Springs Deals

Yes, Virginia, there is such a thing as a free lunch. Or a free breakfast or dinner, even, if you’re a member of The Big 3’s Good Neighbor Program at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. It doesn’t cost anything to join; you just have to be a local resident. As a member, you get 10 percent off any meal (for groups of up to six), a free dessert of your choice on your birthday and, after 10 meals, your 11th meal is free. Pretty good, huh?
Started about 15 years ago, the program now has almost 2,000 members, according to Big 3 manager Linda Butterfield. Longtime hostess Patsy Malenfant says that two or three new people sign up every day. She keeps track of all the members in a giant logbook – kind of like Santa’s, I’ll bet. It must be a daunting task to keep up with all those names, addresses, birthdays and favorite menu items. (At least she doesn’t have to watch out for who’s naughty or nice.)
And speaking of Santa, the big guy himself will be stopping by for the annual Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 21 and 22 from 7 a.m. to noon. Rumor has it that Santa’s favorite helper, David “Lumpy” Williams, will be there, too. Reservations are strongly recommended. And while you’re there, don’t forget to ask for your Good Neighbor card. The Big 3 at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, 96 Boyes Blvd. at Highway 12; 707.939.2410.
Dear Santa — Gimme more shoes! Check out the newly added shoe room at Worn Designer Consignment on Lichtenberg Avenue at Highway 12. It’d make Imelda Marcos envious: shelves and shelves of Manolos, Jimmy Choos, Pradas, Chanels and the like, all gently worn but still fabulous, and all at incredible prices. I picked up a pair of practically pristine Donna Karan pumps for $24.
To entice you towards further treasure hunting, Worn’s owner, Kirsten Hampton, got together with five of her fellow consignment store owners to create a clever little map of “Sonoma’s Consignment Corridor.” It starts with No Place Like Home at the north end (in the old Valley of the Moon Saloon building) and runs south to Sisters Couture just west of the Plaza. It’s great inspiration for shopping “green” this holiday; instead of buying new, buy recycled and save some green while doing your bit to save the planet. (Donna Hays spotlighted two of these fun stores in her series, “Shop the Springs!” which ran in the Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 issues of the Sun and is on the Web site at www.sonomasun.com.) You can pick up copies of the new map at any of the consignment stores or at the Chamber of Commerce or Visitors Bureau. Worn Designer Consignment, 17620 Hwy. 12; 707.996.9676.
Do the math…The folks at the Agua Caliente Aquatic Center — that’s (AC)² to those in the know – are clearly in the holiday spirit. They’re offering 50 percent off the regular initiation fee if you bring in 10 non-perishable food items to donate to F.I.S.H. That’s a terrific savings of up to $125 for an individual or $250 for a family membership. It adds up to a great deal for you, and a wonderful way to help a worthy local organization. Plus, a good soak in the heated mineral water of the hot tub will help subtract a little holiday stress. Sounds like a perfect equation to me. Agua Caliente Aquatic Center, 17350 Vailetti Dr., 707.939. 8833.