Meeting All Your Real Estate Needs With Experience, Excellence and Energy!
Petaluma, CA Area Information
Petaluma is a city in Sonoma County, California. As of 2006, the population was approximately 54,660. Petaluma has a well preserved historic city center which features numerous quaint restaurants and charming antique shops. Petaluma’s welcoming and friendly atmosphere is waiting for you to come find your new home!
History
The origin of the name "Petaluma" has been debated, but it is now generally accepted to mean "fiat hack," from the language of Native Americans in the area more than 5,000 years ago. It is interpreted to mean mesas or hills within the valley “Valley of the Little Hills,” or “City of Little Hills” is often used as a translation for Petaluma.
Petaluma natural wealth has attracted mankind since prehistoric times. For more than three thousand years, the Coast Miwok Indians lived off river and marshlands. In 1846, three Spanish land grants were established along the Petaluma River, and the area flourished as an economic and social center until gold was discovered in 1848. The Petaluma River became the major source of wild game to supply a growing population. In 1851, hunters set up camp at what is now Petaluma, and soon wild game was the main export from the area.
The city was founded in 1852 and chartered in 1858, becoming a thriving shipping and manufacturing center. For 98 years, the waterway contributed to Petaluma's commercial success, making it at one time the ninth largest municipality and the third busiest inland port in California.
From the 1880s through the 1940s, Petaluma became famous as a poultry town. Petaluma was home to the world's only Chicken Pharmacy. Great wealth was accrued during this period and is still evident in commercial buildings and homes from that time.
By the late 1940s, high costs forced thousands of chicken farms into the hands of a few large producers. In the 1950s, dairy farming and the charm of country living made Petaluma what it is today. Dairy is still a principal industry in the area, along with a variety of specialty agricultural products, high tech industries including telecommunications, and tourism.
The Petaluma Recreation Services Division provides a variety of recreation programs for both youth and adults. Activities include sports leagues, aquatics, day camps and after-school programs and a variety of recreational classes. The Parks Maintenance Division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of many parks and recreation areas that includes trails, public facilities and open space.
Attractions and Activities
Petaluma is home to many great attractions and activities that are sure to keep you and your family busy throughout the year. Come visit the Lavender Bee Farm, shop for antiques, take a boat ride on the water or simply enjoy the historic downtown area with plenty of quaint shops and restaurants to keep you intrigued.
Come explore Sonoma County! Fruits and vegetables are available directly from the farmer. Seasonal adventures include summertime berry picking, apple farms, pumpkins and gourds in the fall, Christmas trees in winter and baby animals and fields of flowers in the spring. Enjoy delightful wineries, breweries and cheese factories year-round.
The Lavender Bee Farm hosts over 5,000 lavender plants. Harvesting and drying are performed by hand, and the greatest care is taken to ensure the pure and long-lasting fragrance of all lavender products. The Lavender Bee Farm honey is all natural and raw. The Lavender Honey received the Gold Ribbon at the prestigious 2006 Sonoma County Harvest Fair.
Petaluma was selected as one of the "Top Ten Bay Area Leisure Boating Destinations" by Latitude 38 magazine. Boaters choose Petaluma because they can dock in the heart of Historic Downtown and walk to restaurants, antique and specialty shops, nightlife or downtown parks. For a change of pace there is also easy access to several walking tours featuring noted landmarks and points of interest.
Events
Petaluma is home to some of the areas most exciting festivals around! Don’t miss out on the Butter and Egg Days Parade, the Art and Garden Festival, or the Spring Antique Faire. There’s something for everyone in the family here in Petaluma!
The Art and Garden Festival features great food from local restaurants, local wines and an amazing line up of great music. Fourth and Kentucky Streets turn into a day long party honoring local art, horticulture, amazing jewelry and fine crafts. Local wineries and restaurants show off their wonderful food and wine and bands all day playing music.
Antique and collectable lovers throughout the Bay Area are welcome to come, browse and shop the 23rd Annual Petaluma Fall Antique. One of The Bay Area's Premier Antique Centers, Historic Downtown Petaluma will transform into an antique marketplace. Here guests can find an incomparable selection of affordable antiques from over 180 dealers. The show has a nice variety of estate jewelry, linens, furniture, art, kitchenware, vintage decor, books and all kinds of unusual collectables to suit everyone's budget. This show attracts over 8,000 collectors.
