Memorial Day Weekend Events

As our country pauses on Monday to take the time to honor the soldiers who lost their lives in battle, we also have the opportunity to enjoy and celebrate the freedoms that were gained in those battles. From runs to food and drink events, there are plenty of ways to celebrate in the Santa Rosa area this weekend.

Saturday, May 24
Evolve Winery: Sonoma's Evolve Winery is offering tastings Saturday through Monday from noon to 5 PM in their tasting room. To book a tasting, visit Evolve's website. The drive from your home at Annadel to the winery is about 45 minutes.

Russian River Passport to Pinot: Saturday and Sunday, various wineries located along the Russian River, even ones that are not typically open to the public, are opening their doors to guests for seminars, dinner and tastings from 11 AM to 4 PM. Cost is $55. For more details, visit their website.

Sunday, May 25
Oysterpalooza: Located in Valley Ford, Rocker Oysterfeller's annual oyster fest features five bands, various forms of oysters (BBQ, fried, etc.), hurricanes, local beer and wine, and more! Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more event information, visit the official website. It is a half hour drive from Annadel to the restaurant.

Veterans Run: The Good Ol' Boys motorcycle club will hold its 4th annual Veterans Run at the Santa Rosa Veterans Building, which is 10 minutes away. Registration begins at 9 AM and the race starts at 11 AM. Click here for more details.

Monday, May 26
Rural Cemetery: The gates at Rural Cemetery in Santa Rosa will be open Sunday and Monday from 9 AM through 4 PM for those who wish to pay their respects. On Monday at 1 PM, the cemetery will hold a special ceremony with refreshments. 

Other Ideas
If none of these events appeal to you, consider simply getting outdoors! Head to a local park for a cookout or picnic with friends and family, or take a drive around Santa Rosa!

What are your plans for the long weekend? No matter what they are, we hope you have a wonderful weekend surrounded by friends and loved ones! Thank you to all who serve our country! 

Additional sources consulted:
Press Democrat
Sonoma Uncorked

Santa Rosa Attractions: Museums

Located in Sonoma County, it's no surprise that Santa Rosa and the surrounding areas are known for wineries. However, this certainly not all there is to do around here. Once you unpack your moving boxes at Annadel apartment homes and settle in, you will have the opportunity to explore your new surroundings. From museums and arts, to parks and trails, there is a lot more to Santa Rosa than an affinity for grapes! 

Charles M. Schulz Museum: If you have ever watched a Peanuts cartoon, you have been affected by Charles M. Schulz. The museum houses videos and animated art, and permanent exhibits include a Peanuts mural and Snoopy Labyrinth. The museum is closed Tuesdays through Memorial Day, but current hours are every other weekday from 11 AM to 5 PM, and 10 AM and 5 PM on the weekends. The Schulz Museum is very close to Annadel - just a 5-minute drive away!

Pacific Coast Air Museum: This museum was founded in 1989 and its mission includes aviation eduction and inspiration, the preservation of artifacts and history, and to honor veterans. There are more than 30 vintage aircraft on site, reference books, engines and other aircraft artifacts. The museum is open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. The Pacific Coast Air Museum is located next to the Sonoma County Airport, which is a 12-minute drive from your Annadel home.

Children's Museum of Sonoma County: The Children's Museum was founded in 2005 and has since become a go-to destination for families in the Santa Rosa area. Registration is currently underway for its summer Wonder Camps, where topics range from LEGOS to science. The museum is closed on Mondays, but operates Tuesday through Thursday from 9 AM through 4 PM, and Sundays from 11 AM to 4 PM. The Children's Museum is the closest to Annadel - a mere 5 minute drive away. 

There are many other nearby attractions from your new home at Annadel, including restaurants, theaters and shopping destinations. To see your neighborhood in more detail, view the map on our website.

What Santa Rosa attractions are among your favorites to visit? Share yours on Annadel's Facebook and Twitter pages!

Additional sources consulted:
Railroad Square
Visit Santa Rosa

Mother's Day in Santa Rosa

Hopefully, you already know that this Sunday, May 10, is Mother's Day! Have you come up with a gift or a plan for the day that will WOW Mom? Whether you're a procrastinator or have simply run out of ideas of kitchen contraptions or gift cards to buy for your mother, we have some ideas for you that are sure to make both you and mom happy! Each of these locations is within a 10-minute drive from Annadel apartment homes!

