Located in California's wine country, the Sonoma Raceway hosts a series of nationally televised events such as the NASCAR Nextel Cup and the American Motorcycle Association's Super-bike tour. Featuring a number of motor-sport events throughout year, this 1600-acre (647-hectare) raceway is where pro-racers from around the world, assemble to compete in some of the most popular races. Head down to this track to catch some of your favorite racers and teams in action, or enroll yourself in one of the local events and test your nerves on the racetrack.
Robert Mondavi is one of the most renowned vintners in Napa County, producing affordable and complex wines. The Robert Mondavi Winery offers several tasting tours varying in depth and price. The Taste of Wine is a two-hour formal tasting dedicated to training your palate as well as learning about various wine characteristics. Reservations are required all tours and tastings. In addition, the winery hosts countless concerts, art exhibits and community events. Visit the website for details on tours, tastings and events.
Located on top of a mountain, Pride Mountain Vineyards is spread out over 235 acres (95 hectares) and due to its vantage point, offers stunning views of Sonoma County. Offering exciting varieties such as Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and more, the winery welcomes you to a tour of the estate and its most popular attraction, the caves. These caves lie about 50 feet (15 meters) below ground and the wine is aged in them in wooden casks. There are different, special, curated tasting sessions depending on location, so be sure to pick out your experience before visiting.
This restored grist mill, originally built in 1846, is still functional and visitors can see its massive millstones in action, where millers grind flour out of local wheat. Guided tours of the mill are highly recommended, and flour produced here can also be purchased as a souvenir. The verdant surroundings are a great addition to the historic charm of this site, with winding trails adding to the outdoorsy appeal of this park.
The Museums of Sonoma County, located in downtown Santa Rosa, consists of two museums, and together they stand in appreciation to Sonoma County's unique history, art and culture. The museums have over 25,000 exhibits of regional artistic and historic articles like wooden furniture, paintings, ceramics, documents, photographs and much more. The museums host a number of programs for children and families to educate them on art and local history. Tours are conducted to some of the area's historic sites. You can also visit the museums' shop where there is a large selection of creations from local artists.
If you love Peanuts (the comic strip), this is your paradise. From Schulz's original works to his witty quotes, you will find it all. Designed by David Robinson, the museum reflects Schulz's personality and style - modest, low key and comfortable. The area covers 27,384 square feet (8346.6 square meters) with permanent and temporary galleries, a 100-seat auditorium, classroom space and outdoor gardens and exhibits.
Located along a serene stretch of the Chileno Valley Road, the Windrush Farm is an educational venture for children founded by Mimi Luebermann. The farm consists of rolling green hills harboring sheep that are harvested for its wool. In summer, this beautiful farm organizes a summer camp for children, educating them about the farm and fowl animals therein. Activities in the camp typically include wool harvesting, sheep herding, wool felting, vegetable harvesting and milking goats. Children are also educated about the care-taking involving animals like goats, chicken, sheep, cows and alpacas.
Rancho Obi Wan is a private museum that has the largest private Star Wars collection in the world! Originally started as a personal memorabilia collection from a dedicated movie fan, you can now see an exhibit unlike any other. Filled with Star Wars toys, Star Wars furniture, Star Wars pinball machines (that you can play), you'll see almost anything you imagine all related to Star Wars! Rancho Obi Wan is a private museum and in order to visit you have to contact them and arrange a guided tour. Directions to the museum are only provided after arranging a tour.
The Petaluma Wildlife & Natural Science Museum has a huge collection of taxidermied animals as well as live animals, and is open to the public every Saturday. The property also includes an aviary, dioramas, and a fossil and mineral collection.
The majestic Mont La Salle Chapel has served as a city landmark since the year 1932. A fine specimen of Mission Style and Spanish Romanesque architectural styles, it radiates calm and serenity and has been used for a number of educational and religious purposes ever since it was founded. The chapel complex also boasts of a well-designed conference venue, while the chapel itself remains an idyllic spot for wedding receptions, concerts and other events.
Petaluma Arts Center occupies the city's train freight yard and is found in the center of the city's busy downtown area. The sprawling art exhibition space is laid over an area of 4000 feet (1219.2 meters) and boasts of an eclectic program of modern art expositions and other cultural events. The gallery keepers conduct exciting workshops educating art lovers to design practical models which imbibe creativity and genius of the artist.
This charming wine estate, started by Pat Kuleto over a century back, is famous for its classics like the Cabernet Sauvignion, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfadel, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The 761 acres (308 hectares) of pristine wilderness which comprises the estate yields the juiciest of grapes on the mountain slopes. With its different soils and micro-climates, the property offers a unique environment for the grapes. The scenic grounds of the estate also provide a perfect setting for events and parties. A visit to this wine estate is sure to remind you of the Tuscan countryside with its panoramic mountainous backdrop. Tours and tastings are conducted only by appointment.