City: Petaluma, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Address: 20 Fourth Street
City: Petaluma, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Address: 3325 Adobe Road at Casa Grande Road
3. Cinnabar Theater
City: Petaluma, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (707) 763-8920
Address: 3333 Petaluma Boulevard N.
Description: In the summer of 1970, Marvin Klebe abandoned his career singing baritone with the San Francisco Opera Company, bought a 60-year-old, two-room schoolhouse surrounded by dairy cows and chickens on the outskirts of Petaluma, and began transforming the structure into a theater. Disenchanted with the usual regimentation of grand opera, Marvin’s goal was to provide a stage for experimental works that would involve the local community. Today Cinnabar Theater features an outstanding array of entertainers, performing everything from Bach to rock. Theater is also on the schedule, with performances of Cosi fan tutte, The Bluebird, and Private Lives in 2008. Performance tickets are $20 to $35.
4. Early Work Toy Station
City: Petaluma, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (707) 765-1993, (800) 711-1933
Address: 90 Sycamore Lane
Description: Early Work was formerly a shop for teachers looking for educational materials, but it is now open to the public. It’s a great favorite with children because of its selection of creative toys and learning materials. There’s something for everyone here, from age 1 to 100. Toys and books cover art, science, math, and language. An event schedule changes from month to month—call the store for times or check its Web site.
5. Jungle Vibes
City: Petaluma, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (707) 762-6583, (800) 804-0007
Address: 136 Petaluma Boulevard N.
Description: They call it a nature and science store, but it’s really an adventure where nature and science meet world culture. At this unique Petaluma emporium, walking in the door is like entering another country. A taste of adventure and multicultural exploration goes a long way in our busy lives, and Jungle Vibes is set to help the community explore the world, using nature and science toys and books to complement an authentic collection of ethnic arts and sounds.
6. Mrs. Grossman’S Sticker Factory
City: Petaluma, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (707) 763-1700, (800) 429-4549
Address: 3810 Cypress Drive
Description: Millions of colorful and popular stickers have been produced in this hometown facility, the oldest and largest of its kind in the nation. There really is a Mrs. Grossman, a graphic artist with a stellar résumé who went out on her own in 1975 to design stationery. When one of her projects for a client was mistakenly printed on sticker rolls instead of flat sheets, the idea for this enterprise was born. The factory produces 15,000 miles of sticker rolls each year in the 24-hour printing plant. The one-hour tour is by appointment only, so call ahead for hours and directions to the tour entrance gate. Great for all ages, 5 and up.
7. Victoria’S Fashion Stables
City: Petaluma, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (707) 665-0600, (707) 481-3579
Address: 430 Sprauer Road
Description: No, it’s not related to that tantalizing fashion catalog. This place is pure, clean barnyard fun, featuring good stuff for good kids—small, medium, or large. It’s primarily an equestrian operation, with pony rides suitable for even very small children—the staff will walk beside the horse to hold Junior steady if necessary. There is also a petting zoo. The stables are open every day except Tuesday. Appointments are preferred, though drop-ins can usually be accommodated.