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Santa Rosa, CA: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
How to Cook and Clean Crab
Instructions on how to cook and clean Dungeness Crab.
Crab Season
In Sonoma County, crab season begins in mid-November and, technically, runs to June. But, 80 percent of the local Dungeness Crab are brought in by the end of December.
SR Safety Ranking
Santa Rosa ranks as the 133 safest city out of 371, according to a study by Morgan Quitno Press published in Oct. 2006.
Best Restaurants in Santa Rosa
These are the top restaurants in Santa Rosa that you absolutely, positively have to know about if you’re a local.
Top 10 Bars and Clubs
These are the Top 10 bars and clubs in downtown Santa Rosa as chosen by About.com readers.
Crab Feeds
During the winter weekends, especially in January, there’s sure to be a crab feed somewhere in Sonoma county. The all-you-can-eat feasts are usually community fundraisers and they often sell out. So look over this listing of Sonoma County Crab Feeds and call early for tickets.
Radio Stations
A list of local radio stations in Sonoma County.
House Used in Alfred Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt"
The McDonald Ave. area is not only a historic district but it's also one of most prestige and charming neighborhoods in Santa Rosa. Four movies were filmed on this street, including "Scream," "Pollyanna" and Alfred Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt," as well as its remake.
Top Santa Rosa Wineries
Santa Rosa is the main city in California's Wine Country. So, it's not surprising that some great wineries can be found here.
The House Used in Wes Craven's "Scream"
The McDonald Ave. area is not only a historic district but it's also one of most prestige and charming neighborhoods in Santa Rosa. Four movies were filmed on this street, including "Scream," "Pollyanna" and Alfred Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt," as well as its remake.
Romantic Wineries
Beautiful views, secluded spots, luxuries gardens...not to mention wonderful, heady wine. When it comes to romantic places, you can't beat these Sonoma and Napa wineries.
John Ash Restaurant
John Ash & Co. is a Santa Rosa institution. For years, this was THE restaurant in town.
Christmas Tree Farms
A list of the top Christmas tree farms in Sonoma County where you can choose and cut your own tree.
Willi's Wine Bar
Willi's Wine Bar in Santa Rosa offers customers a friendly, social atmosphere in which they can eat outstanding food and drink great wine.
Find Fresh Dungeness Crab
Best places in Sonoma County to buy Dungeness Crab
Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery
The McDonald Ave. area is not only a historic district but it's also one of most prestige and charming neighborhoods in Santa Rosa. Four movies were filmed on this street, including "Scream," "Pollyanna" and Alfred Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt," as well as its remake.
Overview of Downtown SR
An overview of downtown Santa Rosa including the Santa Rosa Plaza mall, Fourth Street and Railroad Square.
Hopper House of Horror
The Hopper House of Horror, located in the former Hunter Steakhouse building in Santa Rosa, is making it's debut as a Halloween Haunted House for 2008 in what is otherwise a slow year for ghouls and goblins.
Here Comes the Pie
World's Largest Pumpkin Pie - Windsor Pumpkin Festival
Sonoma County New Year
A list of several New Year's Eve celebrations in Sonoma County.
Santa Rosa, CA - TopPicks
An index of TopPicks for the Santa Rosa, CA guide site.
Best Holiday Turkeys
These are some of the best local places to find great holiday turkeys in Sonoma County.
Railroad Square
Located in Railroad Square, the bronze Peanuts Sculpture, featuring Charlie Brown and Snoopy, is a beloved tribute to Charles M. Schulz who made his home in Santa Rosa.
Syrah Restaurant
Syrah is Santa Rosa’s “It” restaurant. This is the place to go to see and be seen. But, it’s not just some trendy hangout. Syrah provides an excellent dining experience.
Romantic Restaurants
From secluded, cozy hideaways to stately, Victorian mansions, these are the most romantic date restaurants in Sonoma County.
