Hi bento pals! We are back from a long visit to Sonoma County...a wonderful trip rich in impressions and natural beauty. This is the first in a series of posts to share some of what we saw and experienced on our journey.
Really vibrant flowers are everywhere in Santa Rosa, basking in strong sun under an intense blue sky. Downtown, planters overflowed with roses:
Love these sunny yellow California native poppies that grow wild and also brighten many gardens:
On our first full day, we wandered around relaxed and eclectic 4th Street in Santa Rosa, enjoying the mix of signs and architectural styles from many eras, and a very nice lunch.
A beautiful mural...on our visit we saw many instances of this amazing combination of rolling hills, ocean...and cows!
Lunch at the Rendezvous Bistro included tasty escargot...
and yummy duck confit crepes...
Some images from our first drive to the Pacific coast:
I called this the "Sicilian Tree"...such a Mediterranean-feeling vista!
Lattes at the Cafe Aquatica in the tiny town of Jenner, along Highway 1
A view of the Russian River from the cafe...
In Bodega, the Casino Bar retains a wonderful bright 7-UP sign with an effervescent essence of 60's California feel. Its colors and design really speak to me...
In tiny, edenic Freestone, a stop at the delightful Wild Flour bakery/cafe...
Here's Jamison with "The Dude", a Chihuahua mix pup who wanders sweetly amid bakery customers, soaking up love and attention!
A wonderful pear marzipan scone...
The Wild Flour property includes a large and beautiful garden with flowers, fruits and vegetables.
Next stop...San Francisco!
Fabulous adventure! I was right with you on the wonderful California coast. So glad we now have this experience in common to share. We must have had a telepathic moment somewhere during your journey... I just posted my recipe for duck confit! Too funny.
ReplyDeleteYou've got a great photographic eye for composition and a heart for a delicious, inviting story. Looking forward to reading and seeing more from your adventures out "West!"
Welcome home friend.
What timing...I just popped in and I saw you posted this 46 seconds before. :D Beautiful flowers and some nice shots you got. I like the one of the tree. That's a nice picture of Jamison...oh no it's just his hand :) never mind...good shot of Dude! heheh
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to travel and always good to be home! Welcome back!
Lyndsey
Hi Robin! Aw, I'm honored that you enjoyed these images from our visit to your spectacular region. The beauty and also sweet spirit of the area made quite an impression on us. What an inspiring place for a foodie!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to catching up on favorite blogs such as yours my friend :)
Hi Lyndsey! I've missed "visiting" with you. Hope all is well with you as summer heats up!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week...
Wow...what a nice 'trip' with you, Jenn. ;) Beautiful scenery and delicious food, so great!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Emily! How are things? Thanks so much for coming along, dear!
ReplyDeleteHi, did you see the creepy old building in Bodega where they filmed the Hitchcock movie The Birds?Great photos as always.
ReplyDeleteHello there origa-me! Nope...that was one creepy film. But Hitchcock's film Vertigo, one of my all time favorites, was very much on my mind when we were in San Francisco...thanks for your visit as always!
ReplyDeleteI ADORE the Pacific coastline - scenery to die for, beautiful nature, and so much good, healthy food. If I could live anywhere in the US this would be it! Looks like a great trip :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lexi! Oh yes, now remembering your cool vacation pics from the Pacific Coast, glad you've enjoyed this wonderful place too :D
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of you and your west coast trip. Some beautiful images you have captured here...and also amazing food. Love the shot of the red poppies with the blue flowers behind...and the plastic deer - too funny. Can't wait to see the rest of your trip - glad you had a good time.
ReplyDeleteYay! You have such a great eye, you really find the poetry of a scene. Even the pots of flowers I walk by in downtown Santa Rosa every week. I can't wait to see what else was inspiring for you and Jamison in my neck of the woods. Looking forward to more Sonoma County posts, from your friend Michelle...
ReplyDeleteHi there Karina! Was thinking of you too when we in California, hope we can meet up on a future visit.
ReplyDeleteI also loved the red poppies and blue flowers together--such a vivid combination. The deer was real, poised in stillness just before dashing off to join its family over some sloping, sandy hills!
Hope summer has started beautifully for you...
Such lovely comments Michelle, I really appreciate them! It was delightful to meet you in person and I'm looking forward to sharing pics from our market visit soon, what a great guide you were!! Best wishes from us both :D
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ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to see the posts are flowing with your rich memories of Sonoma County!! Your cup truly runneth over with delicious colors and textures:-) I love seeing your experiences through your eyes and with your comments. Can't wait for the next post!
Hello dear JG, I love how posting these photos is a bit like reliving the beautiful sights and scenes of our visit! Have a wonderful afternoon, friend. Hope you'll enjoy the upcoming post...
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