Archive for the 'Entertainment' Category
Sonoma Wine Country Weekend 2009
September 2nd, 2009 categories: Entertainment
Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is back…and takes place THIS WEEKEND! The 2009 installment will take place over a 3 day period and feature 200 wineries and chefs…and one weekend of unforgettable memories.
Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is said to be a unique epicurean event; combining the best of Sonoma County…the world class elegance, style and taste of Sonoma County California.
So what actually goes on at the Wine Country Weekend? Lots of things. From winemaker lunches, to winemaker dinners, to specialty dinners…oh yeah, there is also wine tasting…lots of wine tasting.
So what else is there? There is also the world famous Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction…this year is the 17th annual edition. This is a great way to spend some time and overpay for some wines that you want to add to your collections.
So when is the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend? You could have just looked at the above picture right? Well…for all of those that hang on my every word, the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend will begin on September 4, 2009 and end on September 6, 2009.
To purchase tickets, visit Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Tickets. Activites range from wine tasting to private epicure dinners for 2, and everything in between.
I will see you there…I will be the guy that has likely spilled red wine on my shirt.
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Bodega Food And Wine Festival This Weekend!
August 28th, 2009 categories: Entertainment
Don’t miss the 15th annual event happening this weekend, August 29th and 30th. This event is always a huge hit and will be featuring the top wineries, breweries, musicians and crafts people featuring all sorts of creative art. Don’t forget about the mouth-watering seafood dishes, a funzone for kids and great environmental exhibits.
Click on the website below for more information:
Bodega Bay Food & Wine Festival
Tickets will be sold at the gate:
Watts Ranch
16855 Bodega Highway
Bodega, CA
10 – 6 Saturday
10 – 5 Sunday
Saturday’s live music will feature great artists like:
- Solid Air
- George Cole & Vive Le Jazz
- Tom Rigney & Flambeau
- Kakiya Hooker
The Wine Stage will feature:
- Pamela Rose
- Fishtank Ensemble and so much more
Sunday’s live music will feature great artists like:
- Taarka
- Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums
- Pride & Joy
- Huayllipacha and so much more.
This event is a Sonoma County California Favorite
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Santa Rosa Rockabilly Day Fun!
August 17th, 2009 categories: Entertainment, Pics, Santa Rosa
This was a lot of fun…It was a great turn out for the Santa Rosa Rockabilly Day at Juilliard Park. This was a FREE event put together by the City of Santa Rosa that featured local rock band artists like Buckshot Boys, Petaluma Beats and Dave Crimmen.
My favorite songs were the Elvis covers.
For more information on local upcoming events in Santa Rosa Ca be sure to check out the City of Santa Rosa Website.
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Cotati Accordion Festival 2009
August 5th, 2009 categories: Cotati, Entertainment
Cotati is gearing up for the annual Cotati Accordion Festival. This years installment will be held on August 22nd and 23rd, in Downtown Cotati at La Plaza Park. The Cotati Accordion Festival is a Sonoma County tradition.
La Plaza Park is location in Downtown Cotati right off of Old Redwood Highway and West Sierra…just listen for all of the polka music and look for all the people and the bronze Jim Boggio statue.
The Cotati Accordion Festival is a non profit event that raises money and support for local youth organizations…what is better than giving back?
There will lots of great live music…featuring such bands as The Mad Maggies, Gabby La La, Nueva Luna, Those Darn Accordions, Jason Webley, and Flaco Jimenez.
Gates open daily at 9:30 AM and the music starts at 9:45 AM each day!
Ticket Information:
- Children Under 15 Years Of Age: FREE
- Adults 1 Day: $17 ($15 In Advance)
- Adults 2 Day: $25
LET’S POLKA!!!
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Petaluma Village Outlets – A Great Place To Shop And Save
August 3rd, 2009 categories: Entertainment, Petaluma
Have you been to the Petaluma outlets recently? There are so many great sales and deals there, it is crazy. I suppose it is a function of the slower economy, but it seems like every store there was having sales…so many, that we did not make it into every store.
We were certainly doing our part to keep the economy going. I purchased a very nice charcoal Hugo Boss suit from Saks Fifth, and a pair of basketball shorts at Nike…I can never have enough basketball shorts for some reason. So maybe the purchase of a suit and some shorts will not necessarily keep the economy going, but the rest of the people I was with certainly did their part. Items for the home, clothes, a purse from Coach, and more shoes…let’s just say the trunk was full.
The list of stores include Ann Taylor, BCBG Max Azria, Banana Republic, Bose, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Jones New York, Nike, Puma, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, and Vans just to name a few. There is truly something for everyone at the Petaluma Outlets.
If you have never visited the Petaluma outlets…it is definitely worth a drive from anywhere in Petaluma, the rest of Sonoma County, and even Marin County.
The outlets are open at convenient hours.
