Here's some of the best of November. (Not listed in any particular order.)
1. See "Every Man Jack."
Not only was Jack London a famous author and Sonoma Valley resident, but he was also an adventurer, trailblazer and all-round interesting fellow. And this show, based on his life, promises to be a very adventurous, trailblazing and interesting production: It's an opera that uses a Vaudeville-style format. The world premier is in Sonoma County and folks at Sonoma City Opera have high hopes that it will travel the globe. Renowned baritone Rod Gilfry stars. Composed by Grammy-winner Libby Larsen.2. Check out the Sonoma Heritage Tour.
Jack London wasn't the only adventurer in these parts. Sonoma has a rich and colorful history full of audacious and daring types. Learn something about our past while strolling around downtown Sonoma November 4. Don't forget, part of the fun is dressing up. Nothing fancy required. So, go ahead, get into the spirit and be a little adventurous yourself.3. Eat a little crab.
Crab season starts in mid-November. So, get it while the getting's good. Although the commercial crab season lasts until June, 80 percent of the crabs caught off the Sonoma Coast will be brought in between now and the end of December.4. Drink a little wine.
Sometimes the wine events in these parts can be a bit…shall we say… “highbrow.” But, the Beaujolais Nouveau celebration is all about fun. French law prohibits Beaujolais Nouveau--the first wine of the season--to be released before the stroke of midnight on the third Thursday of November. As a result, the third weekend in November is a big celebration all around the world. In Sonoma County, you can join the party at Paradise Ridge Winery.5. ...and a little more wine.
On Nov. 4 and 5, over 64 wineries along the Russian River Wine Road will participate in the Wine and Food Affair. Then, on Nov. 18 and 19, you can visit 15 Carneros Wineries during their 19th Annual Holiday in Carneros Open House. Sample wine and food and shop for arts and crafts and more. And on November 24 and 25x you can visit 17 Sonoma Valley wineries for their 23nd Annual Heart of Sonoma Valley Open House. Look for details in the November Calendar.6. See your food with new eyes.
If you haven't seen the Hybrid Fields show at the Sonoma County Museum yet, this is a great time to go. It will give you a whole new perspective of the food on America's Thanksgiving table.7. Be patriotic.
- Vote -- Election Day is November 7.
- No matter which side you're on regarding the current war, we all care for the people whose lives are on the line now, and in the past. So, head on over to Petaluma on November 11 for the largest Veterans Day Parade north of the Golden Gate. Plus, the kids will love the vintage aircraft that fly over the parade between 1 and 2 p.m.
- And, of course, celebrate Thanksgiving, November 23.