2020-2021 VISITOR MAGAZINE COME TO SONOMA COUNTY! Century 21 Bundesen Years of expertise pay off withCentury 21 Bundesen. The locally owned, 57-year-old real estate firm is also one of the world’s five oldest real estate franchises; they joined the then-budding Century 21 system 47 years ago. The firm’s team defines full-service in every way — they can guide you through the latest listings for everything from homes and estates to ranches to commercial properties. Century 21 Bundesen also manages both commercial and residential properties, and has one of the largest property management companies in southern Sonoma County. 616 Petaluma Blvd. S. bundesen.com | [email protected] c f century21bundesen | d c21bundesen DRE License #01293583 CREDIT PHOTO A MODERN STAY Clad in History Hampton Inn A chic and charming addition to Petaluma’s hotel scene, the Hampton Inn is set in a historic silk mill built in 1892 in the style of New England’s mills. Minutes from downtown, the inn is convenient to restaurants and shops. Hampton Inn is known for its welcoming service and comfortable accommodations, and offers rooms and suites with microwaves, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini fridges and coffee makers, as well as those custom- designed signature Hampton beds. A complimentary breakfast adds to the appeal, along with a fitness center, and a unique courtyard where guests can experience local craft beer and excellent Sonoma County wines. 450 Jefferson St. hamptonpetaluma.hamptonbyhilton.com c hamptoninnpetaluma f petalumasilkmill VisitPetaluma.com | 2020-2021 1 Contents 2020 – 2021 DEPARTMENTS 03 Welcome 08 Maps 12 Doggy Destination Every dog has its day in Petaluma. 20 Stay in Petaluma Lodging for every style and budget. 22 Petaluma’s Past A timeline of the city’s remarkable history. 28 Meet the Makers Six locals behind P-town’s artisanal boom. 59 Art Show Discover local art. 60 Dance Party Rock out at the town’s popular music venues. 62 Fresh From the Farm See, sip, and taste the countryside. 66 Raise a Glass From coffee to craft brews, drink your way all day. 70 The Great Outdoors Hike, bike, and ride the river in Petaluma. Lagunitas Taproom & 74 Say Yes to Petaluma Make your special day one to remember. Beer Sanctuary FEATURES There’s live local music every day that Lagunitas Taproom & Beer Sanctuary is open, and tasty food Wednesday through Sunday. Come by this popular gathering spot in Maker 15 Adventure in Every Direction Alley, take a tour of the impressive brew- Easy getaways you can launch ery, hear about the company’s scrappy from Petaluma. beginnings and countless charitable activities, visit the Schwag Shop, then try the beers that have made Lagunitas a Couple’s Paradise Make it a 30 legend. Dogs are welcome on the patio. romantic trip for two in Petaluma. 1290 N. McDowell Blvd. 42 Splurge a Little in Downtown lagunitas.com Treat yourself in Sonoma County’s lagunitaspetalumataproom most vibrant hub. c df lagunitasbeer 2 2020-2021 | VisitPetaluma.com Explore historic downtown Petaluma. CITY OF HISTORY FROM THE GOLD RUSH TO WINE COUNTRY, PETALUMA CONTINUES TO MAKE ITS MARK. For nearly two cen- turies, Petaluma has played a large part in shaping a region and a state. The Gold Rush? The city supplied the booming populations of San Francisco and Oakland. The egg incu- bator? It was invented here. Wine Country? It starts in P-town. Interested in finding out more? See page 22 to learn about the fasci- WELCOME! nating history of the city once called the “World’s BE ENCHANTED BY CHARMING PETALUMA. Egg Basket.” Explore Petaluma’s oldest sites, join a guided tour, and IN 1833, when General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo The local grid of charming streets, historic discover what makes first surveyed the verdant Petaluma Valley, he de- homes, and brick-walled alleys is best experienced the gateway of Sonoma scribed the area as “a land of pure enchantment.” on foot, so you can fully savor the stylish boutiques, County so special. General Vallejo wasn’t the only one to recognize rustic antique stores, and hip bistros serving dishes Petaluma’s bounty. Lured by the temperate climate, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. fertile soil, and abundant water, settlers from across Petaluma is also dedicated to a sustainable future the country and the world began populating the — a goal that its government, businesses, and resi- valley. They built farms, established businesses, and dents have taken action to achieve. A cutting-edge developed a communal spirit of mutual support. The wastewater recycling facility, water conservation same welcoming attitude still permeates Petaluma programs, a ban on polystyrene foam containers, and as it has evolved into one of Northern California’s citywide LED lighting conversions are just a few of premier destinations. the programs already in place. The grand ironfront buildings that line Petaluma With its legendary warmth, casual friendliness, Boulevard