Over a week ago, I had the pleasure of spending a little more than 4 days with my friend, Kate, out in her hometown of Petaluma, CA. I had been through the wine country before, in Sonoma County even, but got an extra special treat of hometown tours from Kate herself. And boy was it fun! One of the best get-aways I’ve ever encountered.
Kate and her lovely family of 4 live in this beautiful stucco home with a vineyard in the backyard and rolling amber hills in view out the front door. Truly lovely! Kate’s hubby, Matt, was such a nice guy and I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with him and the 2 adorable kids. Wonderful folks and they welcomed me in like family.
I remarked to Kate as soon as I got in and walked out to the backyard patio that her house totally reminded me of being in Italy. Really it did! They have the cutest guesthouse and that’s where I stayed, through those French doors.
There’s the new cabana that Kate just added this summer, ready for grilling and chilling. And we did! You can see her kitchen window faces the beautiful view of their backyard.
The first evening I was there, Kate brought out this hand made wooden cutting board (that she made!!) and served up crusty bread, fruit, cheese and wine. Oh, could I get spoiled with this treatment! She amazes me with all she gets done and I told her that. She’s a busy mom of 2, but manages to cram in projects and tutorials so many days on her blog.
They have a vineyard in the backyard, people! Can you believe that? They had just been wrapped with netting to keep the birds out since the grapes are getting ripe at the moment.
Kate and her hubby are amateur wine makers and this is the gorgeous crop of grapes currently hanging on the vine. How fun is that?
Cute Kate in her kitchen. She made me feel right at home and we simply had the best time. You can bet I’ll be going back out there next year. This was the perfect time of year for a visit to the wine country.
Kate’s beautiful mantel that is ever-a-changing.
Her office, where we both perched together, blogging side by side. What fun it is to catch up and hang out with another blogger. Bloggers “get” each other!
Kate’s kid room and the famous mongo map, which I love.
She has the most amazing kitchen, perfect size for a party around the island.
Another lovely mantel.
I made myself at home in the guesthouse and blogged away.
Our first day out took us to her hometown of Petaluma, really an all-American little town with a quaint downtown of shops and restaurants. We hit a few antique stores.
And acted silly. Lots of laughing.
We had fun!
Kate is quite the drama queen. 🙂
This cute shop had some great eye candy.
Kate taking a break with a striped pillow.
Beautiful marble lamps..
A pretty painted cabinet.
And a shabby chic dresser.
Loved this settee.
We browsed, walked around and had lunch in downtown Petaluma. I’ll treasure my time out there forever. I’ll be back with lots more to share of the antiques faire, Sonoma wine country, and beautiful San Francisco.
I visited at the most perfect time of the year and the trees were just beginning to turn colors. With a vivid blue sky and the deep azure of the water, the San Francisco area is a sight to behold.
Today is Kate’s Fall Craft party and I hate to admit that I don’t have anything to share, but it’s true. I don’t! But, please go on over to Centsational Girl and check out all the Fall craft links. You will be inspired, I am sure!
Great post Rhoda! What a beautiful home she has! Looks like you guys had a great time, thanks for sharing 🙂
How wonderful, Rhoda! It looks like you both had a blast!
I just loved this post! I always enjoy seeing someone visit with another and showing what they did etc. It’s like being there with ya’ll. Kate’s home is very pretty! I can’t believe she has her own guest house! It looked like you had a beautiful room to stay in. What a treat! I don’t have any crafts to share either but I’ll go check out her party anyway.
My husband and I went on our first real vacation to Sonoma County and we stopped in Petaluma. I don’t think a week goes by that we don’t comment about how awesome that vacation was, and how much we want to go back!
That settee! Couldn’t you lose hours and hours in it reading?
What a fabulous post and a fantastic time! Those marble lamps….swoon!! That area is soooo beautiful, I could happily retire there and often fantastize with hubby that that is what we will do. Thanks for sharing, looks like a memorable time!
Lovely place! Thanks for sharing! I have this area on my bucket list!! Blessings!!
What a fabulous adventure, Rhoda! I know you had a wonderful time. It looks as if you had plenty to do and see. What wonderful memories to make! Wine country is a destination I am anxiously looking forward to visiting in the coming year.
Have a wonderful week!
Jennifer
My husband and I were in Petaluma last spring. It’s a lovely town with the beautiful victorian homes. Did you by chance stop in Della Fattoria downtown for a delicious pastry? You have so much fun, Rhoda!!
Beautiful home!!!!! We spent a week in Petaluma in 2009 while on our tour of northern CA in our RV. Unfortunately we were sick and stuck at the Petaluma KOA campground so we didn’t get to explore the town.
What a gorgeous home Kate has – but I’d expect nothing less from someone so talented! Petaluma is darling, isn’t it? I’m so glad you got to spend some time in CA! But if you do come out next year, I’m gonna come down and grab both of you gals and take you up past Sonoma to El Dorado County. Yes, we have lovely wineries too but we’re really well known for our Apple Hill. (Yes, I realize there should be a post about this;)).
Fabulous home and gardens. I’m sure you enjoyed your visit very much. The Man and I stayed at the beautiful KOA in Petaluma for about 10 days in August while visiting the Bay area. Such a lovely place, all around.
http://alittleofthisandthat2.blogspot.com/2011/08/postcards-from-road-remembering-san.html
What fun it looks like you girls had. I love the wine country and for sure you were there the best time of the year.
You were practically in my backyard! lol It’s so neat for me being newly transplanted to the Sonoma area that I can read over this post and see suggestions of places I’d like to visit. We’re still exploring and learning our new area so I get extremely excited to see things so close to home to try and find.
I’m so glad you had a great time, I can’t imagine spending time with Kate would be anything but a blast.
Oh hello friend, what a great recap of our good times, miss you !!!!
xo
Kate
Sounds like you had a fabulous time. Not just the shopping, but your hostess, her family and their home, just a lovely trip for you and them. You deserve it. Blessings, Paula