6 Bucolic Towns in Northern California to Visit this Spring
- Apr 21, 2016
- 4 min read
Why you should go: If you buy the commercials, happy cows come from California. And what else should one do with all that milk than to make artisan cheese? Driving on the California Cheese Trail opens you to plenty opportunities to visit local dairies, learn about cheesemaking, and of course, sample their cheeses! Our favorite section of the Cheese Trail is in Sonoma County, mainly because of its idyllic and pastoral landscapes and quiet roads. There are all sorts to try here from cheese made from milk from goats to cows to water buffalo even.
Where you should go: Our favorite is Ramini Mozzarella in Tomales, especially since this style of fresh mozzarella from real water buffalos is pretty unique in the area. Read the full story of our visit and tasting here. If goat cheese is your thing, schedule a visit with Bonnie at Two Rock Valley. Full story of our visit here. While you're in Tomales, you can also make a detour to lunch on fresh oysters at Hog Island Oyster's "The Hog Shack" where oyster is cheap, especially if you opt to shuck your own.
Why you should go: Flanked by redwoods and the Russian River, Guerneville is a quiet place in the backwoods of Sonoma County. It's close enough to the wineries of Sonoma and the coast, without being obnoxious or overexposed. Healdsburg is a classy town a mere 15-20 drive away.
Where you should go: Applewood is a fabulous restaurant that has once garnered a Michelin star. It is undergoing renovations at the moment but is set to re-open this spring. If you see a Travelzoo deal, snag it! Otherwise, there's Dick Blomster's featuring tongue-in-cheek versions of Korean-American food. Don't leave without having the fried PB&J sandwich served with ice cream and pop rocks. Where you should stay: Boon Hotel is perhaps my most favorite boutique hotel in California. It's chic, yet fun and functional. There's a pool and spa onsite and they have loaner bikes that you can take to either the aforementioned redwoods or the Russian River. The staff is great - they're more like friends, really. Late winter is when deals to stay at Boon start showing up on Travelzoo so if you see one, don't delay!
Why you should go: Because it is a low-key beach town with a population of ~136 that oozes hippie (not hipster) and those are hard to find anymore. Cyclists, kayakers, runners - in other words, the active type - you all are welcome here.
Where you should go: Cafe Aquatica not only has great coffee, but it also serves quality homemade food, with a beautiful view of the water. If you're lucky, on a beautiful day, plop yourself on the grass and jam with the locals playing acoustic grooves.
Why you should go: Pescadero is a strip on the California Coast that is barely unheard of. But it is beautiful, and there are so many quiet spots to enjoy. And because it's quiet and because of its rolling hills, it's perfect for road cycling.
Where you should go: In the spring, hang out at Pigeon Point Lighthouse to stalk migrating whales who come close to the shoreline with their babies. Whale watching is prime between April and mid-May. For guaranteed wildlife sightings, hike at Ano Nuevo State Park to see hundreds of elephant seals in the wild. Otherwise, the coast is quiet and filled tide pools teeming with life, and with many textures and muted colors.
Where you should stay: We love glamping at Costanoa, where the tent cabins have beds with heated mattresses and although had shared bathrooms, were clean (and had a dry sauna as an added bonus). There's a restaurant on-site if you don't want to trouble yourself with campfire cooking, but what's the sense of sleeping outside if not for s'mores? Tent camping and rooms at the lodge also available.
Why you should go: The dry, consistently hot climate of Lodi makes it the most ideal for Zinfandel grapes. And where there are grapes, there's wine. And in Lodi, the Zinfandels - bold, full-bodied - are outstanding.
Where you should go: If you've been wine tasting in Napa or Sonoma, wine tasting in Lodi is an altogether different experience in that it is devoid of pretense and that expensive, fancy, wineries that offer nothing but false hopes and empty promises about their wines. Lodi is gritty farmland, with family-run wineries, and with tastings that are either free or have minimal fees. Our top Lodi winery of choice is Heritage Oak. Stop by on the weekend and you might just catch winemaker and owner, Tom Hoffman playing Mozart on the piano. You can also check out the Lodi ZinFest happening on May 14th this year.
Why you should go: While the town is technically Mill Valley or Bolinas, Mt. Tamalpais, also known as Mt. Tam to locals, is a beautiful mountain peak ~30 miles south of San Francisco. It has become one of my favorite places to go when visiting San Francisco. The views of the bay and the city from a distance are gorgeous. But I think Mt. Tam is best enjoyed at sunset. There are many trails for mountain biking and hiking, and the hilly roads also appeal to road cyclists. For free guided hikes to get to know the area, check out Friend of Mt. Tam here.
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