Cody Hills leans back in the stern of the small boat owned by Humboldt Baykeeper, which is zipping north through the Eureka channel of Humboldt Bay. He looks as relaxed as if he were reclining on his living-room couch. Around him the water crinkles and winks, like smoothed-out foil gift wrap. Two frothy white tracks […]
Visitor’s Guide
Posted inStories
Summer Music Festival Guide
The 24th Annual Arcata Bay Oyster Festival. Bivalves are front and center, but the local music lineup touches all the bases including Bayou Swamis, Striped Pig Stringband, the Jim Lahman Band, Motherlode (working the fest circuit this summer) and Best Kept Secret with the ad hoc All Star Rockoystra, whose members are being kept secret. Saturday, June […]
Posted inStories
Outside Man
These days Don Banducci describes himself as “primarily a hook and gun kinda guy.” Bluff and avuncular, with a penchant for offbeat jokes and a contagious, gravelly chuckle, it’s easy to imagine him exchanging fish stories in front of a campfire or striding, rifle in hand, through a field accompanied by his pack of Springer […]
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 […]
Posted inStories
Splish Splash
I grew up in the Midwest, where the preferred swimming holes were made of concrete and dotted with diving boards. So I had to adjust to swimming outside in Humboldt County. Sure, diving into North Coast rivers and ocean waters qualifies one for “Polar Bear Club” membership but even when the marine layer has made […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Three Squares
Breakfast Use this magazine to stake out a sidewalk table at Cafe Brio (791 G St., Arcata), then line up inside to place your order at the counter. Think you know what you want? Your time peering at the sweet options in the pastry case will test your resolve. The quiche is old-school bistro richness […]
Posted inShopping
Take It With You
Save a little room in your bags for these local treasures — all made with love and attention — for friends and loved ones. The Blacksmith Shop (455 Main Street, Ferndale, 707-786-4516) is a showcase for masters — and it’s the largest of its kind in the United States. There are items at nearly any price […]
Posted inFood & Drink
In the Drink
Just walking into Five Eleven (511 Second Street, Eureka) is relaxing. The restaurant and bar’s softly vibrant blue tones ease you into a happy thirst, and pulling up a white stool to their beautifully tiled bar is like dipping your toes into a pool. Try the Day Spa and the Cool Breeze ($9). Like their […]
Posted inEat + Drink
Grown-ass Cookie
Down on the bottom shelf of the cookie case at Ramone’s are the kiddie treats — animal cut-outs sprinkled with sparkly sugar and such. Up top is where they keep the chocolate drop cookie sprinkled with sea salt ($1). It’s dark, brownie-soft, lumpy with chocolate chips and falls apart a bit. Don’t try to dunk […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Bushwhacking
Let me preface this with a demand: Don’t bushwhack in your local park. City, state or national, I don’t care. Note that I use the word demand, not request. Stay on the trail your tax dollars paid for. Stamping trails over delicate flora will endear you to no one. I’m talking to you, Community-Forest-hollow-stump hotboxers. […]
Posted inEat + Drink
Fry-nemies
The Venn diagram of happy hour offerings with a circle for the satisfying, a circle for the wholesome and one for for the naughtily fun reveals a tiny triangle of overlap at its center. This is where you find Plaza Grill’s sweet potato fries ($5 during happy hour). The russet pile shows up sprinkled with […]
Posted inEat + Drink
Via con Carnitas
Remember when La Chaparrita (1718 4th St., Eureka) closed and then opened again next to McDonald’s? Prepare to reboard that emotional roller coaster, because it has lost its lease and is closing again. Saturday, April 19 will be the last day to get your fix of the San Diego style Asada fries ($8.50), which can […]