Sunny Summer Sunday in Sebastopol

My first time in Sebastopol was over 25 years ago for the Gravenstein Apple Festival with my dad and cousin.  It was simple with hay bales scattered throughout for seating, cooking demonstrations and apple everything.  With a $15 admission now, I am sure it has expanded exponentially since, just like Sebastopol itself which has gone through its own transformation.   The addition of the Barlow in the former apple cannery area gentrified the area with restaurants, chic shops, galleries, etc. while other parts of town try to retain hints of its bohemian style roots.  

We discovered their Sunday Farmer’s Market over 10 years ago located in the town square 

with a nice variety of vegetables, 

fruits, 

and other fruit items like granola and cheese with a separate section for arts and crafts like woven baskets that has more of that bohemian atmosphere.  But it was mainly for the Yucatan tamales in banana leaves from Mateo’s that had us coming back annually, perfect to enjoy for lunch at their tables set up under a tent and frozen ones to go.  

Although the variety of food tents have expanded, 

unfortunately Mateo’s is not among them anymore.  So, for the past few years, after our annual Farmer’s Market visit now for fresh heirloom tomatoes perfect for making my favorite chef inspired summertime dish, Heirloom Tomatoes with Burrata Cheese - http://cookwithzee.blogspot.com/2014/08/heirloom-tomato-with-burrata-cheese.html, I have been exploring different brunch options in the area like Hole in the Wall, 

Gypsy Café, 

and this time, the 2 month old Sebastopol Sunshine Café.  

Although the town has transformed, the quick drive to just the next town over via the aptly named Bohemian Highway to Freestone’s Wild Flour Bakery is reminiscent of back in the days.   

Despite word being out for their delicious freshly baked organic brick oven breads that now boast a long line, their recent opening of their gardens 

to their guests to stroll through imagining the different future goodies the produce may end up in, 

will guide you pass a peaceful respite and sitting area under the tree 

with the windchime orchestra playing a melodic tune 

perfect for meditation and ending in an open area with a bench 

and wooden Adirondack chairs to tuck yourself in a corner to read a book, 

enjoy some shade under the tree, 

or just tickle your senses 

as you slowly savor your warm savory scone.  

That simplicity was my time machine to 25 years ago.

Sebastopol Farmer’s Market - http://sebastopolfarmmarket.org/

Sebastopol Plaza, Sebastopol, CA 95472

Hole in the Wall

972 Gravenstein Hwy S, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone:  707-827-6040

Gypsy Cafe - https://gypsy-cafe.com/

162 N Main Street, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone:  707-861-3825

Sebastopol Sunshine Cafe - https://www.sebastopolsunshinecafe.com/

124 S Main Street, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone:  707-827-3935

Wild Flour Bakery - http://www.wildflourbread.com/

140 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone, CA 95472
Phone:  707-874-2938