Over the previous few years, I’ve visited some fairly wonderful locations in California, akin to San Diego, Disneyland, Palm Springs, and Yosemite Nationwide Park to call a couple of. Nevertheless, one place that I’ve needed to go to endlessly, however by no means did till very not too long ago, is Sonoma Valley. I’ve heard so many fantastic issues about Sonoma Valley, and by no means a single dangerous factor, so I used to be excited to lastly expertise wheelchair accessible Sonoma for myself not too long ago!
For 3 days, I loved Sonoma Valley’s accessible choices, from improbable wineries to distinctive sights. One way or the other, it was precisely like I imagined, however so a lot better on the identical time. It is a vacation spot that I may have truthfully loved for a full week, however it was an ideal weekend getaway and I used to be impressed with the accessibility of the vacation spot.
Should you’re keen on visiting Sonoma Valley as a wheelchair consumer, hopefully the beneath data can be useful for you. I’ll begin by speaking about a few of the wheelchair accessible Sonoma sights I skilled after which I’ll let about the place I stayed. Right here’s how I explored accessibility in Sonoma Valley!
Wheelchair Accessible Sonoma Valley Points of interest & Issues to Do
Sonoma Valley has tons of of wineries, after all, and tons of eating places and sights for wheelchair customers to take pleasure in. Whereas I didn’t have time to expertise every thing (it might take a lifetime in all probability!), listed here are some wheelchair accessible Sonoma issues that I actually beloved doing –
Take pleasure in some wine tastings
Sonoma County has over 425 wineries, so your choices are seemingly limitless. I used to be capable of go to three completely different wineries for tastings and I actually loved every one. The three that I visited had been completely different from each other with their very own specialties, and so they had been all simply wheelchair accessible.
I began my time in Sonoma by visiting Ram’s Gate Vineyard. This vineyard was based in 2011 and has a lovely 28-acre property. It’s really an unbelievable place and simply as lovely as I anticipated wine nation to be. Should you’re searching for a scenic vineyard to go to, that is positively the place!
There have been a pair completely different tasting choices at Ram’s Gate once I visited, however I opted for the “Summer season Flight”. With that, I attempted a Sauvignon blanc, a Pinot blanc, and a rosé. This tasting was $40 per individual, however there was one other tasting choice with 5 completely different wines for $60 as effectively. For the tasting, I sat outdoors and ignored the sprawling winery. It was such an ideal expertise for my first wine tasting in Sonoma Valley!
After consuming the three completely different wines, I loved a tour of the property and even went down into the cellar, which was fairly cool. It was attention-grabbing to find out about how Ram’s Gate makes their wines and I may clearly see how passionate they’re. If you need to guide a tasting at Ram’s Gate Vineyard, you are able to do that on their web site.
The following vineyard that I visited was Honrama Cellars. It is a Mexican-owned vineyard and it was based in 2008. At this time, Honrama is well-known for producing prime quality wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. Whereas the house at Honrama is smaller than Ram’s Gate Vineyard, it’s nonetheless an incredible setting and I loved an exquisite tasting.
You may sit inside to your wine tasting expertise, however I selected to sit down outdoors on their patio because it was such a pleasant day. For about an hour and a half, I attempted a few of Honrama Cellar’s finest wines (their Dia de los Muertos Cabernet was notably good!) and I’ll notice that they had been fairly beneficiant with the pours. By the tip of this tasting expertise, I used to be feeling fairly good… to say the least.
I beloved my expertise at Honrama and would extremely counsel checking this vineyard out for those who’ll be within the space. Should you’re keen on doing a tasting, you do have to guide that upfront of your go to on their web site. Tastings begin at $41 per individual and will be booked right here.
The final place that I visited for a tasting was La Prenda Wines. This one is in a handy location within the coronary heart of Sonoma, simply off the historic Sonoma Sq.. It doesn’t get any extra central than this place, so it’s an incredible place to go to both earlier than or after you do some buying round wheelchair accessible Sonoma Plaza, which I’ll discuss subsequent!
La Prenda Wines was based in 2008 by Ned and Erika Hill, and you may take pleasure in a wine tasting of their lovely tasting room. For the wine tasting, you’ll get 5 completely different wines and it’s inspired to order a time to your tasting on their web site right here.
Since I had already visited two different wineries earlier than La Prenda, I really didn’t do the tasting and as an alternative, I simply obtained a rosé slushy. I really like rosé, however I had by no means heard of a rosé slushy, so I used to be excited to strive it. I’m joyful to say that it was scrumptious! On a sizzling day, this was the right beverage, however subsequent time I’m in Sonoma, I positively need to do their full tasting expertise.
