If you’re looking to squeeze in one last family vacation before school starts, one of the best places to go is California’s Gold Country. It’s one of the most underrated and inexpensive tourist destinations in California, a winning combination of Old West ambiance, affordable B&Bs, and outdoor adventures galore. My dad used to take my sisters and me up to the Gold Country when we were kids and I still remember what a great time we had panning for real gold on the banks of a creek, exploring the spooky caverns, and riding on the steam trains. Believe me, a weekend getaway to the Gold Country is one of the best adventures a kid can have. Read full article »
Kid-Friendly
Gold Country
Sunday, August 15th, 2010Wine Country With Kids
Sunday, July 25th, 2010
A weekend getaway to Napa or Sonoma County used to mean leaving the kids with Grandma. But times have changed and California’s Wine Country isn’t just for grown-ups anymore. Kids may not want anything to do with those funny looking grapes, but that doesn’t mean they won’t savor their vacation just as much as you. An area whose claim to fame is first class wine can also claim fabulous food, unforgettable parks, and quite simply some great outdoor spaces where kids can run around and be… kids. Read full article »
Independence Day Getaways
Sunday, June 20th, 2010
Independence Day falls on a Sunday this year, making it a three-day weekend for many and the perfect excuse to put some fireworks in your holiday with a getaway trip out of town. There’s hardly a community in Northern California that’s not planning a full day of entertainment, from county fairs and small-town parades to street festivals and beach parties. Here are a few of my top picks for a fun-filled Fourth of July. Read full article »
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Sunday, June 13th, 2010
Here’s an idea: Instead of driving to Lake Tahoe again for your alpine getaway, consider a detour to one the least-visited national parks in the lower 48 states: Lassen Volcanic National Park. Okay, so maybe it doesn’t offer the same incredible scenery as Lake Tahoe (what place does?), but Lassen Volcanic National Park definitely has something Tahoe can’t touch: Lassen Peak, one of the most active volcanoes on the continent. If you live in Northern California, you really should visit this Yellowstone-of-the-West wonderment at least once in your life. Read full article »
The 7 Man-Made Wonders of Northern California
Sunday, June 6th, 2010
Sometimes you have to go see something simply because somebody was crazy or determined enough to build it. Take the Winchester Mystery House for example: If someone spends 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, for 38 years building a nuthouse, people will line up to see it (and they do). So this week’s getaway theme is a tribute to the top seven man-made wonders that people said couldn’t (or shouldn’t) be built, all of which are a fantastic excuse to get away for fun-filled weekend of exploring Northern California. Read full article »
Memorial Day Getaways
Sunday, May 23rd, 2010
Memorial Day Weekend is coming up next week and you still haven’t made any plans yet, have you? I didn’t think so. Well, now’s a great time to start, so pour yourself another cup of coffee and take a few minutes to comb over my top suggestions for fun and affordable Memorial Day getaways in Northern California: exploring petrified forests, kayaking with sea otters, hiking along the coast, and many more. Read full article »
My Memorable Family Getaway to Monterey
Sunday, May 16th, 2010
Which of the following words does not belong: a) kids, b) travel, c) relaxation? Any parent who has traveled anywhere with kids knows that c) relaxation is the answer. Sure, it can be enjoyable to watch the smiles on your kids’ faces as they explore new places and experience new adventures, but what about you? If you’ve ever experienced the “I need a vacation after that vacation” let-down, read on. Read full article »
Spring Snow Getaways
Sunday, March 21st, 2010
Spring officially arrived on March 20th, and so did the sunny weather (finally!). But don’t hang up your skis and sleds just yet, because the best time to head to the Sierra for some fun in the snow is right now. Lake Tahoe’s ski resorts have enjoyed a phenomenal winter season and there’s still a LOT of snow up on the slopes. Now throw in some warm weather, a flurry of end-of-the-season discounts, several spring skiing festivals, and voila! The perfect recipe for a fun and affordable snow-play getaway. Read full article »
Romantic Getaway: A romantic 2-night Santa Cruz getaway package to 
