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As February 14 looms, strong men tremble and resigned women brace themselves for receiving last-minute gifts like boxed chocolates and generic cards. But there are alternatives, especially for those of us fortunate enough to live in Sonoma.
Here are some ideas that take you off the hamster wheel of gift giving and free you up to have fun finding the perfect Valentine’s experience. For both of you
Wine country romance
What could top a relaxing massage together to put you in a romantic frame of mind? MacArthur Place has created a Wine Country Romance spa treatment for two that includes a couples’ massage, body wrap or scrub, lunch and a spa gift.
Don’t just promise her a rose garden – give her one in the form of a rose petal bath, body polish and massage. And for him, choose an Adam energizing body treatment specifically designed for men.
Open Valentine’s Day 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
MacArthur Place Inn & Spa
707.938.2929
www.macarthurplace.com
On a bicycle tour for two
Take a ride along the quiet back roads of Sonoma and end up with a special wine tasting and gourmet lunch. Nothing to pack, plan or prepare, Goodtime Touring provides bikes, lunch and all amenities, as well as a van to bring you back when you’re done riding.
Goodtime Touring
707.938.0453
www.goodtimetouring.com
A creekside getaway
Spend an afternoon together at Jack London Village enjoying delicious taste treats, wines and pampering – and do it all without driving from place to place. Start with a sampling of artisan cheeses at Raymond & Co. before strolling over to Figone’s for a taste of their olive oil, pressed right at the shop. Then have lunch at Olive & Vine, paired with local wines. Afterward, indulge in a body treatment at The Beauty Sanctuary and end your day with a visit to Opalese to ogle the fine rings and jewelry.
Jack London Village
14301 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen
www.jacklondonvillage.info
For Her
Surprise her
Women love wonderful surprises, like breakfast in bed. No need to make it from scratch, the fig pantry has already done that for you, with homemade banana bread, or bagels with your favorite topping. Don’t forget the card, Paper Moon has a great assortment. Simple things mean a lot.
But, there are times when over-the-top is called for. Imagine her reaction when a Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible appears to pick her up. Vintage Wine Tours has fabulous vintage cars available for special occasions. Make up your own route and cruise up the Valley, stopping to enjoy and explore, then disembark at one of the Plaza restaurants for a romantic dinner.
the fig pantry
1190 E. Napa St.
Paper Moon
500 W. Napa St.
707.933.3000
Vintage Wine Tours
707.225.4943
www.viintagewinetoursofxonoma.com
Bling’s the thing
Gifts from the heart express lasting sentiments. Find one special thing to present her with this year; Sonoma is a trove of possibilities.
Something thought-provoking at Readers’ Books; a handmade product from a far-flung country at Baksheesh; stylish clothing from lela+mack; great items that make cooking fun at Sign of the Bear; a new fragrance from Etre; shimmery jewelry from Sonoma Silver; luxurious bedding from Sonoma Home; a gift certificate to The Purse Party or Footcandy; a decorated sachet filled with organic lavender from All Things Lavender; a flowering plant from Sonoma Mission Gardens, Bancroft’s or Las Adas. A frame for the picture you take of your smiling sweetheart from The Framery.
For him
It’s a guy thing
Start the day off right with a serious comfort food breakfast at Pearl’s Diner, where the wait staff are quick on the draw with a coffee pot. Generous portions of plate-sized pancakes, over-flowing omelets and heaping home fries are made from fresh ingredients and delivered promptly.
Pearl’s Diner
561 Fifth St. West
707.996.1783
Giddy up
Take your sweetheart, spouse or the whole family to Larson Family Winery. Heck, take Rover too. You’ll all be greeted by Sunny, Bubba and Pete, the winery dogs, Dolly the llama and Spongy the sheep. Larson makes award-winning wines, but hasn’t left its roots behind. The ranch was the site of the largest and longest-running rodeo in the Bay Area from 1929 to the early 1950s and the Larson family has lived there since 1899.
You can tote a picnic and try your hand at a game of bocce ball, or walk or mountain bike a short distance to view the native wildlife along the Sonoma Creek. River otters, blue herons, turtles and Canadian geese all find shelter on the fertile lands.
Larson Family Winery
23355 Millerick Rd.
707.938.3031
www.larsonfamilywinery.com
