Old-fashioned Summer Fun — Remember summer when you were a kid? Whether you were roasting marshmallows at camp or splashing in a city pool, you probably weren't in a hurry. Summer felt long and you stretched out in it like a backyard hammock, knowing you had all the time in the world. Well, the summer sunshine, mild and mellow, hangs around through the fall here in Humboldt, so no need to rush.
This summer, we're going back to the good old days, taking a dip in a swimming hole, fishing off the dock in Trinidad, savoring a slice of homemade pie and riding the Ferris wheel at an old-fashioned county fair. All that — plus river rafting and more — await you in "Perfect Trips." If you're planning to bet on the races at the Humboldt County Fair, we've got a guy with a hot tip or two. In this issue we profile Rod Kausen, a racing aficionado and commentator who's been going to the track since before he could see over the betting counter. Grab your racing form and catch his passion for the ponies.
Ready to get off the beaten path? Two wheel it through the twists and turns of our county's trails with a crew of dedicated mountain bikers. We're drafting behind them for a tour of escapes — some of them high in the mountains and others just minutes from the center of town. Wear a helmet.
Once you've worked up an appetite, we'll take you down the road for a nostalgic chili dog and shake. Of course, if you don't want to come inside just yet, we'll show you some sunny tables to grab a pint of local craft beer or cider, some smoked tri-tip or maybe some more pie. We'll also take you to a couple of our beloved dive bars — revered institutions — for a Bloody Mary and a round of ping pong.
If your summer projects back home include some gardening, you can make all that weeding and digging in the sun a little cooler. Peruse our spread of garden goodies and treat yourself to beautiful pots, shiny tools and goat-milk soap to wash away the dirt. We've also searched out some great shops for burl, the gorgeous, knotty wood that's so quintessentially Humboldt. From kitschy roadside spots (like you're not going to take a selfie with chainsaw-carved Bigfoot) to high-end furniture and art pieces, you're going to want to take a piece of the redwoods home. Browse all you want; you've got time.