Artists flock to the towns of Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sebastopol, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Sonoma, Windsor, Healdsburg, Occidental, Guerneville, Bodega and others to capture on canvas the abundant acres of landscape-defining grape vines, the magnificent coastal scenery, the colorful palette of floating hot-air balloons, and the awe-inspiring assortment of lakes, rivers, forest, and mountains. They have also sketched and painted a myriad of ranches, with exotic livestock residents like emus and llamas living alongside the usual fare -- horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and geese.
Over 200 vineyards flourish here; and some of the finest wines in the world are exported from this area. Internationally-renowned cheeses from the area, including award-winning varieties of Rouge et Noir, may be sampled and purchased in one of the plentiful wine-tasting rooms. And fresh Sonoma County meats and produce are the staples of fine dining establishments, casual cafes and country eateries.
Santa Rosa, the largest city in Sonoma County, is home to the Charles M. Schulz Museum and the Luther Burbank Gardens – both named after their acclaimed residents. Snoopy sculptures adorn businesses throughout the city; and the museum’s gift shop is a treasure for collectors of Peanuts’ paraphernalia. Charles Schulz’s altruistic contributions to the arts, to education, and to charitable organizations have endeared him to the residents of Santa Rosa. Similarly, beautiful gardens throughout the city reflect the influence of famed horticulturalist, Luther Burbank, who experimented with plant-breeding for over 50 years in an effort to increase the world’s food supply. He introduced over 800 new varieties of plants, and was often visited by his friends, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
Not far from Santa Rosa, in the quaint town of Cotati, Sonoma State University is a beacon to students from around the world. Located in idyllic surroundings, it offers a high-quality education and a peaceful environment that is only 42 miles from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. It is also relatively close to the beaches of Bodega Bay, numerous hiking and biking trails, the Guerneville River, shopping centers, theaters and cultural events.
Sonoma State University is also rapidly moving toward completion of the highly anticipated Green Music Center; which will house the illustrious Santa Rosa Symphony. It will offer a 1,400-seat concert hall and a 250-seat recital hall. The events at Green Music Center are expected to inspire a pilgrimage of concert-goers from around the Bay Area, and will undoubtedly serve to enhance the gilded mystique of Sonoma County.
