our tour guide David was very knowledgeable and kind. Even though it was his first time riding with…read moretwo Shih Tzu dogs, he gave us an amazing experience throughout our trip. Communication with Oliver was excellent, and Jessie also called us a day prior to ensure everything would run smoothly. We had a wonderful time and truly appreciated everyone's hospitality and professionalism.

I booked this tour to have some fun on my girls trip with my sister…read more Our sidecar tour was absolutely fabulous. Jesse picked us up went above and beyond helping us with our bags. We drove through the country side and through a beautiful park. Then we toured the town of Sonoma. Next Jesse made us amazing reservations for our wine tasting. We had a gorgeous view and took our time tasting several wines. Finally we took a drive through the actual vineyards with some great photo ops. Jesse could not have been nicer or a better guide. I did a lot of things while in the bay area/wine country and I have to say this was by far my favorite. Five stars all the way!!!

This is a neat tower of bikes crushed together into a unique art piece. The sculpture, designed and…read morecreated by artists Mike Grieve and Ilana Spector, is made up of recycled bike parts from 340 bicycles (including one tricycle). It's definitely a colorful and creative display, well-preserved, with a couple of benches conveniently located right next to it. The artwork was cool to check out, despite its odd location in front of a Kia Dealership.

Santa Rosa has a requirement that construction projects must put 1% of their budget towards public…read moreart and while that's made for a bunch of murals and benches and sculptures, there's nothing quite like this column of bicycles that were paid for when the nearby car dealership was constructed. Cyclisk - "cycle" and "obelisk" was installed in 2010 with the parts of 339 bicycles and one tricycle that were all beyond repair and destined for landfill. Instead, they were donated by non-profit groups and assembled by the artists. Yes, Mark Grieve and Ilana Spector came up with this concept and managed to get it approved by the city, built and then installed. The artwork is 65 feet tall and yes, look closely and you'll spot handlebars and frames and pedals and wheel forks and sprockets. I've never seen anything like it. Access is free. There is parking at the car dealership and next to the car wash. Zoom in to show the pieces involved. [Round number review 21000 overall - 517 in California - 1985 of 2023.]