I love Hallberg Butterfly Gardens (see previous review). But while they get five stars for concept…read moreand purpose - butterfly conservation and education - they get one star in execution. In all the times I've been here - and it's many over the years - I have never seen a single employee on the property. There is no one available to answer questions, tell you about butterflies, or even discuss events. We signed up for an event today, and there was not a single person on the property. We wandered around for an hour and found NO ONE. Oddly enough, you can't get in touch with them via phone, either, because no one ever answers. Try for yourself and see. There's no outgoing info when you call, and you cannot leave a message. Amazingly, there aren't even posters displaying the different types of butterflies you might see, or how to identify them. Given that this place focuses on butterfly education, you would think they would offer some education...? Moreover, the place is falling apart - it's run down with poor signage. There's also a massive amount of disorganization: we signed up for one event on 7/2, and got confirmation for an event that already happened weeks ago. There was no info contained in the email beyond the gate code and the time to show up. We didn't know if someone would be leading the event or if we would be meeting people there. (Answer: no and no.) Hiring a part-time assistant to organize public events that attract people here would be a worthwhile investment, one would think...? I am ALL about natural spaces and supporting science education, and have always supposed the Gardens -- but if this place wants to make money and keep fans, they need to prioritize, even minimally, the people and events that support their existence.

What a local gem! I…read moregrew up in Sonoma County and I was just about today years old when I discovered this spot. Louise Hallberg was the original matriarch who created this property and lived to be over 100! In her 60's she began to cultivate and grow this beautiful space. It's truly a labor of love that is still preserved today. Donation based, you can schedule a self guided tour to view the gardens. We scheduled online and brought a picnic which was a wonderful idea and perfectly lovely afternoon in the meadow. We didn't see a lot of butterflies but that's ok. The property is lovingly tended by many volunteers. Truly a hidden gem in West County.

We lucked out with a break in the rainy weather so we could enjoy walking around the Pacific Coast…read moreAir Museum to enjoy all of their displays. It was fun talking to all of the volunteers on site about the interesting stories they had about the planes, activities and learning more about the history of the planes on site. The planes aren't open to walk in during rainy weather but are open during certain times of the year so be sure to check that out before you go in case it is something you want to do. They also have some hot dog days if that is of interest to you as well. Many of the planes and helicopters they have on site are in impressive condition and some need some maintenance or a new paint job. It is wonderful to know that our donations go toward maintaining everything on site. All of the volunteers we saw that day were all so friendly and obviously enjoy what they do. As we understand it, they will be relocating in the future so we look forward to returning to the museum for another visit and to see what they do with all of the interesting artifacts they currently have on display. It was fun to see some of the old airplane seats that used to have the ashtrays and sound dials for music in the arm rest. That was a fun memory to reflect on from our flying days from waaaaay back when! Parking was so convenient as it was right outside the entrance. Make sure you check their calendar so you go on days they're open. Please consider making a donation to help the museum continue growing and maintaining everything they have. Go check them out when you have a chance! It was fun to see so many planes in such a small area! Bet it's really interesting to see how they rearrange the layout from time to time!

I actually rather enjoy machinery museums so I made a point to come here. There were so many…read moreaircraft and it was really cool because you could get inside a few. What really made this great was we happen to come on a day when they have a bunch of old timers here talking about the planes. They were so friendly and knew so much. It's great to get info from people that actually flew planes, some just like the ones they have here. If you can go on one of those scheduled dates I highly recommend it because they really bring a lot to the experience. If not it's a great chance to check out several styles of aircraft, get some pics, and learn on your own. Make the trip if you're into this sort of thing at all.

Came here for a Friday afternoon skate. It was $10 for 2 hours, and the skates were included…read more The ice was well maintained, and the bathrooms and locker/cubby area felt clean. I fell a couple of times (a little rusty!) and the employee was quick to come and ask me if I was okay and even helped me get up. I didn't have time to stop at the Snoopy Cafe, but it was packed full of families enjoying hot chocolate and little treats in between ice-skating.

Had the Snoopy hot chocolate and it was exactly what you want on a chilly day--like a warm hug in a…read morecup. Rich, comforting, and just the right amount of sweetness. The whipped cream on top adds a lovely, creamy texture that makes every sip even better. Simple, cozy, and absolutely satisfying!

Pee Wee Golf and Arcade is a cool spot for some family fun in the little town of Guerneville. We…read moreenjoyed playing the courses at Pee Wee Golf, and the owner is a lot of fun. The prices are extremely reasonable for quite a few hours of enjoyable family time. Additionally, this is one of the few things to do in Guerneville that isn't a physical activity or eating/drinking. Unfortunately, I felt like I had to take a star off because this place is super run-down. Many of the greens are torn up, which makes it challenging to play each hole. There is also a lot of stuff everywhere, making the space feel cluttered and dirty in some areas. Compared to other mini golf courses I have been to, this one ranks fairly low on upkeep. Overall, a fun place to enjoy some time as a family. Great for young, old, and everyone in between. Just don't expect top-of-the-line greens or a pristine course.

