Things to do in the Town of Sonoma Besides Wine Tasting

The town of Sonoma is the historical center of Sonoma County. It's in the southern part of the county not far from the town of Napa or from the Bay Area. It gets quite busy with visitors on most weekends. It's mostly about wine in Sonoma, but there are still other things you can do if you need a break from all that great juice.

History
There were the natives, the Spanish, the Mexicans and then the Americans. Much of this history is available in the middle of town and run as a state historic park. Sonoma is home to the last and northernmost California mission. Sonoma is also the birthplace of the California wine industry.

The mission in Sonoma

The Plaza
The town has a large central green space. It's the largest plaza in the state and the only one allowing open containers of alcohol (there I go talking about wine already). There are many events during the year taking place in the plaza.

Events
Speaking of events some of them are the International Film Festival, Fourth of July Parade and Festival, the Vintage Festival, and the Tuesday night market.

Eat
You won't run out of choices for good food withing walking distance of the town's center. If you don't believe me ask my son who lives just off the plaza and still finds plenty to eat in town (as they say, it beats cookin').
Insider's tips: On the square - Sunflower Caffe. Off the square - Juanita Juanita, Mama Tanino's, El Coyote food truck, and Vella Cheese. Insider's tip on Vella: Get the Toma, Dry Jack, and Romanello Dolce. If they're not some of the best cheeses you've ever had then return them to me and I will dispose of properly.  :)

Other Alcohol
Sonoma Springs Brewery is about a mile off the plaza. Hopmonk, a block off the plaza, is a tap room and restaurant often having evening entertainment. Prohibition Spirits distillery has a tasting room in the Cornerstone about five miles away. You own it to yourself to at least peek in Steiner's Tavern right on the plaza -- the town watering hole for over 90 years.

Don't miss the shops, eateries, and tasting rooms in the alleys

Shop
Shopping is not only on the square Don't miss the little gems sitting a block back often down a small alley. There's a couple chocolate shops, kitchenware, art and various boutiques.