Airport Stadium 12
Information about Airport Stadium 12 with prices, location, parking, nearby restaurants and more.
zazu
Zazu is generally considered one of the best restaurants in Santa Rosa, and throughout the Bay Area.
Charming Tree-Lined Streets of the McDonald Historic District
The McDonald Ave. area is not only a historic district but it's also one of most prestige and charming neighborhoods in Santa Rosa. Four movies were filmed on this street, including "Scream," "Pollyanna" and Alfred Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt," as well as its remake.
Roxy Theater
Information about Roxy Stadium in Santa Rosa with prices, location, parking, nearby restaurants and more.
Haunted Halloween
Find the best haunted houses, creepy events and spooky places in Sonoma County for Halloween 2008.
Holiday Traditions
Of all the holiday events that take place in Sonoma County, these are the top local traditions and quirky hometown productions that truly feel like home.
Special Occassion Restaurants
Whether you’re celebrating a big event or trying to make a big impression, there's a Santa Rosa restaurant perfect for that special occassion. Here are the best restaurants to go to for celebrating a promotion, first date, anniversary, or birthday, or even for impressing out-of-town guests.
Breakfast
Searching for great eggs Benedict, outstanding biscuits and gravy, or in the mood for some early morning duck confit? Dierk's, Hank's and Omelette Express or local's standby favorites for breakfast or brunch, while Carlo's and Bruno's are developing a devoted following. I'd rather not mention Flavor Bistro. And then there's Adel's...
McDonald Historic District
The McDonald Ave. area is not only a historic district but it's also one of most prestige and charming neighborhoods in Santa Rosa. Four movies were filmed on this street, including "Scream," "Pollyanna" and Alfred Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt," as well as its remake.
Dog Parks in Santa Rosa
These are the places in Santa Rosa where you can let your dogs of their leash and let them run around and play.
Rossa Pizzeria
Opened in 2007 by John Franchetti (formerly of Tra Vigne), it didn't take long for Rosso Pizzeria to become one of the most popular restaurants in Santa Rosa.
December Events
A listing of festivals, celebrations, weekend events and more in Sonoma County for December 2008.
Pumpkin Patches
October is the month to head out to the farm and pick a pumpkin. Here are some of the best pumpkin patches in Sonoma County.
Michelin Guide
Michelin Guide came out with a San Francisco, Bay Area and Wine Country edition in 2007, naming the top Sonoma County restaurants as Cyrus, Dry Creek Kitchen, Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant, and K&L Bistro.
Dog-Friendly Wineries
Dogs are welcomed guests, and welcoming hosts, at many wineries in Sonoma County.
Top Things To Do This November
These are the top 10 things to do this November in Sonoma County
Gifts from Sonoma
Lucky you, you live in Wine Country - so, spread the good cheer. Find wine gift baskets and other holiday gifts created where you live, and add that personal touch to holiday gift giving. (Compiled by Maja Wood and Terri Pischoff Wuerthner.)
Summer Camps
A listing of the Top 10 Summer Camps in Santa Rosa, CA, with links.
Beaujolais Nouveau
Celebrate the first wine of the season at Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa first wine of the season Paradise Ridge Winery
Famous Santa Rosa Locals
Here's a list of Santa Rosa locals who are nationally and internationally famous, as well as those who are well-known in the area.
May Events for Kids
A listing, with links, of the top kid and family events in Sonoma County for May 2007, including Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sonoma, Healdsburg, more.
Santa Rosa Movie Theaters
A listing of Santa Rosa, CA movie theaters with prices, location, parking, nearby restaurants and more.
Movies Filmed in Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa was used as the filming location for many movies including Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt," "Peggy Sue Got Married," "Scream," and more.
List of Santa Rosa Parks
An alphabetical listing of Santa Rosa parks and recreation sites, addresses, and links to maps.
NYE Mad Hatter's Ball
Pictures of Les Claypool's New Year's Eve Mad Hatters Ball for 2005-2006
Work-in-Progress During Blues and Tattoos
Each year, A-list tattoo artists from around the country, and their fans, converge at Santa Rosa's Flaming Hotel for the annual Tattoos and Blues weekend gathering.
