Downtown Sonoma, once the birthplace of the California flag that marked the state's independence from Mexican rule, lures visitors with the charm of its heritage along with all the modern trappings of Wine Country life. Go for the wine tastings, quirky speciality shops and restaurants du jour.
A Thanksgiving turkey is hard to prepare in advance, so the chef will be busy in the kitchen. It always helps to have guests stir the gravy, cut the turkey or at least get the food to the table. Someone should be assigned the task of refilling wine glasses because the chefs have their hands full.