Page 109 – Bohemian | Sonoma & Napa Counties

Best Place to Begin a Zero Waste Lifestyle

Kary Hess

Mar 19, 2024

Best Place to Begin a Zero Waste Lifestyle

Refill Mercantile, Petaluma

In today’s fast-paced world, where convenience often takes precedence over environmental concerns, more people are reevaluating their consumption habits and choosing a more sustainable lifestyle instead. One business facilitating this change is the Refill Mercantile, located in The Great Petaluma Mill. There, customers can find low- or zero-waste alternatives to products with single-use packaging, and begin to make progress towards their sustainability goals.

At the heart of the Refill Mercantile’s mission is the belief that small, everyday actions can make a significant difference in preserving our planet for future generations. Central to the concept of the store is the idea of “refilling.” Rather than relying on disposable packaging, customers are encouraged to bring in their own bottles and containers to refill with a curated selection of high-quality, low- or zero-waste products, including kitchen, homegoods, and bath and body products.

This not only minimizes what goes into the landfill, but promotes a sense of connection with the things we use daily, creating a deeper appreciation for the resources that sustain us. It’s also one-stop-shopping for all of one’s home needs, including laundry soap, dish soap, hair and skin care, dish towels, alternatives to foil, plastic wrap, sandwich bags and more.

Laundry and dish soap are two of the store’s top-selling products, and are a great place to begin a new zero-waste lifestyle. Refill Mercantile empowers customers to make conscious choices when it comes to the home. From the easy refilling process, to the wide selection of products, the mercantile is designed to make sustainable living appealing and accessible to all. It’s one good way to make a difference without sacrificing quality or even convenience.

As we navigate an increasingly uncertain future, these kinds of small steps can really add up. Just by reducing waste in our own household, we reduce the impact on the planet and are modeling behavior we want to see more of, playing a part in building a more sustainable and resilient world for generations to come.

Best Cutty Spot to Play Hooky & Smoke a Blunt Like in High School

Simone Wilson

Mar 19, 2024

Best Cutty Spot to Play Hooky & Smoke a Blunt Like in High School

Poppy Hill, Healdsburg

First things first: No one heard this from me. But if one is looking for a cutty spot to park a car and do the kinds of things they don’t wanna do in public—but are also tired of doing at home—a little birdie told me about a sweet and storied perch called Poppy Hill at the north end of Healdsburg. For local high schoolers, at least in the old days, this was the ultimate destination for engaging in unmentionables. (And when it comes to unmentionables, always trust a high schooler.)

To get to Poppy Hill, just follow Sunnyvale Drive all the way east, until there’s a sketchy gate. There one will find a gravel pullout overlooking the City of Healdsburg. (Overlooking the high school in particular, come to think of it.) You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see a swarm of “No Parking” signs with graffiti all over them—plus one “No Fireworks” sign, for good measure. Which brings us to an important disclaimer: What I’m talking about is probably not allowed.

Poppy Hill is right next door to a quiet neighborhood. I’m willing to bet that certain residents would not hesitate to call the cops on you. So check it out at your own risk. And now that you hold the sworn secret of the children of Healdsburg, you also hold a great responsibility: Treat it with respect. This has been the go-to makeout point for generations of young lovers—an altered-state adventure zone for countless emboldened youth. Let’s not go and ruin it for their children and their children to come. — Simone Wilson

Best Way to Get Stoned and Stare at a Wall

Michael Giotis

Mar 19, 2024

Best Way to Get Stoned and Stare at a Wall

High Art competition, OrganiCann, Santa Rosa

Art and weed go together like a horse and carriage. Santa Rosa dispensary OrganiCann and its parent company, Natural Cannabis Company, have taken this synergy to the next level. Not only is the space chock full of amazing art that could have been lifted from the pages of Juxtapoz, but the company also runs an international art competition that is uplifting to customers and staff and potentially life-changing for artists.

Thousands of artists from as many as 150 countries enter their work every year. The top prize is $15,000 plus $10,000 to the charity of the artist’s choice. Second place gets $5,000, third place gets $2,500, fourth and fifth places get $1,000, and sixth through 20th place receive $500 each. That’s some serious green.

