Meet Your Guides
Ginger Harper, Food,
Wellness & Travel Blogger
Food, wellness, and travel—as long as these three things are in the mix, I’m a happy camper. So it’s no wonder I absolutely loved my time exploring and recharging in Sonoma County. From wandering around the vineyards and coastline to eating fresh, local food, this two-day trip will leave you feeling reinvigorated and inspired.
Lauren Monitz,
Digital Creator
I’m a strong proponent that only experiences can make you richer, that food is a luxury worth sparing no expense for, and that traveling like a local is the best way to see any place. With these tenants in mind, we set out to create the most amazing two day itinerary.
Where We Explore
We’ve made it easy for you to see the exact trip we took. Read on to learn more about Lauren and Ginger's experience, then download the map and start planning your own intentional itinerary.
Stop One:
Breakfast at boon hotel + spa
It might be a hotel, but it feels more like a zen woodland retreat amongst the redwoods. In addition to incredible amenities like a 24-hour hot tub, honor bar, solar-heated saline pool and on-site spa, boon hotel + spa brings breakfast right to your room so you can enjoy at your leisure. We enjoyed overnight oats with fresh fruit while still in bed, gazing out into the surrounding redwood forest and preparing for our day next to our own wood fireplace (the best part!).
Expert Tip: Shift from “doing” mode to “being” mode. Upon waking up, look out the window and tell yourself: “I’m at leisure. I have permission to enjoy the fruits of my labor.” Then pledge an intention to be 100 percent in the experience of where you are all day.
- Cecilia Shanahan, Founder of Mindful Learning Lab
Stop Two:
Learn about Herbalism at Herb Folk
In the pursuit of reigniting creative energy, trying something totally unique can help broaden one’s horizons and direct thoughts into new territories. After a gorgeous drive through the countryside, we arrived at Herb Folk, a wellness shop in Petaluma. We were instantly energized by the inviting atmosphere and generous spirit of owner and herbalist, Erin Wilkins. Erin is an Asian American herbalist and Japanese acupuncturist whose clinical work is rooted in Eastern energetic theory. Erin can share how she taps into her ancestral healing traditions to empower others, restore health and prevent illness. Be sure to give yourself enough time to wander picturesque Petaluma, which is equal parts artsy and boho.
Stop Three:
Lunch in Petaluma
Most people describe Petaluma as picturesque (Pleasantville was filmed there, if that tells you anything). But recently, it’s earned a reputation as a foodie and maker haven, known for locally grown ingredients and products. After strolling through the city center’s many boutiques, antique shops and art galleries, we satisfied our appetites at Café Zazzle—a casual eatery with a diverse menu that features a fusian of flavors from Asia, Italy, and the American Southwest. Talk about creative!
Expert Tip: Practice mindful eating. After pausing with gratitude for the food on your plate and all who worked to get it there, try tuning into all five of our senses as you experience the beautiful colors, flavors, smells and textures of every bite.
- Cecilia Shanahan, Founder of Mindful Learning Lab
Stop Four:
Forest Bathing at Red Car Wine Co
Immersing oneself in nature is proven to have positive physical, mental, and spiritual benefits—from lowering blood pressure to feeling more connected with the world around you. But a less talked about benefit is the effect it can have on the creative mind. Certified Forest Therapy Guide Jenny Harrow led us on a meditative walk through redwoods and vineyards at Zephyr Farms and helped us experience firsthand how being present and slowing down allows for thoughts to come more easily. As we breathed the fresh, mossy air, noticed the sun-dabbled branches, and listened to the birds singing in the distance, we actually felt the vibration of our thoughts change and left feeling more inspired than ever after trying something we’d never done before.
Expert Tip: Adopt a beginners mind. When we allow life to unfold moment by moment and let go of our desire to control the outcome, we might be surprised by what we discover. To do this, you can connect to the same sense of wonder you had as a child as you encountered something for the very first time or remind yourself that this moment in time will never exist again.
- Cecilia Shanahan, Founder of Mindful Learning Lab
Stop Five:
Seaside Dinner at River’s End Restaurant
There are certain dining experiences that stick with you for life, and this is one of them. Located right where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean, River’s End is lined with floor to ceiling windows and an incredible outdoor porch that showcases the incredible views and makes the food taste somehow even better. We loved the eclectic, unique, seasonal menu because there seemed to be something for every mood—from fresh seafood to local meats and flavorful vegetables—giving us the opportunity to tune inward and acknowledge what we were craving. Pro Tip: don’t miss the oysters.
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