Regular Business Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The Petaluma Outlets are located at:
2200 Petaluma Boulevard North
Petaluma, CA 94952
707.778.9300
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Sonoma County Fair – July 28th – August 9th, 2009
July 25th, 2009 categories: Entertainment, Santa Rosa
It is that time of year again…time for the Sonoma County Fair. Time for candy apples, cotton candy, pony rides, and even Dinosaurs…Dinosaurs? Yes…Dinosaurs…this is after all “The Fair Before Time.” These are of course animatronic dinosaurs…but what county fair has real dinosaurs? You have to go to a state fair for real dinosaurs…everyone knows that!
I apologize for the grainy picture…it was the best one I could find…and yes, I did grab it off of the Sonoma County Fair website…I suppose their ad budget is really low…not to be too critical.
The fair is held from July 28, 2009 – August 9, 2009. There will be tons of exhibits, booths, food vendors, other vendors, entertainments, options, etc.
Gates open daily at 11 AM and close at 9 PM.
The carnival opens at 11 AM and closes at 10 PM each night, except for Fridays and Saturdays when the carnival closes at 11 PM.
Exhibit buildings open at 11 AM and close at 10 PM each night.
The Sonoma County Fair is held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. Directions are as follows:
Take Highway 101 towads Santa Rosa.
Exit 101 onto Highway 12, Eastbound, towards Sonoma.
Exit Highway 12 at the Downtown exit.
When you reach the surface street, Bennett Valley Road, there will be a stoplight.
Just ahead will be the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
If you are travelling by way of highway 12, Westbound, take the Downtown exit.
Turn left at the stop light.
This will lead directly to the entrance to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
Or Click MAP to see the directions, or visit Sonoma County Fair to learn more.
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Rohnert Park Movie Theater…Cheap Fun!
July 21st, 2009 categories: Entertainment, Rohnert Park
I was driving by the Rohnert Park movie theater today and surprised at how busy it was. The parking lot was packed. I am not sure if it is the fact that school is out, Bruno is in theaters, or if we are in full fledged Harry Potter mania? I saw reports of people dressing up in their favorite Harry Potter character costume and going to the theater…sounds uncomfortable to me.
For less than $10 you can sit in an extremely comfortable environment, and be entertained for a couple of hours and have access to popcorn, snacks and sodas (extra charge of course)…I even find the coming attractions interesting…maybe that says too much about me though. If you are cheap…ummm I mean frugal….who are we kidding…cheap like me, then you will simply eat before you go to the theater…why not save a few bucks?
The Rohnert Park Theater is one of the largest in Sonoma County with 16 screens and stadium seating. It is located right across from The Juice Shack and the address is: 555 Rohnert Park Expressway West, Rohnert Park, CA 94928. They can be reached by phone at 707.586.0555.
It was the middle of the day, and I was working, so I did not stop in…but I am sure I will see a movie in the near future.
We will see you…At The Movies!
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Crane Creek Regional Park – Sonoma County Park With A View
July 9th, 2009 categories: Entertainment, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa
Have you been to Crane Creek Regional Park? This may be one of the lesser visited parks in Sonoma County, but the drive (no matter where you are coming from) is worth it. Not only is the park beautiful and easy to get to, but it really is some cheap summer fun.
Crane Creek Park is a great park to walk around…I like simply because of the views, and it is usually not crowded at all. The trails at Cane Creek Regional Park are well defined; cut through waist high grasses, which in the summer turn gold. It really is a nice walk, and the time spent there is well worth the drive.
Crane Creek Park is a 128 acre park, that features a seasonal creek and grassland meadows…all with the Sonoma Foothills as a backdrop. The park also features several overlook points that offer grand vistas.
There are 5 trails in Can Creek Regional Park. There are trails for walking, hiking, biking, and equestrian use. There are also picnic tables, restrooms and disabled use areas. There is NO running water at the park, so make sure you bring enough for your travels.
Crane Creek Regional Park RULES:
- The park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset EACH day.
- Parking is $6.00 per vehicle for day use
- Dogs must be kept on a leash, 6 feet in length or smaller
- NO fires or barbeques are allowed in the park
Crane Creek Regional Park View - Sonoma County Park
Cane Creek Regional Park is located at 5000 Pressley Road, which is very close to Rohnert Park. The park is actually located in Santa Rosa by postal areas, but Rohnert Park is the best landmark city.
Getting to the park is EASY! Simply take Petaluma Hill Road to Roberts to Pressley. How easy is that? Roberts and Pressley wind around a little bit, so be sure to watch your speed, watch out for wildlife, and keep your tires on the road!
Sonoma County really is a great place to get out of doors. There is so much to see, so much to do, all under the Sonoma Sun in the great Sonoma County weather. The Sonoma County Part system offers some great outlets for your time, some great views, and is a great resource that we should utilize. Cane Creek Regional Park is just of the many examples of the Sonoma County Park system, there are many local and regional parks throughout the area. We hope to see you on the trails.
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Sonoma County Golf Summer Fun…Continued
June 23rd, 2009 categories: Entertainment, Fountaingrove, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa
The U.S. Open finished up and I am sure people will want to get back out on the courses and play a little. Here are some of my favorite Sonoma County Golf courses.