“We’ve watched artists’ careers develop with the help of some of the prize money, and it’s really humbling,” said Noa Commendador, who oversees the High Art program for Natural Cannabis Company. “It’s an honor. We’ve got people who actually quit their jobs and became full-time artists because we chose their artwork and they were like, ‘I never knew anybody appreciated what I did, and now that you have given me this platform, that’s what I do.’”

The High Art competition is in its 11th year. That is plenty of time to build up a considerable pile of art. Coming into the dispensary, soon-to-be-stoners are flooded with trippy visuals on every surface. In addition to the winning art and visceral printed compendiums of the top 150 art pieces of every year, the dispensary is decorated with dozens of massive pieces by Petaluma-based art legend Michael Garlington.

“I’m so very honored to have worked with OrganiCann,” said Garlington. “They are true supporters of the arts.”

Many of the artworks end up on the house-brand packaging, making for a beautiful reminder that life, art and weed go so well together. — Michael Giotis

Best Way to Be the Apple of Someone’s Eye

Ada Ionesco

Mar 19, 2024

Best Way to Be the Apple of Someone’s Eye

Ethic Cider, Sebastopol

In the heart of Sonoma County, where apples are more than just fruit—they’re a way of life—sits Ethic Cider, a cidery with roots as deep as the apple trees it cherishes. This isn’t just any orchard; it’s a slice of history, a piece of land that’s been cradling apples for over 50 years. And now, under the watchful eyes of Ned and Michelle Lawson, it’s blossoming into something truly special.

The Lawsons, a dynamic duo from the East Coast, found their calling in the rolling hills of California, swapping city life and tech jobs for the rustic charm of apple orchards. They didn’t just buy land; they bought into a dream, a vision of connecting with nature and crafting something meaningful. And so, Ethic Cider was born—not from a grand plan, but from a simple question: “What do we do with all these apples?”

As it turns out, the answer was to make cider, not just any cider. This was to be a drink steeped in ethics, community and the pure joy of nature.

Ethic Cider is more than a cidery—it’s a testament to the Lawsons’ love for the land, their commitment to sustainable agriculture and their desire to share the beauty of nature with others. With the help of Dwight Harrington, their cider maker extraordinaire, they’ve turned Ethic Cider into a beacon of delicious, ethically-produced beverages that capture the essence of Sonoma County’s apple heritage.

But let’s not forget that at the heart of Ethic Cider are the values of family, community and a deep-seated belief in doing right by the land. It’s a place where children can roam, adults can ponder and everyone can enjoy a sip of cider that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor.

So, if one finds themselves in Sebastopol, they can swing by Ethic Cider at 8490 Occidental Rd. They’re open Friday to Sunday, from noon until 5pm, ready to welcome visitors with open arms and a glass of cider that’s truly like no other.

Appointments are encouraged for a more tailored experience, especially for special occasions. In the world of Ethic Cider, every sip tells a story of love, land and apples. Visit ethicciders.com or call 707.329.6659 for more info. Cheers to cider, community and the endless adventures of the Lawson family!

Best Way to Go Rhone

Ada Ionesco

Mar 19, 2024

All Over Sonoma County

Forget the usual suspects of chardonnay and pinot noir—Sonoma County’s wine scene is having a Rhone rendez-vous. With over 60 grape varieties flourishing in this fertile land, the Rhone varietals are stealing the spotlight, offering wine enthusiasts a taste of France’s Rhone Valley right here in SoCo.

Syrah, Sonoma’s fifth most-planted red varietal, leads the charge, alongside Rhone stars like grenache, mourvedre and viognier. These wines? A foodie’s dream. Think grenache blends bursting with berry flavors and syrah concoctions rich in meaty notes and peppery tannins.

Start here:

Carol Shelton Wines: Try the Wild Thing Viognier or the Coquille Rouge blend. Visit them at 3354-B Coffey La., Santa Rosa. carolshelton.com.

Donelan Family Wines: For a taste of cool climate syrahs and exquisite blends, head to 3352 Coffey Ln., Ste. D, Santa Rosa. donelanwines.com.

Frick Winery: This gem in Dry Creek Valley offers a back-to-basics approach with wines like cinsault and viognier. Find them at 23072 Walling Rd., Geyserville. frickwinestore.com.

