Bodega Bay Vacation Rentals

On the evening of the Twelfth Night, or the Day of the Epiphany, the last rite in the Old Christmas celebration took place — the burning of the Christmas greens. This celebration commenorated the visit of the Magi to adore Jesus. Join in this tradition, when local Christmas trees will be burned in a huge bonfire.

Bodega Harboour Yacht Club is holding it’s annual Burning of the Greens on Friday January 6, 2006 at the Bodega Harbour Yacht Club…bagpiper is at 5:30, cocktails and appetizers at 5:30, and the burning ceremony will be held at 6:30 pm. You can call 707-875-3519 to make a reservation, cost is $8.

The lighted boat parade in Petaluma drew a crowd of 2,000 this year, and there are many boats lit up at night in the Spud Point Marina in Bodega Bay as well….the holiday spirit is all around!

Bodega Head is just a few minutes from At the Bay’s Edge, and features both dramatic views and several hiking trails.

There are no entrance or park fees, the 3.0 mile partial loop hike is easy. There is only one short easy uphill stretch, and the rest of the hike is nearly flat. You can split this hike into two, shorter ones — a 1.1 mile out and back to the overlook, or a 1.8 mile loop through the headlands. And the view is spectacular no matter what route you take!

A Charlie Brown Christmas is celebrating 40 years this month, and there is a fabulous display commemorating this anniversary at the Charles Schultz musuem in Santa Rosa. The display is on through January 6, 2006.

This museum is very dynamic and always has special events, in addition to their ongoing exhibits. There’s even a Snoopy Labyrinth…something for everyone! It’s well worth the trip!

The Tomales Bay Oyster Farm sells oysters, mussels and clams. They are only 45 minutes from At the Bay’s Edge and it’s well worth the trip….they are located down by Pt. Reyes — so there’s lots to see and do along the way.

The oyster farm has been in operation since 1909 — and is open to the public every day from 8am – 6pm. They welcome you to eat there with picnic tables and grills….or take your order home to enjoy!

One of our guests just told me about how much they enjoyed the pear and cranberry scones at the Wildflour Bakery in Freestone. I’ll need to head over there this weekend and try them!

The Wild Flour Bakery is 10 minutes from our house, between the town of Bodega and Sebastopol. They offer at least a dozen different organic breads and rolls … cooked in their brick oven. It’s an adventure just to watch them make the bread…and of course it’s even more fun to sample each one before you make a decision….as there’s always something new to try! My favorite is Fougasse, which includes gouda or blue cheese, red peppers, olives, and onions. It’s almost a meal in itself! Other favorites include the cinnamon buns, sunflower seed bread, and the Egyptian….which includes pear, fig, and candied ginger.

Make sure and stop by! They are open Friday thru Monday.

There are two local sport fishing locations just minutes from the house. The Boat House at 707-875-3495 and Wil’s Fishing at 707-875-2323. Or you can buy all the crab you want locally after November 15th. Either way there are big cooking pots at the house so plan on enjoying the fresh local crab! Here’s a great article on how to prepare your Dungeness crab — I also have some secrets to share about cooking them.

The cormorants are always here, they fish in front of the house by day. After fishing, they go to the piers to dry their wings by holding them out in the sun. I’ve read that this is because their feathers are not waterproofed….which helps them dive more quickly.

They rest in the tree above the house at night in large groups. They have quite a distinctive call and it’s quite a symphony to listen to!

Looks like several fun events are planned to celebrate Halloween in Petaluma!

3rd ANNUAL CANINE COSTUME CONTEST – Oct. 29
Featuring fabulous prizes for dogs and their guardians. $5 entry fee per dog. Proceeds benefit the Petaluma Animal Shelter.

HALLOWEEN HOUSE TOUR – Oct. 30
Visit a six vintage homes from 6 to 9 p.m. and hear costumed docents at each location share the real and SURREAL lore surrounding each location.

10th ANNUAL SPOOKTACULAR – Oct. 31
Free Trick-or-Treating in the shopping center.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN TRICK OR TREAT TRAIL – Oct. 31
Participating Downtown Merchants sponsor a TRICK OR TREAT TRAIL, offering free candy to all children who trick or treat from 3 to 5 p.m. in Happy Halloween Historic Downtown