Little towns in California

Our first stop was Paso Robles, an old agriculture town that is getting a real boost from the wine industry. Wonderful refurbished old building.With a wonderful old time candy shop, that isn’t really all that old.There is a wonderful large green square, this building was very important, if only because of the clocks that are visible from all directions.Another old building that got a stucco coating at some point, I do like how they have broken through it to show the old brick.A modern information booth that has a very old timey feel.Art Deco Theater, no longer in use, a more modern one is just one block over. I do hope one of those tasting rooms takes over.Sometimes it’s not the buildings, it’s the wonderful juxtaposition of color. Primaries anyone?Santa Rosa doesn’t have a lot to offer. Sure, they have these big fiberglass sculptures that honor the Peanuts.  Charles Shultz lived here for years. They also named their airport after him.  At least Charlie himself is cast in bronze and isn’t fading and aging like the others.The hotel we stayed at in Mendocino.Our room was right off the front balcony to the left of the wooden swing. Yes, we sat out there and reveled in the view.  Mendo is getting a whole post of it’s own!Calistoga in the very North Western part of Napa Valley. That Venetian Lion is very popular.Wonderful old brick buildings. Using different colors and playing with size they created some very interesting facades.Due to our litigious society, all the brick buildings have this sign. Sure it is good advice, but  I’m thinking the city hopes it gives them cover if people are injured near these buildings during an earthquake.Calistoga City hall, adorable isn’t it?  The police station across the street is much bigger and more modern.Look down! always interesting things right under our feet.And finally Healdsburg. An adorable little town, also has a wonderful center green with a bandstand.  I haven’t done any research, but I’m thinking this was a bank. Who else could afford this Gladding McBean tile?  And yes, I’m saying Gladding McBean without any research either, since the detail is impeccable and there is no other company around that did this kind of work.More glazed terracotta.Got to love the Old Theater. Don’t know how old this sign is.These raven are on the box office.  They look old to me.

Yes, we did pass through other towns, but there is only so much I can share. Yes Cloverdale had an adorable Church and wonderful old Victorian homes, but no, I didn’t get any pictures.