Alright, now-if you glance to your left, you’ll spot the Salvador Vallejo Adobe. This place has worn a LOT of hats over the years, some of them surprisingly snazzy. Back in the 1830s, this adobe was the lavish home of Salvador Vallejo, brother to General Mariano Vallejo, and his wife María de Carrillo. Built by Native labor, the Vallejo home came decked out with imported furniture, plush embroidery, and actual Catholic art-think gilded frames, not just stick figures. Imagine the neighbors’ faces seeing the first piano in the county parked right inside.
For a while, this was Sonoma’s answer to Beverly Hills, that is-until the Bear Flag Revolt rolled into town. Rebel “insurgents” took over, helped themselves to the Vallejos’ luxuries, and marched Salvador off to Sutter’s Fort. After all the drama, the family left for Napa, turning the adobe over to soldiers, then students-yes, for a stretch it was a co-ed Presbyterian boarding school, which was pretty avant-garde for the 1850s.
Tragedy struck in 1867 when fire took out the main wing. What stands now? This was originally the servants’ quarters-tough, practical, and still standing strong. Over the years, it’s moonlighted as everything from a courthouse to a Masonic temple to a post office. Today? You’ll find a restaurant and a shop, plus someone lucky enough to live upstairs.
Take a look at the balcony-added in the 1950s-and the sun-dappled garden out back, which now hosts cheerful diners instead of religious shrines.
When you’re ready for more Vallejo history, just head north for about 9 minutes to reach the Vallejo Estate.
