{"id":5220,"date":"2013-08-15T10:59:05","date_gmt":"2013-08-16T02:59:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.catchingfireflies.com\/blog\/?p=5220"},"modified":"2016-07-26T23:10:19","modified_gmt":"2016-07-27T03:10:19","slug":"exploring-north-of-the-golden-gate-bridge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.catchingfirefliesgifts.com\/blog\/2013\/08\/exploring-north-of-the-golden-gate-bridge\/","title":{"rendered":"exploring north of the golden gate bridge"},"content":{"rendered":"

Now that you saw what we did in san fran<\/a>… here’s where we spent some time north of the city.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_4947\"<\/p>\n

Per my well traveled friend Leigh’s<\/a> advice, we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge for a stop in Mill Valley.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_5011\"<\/p>\n

Joe’s Taco Lounge<\/a> was the real deal.\u00a0 Amazing food, kitschy flair and an authentic vibe.\u00a0 If Steve and I were from south of the border or knew anything that went into running a restaurant, this would be it.\u00a0 Can’t you picture this place in the vacant spot between catching fireflies & yellow door<\/a> in Berkley?\u00a0 A girl can dream…<\/p>\n

\"IMG_5013\"<\/p>\n

We continued north to a town I stumbled upon while doing some research about Sonoma County<\/a> at the hotel the evening before.\u00a0 This little gem of a town was well worth the stop in my book thanks to the talented artist team of Patrick Amiot and Bridgitte Laurent<\/a>.\u00a0 You will see signs of their creative genius sprinkled all throughout Sebastopol.\u00a0 Renga Arts<\/a> features their fantastic sculpture garden.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_5014\"<\/p>\n

Or take a stroll down Florence street and see numerous sculptures in Patrick & Brigitte’s neighbor’s front yards.\u00a0 I took loads more photos of these recycled whimsical finds that will be in another blog post soon.\u00a0 Art museums are fine and dandy, but I love a good dose of unexpected art that makes me smile.\u00a0 This stop was definitely one of our favorite surprises during our journey.\u00a0 Oh… and there are also a lot of antique & junk shops on the drive to this town! (just another reason to make time to visit :-)<\/p>\n

\"IMG_5012\"<\/p>\n

We wouldn’t call ourselves Alfred Hitchcock fans, however we quickly learned that the little town of Bodega<\/a> is home to his popular film, The Birds.\u00a0 So when one has a chance to pose by Al… we thought ~ why not?\u00a0 Lots of these charming little coastal towns are peppered along Highway 1 plus some killer views to boot!<\/p>\n

\"IMG_4821\"<\/p>\n

On another day north of the bridge we headed to Napa.\u00a0 I wish I could say Steve & I loved wine, however it is not the case.\u00a0 We do love hip towns and this one did not disappoint. Per another recommendation we grabbed burgers at Gott’s<\/a> for lunch then explored the beautiful Oxbow Public Market<\/a>.\u00a0 This place is a foodie’s dream… not that I’m a foodie ~ however I could have eaten numerous other meals at this market.<\/p>\n

I also liked the sidewalk cha cha cha lesson and cupcake liner garland in Sweetie Pies<\/a> window.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_4802\"<\/p>\n

My surprise discovery in this city was definitely Betty’s Girl Boutique<\/a>.\u00a0 Here’s another brilliant shop concept I’d love to see in Michigan. They sell classic vintage with a modern edge as well as redesigned clothing made from recycled product. Plus they offer complimentary alterations on most of their items. Loads of fun cocktail dresses and funky formals fill the racks here.\u00a0 Andie from Pretty in Pink would be proud!<\/p>\n

\"IMG_4806\"<\/p>\n

Sonoma was next on our list.\u00a0 This city has a lovely park smack dab in the middle of the city and the surrounding side streets are filled with sweet shops and restaurants.\u00a0 One shop that got the blue ribbon in my book was Tiddle E. Winks<\/a>.\u00a0 It’s a very well curated step back in time… impeccably displayed findings will tempt you at every turn in this cozy shop.<\/p>\n

We’re headed south of San Fran next\u00a0 ~stay tuned…<\/p>\n

Like to see where I spend my time away from catching fireflies<\/strong>?\u00a0 Then sign up to receive blog posts like these in your email inbox <\/strong><\/span>HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n