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Posted January 2006
Destinations – Petaluma
Postcard from Petaluma: Drama in the Theater District
By Heather
Irwin
Petaluma, Sonoma County: For years, no one much thought about
the river winding through Petaluma. Though it was once the lifeblood
of this historic Victorian town, as progress moved away from
waterways and increasingly toward highways, the Petaluma River
became, well, just something to build a bridge over.
But about ten years ago, as the town began thinking more about its future than
its past, and city planners and developers started seeing the potential in the
mostly quiet little river that runs through the middle of town. With the success
of so many other mixed-use waterfront developments—places where lofts and coffeehouses;
restaurants and folks walking their dogs all commingle happily—the river became
more than just an obstacle. It became a destination.
In the summer of 2005, the town finalized its most ambitious riverfront development
project to date: the Riverfront Theater District. Centered around a multiplex
theater (the town had only a single movie theater on the outskirts of town up
to that point), it is several blocks of contemporary retail, entertainment and
living space with a brick and clapboard veneer that nods to the town’s historic
past.
Though there are still dark spaces that remain to be filled, and the theater
district’s future is not completely assured, life is returning to the waterfront.
The Old Mill, which was recently renovated to include a wine bar, the city’s
chamber of commerce and a hair salon (though it still has several empty spaces
and feels a bit empty). What was an old lumber yard now hosts the brunt of the
new construction: offices, residences, restaurants and several shops.
Whether you’re visiting Petaluma for an afternoon, or a week, it’s worth a stroll
along the waterfront walkway to watch the river meander by, a vital part of the
city once again.
Selected Spots:
 Graffiti Restaurant
101 2nd St.
Petaluma
707.765.4567
Map
it here
A hip lounge and restaurant located right on the river. Coveted patio seating
in warm months. Frequent evening events including winemaker dinners, jazz
and other music. An eclectic California/Mediterranean-focused menu. www.graffitipetaluma.com
Tagliaferri’s
25 Petaluma Blvd. South
Petaluma
707.765.2138
This Italian deli and café feels like a landmark, despite only being open several
months. Authentic meats, cheeses, pastas and sandwiches for eating in or out.
 Boulevard Cinemas
200 C St.
Petaluma
707.762.7469
First run and art films showing on twelve screens daily. Includes a café. www.cinemawest.com/pta.html
Sugo Restaurant
5 Petaluma Blvd. S
Petaluma
707.782.9298
Lounge, wine bar and restaurant focused on salads, easy-going comfort food.
Haus Fortuna
111 2nd Street
Petaluma
707.283.0166
Italian housewares store specializing in hand-painted ceramics.
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