Foxtail Golf Club right here in Rohnert Park is a great place to play. Foxtail is located near the Doubletree Hotel, right near The Golden Bean.The setting is nice, the grounds are relatively well maintained, but the sand could use a little work. A round there can be very inexpensive…especially for resident seniors who can golf for $17.00 on the South Course during the week.
Fountaingrove Golf Course is an amazing place to play. This is a private course, so you will need to know and be invited to play with a member in order to play the 6,940 yard work of art. The Fountaingrove Golf Course was designed by Ted Robinson Senior, and is a challenging course set in the oak lined hills of northeast Santa Rosa. Golf here is not cheap, ranging from $70 to $85 per round for guests, weekdays and weekends/holidays respectively, and $125+ for reciprocals. Membership is not too expensive, currently at $30,000 for full golf equity, and there are varying levels of membership as well. Fountaingrove is one of the best areas of Santa Rosa, and the Fountaingrove Homes are true showpieces of Fountaingrove Real Estate. Fountaingrove Golf Club is one of the prettiest and best maintained golf courses I have seen.
Now we come to Mayacama Golf Club. Does it get any better than this 6,761 yard Jack Nicklaus Design? Not in Sonoma County. This course is consistently ranked in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses. The sourrounding neighborhood is inspired by Tuscan villages, and the designers certainly hit their mark. Who knew Italy was so close to Santa Rosa? Is it tough to get on this course…YES! There is no public golf, only golf if you are a member or guest of a member. Membership is also by Invitation only. This place is truly magical, make it there if you can. The way the shadows dance in the half lit canyons at dusk is really remarkable, however it won’t help you make a 15 footer to save par. The landscape is graced with mountains and valleys that are cut by streams and rivers. The location is truly magical.
Sonoma Golf Club At The Fairmont Mission Inn And Spa - Sonoma County Golf
Another place we have discussed before is the Sonoma Golf Club at the The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn And Spa. The Sonoma Golf Club course plays 7,100 yards from the championship tees. This is a premium course, and with that comes a premium cost. The cost is $215 per round…which includes range balls and a golf cart…the included range balls and golf cart do not really soften the $215 price to be honest. I have played at a lot of nice courses, from Pinehurst to Trump National West (formerly Ocean Trails) and none came with a price tag that even approached $200. The setting is beautiful though, and the course is forgiving. This would not be my first choice of places to play in Sonoma County, mainly due to the cost, but it is definitely a great place to play, stay and relax at the spa.
See you on the course.
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Sonoma County Golf Summer Fun
June 22nd, 2009 categories: Entertainment
Lately I have been playing a lot of golf. Does this mean I am a good golfer? Not really! I am serious about the game, play the ball down, and score OK, but I just more enjoy being out there. Even in the latest heat wave, I am out there most days; if not playing a round (which happens maybe twice a week), then I am on the range working on shortening my backswing, my alignment, my follow through, or I am on the putting green rolling in 12 footers.
A round of golf is not cheap; unless you play during the week. Most people do not have time during the week, so premium prices are charged for high in demand tee times.
Personally, I hate playing bad golf. This is financially in a sense a blessing, as it forces me to spend time on the range or putting green. An $9.00 bucket of 90 balls last me about an hour. Some people make it through a bucket much faster, but I really take care to set up each shot, work on alignment, etc. I really do not even get a large bucket even more…sometimes less is more as less range balls means more time to think about each shot and what I am doing.
The practice green is even cheaper. These are usually free, and you can easily spend 45 minutes on the green…time well spent if you ask me. I think time on the green is so important I made the picture of this article to reflect that…I chose to take a picture of my Odyssey Putter and my new favorite Titleist Pro V1X balls…the balls are expensive, but allow for big distance and ultra soft feel around the green.
If you think about it, 1 and a half putts per hole is a great average, most people average 2 per hole. 1.5 putts per hole would be 27 putts per round and 2 putts per hole would be 36 per round. This looks like an easy way to save 9 strokes per round. Many people hit driver at the range for an entire bucket of balls…if you think about it, you hit driver at most 14 times per round, and on shorter dog leg holes you would hit a 3 wood, meaning you drive 12 times per round in a likely scenario. The time spent chipping and putting seems a lot more valuable in terms of lowering your scoring average.
Anyway, enough about my golf game. There are some great places to play here in Sonoma County. I will get to 4 of my favorite Sonoma County Golf Courses in tomorrow’s installment of the Sonoma County Grapevine…I am going to watch the U.S. Open at Bethpage Black. Lucas Glover just rolled in a 4 footer to win by 2. What happened to Ricky Barnes? Ricky Barnes had Eagled hole 4 in the 3rd round to become only the 4th player ever to be 10 or more under in a U.S. Open. He was at -11 and then hit a gorgeous drive on hole 5. Barnes folded over the next 27 holes to finish 2 back…how did he lose that 6 stroke lead? The U.S. Open strikes again.
See you tomorrow!
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