The Petaluma Historical Library and Museum is a majestic building on 4th Street built in 1904. It…read moreis one of the few remaining Carnegie libraries in California. We came upon the museum as we were enjoying a stroll in the quaint downtown of Petaluma. The museum is free but accepts donations. The is a tremendous amount of historical artifacts from the city and area. When we visited there was a Black History moth exhibit. There was a corner dedicated to the 1970's movie 'American Graffiti' which was filmed in Petaluma.

I feel lucky to have a local museum in Petaluma that provides tours and preserve the history of the…read moretown. The walking tour is hosted during certainly months probably from May to November. We joined the last walking tour for the year and it was so interesting. The tour guides are volunteers and they are vivid story tellers. I will have to come back again to learn more about the town and visit often!

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

I love butter. I love eggs. And now I love the Petaluma Butter & Egg Days Parade and Festival, even…read morethough ironically I didn't really find butter or eggs at the event I attended this past weekend... unless you count egg-themed merchandise from vendor booths. There were a lot of chickens and cows though, both humans dressed in goofy attire/headgear and actual live animals. Yes, they offered pony rides, a petting zoo with farm animals charming visitors (especially a giant tortoise and lots of adorable bunnies), and an opportunity to interact with baby goats, calves, and more. There was plenty to see and do, including a cow chip throwing contest, cutest little chick contest, and two sets of live music entertainment on stage with a bit of audience seating available. The main parade was the highlight of the festival, with the 2026 theme "America's Birthday - Petaluma Style" celebrated with pride. Chicken and cow-themed floats and costumes engaging attendees, businesses and organizations such as Straus Family Creamery and Petalumans of Yesteryear representing, and awesome music and dance performed by high school marching bands as well as groups like Paquiyollotzin (Ballet Folklorico of Petaluma). And of course, cheerful crowds lining the sidewalks, mesmerized by the amusing characters and lovely artworks on display. To eat, we had a corn dog from Aunt Betty's food stand, a delicious lamb and beef gyro pita from Stockhome, and even got ourselves some jumbo black old fashioned licorice from The Licorice Guy. Clover Sonoma was giving away free samples of premium chocolate and vanilla ice cream all day, which I definitely took advantage of. And since that wasn't enough to satisfy my sweet tooth, I also got more cold and creamy chocolatey goodness from YaYa's Classic Soft Serve. It was a wonderful event altogether, and though I wish they actually had butter and eggs, I absolutely enjoyed the lively atmosphere and diverse offerings. Plus, there was no fee for entry and free street parking not too difficult to find nearby, though city parking garages were also a convenient option (with the 2-hour parking restriction waived for this special event day).

Fun free local event in downtown Petaluma. The parade has over a hundred different participants…read morefrom the community and there are plenty of shops and food vendors.

Honestly the best Syrah house I've been to in quite sometime!…read more I say that after spending too many weekends to count wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma County! Jeff Cohn used to be located in Sonoma, but has since moved to Healdsburg, but I still try to visit it when I can. Staff has always been quite pleasant and knowledgeable. Prices have gone up, but everything has across the board in the wine industry, so I am not upset to be honest as this is truly a "you get what you pay for" scenario. As with most wineries since COVID, it's by appointment, but they are happy to take you in on slow days without a reservation, which is great. Parking wise, super easy as there is ample parking and also a ton of food options around for before or after. All and all, a great spot and always recommend!

Longtime fan of JEFF COHN wines from Rosenblum to his namesake winery. His variety of Zinfandels…read morefrom various vineyards are diverse, wonderful, and you are certain to find one you enjoy. I enjoyed his variety of Syrahs more than other makers, and his other blended wines are great value. With new releases, you will enjoy them more with a few years of age. A little bit of patience will be rewarded.

Went this past weekend to see Thunderbolts. Just a great experience. Wish more people would take…read moreadvantage of this local gem!

A vintage, nostalgic venue with beautiful outdoor surroundings supported by a great community of…read morewarm kind people! They're Very supportive of local bands, and vendors and continue to 'update' on the latest mist popular Movies showings, & other festivities

This was the first of the best, even though it's been closed for many years now, sad to say. There…read morewere 50 draft beers here, good food, prices, portions, service & music. This place was way ahead of its time, & the first to have such a big selection of beers in sonoma county. I went there for lunch, since I worked downtown then, & also after work for happy hour. I was never there for the live music later on at night. 505 wasn't even open for a year before it closed down. As time went on, there were more & more taps with empty cups over them all the time, so you knew something was wrong. The rent was expensive because the place was so expansive, so rather than raise all of the prices, he went out of business instead. There's never been anything there since then that was even worth going to that compared to this.

Not a big park but nice and clean. We'll trimmed and maintained grass and trees. Busy playground…read morefor kids and quiet sitting areas around small covered pavilion.Nice beautiful little park to sit down or walk around on a beautiful cool sunny day .

The historic district to its limits is nice but it degrades quickly outside them. There are some…read morehomeless at the waterfront degrading the experience a little.

Okay, darling!! Definitely a historic little theater. Seeing Steel Magnolias was a must for an out…read moreof towner looking for something to do for the weekend while staying at the little saint cottages. The play was cute and quaint, the audience sat on the stage as if we were right with the cast. I think there must have been maybe 50-60 attendees for a Friday night showing.

Raven Performing Arts Theater is a quaint, small-town theater. I go several times a year year to…read morewatch the Healdsburg Chorus, and I just went to see the Raven Shorts, which was so much fun. The theater isn't fancy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's just what it should be in the center of a small wine county town. The seats are comfortable, they have a snack bar, the temperature is comfortable, and the location can't be beat. Everyone is friendly and enthusiastic, the shows are always good, and it's wonderful to enjoy the local talent and then walk to any number of the delicious restaurants on or off of Healdsburg Square...my recommendation is Vallette, just a few steps away!