{sonoma | mother + daughter weekend}

When most people think of Sonoma County, they think of wine. I used to, too. But there are things to do in this part of Northern California beyond the vineyards, and Bay and I spent 36 hours here and discovered a lot of them.

An hour and 5 minute driver from our house to Sonoma Square. Basically Napa’s little sister. Wayyy more laid-back and local. After our Paris trip, I’ve realized, I’m obsessed with the Parisian style. Who knew Sonoma gave all those vibes I was missing.

Shop out outfits here: {sonoma | mother + daughter weekend} outfit details

Before I get started on ALL THE THINGS we LOVED over our 36 hour stay. Let me share an easy “printable” Top 3’s Sonoma

{Top 3's Sonoma}

Print it, Pin it, Save in your photos. It’s the perfect little reference for the next time you find yourself in the beautiful Sonoma Valley.

Here’s all the thing we loved about Sonoma.

First, you pull into town and are welcomed with this sweet sign. So much wine.

We checked into the ever so charming The Historic Sonoma Hotel. When we are doing a “quickie” travel, I always look for something that is within walking distance of places I want to see and place I want to eat + drink. This spot is perfection. Located right in the heart of Sonoma Plaza. With over 15 dining options, countless tasting rooms and all the shopping your heart desires – all within walking, so you can savor the experience without a care in the world.

We made a quick pit stop at Mary’s Pizza Shack (also in the square) for a slice + chardonnay. Nothing better than doing some exploring + shopping with a little buzz. In my opinion, anyway 🙂

Last time I was at this restaurant was my bestie Sarah P’s bachelorette party. About 20ish years ago. I honestly don’t remember much, but I do remember peeing in a fountain someplace…YIKES!

The main event – Chateau Sonoma was hosting Soiree d’Amour Valentine’s Day event with local artisans and champagne. Again, after our trip to Paris, I have been craving anything and everything with French flair. And OH EM GEEE, did it deliver!! We walked through the store ohhhing and awwing. Even Bay.

I mean, look at the grand entrance.

We were welcomed with Champagne. Which I’ve told myself that I don’t really care for. But, I changed my tune after these delicious bubbles. So much that I am the proud new member of the French Bubble Club. haha!! I’m telling you, this French obsession is getting ridiculous.

Then you get to the back of the store and realize it’s full of outdoor French finds. I legit DIED. The other obsession, anything cast iron, concrete, vintage for the backyard.

After over an hour later, we made our way out of the store with our bags full of goodies.

And this STUNNING arrangement by the talented, Juan Mendoza of lejardinierfloral which was hands down the best purchase of the day. We chatted with him as he nonchalantly threw together my arrangement of tulip magnolia branches straight from the Chateau Sonoma Farm.

Be bebopped in and out each and every shop on the Square.

Trove, a vintage boutique had the coolest photo booth. Took me back to the last time we sat in one of these photo booths in Florence, Italy earlier this year. The shop has vintage levis and I grabbed a Hank Williams Jr. greatest hit record for Cory too. It was $8.

Cutest clothes at Perle Sonoma and also The Loop Sonoma. We tasted and obvi bought the best lemon olive oil at Figone’s Olive Oil Shop

One of our #1 spots on this trip, The Original William Sonoma Store. Opened by Chuck Williams in 1956, transforming his previous hardware store into a specialized, high-end French cookware shop. The location became a culinary landmark, attracting figures like Julia Child. SOOOO frickin cool. Due to popularity, the store was moved to San Francisco in 1958. Chuck actually lived on the second and third floors of the store. If you ever get the chance, and LOVE kitchen goods as much as we do, go here!!!

I had read….jk (saw on Tiktok) that Jacuzzi Family Vineyards was the ONE to visit. So, of course I got thirsty and we made our way 🙂

“I opened Jacuzzi Family Vineyards in 2007 to honor my beloved grandfather Valeriano Jacuzzi. As a teenager and young man, my grandfather taught me how to tease magic from the soil. The stonework and design of the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and The Olive Press building is a tribute to our Jacuzzi family home in Casarsa, Italy.” — Fred Cline

If you add Jacuzzi Family Vineyards to your itinerary, they have TONS of Tasting Options. Also offering Olive Oil tasting.

The Barrell Room is STUNNING.

Sonoma Country Antiques has been on my radar since I read about their Container Opening Events.

Don’t Miss Our Signature Event. Experience the charm of Europe with new shipments of hand-selected antiques, unique furniture, and rare collectibles. With each new shipment, our showrooms are transformed with curated displays of history-rich inspiration & beauty, and our website is updated with all the new arrivals.

They post live updates as the container crossing the Panama Canal on it’s way to the USA! So, so cool. Unfortunately, it fell on a weekend I was unable to attend. ANNDDDD, the fact I gave up shopping for lent. (insert crying emoji) But I WILL be there next time.

Bay surprised me with the Vintage Silver Wine Chiller I decided to pass up. She is just the sweetest. I promised to have bubble on ice every time she arrives home from school. Which is a damn good trade if you ask me 🙂 Luckily, I didn’t give up alcohol this lent…lol.

The damage after a Mother/Daughter day. Now you can see why I might have needed to give up shopping?

We had the BEST girl dinner right across the street from our hotel at The El Dorado Kitchen. Espresso Martini’s, Dirty Martinis with blue cheese olives on the side….droollll. And we split the dozen oyster and the…

EDK ‘CARBONARA’

housemade fettuccine, bacon, poached egg, mushrooms, poblano cream, parmesan

Straight up BOMB.COM! Then we finished off with espresso and vanilla creme brulee. And now we have a mild obsession with creme brulee. I used to make creme brulee often, but Bay does not even slightly remember though. So, I found proof right here on xoxostacyb 🙂

December 7, 2015 {weekend notes} You have to go check it out….straight up classic!!

After dinner movie + bath for Bay. She reminds me of Meredith Marks from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Must take a bath! Little does she remember, she used to bath in a claw foot tub all the time as a baby. Oh and we watched Christy. They can make Sydney Sweeney look like a total wreck and she’s still a baddie.

We found the Catholic Church in town for Sunday mass. I love how different each church looks and feels. Although so much the same. You know what I mean?

Brunch at Valley Bar and Bottle was so simple, yet one we are still chatting about. Just this weekend, we were telling Cory that we need to recreate their Bagel Platter. Just a simple toasted bagel with cream cheese on the side. The “toppings” were the star of the show….all the veggies were pickled: cucumbers, onions, capers and sprouts. Makes my mouth water just typing it out. And a side of bacon for good measure. The restaurant is a Michelin Bib Gourmand honoree. So fun! HIGHLY recommend!

The square is so charming. Just some snaps that I liked. And the cute cafe we grabbed coffee from. The Mission is right there as well. They offer tours too!

On the way home, I convinced Bay to stop at one last spot with me. I had Sonoma Antiques and Vintage on my maps. Little did I know, you enter an Antique goldmine. About 5 Vintage shops all within one giant area. I had died and gone to heaven. I get it, not for everyone, but if you vibe with old stuff, like I do – YOU MUST GO!! And make sure you allow plenty of time. I spent almost two hours walking up and down the walkways of these shops.

Just recapping that weekend gave me all the feels. Nothing better than a chill Mother Daughter weekend exploring a new place. If you decide to go – please tell me all about it. And all the places you try!!

Shop out outfits here: {sonoma | mother + daughter weekend} outfit details