Jeff Cohn Cellars: Explore single vineyard Rhone varietals in Healdsburg at 34 North St. jeffcohncellars.com.

Passaggio Wines: Discover unique Italian and Rhone varieties in Glen Ellen at 14301 Arnold Dr. passaggiowines.com.

Sixteen 600 Winery: Visit 589 First St. West, Sonoma for organically farmed Rhone wines. More at winerysixteen600.com.

Two Shepherds Wine: Enjoy naturally made wines from 7763 Bell Rd., Windsor. twoshepherds.com.

Region Wine Bar: A hub for Sonoma’s micro-wineries, offering a rotating selection of Rhone varietals at 180 Morris St., Suite 170, Sebastopol. drinkregion.com.

Sonoma County is your go-to destination for Rhone varietals, where the passion for these grapes translates into some of the most balanced, delicious wines around. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or a curious newbie, these spots promise a Rhone-style revelry that’s easy on the palate.

Best Place to Enter One’s Own Heart of Darkness

Daedalus Howell

Mar 19, 2024

Best Place to Enter One’s Own Heart of Darkness

Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Geyserville

Sure, you may love the smell of Napa in the morning, but I’ll do you one better: Sipping a glass of the Director’s Cut Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir at Francis Ford Coppola Winery while perusing props and ephemera from Apocalypse Now!—boom.

Filmmakers Francis Ford Coppola and Eleanor Coppola have blended Hollywood and vines since the mid-’70s. With high-end moves in Napa and populist pursuits in Sonoma, the Coppolas built a wine empire, part of which they sold in 2021 to Delicato Family Wines.

The fam said ciao to the brand name “Francis Ford Coppola Winery” but kept the classic Inglenook brand in Napa Valley, which they restored over decades, and another wine interest in Oregon. However, the movie memorabilia and award-winning wine portfolio remain intact and on display at the Geyserville location.

Among the cinematic relics are the prop cameras slung around Dennis Hopper’s neck as the “Photojournalist” (as seen above). Naturally, as a journo, wino and filmmaker, this gets me kinda heady. Or maybe it’s just the wine (jury’s out). If you know the film—now celebrating its 45th anniversary this year—you also know Eleanor’s 1991 documentary, Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse, the doc that captured the madness of its making. I recommend a double feature—two bottles of the Director’s Cut—and maybe watch the films too.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery is located at 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville. francisfordcoppolawinery.com.

Best Place to Forest Bathe for the Ultimate Inner Glow

Simone Wilson

Mar 19, 2024

Best Place to Forest Bathe for the Ultimate Inner Glow

Riverfront Park, Windsor

Yo! We live in Northern California. Skip the fancy spa treatments and go chill in a redwood forest. Or as they call it in Japan, go do some shinrin-yoku, aka “forest bathing.”

Here in the wine country, we’ve got the Armstrong Redwoods in Guerneville—plus some lesser-known groves like the one at Riverfront Regional Park just west of Windsor, with easy access and plenty of room for all the forest bathers to find some personal space and beauty silence. There are some pretty massive and majestic old grandmother redwoods in there, plus a time-thickened carpet of red-brown tree needles that effortlessly mute and soften the world.

By stepping inside, one can have a brush with eternal peace and beauty. Riverfront is technically free, but a parking pass costs $7. And while there, FYI—though the river rats are gonna kill me for giving this up—if one walks 10 or 15 minutes past the redwood grove, there’s also this dope little Russian River access spot where one can sit on a bench overlooking the water or climb down onto a magical river island.

The island has soft grasses to lay in, rocks to bask and climb on, dipping spots for getting wet and butterflies who love to land on toes. How’s that for health and wellness? — Simone Wilson

Best Place for a (Literal) Vision Quest

Kary Hess

Mar 19, 2024

Über Optics, Petaluma

The brainchild of fashionista-turned-optician Nancy Revis, Über Optics, isn’t just a store—it’s a vision (pun intended) brought to life, where retro-chic meets eye care in a kaleidoscope of frames that could make even a mole see the light of day.

Revis, a self-proclaimed maximalist with a penchant for the quirky, has turned her shop into a veritable wonderland of eyewear. From Ray-Ban to Vinylize, it’s like the Oscars red carpet for your face.

