At the top of my list of “Who knew?” weekend getaway destinations is Tri-Valley, a triangle-shaped region about 30 miles southeast from San Francisco that’s best known for its pleasant Mediterranean climate, award-winning wine region, and the historic downtown areas of Pleasanton, Livermore, and Danville. Think of it as an affordable, crowd-free, and closer alternative to Carmel and Napa, yet with all the same alluring attractions: wine tasting, boutique shopping, farmers markets, fine dining, hiking trails, world-class golfing, and adorable old-fashioned downtowns—all within easy driving distance. Read full article »
Pet-Friendly
A Visit To Tri-Valley
Sunday, August 22nd, 2010Dog-Gone Getaways
Sunday, February 14th, 2010
We recently did a survey at LocalGetaways and one of most requested topics for local travel tips was pet-friendly getaways. Which makes sense, because there’s nothing more sad than saying goodbye to your little buddy as you walk out the front door for weekend getaway. Ergo, this week’s theme covers a few of my top picks for pet-friendly destinations in Northern California. Better yet, add your own tips and advice to our pet-friendly blogs below. We’d love to hear from you. Read full article »
The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches
Sunday, October 25th, 2009
Have you ever seen anything as happy as a dog playing on the beach? Me neither. Sometimes I borrow my neighbor’s dog just to take him to the beach and watch him go nuts chasing after his tennis ball into the roiling surf, completely oblivious of the chilly water and crashing waves. It’s not only fantastic exercise for the dog, it’s cathartic for humans as well, being able to bring so much joy to a dog’s day. So open your day-planner right now, find a free weekend, then call your dog over and let him know that he’s about to have the best beach getaway a pooch could ever hope for. Read full article »
Pet-Friendly Getaways
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
There’s nothing more sad than saying goodbye to your dog as you leave for a vacation. Poor little guy, sitting there with his big brown eyes pleading with you to take him along. Well I’m about to make your doggie’s day with five of my all-time favorite pet-friendly getaways to Northern California, from Carmel’s leash-free beaches to Russian River canoe trips and Lake Tahoe hiking trails. And I’ve also included my top picks on where to stay with your pet—not just hotels that allow pets, but ones that welcome them with special treats and pet-friendly itineraries. So call your dog over right now and let him know that he’s about to have the best local getaway a pooch could ever hope for. Read full article »
Romantic Getaway: A romantic 2-night Santa Cruz getaway package to 