I attended a graduation party at Pee Wee and it was so fun. Lots of areas to chill and the kids…read moreabsolutely loved it. Would recommend 10/10

This is one of the most amazing little local fairs around…read more I will prolly date myself by writing this review, but I can remember back to being a kid, and going to a local fair - seeing everyone from town, and getting to go on pony rides, pet animals, eat corn dogs and cotton candy, and of course try to chuck a ping pong ball at a golf fish that was living in colored water. Many of the local little fun fairs have gone by the wayside -- people getting mad that the $20 cent gold fish were traumatized by the ping pong balls - corn dogs going up to astronomical prices, and of course we have the big theme parks with the thrill rides - what makes anyone think that a kid wants to go on a pony ride? I do!! and apparently the citizens of Healdsburg do too! Cause the fair is in it's Umteeth year -Ok 60th year in 2009 - my bad and guess what? it starts off with a really cool parade on the Thursday before which practially the entire town shuts down for (who wouldn't want to be seen in the parade I ask you? It's like an oscar nomination just to be asked to ride in one of the floats!) You can go, stuff your face with amazing treats that are locally made by little booths that support little league, soccer camps, and Future Farmers of America, 4H - etc. The kids can play bean bag toss games, chuck ping pong balls at gold fish (yes, really still) and also play lots of other old fashioned games that you just don't see at carnivals these days. There is a circus performance, and also the animal auction for FAA and 4H. What is not to love?

A hidden gem in Santa Rosa! The California Indian Museum and Cultural Center offers a powerful and…read morerespectful look into the history and traditions of California's Native communities. The exhibits are thoughtful and well-curated, especially the one on Ishi and the cradle baskets. The space is small but meaningful, and the staff was welcoming and knowledgeable. A worthwhile stop if you're in the area!

We came from Sacramento with the intentions to visit this museum. I had messaged requesting a time…read morethat was not available and I forgot to schedule a "time". We got into town and I called the museum, they did not have any time time available but told us to come on . They made an accommodation. My toddler enjoyed looking and trying to unlocking the cases. The museum was great and bigger then I had expected. The gift shop was awesome too! It was nice to see brands such as NTVS, the old Native Threads before Amy and her sister took over, also seeing the hand made jewelry from California Natives. I did recognize the jewelry even without the labels. It was a bummer that this museum is not apart of the museum for all when my husband asked. Someone should look into that and the museum be removed from the list.

What a great place to go to if you're a fan of Halloween. Tickets were easy to buy online and You…read morecan choose to use ticket any of the nights that they are open. Wait time in line is surprisingly short, about ten minutes on a Saturday night. The staff do he's an amazing job crying the hell out of the guests. I was screaming my head off. Seriously thought I was going to lose my voice. But I didn't. My throat was a little sore though. A fun Halloween activity for adults and teens. Definitely not for kids or easily frightened individuals.

I had been to this haunted house years ago which I enjoyed and this past year brought a group of…read moreteens who had a good time! Definitely for us big kids, too! There was a decent line before it opened and I'd say it didn't move too quickly when it opened but it was still definitely worth the wait! There was some scary entertainment while we waited, too. I think they said you walk through 45 rooms! So, I think the price for tickets is worth it. I would recommend buying them in advance at Costco, they usually has them, save some bucks! I hope we can make here every year!

Came to see what it was all about on their monthly volunteer day (1st Saturday of every month rain…read moreor shine) & let me tell you, this is seriously incredible! I got no work done the 1st half of the day because I couldn't stop looking at everything. It's like an Antique shop but everything works! I'm so used to seeing really cool old things but they don't work. Everything works! Then you walk the property & see the train (which works!) & Tractors, old cars, Concord Grape vines from the 30's, giant compressors... It's like Steve got real sized versions of all the toys he ever loved. Come by to see the place, stay to help out & make sure to check out the Upstairs of the barn where there is an old Chevy Truck (which Steve learned how to drive in & took his license test in).

This place is a true gem. This is the type of place that can only be found in an out of the way…read morelittle town in the middle of nowhere...and lucky for us, we have just such a back-woods hamlet in our beloved Penngrove. This "museum" has just about every type of motor/engine you can think of but unlike a good number of museums, most of the exhibits at this one are still in working order. From old tractors to working vintage printing presses to one of the actual engines from Howard Hughes' famous Spruce Goose. And get this...there is a mini train (but big enough to ride on) that runs around the property!!!! They usually have one or two days a year that they are open to the public so keep your ear to the railroad tracks because you won't want to miss it. Usually there is an open house during the summer sometime. Along with the Petaluma Military Museum (300 Petaluma Blvd N) this is one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon soaking up some of the marvels from our country's industrial past.