November Along the Farm Trails
Thanksgiving & Holidays Guide
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Enjoy Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, and New Year's Eve Sonoma County-style with our special holiday coverage. Throughout the season, we will be featuring offerings from our Farm Trails members, including farm-fresh food and drink for your holiday meals, thoughtful ag-centric gifts, Christmas tree farms, and lots of festive events, on our Holidays Along the Farm Trails online guide.
In this newsletter, we highlight some sources for your Thanksgiving feast plus upcoming member events. Be sure to also visit our online events calendar. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@sonomacountyfarmtrails for both).
We at Farm Trails wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season! Cheers!
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Holiday Dinners & Catering |
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PLANT-BASED HOLIDAY CATERING FROM GOATLANDIA KITCHEN: Goatlandia Kitchen is available to cater your holiday parties and events. Book for any date between now and March 2024, and they'll include free dessert and free sanctuary group tour for you and your guests up to 50 people. Book before December 1 to qualify. Email to book your event.
EVERYTHING BUT THE BIRD FROM AMERICANA: Americana is offering "Everything But the Bird" to make your feast easier to prepare (and clean up!) so you have more time to spend with family and loved ones. Farm-to-table organic portioned offerings are available for pickup on Wednesday, November 22. Just roast your own turkey, and you're set! Available for preorder online only.
THANKSGIVING FEAST AT ROCKER OYSTERFELLER'S: Celebrate Thanksgiving Day at Rocker Oysterfeller's with two seatings, 11:30am and 1:30pm. Gather with friends and family to savor a mouthwatering feast that will leave you feeling grateful and satisfied. Indulge in their take on Thanksgiving favorites like smoked Cajun turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and delectable pumpkin pie. Reserve online. 14415 Hwy 1, Valley Ford.
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BODEGA BAY OYSTER CO.: Oysters pair beautifully with holiday meals, especially as appetizers. If you are planning to feed a crowd, preorder the Tuesday preceding each holiday. Open every day 9am–5pm except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Preorder: (707) 876-3010 or by email. 12830 Valley Ford Road, Petaluma, bodegabayoyster.com.
BUD'S CUSTOM MEATS: Choose from turkeys to a huge array of local meats, including prime rib roast, smoked ham, leg of lamb, and lots more, including a unique selection of wild game. Order by calling (707) 795-8402 or visit the store. 7750 Petaluma Hill Road, Penngrove, budscustommeat.com.
GREEN STAR FARM: Make your holidays unforgettable with Green Star Farm's pastured meats, including lamb shoulder roast, leg of lamb, hams in three sizes, whole pork shoulder, whole pork leg, and more. Order online and choose pickup, delivery, or shipping. 5800 Blank Road, Sebastopol, greenstarfarm.com.
LIBERTY DUCKS: Want an alternative to turkey? Liberty Ducks has Petaluma-raised whole duck available for the holidays, along with other cuts and accompaniments. If you're new to cooking duck, be sure to add to your order a copy of The Whole Duck Cookbook, written by 5th-generation duck farmer Jennifer Reichardt. Order online for shipping and pickup: libertyducks.com.
MARIN COAST RANCH: Choose from several cuts of pasture-raised beef for your holiday meals, including ribeye steak. There's also a fabulous Farmhouse Gift Box mix of lamb and beef, perfect for holiday entertaining and gift giving. Order online for pickup at the Ranch in Tomales or select local delivery: marincoastranch.com.
PANIZZERA MEAT CO.: Reservations for holiday turkeys are limited, so call ahead. Or try Cornish game hens and much more. Orders can be made by stopping by either location, or calling (707) 874-9770. Kiosk at Andy's Market (1691 Gravenstein Hwy North, Sebastopol) & 3905 Main Street, Occidental, panizzerameatco.com.
STEMPLE CREEK RANCH: Preorder your Thanksgiving roast for shipping by Nov. 13. Or order one of their Holiday Gift Boxes to delight your senses and add taste to your festivities. Every box includes a new Limited Edition Stemple Creek Camper Mug. Order online for shipping: stemplecreek.com.
TARA FIRMA FARMS: Pasture-raised turkeys are available in several weights, first come, first served. Available for pickup or home delivery November 15. Order online. 3796 I Street Ext., Petaluma, tarafirmafarms.com.
