Unique things to do in Northern California
AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

Unique things to do in Northern California

Book unforgettable activities hosted by locals on Airbnb.

Top-rated activities

Walking Ancient Pathways
Join us as we explore ancient Native American trails, camps, and villages, and search for new, previously undiscovered sites. We will be hiking a mostly-level 3-5 mile trip, navigating the low altitude grasslands of the Sierra Nevada foothills near Cool, California. The trip leader will discuss the history and natural world of this area, sharing his knowledge of the local Native Americans, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of the area. Sunday trips, during the summer, will be hosted at a higher elevation petroglyph site, a unique place not known to the general public. This is a rare opportunity to view ancient rock art, with an (amateur) archaeologist present. And it's above the summer heat! Our trip will also explore new areas, if desired, in search for previously unknown, undocumented cultural resources. Any new sites will be passed along to the North Central Information Center for historical preservation. This is your chance to find history! After the hike, participants will receive a detailed map and photos, if desired, from the trip. This is a kid-friendly, dog-friendly walk, so plan on taking your time! Other things to note: This is a hike in the mountains, so plan accordingly. We WILL be hiking off the trail, so be sure you're comfortable doing so. To stay on the trail is to limit yourself.
Bake Bread, Create Cheese, Flip Omelets
In this super-charged BRUNCH class, I’ll teach you how to make an easy homemade sourdough bread from scratch without the hassle of a sourdough starter. You will enjoy this bread several ways for brunch alongside other dishes. Besides the bread, we’ll also make fresh ricotta cheese, tartines, and perfect French omelets—made with Petaluma’s famous eggs. The experience will be hands-on and you will learn some valuable cooking skills and tips in this robust class—and at the end of the class you’ll get to take home the loaf of bread you baked, to enjoy later as a delicious souvenir. This is a great class for beginners, or intermediate bakers, as well as for people who want to learn many general cooking tips, and who want to enjoy a delicious 4-course brunch with a complimentary glass of California bubbly. This is not a class for people who want to make sourdough bread with a starter. This IS an experience for someone who is hungry for both knowledge and great food. Based on requests, I started hosting shorter-versions of this experience as well! Please click on my profile photo to check out all the Experiences I host. Or check out the links below: Sourdough Bread: abnb.me/DM4hFBJMxY French Omelets and Eggs: abnb.me/yDVzHTGMxY Ricotta Cheese, Tartines and Caccio e Pepe: abnb.me/RBRjWsIMxY Other things to note We can accommodate vegetarians, but not vegan or gluten-free guests due to the nature of the ingredients we'll use. The bread has alcohol in it. We have two small dogs who are quite friendly.
Learn to cook in scenic wine country
We’ll make a delicious, locally-sourced meal centering on Petaluma’s abundant local produce. I’ll teach you knife and cooking skills. Dishes will include unusual vegetables, fruits, and grains. You will learn knife skills such as the proper way to cut an onion. You will learn the "start-and-stop-and-start" method of preparing risotto so you can finish it in 10 minutes right before serving it. You will have the opportunity to be hands-on with virtually all of these dishes, learning good technique by doing it once you see the proper way demonstrated to you. We may include family recipes modernized just a bit by me to make it easier for cooks to do today. We’ll have vegetables from the local farmer’s market and a killer dessert. I’ll provide local Sonoma county wine (or very special non-alcoholic beverages instead, if you’d prefer). We’ll eat outdoors on our gazebo if weather permits, or indoors in a formal dining room if not. If you book all four places for your group, we can customize the menu to the kinds of items you want to learn to cook, creating a 4-course menu for you to enjoy as well. My homemade sourdough bread is served as well. The protein choices are chicken, pork or vegetarian. For an extra fee I offer seafood, beef or duck. As this is a hands-on cooking class, please be sure to wear comfortable shoes for standing. We have two small friendly dogs.
Vibes & views in the Golden city photoshoot, Donation Based
Please, message before booking. :) Donation based experience. I Kindly Ask if you: Like the experience and photos, donate - $125 (per person) Love the experience and photos, donate - $150 (per person) Had the best experience and photos ever - $200 (per person) * THERE’S NO FEE FOR KIDS* We will walk into the best spots of the historic Mission District neighborhood and secret spots as we explore the area. We'll kick off the iconic Dolores Park with an incredible view of the city's skyline and then weave through Valencia Street's lively atmosphere—home to murals, street art, shops, and hidden gems known only to the locals. Whether you're a visitor or a local, shy or camera-ready, don't worry my friend—I'll guide you through a laid-back, street-style photoshoot, ensuring we capture your best angles and candid moments. You will get a minimum of 30 high-resolution edited photos. Every intimate moment and experience will be captured and blended into a dreamlike sequence, so you can share them with family and friends. P.S. This can be a group experience. There maybe 1 - 3 other people with you during the shoot, just let me know in advance. Other things to note: Have a specific location in mind? Feel free to reach out, and we'll tailor the experience to your preferences. We can explore other hidden gems around the city or visit some iconic spots like the Golden Gate Bridge.
