Nestled within former apple orchards and newer wineries, Sebastopol stands out from the rest of Sonoma County with its charming blend of rural beauty and a laid-back atmosphere that can make you feel as if you were in a coastal surf town despite being roughly 30 minutes from the ocean.
On paper, the drive to Sebastopol from San Francisco might seem manageable, but it’s not for the faint of heart. It took just over an hour, but the bumper-to-bumper traffic through the narrow valley between Petaluma and Novato drained me both physically and mentally by the time I was on the outskirts of the city.
Though I was tired, my spirits were lifted as I passed Sequoia Burger, a classic hamburger joint nestled on the edge of town. While the aroma of freshly cooked burgers, fries and milkshakes was tempting as I rolled down my car’s windows, I continued into town hungry for more than just food.
The first thing a person might notice when driving into Sebastopol is how confusing the roads can be. When entering the town from the south on Route 116, the road initially flows as a typical two-way street. But then it suddenly splits, with an “island” of houses and businesses separating the northbound and southbound lanes, similar to how Manhattan is divided by the Hudson and East rivers.
Once I remembered how to drive around the town, I found myself mesmerized by the small local businesses, art galleries and cafes lining Main Street. The sweet, infectious smell of freshly baked pastries and desserts from Sebastopol Cookie Company was finally enough to make me park my car.
After I finished enjoying a vanilla latte and a snickerdoodle cookie, I ended up walking toward the main attraction of Sebastopol: The Barlow. Built on the site of a former industrial applesauce canning facility, The Barlow has turned into a vibrant shopping district filled with artsy boutiques, craft breweries and farm-to-table eateries.
While the architecture and overall ambiance of many businesses at The Barlow, are clearly tailored to attract a millennial crowd, the space itself is welcoming to people of all ages. I spent about an hour or two wandering through the mix of shops, including Rust Boutique, Community Market and Crooked Goat Brewing. Each place had its own unique charm, offering a blend of local goods, craft beers and a laid-back atmosphere that made it easy for me to relax and explore at my own pace.
After I was done exploring The Barlow, I walked back to my car and drove over to Florence Avenue. While a random, quiet residential street in the middle of a small town is not your typical tourist destination, Florence Avenue is home to a hidden gem: giant junk art sculptures.
Designed by artist Patrick Amiot, almost every home along the street has its own larger-than-life piece of art on display, made entirely from salvaged metal and discarded objects, such as random car parts, cookware and water heaters. The sculptures range from whimsical animals to playful human figures, all painted in bright-hued colors.
For three blocks, I carefully drove and stared at the vivid scenes unfolding on every lawn. From a rocket ship with a dog inside on one property, followed by a man fishing for an unobtainable catch, each sculpture seemed to have its own quirky personality, bringing the street to life.
After my brief detour on Florence Avenue, I continued on back toward downtown. Having finally developed a proper appetite, I decided to stop for dinner at Ramen Gaijin.
As soon as I opened the door to the restaurant, I was hit with the most wonderful scent of rich, simmering broths and savory aromas that immediately made my stomach growl. The air was filled with the mouthwatering fragrances of garlic, ginger and toasted sesame, mingling with the earthy smell of freshly prepared noodles. The cozy space, with its dark wood accents and intimate vibe, made me feel as if I had been transported to Osaka or Kyoto.
The sound of bubbling pots and the rhythmic clatter of chopsticks on bowls created a soothing ambiance as I settled into a seat at the bar. I ordered the Shoyu Ramen, and I was not disappointed when I received a giant ceramic bowl of noodles, tender pork belly, and a soft-boiled egg.
As I savored each bite, I felt grateful for having traveled to such a unique destination. As I finished my dinner and prepared to drive back home to San Francisco, I had to make one last stop at my favorite place in Sebastopol.
With its bright pink exterior, Screamin’ Mimi’s is impossible to miss in Sebastopol, a charming ice cream shop with a bunch of unique and tasty flavors that draw in locals and visitors alike. I ultimately ended up buying several pints of ice cream, including the infectious Mimi’s Mud, an espresso ice cream embedded with pieces of fudge.
As I drove past Sequoia Burger again on the way out of Sebastopol, I reflected on the day I had spent exploring a true hidden gem. With the town’s lights fading in my rearview mirror, I thought about how I couldn’t wait to return.