VICTORIAN FARMSTEAD MEAT CO.: Heritage and organic broad-breasted turkeys are limited so order asap. Also find prime rib, lamb, brisket, and lots of other pastured meats. Reserve online for pickup at the shop or delivery. (No longer at farmers' markets.) Inside Community Market, 6762 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, vicfarmmeats.com.
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Holiday Desserts & Baked Goods |
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MOM'S APPLE PIE: Choose from fresh-baked holiday pumpkin, pecan, triple berry, wild blueberry, rhubarb, apple, and more pies. No reservation needed. Drop by the shop. Open daily, 10am–6pm, including Thanksgiving Day. 4550 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, momsapplepieusa.com.
NIGHTINGALE BREADS: For Thanksgiving, choose from pumpkin cheesecake, cranberry pistachio tea cake, potato rosemary rolls, focaccia, baguettes, chocolate thimble cakes, and more. Preorder online by 3pm on Nov. 19 for pickup on Nov. 22. Challah is also available every Friday, so get yours for Hanukkah. And check their website for Christmas preorders to come. 6665 Front Street, Forestville, nightingalebreads.com.
PATISSERIE ANGELICA: The autumn holiday menu is now available online and includes pumpkin cake, autumn tree cake, pumpkin and pecan pies, mini holiday BOS cakes, and lots more. Order your selections at the cafe or by calling (707) 827-7998. Also see below for Holiday Open House. 6821 Laguna Pkwy, Sebastopol, patisserieangelica.com.
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Holiday Events & Activities |
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HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT PATISSERIE ANGELICA
November 11 & 12, 10am–2pm
Sip, savor, and view all the special desserts, cakes, confections and gifts Patisserie Angelica is offering this season. All preorders for your holiday pies or custom cakes placed before or at the Open House will receive 10% off. RSVP at the cafe or by calling (707) 827-7998. 6821 Laguna Pkwy, Sebastopol, patisserieangelica.com.
HOLIDAY FARM STORE AT MONTE-BELLARIA DI CALIFORNIA
Weekends, November 11 to December 17, 10am–4pm
The farm store will be decorated, and special gifts will be available. No pre-paid tickets are required. Optional VIP Farm Tours are available, weather permitting, for $5. 3518 Bloomfield Road, Sebastopol, monte-bellaria.com.
HOLIDAY CRAFT MARKET AT HEALDSBURG FARMERS' MARKET
Saturdays through December 23, 8:30 am–12pm
Shop for unique gifts from the curated list of artists and craftspeople. Of course the market will also be overflowing with great produce for your holiday feasts. For a list of vendors, click here. West Plaza parking lot, Healdsburg, healdsburgfarmersmarket.org.
HOLIDAY CLASSES AT WIND & RYE
November 17, 5–9 pm — Herbal Gift Making Class: Certified herbalist and medicine maker Colleen Bingham Solis will share her wealth of knowledge about plants and herbs with beneficial healing qualities. Meal and drinks included. Register online.
December 9, 9am–1pm — Baking for the Holidays Class: Pastry Chef Nicole Plue will teach students to create beautiful cookies, tarts, and desserts. Drinks, snacks, and lunch included. Register online. 4615 Acacia Way, Penngrove, windandrye.com.
OPENING DAY AT GARLOCK TREE FARM
November 24, 9 am–5 pm
Choose and cut your own tree. Visit with Santa. Petting zoo, tractor-pulled hayride, and picnic area. Gift shop with fresh wreaths, ornaments, nutcrackers. Snack bar with popcorn, breakfast burritos, hot dogs, fruit, smoothies, drinks, cookies & sweets. Open Sat. & Sun. 9am–5pm; Tues.–Fri. 12pm–5pm. Closed Mon. Check website or call for updates as season progresses. 2275 Bloomfield Road, Sebastopol, garlocktreefarm.com.
McEVOY RANCH HOLIDAY EVENTS
November 24 to December 31, 11am–5pm — Christmas Market: Enjoy curated holiday gifts, many of which come in custom gift boxes. Hot chocolate, holiday cocktails, and cookies available. No reservation required. Closed Christmas Day and limited hours Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve.