Beginner Surf Lesson - San Francisco
This 2.5-hour group clinic was designed with the beginner in mind – we welcome complete newbies as well as people who have tried surfing on their own for a while and still need help. We will walk you through all the basics to get you started and catching waves! The class starts with a short land lesson covering safety, paddling mechanics, and how to catch waves and get up on the board. After that we'll head out in the water and instructors will rotate around helping each person 1-on-1. You can expect approximately 1:30-2 hours of "water time" in the 2.5-hour total lesson. Maximum ratio of 4 students per instructor. Other things to note Arrive 20+ mins early! Parking costs $8 (subject to change). This is a group class, we cannot hold up others for late parties. Arriving late is same as a no-show and will forfeit your registration.

Loved by locals

⭐️Rug Tufting Workshop
Dive into tufting and craft your own rug or wall art! No experience needed—beginners welcome! You’ll use a top-quality tufting gun, a 20"x20" frame, and endless vibrant yarns to create your masterpiece. You will finish your session by taking home your creation immediately. Book Your Spot! Turn an ordinary day into a festival of creativity and fun. --- Workshop Flow: ➼ WELCOMING ➼ INTRODUCTION (2 mins) ---Free snacks, tea & Turkish coffee :) ---Don't forget to: stretch, hydrate, eat ➼ EXPLORE STUDIO (5 mins) ---How to use the canvas? ---What patterns are good for beginners? ---Safety rules! ➼ LET’S DIVE IN! (10 mins) ---How to feed the yarn? ---How to use tufting gun? ---Practice with everybody (individually) ➼ TUFTING (2 hr) ---You will start tufting your art ---Last Checks ➼ COMPLIMENT SERVICES (5 mins) ---Backing ---Gluing ---Shaving ➼ GOLDEN TOUCH (surprise) :) Location: 209 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108 Features: 40 seats available / session, +40 Different Color of yarn, 2-3 Hours FAQs: **Private Events? Yes, for 8+ people. **Team Building? Ideal for teams; we've hosted from top firms. **Adjust Time? 2-3 hours flexibility. **Group Discount? See private event page. **Max Size? 40/session; multiple sessions available. **Children? Yes, 14+ with waiver. **Patterns? Simple, adjustable on-site. **Beginner-Friendly? Yes, mainly first-timers.
⭐️Mosaic Lamp Workshop
Unlock a world of color and light at our! Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop! Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned crafter, this 2-hour workshop is a perfect fit. Design and create your very own mosaic lamp using a palette of 16 vibrant glass colors. It’s beginner-friendly and great for kids aged 7 and up! **** Workshop Highlights **** -- Color Your World: Choose from 16 beautiful colors to craft your personalized mosaic lamp. -- Step-by-Step Guidance: Our expert artisans make learning easy and fun—no prior experience needed! -- Refreshments on Us: Enjoy complimentary snacks, coffee, tea, and water while you craft. -- Custom Add-Ons: Enhance your lamp with extras like a chic hanger, a handy to-go DIY kit, and a Smart LED with touch on-off functionality. (ask for add-ons in the studio) ** Duration: Spend 2 fulfilling hours creating something beautiful that lights up your space. ** Family-Friendly: A fantastic activity for families with children 7 years and older. Create lasting memories together! ** All-Inclusive: We provide all the materials. Just bring your enthusiasm and leave with a lamp that adds a personal touch of warmth to your home. Join us for an afternoon of creativity, relaxation, and fun. Make more than just a lamp—make a day to remember!
