September 25th, 2010I am so excited to be participating in the Halloween and Vine Folk Art show this year. The show has been running for 15 years, it's a fantastic show that is filled to bursting with Halloween Holiday Magic, and if that's not enough, the show takes place in Petaluma which is near the WEST coast in Northern California !
If you are planning on attending this excellent show, make sure to allow yourself a couple of extra days for sight-seeing and shopping. This area of the country offers some top notch shopping and dining...Here are a few of my favorite stops when I visit this part of Northern California:
The town of Sonoma is just a short drive from Petaluma, Sonoma has an adorable town square which is surrounded by fantastic restaurants and great stores and boutiques. Make sure to visit the Vella Cheese Company, an original creamery that makes some of THE BEST cheese ever!
My favorite is the Mezzo Secco, a partially dry jack cheese... and yes.. they sell whole wheels - it's that good!
The famous Napa Valley is also just a short drive from Petaluma - a beautiful drive through wine country will lead you past dozens of fabulous wineries - all of which are open for tastings and shopping. My favorite stop in Napa is the Prager Port Works - sort of tucked away and unassuming, this winery produces wonderful ports.My favorite is the Noble Companion - a lovely tawny port that makes an excellent gift or bottle for a special occasion.
The town of Santa Rosa is right down the road from Petaluma. I recommend a stop at the Charles Schulz Museum. The museum provides wonderful insight into the life and career of this famous cartoonist and an opportunity to see many of the original Charlie Brown cartoons. There is a great gift shop too - where you can pickup hard to find snoopy softies.
Of course it goes without saying that the city of San Francisco is worth visiting -two of my must-go to stops: the Fog City news stand - with over 200 chocolate bars from around the world you won't be leaving with just a newspaper!
And Cocoa Bella - a divine chocolate shop that displays chocolates by country of origin - a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
If all that isn't enough... there is an Antique Flea Market in Petaluma on the Sunday after the show - so many great things to see and do.... so little time. More information on Halloween and Vine, Lodging and sight-seeing at Halloween and Vine.com
This will be my first time in this part of the country, but I have already done a little bit of research and am excited to learn that Titusville NJ is right, smack dab in the middle of Antique Heaven! Mercer County offers tons of Historical sites, high-quality shopping, antiquing and wonderful dining. Bucks County is right next door and also offers a plethora of antiquing opportunities.
The Spookytime Jingles Soiree will offer a delightful mix of both Halloween and Christmas Art Collectibles. Spookytime Jingles is also offering a unique opportunity to meet with the artists and preview the sales floor the night before the show. More details about the meet and greet are on the Spookytime Jingles Soiree website. I think the unique mix of Halloween and Christmas will provide an excellent shopping opportunity - not only do you get to snatch up some great Halloween collectibles, but you can also get a jump start on your Christmas Shopping!
So make your plans - book your hotels and join me at the shows!
B
