Whether it’s a gorgeous summer weekend or a wet, socked-in Tuesday afternoon, Humboldt County’s Avenue of the Giants doesn’t disappoint. It can be undertaken as a whirlwind tour with windshield views of the world’s tallest trees or an all-day destination for a romantic duo. Known by locals as “the Ave,” this 31-mile stretch was formerly […]
Visitor’s Guide
Posted inStories
The Ave
Whether it’s a gorgeous summer weekend or a wet, socked-in Tuesday afternoon, Humboldt County’s Avenue of the Giants doesn’t disappoint. It can be undertaken as a whirlwind tour with windshield views of the world’s tallest trees or an all-day destination for a romantic duo. Known by locals as “the Ave,” this 31-mile stretch was formerly […]
Posted inEat + Drink
Down to Bidness
Not every business lunch calls for the classic steak and Martinis, and not all of us can return to work after that sort of thing. Choosing where to break bread and make deals can be high pressure. Don’t sweat it — you’ll ruin your suit. (Kidding, Humboldt. Work hoodie.) Duck, Duck, Bacon The duck B.L.T.A. […]
Posted inEat + Drink
Apples by the Pint
What goes into making hard cider? “Apples and yeast — and love,” according to Humboldt Cider Company’s Darren Cartledge. Well, that and some cash. He and wife Michelle Cartledge, along with fellow co-founder Jamie Ashdon, launched a Kickstarter campaign last fall. In 45 days, supporters donated more than $37,000 and set the fledgling company on […]
Posted inEat + Drink
Fritter Nation
Deep-fried dough and fruit glazed with sugar sounds like a recipe impossible to flub. But Humboldt County has an abundance of goodies, and we can afford to be discerning. This was the philosophy, anyway, when my research partner-in-crime proposed finding our region’s premiere pastry via a Fritter Bracket. Loosely modeled after statistician Nate Silver’s national […]
Posted inPerfect Trips
Perfect Winter Trips
Whether you’re on a solo journey or traveling with the family, here for relaxation or adventure, have an appetite for the arts or cuisine, Humboldt has got just the thing for you. The Outdoorsy Type Humboldt’s massive old-growth redwood trees are quite rightly famous, but few people know about the rare Albino Redwoods quietly glowing […]
Posted inShopping
Antiquing in Fortuna & Ferndale
Art & Old Things When you visit, be sure to congratulate gracious Dorothy Lancaster and her daughter Toni Scolari on their 20th year in business. These women know their customers and have tailored their inventory to please. Each month they feature the work of a local artist along with stacks of dishes, quilts, milk glass […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Comfort Food
Belly up to the bar at Lost Coast Brewery (617 Fourth St., Eureka) for a hearty bowl of Eight-Ball Stout beef stew ($10.49). The signature stout (available on tap, of course) gives the old-fashioned beef, potato, carrot and onion flavor depth without too much bite. It comes with sourdough bread and dollop of sour cream […]
Posted inStories
DIY Crabbin’
Looking for coastal fun without a long drive or risking ocean and river waters that may be too cold and dangerous for newbies in winter and early spring? Try the ultimate local watersport and do a little crabbing. Calmer bay waters and sheltered ocean coves used by recreational fisherman provide great access for the less […]
Posted inStories
Life of Crab
In Humboldt County, crab is tradition. A tradition for families gathering around the holiday table, and a tradition for the families whose lives revolve around the harvest season, when the crustaceans are hauled from the cold sea. It’s the morning of opening day and a line has already formed on Dock B at Woodley Island […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Crab and Go
Humboldt hearts skip a beat when the signs announcing crab sandwiches come out on the curbs. Crab cakes are nice, but next to cracking the shell yourself, an old-fashioned, paper-wrapped sandwich is the best way to enjoy our beloved crustaceans. Is it crab salad you’re after? On Fridays Hole in the Wall (1331 Broadway, Eureka) […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Winter’s Brew
Finding a good winter ale is one of the best ways to get through Humboldt’s cold, dark and sometimes mercilessly wet winters. Locals know where to go to get the county’s richest and heartiest ales; dark mysterious brews that help insulate against the cold and don’t require near-freezing temperatures to be palatable. Everyone has a […]