Despite what may be your better intentions, some tourist attractions are
simply worth the effort. Unlike, say, the Largest Ball of Twine
in North America or The Smallest Flightless Bird in Captivity, there are
some attractions in the world that are worth battling the crowds to experience.
Buying the T-shirt is up to you.
In Wine Country, as ripe with history as
it is with grapes each fall, one such attraction is Sonoma Plaza.
I always tell first-timers to check it out, and I have heeded my own advice
on at least six-dozen occasions. It’s one place I never seem to tire of,
which may have something to do with the fact that you can see it all in
under half an hour – less than exhausting for even the most sedentary (myself
included, especially during winter months). I think what I like
most about Sonoma Plaza is that it is truly a perfect microcosm of Wine
Country—history, wine, culture, food, one-of-a-kind shopping, and joie de
vivre, all packed into four desperately charming blocks.
Start at Broadway and, be like me, travel around the square
counter-clockwise. Not sure why it’s better this way, but it
is, trust me. By beginning at Broadway, where it intersects on the southern
border with East Napa Street, you get a full-face view of the historic and
emblematic anchor: Sonoma City Hall—a commanding stone structure built in
1908 in the Mission Revival style. Beside City Hall is the Plaza’s raison
d’etre, the Bear Flag Monument, a dramatic bronze sculpture commemorating
the group of American settler who rebelled against the ruling Mexican government
in 1846.
Heading
east around the square the assortment of shops and restaurants
come into view, including several spots worth a stop (hence, my many repeat
visits). On First Street East, the iconic Sebastiani
Theatre commands attention.
Originally built in 1933, the theater for years was in neglect,
but in the past decade was given new life with a loving refurbishment. It
is now a big-draw venue for films and live performance—the theater serves
as the key venue each April for the Sonoma Valley Film
Festival (www.sonomafilmfest.org).
Further
north, at the corner of West Spain Street is Mission San Francisco
Solano de Sonoma, the last of the historic chain of 21 missions built in
California. Originally constructed in 1823, only a portion of that building
still remains; General Vallejo built the current adobe in 1840, as was the
nearby Sonoma Barracks, which Vallejo built as a headquarters for himself
and his troops. Both of the buildings are protected official historic landmarks
and even those who are not the least bit history curious will find them
endlessly fascinating.
But in case you’re scared
of history overload on this square walk, fear not. It’s time to
eat. Though there are several great places to eat on the Plaza,
including
Maya (www.mayarestaurant.com; 707-935-3500), La
Salette (www.lasalette-restaurant.com;
707-938-1927), and the girl and the fig (www.thegirlandthefig.com;
110 West Spain St., 707-938-3634), if there is a mandatory dining
experience here, it’s probably Swiss Hotel (18
West Spain St.; www.swisshotelsonoma.com; 707-938-2884). There’s plenty of argument
that you can have more dynamic and gastronomically perfect experiences
on the Plaza, but you won’t find a better, more authentically Sonoma experience
than at this boisterous, friendly spot. The classic Italian fare
is straightforward and dependable and the wood-oven pizzas are
a local staple, the perfect nosh for life on the square.
The Plaza is the beating heart
of Sonoma Valley, symbolic and tangible. It’s the stage for many
local festivals and events, including a wonderful Farmer’s Market on Tuesday
during Spring and Summer. A National Historic Landmark, the Plaza also represents
so much California's history. But for me, it is really just an eight-acre
slice of perfect Wine Country pastime. And, if you must, T-shirts are available.
Hip
to Be Square 
