Krista Minard
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...
Small Towns: Twain Harte
A tiny community off Highway 108, Twain Harte offers an interesting mix of activities, including golf and mini golf, all in the central town area, along with a membership-only lake—some local inns can extend...
Small Towns: Sonora
In Sonora, the seat of Tuolumne County, churches and circa-1850s architecture abound, including the gorgeous Red Church, as the St. James Episcopal Church is called by locals. At the Tuolumne County Courthouse, still in...
Small Towns: Mokelumne Hill
Take a quick swerve off Highway 49 down into Mokelumne Hill and you’ll see a charming library with outdoor bookshelves, the Hotel Léger building, Moke-A-Java coffeehouse, Renegade Winery (with a patio strung with market...
