St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. In spite of the pandemic, Sonoma County is “putting on the green” with its usual spring show throughout our verdant countryside. All this green is getting me in the mood for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, right here in Santa Rosa.
So, I’ve put together a local guide to “all things green” from great local eateries to “green” hikes amongst the mustard. And if staying home is more your St. Patrick’s Day vibe, scroll to the end for a link to a delicious recipe for Irish Soda Bread to make in your own kitchen!
SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS
As your Santa Rosa realtor, I believe in supporting local business! Check out these really great Irish pubs and restaurants to fill the need for corned beef, cabbage, fish ‘n chips or even Toad in the Hole! Be sure to call first for hours of operation.
•THIRD STREET ALEWORKS 610 3rd Street, Santa Rosa, CA 707.523.3060
With plenty of Pub favorites to choose from including burgers, fries, tots, sandwiches, salads and fish ‘n chips, you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style when you pair your entrée with an ale such as Blarney Sister’s Dry Irish Stout. Outdoor dining is open!
•TOAD IN THE HOLE PUB 116 5th St Santa Rosa, CA 95401 707.544.8623
The Toad is your local pub in Railroad Square serving up hand-crafted plates of traditional English faire using local, sustainable ingredients for pint drinkers, game watchers and happy hour regulars. Labeled THE place in town for Fish & Chips, you also won't want to miss one of Ma Stokeld's famous homemade bangers!
•STOUT BROTHERS IRISH PUB AND RESTAURANT 527 4th Street, Santa Rosa 707.636.0240
Check out all your St. Patrick’s Day favorites including Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash and a Drunken Fish Sandwich. Finish it all off with an Irish Bananas Foster. I’ll meet you there!
If you feel like you could use a little activity to burn off a couple of calories from your St. Patrick’s Day feast, Sonoma County is full of great hikes through the “green” hillside. Consider hitting up one of these trails for an easy to moderate hike just minutes from your favorite Irish restaurants!
•Easy: The Loop at Spring Lake Regional Park
Spring Lake Regional Park is a 320-acre urban oasis located on Santa Rosa’s eastern edge. The 72-acre park has ponds, a swimming lagoon, oak woodlands, meadows, and grasslands and plenty of wildlife to enjoy. From spring into summer, wildflowers are everywhere.
•Easy: Prince Memorial Greenway and Santa Rosa Creek trails
Maybe a leisurely stroll dotted with outdoor sculpture, artwork, bridges and terraces is the perfect St. Patrick’s Day activity for your group. Combined, these two popular paved pathways are only a few miles long, but they easily connect to other trails for a longer trek. Start on the Prince Memorial Greenway, Running for one-half mile, the short greenway connects to the 2.14-mile Santa Rosa Creek trail, through a shady corridor. Keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife.
Moderate-Strenuous: The Western Trail at Taylor Mountain
Located in southeast Santa Rosa, Taylor Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve offers inspiring views as you climb to the 1,380-foot summit. Although it’s mildly strenuous the views at the top are worth it and encompass the Mayacamas Mountains, the Coast Range, and many landmarks of the North Bay. Well worth the effort!
Looking to stay in for St. Patrick’s Day? Your evening can be a little more authentic with delicious Irish Soda Bread. Click here for the yummy recipe. It’s easy, tasty and authentic!
MAY LOVE AND LAUGHTER
LIGHT YOUR DAYS AND
WARM YOUR HEARTH AND HOME
.-- Irish Blessing