September 17, 2021
Posted in: News Articles
A park expert’s fall favorites
Originally published in September 2021 print issue of Sonoma Magazine
Last May, Misti Arias, a 25-year veteran of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, was named the agency’s new general manager. Her favorite fall day trips focus on lands the group has helped acquire and preserve. – John Beck
Sonoma Valley
Stop off at Sonoma Garden Park on Seventh Street to puck up fresh produce at the Saturday Harvest Market and then head to Montini Open Space Preserve for a hike up to Coyote Point while taking in views of the fall foliage below.
Sonoma Coast
Head out River Road and drop by Creekside Park in Monte Rio to take in the action at the skate park and grab goodies at the excellent Lightwave Coffee & Kitchen. Then head to Jenner Headlands Preserve, where you can grind out the 16-mile roundtrip Pole Mountain hike or take a short trek to a telescope overlooking the Pacific.
West of Petaluma
Nestle among the rolling hills of Chileno Valley, Achadinha Cheese Company offers great tours, which always involve tasting yummy cheeses. Afterwards, take a few cheeses (the California Crazy Curds are perfect finger food) on a picnic to nearby Helen Putnam Regional Park.