Mother's Day High Tea
Enjoy a sophisticated afternoon with your mom at The Tudor Rose English Tea Room. Located on Fourth Street, the Tea Room will be serving this high tea on May 9 and May 10, complete with scones, finger sandwiches, quiche, sausage roll, cream puff, and - of course - tea! Reservations are recommended.

Mother's Day and Rose
What would Mother's Day in wine country be without a little rose? Join D'Argenzio Winery for a rose toast to Mom, accompanied by your choice of Shrimp and Mango Asparagus or Italian Sausage and Pepper Crostinis. The event runs between noon and 5 PM on Sunday. Tickets for the event range between $15 and $25, depending on if you are a mom or a club member.

Mother's Day Artisan Wine and Chocolate Pairing
Visit Paradise Ridge Winery for hand-crafted chocolates paired with five of Paradise Ridge's finest wines! Reservations are limited and recommended. The cost is $35 per person. There will be a limited number of tables available without reservations.

"The Mama-logues"
Congregation Shomrei Torah presents an original comedy about all things mom-related at 7:30 PM tomorrow, May 9. Tickets are $20. It is sure to make your mom laugh out loud!

Charles M. Schulz Museum
All mothers will receive free admission to the Charles M. Schulz Museum on Sunday! The museum will be open from 10 AM through 5 PM to experience the joy of Peanuts!

Santa Rosa is a beautiful town to spend any day in, but it's also the perfect place to spend Mother's Day! Where are you treating your mom this year? What other places or events would you add to our list of events? Share your ideas on Annadel's Facebook and Twitter pages! Happy Mother's Day! 

Sources consulted:
Press Democrat
Visit Santa Rosa

Farmers Market Season is Here!

Santa Rosa does not have a traditional winter, but we do have an off-season for growing fresh produce. We are please to say that warm weather has returned, and with it, our local farmers markets! Bring on the fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods and the entertainment and community atmosphere that embodies our local markets! We have compiled the essential information on some of the best markets in our area:

Santa Rosa Farmers Market
The Santa Rosa Farmers Market has been around since 1967! Currently located at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, this is a California certified market. This means that all of the produce and poultry available at the market was grown and raised here in California. This market is open Saturdays and Wednesdays from 8:30 AM through 1:30 PM. Please note, this weekend, the market will be held on Sunday and not Saturday due to a previously scheduled event. The Santa Rosa Farmers Market is only a 10-minute drive from Annadel apartment homes.

Santa Rosa West End Farmers Market
The Santa Rosa West End Farmers Market is located in the historic West End district of downtown Santa Rosa next to the DeTurk Round Barn. This market is held every Saturday from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM from March 15 through December 13, and is just 5 minutes from Annadel!

Roseland Lions' Certified Farmers Market/Tianguis de Santa Rosa
The Tianguis de Santa Rosa farmers market kicks off on May 24 and runs through November 1. This market is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM through 3 PM and is located at 565 Sebastopol Road in Santa Rosa. It is less than 10 minutes away from Annadel.

Do you have a favorite community farmers market that you continue to return to? What vendors or produce items do you always go to? Share your Santa Rosa farmers market tips with us on Annadel's Facebook and Twitter pages! 

Other sources consulted:
County of Sonoma Agricultural Commissioner
Sonoma County

Petaluma Butter & Egg Days

For the last 34 years, the neighboring town of Petaluma has gathered to celebrate the city's agricultural history, particularly its dairy and eggs, in what has become known as the Butter and Egg Festival! The annual celebration includes a parade followed by a street festival. The 2015 event is scheduled for this Saturday, April 25 in historic Downtown Petaluma, and the theme is "Petaluma: Fertile Ground." 

The event runs from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the parade beginning at noon on Fourth & D Streets and ends at Petaluma Blvd South. More than 3,000 people and 100 units are participating in this year's parade. Before or after the parade, visitors can explore the 4 blocks of vendors, including food, arts & crafts, sponsors and nonprofit organizations. On average, the festival draws more than 25,000 visitors, making it one of the North Bay's largest events!

