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 »
Rural Retreats
A Visit To Tri-Valley
Sunday, August 22nd, 2010Independence 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 »
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 »
Amazing Adventures in MENDOCINO COUNTY
Sunday, March 28th, 2010
If you’re the type who likes to hop in the car on Saturday morning and hit the backroads for some fun and adventure, keep reading. Just a couple of hours north of San Francisco is one of my favorite playgrounds in California: Mendocino County. With more than 4,000 square miles of unexplored wilderness, breathtaking coastal vistas, towering redwoods, adorable towns and villages, and world-class food and wine, Mendocino County offers endless discoveries. Here are a few of my top picks. Read full article »
The Best Small-Town Getaways
Sunday, July 5th, 2009
There’s something about strolling around a small town that restores your faith in America— that, in the long run, everything’s going to be alright. It’s the kind of getaway that does your soul some good, a relaxing visit to a place where the locals nod and say hello, the shops and restaurants are locally owned, and the pace is pleasantly slow. So if all this talk of hard times is getting you down, perhaps it’s time for a rejuvenating and quaintly romantic getaway to one of my six favorite small towns in Northern California. Read full article »
Romantic Getaway: A romantic 2-night Santa Cruz getaway package to 