Be A Beekeeper
*** SAT & SUN TOURS ARE MARCH 15th to OCTOBER 31st *** Hives are closed in cold weather to help the bees survive, then reopen in warmer months. Our "Make Honey Wine" class will hopefully be available soon. Give us a buzz @ 925. 852 and 9900 with questions :) Times are based on when bees are the happiest (when the field bees are out gathering nectar & pollen). We visit happy bees when it's above 60 deg with little wind. If forecast shows rain or high winds, we'll need to reschedule to a warmer day. TO BOOK: Enter the # of Adults & Children that may be coming. Please note our base rate is $250, which covers up to 2 adults & 1 child (3-12 years old). To receive a lower rate, bring more friends or family and your individual ticket price drops. Since we’re a 501c3 non-profit your ticket is tax write off! All funds help grow the local bee population :) DETAILS: This is a fun opportunity to get to inspect a busy beehive! First, we’ll suit up in protective gear. Then we’ll head to the Apiary where you'll learn about the art of beekeeping & the various tools used. Now it's time to inspect a hive. Hold a frame covered with 100's of bees ... a great photo opp! Press your finger into the comb and taste the freshest honey ever! When all done it's now time to be a "Chef" and do a honey & food pairing. This is such a sweet experience for all :)
Learn how to cook & throw the Ultimate Dumpling Dinner Party
* Now booking through June, plus a Father's Day Wagyu Brunch * Dumplings are a San Francisco staple, you'll learn how to make them from scratch in this hands-on cooking class & 3-course dinner party! Discover the secrets of creating fresh dumpling wrappers, building flavorful sauces, and mastering the art of folding beautiful dumpling pleats. It's perfect for a unique date night, as a family cooking activity, as a team building offsite, or just on your own -- a class suitable for all levels, from new to seasoned chefs. Start with a blind tasting of my favorite soy sauces to deeply understand and appreciate umami. Then, learn traditional dumpling making skills: dough kneading, skin rolling, and pleating. We'll use a family recipe for a mouthwatering pork stuffing. (For non-pork eaters, a delicious tofu-based stuffing is offered) Once you've created your batch of dumplings, you'll create your very own secret dipping sauce. We'll also enjoy a pork belly braise: a classic Shanghaineese dish that highlights the umami of soy sauce using local, organic pork, and finish with a red bean dessert -- you'll be in a food coma at the end of the experience! You'll also take home a recipe guide. Private bookings available for team builds and custom classes! Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or expanding your cooking skills, the Dumpling Dinner Party is a must-try experience.
Easy Sourdough Bread In Minutes
During this class you will learn and hands-on do all the steps to make a beautiful artisan-quality loaf of sourdough bread both with and without the hassle of making a sourdough starter. You will taste a number of different variations of the bread, and learn how to make those variations as well. You will leave with a warm loaf of bread to take home, and sourdough starter if you wish. If baking has always intimidated you, this is a great class for you, as you will leave here with the confidence to DO IT!! Other things to note Even if you have never baked bread before, you will leave with all the skills you need to do this at home, including a list of equipment and ingredients. If you are able to travel with it, we will provide you with some fresh lively sourdough starter to take home. This cannot go on airplanes.

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All activities near Northern California

Walking Ancient Pathways
Join us as we explore ancient Native American trails, camps, and villages, and search for new, previously undiscovered sites. We will be hiking a mostly-level 3-5 mile trip, navigating the low altitude grasslands of the Sierra Nevada foothills near Cool, California. The trip leader will discuss the history and natural world of this area, sharing his knowledge of the local Native Americans, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of the area. Sunday trips, during the summer, will be hosted at a higher elevation petroglyph site, a unique place not known to the general public. This is a rare opportunity to view ancient rock art, with an (amateur) archaeologist present. And it's above the summer heat! Our trip will also explore new areas, if desired, in search for previously unknown, undocumented cultural resources. Any new sites will be passed along to the North Central Information Center for historical preservation. This is your chance to find history! After the hike, participants will receive a detailed map and photos, if desired, from the trip. This is a kid-friendly, dog-friendly walk, so plan on taking your time! Other things to note: This is a hike in the mountains, so plan accordingly. We WILL be hiking off the trail, so be sure you're comfortable doing so. To stay on the trail is to limit yourself.
American River Foraged Dream Catcher
First off we'll gather in the parking lot at the local post office in coloma ca. Next to the river resort and coffee shop. After introduction, I will point out a few of the things surrounding the parking area. I will describe the surroundings and what nature brings in the immediate location. After that we will start our lovely stroll along the American river. We will collect our ring for dreamcatcher. I will share its properties along our exploration. I will also point out a few of nature's edibles and medicinals. I will describe and explain what sinue is, in which I will have a synthetic sinue that we will utilize to be the web of our dreamcatcher. We can collect trinkets along the way like stones and feathers for the fringe. At the river we will assemble our dream catcher and adfix the remaining favors. In addition I will be giving some Mug Wort otherwise known as the dream herb to attach to our lovely dream catcher. During the Assembly of this dreamcatcher, I would like for you to be mindful of the dreams that you would like to create in your future. Boring items if desired. I will provide all that is needed. Note: During some seasons there may be rattlesnakes on the trail so be wary where you step. The river fluctuates with the releasing of the damned water to accommodate the rafters. Water levels fluctuate frequently on a daily basis and quite sudden.