Other aspects of the festival include the firefighter's cow pie throwing contest and the "Cutest Little Chick in Town" costume contest, and live entertainment from the Dixie Giants and Bad Neighbors.

Thinking of attending this year's event? It is free to attend, Petaluma Transit is designating April 25 as a free ride day! It is approximately a 25-minute drive from Annadel apartment homes in Santa Rosa to Downtown Petaluma. It's the perfect excuse to take a drive and enjoy the outdoors this weekend!

If you would like to volunteer for the event, they need your help! More than 240 volunteers are needed each year to help with the parade, beer garden and more. For more information on volunteering, click here.

Have you attended Petaluma Butter & Egg Days in the past? Do you plan to go back again this year? Share your comments with us on Annadel's Facebook and Twitter pages!

Sources consulted:
Petaluma Downtown
See California
SF Fun Cheap

Earth Day Events in Santa Rosa

From organic farming to wineries, Santa Rosa is an area that relies heavily on the earth. As Earth Day approaches (it's next Wednesday, April 22), there are a couple of opportunities to celebrate and give show some love back to our area's land - cleaning up Jack London State Park and the Earth Day Festival! These two events are a nice balance of work and play to celebrate Earth Day!

Jack London State Park Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup

Jack London State Park is one of Annadel's favorite outdoor spaces in Santa Rosa, so we hope you'll help keep it beautiful! Volunteers are needed to help plant vegetation, pick up trash and beautify the campgrounds.

According to The Press Democrat, interested volunteers should meet up at 2400 London Ranch Road in Glen Ellen at 8:30 AM this Saturday morning (April 18). The cleanup should conclude around 11 AM. If you are interested in helping to pick up the park, you do need to register in advance. You can do so by clicking here or by calling 888-98-PARKS. Parking fees will be waived for any volunteers. It is approximately a 35-minute commute from Annadel to the volunteer meeting location at the park. Elsewhere in Sonoma County, volunteers are also needed at Fort Ross and Bodega Dunes. 

Earth Day Festival

After you're done sprucing up Jack London State Park, head to downtown Santa Rosa for the Earth Day Festival at noon! This free event includes food, live entertainment and Earth Day activities, making this event friendly for the entire family! The event will be held in Courthouse Square and concludes at 4 PM. Annadel apartment homes are located just a 6-minute drive away from Courthouse Square and downtown Santa Rosa. 

Are you going to be among the volunteers and attendees of this weekend's Earth Day events? These are both bound to be fun events that will better our community!

Annadel Half Marathon

The Santa Rosa area is filled with lovers of the nature and outdoors, and athleticism. Residents here love to hike, bike, and run! This weekend brings one of the biggest and most fun events that combines both the outdoors and exercise - the Annadel Half Marathon!

Proceeds from the race go towards the maintenance and improvement of Annadel State Park! Even if you're not an avid runner, if you regularly use the park's trails, you can appreciate the importance of the Annadel Half Marathon. You may want to consider being a volunteer in future races if you would like to contribute in some way other than running.

If you do like to run, but aren't prepared to run 13.1 miles, consider participating in something new to the race this year - the 5K! Race time for the 5K is at 8:15 AM. If you would like to participate in the 5K, you can register here. Unless you have properly trained for the half-marathon, we do not recommend signing up for it at the last minute, but 3.1 miles in a 5K is much more manageable!

Another way to support the runners of the Annadel Half Marathon is to cheer on the half-marathon or 5K participants! Running is an endurance sport and the participants will appreciate the enthusiasm of the crowd! The race begins and ends at Spring Lake Park. To see a full map of the course so you can find the best spot to be a spectator, click here. The race is tomorrow, April 11 at 8 AM. Parking at the park is $7 or free to park members. If Spring Park is full, you may find alternative parking at Channel Dr. and Montgomery Dr. If you're an avid visitor of Spring Lake Park, you'll be happy to know that Annadel apartment homes are only a 15-minute drive away! Best of luck to all of this year's participants! We'll be rooting for you!