Winter In Wine Country Series: An Outdoor Adventure
Photo Courtesy of Tracy Baker
“The attractions, fascinations there are in sea and shore! How one dwells on their simplicity, even vacuity! What is it in us, arous’d by those indirections and directions? That spread of waves and gray-white beach, salt, monotonous, senseless — such an entire absence of art, books, talk, elegance — so indescribably comforting, even this winter day — grim, yet so delicate-looking, so spiritual — striking emotional, impalpable depths, subtler than all the poems, paintings, music, I have ever read, seen, heard. (Yet let me be fair, perhaps it is because I have read those poems and heard that music.)”
-Walt Whitman on the splendor of Winter beaches
Famous poet Walt Whitman put it perfectly-the solace of a winter beach is one of beauty. Sonoma County not only has some of the most serene beaches, both in Summer and the lull of Winter, but an abundance of outdoor activities. So come join us in some of our favorite winter sports- our favorite always being a novice version of competitive eating and drinking! : )
Photo Courtesy of Sonoma Mag at www.sonomamag.com
An Outdoor Adventure on Sonoma’s Coast
Love the outdoors? Take a drive out to Sonoma’s coast to experience California’s famous Dungeness Crab season or the plethora of wild-life during the lower tides of the winter. Grab a buttery Dungeness Crab sandwich and scallop-dotted chowder at Ginochio’s Kitchen then head out to Bodega Head with binoculars in hand to spot the gray whales diving for their own version of a seafood buffet.
Ginochio’s Kitchen, 1410 Bay Flat Rd, Bodega Bay, CA 94923, (707) 377-4359.
Photo Courtesy of www.downtownsantarosa.org
Ice Skating in the Square
Have the kids with you, or want to spend a romantic afternoon with that special somebody? Head down to the Winter Lights Rink situated in the square of Santa Rosa for an “ice-skating” afternoon affair. The best part? “The rink is made out of an engineered plastic that comes in sheets that are 100% seamless in order to create excellent glideability. The rink employs a sustainable skating technology that requires no water, energy or carbon emissions. So it’s not only a fun experience, it’s one you can feel great about participating in!”
Photo Courtesy of the Press Democrat
Lighting of the Plaza in Sonoma
Visiting the valley in the late fall? We suggest doing your darndest to add the Lighting of the Plaza to your to-do’s while in town. As one of the biggest yearly community events, you’ll get a true sense of Sonoma Valley hospitality, all while enjoying live music, local food trucks, and hot chocolate or wine and beer to help keep you warm.