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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.
Christmas Tree Farms
A list of the top Christmas tree farms in Sonoma County where you can choose and cut your own tree.
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.
Here Comes the Pie
World's Largest Pumpkin Pie - Windsor Pumpkin Festival
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.
Radio Stations
A list of local radio stations in Sonoma County.
Sonoma County New Year
A list of several New Year's Eve celebrations in Sonoma County.
Top 10 Bars and Clubs
These are the Top 10 bars and clubs in downtown Santa Rosa as chosen by About.com readers.
Best Holiday Turkeys
These are some of the best local places to find great holiday turkeys in Sonoma County.
Overview of Downtown SR
An overview of downtown Santa Rosa including the Santa Rosa Plaza mall, Fourth Street and Railroad Square.
Find Fresh Dungeness Crab
Best places in Sonoma County to buy Dungeness Crab
Airport Stadium 12
Information about Airport Stadium 12 with prices, location, parking, nearby restaurants and more.
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.
Roxy Theater
Information about Roxy Stadium in Santa Rosa with prices, location, parking, nearby restaurants and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
John Ash Restaurant
John Ash & Co. is a Santa Rosa institution. For years, this was THE restaurant in town.
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.
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.
Railroad Square
The Flying Goat, in the old Western Hotel building, is a popular coffee shop featuring specialty brews fresh from their roastery. This structure was built at the turn of the century by the same group of Italian stonemasons who built the depot, La Rosa Hotel, and the building which now houses A'Roma Roasters.
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.
zazu
Zazu is generally considered one of the best restaurants in Santa Rosa, and throughout the Bay Area.
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...
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.
Event Organizer
Windsor Farmers Market Pumpkin Festival
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.)
Romantic Restaurants
From secluded, cozy hideaways to stately, Victorian mansions, these are the most romantic date restaurants in Sonoma County.
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.
Santa Rosa Movie Theaters
A listing of Santa Rosa, CA movie theaters with prices, location, parking, nearby restaurants and more.
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.
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.
Public Pools
Pools and swim centers open to the public in Santa Rosa, CA.
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.
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.
List of Santa Rosa Parks
An alphabetical listing of Santa Rosa parks and recreation sites, addresses, and links to maps.
Family Fun in Windsor
Windsor Pumpkin Festival
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.
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.
Pumpkin Car Races
Pumpkin Car Races - Windsor Pumpkin Festival
Lavay Smith & her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
The annual Heirloom Tomato Festival is held at the Kendall-Jackson Wine Center in Santa Rosa, CA.
Santa Rosa, CA - TopPicks
An index of TopPicks for the Santa Rosa, CA guide site.
Winners of the Pumpkin Car Race
Pumpkin Car Race - Windsor Farmers Market Annual Festival
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.
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.
Monti's Restaurant
Monti’s Rotisserie and Bar is a favorite gathering spot in Santa Rosa's Montgomery Village.
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.
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."
Little Hills XmasTree Farm
Choose and cut your own tree at Little Hills Christmas Tree Farm in Petaluma. Come on the weekend and take a picture with Santa.
December Events
A listing of festivals, celebrations, weekend events and more in Sonoma County for December 2008.
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.
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.
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.
Summer Camps
A listing of the Top 10 Summer Camps in Santa Rosa, CA, with links.
3rd Street Cinema
Information about 3rd Street Cinema 6 with prices, location, parking, nearby restaurants and more.
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.
Christmas at the Mission
Celebrate Christmas at this beautiful candlelit ceremony in Sonoma's historic Mission.
Haunted Halloween
Find the best haunted houses, creepy events and spooky places in Sonoma County for Halloween 2008.
Beaujolais Nouveau
Celebrate the first wine of the season at Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa first wine of the season Paradise Ridge Winery
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.
Scarecrow
Scarecrow - Windsor 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.
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.
Peterson Winery: Limited Edition
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.
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.
Leipheimer with wife Odessa and dog Bandit
August 16, 2007 was proclaimed Levi Leipenheimer Day in Santa Rosa in honor of the hometown hero who, that same year, finished first in the Tour of California and third in the Tour de France.
Easter in Sonoma County
Listing of Easter Egg Hunts, Sunrise Services, Easter Brunches in Sonoma County.
Dog-Friendly Wineries
Dogs are welcomed guests, and welcoming hosts, at many wineries in Sonoma County.
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.
Rodney Strong Vineyards
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.
Rialto Cinemas
Information about Rialto Theater in Santa Rosa, CA, with prices, location, parking, nearby restaurants and more.
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 Critters
The houses on Walnut Ct. boast one of the most spectacular Christmas displays in Santa Rosa.
Take a Hike
Listing of guided hikes in Sonoma County for August 2008.
Overview of NE Santa Rosa
An overview of Northeast Santa Rosa, CA, including historic neighborhoods.
Holiday Fun
A list of things to do in Sonoma County during the 2007 Christmas season.