December 1 to 3, hours vary — Wreath Making Workshops: Learn how to create your own holiday wreath with seasonal elements from the Ranch, like rosemary, bay, and lavender! This event sells out so sign up early. Includes a glass of wine and boxed lunch. Reservation required. 5931 Red Hill Road, Petaluma, mcevoyranch.com.
OPENING DAY AT SANTA'S TREES
December 1, 9am–dusk
Christmas tree farm located in the Freestone area in operation since 1957. Choose and cut your own tree from White, Nobel, Douglas, and Fraser firs. Free cider, cookies, and boughs. Open Dec. 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10. 9am to dusk. Can accommodate other times; call (707) 303-6084 for appointment. 11389 Barnett Valley Rd., Sebastopol, santastrees.biz.
SANTA PAWS AT WESTERN FARM CENTER
December 2, 10am–4pm & December 3, 10am–3pm
Santa Paws is coming to town! Specifically to Western Farm Center. Have your pet's picture taken with Santa Paws, and help raise funds for Canine Companions at the same time! 21 W. 7th St. Santa Rosa, westernfarmcenter.com.
SANTA WEEKEND AT LARSON FAMILY WINERY
December 2 & 3, 11am–4pm
Santa will be on hand to take photos with winery guests. Book a tasting before or after your visit to make a merry day of it! Sip wines, plan your holiday meal wine pairings, taste sweet treat samples, and make a dent in your holiday shopping. Reservations online or call (707) 938-3031 ext 20. 23355 Millerick Road, Sonoma, larsonfamilywinery.com.
HOLIDAY WREATH MAKING WORKSHOPS AT FORNI FARM
December 2 & 3, three sessions
Forni Farm & Nursery's popular wreath making event returns! Using locally foraged materials, build your own holiday wreath. We will show you how! Snacks and local herbal teas are provided. Reserve online. 4000 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, fornifarm.com.
SOAP CAULDRON AT PENNGROVE WINTER FEST
December 9, 9am–sundown
Penngrove welcomes jolly St. Nick and the mischievous Krampus for a sip & shop experience at local shops, pubs, and eateries, including Soap Cauldron, makers of natural body care products. Perfect for finding the ideal gift or treating yourself. Visit website for more info. Soap Cauldron is located at 11830 Main St., Penngrove, soapcauldron.com.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
With its iconic red barn, picturesque fields of flowers and vegetables, and stunning setting against the Mayacamas Mountains, Oak Hill Farm looks like the quintessential Sonoma Valley farm. But its roots go deeper than its agricultural splendor, as the 700-acre ranch on the eastern side of the Valley of the Moon is a landmark in the open space preservation movement. In the latest Member Spotlight, we chat with Arden Bucklin-Sporer to learn more.
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VOTE FOR THE GRAVENSTEIN APPLE FAIR AS BEST FESTIVAL!
We would appreciate your vote for the Gravenstein Apple Fair as Best Festival in Sonoma County in the Bohemian's Best of the North Bay Awards! The Fair is our annual major fundraiser, and proceeds support our work on behalf of 200-plus member farms, ranches, and producers. The Fair won in 2020 and 2023, and a third time would be a charm! Online voting is open until Dec. 4. Thank you!
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OUR MISSION
Sonoma County Farm Trails is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization found in 1973 to connect the public to Sonoma County farmers and producers to ensure the economic viability of local ag and to instill an appreciation of ag as a vital part of our community. Farm Trails Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide training and services for the agricultural community and to educate the public about the importance of supporting local food systems.
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FARM TRAILS STAFF
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Carmen Snyder, Executive Director & Gravenstein Apple Fair Producer
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Ellen Cavalli, Membership & Marketing Manager
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Pam Davis, Gravenstein Apple Fair Operations Manager
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Sophie Haag, Gravenstein Apple Fair Event Coordinator
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Lisa Rose, Photographer
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Christine Margetts, Bookkeeper
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Vince Trotter, President
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Lauren Bowne, Secretary
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Alexandra Fox, Treasurer
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Karen Bianchi-Moreda, Director
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Andrea Krout, Director
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Alan Siegle, Director
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We are grateful for the support of our generous sponsors. |
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