30 Things to Do

#1 Experience the beautiful new Charles M. Schulz Museum & Research Center, where the goal is to preserve, display and interpret the world famous cartoonist's art. See the amazing 17 x 22 foot mural made from more than 3,500 individual "Peanuts" comic strips printed on 2 x 8 inch ceramic tiles. (707) 579-4452

#2 Visit Snoopy's Home Ice at the Redwood Empire Ice Arena. Have a snack at the "Warm Puppy Coffee Shop," or take a spin around the ice rink. Stop in at the Snoopy Gallery and Gift Shop next door for souvenirs. Call (707) 546-7147 for skating times and general information.

#3 Visit the place where gardening comes naturally. Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, (707) 524-5445, demonstrates many of Luther Burbank's world-renowned introductions that include more than 800 varieties of plants and vegetables.

#4 Embark on an adventure at Safari West, a 400-acre wildlife preserve and tent camp. Take a guided tour through the preserve, home to over 350 exotic and endangered African mammals and birds, or enjoy a Kenya-style campground for overnight stays. (707) 579-2551.

#5 You are invited to "Come for a Visit and See How Miracles Happen" at Canine Companions for Independence, where assistance dogs are trained as service, hearing, companion and facility dogs. Tours are Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. 2965 Dutton Avenue (707) 577-1700.

#6 Get a taste of history at the Sonoma County Museum, (707) 579-1500. A rotating art exhibit features local artists working with various media. Lunch at Josef's, in the Hotel La Rose (707) 571-8664, or at the Omelette Express, (707) 525-1690, before or after your museum tour would add even more taste to your afternoon.

#7 Enjoy fishing, sailing and duck feeding at Howarth Memorial Park's Lake Ralphine.  Lake Ralphine boasts fishing, duck-feeding and boat rentals including paddle boats, sail boats, and kayaks. The park is perfect for walking, jogging, tennis or just relaxing. Carousel, train and pony rides are open weekends during the spring (open in Feb.) and Tuesday - Sunday during the summer months. Howarth Park is also know for the Land of Imagination playground for children of all abilities. Reservable picnic areas are available by calling (707) 543-3282.

#8 Take a hike at Sugar Loaf Ridge, Annadel or Hood Mountain Parks. Directions are available at the Visitors Bureau.

#9 Step back in time. Historic Railroad Square offers antiques, coffee houses, vintage shops and restaurants galore. A "don't miss" for railroad buffs is the Northwestern Pacific Rail Room Gallery located in the Visitor Bureau in the historic Train Depot. While you're there, don't forget to pick up maps for a self-guided walking tour of this unique area. (707) 577-8674.

#10 Arrange a tour to visit one or more of the 190 wineries in the Sonoma Wine Country with Pure Luxury Limousine Service (707) 795-1615, Healdsburg Winery Tours (707) 433-6090, Limos America 1-800-516-6744, Style n' Comfort 1-800-487-5466, or Celebrity Star (707)542-5466.

#11 Enjoy live entertainment. Celebrity entertainers fill the house at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. Shows scheduled regularly; call (707) 527-7006 for details. Attend a performance by one of the North Bay Theater Groups troupes. Catch a movie at The Roxy - Santa Rosa Stadium 14 Theater, featuring first-run films. (707) 522-0330.

#12 Relax and pamper yourself with a massage, facial or a spa body treatment at the Spa at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel, (707) 636-7300, Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa (707)545-8530, the Coldwater Creek Spa (707)566-9314, or the Wine Country Day Spa (707) 545-8390. A massage or Jacuzzi at the Spa at the Bodega Bay Lodge would be a perfect experience after a walk at Doran Beach. (707) 875-3525.

#13 Be amazed by some of the tallest, oldest trees in California. Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, (707) 869-2015, is an 805-acre park with picnic groves, an outdoor amphitheater and self-guided nature trails. On the way, stop at the Korbel Champagne Cellars for a tour or a gourmet lunch from their deli. (707) 824-7000.

#14 " Up, up and away" is what you will say after experiencing a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards, with a spectacular champagne brunch following. Call Up and Away Ballooning (800) 711-2998.

#15 Take in "the most beautiful view in Sonoma County" from Paradise Ridge Winery. Wander through their world class outdoor sculpture garden and the historical exhibit featuring Japanese winemaker Kanaye Nagasawa. (707) 528-9463. 

#16 Find out what's happening in our community by reading The Press Democrat, our local daily newspaper. Their website, www.pressdemocrat.com, is also a good resource for people out of the area who are seeking information about Santa Rosa.

#17 Go for a walk past Santa Rosa's historic homes and buildings on Cherry Street or the St. Rose area. Take a self-guided tour on the historical trail at Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery to get a retrospective glimpse into local lifestyles of a past era. Maps are available at the Visitors Center.

#18 Get a haircut or a complete makeover at one of our Santa Rosa Chamber member salons, such as Biquor & Biquor of Beverly Hills (707) 578-1072.  Ask staff for further information.

#19 See the past take flight at the Pacific Coast Air Museum, (707) 575-7900, which represents more than 50 years of aviation with aircraft, artifacts, and restoration projects on display. The monthly climb-aboard events offer a fun experience for young and old alike. Wings Over Wine Country in August is a thrilling event.

#20 Just a short drive north of Santa Rosa, the gardens are interesting at Kendall-Jackson Winery, (707) 571-8100, Chateau St. Jean Winery, (707) 833-4134, and Matanzas Creek Winery, (707) 528-6464.

#21 Take a picnic from Traverso's Gourmet Foods & Wine (707) 542-2530, to Lake Sonoma, or one of the many beautiful Sonoma County Regional Parks.

#22 Toast marshmallows at the Spring Lake Park campgrounds, where tents and RV's are welcome. (707) 565-2267 Enjoy biking, walking, and skating along the 2.5 mile scenic loop around the lake. During the summer season, rent a pedal boat or swim in the lagoon for water fun.

#23 Go treasure hunting at Whistlestop Antiques, located at Fourth and Davis Streets in Historic Railroad Square, (707) 542-9474, the oldest antiques cooperative in Sonoma County.

#24 Take a self-guided trip to one of the 95 agricultural members of Sonoma County Farm Trails, (707) 586-FARM. Pet bunnies, taste cheeses, and see demonstrations. In early spring you may see Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Orchids in bloom and find seasonal vegetables, as well. While in the West County, stop at Mom's Apple Pie in Sebastopol for lunch or a slice of one of her many delicious kinds of pie. (707) 823-8330.

#25 Go for a stroll along the Prince Greenway which borders the Santa Rosa Creek. This is next to the Courtyard by Marriott and the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel and Conference Center in Historic Railroad Square. Nearby Olive Street Park is a fun place where kids can play.

#26 Dine at famous TV Chef Guy Fieri's Johnny Garlic or Tex Wasabi restaurants. (707) 528-6368

#27 Go shopping at the Coddingtown Mall, Montgomery Village, or the Santa Rosa Plaza, each of which includes large chain stores as well as local individual shops.

#28 Sample brews at the Russian River Brewing Company (707) 545-2337 or the Stout Brothers Irish Pub (707)546-2020, in downtown Santa Rosa, or taste Kokomo Winery's fine wines at their tasting lounge in Railroad Square (707) 542-6580.

#29 Find the unusual in art at the Mosier Gallery Rare Rock Mosaic Art Museum. (707) 530-4008

#30 Enjoy an entertaining night out with music, dining and dancing at The Cabaret Lounge at the Flamingo Resort Hotel, (707) 545-8530, Ext. 704.