Every time we drive to Santa Rosa, we pass through the historic (and quite interesting) area known as The Springs. Both daughter-in-law and I have always wanted to shop here. Today was the perfect day for a road trip!

In 1895, Captain H.E. Boyes discovered hot springs here and opened the Boyes Hot Springs Hotel (now the site of the very opulent Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa). During Captain Boyes' days, the area became popular with tourists, with over 70,000 visiting each year. Now it is home to my new favorite thrift store- The Republic of Thrift.
After spending a whooping $12 on a huge bag of amazing goodies, we headed to the next stop down the road for lunch- El Molino Central.
We shared the Seasonal Vegetable Tamale Calabacitas con crema: Summer squash, corn, epazote cream and cheese tamales. ¡Delicioso!
Dessert was at La Michoacana, where natural ice cream and paletas (ice cream bars) are made on-site by Teresita Fernandez from fresh fruit and include flavors such as coconut-pineapple, mango, almond cappuccino, rose pedal, TEQUILA, and Mexican Neapolitan. Yum, right?

After having a scoop of what was clearly joy, we returned home, stopping at one more great thrift store- The Church Mouse, before calling the day a great success!