Shopping in Santa Rosa

At Trek Bicycle Store of Santa Rosa, a staff of experienced bike builders, mechanics, and salesfolk combine an encyclopedic knowledge of their trade with a passion for cycling. Technicians tune, repair, and construct both road and mountain-ready bikes from scratch, with an ample supply of cruisers, one-speeds, children's, and BMX models ready for any type of cyclist. The shop also hosts regular ride alongs that guide pedaling herds through the scenic Napa Valley countryside.

Commuters, athletes, and hobbyists alike gear up with Trek's vast array of helmets, shoes, clothing, and tubes from brands such as Bontrager, Castrelli, and Shimano. After arming themselves with new equipment, customers can consult certified therapists for massage treatments that help to undo the effects of stress or injury and work with instructors in cycling-centric yoga classes that help riders build core strength, flexibility, and the ability to mind meld with their bikes.

Located on Railroad Square in Santa Rosa, OldTown Furniture and Furniture Depot outfit homes and businesses with classic pieces of high-quality bedroom, dining, and living-room furniture. True to its name, OldTown Furniture epitomizes a simpler, bygone age: it's a family business passed down from generation to generation, with handmade solid-wood furniture and no fully automated robot sales staff. Patrons marvel at traditional handiwork in Amish furniture such as cherry or oak tables and chairs and admire the functional, handsome construction of American-made entertainment centers and office furnishings. Vintage signs brighten up dens and offices, and bedroom sets from collections such as Americana and Edwardian grace chambers with elegance.

The gardening gurus at Cottage Gardens of Petaluma grow all of the plants that they sell onsite, including the year-round vegetable garden and annuals. That means they can not only vouch for each plant’s health and acclimation to the area’s climate, but they are happy to advise budding gardeners on how to properly care for each plant. They can point shoppers toward bee-friendly perennials, for instance, or help them choose brassica veggies for an autumn harvest. Cottage Gardens of Petaluma also carries dozens of succulents, from the leafy crassula variety to a sturdy aloe plant.

In addition to plants, the nursery stocks a variety of soil fortifiers, such as nutrients and hardhats for earthworms. It also empowers green thumbs to beautify gardens with accessories including sculptures, terra-cotta planters, and baskets. Guests are also welcome to peruse the grounds to simply enjoy the beauty.

The staff at Windsor Bicycle Center is composed almost entirely of avid cyclists of all backgrounds, from a sales guru with more than 20 years of industry experience to several members of the local racing circuit. As such, the team helps customers navigate the wide assortment of bikes and parts by Cannondale, Electra, Giant, Pearl Izumi, Shimano, and Giro to find the perfect fit for their stature and style. To keep existing bikes in shape, Windsor's mechanics perform services such as complete tune-ups and repairs, which include everything from complete drivetrain cleanings to installing new tires to replace worn-out 12" pizzas.

In 2005, DanvilleExpress.com profiled Matt Akabane, whose family has run Tassajara Nursery for more than 30 years. At the time, he was preparing to appear on HGTV's Landscape Smart. On the show, he helped revitalize a dull patio with the flora of a French garden, a wine-barrel fountain, and a flagstone patio.

This creative approach to landscaping shines through at the family’s nursery, where a wide range of shrubs, trees, and tropical plants all jostle for attention, their leaves making a hushing sound in gentle breezes. Organic fertilizers keep grasses lush, and bonsai specialists can help clients select a new, tiny tree from several species available. They also give tips on how to trim the plant and encourage cookie-baking elves to colonize it.