Hike Bodega Head
A hike on Bodega Head offers panoramic views of Bodega Bay, the Sonoma and Marin coasts, Point Reyes peninsula, Tomales Point, and more. Plus, Bodega Head is considered one of the best places in the county for bird watching and whale watching. Volunteer docents are at the parking lot on weekends, January to May, to assist the public in viewing the annual gray whale migration.
Sonoma History Part 1
Early Sonoma County History - Native Tribes to the Bear Flag Revolt
Redwood Empire Food Bank
Redwood Empire Food Bank is Sonoma County's largest hunger-relief organization. REFB acquires food and distributes it through a network of charitable agencies and their own food assistance programs. REFB also advocates for legislation to provide long-term solutions to hunger.
Farm Trails
With Sonoma County Farm Trails you can pick fresh produce, pet farm animals, vacation on a working farm, and enjoy the rural beauty of Sonoma County.
Lavay Smith & her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
The annual Heirloom Tomato Festival is held at the Kendall-Jackson Wine Center in Santa Rosa, CA.
Event Organizer
Windsor Farmers Market Pumpkin Festival
Holiday Shopping
A list of some of the best places in Sonoma County to not only get the perfect gift, but to have the perfect day shopping.
Monty and The Whale
Monty Monty, an assemblage sculpture artist living in Santa Rosa, CA, is known for the stories, wordplays, puzzles and little jokes found within his works. NEA Chairman Dana Gioia, who owns some of Monty's work, refers to his style as "rambunctious elegance."
Costumes are Encouraged
Costumes are encouraged at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair World Championship Grape Stomp
August Events for Kids
A listing, with links, of the top kid and family events in Sonoma County for August 2007, including Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sonoma, Healdsburg, more.
Vending at the Kathmandu Festival
The annual Kathmandu Festival, which takes place each September in Sonoma's Depot Park, is a benefit for the Children's Medical Aid Organization. The event features traditional food, music and dance of Nepal, India and Tibet.
Gabby La La and Colonel Les Claypool
Photo gallery of Les Claypool New Year's Eve Hatter's Ball 2006-2007
3rd Street Cinema
Information about 3rd Street Cinema 6 with prices, location, parking, nearby restaurants and more.
Public Pools
Pools and swim centers open to the public in Santa Rosa, CA.
Sonoma Heritage Tour
Sonoma's rich and unique history is spotlighted in this annual event in which docents, wearing period costumes, lead tours around the Sonoma Town Square, including candlelight tours at night.
Tolay Fall Fest
The 30-year-old annual tradition of picking a pumpkin at the Cardoza Ranch continues even though the family sold its Petaluma property to the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. Now the county has stepped in to sponsor the Tolay Lake Park Fall Festival.
Monti's Restaurant
Monti’s Rotisserie and Bar is a favorite gathering spot in Santa Rosa's Montgomery Village.
Live Theater in Sonoma County
The current month's listings of live theater in Sonoma County
Halloween Events
Halloween events, harvest Festivals, and El Dia De Los Muertos celebrations for 2008
In Honor of Jim Boggio
Cotati Accordion Festival - In Honor of Jim Boggio
Go!
Photo of the contestants of the Sonoma County Harvest Fair World Championship Grape Stomp
A Waterfall of Chocolate
Wine tasting is the main draw at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Fair attendees can taste and buy over 550 different wines, all under one roof, and all made from Sonoma County grapes.
Christmas at the Mission
Celebrate Christmas at this beautiful candlelit ceremony in Sonoma's historic Mission.
February 2009 Calendar
A listing of festivals, celebrations, weekend events and more in Sonoma County for February 2009.
Sonoma County Museums
A list of museums located in Sonoma County, California.
