Discover Cloverdale, the Hidden Secret of Sonoma Wine Country [Updated]

Discover Cloverdale, the Hidden Secret of Sonoma Wine Country [Updated]

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Charming Cloverdale, located in Northern Sonoma County, has all the warm and inviting ambiance you expect from a small town. Spend a weekend in Cloverdale, and embrace the very best of what Wine Country has to offer.


EAT + DRINK

Trading Post Market & Bakery


Hot news in town: while currently operating as a retail and wholesale bakery, Trading Post Market & Bakery will be adding a full service restaurant and gourmet marketplace in spring 2016, courtesy of the team behind San Francisco's AQ and Bon Marche. The new space will boast an outdoor event venue as well as a seating area for neighborhood gatherings. You'll find local produce, carefully selected by Garden chef Ron Ferrato, as well as farm fresh eggs, top-notch wine, the best locally baked breads, jams, honey and other specialties. Swing by the bakery Tuesday-Saturday 1-6pm. // 102 South Cloverdale Blvd. (Cloverdale), facebook.com/ThePostCloverdale


An Aztec hot chocolate at Plank Coffee in Cloverdale. (via the Press Democrat)

Plank Coffee

There's always time for excellent coffee and fresh-made orange cake! Plank Coffee is filled with smiling baristas wearing camper style flannel shirts, while locals spark up some friendly conversation. Order up and get cozy in one of the big leather armchairs while you sip on a fresh brewed cup of joe and delight in a cookie or two. Hot tip: come hungry as the gold countertop is laced with delicious baked goods, including vegan and gluten free options. // 227 North Cloverdale Blvd. (Cloverdale), plankcoffee.com


Savvy On First

Savvy On First is the place to go for a wholesome feed in Cloverdale. Come for a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner Wednesday – Saturday, and brunch on Sundays. Tip: be sure to get there early, as you will often find a line of hungry customers streaming out the door. Executive chef Kristine is passionate about serving the best quality food to the community and sources fresh, seasonal and local ingredients to make her mouth-watering dishes. Go for the epic Farmer's Market Skillet (with crispy potatoes and a fried egg), the classic Maine Lobster Roll (served on a brioche bun) or the Savvy Burger (8oz. of juicy grass-fed Angus beef). // 116 East First Street (Cloverdale), savvyonfirst.net


Ruth McGowan's Brewpub

From the Citrus Wheat beer, which is light and refreshing, to the heavy set Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Stout, Cloverdale Ale Company's Ruth McGowan's Brewpub has something for everyone to enjoy. Not sure where to start? Go for the $10 flight to get a taste of them all and discover your favorite! Happy hour goes from 3-6pm Monday to Friday, and if you're feeling hungry, popular meals include the Reuben and good old Fish & Chips. If you happen to be in Cloverdale over the weekend, make time for live music with bands from all over the Bay Area playing on Friday and Saturday nights. // 131 East First Street (Cloverdale), ruthmcgowansbrewpub.com


SHOP

(via aboutlastweekend/ blogspot)

14feet.

14feet. is a sophisticated home and gift store owned by Marne and Mike (who also own Plank Coffee next door). Marne is the curator of all things beautiful; every item is carefully selected and unique. You'll find Japanese textiles, vintage pieces, new local designs, as well as recycled and salvaged furniture at this eclectic shop. // 229 North Cloverdale Blvd. squareup.com/market/14feet


Bolt Fabric + Home

Located in a perfectly restored historical building in the heart of town, people of all ages are flocking here for beautiful fabrics with bold patterns and rich colors. Proud owners Dave, his partner Peter, and sister Kate have created a place where people can hang out regularly and do something fun with their hands. Join in on a nightly class or one of the many workshops they offer: from needlework, to fabric dying and quilting. // 219 North Cloverdale Blvd., boltcloverdale.com


Voss Signature Vintage

Vintage Voss is like walking into your dream closest filled with the most beautiful pieces from all your favorite eras. Bring your best girlfriends and play dress-up in the most fabulous evening gowns, extravagant jewelry, feathered hats, high-healed shoes, vintage lingerie, 70s denim-wear and luxurious fur coats. The owner Kelly Voss has a family background in fashion and travels the world to source the best of the best: Chanel, Christian Dior and Valentino just to name a few. // 119 South Cloverdale Blvd., vosssignaturevintage.com


TO-DO

Finding Kim(via Kickstarter)

Alexander Valley Film Festival

The second annual Alexander Valley Film Festival heads to Northern Sonoma County this month from October 20-23. The festival includes four days of film screenings, industry panels, opening and closing night parties, awards ceremonies, and more. Highlights include Spanish language film The Incident and Finding Kim, a remarkable documentary about self-discovery and gender reassignment. —Emily Malter // Various times and locations, avfilmsociety.org/2016-avff-overview


The Clover Theater

This is not your typical movie theatre. Passionate owners Kathryn and Ryan have a unique love story. They met in New York as actors, but when the time came to get out of show biz, they randomly ended up in Cloverdale in 2013 after Googling "movie theaters for sale." This interesting couple is all about community engagement, so they started the Alexander Valley Film Society a year ago. The Clover Theater, revamped with a successful Kickstarter campaign, prides itself on showing the latest Hollywood flicks, peppered with independent, art-house movies. Plus, there's a comic book store and ice-cream parlor in the recently renovated lobby. Keep an eye on their ever changing film schedule, as well as special programming such as a "classic series" with all your favorites, including The Wizard of Oz. // 121 East 1st Street, clovertheater.com


Split Rock Springs Ranch

A short drive out of town, Split Rock Springs Ranch has some of the highest quality extra virgin olive oil around. In 2014, Split Rock proudly won silver medals at both The Los Angeles and New York International Olive Oil Competitions out of over 700 entries. Using a blend of six Italian and one Spanish varietal, Split Rock achieves a uniquely peppery finish that delights olive oil lovers and works well with all your favorite foods: from bread and salad to the more unique ice cream and cake. The ranch is completely sustainable, using fresh water from their very own natural spring, and utilizing solar power for energy. Make an appointment for a memorable olive oil tasting experience in their ultra cool wooden barn. // 32000 Pine Mountain Road, srsranch.com


Silverwood Ranch

Silverwood Ranch is the highest elevation vineyard in Sonoma County, sustainably producing exceptional quality grapes for reputable wineries such as Francis Ford Coppola. But what most people don't know, is that friendly owners Barry and Jackie Hoffner, also offer a cozy rental for visitors to stay and enjoy all that the property has to offer. Immerse yourself in nature, spot wild animals roaming about, take a refreshing dip in the pond, pack a picnic lunch and go for a hike on one of the many trails, or simply sit and relax while taking in the spectacular views across the beautiful wine country. Tours of the vineyard or to organize your stay at Silverwood Ranch are available upon request by appointment. // 33300 Pine Mountain Road, silverwoodranch.net


STAY

(Courtesy of booked.net)

Auberge on the Vineyard

This enchanting bed and breakfast is not only the perfect place to stay for a weekend getaway in Cloverdale, but also has one of the most magical views of the Alexander Valley. Wake up to the sound of the birds chirping outside and enjoy views of the beautiful sun-kissed vineyards surrounding the property. It gets better! Foodies, be ready for a decadent, 3-course, French-inspired breakfast made each morning with the freshest ingredients, including herbs picked from the Auberge garden. // 29955 River Road (Calistoga), aubergeonthevineyard.com

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