Page 13 - Small Shops of Sonoma County 2016

DISCOVERIES cont’d from page 12
courtyard with light pouring in, and inside the cozy restaurant in two dining areas. I asked customers if they like the food and each person gave it thumbs up. Good sign!
We ordered a turkey sandwich and salad, and I have to say the salad was a wonderful combination of hearty greens with tender beets and sweet oranges. Yes, with goat cheese of course. The dressing was perfect. I want more.
B Street Mercantile
Wild Goat Bistro
Duncans Mills
I feel like this tiny town is my home away from home. Because they run
a full page in our regular Gazette I
go out there every month to take photos of what merchants want in their ads. I eat at Cape Fear because the food is excellent and my friend Alain Serkissian owns it. I purchase jewelry at Pig Alley and Worldly Goods because the two Cathys and Steve have become my friends...people I respect and enjoy.
Brian Trombly with his spices
And here’s the advantage of a store vs. online. I bought a blouse here that I had rejected online, but here I could try it on and it’s perfect!
I know I keep harping on the personal side of shopping locally
at locally owned stores - and yes, most of these stores have websites as well, so look them up. But websites still can’t replace being in the store, meeting the merchant, getting to know what makes this store unique, and how very dedicated these owners are to their stores and products.
The store that captured me wholly is Nan Winters Cool Stuff. (23 4th St). I am amazed. She specializes in wedding and special event garments, but also has plenty of lovely dresses, tops and accessories. Alan found me something new to wear that is silky soft and flattering. Thank you Alan. Her website doesn’t even begin to tell the tale so please go visit this shop in person. I’m certain you will be just as impressed as I am.
One more store and I’m ready to leave Petaluma. Velvet Ice Collection (140 2nd St) across the way from Little Luma (151 Petaluma Blvd S) I wrote about on page 8. This is in the Theater District so it’s just south of downtown but walking distance if you parked centrally.
I’m a HUGE fan of Brian Trombly
of Mr. Trombly’s Tea & Table (25191 Main S). Brian put Duncans Mills on the map when he opened his first tea shop. He loves culinary merchandise and the items in both of his stores reflect what he enjoys.
Duncans Mills. is on two sides of Hwy 116 west of Guerneville on the way to the coast. Or on the way back from the coast if you are heading east.
Nan Winters Cool Stuff
DISCOVERIES cont’d on page 14
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Two restaurants, one with a taven, one coffee shop, one grocery store and many shops for gifts and lovely things.