Krista Minard
Getaways for Body and Soul
With the new year comes the longing for a reset, a recommitment to self, and a desire to recharge after what’s often a hectic holiday season. Carve out a little time, whether it’s just...
Day Tripper: Tri-Valley
See the word Tri-Valley, and the next question comes quickly: What three valleys?Answer: Amador, San Ramon and Livermore.This area is about 90 minutes from Sacramento and includes several towns off highways 580 and 680....
Lake Tahoe: 72 Miles of Pure Magic
While descending the grade from Echo Summit into the Tahoe Basin on Highway 50, mixed emotions boil up. Within sight distance, the lake beckons, its water the deepest blue, and excitement sets in. Yet...
Explore: Carmel Valley
In Carmel Valley, people enjoy fine food and wine, plus scenic meadows and mountains, away from coastal fog.I was afraid I might panic in the suit. Freak out. Flail my arms and shriek. Run...
Explore: Lodi
Anchored by a renovated old town and lots of wineries, the Lodi region (which includes the communities of Woodbridge, Acampo and Lockeford) lies about 40 minutes south of Sacramento. It’s an easy drive for...
Explore Alameda
From Interstate 880, through an ugly industrial stretch, across the bridge spanning the Oakland Estuary, Park Street teems with eateries, shops, a food hall, a couple bars, a coffee counter, a corner newsstand booth,...
Small Towns by the Sea
Winter brings a particular charm to the California coast—fewer people, mainly, so you can find a place to park and you’re likely to discover vacancies at small-town inns. In the stretch of coastline just...
National Exchange Hotel in Nevada City
In Nevada City, the National Exchange Hotel reopened this past spring after a three-year closure for renovation. The results: fabulous.The hotel, which opened in 1856, began as a gathering spot and communication hub—the stage...
Small Towns: Columbia
In this working Gold Rush-era town, prices are modern day, but the rest takes you back to the 1850s. Columbia has the largest collection of Gold Rush-era structures in the state—livery stable, saloon, schoolhouse,...
Small Towns: Jamestown
The first place gold turned up in Tuolumne County, Jamestown has buildings on its Main Street dating back to the 1870s. Take the Walk of Fame from downtown to Railtown 1897 (a state park...
