The farmers market is a source of roiling internal debate. On one hand, there’s the glory of fresh, delicious chard and peaches; on the other, I dread the Battle of the Strollers and small talk with tan people in Tevas. This time of year the cons are definitely outweighed by one giant pro: fresh, unshelled […]
Visitor’s Guide
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Salmon Mountain: Humboldt’s Highest
Around 170 million years ago, in a period geologists call the Middle Jurassic, huge reptiles ruled the seas and skies: quarter-ton pterosaurs above, killer whale-size pliosaurs below. On land, shrew-like mammals were rapidly evolving as they dodged several new species of predatory dinosaurs. Meanwhile, some 20 miles below what we now think of as northeastern […]
Posted inStories
Keep Paddling
The universe is on Marna Powell’s side. “We were driving along Highway 101 and I looked up and saw this hill and I just pointed at it and said, ‘There, I want to live there.’ The next day that property went up for sale. It had never been for sale before.” The hill was just […]
Posted inStories
Humboldt Greens
If you crave a round of golf while in Humboldt County, you’re covered north, south, east and west, with options geographically and economically. Seven courses dot the area ranging from Willow Creek in far eastern Humboldt to Shelter Cove right on the Pacific Ocean in Southern Humboldt. Five are public courses: two nine-holers and three […]
Posted inPerfect Trips
Perfect Fall Trips
You can’t please everybody. Unless you can. Adventurers, artists, epicureans — whether you’re traveling solo or with the whole family, the North Coast has something for every palate and pace. The Outdoorsy Type The Trinity River can be dangerous for visitors unused to its powerful current, not to mention the poison oak and occasional steep […]
Posted inEat + Drink
Slow Mocha
Is that rain? Quick, run into Café Mokka (495 J St., Arcata), slide into a window seat and watch the back garden get all misty. We can’t afford to waste wet days anymore, so make your mocha a double ($3.10). There is no pit crew of headset-wearing baristas, and you are not going to slug […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Stroller Hike
The key to any successful backpacking expedition is good recon: Accurate information about the conditions you will face on your trip will inform your gear selection and meal planning. This goes for becoming a first-time mother, too. When embarking on my third trimester, I found myself exploring kids’ stores, reading parenting books, asking experienced parents […]
Posted inEat + Drink
Cremini!
Real cream of mushroom soup has been so thoroughly overshadowed by the Warhol-esque army of cans at the market that we no longer remember the original. Instead, we recall the sound of the congealed stuff, its vacuum suck and plop into the pot. Not that we don’t love Aunt Martha’s green bean casserole when it […]
Posted inEat + Drink
Ode to Summer’s End
Summer produce is still abundant and fall favorites are already making an appearance. It’s a barrage of luxurious colors (bright yellow peppers, blood-red strawberries, dark purple eggplant), deep flavors (sun-ripened tomatoes, peaches, figs) and enveloping smells (dewy lettuce and greens, earthy potatoes and root vegetables). Walking around the farmers market, I try to avoid filling […]
Posted inEat + Drink
The Bounty Around Us
“It’s that time of the year,” sang Len Barry, and I echo his words. He meant summertime, but I mean Local Food Month, when we officially celebrate the food grown or made in our county — a month-long party featuring special events and chances to meet local food producers and taste their products. Providing an […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
New at the Zoo
Over the years, I have written about rooting around for mushrooms, long walks around the bay or along the coast, cycling the Avenue of the Giants, tidepooling, ziplining and wrestling bears (OK, I didn’t write that one). But I overlooked something that takes no planning, no preparation and no special skills or knowledge — the […]
Posted inPerfect Trips
Perfect Summer Trips
So, did you pack your hiking boots or a sketchpad? Are you scoping out galleries or restaurants (or both)? Are you looking for a little history, or just hoping to wear out the kids? Whether you’re searching for trailheads or artisanal breads, we’ve got you covered with customized itineraries so you can coast through your […]