We will be visiting the Sonoma area for the first time. Is the plaza in Sonoma similar to the plaza in Santa Fe, NM with shops, restaurants, etc. surrounding it? Also, has anyone stayed at the Inn at Sonoma (Four Sisters)? What did you think of the Inn and the location? Thanks.

Yes, lots of shops and restaurants, historical sights and monuments, a winery with free tours 1 or 2 blocks off the square, forgot the name of the winery. The square itself has lots of picnic tables and trees if you like to be in a shade. You can even feed the ducks there!

Not far from the square is a traintown, fun for chidren and adults.

The difference between the two IMO would be that there are less shops in Sonoma than Sante Fe Plaza. Sonoma has an abundance of places to eat. there is the Sebastiani theatre which is a nice old theatre. there is a great cookware shop and the Churchmouse Thrift shop. tend to get bored with the selection. sante fe has more to see that interests me. Make sure to visit the Cheese factory to watch the process and sample the wares.

Applejaxs, thank you, I couldn't remember the name of the winery, so here is the website, and their tour is good, lots of info.

http://www.sebastiani.com/visit_us/visit_us_home.asp

Thanks so much for your information about the Sonoma Plaza.

Does Napa have a plaza area? I will be making plans to stay in one or the other area and will be without a car for 2 days and wanted to make sure I woud be within a reasonable walking distance of a central plaza which has shopping, restaurants, maybe a museum, etc. Thanks again.

Marianna, never used it but heard that Napa has a free trolley taking you to all touristy places.

http://www.transitinfo.org/cgi-bin/r...e.net/trolley/

If you stay in downtown Napa you will be able to walk to shops,restaurants and the like. Sonoma has the feel of a quaint old town more so than downtown Napa IMO. It's not Santa Fe..but it does have its own charm.