Live Comedy Taped in SR
This Santa Rosa venue has grown into the location of choice for live tapings among some of the country’s top comedians including George Carlin, Dana Carvey, Lewis Black, Ellen DeGeneres, Lisa Lampanelli, Kathy Griffin and more.
Fairy Folk Festival
The Fairy Folk Festival is a gathering of "magical folk" in Sebastopol, CA.
Pumpkin Car Races
Pumpkin Car Races - Windsor Pumpkin Festival
The Accordion Spirit
Cotati Accordion Festival
The Revered Grape Stomp Trophies
Photos of the revered trophies from Sonoma County Harvest Fair World Championship Grape Stomp
Live Theater in Sonoma
Monthly listing of plays, shows, children's theater in Sonoma County
Garlock Tree Farm
Garlock Tree Farm in Sebastopol, which offers horse-drawn carriage rides, a kid's jump tent, petting zoo and more, is one of Sonoma County's best you-choose-and-cut Christmas Tree farms.
The Band Plays On
The World Championship Grape Stomp, complete with costumes, cheering crowds, and a live Dixieland band, is held each year during the Sonoma County Harvest Fair in Santa Rosa, CA.
Overview of NE Santa Rosa
An overview of Northeast Santa Rosa, CA, including historic neighborhoods.
Rick and the Rebel: Men on a Mission
Over 100 Sonoma County wineries in the Russian River region participate in Winter Wineland each January. The wineries, many of which are not usually open to the public, offer tastings, sometimes from reserve wines, and owners and winemakers are usually on hand to answer questions and simply chat.
Get Set
Photo of the Sonoma County Harvest Fair World Championship Grape Stomp
Free Outdoor Films
A listing of the FREE outdoor movies being shown throughout Sonoma County during the summer of 2008.
Rialto Cinemas
Information about Rialto Theater in Santa Rosa, CA, with prices, location, parking, nearby restaurants and more.
The Legendary Dick Contino
Cotati Accordion Festival - The Accordion Man Dick Contino
Family Fun in Windsor
Windsor Pumpkin Festival
Frosty Mountain Tree Farm
Frosty Mountain Tree Farm in Sebastopol, which offers panoramic views, hayrides, farm animals and more, is one of Sonoma County's best you-choose-and-cut Christmas Tree farms.
Kids-Eat-Free Specials
Listing of Kids-Eat-Free meal specials in Santa Rosa, CA.
Victorian Tree Ranch
Borrow one of Victorian Christmas Tree Ranch's lanterns and head out into the night to find and cut your own Christmas tree.
It's the Cheese
In October of each year, the folks at Spring Hill Cheese create Peter Pumpkin Patch which features: cheese tasting, pick-your-own-pumpkin, dig-for-potatoes, pet farm animals, milk a cow, hay rides, hay maze, corn maze and homemade pumpkin ice cream.
Scarecrow
Scarecrow - Windsor Pumpkin Festival
Sonoma County ARTrails
ARTrails is an annual Sonoma County event in which the public is invited to visit the studios of participating artists, view their work, speak with the artists and buy unique pieces of work.
Bharthnatyam Folk Dance
The annual Kathmandu Festival, which takes place each September in Sonoma's Depot Park, is a benefit for the Children's Medical Aid Organization. The event features traditional food, music and dance of Nepal, India and Tibet.
Home on the Range
In October of each year, the folks at Spring Hill Cheese create Peter Pumpkin Patch which features: cheese tasting, pick-your-own-pumpkin, dig-for-potatoes, pet farm animals, milk a cow, hay rides, hay maze, corn maze and homemade pumpkin ice cream.
Winners of the Pumpkin Car Race
Pumpkin Car Race - Windsor Farmers Market Annual Festival
North Eagle Gallery
Located on the eastern end of Santa Rosa and near Sonoma Valley wineries, North Eagle Gallery is a convenient place to choose and cut your Christmas tree.