Celebrating a decade of defying the bland and the boring, Über Optics is where you go when you want your glasses to scream “I’m fabulous” without uttering a word. Revis’ secret sauce? A dollop of marketing savvy, a sprinkle of design genius, and a lot of love for making people look and see their best.

So, if you’re in the market for some eye candy (literally), strut down to Über Optics. Just be warned: You might walk out looking so hot that you’ll be turning heads faster than a spinning top. And Revis’ advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? Embrace your inner crazy. After all, it’s the craziest idea that we often see the clearest.

Best Place to Align One’s Chakras & Sell One’s Soul to Satan

Isabella Cook

Mar 19, 2024

Best Place to Align One’s Chakras & Sell One’s Soul to Satan

Yoga Hell, Petaluma

Sonoma County’s own Yoga Hell offers a slice of paradise not lost on Petaluma’s most limber sinners, such as myself.

I always said that it would take a minor miracle to get me to stay consistent with an exercise routine. Alas, my prayers for divine fitness intervention fell on deaf ears and, after months and months of supplications to the gods of carbs and cardio, I still felt flabby sitting at home in my too-tight sweatpants.

“Why won’t these lazy deities get up and help me out?” I thought.

But then I realized that making a deal with the devil is just as valid a workout option as thoughts and prayers, even if running from my inner demons all these years and performing professionally diagnosed “Olympic-level mental gymnastics” never really yielded me anything except expensive therapy bills.

Long story short, I sold my soul to the demons occupying the gaping void beneath Yoga Hell, and don’t regret it. Nope. Not one bit.

It’s one of those damned if you do and damned if you don’t sort of deals.

As one can see, there’s a fine line between health, wellness and hell itself. We can’t all be perfect little angels when it comes to crushing those fitness goals…and Yoga Hell is a rare utopia that welcomes heathens like me who just want to strike that perfect balance between being healthy and abject debauchery.

Yoga Hell, well, it’s like a fitness fever dream—all heat and lights and sweat in a never ending celebration of exercise. Now I’m either enlightened or depraved, but either way my chakras are permanently stuck on “rave.”

Yoga Hell is located at 1484 Petaluma Blvd N. To learn more or book that first descent into the inferno’s cruel and sweaty embrace, call 707.775.2400. Or just drop on in—God knows that’s how Lucifer did it!

Best Place to Make an Art Investment of the ‘I Knew Them Before They Were Famous’ Variety

Ada Ionesco

Mar 19, 2024

Best Place to Make an Art Investment of the ‘I Knew Them Before They Were Famous’ Variety

University Art Gallery, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park

Let’s be frank: We’ve all wondered if that garage sale splatter fest we purchased for $5 is actually a Jackson Pollock or if the anti-consumerist slogan silkscreened in bold letters across that halftone photo on your wall isn’t perhaps Barbara Kruger. Pro tip: You can ditch all the guesswork about provenance and head straight to the source—a cultural jackpot sequestered on the Sonoma State University campus—The University Art Gallery.

Since its grand opening in 1978, this almost 2,500-square-foot creative wonderland has been more than just a feast for the eyes; it’s a veritable incubator for the next Basquiats and Warhols of the world.

With over 40 years under its belt, the gallery has seen everything from avant-garde installations that make you go, “What the…?” to more traditional pieces that whisper sweet nothings about the beauty of life. It’s not just a gallery—it’s a time machine showcasing the evolution of contemporary art, all while giving art students and faculty a platform to shine.

And let’s talk about the annual Art from the Heart auction. It’s not just an event; it’s a treasure hunt. With artworks donated by emerging talents and national darlings, it’s your chance to snag a masterpiece before the artist hits the big time. Imagine telling your friends, “I bought it back when they were still a student,” as you casually adjust your monocle.

Hats off to interim gallery director and exhibitions and collections manager Claudia Molloy and her team for providing an excellent experience for artists and art lovers alike. And, of course, it’s not all about potentially striking it rich as an early collector. The gallery serves as a hands-on classroom for students across majors, teaching them the ropes of museum and gallery management. It’s where theory meets practice, and dreams meet reality. And maybe, just maybe, you can say, you “knew them when.”

University Art Gallery, School of Arts & Humanities, Sonoma State University, 1801 E Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. artgallery.sonoma.edu.