A man pulls down hard on a lever and watches as each reel on his slot machine spins and stops: one, two, three. He misses a jackpot by just one cherry. A row of machines over, a woman murmurs, “Come on, baby,” while her nickel slot machine spins. Across the aisle, a dealer places another […]
Humboldt Insider
Posted inStories
Curating Self, Refashioning Tradition
The video “Dragging/Undragging” unfolds on a split screen. On the left, a person turns from the camera. The T-shirt comes off and a breast-flattening compression shirt goes on; next comes makeup and a comb to tease up a tall pompadour. Humboldt artist Brittany Britton becomes Jules, a West Coast drag king. At the same time, screen […]
Posted inShopping
The Green Scene
Did you know that one of the country’s oldest dispensaries is located in Arcata? HPRC opened in 1999 and has been serving Humboldt ever since. Walking down Arcata’s Sixth Street, it’s easy to stroll past HPRC. With its simple, dark wood and frosted glass exterior and no obvious signage, who could blame you for having […]
Posted inPerfect Trips
Perfect Winter Trips
Rain. Rain. Here to stay. Inside or out, it’s time to play. Don’t let the seasonal sky drops cramp your winter and spring style in Humboldt. The precipitation precipitates fun and adventure. In Prairie Creek, by car or boots, the redwood forests are at their most magnificent. At the Eureka zoo, water-loving otters play unperturbed. […]
Posted inStories
A Room with a View
More than 70 percent of the planet is covered in oceanwater, minimally organized by celestial forces that rhythmically deliver waves, ranging from romantic to cataclysmic. Across the world, roughly 20 million people take pleasure in surfing these waves wherever saltwater meets the shore. For those with their feet on dry land, it’s an enviable hobby. […]
Posted inStories
Bout That Time
The lights dim and the crowd cheers. A line of skaters roll out as a voice ricochets through the arena, announcing their names. Wheels screech and we take our places on the track. Soon we will go head-to-head with the opposing team. It will get physical because this is roller derby. And it will get […]
Posted inShopping
Marvelous Miscellany
When you enter Many Hands Gallery wind chimes move tunefully overhead, recalling the bay lapping at the bottom of the street, just steps away. A nautical theme fills much of the Old Town space. Maritime merchandise ranges from spyglasses, compasses and sundials to baskets piled high with abalone, starfish and sand dollars. The luminous glass […]
Posted inShopping
Clothes to the Heart
“Independent. Eclectic. Layered. And funny.” These words describe Humboldt style, according to Nancy Tobin, owner of Arcata clothing boutique Vintage Avenger (1101 H St., Arcata). “I’m looking for natural fibers, anything embroidered,” as well as “the 1980s stuff, which has the laugh factor.” Also key: “Not trying too hard. The attitude here is not anti-fashion […]
Posted inPerfect Trips
Perfect Fall Trips
You can enjoy a steaming cup of coffee with plenty of local attractions here in Humboldt County. Whether you’re into creatures or creature comforts, there are a number of adventures that will satisfy your interest in both. For example, after howling along with spider monkeys and gibbons, you can quench your thirst at the Eureka […]
Posted inStories
The Sweet Life
As a wildlife student at Humboldt State, Berit Meyer often snuck away to the library where she spent hours thumbing through old recipes and cookbooks. After graduating in 1981, a family friend gifted her a beautiful book on gourmet chocolate desserts — how did they know? she wondered. Thirty-seven years later, Meyer is still baking […]
Posted inShopping
Sock it to Me
Your feet are important. After all, they take you where you need to go. With their help, you can traverse sandy beaches, hike through the redwoods, walk to your favorite local coffehouse, dance The Nutcracker en pointe and shuffle across the bar to meet a special someone. Your trotters take you on adventures, both expected […]
Posted inShopping
Stop & Smell the Coffee
The season to indulge in the warmth and ritual of a cup of coffee is upon us. And, lately, there’s no better place to stock up on the tools of the trade than Humboldt County. Whether you prefer the pour over or the percolator, we’ve hand picked just about everything you need to perfect the […]