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When people hear “Sonoma” they immediately think “wine”. There are, indeed, a lot of great family friendly wineries in Sonoma but there is so much more to do there beyond wine tasting that many people, unfortunately, overlook.
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Sonoma County Family Adventures Cheese Beer Oysters Sea Giants
When people hear “Sonoma” they immediately think “wine”. There are, indeed, a lot of great family friendly wineries in Sonoma but there is so much more to do there beyond wine tasting that many people, unfortunately, overlook. That’s why I decided to create a couple of Sonoma road trip itineraries that focus on everything but wine. This itinerary has the town of Petaluma as its “base camp” for exploration. I also have itinerary published that covers the Northern Sonoma, aka the “Russian territory”.
Besides wine, Sonoma is famous for its cheese industry. There are nearly 30 farms and creameries in the County and if you are a cheese lover it is a blast to visit them, have a tour and do some tasting. Not all of them open to public, but among those that are, here are our favorites: Achadinha Cheese Company – this farm produces both cow and goat milk cheese and kefir and their farm tour, that costs only $25 pp, is the best cheese farm tour I have been to. It is almost 2 hours in length and covers the ranch, the cheese plant, cheese tasting and animal TLC. I was afraid that my kids will be bored during these 2 hours – not at all! Since the “scenery” changes relatively quickly on the tour, there is no time for boredom. And they loved the cheeses too!
If you continue your trip on Chilleno Valley Rd. for another 9 miles or so you will cross into Marin County and get to Marin French Cheese Company (Brie and Camembert are their strength). There is no farm tour offered here but cheese tasting is FREE and it is a great place for a lunch picnic overlooking a beautiful pond.Back in Petaluma it is time for dessert and there is no better place than Petaluma Creamery. They specialize in Jack and Cheddar cheeses, which you can taste FREE of charge, but what we love this place for most of all is their homemade ice-cream. Try lavender – yum-my!
Once you are done with your cheese country tour it is time for some relaxation. Since we are not talking about wine in this post, how about beer? Sonoma County has more than 24 operating breweries! Lagunitas is the most famous of them all but it is, thus, very crowded. HenHouse Brewing Company, on the other hand, is more low key (which does not mean a lower quality of product) and cozy and they position themselves as family, kids and dog friendly. You can try over a dozen beers there while kids can play a couple of card/tables games. They used to have darts as well but I am not sure if it is still the case.
Tomales Bay Oyster Company has the freshest oysters out there, period. They get them right out of the bay and give them to you. You have not tried a good oyster in your life if you haven’t visited this place. Their website says that no picnics tables are allowed on premises but people just bring their blankets and sit on the grass. It is an experience definitely not to miss! And though kids will probably not eat oysters they can pre-occupy themselves by playing on a small beach on the bay while you can enjoy some adult time. If time allows, you can visit Tomales Bay Oyster Company on Day 1 too, it is only about 15 miles drive from Marine French Cheese Company
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