Sonoma Wine Country Weekend
The fun and irreverent Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction and the elegant and sophisticated Sonoma County Showcase of Wine and Food, have now combined forces to create the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, held on Labor Day Weekend.
Tolay Fall Festival
Celebrate fall and pick the perfect pumpkin at this 1,737-acre Petaluma ranch with views from Mount. St. Helena to the San Francisco Bay. Enjoy the giant pumpkin patch, hayrides, live animals, pumpkin-seed-spitting contest, and much more. [link url=http://santarosa.about.com/od/attractions/p/tolaypumpkin.htm>See details for this year’s event.[/link] [/p][p] Tolay is one of [link url=http://santarosa.about.com/od/attractions/tp/pumpkinpatch.htm]Sonoma County’s Best Pumpkin Patches.[/link]
The Crowd Goes Wild
Photo of a cheering crowd at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair World Championship Grape Stomp
Welcome to Santa Rosa
An overview, orientation and guide to Santa Rosa, CA, including statistics and highlights of the city.
Overview of SE Santa Rosa
An overview of Southeast Santa Rosa including the Carrillo Adobe and Montgomery Village Shopping Center.
Cycling Sonoma County
Avid cyclist and Bike Monkey Magazine editor spills the beans about the best places to ride in Sonoma County.
Wine Bottle Truck
Monty Monty, an assemblage sculpture artist living in Santa Rosa, CA, is known for the stories, wordplays, puzzles and little jokes found within his works. NEA Chairman Dana Gioia, who owns some of Monty's work, refers to his style as "rambunctious elegance."
Carrying the Torch
Cotati Accordion Festival - Carrying the Torch
Holiday Fun
A list of things to do in Sonoma County during the 2007 Christmas season.
Child's Memorial Sculpture at Spring Lake Regional Park
Monty Monty, an assemblage sculpture artist living in Santa Rosa, CA, is known for the stories, wordplays, puzzles and little jokes found within his works. NEA Chairman Dana Gioia, who owns some of Monty's work, refers to his style as "rambunctious elegance."
August Events Calendar
A listing of festivals, celebrations, weekend events and more in Sonoma County for August 2008.
St. Patrick's Day
Listing of the best Irish Pubs, Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinners and Celtic Music for St. Patrick's Day in Sonoma County.
The Twilight Pig
See photos of the 2007 Les Claypool's New Year's Eve Hatter's Ball held in Santa Rosa, CA.
Girls on Stilts Strut Their Stuff
See photos of the 2007 Les Claypool's New Year's Eve Hatter's Ball held in Santa Rosa, CA.
Farmers' Markets
List of farmer's markets in Sonoma County including links, maps, hours and special events.
Les Claypool's New Year's Eve
Les Claypool is taking his big New Year Celebration, the Hatter's Ball, to Santa Rosa.
David Martin's House Party
Sonoma's Red and White Ball is an unpretentious, fun-filled celebration in the heart of California Wine Country.
Reunification - Courthouse Sq.
Many residents believe that after Mendocino Ave. cut Santa Rosa's Courthouse Square in half, the square lost its identity as the central hub for the community and, in turn, it also lost its power to attract shoppers and tourists to the downtown area. They believe that by reunifying the square the downtown would be revitalized, and Santa Rosans would enjoy an improved local economy as well as a greater sense of community and a better quality of life. Of course, not everyone agrees.
Moon Mountain Tree Farm
Moon Mountain Christmas Tree Farm offers a great selection of trees to choose from as well as beautiful views of the Sonoma Valley.
Les Claypool and His Fancy Band
See photos of the 2007 Les Claypool's New Year's Eve Hatter's Ball held in Santa Rosa, CA.
And the Winner Is...
Photo of the Sonoma County Harvest Fair World Championship Grape Stomp Winners
Chocolate Shops
Wine Country is known for it's artisan foods, including it's incredible chocolates. These are five of the best chocolate shops in Sonoma County.
SR Cycling Community
If you’d like to meet up with cyclists in Santa Rosa, this is where you're likely to find them.
