Discover Graton: Flower Shows, Art and Trails

Graton combines a long tradition of flower shows with art, a small business district and the West County Regional Trail. Which side interests you most depends on whether you want to focus on culture, the townscape or outdoor activity during your trip.

Flower Shows and Club History

The Graton Community Club has held both spring and fall flower shows since 1928. The tradition brings two seasonal events to the calendar. If you want to plan your trip around a show, check the specific event dates in advance. This lets you choose your travel dates to coincide with the event. Another historical detail is the club’s former clubhouse: in 1916, the club purchased a former chicken hatchery building for $500 to use as its clubhouse. The purchase history and flower shows highlight different aspects of the club’s history: a building’s former use and a long-running event tradition.

Art and Crafts

The Graton Gallery and adjoining sculpture garden display original paintings, prints and fine art sculptures. They also feature jewelry, ceramics, glass, textiles and wood art by more than 50 local artists. This places fine art alongside work in a range of materials and craft disciplines. For art lovers, this breadth is a useful point of reference: the gallery is not limited to a single type of work but encompasses a variety of artistic expressions. The gallery displays original paintings, prints and sculptures; the business district also has antiques and gifts.

Storefronts and Townscape

Graton’s small business district also contributes to its townscape. Restored historic storefronts define the area, whose shops offer antiques, fine art, ceramics, crafts and gifts. The selection includes both collectibles and art and handcrafted items. Graton’s main street is one block long and features elements of 19th-century Western town architecture. Storefronts and street architecture offer two distinct ways to experience the townscape: restored shopfronts shape the impression in the business district, while the main street’s Western town architecture evokes a historical style.

West County Regional Trail and Landscape

The West County Regional Trail offers a different focus from club history and art. It is a paved, tree-shaded path that runs through Graton, vineyards and riparian woodlands. From the trail, you can enjoy views of farms, vineyards and other agricultural land. The path is paved for walking, cycling and roller skating, and is popular with cyclists and walkers. The trail thus combines outdoor activity with views of an agricultural landscape, while the gallery, sculpture garden and storefronts provide cultural and historical highlights.

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For the main travel overview: Sonoma.