Wine tasting in Sonoma Valley was lots of enjoyable and I actually found some wineries that I’ll seemingly be ordering from within the close to future. If you can be in Sonoma, make sure to strive all three of those that I discussed, but additionally strive some others and let me know the place I ought to go for a tasting on my subsequent journey within the space!
Store (and extra) on Sonoma Plaza
The beating coronary heart of Sonoma is the historic and vibrant public sq. often called Sonoma Plaza. It encompasses eight acres and is California’s largest historic plaza. It’s bordered by charming Nineteenth-century adobe buildings that now home retailers, eating places, and famend wine tasting rooms (like La Prenda that I discussed earlier!), all of which I loved throughout my go to.
Sonoma Plaza itself is flat and paved, making it an incredible place to probe for guests of all talents. Sonoma Valley prides itself on being an inclusive vacation spot, and accessibility extends to the Sonoma Plaza. The extensive, flat sidewalks and clean pavement enable for straightforward wheelchair accessibility all through the plaza. Moreover, a lot of the retailers and eating places lining the sq. had been both constructed with accessibility in thoughts or have undergone renovations to enhance entry. This implies you possibly can simply roll proper in and browse the distinctive retailers or take pleasure in a meal on a restaurant patio whereas taking within the sights and sounds of this historic plaza.
Earlier than my journey to Sonoma, I heard from a number of people who no journey to the Plaza can be full with no cease at Candy Scoops. It’s a haven for ice cream aficionados. They churn out essentially the most unbelievable home made ice cream in flavors you received’t discover wherever else. Their specialty flavors change day by day, however they at all times supply vegan ice cream choices as effectively. Seize a double scoop in a waffle cone (as a result of, why not?) and savor the deliciousness whereas watching the world go by.
One other one in every of my favourite retailers on Sonoma Plaza was International Coronary heart Honest Commerce. This gem of a store overflows with distinctive, handcrafted items from all around the world. Realizing their focus is on honest commerce practices makes each buy really feel like a great one. I discovered some cool souvenirs right here to commemorate my journey, and the pleasant employees was joyful to reply my questions and assist me discover the right objects.
You might simply spend a full day having fun with every thing that the Plaza has to supply. Whether or not you’re keen on visiting sights, wine tasting, buying, or just absorbing the California sunshine, Sonoma Plaza gives one thing for everybody, and it’s all simply accessible with a wheelchair.
Eat scrumptious meals in Sonoma’s eating places
Often known as one in every of California’s prime culinary locations, you actually received’t go hungry in Sonoma Valley. There are a plethora of eating places and it doesn’t matter what type of meals you’re craving, you can find it in Sonoma Valley. Whereas I didn’t have sufficient time to dine at each restaurant, I’ll inform you about three of my favourite eating places in Sonoma Valley! You actually can’t go incorrect at any of those.
First up is the woman & the fig, a famend spot in Sonoma identified for its modern tackle California delicacies. Their menu adjustments seasonally, showcasing the freshest native substances. The environment is heat and welcoming, and the employees is extremely educated in regards to the menu and wine pairings. It’s the right place for an important day or a romantic night out, and it’s situated on Sonoma Plaza with the wheelchair accessible entrance behind the restaurant. Many choices on their menu had been tempting, however a pleasant native instructed me that the woman & the fig has the perfect burger and I ought to strive it, in order that’s what I selected. The burger was completely cooked and had fig jam on it, which sounds odd, however it was literal perfection. I haven’t stopped fascinated about that burger since I ate it.
For a extra informal vibe, I beloved heading to Murphy’s Irish Pub. This full of life pub gives a basic Irish pub expertise, full with darkish wooden paneling, Guinness on faucet, and pleasant bartenders. In addition they have outside seating, which I actually loved because the climate was excellent once I visited. Their menu options hearty pub fare like shepherd’s pie (I had this and it was so scrumptious!) and bangers and mash, excellent for absorbing any lingering results of wine tasting.
Lastly, for those who’re searching for one thing really particular, Layla Restaurant is a must-try. This restaurant is situated within the MacArthur Place Resort, which is definitely the place I stayed whereas in Sonoma Valley. The restaurant gives breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and I used to be capable of take pleasure in a spectacular dinner at Layla. The cooks use seasonal, domestically sourced substances to create dishes which might be each modern and scrumptious. I beloved the salmon tartare and Parker Home rolls for starters, and I had the ribeye steak for my entree. All the things was distinctive and Layla Restaurant was an unforgettable eating expertise. It’s the right place for celebrating a milestone or just indulging in the perfect that Sonoma Valley has to supply.
