This weeklong road trip covers two of my favorite places on the planet: Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. I’ve visited both these mountain regions countless times, yet each time I’m nonetheless awestruck by their beauty. The trip starts in North Lake Tahoe, winds its way to South Lake Tahoe, and then veers southeast along Hwy. 395 to Mono Lake. From there, it cuts westward on Hwy. 120 and heads up, up, up to the famed Tioga Pass and into Yosemite National Park. Just reading about it will make you want to drop everything and start packing. Read full article »
Parks & Wildlife
7-Day Dream Getaway: Lake Tahoe & Yosemite
Sunday, August 29th, 2010Gold Country
Sunday, August 15th, 2010
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 »
Seaside Secrets
Sunday, August 8th, 2010
Several years ago I wrote a guidebook called Best Places to the Northern California Coast. I started at the Oregon Border and took every road—dirt or paved—that headed toward the sea, all the way to Big Sur. It took me months, but I discovered some amazing places on my journey, some of which I’d like to share with you. More importantly, each of these getaways is a great excuse to spend the weekend exploring our coastline and realizing how lucky we are to be living in California. Read full article »
Secret Marin
Sunday, July 18th, 2010
Spend some time in Marin County, at the “other” end of the Golden Gate Bridge, and it doesn’t take long to figure out that the redwood-shaded, coastal hill country north of San Francisco has a ridiculous number of things to do. Miles of coastal wilderness and redwood forests to explore by foot or by bike, farm-to-table restaurants and artisan food-makers, charming towns, theaters and clubs where locals like Robin Williams, Carlos Santana, and George Lucas might be on stage or in the crowd—what’s not to love about Marin? Read full article »
The 7 Natural Wonders of Northern California
Sunday, July 4th, 2010
Sometime we need to remind ourselves how lucky we are to be living in Northern California. We have it all: beaches, mountains, volcanoes, coastal forests, and a host of natural wonders—the world’s tallest and largest trees; the country’s highest peak, tallest waterfalls, and largest alpine lake; and even the continent’s deepest submarine canyon. So consider this week’s theme a wake-up call to everyone who loves the outdoors but has yet to explore all of The 7 Natural Wonders of Northern California. 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 »
Secrets of Sonoma IV – Summer Adventures in Sonoma County
Sunday, May 9th, 2010
I get it. We need the water. But enough with the rain already. My skis are stowed in the basement, which is the official sign that I’m ready for summer—and I’m betting you are too. So for the fourth and final edition of my Secrets of Sonoma series, I’m covering all of my favorite summer activities in Sonoma County—from canoeing and biking to horseback riding and hiking. With more square miles than Rhode Island, 250 wineries, 50 miles of shoreline, 40 spas, 20 beaches, 18 golf courses, and 13 state parks, there always something fun going on in Sonoma County, and here are a few of my top picks. Read full article »
Spring Wildflowers
Sunday, April 25th, 2010
Now that springtime is here, it’s time to get outdoors and pay homage to Mother Nature’s handiwork. Blooming orchards, bright swaths of field mustard, and splashes of roadside poppies signal the crescendo of wildflower season, which is building to a peak now and should continue into mid- or late May on the coast and in the Central Valley, depending on the weather. Late-winter rains created ideal conditions for a bumper crop of blooms. So why wait? An overnight getaway with a floral focus is a great way to welcome the spring season. Read full article »
Romantic Getaway: A romantic 2-night Santa Cruz getaway package to 
