The other side of Sacramento

Sacramento is known for its history, politics, and the river that runs through it. It’s also a great base from which to explore the region. This trip, a girlfriend and I stay... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Picture perfect Carmel-by-the-Sea

By Patty Burness

As you make plans for a weekend getaway, remember: Pet-friendly Carmel is a quick drive south. For those with an appetite for some of the best wine tasting and gastronomic treasure... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Recharge and rejuvenate in San Francisco

Find out how SF can still romance and charm you

By Patty Burness

Sometimes it makes sense to indulge on your home turf instead of spending time to travel elsewhere to get away for the weekend. San Francisco is an incredible city — call it home... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Paso is pure delight

By Patty Burness

A visit to Paso Robles, just over three hours from San Francisco, reaps huge rewards: gorgeous vistas, verdant hillsides, delicious wines, farm-fresh ingredients, and terrific peop... 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. With springtime just about to pop, it’s t... Read More

Weekend Traveler

It’s all local in Sebastopol

By Patty Burness

Time to brighten up your winter with a trip to the friendly farming community of Sebastopol in the lush Russian River Valley. Settled in 1812 by Russian explorers, the beautiful la... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Chill out in Calistoga

By Patty Burness

Suffering from a holiday hangover? Here’s a cure to start the new year off right. Head straight to Calistoga and relax in alluring hot springs and mud baths, then savor delic... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Savor Sonoma

By Patty Burness

The historic town of Sonoma is a wine country lover’s delight. With the welcoming ambience, idyllic scenery and sumptuous bounty from surrounding farms and wineries, it’... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Winter playground

By Garrick Ramirez

Ski season is here and those in the know will head to beautiful Squaw Valley for its excellent terrain, alpine charm and après fun. The lofty monuments that mark both the entrance... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Los Gatos: Nestled in the foothills

By Patty Burness

Traveling to the mountains from San Francisco doesn’t always mean northeast to Tahoe. For a different laid-back getaway, head south to Los Gatos, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mo... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Cozy up on the Monterey Coast

By Garrick Ramirez

The Monterey Peninsula is a seaside stunner any time of year, but it really shines during fall. Crowds thin, leaves turn golden, and its towns dress up nicely for the holidays. Yep... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Enchanting Kenwood

By Patty Burness

The tiny hamlet of Kenwood dates back to the late 1800s when it was part of a Mexican land grant. In 1895, the townspeople voted to name the location Kenwood, because it’s or... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Falling for West Marin

By Garrick Ramirez

You won’t hear many San Franciscans complaining about our lack of seasons in the dead of winter. Having to don an extra layer while a good portion of the country shovels thei... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Laid-back Lake County

By Patty Burness

After attending several Lake County wine tastings, I decided it was time to visit. I picked up a wine-lover friend in St. Helena, and we headed through Robert Louis Stevenson State... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Going modern in historic St. Helena

By Garrick Ramirez

A trip to Napa Valley often means jaunts through a variety of towns as I sip and dine throughout the region. But a recent trip to St. Helena changed that. I stayed put and enjoyed ... Read More

Weekend Traveler