Amazing Corn Maze at the Petaluma Pumpking Patch
Petaluma Pumpkin Patch is know for its large and difficult corn maze. It's also known for slowing down traffic on the 101 because all the motorists stop to stare at it.
Memorial Day
The top events that take place each year during Memorial Day Weekend in Sonoma County.
Vintage Prop Plane at the Finley Community Center
Monty Monty, an assemblage sculpture artist living in Santa Rosa, CA, is known for the stories, wordplays, puzzles and little jokes found within his works. NEA Chairman Dana Gioia, who owns some of Monty's work, refers to his style as "rambunctious elegance."
Petaluma Pumpkin Patch
Petaluma Pumpkin Patch is know for its large and difficult corn maze. It's also known for slowing down traffic on the 101 because all the motorists stop to stare at it.
Trying it Out
Cotati Accordion Festival - Trying it Out
The Defending Champions
Photo of the Sonoma County Harvest Fair World Championship Grape Stomp defending champions
Hay Bale Maze
In October of each year, the folks at Spring Hill Cheese create Peter Pumpkin Patch which features: cheese tasting, pick-your-own-pumpkin, dig-for-potatoes, pet farm animals, milk a cow, hay rides, hay maze, corn maze and homemade pumpkin ice cream.
Accordions are W-i-i-i-ld
Cotati Accordion Festival - It's Wild
Food Pairing at J Winery
This weekend of wine and food pairing in the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys is the premier event for the Russian River Wine Road.
National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Dana Gioia
Monty Monty, an assemblage sculpture artist living in Santa Rosa, CA, is known for the stories, wordplays, puzzles and little jokes found within his works. NEA Chairman Dana Gioia, who owns some of Monty's work, refers to his style as "rambunctious elegance."
Ruth Asawa Exhibit
An art exhibit of the works of San Francisco's "fountain lady" Ruth Asawa will be at the Sonoma County Museum from January to April of 2008.
Inside the Grace Pavilion
Wine tasting is the main draw at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Fair attendees can taste and buy over 550 different wines, all under one roof, and all made from Sonoma County grapes.
Accordion and Accessory
Cotati Accordion Festival - Accordion and Accessory
The Tea Party - Fairy Godmother
The Fairy Folk Festival is a gathering of "magical folk" in Sebastopol, CA.
Caffeine Overload
Each year in March, the town of Guerneville holds a big Pajama Party Sale in which shoppers get big discounts if they show up in their PJs. There's also a costume contest--extra points for fuzzy slippers, face packs, and such.
Valentine's Day
The best Sonoma County restaurants, chocolates, wineries and events to celebrate Valentine's Day 2008.
Shh, Thelma & Louise Survived the Grand Canyon and are Hiding Out in Guerneville
Each year in March, the town of Guerneville holds a big Pajama Party Sale in which shoppers get big discounts if they show up in their PJs. There's also a costume contest--extra points for fuzzy slippers, face packs, and such.
Tattoo Artist Jim Fox of Santa Rosa
Each year, A-list tattoo artists from around the country, and their fans, converge at Santa Rosa's Flaming Hotel for the annual Tattoos and Blues weekend gathering.
Christmas House
The houses on Walnut Ct. boast one of the most spectacular Christmas displays in Santa Rosa.
Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is the main draw at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Fair attendees can taste and buy over 550 different wines, all under one roof, and all made from Sonoma County grapes.
Robin loves Primus
See photos of the 2007 Les Claypool's New Year's Eve Hatter's Ball held in Santa Rosa, CA.
Knight Rider
Monty Monty, an assemblage sculpture artist living in Santa Rosa, CA, is known for the stories, wordplays, puzzles and little jokes found within his works. NEA Chairman Dana Gioia, who owns some of Monty's work, refers to his style as "rambunctious elegance."
J Vineyards & Winery
This weekend of wine and food pairing in the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys is the premier event for the Russian River Wine Road.
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