Mount Shasta isn’t just another weekend getaway, it’s an adventure steeped in mystery and natural beauty just waiting to be discovered by Bay Area explorers. Whether you’re drawn to its mythical legends, stunning landscapes, or the promise of a peaceful escape, Mount Shasta offers a unique experience that’s unlike anywhere else. So let’s head for the hills, and delve into the best of what Mount Shasta and its surrounding areas have to offer! Mount Shasta: A Vortex of Secrets & Mystery Mt Shasta is more than just a sleepy giant, towering high above Northern California’s untamed wilderness, it’s also a mountain shrouded in myth, mystery, and legends dating back to…
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Lassen Volcanic National Park: A Bay Area Summer Escape
Craving a summer escape from the Bay Area’s heatwaves and bustling crowds? Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a refreshing alternative! Just a breezy 4.5-hour drive north, Lassen greets you with a stunning blend of volcanic wonders, crystal-clear lakes, and tranquil surroundings. Perfect for camping, hiking, fishing, and simply unwinding in nature’s embrace, Lassen is an ultimate summer retreat for Bay Area residents. Curious about what’s in store? Buckle up, because this post will explore the park’s top highlights, share practical tips for your visit, and reveal the secrets to crafting an unforgettable Bay Area getaway. Chester: Your Basecamp for Lassen Adventures Driving from the SF Bay Area? Make the most…
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Discover Akumal, Mexico: The Tropical Paradise You Need to Know About
Picture this: you, sprawled out on a sun-kissed beach, a fruity cocktail in hand, and the gentle murmur of the Caribbean Sea serenading your senses. Welcome to Akumal—a slice of tropical paradise tucked away in the stunning Riviera Maya, Mexico. Long overdue for an indulgent tropical getaway, once again we set our sights on Akumal, ticking all the boxes on our vacation wishlist: Yearning for a break from our usual hustle and bustle, we craved a vacation where simply being was enough, without the pressure of doing. Easy Travel Planning for a Tropical Paradise Planning our escape to Akumal was a breeze. Akumal is a known destination in Riviera Maya, so…
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Viva Las Vegas: A Whirlwind Weekend of Neon Lights, High Stakes, and White Castle Bliss!
Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps – unless, of course, you’re in a post-White Castle food coma. Join us for a 3-day whirlwind of glitter, glamour, and gambling in the heart of the Nevada desert! Pre-Trip Gambling Our voyage to Las Vegas was no ordinary trip; it was a celebration of our dear friend’s fabulous birthday. The last time we graced this city, it was for the union of these two beautiful souls at a Vegas wedding, a memory etched in time. While Vegas remains a quick getaway from the SF Bay Area, a dash of planning is now in order. How to get to Las Vegas from the…
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Irresistible Blue Cheese Popovers: Quick, Easy, & Decadent
Whether it is a last-minute gathering by the pool, a quick lunch, or just a case of the munchies, there are many occasions when you need to whip up something tasty and quick. Enter these irresistible Blue Cheese Popovers! With maximum decadence, minimal prep time, and a handful of ingredients, these popovers are a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy Blue Cheese Popovers on their own or pair them with cold cuts, fruits, veggies, or other snacks. California produces exquisite blue cheeses, so we will recommend a few locally-produced varieties along the journey, and even beyond our State. Blue Cheese Popovers Recipe (Excellent to Share) PREP TIME: Under 10 minutesCOOK TIME: 20 minutesSPECIAL EQUIPMENT:…
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Escape to Uvas Canyon Park: Hiking & Chasing Waterfalls near San Jose
Tucked within the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Uvas Canyon Park is a serene sanctuary just a stone’s throw away from bustling San Jose. As you embark on this picturesque journey, driving along a charming country road amidst rolling hills and sprawling valleys, you’ll instantly feel miles away from the fast-paced hustle of Silicon Valley. Uvas Canyon Park is one of our favorite destinations in the Bay Area to relax and recharge, especially after a rainstorm when the waterfalls are at their most dramatic. What? Waterfall hiking trails in the Bay Area? Yes! 😊 Join us to discover its natural beauty! Why Uvas Canyon Park is Worth Visiting…
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Impress Your Guests with This Yummy Braised Oxtail & Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Over the past few years, Braised Oxtail has been featured more frequently in our San Francisco Bay Area restaurants, gastropubs, and on TV cooking shows. So, of course our curiosity got the best of us, and we had to see what all the fuss was about! This recipe is perfect for any home chef looking to impress their guests with a succulent and flavorful dish. Oxtail isn’t anything new to the culinary scene — there are many Oxtail dishes, with variations originating from all over the globe. But what is it? Well, just as the name implies, it’s the tail of an Ox, though now it primarily comes from beef…
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Coastal California Bliss: A Weekend Getaway to Point Reyes & Stinson Beach
Point Reyes National Seashore is a perfect hideaway spot that many San Francisco Bay Area locals try to keep to themselves, but not these loose lips! 😊 An easy destination, just a bit over an hour’s car drive north of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore invites you to unwind, recharge, and explore at leisure. During our first visit, we merely scratched the surface of it and are already planning a return trip over the weekend. And here’s why: Tomales Bay We started to explore Point Reyes National Seashore from Tomales Bay. Tomales Bay is worth spending at least a full day at, especially if you enjoy water activities. Swimming,…
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Las Vegas Off the Beaten Strip
What is it like to live in Las Vegas as a local? Tourists flock to the Entertainment Capital of the World, bedazzled by the sparkling lights of Sin City, its promises of quick fortunes, and spectacular shows. We are no exception since it’s such an easy weekend getaway from the San Francisco Bay Area, just under a 1.5-hour flight, or under eight hours by car. We’ve done both, but never ventured off the Strip. So, enjoy this guest post by our friend Tom “Frilock” Tozier, who lived in Las Vegas for four years and is happy to share some of his favorite places in Las Vegas as a local! I wouldn’t…
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Braised Turkey Necks with Buckwheat Recipe
We became intrigued by the idea of Braised Turkey Necks after spotting a package of necks at our local butcher shop. Completely forgetting the original purpose of our visit, we grabbed it and quickly ran home with them, eager to give our exciting new find a try. We discovered Braised Turkey Necks are much more flavorful and meatier than we expected. And with a simple buckwheat side dish to go with it, it made for an easy, fun (and filling) meal. Little did we know, this unusual new recipe would become a delightful addition to our rotating dinner menu. So let’s get started with the braised turkey neck recipe, and…
