Welcome to Petaluma!

Even though I can’t be there when you arrive, this is my best I can do. If I were there, I would walk you around to all these places. So, a virtual guided tour.

To start, I am sure you are famished. When you are ready, head over to Stockhome (12p to 3p / 4p to 8p). I try to eat here every week. I just love it.

Now that you have filled up on Swedish street food (and maybe even the world famous Andy’s Fried Chicken Sandwich), you will need to walk it off. Below is a map and list of key points of interest. You don’t need to see them all, but collect as many experiences as you can. And take pictures to share at dinner!

Coffee!

  • Petaluma Coffee & Tea - a common hang out / meeting place for me. Great place, woman owned, and (trivia): it is across the street from my old art studio. The unadorned door and white windows is where I lived/worked when I first met Yvonne.

  • Avid Coffee - Sheik, hip, simple. Great place for a meet-cute or a few hours of journal writing and pondering.

  • Stellina Pronto - Fancy. Delicious sweet and savory breads, kind staff, longer waits.

Art!

  • Magnificent - So beautiful. Two local women (Magdalena Gross and Amanda Lynn) created this in 2022 and it has brightened an otherwise empty space. It will be covered up by a new hotel eventually (proposed name: Petaluma Hotel), but until then, it is one of my favorite things to look at.

  • Cherry Soda - I like things that are juxtaposed. This piece is made of hard metal, but looks like a soft and delicious dessert.

  • The Plug - Whimsy and Context! It is simple, beautiful and great for pictures.

  • Petaluma Heritage Mural - I do NOT like this mural. There are so many great murals, but this is one that is so easy to find. However, reading it left to right, it documents the ‘progress’ from a Miwok settlement and trading post, to a cement covered town full of Teslas and privileged folks.

  • Wrist Wrestling Monument - Petaluma is a place where if you can dream it, it can become reality. In 1953, a local reporter started the Wrist Wrestling Championship. It continued as an annual event for decades. He also started the Ugliest Dog Contest, a global event that continues to today. Scooter won in 2023.

  • A Fine Balance - a little far (three long blocks from other points on this list), but absolutely worth it. This is a new piece from artist Brian Goggin. He’s a master at fantasy and reality mixed in sculpture.

Magic!

  • Penry Park - Right across from Hotel Petaluma. A great spot to see much of the town.

  • Keller Street CoWork - My second (and sometimes first) home.

  • Liberty Park - Just in front of the town Mission. Missions like this exists up and down the state.

  • Goblin Bros. - Games! Games! Games!

  • Copperfield’s Books - Be sure to check out the used book section in the basement.

  • Lunchette - Naomi is a fierce leader and incredible friend of the community. And the food her family makes is always the right choice.

  • Petaluma Pie - Both Savory and Sweet!

  • HeeBe JeeBe’s - Socks! Stickers! Plush toys! Political commentary! And home to Champion - the horse on my right forearm.

  • Paradise Found - To be honest, I’ve never been. It’s new and once I go in, I will buy all the things.

  • Rex Hardware - Just go for the Polar Bear in the front window.

  • Petaluma Historical Library and Museum - An original Carnegie Library, but now a bit dated. However, home of the original egg incubator which gave birth to the success of Petaluma. Chickens!