SONOMA PLAZA

It's certainly not the only reason to visit Sonoma Plaza, but if you're a History Buff, this is a good place to be!

SONOMA PLAZA'S CONTRIBUTION TO CALIFORNIA HISTORY

It was in Sonoma's town center, or Plaza, that the Bear Flag Revolt was announced and the California Republic was established.

On and around the plaza you'll find several buildings that date back to the days of General Vallejo and that are part of Sonoma State Historic Park:

• Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma (Sonoma Mission)
  (Northeast Corner of First Street East and East Spain)
  

  Commonly called Sonoma Mission, it was the last one built and the one farthest north. It consisted of housing for the priests, a church, and workshops where the Native Americans were taught farming skills and various crafts.



• Presidio de Sonoma (Sonoma Plaza)
  (Northwest Corner of First Street East and East Spain)
  
  
  
  

  Known today as the Sonoma Barracks, this structure was built by Vallejo to house Mexican troups who were in town for the purpose of subduing Native American tribes.



• Blue Wing Inn
  (On East Spain Street across from the Mission)
  

  Originally known as Sonoma House the Blue Wing Inn was the first hotel north of San Francisco and is one of the oldest adobe structures in Northern California. You'll have to enjoy its ambiance from the outside at the moment - it's closed now, but I'm told the Park Service hopes to refurbish it one day and offer visitors another peek at the past.

Here's another page if you'd like more detail about Sonoma's History.

And I know you'll need a place to stay, so here's an easy way to find what's available for you:

SONOMA PLAZA SHOPPING

If you like specialty boutiques for browsing and shopping, then Sonoma Plaza can't be beat! Whether you're looking for a present for someone, decorator pieces for your home, practical and/or fun kitchen items, local artwork, salamis, cheeses, & breads for a picnic, unusual jewelry, fun wine accessories, or unique clothing, you'll find it on The Plaza.

Some of these wonderfully chic shops and boutiques are right on the square and others are down the peek-a-boo alley-ways or hidden in the beautifully landscaped courtyards that surround The Plaza.

Let's take a look at some of my favorites:

• Baksheesh
  (423 First St W)

  Look here for handcrafted and unique curios and gift items from developing countries around the world. Be careful, though - besides having a great time browsing the many distinctive items offered here, you're in mucho danger of finding that exactly-right whatchamacallit you didn't know you were looking for!

  When you do find a treasure you just can't live without, your conscience will be soothed by the knowledge that the shop is a fair-trade store. They guarantee that the artisans from whom they buy are fairly pay for their work.



• Kaboodle
  (453 First St W)
  
  
  An interesting Kaboodle Tidbit: There's a wonderful dog that accompanies owner, Beth LaBelle, to the store. The dog's name is Lilly and she's a Black Standard Poodle. Lilly loves visitors, both human and doggy! She even keeps special treats on hand to share with her 4-legged friends.

  This store is chock full of items for decorating your home, or for giving away to someone special! The silk flowers and flower arrangements are especially beautiful, but you'll also find quality curios, candles, picture frames, giftware . . . it's one of those shops you want to step into everytime you're near, because there's sure to be something new.



• Sign of the Bear Kitchenware
  (435 First St W)

  Don't you just love a kitchen store? I sure do! There's something about all those gadgets that's just intriguing! Sign of the Bear has everything you could possibly need for the kitchen or dining room. Are you a foodie? Do you have a budding chef on your gift list? Love to entertain? You'll find what you're looking for here, plus a lot of things you didn't know you needed. Whether you favor gourmet meals or plain down-home cooking, this store is Paradise!

You might have noticed that all these shops are on First Street West - that's the West side of the Plaza. There are three other sides to explore, so come with me if you want more Sonoma Plaza shopping.

MORE ABOUT SONOMA

Check out these Sonoma pages too:

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