A Day in Sebastopol with a Local

a 'THE BARLOW' sign above a street in Sebastopol, California — We are so fortunate to live and work in Sonoma County. I realize this more and more when traveling to other places. The weather, the people and the vast amount of places to visit and things to do, just make our area truly one of a kind.

It got me thinking about what some of my favorite spots are to visit, shop and dine here in wine country. I was having a hard time deciding where to start so I decided to just document a typical Saturday in my neighborhood.

Just a few blocks from our studio sit The Barlow, which is such a fantastic addition to downtown Sebastopol. I love a few spots such as Blue Ridge Kitchen, a California American take on comfort food, but not done in a way that feels overly heavy. Love the patio seating to take in the great food and the busy sidewalk traffic.

And, of course, a design favorite just across from them is JG Switzer. Maker of the most beautiful pillows, art, and sheeting all in organic wool. We love that we can collaborate with a neighbor, not to mention feathering our own nests along the way.

Here is one of her fabulous pillows. Somehow this made it to my bed...oops

A JG Switzer sign hanging in front of a shop with a rolled up garage door and ivy on the walls.

A bed with a flared white headboard with a quilt laid over it. The bed has four black and white patterned pillows and one fluffy round white one arranged neatly. The wall behind the bed is wallpapered in large print green abstract florals.

And how can one not mention Acre Pizza? If you have not had their deep dish, pepperoni...well run, don’t walk!

Another favorite activity for me, still food-related, is a visit to the Saturday Santa Rosa Community farmer’s market on Farmer’s Lane. It always includes a stop at Red Bird Bakery for seeded sourdough and maybe a sweet treat or two! I try and do as much of my weekly shopping here when I go.

A farmers market stand with colorful produce piled high including apples, peaches, plums, grapes, and berries. The fruit is labeled with handwritten signs and is in front of a van and sign for the farm.

A view of a row of farmer’s market stalls. The stalls have white shade structures over them, people are milling about, and there is a blue sky with green trees in the background.

I was reminded this weekend when I headed down to Petaluma to scour the antique stores of a few of my favorites in that area. While, my tried and true is Antique Society here in town, I do enjoy a trip down to wander the isles of Sienna, Summer Cottage, and Chelsea Antiques.

A store front with glass doors. Through the doors are hanging circular pendant lights, furniture, and plants. The storefront windows say Chelsea Antiques. — I just happened to find a new dining table on this trip. What are the odds of a designer doing just that?

A group of people inside a restaurant. The restaurant has hanging lights and streamers, with a large back wall of windows. — And since we wore ourselves out (Mr. Bell and I), we had to partake in a bit of lunch just across the street at Della Fattoria. I always forget how much I love that place, for many reasons not just related to the food. The atmosphere is just magical and is always an inspiration of maximal design. It is just an experience.

There are so many more favorites all over our area. These are just a handful that came to mind based on my weekend travels. I think that I am most thankful for this incredible area that I get to call home and all the places, things, and experiences that we have the opportunity to partake in. We a truly blessed. Sonoma County, I love you!

A Day in Sebastopol

Matanzas Creek Modern

The Loft