recall the city’s days as the “World’s Egg and abundant charm, Petaluma serves as the gate- Basket.” The Petaluma River that once channeled way to the best of Sonoma County and beyond. timber, grain, livestock, dairy, and produce to the We hope that just like General Vallejo 185 years Gold Rush markets in San Francisco now hosts ago, you’ll find Petaluma to be an enchanting flotillas of weekend kayakers and paddleboarders. destination. COVER PHOTO: Discover 12 elaborately painted pianos around downtown follow us! Petaluma, all open for the public to play. Photo by c petalumaca | d visitpetalumaca | f* visitpetaluma David H. Collier. SCOTT HESS SCOTT 707.769.0429 VisitPetaluma.com | 2020-2021 3 nytime is a great time to visit Adobe Road Winery in charm- ADOBE ROAD ing downtown Petaluma. Open DOWNTOWN Adaily, the welcoming tasting room is close to just about everything, making Adobe Road the perfect getaway for a WINERY AWARD-WINNING WINES FROM A PETALUMA PIONEER fun-filled wine-tasting experience. The small-lot producer is one of the hottest boutique wineries in the industry, crafting award-winning wines from premier vine- yards in Sonoma and Napa counties, in- cluding the new Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area. You’ll discover a world of delicious wine as you explore Adobe Road’s versatile tast- ing menu. The Reserve Tast- ing includes the winery’s flagship rich, luxurious cabernet sauvignons — always a highlight. Petaluma’s dynamic culture, cool vibe, his- toric architecture and old-world charm are within easy reach of San Francisco and Sacramento, making a day trip to the area a breeze. Ride the SMART Train — the de- pot is just steps away. Adobe Road’s roots are firmly planted in Petaluma. Founders Kevin and Debra Buckler are among the city’s original wine pioneers. Kevin is a champion race-car driver and his legend- ary sportscar racing team is located here. Next year, the two worlds will merge into an exciting wine tasting and event center on the vibrant downtown waterfront. 6 Petaluma Blvd. N. adoberoadwines.com theracingserieswines.com c d f adoberoadwines theracersgroup.com c d f theracersgroup OPPOSITE: PAIGE GREENE (3); ©2011 REGIS LEFEBURE; GREENE (3); ©2011 PAIGE OPPOSITE: CREDIT PHOTO 4 2020-2021 | VisitPetaluma.com nytime is a great time to visit Adobe Road Winery in charm- ADOBE ROAD ing downtown Petaluma. Open DOWNTOWN Adaily, the welcoming tasting room is close to just about everything, making Adobe Road the perfect getaway for a WINERY AWARD-WINNING WINES FROM A PETALUMA PIONEER fun-filled wine-tasting experience. The small-lot producer is one of the hottest boutique wineries in the industry, crafting award-winning wines from premier vine- yards in Sonoma and Napa counties, in- cluding the new Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area. You’ll discover a world of delicious wine as you explore Adobe Road’s versatile tast- ing menu. The Reserve Tast- ing includes the winery’s flagship rich, luxurious cabernet sauvignons — always a highlight. Petaluma’s dynamic culture, cool vibe, his- toric architecture and old-world charm are within easy reach of San Francisco and Sacramento, making a day trip to the area a breeze. Ride the SMART Train — the de- pot is just steps away. Adobe Road’s roots are firmly planted in Petaluma. Founders Kevin and Debra Buckler are among the city’s original wine pioneers. Kevin is a champion race-car driver and his legend- ary sportscar racing team is located here. Next year, the two worlds will merge into an exciting wine tasting and event center on the vibrant downtown waterfront. 6 Petaluma Blvd. N. adoberoadwines.com theracingserieswines.com c d f adoberoadwines theracersgroup.com c d f theracersgroup OPPOSITE: PAIGE GREENE (3); ©2011 REGIS LEFEBURE; GREENE (3); ©2011 PAIGE OPPOSITE: CREDIT PHOTO VisitPetaluma.com | 2020-2021 5 Contributors 2PETALUMA020 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Petaluma Visitors Program & Petaluma Downtown Association Marie McCusker COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Colleen Rustad VISITOR SERVICES Kathy B. Fries FRANCES RIVETTI KATHERINE J. LAUREN BONNEY JESSIE is a British- RINEHART is a is a Bay Area writer FETTERLING American author, local historian and and editor special- moved to the Bay journalist, foodie, writer. She has izing in lifestyle, Area in 2009, 210 Lakeville St. and lifestyle worked in various including travel, where she turned Petaluma, CA 94952 [email protected] blogger based positions within culture, fitness, and her love for travel 707.769.0429 in Petaluma. Her the fields of special food and drink. into a career, visitpetaluma.com most recent book collections and She has a soft spot writing for various is her debut novel archives, cultural for cheese and publications. She is Big Green Country, resource manage- is a firm believer also the author of a suspense story ment, and historic in a great cup of the Oakland guide- set in modern-day preservation.