Road trip: searching for some of California’s historic covered bridges As an 11 or 12-year-old, I remember my dad saying, on weekend drives, “let’s see where this road takes us”. Off we would go in a 1950’s stationwagon down an unknown country road to reveal its intrigue. And, one of my early memories of his […]
Road tripping: fall foliage, wine-tasting and Sierra scenery with a side of history. Here’s a day-long road trip just outside of San Joaquin County for fall foliage viewing, several wine-tasting options, spectacular Sierra scenery and several segues into history. As to planning, if you really want to get serious about fall foliage exploration, consult one […]
Find hidden gems along Highway 89 and Lake Tahoe’s western shore After the sampling the casinos and night life of South Lake Tahoe, head north on Highway 89 for some of the unsung delights hugging Tahoe’s west shore. Within a few miles, you’ll drive through historic Camp Richardson, with stately hotel, cabins, big campground, bikes, […]
Scout Kit Carson and Silver Lake leave lasting impressions along scenic Highway 88 For 30-plus years, we’ve been taking long weekend trips up to South Lake Tahoe and the western shore of that dramatic lake, often choosing Highway 50 out of Sacramento for access. Almost as frequently, we have elected a return along Highway 88; […]
One historic and scenic square mile; exploring the Donner Pass area Most readers have crossed Donner Pass on Interstate 80 dozens of times, headed to Reno and destinations east. Far fewer have taken the Norden exit onto the old Donner Pass Road/historic Highway 40 to discover one of the state’s most significant square miles in […]
Eastern Sierra: June Lakes Loop, Mammoth Lakes Basin Towering peaks, secluded, eerie and stunning scenery… Where can you travel just over 200 miles, pass through arguably the world’s greatest national park and reach a land of contrasts, deserts split by towering peaks, other-worldly attractions yet offering quiet seclusion? Your destination is the June Lakes and […]
Find adventure and history along the “old pioneer trail”, from Old Sacramento to Folsom Let’s explore the old trail along the American River, from Old Sacramento to Folsom. Hundreds of years ago, Native Americans traveled trails up and over the Sierra (one of those early trails would become the Immigrant Trail) to trade and share […]
Hail stones morph to summer heat; where to head for cooler temperatures! With hail stones and cold rain pounding Stockton and San Joaquin County just 10 days ago, I’m always amazed how hot summer weather can arrive so quickly. Here are ideas how to beat the summer heat, both in town and in the nearby […]
Family fun in Sierra gold country; Hwy. 4, Murphys to Ebbetts Pass Gold rush history, towering redwoods, high Sierra scenery, lakes, cooler temperatures, campgrounds and family resorts – what’s not to like about a tour up Hwy. 4, from Murphys east to Ebbetts Pass? This is a trip that can be managed in one day; […]
Find tranquility and quiet in some of the busiest national and state parks during summer and fall; plan ahead! Summer vacation is almost here, and families are plotting their summer (and early fall) destinations. If you are considering western state and national parks, you may soon discover that both campgrounds and in-park lodging accommodations are […]