San Francisco and Petaluma

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Petaluma has it all: Airstreams, a French hotel, palmtrees, shops, architecture and chickens...but where are the chickens?

Where are we talking about: The little town Petaluma. Petaluma's well-preserved city center is filled with an engaging mix of boutiques, antiques shops, and specialty stores, many in historic buildings. It's a 45 minute drive from San Francisco by car.

French style sleeping: DDTS spend the night at the Metro Hotel & Cafe. Not in the hotel itself, but in one of the three Airstreams they are offering as well. Our Airstream had a jeu de boules field in front. One of the owners is from Paris...so you will see and feel the French vibe everywhere. The small eclectic self-serve style Boutique Hotel 'Metro Hotel & Cafe' with French charm is in a 140 year-old building restored in 2010. Located near historic downtown Petaluma. They offer bikes with (a French) basket for rent. And that basket you need when wandering around downtown Petaluma...we already warned you ;-)!

A must: The Metro Hotel & Cafe offers you fresh made crepes for breakfast. Don't miss it! You can make your own cup of filter coffee. Decorate your fresh crepes with Nutella, whipped cream or healthy strawberries, mango and banana. Bon appétit!

Where to bike: Petaluma offers all levels of cycling routes, whether it's just running errands around town, enjoying an easy recreational cycle on a dedicated trail, or more challenging hillside treks. The DDTS-team decided to use the bikes to wander around downtown.

Pitstop: Visit Wild Goat Bistro for a nice break during the day. They have delicious food and nice wine. Try the polenta fries...they are really worth the kilo's ;-)!

Little tiny beautiful shops: Explore the walkable shopping area where the architectural gems of the 1800s house many one-of-a-kind specialty stores including retro to fashion forward clothing and fabulous finds for your home and garden. And don't blame DDTS on this, but you won't leave empty handed (Our wooden bike baskets were packed with a lot of shopping bags ;-).

Something with chickens. A little history: By 1918, Petaluma was considered a world leader in the chicken and egg industry. A Chamber of Commerce campaign gave the city the title, “Egg Basket of the World,” and started the Egg Days Parade to celebrate the burgeoning industry. But nowadays it's not that industry anymore. In fact: DDTS saw none single chicken on their way downtown Petaluma!

Small detail: Petaluma played a roll in the famous movie Basic Instinct! The modest little home at 26 Liberty Street has been used in the movie. So that little town in California is not only famous for their chickens ;-)!

Watch our Tiktok video of San Francisco!

San Francisco, glamping in an Airstream and wineries to visit!

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A luxury Airstream outdoor experience in the Red Woods with campfire, marshmallows and wine. Who doesn't want that?!

Russian River AutoCamp is a great place to be. Surrounded by the Red Wood Forest you can stay in a beautiful Airstream and chill out.

Which area: Guerneville in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, California, United States.

Where to go: Book a stay at AutoCamp. They offer overnight lodging and accommodations in modern Airstream suites. A great experience to glamp, you don't want to miss it!

What do you need: You need a toothbrush and toothpaste...the rest is already organized. Towels, shower gel, toiletpaper, coffee & tea, blankets, sheets...it's all there.

What to do: Buy some wood and a marshmallow kit in the clubhouse of AutoCamp. And settle a wine arrangement to be sure you start a great night near the campfire.

Nice to do the next day: You can use the bikes for free at AutoCamp...so you can make a little round tour to Guerneville and the Russian River. And when you have checked out you can drive with your own car to several wine estates. Such as Iron Horse and Viansa. California has it all!

Watch our vlog of San Francisco!