Taste your way through Mendocino

Mendocino County, with its focus on food, wine, and everything local, is a welcome rural retreat from the traffic-clogged San Francisco Bay Area. Rolling hillsides, winding roads, ... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Cambria: A Central Coast gem

By Patty Burness

The California coastline is a stunner any time of year, and on a clear day, it’s remarkable. Heading south on Highway 1 to the Central Coast from San Francisco, my husband and I ... Read More

Weekend Traveler

The Scottsdale scene

By Patty Burness

When it’s warm desert air you crave, there’s no better place than Scottsdale. Formerly citrus groves and cotton fields, now it’s a mix of modern and Old West adjacent to Phoe... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Taste your way through Healdsburg

By Patty Burness

Healdsburg is hot. This artisanal area has award-winning wines, acclaimed chefs, a zeal for local products and friendly residents. And it’s an easy drive from San Francisco — j... Read More

Weekend Traveler

The many flavors of San Francisco food tours

By Patty Burness

Most people agree that San Francisco is foodie heaven, and a great way to experience it is on a food tour. The proliferation of these excursions is an excellent opportunity to get ... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Party in Palm Springs

By Patty Burness

Palm Springs offers a glimpse of the glam life that Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Marilyn Monroe lived in what was the Hollywood hideaway. Palm trees swaying in the warm desert air,... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Eugene, Oregon: Make it your next destination

By Patty Burness

Oregon has it all: Mountains, forests, rivers, spirited cities and towns and best of all, no traffic compared to the Bay Area. After a quick flight to Eugene (about an hour), my hu... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Strike it rich in gold country

By Patty Burness

Not too many serious gold prospectors are left in Calaveras County today, but what you will find are avid golfers and grape growers. It’s the perfect time to plan a visit to this... Read More

Weekend Traveler

High time for recreational cannabis

By Patty Burness

The legalization of recreational cannabis means access to the industry has increased, including for tourism. Still in their infancy, cannabis tours are coming into their own. Compa... Read More

Weekend Traveler

It’s all local in Sebastopol

By Patty Burness

It’s always a good time to visit the friendly farming community of Sebastopol in the lush Russian River Valley. Settled in 1812 by Russian explorers, the landscape was first plan... Read More

Weekend Traveler

A different side of Monterey County: The Santa Lucia Highlands

By Patty Burness

Monterey County is known for the breathtaking coast and idyllic Carmel-by-the-Sea. Less talked about but equally compelling are the Santa Lucia Highlands (SLH) wine region in lush ... Read More

Weekend Traveler

The riches of Amador County

By Patty Burness

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada’s historic Gold Rush region, Amador County is a year-round playground — ski and snowboard in the winter, whitewater raft and pick luscious fruit in... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Geyserville is worth a visit

By Patty Burness

Geyserville has become a popular destination — with award-winning wines, a zeal for local products, and a friendly local vibe. In 1847, following the discovery of a series of hot... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Seaside fun in downtown Santa Cruz

By Patty Burness

Santa Cruz should be your next escape. The laid-back vibe makes it the ideal place to relax. Hit the waves with the surfers, the Boardwalk with the fun-seekers, or be in town with ... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Delicious crab cakes and more in beautiful Bodega Bay

By Patty Burness

Once you’re off Highway 101 and headed west to Bodega Bay, the drive is through open farm and ranch land filled with orchards and vineyards. Then it’s over the hills to the coa... Read More

Weekend Traveler