Cow Cuddle Therapy
We will start with an introduction and tour of our cow sanctuary located in the Bay Area to show you what goes on inside and what our mission is. Human-cow interaction is known to reduce anxiety and stress. With the fast paced world we live in, we believe it is important to connect with nature and ourselves. Our efforts are to create this symbiotic relationship between the cows and the community and thus allow our guests to interact with our cows. Our Cow Cuddle Therapy will start with a safety briefing and we can then enter the barn to meet and greet our beautiful cows and calves. After this introduction to our cows we will: - Pet & cuddle with the cows - Simply enjoy the gentle company and playfulness of our cows - Experience the mental health benefits from interacting with cows and bring relaxation into your day - Learn about all the benefits of protecting cows for ourselves and the environment - Tour our organic garden, practiced using sustainable cow by-products We will then provide quick refreshments, and you are then free to stay to explore & learn more about our sanctuary.
Cidery Tour and Tasting in Gold Country
Take a tour of our cidery with our head cider maker. Guests will receive a 30 minute tour covering how our hard cider is made and a 1 hour table service tasting experience. This is great for 21+ cider lovers who enjoy geeking out on the science of cider, regenerative agriculture, local history, and rare and wild fruit trees. We welcome kids and well behaved dogs to our tasting room as well. If you have a group of 6 or more we will accommodate private tours and tastings on different days/times -- send us a message to schedule. The tasting room has a cabinet of board games and we allow outside food in the tasting room (we are within the delivery radius for doordash as well). For those who do not drink alcohol, we have local apple juice for sale. Children and well-behaved dogs are welcome!
⭐️Rug Tufting Workshop
Dive into tufting and craft your own rug or wall art! No experience needed—beginners welcome! You’ll use a top-quality tufting gun, a 20"x20" frame, and endless vibrant yarns to create your masterpiece. You will finish your session by taking home your creation immediately. Book Your Spot! Turn an ordinary day into a festival of creativity and fun. --- Workshop Flow: ➼ WELCOMING ➼ INTRODUCTION (2 mins) ---Free snacks, tea & Turkish coffee :) ---Don't forget to: stretch, hydrate, eat ➼ EXPLORE STUDIO (5 mins) ---How to use the canvas? ---What patterns are good for beginners? ---Safety rules! ➼ LET’S DIVE IN! (10 mins) ---How to feed the yarn? ---How to use tufting gun? ---Practice with everybody (individually) ➼ TUFTING (2 hr) ---You will start tufting your art ---Last Checks ➼ COMPLIMENT SERVICES (5 mins) ---Backing ---Gluing ---Shaving ➼ GOLDEN TOUCH (surprise) :) Location: 209 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108 Features: 40 seats available / session, +40 Different Color of yarn, 2-3 Hours FAQs: **Private Events? Yes, for 8+ people. **Team Building? Ideal for teams; we've hosted from top firms. **Adjust Time? 2-3 hours flexibility. **Group Discount? See private event page. **Max Size? 40/session; multiple sessions available. **Children? Yes, 14+ with waiver. **Patterns? Simple, adjustable on-site. **Beginner-Friendly? Yes, mainly first-timers.
Bake Bread, Create Cheese, Flip Omelets
In this super-charged BRUNCH class, I’ll teach you how to make an easy homemade sourdough bread from scratch without the hassle of a sourdough starter. You will enjoy this bread several ways for brunch alongside other dishes. Besides the bread, we’ll also make fresh ricotta cheese, tartines, and perfect French omelets—made with Petaluma’s famous eggs. The experience will be hands-on and you will learn some valuable cooking skills and tips in this robust class—and at the end of the class you’ll get to take home the loaf of bread you baked, to enjoy later as a delicious souvenir. This is a great class for beginners, or intermediate bakers, as well as for people who want to learn many general cooking tips, and who want to enjoy a delicious 4-course brunch with a complimentary glass of California bubbly. This is not a class for people who want to make sourdough bread with a starter. This IS an experience for someone who is hungry for both knowledge and great food. Based on requests, I started hosting shorter-versions of this experience as well! Please click on my profile photo to check out all the Experiences I host. Or check out the links below: Sourdough Bread: abnb.me/DM4hFBJMxY French Omelets and Eggs: abnb.me/yDVzHTGMxY Ricotta Cheese, Tartines and Caccio e Pepe: abnb.me/RBRjWsIMxY Other things to note We can accommodate vegetarians, but not vegan or gluten-free guests due to the nature of the ingredients we'll use. The bread has alcohol in it. We have two small dogs who are quite friendly.
