Our Must See Spots in The Sebastopol Barlow
If you haven’t heard of the Barlow—Tamarind’s humble home—here’s what you need to know. Food: There’s tons of it! Farm to table eats a plenty. From crepes and neapolitan wood fired pizza to upscale bar grub. Your appetite will thank you. Drinks: With a smorgasbord of beverages, your glass will runneth over. With local brewed beer, vintners, distilled spirits, cold pressed juice, and organic coffee—the possibilities of liquid libations are endless. Just pick your poison! And then there's the shops. A waldorf inspired toy store- check! A whimsical flower shop- check! A curated collection of kitchen necessities- check! With four city blocks of Sebastopol’s finest fare— the Barlow is a must stop spot.
Built 75 years ago, the original Barlow housed an applesauce cannery to accommodate the 11,000 acres of apple orchards nearby. But over the years, the local landscape shifted from apple orchards to wine vines. With declining production, the Barlow applesauce cannery closed. Besides a few local manufacturers, most of the buildings stood vacant and fell into disrepair. To redevelop the dilapidated corner of downtown, Barney Aldridge worked with the city and local architects to revitalize the historic cannery while incorporating the sites history of manufacturing.
Check out the Barlow’s makers and shakers to get a taste of Sebastopol. Organic, local, sustainable— that’s the Barlow in a nutshell.
Taylor Maid Farms | Organic Coffee & Tea
First stop— caffeine! To get bright eyed and bushy tailed, sip some Sebastopol roasted organic coffee in a rugged, charming cafe. Send out some emails in the second story den complete with leather lounge chairs and Edison bulb lamps or people watch on bar stools. Grab some artisanal treats to snack while you sip. You won’t regret it! And if you want a peek at production, sneak back to the ladies room to see where the manufacturing magic happens. Taylor Maid works with small organic farmers from around the world to produce quality coffee and teas through sustainable practices.
(Tamarind Ensemble—tank + jeans + boots)
California Sister | Floral Design and Supply
California Sister brings the outside in. Greet the blooming bounty of the local landscape in their enchanting shop and take home a taste of California's natural beauty. Working with neighboring farms, craftsmen, and artists to bring the herbal home. If you want to feel like a real life Alice in wonderland surrounded by singing flowers-- California Sister is the closest thing to a golden afternoon in a life-size flower bed that you will ever get. Everywhere we turned, there was plant-based magic—natural skincare by Fat and the Moon, a Nevada City modern medicine woman. Dried and dyed flower buds to brighten your room if, like me, you find yourself an unintentional serial plant murderer (only the cactuses survive uncursed). Handmade soaps that would bring your grandma to tears and look like a tasty chunks of technicolor fudge. And a plethora of fresh flowers to swaddle and carry home. Check out California Sister’s supplies and workshops to bring nature home.
(Tamarind Ensemble—jumpsuit + necklace)
Woodfour
If you want beer, but your friends are craving wine— Woodfour is your winner! Handcrafted European farmhouse style beer—produced in the Barlow by master brewer Seth Wood— elevate the farm to table grub cooked with only the best sustainable, local, ethical ingredients. Start with a pickle plate and cheese board for a taste of local melt in your mouth culinary craftsmanship.
(Tamarind Ensemble—blouse + jeans + loafers + clutch)
Sebastopol Kitchen + Table
You know the kitchen of your dreams—the one with bits and pieces of design tagged to your pinterest board— this shop will make that kitchen a reality. Cook and entertain with handcrafted platters and place settings. Make your meal a feast for the eyes. Remember, ambiance is an art form— Get rave reviews with modern, farmhouse details. And don;t forget to channel Belle ala Beauty and The Beast on Kitchen + Table's wrap around ladder. You know you want to!
(Tamarind Ensemble—dress + heels)
The Nectary
When we need a little plant-based medicine to cleanse our bodies, we hit up the Nectary. From personalized juice cleanses to allergy wellness shots with local honey and nettle— everything here will lift your body and mind to new heights. They helped kick my case of seasonal allergies to the curb! If thats not magic I don’t know what is?! Personally, we’re addicted to their smoothies. Their fresh local ingredients blend into the nectar of the gods I tell ya! No other smoothies compare. These ones will knock your Birkenstock bound socks right off. Oh! And don’t forget to peak in their fridge for some raw vegan treats. Happy Juicing!
(Tamarind Ensemble—blouse)
Check Out The Barlow Here