Revisit your childhood on the Charles M. Schulz Museum
The Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa was a must-do on my current journey to Sonoma Valley. As a lifelong Peanuts fan, I couldn’t wait to step into the world of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire gang. The museum itself is vibrant and welcoming, and from the second I rolled in, I used to be transported again to my childhood, eagerly pouring over the comics and watching the assorted Peanuts exhibits.
Upon my arrival to the museum, I had the respect of assembly Jean Schulz, the widow of Charles M. Schulz. She shared with me how she continues to let his legacy dwell on and he or she even instructed me that the museum is consistently striving for larger accessibility. She was so form and welcomed me to the museum with open arms. I used to be additionally stunned to listen to that Jean has an workplace within the museum and works there just about full time. She even runs a weblog and you may test it out right here.
The museum has a lot to see and I spent a pair hours exploring it. In the principle exhibit corridor, you possibly can see an enormous assortment of unique Peanuts strips. Seeing Schulz’s precise paintings up shut, with the refined pencil strokes and handwritten dialogue, was fascinating. It gave me an entire new appreciation for the element and humor that he put into every comedian.
One other one in every of my favourite components of the museum was the recreation of Schulz’s artwork studio. Rolling into the house, full along with his drawing desk and furnishings, felt virtually surreal. It was straightforward to think about him sitting there, bringing his beloved characters to life.
There’s a theater onsite as effectively, enjoying a few of the basic Peanuts cartoons and documentaries. I actually loved sitting within the theater, which was bigger than I anticipated, and watching some cartoons for some time. If you arrive to the museum, simply test the showtimes to see what’s enjoying at what time.
Navigating the Schulz Museum as a wheelchair consumer was a breeze. All the constructing is wheelchair accessible with extensive hallways, elevators to entry a number of ranges, and accessible restrooms. You can too discover accessible parking spots close to the doorway of the museum. I had a cushty and pleasing go to, and it was clear that the museum is captivated with Schulz’s work and devoted to creating the museum accessible to everybody.
The museum and surrounding space gives rather more as effectively, however I didn’t have time to see every thing, sadly. Down the road from the museum is the Schulz Campus. On the campus, you possibly can go to Snoopy’s House Ice, which has an ice skating rink, the Heat Pet Cafe (Charles Schulz ate right here daily and you may too!), and Snoopy’s Gallery & Reward Store, the place you should buy your whole Peanuts souvenirs.
The place to Keep in Sonoma Valley: MacArthur Place Resort & Spa
Whereas in Sonoma Valley, I stayed at MacArthur Place Resort & Spa and I can truthfully say that it was one of many nicest locations I’ve ever stayed. It was based over a century in the past as a household property, winery, and dealing ranch, however immediately, it’s one in every of Sonoma’s most luxurious resorts.
Unfold throughout the 5 acres of MacArthur Place, there are lovely gardens, hearth pits, swimming pools with accessible lifts for wheelchair customers, and a full spa. That is the last word place to get away from all of it and calm down, however I additionally appreciated that all the finest sights and eating places in Sonoma Valley had been only a quick drive away. It was an ideal location for my first-time go to to the realm!
I stayed in a wheelchair accessible suite and it was fairly spectacular. It had a spacious dwelling space and a queen sized mattress. The mattress had loads of clearance beneath for a hoyer raise/hoist, so for those who want that lodging, you have to be set.
In the principle lavatory, there was a pull-under sink, seize bars by the bathroom, and a roll-in bathe with a fold-down bathe seat. The toilet labored completely for my accessibility wants.
Nevertheless, my favourite a part of my room was the truth that it additionally had an out of doors bathe that was fully accessible. It was an enormous roll-in bathe with a handheld bathe wand and I took a bathe outdoors each morning. I’ve by no means seen an accessible outside bathe, so I used to be completely in love with it.
As I discussed earlier on this weblog, MacArthur Place has a spectacular restaurant on-site known as Layla. There may be additionally The Porch, a espresso bar and market with recent grab-and-go choices, and a full bar, the place you will get a wide range of cocktails or craft beer.
There may be nowhere else I’d somewhat keep in Sonoma Valley and I’m already trying ahead to returning to this wonderful property someday within the hopefully not too distant future. Should you’d prefer to study extra about this lodge and test charges, simply click on right here.
You can too view my quick video all about MacArthur Place Resort & Spa beneath –
Whereas my time in Sonoma Valley was quick, I packed as a lot into my itinerary as potential and had an incredible journey. I found simply how a lot the realm has to supply for guests of all talents and I can’t wait to return and expertise much more of Sonoma Valley!
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*Thanks to Go to California and Sonoma Valley for working with me on this journey and exhibiting me the perfect of wheelchair accessible Sonoma Valley! Whereas my experiences had been complimentary, all opinions expressed are genuine and my very own.
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