Hands on with farm animals
We will begin our tour with introduction to our sanctuary herd of horses. With over 20 horses in our care there is never a dull moment here! Alongside the horses you will find many other animals to get cozy with- from chickens to goats to turkeys, peafowl and even sanctuary cows, we are a safe haven for ALL living creatures. Guests are welcome to get hands on and snuggle with equines of all sizes, while enjoying the serene beauty of the quiet countryside on the outskirts of Petaluma. Guests will have the opportunity to groom horses and take the minis on a guided walk with their handlers.
Half-day Snowshoe Hike in Tahoe National Forest
On this adventure, we will be hiking with snowshoes, immersing ourselves in the forest on a homemade secluded winter trail. Starting, we will spend 1 hour of hiking up 800’ in elevation at a relaxed and enjoyable pace. Up the mountain, we go through uninterrupted Tahoe National Forest. Guiding through the alpine scenery I’ll be sharing stories of the area, history, as well as local flora and fauna. Roughly halfway, we reach one of the highlights of the hike and the scenic reward of Pauly’s Point, an outcropping of rocks, and our highest point of the adventure. From here, world-renowned ski resorts of Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley are in full view as they nestle into the Sierra Nevada mountains. Breathtaking scenery surrounds us as we take a break for a snack. On our way down, we will take roughly an hour to meander our way back down the mountain through a variety of high alpine meadows, finishing a loop as we reach the end. Due to the seclusion, seeing another person is highly unlikely. So step off the beaten path and allow me to show you a true mountain outing you won’t surely forget. This hike is suitable for all ability level. However, due to the elevation gain, uneven surfaces, and ever-changing snow conditions. This hike is considered intermediate- moderate in difficulty so be ready to break a little sweat. All who attend will be rewarded greatly by the experience. Other things to note Eat, Hydrate, and use the restroom prior to the hike. No restroom is available at our meeting location. Make sure to have proper footwear for walking through snow for up to 3 hours. A water bottle or camelback is highly recommended for the hike.
Paint & Sip at Pieology Pizza in Roseville
You will walk into the restaurant or hotel where the painting party is being held and will be directed to our art space. The table will be set with everything you need to create your masterpiece: tabletop easel, brushes, water cup, palette of paints, and an apron to protect your clothing. You will meet your talented instructor, who will make you feel at ease and welcome at this venue! Guests can order drinks, appetizers, and even a full meal to enjoy during the class from our excellent wait-staff at the venue. Once settled in your prime painting position, class will begin. Our master Artist will walk you through the steps of the painting from beginning to end. You will start with the background, working from the top of the canvas down. Then you will add in your foreground subject matter. We will offer tips and tricks for your color-mixing, blending, and brushstroke techniques throughout the class. Finally you will add in finishing touches and details, and sign your one-of-a-kind masterpiece. At the end of class, we will take photos of you & your group for an added memory of your fun time with Painting & Vino! No experience necessary! Just come willing to try something new and have a great time! We will be using Acrylic paint, this can stain clothing, Aprons are provided. *Wine is not included in ticket price.
Paint & Sip at Platinum Wine Lounge in Roseville
You will walk into the restaurant or hotel where the painting party is being held and will be directed to our art space. The table will be set with everything you need to create your masterpiece: tabletop easel, brushes, water cup, palette of paints, and an apron to protect your clothing. You will meet your talented instructor, who will make you feel at ease and welcome at this venue! Guests can order drinks, appetizers, and even a full meal to enjoy during the class from our excellent wait-staff at the venue. Once settled in your prime painting position, class will begin. Our master Artist will walk you through the steps of the painting from beginning to end. You will start with the background, working from the top of the canvas down. Then you will add in your foreground subject matter. We will offer tips and tricks for your color-mixing, blending, and brushstroke techniques throughout the class. Finally you will add in finishing touches and details, and sign your one-of-a-kind masterpiece. At the end of class, we will take photos of you & your group for an added memory of your fun time with Painting & Vino! No experience necessary! Just come willing to try something new and have a great time! We will be using Acrylic paint, this can stain clothing, Aprons are provided. *Wine is not included in ticket price.
