Top Things to Do This Fall and Thanksgiving

Sonoma County brims with independently owned boutiques. One great area is Santa Rosa’s Historic Railroad Square, which stretches roughly from the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country Hotel to Western Farm Center. This shopping district is anchored by the beautifully restored Railroad Train Depot, home to the Santa Rosa, California Welcome Center.

Find dozens of unique stores in Santa Rosa, such as:

• Green Fish Trading offers curated items from Asia.
• Cast Away Yarn Shop is a visual treat full of yarn and lace hand-dyed in Uruguay.
• Whistlestop Antiques is a fun place to browse nostalgic items and treasures like china tea cups.

Head to Sebastopol to stroll the boutiques that line Main Street or explore the retail shops at The Barlow, a 12-acre outdoor marketplace full of artists, makers, and merchants — not to mention restaurants, tasting rooms, and distillers.

Drive east on Highway 12 to shop in the charming town of Sonoma where you’ll find apparel boutiques, jewelry stores, gift shops, and art galleries along the Sonoma Plaza.

Travel just west of Sonoma to the historic district of Petaluma to discover quaint antique stores, contemporary shops, and designer wares at Petaluma Village Premium Outlets.

Finally, discover the holiday arts and crafts markets that pop up around Sonoma County this season!

In the fall, Sonoma County bursts with delicious produce. Just-picked apples, pears, figs, tomatoes, and other fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs headline farmers’ markets, restaurants, and tasting rooms.

Experience the joy of harvesting produce yourself at Sonoma County farms like Apple-A-Day.

Explore any number of Sonoma County farmers’ markets, many of which are open year-round. Many wineries have their own farms and farm stands, so you can make it a part of your wine tasting. 

For more autumnal goodness, try one of PizzaLeah’s farmer’s market-inspired pizzas, which change with the season. Or sip one of Fogbelt’s monthly beer and food pairings. You’ll be delighted to discover fall wine and food pairings at many wineries across Sonoma County. 

Come Thanksgiving, it’s all about pop-up dining experiences, unique winery events, special dinners, and ready-made meals! Leave the hard work to Sonoma County’s chefs and winemakers.

Sonoma County’s charming plazas and quaint towns light up this time of year. From Sonoma to Healdsburg and everywhere in between, many holiday light displays begin in November. Don’t miss the lighting of historic Sonoma Plaza, the Holiday Parade of Lights in Guerneville, and the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove in Windsor!

Check our Sonoma County Events page for all the details and more special events.