Posted by Annadel Blog on 1:37 PM
One of the most beautiful ways to view Sonoma County wine country is from the basket of a hot air balloon, and one of the most beautiful views in Sonoma County is the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic! This year marks the 25th year of the classic, which is scheduled to take place next weekend, June 20 and 21. Proceeds from the event will benefit Windsor Service Alliance, Redwood Empire Food Bank, Boy Scouts of America and Windsor High School Boosters Club.
If you have never been to a hot air balloon festival before, one does entail just getting up early, watching the balloons float off into the distance and then going home. While, yes, attending a balloon festival does involve getting up early it does entail food and fun afterwards! Each morning at 5:00 AM is the Dawn Patrol - Balloon Launch in the Dark. It's a pretty spectacular sight to watch the balloons launch as the sun rises. However, if you cannot get there that early, the Main Launch begins at 6:30 AM each day. On each day, approximately 30 balloons will launch, tethered balloon rides will be offered and guests will enjoy food booths, craft booths and a children's play area. The festivities will last through 11 AM.
The Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic is completely volunteer-produced. If you would like to offer your assistance during the classic, you may sign up on the event website. Volunteers will receive a t-shirt, free admission, a 25th anniversary pin and free lunch. Volunteers are needed to help with set-up, admissions and more.
If you are interested in attending the balloon classic, tickets can be purchased online, or locally in Santa Rosa at Copperfields Books. Tickets cost $10 each or $5 for children under 5 years of age.
The event is held at Keiser Park, located in Windsor. From your apartment home at Annadel, it will take approximately 15 minutes by car to arrive at the park. Parking is available at Keiser Park and at Windsor High School.
Do you plan to get up early to watch the balloons and the sun rise at the Hot Air Balloon Classic? Share your thoughts with Annadel on our Facebook and Twitter pages!
Additional sources consulted:
The Press Democrat
Posted by Annadel Blog on 1:46 PM
June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month throughout the United States, and our area is ready to celebrate it this weekend! Because of Santa Rosa's close proximity to San Francisco, we live in the metropolitan area with the highest gay population in the country, according to a 2015 Gallup poll published in The New York Times. Our area has been celebrating gay pride for more than two decades, and this weekend is the culmination of our yearly festivities.
Sonoma County Pride begins today and continues through Sunday, June 7 along the Russian River in Guerneville. Events throughout the weekend include parades, art exhibits, live entertainment and more. The theme of this year's festival is "equality everywhere," which speaks to the overarching goal of pride to bring awareness to gay rights and equality.
Tonight, join Sonoma County Pride for its First Friday Art Walk, which takes place between 5 and 9 PM in downtown Guerneville! Visitors can also visit the GLBT Art Exhibit tonight and throughout the duration of the festival in the Gueneville Lodge. According to Gay Sonoma, the exhibit will pay homage to gay activists from our area, including Leonard Matlovich, Randy Shilts and Cleve Jones.
On Saturday, from 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM, enjoy live entertainment and theater. Performers include pop and rock band Rumors, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, comedienne Nikki Carr, Bobby Jo Valentine, Tora Hymen & Her Backwoods Barbies, Bad Ass Boots and Tom Orr.
Sunday is the most anticipated Pride event, the Pride Parade, which takes place in downtown Guerneville from 11 AM to noon. The parade is followed by the festival, featuring food, drink and more entertainment. The festival will last until 6 PM.
Sonoma County began celebrating Pride back in 1990 with parades through downtown Santa Rosa, and the celebrations moved to Guerneville in 2009. Guerneville is approximately 30 minutes away from your apartment home at Annadel.
Will you be traveling to Guerneville to celebrate Sonoma County Pride? Which of the weekend's events are you looking forward to most? Share you thoughts with us on Annadel's Facebook and Twitter pages!
Additional sources consulted:
Press Democrat
Posted by Annadel Blog on 10:31 AM
This weekend is one of Napa Valley's largest events - BottleRock music and food festival! No other festival attempts to combine three days of music, concerts, food, wine and beer quite the way that BottleRock does. While this year's 3-day festival passes have already sold out, 1-day general admission passes are still available, so make sure to purchase yours before they, too sell out! According to The Press Democrat, this year's festival attendance is expected to vastly surpass that of previous years. In fact, total attendance is expected to pass 100,000 people! Don't miss your opportunity to BottleRock!
What is BottleRock?
BottleRock is a 3-day concert/foodie event that runs today through Sunday, May 31. Doors will open at 11:30 AM each day and the festivities will continue through 10 PM each evening.
Who's Performing?
This year's stellar lineup includes No Doubt, Imagine Dragons, Young the Giant, Los Lobos, Robert Plant, The Avett Brothers, Foster the People and Snoop Dog, just for starters! To view the full list of performers, click here. There will also be a culinary stage at the event where guests may watch chefs, vinters and sommiliers as they perform demonstrations throughout the festival. Among the culinary experts are Gilles de Chambure, Jimmy Hays, Robert Bath and more. You may view the full list of experts here.
How Can I Get There?
The BottleRock festival is located at 301 1st Street in Napa. Free local bus (VINE) service is being offered upon presentation of your BottleRock ticket. Buses will operate between Santa Rosa and the festival, too; however, these seats have already been sold out. If you are carpooling to the event, make sure you have at least 4 people in the car to be eligible for a VIP BottleRocket upgrade! Bike valets will also be available onsite.
From your apartment home at Annadel, the drive to BottleRock is a little over an hour.
Have you attended this even in its previous two years? What do you think of this year's lineup? Share you thoughts with us on Annadel's Facebook and Twitter pages! Rock on!
Posted by Annadel Blog on 12:30 PM
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
Posted by Annadel Blog on 2:03 PM
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
Posted by Annadel Blog on 4:06 PM
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
Posted by Annadel Blog on 11:15 AM
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