Beach Yoga
Enjoy the peace and beauty of Lake Tahoe from the beach. Our practice takes place on Nevada Beach (a state park) before the bustle of the day begins. You'll be guided through an all level asana practice while gazing upon the lake and mountains. Other things to note Bring a beach towel or blanket instead of a mat. Beach Yoga is a wonderful experience for everyone. Include it as part of your wedding day, bachelor or bachelorette party, family gathering, or corporate retreat. Check the weather before booking. In the case of high winds, cold temperatures, rain or snow we will move the practice indoors to Lake Tahoe Yoga.
Foraged Tea Time
I will offer a outing to identify, learn and taste several featured items in its natural habitat with a lovely cup of immune boosting tea. This is what I call Foraged Tea Time! I will be showing people what we can pick in our backyards to bring health and vitality within our bodies. Receiving grounding connecting our energies to the Earth to renew restore and relax. Please ask questions and share any information you have along with the group. If interested in the identification of your own collection please be sure to have a trained person like your neighborhood nursery give a secondary opinion. I have training from heritage information along with self taught knowledge and several classes. Such as certificate of herbalism Reiki 1, 2 and Master, space clearing, Ayurvedic shiro and many many more. Disclaimer I will not attempt to treat diagnosis or cure any ailments. There are many look alikes that can be deadly. If you are taking medication please look into seeing an Ayurvedic Doctor to help combine plant with medicine safely. Many plants interact with medicine and can be extremely dangerous. If your more into the hands on crafty or in need of guidance on meditation with earth energies check out my other classes here on Airbnb.
Paint & Sip at Willamette Wineworks in Historic Old Folsom
You will walk into the restaurant or hotel where the painting party is being held and will be directed to our art space. The table will be set with everything you need to create your masterpiece: tabletop easel, brushes, water cup, palette of paints, and an apron to protect your clothing. You will meet your talented instructor, who will make you feel at ease and welcome at this venue! Guests can order drinks, appetizers, and even a full meal to enjoy during the class from our excellent wait-staff at the venue. Once settled in your prime painting position, class will begin. Our master Artist will walk you through the steps of the painting from beginning to end. You will start with the background, working from the top of the canvas down. Then you will add in your foreground subject matter. We will offer tips and tricks for your color-mixing, blending, and brushstroke techniques throughout the class. Finally you will add in finishing touches and details, and sign your one-of-a-kind masterpiece. At the end of class, we will take photos of you & your group for an added memory of your fun time with Painting & Vino! No experience necessary! Just come willing to try something new and have a great time! We will be using Acrylic paint, this can stain clothing, Aprons are provided. *Wine is not included in ticket price.
Literary Secrets of Sacramento
We will meet up in the old City Cemetery and I’ll fill you in on some of the well known writers who have wandered through Sacramento literary history. We can either sit in the shade of the trees and I will regale you with stories, or we can tour in my car the various landmarks related to Raymond Carver, Ernest Hemingway, Joan Didion, and more. Whichever one is more comfortable for you is fine. You’ll see where Maya Angelou liked to relax with a glass of wine, where a 50s suburban housewife churned out lesbian romance novels (which now have a huge cult following)and where the love letters of JD Salinger were plagiarized. Sacramento has been the host of many a surprising literary occurrence...
Learn to cook in scenic wine country
We’ll make a delicious, locally-sourced meal centering on Petaluma’s abundant local produce. I’ll teach you knife and cooking skills. Dishes will include unusual vegetables, fruits, and grains. You will learn knife skills such as the proper way to cut an onion. You will learn the "start-and-stop-and-start" method of preparing risotto so you can finish it in 10 minutes right before serving it. You will have the opportunity to be hands-on with virtually all of these dishes, learning good technique by doing it once you see the proper way demonstrated to you. We may include family recipes modernized just a bit by me to make it easier for cooks to do today. We’ll have vegetables from the local farmer’s market and a killer dessert. I’ll provide local Sonoma county wine (or very special non-alcoholic beverages instead, if you’d prefer). We’ll eat outdoors on our gazebo if weather permits, or indoors in a formal dining room if not. If you book all four places for your group, we can customize the menu to the kinds of items you want to learn to cook, creating a 4-course menu for you to enjoy as well. My homemade sourdough bread is served as well. The protein choices are chicken, pork or vegetarian. For an extra fee I offer seafood, beef or duck. As this is a hands-on cooking class, please be sure to wear comfortable shoes for standing. We have two small friendly dogs.