Welcome to Like a Native, our sequence the place vacationers share their supreme lengthy weekends. This time, Tessa exhibits the way to do Sonoma—wine, meals, and enjoyable—with children in tow.

Sonoma, affectionately recognized by locals as “Sluggish-noma,” presents an enthralling, laid-back tempo that’s good for a calming weekend journey. Whereas Wine Nation isn’t sometimes often called a household vacation spot, after spending time there with two toddlers, I’ve realized that Sonoma is a spot folks of all ages can (and may) get pleasure from. It’s one among our house bases after we go to the U.S., and a spot we by no means tire of exploring. Although Sonoma is a small city of roughly 11,000, it presents famend meals and wine whereas remaining down-to-earth and unpretentious.

The place to Keep

There’s a variety of lodging, from five-star resorts to extra inexpensive choices. The Inn at Sonoma is dog-friendly and conveniently positioned. Nevertheless, with households, we sometimes get pleasure from staying in a home. For my sister’s marriage ceremony, we rented this Airbnb, which is the proper location proper subsequent to the plaza, the place something you want is inside strolling distance. We even have loved this property, which is extra appropriate for a bigger group. It’s in a peaceable, woodsy setting simply outdoors city and has a big fenced-in yard permitting mother and father to loosen up whereas the kids roam free.

The place to Eat

Sonoma has no scarcity of unbelievable eateries; we sometimes combine eating out with takeaway to get pleasure from consuming outdoors. We often begin our day with a espresso (or mocha) at Baker and Prepare dinner—our go-to spot for breakfast and pastries. Their ham and cheese croissant and jam-filled doughnuts are successful for folks and children alike, and so they’re good to deliver to a close-by park. For someplace nearer to the plaza, Ohm Espresso Roasters is a superb possibility that additionally occurs to serve pastries from Baker and Prepare dinner.

A go to to The Sonoma Valley Licensed Farmers’ Market, on Friday mornings is a superb possibility if you wish to choose up small bites and produce. My kids all the time look ahead to the crêpes and distributors often give them meals to style. The market is located subsequent to a park with shuffleboard and practice automobiles that make for a enjoyable playground.

Michelin-star Italian chef Andrea Marino’s Salumeria Ovello is a must-visit. This small deli is simply outdoors the plaza and has a well-curated choice of meats, cheeses, and each day specials. On each journey, we choose up a number of porchetta sandwiches and a choice of meats for snacking.

On the opposite aspect of city is Lou’s Luncheonette, a Southern-inspired diner with ample outside house and actions for teenagers. We be sure to carve out time right here to get pleasure from their mouth-watering brisket and fried rooster. We spend hours taking part in desk tennis whereas the youngsters experience on toy tractors.

For one thing extra central, Oso is a superb possibility for households and is true within the coronary heart of the plaza, providing a dynamic menu of shareable plates and al fresco eating. Professional tip: do not skip the blood orange margarita.

Cafe La Haye, an American bistro prioritizing seasonal substances, has been round since 1996 and is a Sonoma establishment. Initially, I hesitated to deliver my children right here due to the intimate setting and the truth that it’s solely open for dinner. Nevertheless, the hospitality and considerate touches—like an off-menu meal for my son—made the night pleasurable for us all.

The place to Go

Regardless of being recognized for wine, Sonoma has ample choices for approachable locations to go along with little ones. One among my favorites is within the plaza: Darling Wines, a small, family-owned, minimal-intervention vineyard. Not solely do they produce an exceptional Syrah, however I additionally love the intention with which they craft their wines: sustainably and with an account for the encompassing ecosystem. In addition they gave my children a basket of toys to play with whereas I loved a brief tasting with my mother, which felt doable with children.

Gundlach Bundschu (‘Gun Bun’ to locals) is a Regenerative Natural Licensed® family-owned vineyard and winery in Sonoma, producing wines since 1858. At two weeks outdated, this was the primary vineyard my son ever visited. You’ll discover seasonal bites and an attractive sprawling property with a family-friendly setting. Their sister vineyard, Abbot’s Passage, is run by Katie Bundschu, the primary feminine winemaker in her household’s six-generation wine legacy. Set among the many 80-year-old Zinfandel vines, the property contains a tasting room, shuffleboard, seasonal grazing boards, and a curated mercantile with regionally made items.

Whereas we get pleasure from exploring the assorted eateries in Sonoma, we additionally keep lively and search for locations for our youngsters to launch their power. The town park is within the middle of city, the biggest plaza of its type in California. In between shopping retailers, we be sure to cease on the park for the youngsters to discover, experience bikes, and feed the geese. The park’s location makes it straightforward for one of many adults to sneak away for some purchasing, all inside a brief stroll. The sq. continuously has issues occurring. We have been fortunate sufficient to rejoice Halloween right here, the place the youngsters may go trick-or-treating on the native shops whereas we walked round with Frosés from SIGH.

For a extra intensive stroll, head to Bartholomew Park, which sits on 375 acres of vineyards, gardens, and forest. The park has stunning views and a three-mile path that winds by way of it. You can too organize horseback driving by way of the Bartholomew Property Vineyard.

For one more kid-oriented exercise, think about trying out TrainTown, a small amusement park that’s nostalgic for all the household. Charlie’s Acres, a sanctuary for rescued animals, can also be a superb place for teenagers and animal lovers.

Our journey philosophy has all the time been to deliver our youngsters to most experiences with us, and Sonoma appears like a spot the place it’s attainable and pleasurable. Regardless of what lots of people assume, Sonoma is laid-back and has one thing to get pleasure from for all generations. Whether or not having ice cream within the park or strolling by way of the vineyards with a stroller in tow, think about this a mild reminder that journey does not must cease when children come alongside.