January Calendar
A listing of festivals, celebrations, weekend events and more in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County for January 2009.
Sonoma History Part 1
Early Sonoma County History - Native Tribes to the Bear Flag Revolt
Top Things To Do This November
These are the top 10 things to do this November in Sonoma County
Mill Creek Vineyards: Family Traditions
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.
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.
Kids-Eat-Free Specials
Listing of Kids-Eat-Free meal specials in Santa Rosa, CA.
December Events Part 2
A listing of festivals, celebrations, weekend events and more in Sonoma County for December 2007.
Breastfeeding Resources
A listing of breastfeeding resources in the Santa Rosa, CA area, including hospitals, La Leche League, government resources and more.
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."
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.
Welcome to Snowman Lane
The houses on Walnut Ct. boast one of the most spectacular Christmas displays in Santa Rosa.
Live Theater in Sonoma County
The current month's listings of live theater 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.
Bollywood in Sonoma
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.
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.
Levi Leipheimer
Levi Leipheimer is a professional cyclist who resides in Santa Rosa.
Christmas House
The houses on Walnut Ct. boast one of the most spectacular Christmas displays in Santa Rosa.
The Accordion Spirit
Cotati Accordion Festival
Fairy Folk Festival
The Fairy Folk Festival is a gathering of "magical folk" in Sebastopol, CA.
NYE Mad Hatter's Ball
Pictures of Les Claypool's New Year's Eve Mad Hatters Ball for 2005-2006
July Events for Kids
A listing, with links, of the top kid and family events in Sonoma County for June 2007, including Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sonoma, Healdsburg, more.
Russian River Wine Road's Premier Event
Photos from the 2007 Russian River Wine Road's Wine & Food Affair in Sonoma County
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.
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.
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."
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.
February 2009 Calendar
A listing of festivals, celebrations, weekend events and more in Sonoma County for February 2009.
Budget Guide
A Budget Guide to FREE and Cheap things to do, deals and specials in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County
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.
Life Imitating Art?
Photo gallery of Les Claypool New Year's Eve Hatter's Ball 2006-2007
Overview of NW Santa Rosa
An overview of the Northwest quadrant of Santa Rosa, CA, including a number of sports facilities.
Holiday Sparkle
The houses on Walnut Ct. boast one of the most spectacular Christmas displays in Santa Rosa.
Costumes are Encouraged
Costumes are encouraged at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair World Championship Grape Stomp
J Tasting Room
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.
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.
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.
In Honor of Jim Boggio
Cotati Accordion Festival - In Honor of Jim Boggio
Live Theater in Sonoma
Monthly listing of plays, shows, children's theater in Sonoma County
The Sweet Heartley
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."
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.
David Martin's House Party
Sonoma's Red and White Ball is an unpretentious, fun-filled celebration in the heart of California Wine Country.
Wilfred Wong and Dan Kosta
Each year, the San Francisco Chronicle holds the world's largest wine competition of American wines.
Michelle J. Baker
Michelle J. Baker is a wine writer and educator based in Sonoma County.
Overview of SW Santa Rosa
An overview of Southwest Santa Rosa, CA, including Roseland.
Museums in Santa Rosa
A list of museums located in Santa Rosa, CA.
Santa Rosa, CA - Articles
An index of articles for the Santa Rosa, CA guide site.
Santa's Sleigh
The houses on Walnut Ct. boast one of the most spectacular Christmas displays in Santa Rosa.
MLK Day
The theme for the 2009 MLK Celebration in Sonoma County is: "A Call to Conscience...Take a stand for what is right! What will you do?"
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.
And the Winner Is...
Photo of the Sonoma County Harvest Fair World Championship Grape Stomp Winners
Hula Hoop Dancers
See photos of the 2007 Les Claypool's New Year's Eve Hatter's Ball held in Santa Rosa, CA.
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."
Cinco de Mayo
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Roseland, Windsor, Sonoma and more Sonoma County locations.
Santa's Workshop
The houses on Walnut Ct. boast one of the most spectacular Christmas displays in Santa Rosa.
The Hitching Post
The houses on Walnut Ct. boast one of the most spectacular Christmas displays in Santa Rosa.
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.
Taste of the Himalayas
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.
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."
The Revered Grape Stomp Trophies
Photos of the revered trophies from Sonoma County Harvest Fair World Championship Grape Stomp
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.
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.
Martin Family Winery: Hobby Gone Wild
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.
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.
Charlie Palmer
Charlie Palmer - Healdsburg Crush Festival
New Orlean's Social Club on Stage
See photos of the 2007 Les Claypool's New Year's Eve Hatter's Ball held in Santa Rosa, CA.
More Hoops and Stilts
See photos of the 2007 Les Claypool's New Year's Eve Hatter's Ball held in Santa Rosa, CA.
FilmsCotati
Watch free family films at Cotati's Plaza Park during the summer.

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