The Serengeti in our backyard

The nearest thing to the perfect African safari is right in the San Francisco Bay Area, yet many don’t know it exists. Safari West is one of the most authentic wildlife experienc... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Get going to Guerneville

By Patty Burness

Guerneville, situated in the Russian River resort area, is a wonderful town from which to discover this idyllic region with its soaring redwoods. Be active or relax — you win eit... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Laid-back Lake County

By Patty Burness

Thankfully, much of Lake County was spared during the recent horrific wildfires. All the more reason to visit this prolific region. Lake County is home to Clear Lake, the largest n... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Rutherford: Safe in Napa Valley

By Patty Burness

After the tragic fires, it’s important that people continue to visit Napa Valley. Rutherford was spared in the recent disaster. Set almost in the middle of the valley between Nap... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Sausalito: A slice of Italy

By Patty Burness

If you’ve visited Italy’s Amalfi Coast, you know the azure sea, meandering coastline, and picturesque fishing villages. The Bay Area has its own slice of Italian heaven in Saus... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Take an invigorating hike, then savor lunch

By Patty Burness

When it’s not possible to get away for the weekend, don’t miss the fun that’s right outside your door. Grab your partner or good friend and head for the hills — literally. ... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Explore Oregon’s scenic coast and Applegate Valley wine region

By Patty Burness

Depending on when you visit, Oregon is dotted with snow-covered mountains, azaleas and rhododendrons, and lush green vineyards. During a recent trip, we experienced all that beauty... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Sample the Silverado Trail

By Patty Burness

Spawling Napa Valley offers acres of verdant land, popular wineries, restaurants, and hotels — a lot to take on for a quick visit. Recently I spent time along the Silverado Trail... Read More

Weekend Traveler

The other side of Sacramento

By Patty Burness

Sacramento is known for its history, the politics, and the river that runs through it. It’s also a great base from which to explore the surrounding region. For this girlfrien... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Sonoma’s Westside Road Wineries

By Patty Burness

A weekend getaway should be easy and relaxing. A trip to Sonoma County’s Westside Road is just that. It’s a 12-mile drive between Healdsburg and River Road that is fill... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Picture-perfect Porto

By Patty Burness

The cosmopolitan city of Porto, home to the fortified wine named after it, is a popular draw for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can tour old port warehouses on one side of the... Read More

Weekend Traveler

The Dazzling Douro Valley

By Patty Burness

The Douro Valley is a verdant area in northern Portugal that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. One of the oldest wine regions in the world, it wasn’t until th... Read More

Weekend Traveler

The Portuguese Riviera

By Patty Burness

Just to the west of Lisbon, and an easy train or car ride away, Portugal’s Riviera unfolds — white sandy beaches, stunning vistas, bars and restaurants sprawling onto the P... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Lisbon: A great place to celebrate the new year

By Patty Burness

Lisbon is an alluring city any time of year, but why not celebrate the start of 2017 there? It’s similar in so many ways to San Francisco – seven hills, stunning bridges, d... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Spend the holidays in wine country

By Patty Burness

Christmas in wine country conjures images of spending festive time in Napa or Sonoma, maybe Paso Robles or Santa Cruz County. But how about this year exploring a totally different ... Read More

Weekend Traveler