FREESTONE, CALIFORNIA
The town of Freestone is one of the best kept secrets in the North Bay. The first area to be named a historic district by Sonoma County, this town retains its authentic vibe. A visitor to the town of Freestone can find the best bread at the Wild Flour bakery, the best spa at Osmosis, a cheese store, winery and assorted jewelry, florist and gift stores. Freestone is the gateway to Bohemian Highway which leads to the town of Occidental.
Less than 60 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Freestone is centrally located between the Sonoma Coast, the towns of Sebastopol, Occidental and Graton and close to wineries, orchards and nature.
Freestone has all the benefits
of small town LIVING,
with the fun and features
of larger surrounding communities.
Occidental is known for its crazy April fools parade, the weekly Farmer’s market and the sublime Occidental Choir. Even in a blustery rainstorm, on a cold December afternoon, a traveler in Occidental will find a cozy cup o’ joe (or something a little stronger) and conversation at the Altamont General Store or the traditional Negri’s Original. The Occidental Union Hotel restaurant cannot be missed for its oversized portions and fun atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you’ll get an invite the annual Holiday Cookie exchange and singing event! Heading for a summer outing from Occidental is only difficult in that there are so many choices: Russian River, the picturesque town of Bodega (known for its Ansel Adams photos and setting the classic film The Birds) or head to Wine Country.
Less than 20 mins from Freestone is the town of Sebastopol: The town was based primarily on agricultural concerns when formed and still honors those roots with annual festivals such as the Gravenstein Apple Fair and the Apple Blossom Festival and parade weekend. Farm Trails, a local organization to bring together local farmers and those who love to support them, provides activities and events year around. The Arts are celebrated as with as much enthusiasm as the farms with Art Trails, the oldest juried open studio tour in the country, to our very own Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival which is sponsored primarily by the Sebastopol Center for the Arts.
If all this art and farm touring is making you hungry and thirsty, you’ve come to the right place. Restaurants are diverse and prolific. Not to be missed: Underwood Bar and Bistro is regularly voted the best bar/restaurant in the area. And the favorite breakfast for all of our family is at Willowwood Café. Be sure you tour The Barlow for wine and beer tasting and eclectic local shopping. Downtown Sebastopol features a true, expansive bookstore, Copperfield’s, and of course a used bookstore, Second Changes Used Books. We have the (unverified) record of the most groceries stores per capita in the County – but you’ll have to visit them all to enjoy each of their specialty offerings.
Sonoma County Regional Parks are destinations for fun in nature. Sebastopol and the surrounding area boasts walking paths to suit everyone’s needs: the 157+ acre Ragle Ranch park, Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail, and the mighty Joe Rodota trail for bikes and walking from as far west as Forestville, through the town of Sebastopol and all the way to Santa Rosa. Sebastopol and the surrounds are alive with swimmers, bikers, trail runners, fishermen, and hikers, among other activities.