You can still see faded chicken “Hatchery” business names painted on old brick buildings in Petaluma, California, which was once locally touted as “the world’s egg basket.” There’s an enthusiastic hometown gathering for the annual Butter & Egg Days Parade and Festival, and at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum you can get up close to an egg cleaning machine and see an old photo of the town’s former chicken pharmacy (‘cause fowl sometimes feel foul). The town’s culinary tradition dates back to the mid-1800s Gold Rush, and it continues today with everything from buffalo milk ice cream and sourdough bagels to Swedish cuisine and famous craft beer. But there are other draws to Petaluma, including shopping among buildings from the 1800s, hip bars, live music and loads of nostalgia. Petaluma is also well-positioned as a base for the current riches of the region. Think of this town as the hub of a pioneer’s wagon wheel, spokes stretching out in all directions to day trip points of i...