As a kid, John Coombs loved nothing more than Batman and visiting game shops. Growing up in the cow town of Fortuna, he was mostly out of luck. After graduating from high school, Coombs hatched a plan to start his own game shop, joining the Navy to earn the start-up cash. After working on submarines […]
Visitor’s Guide
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Picnic Indoors
When our coastal weather doesn’t allow for dining al fresco (or when you just don’t feel like cooking) don’t despair. Wildberries Marketplace has a vast array of options from the Wildplatter Cafe and Grill and the Wildgarden Salad Bar. Sip a smoothie from the Wildnectar Juice Bar or try the local It’s Alive Kombucha in […]
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Many Hats (and Roller Skates)
From government to the environment to music and the military in Humboldt, Natalie Arroyo has her foot in it or on it — figuratively and literally. One place that has special significance to her is the Eureka Waterfront Trail, the newly completed 6.3-mile contiguous trail that runs north from Herrick Avenue to Tydd Street. “Since […]
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Live Local, Eat Global
In physics, fusion describes two light nuclei combining to release energy in copious quantities. In Humboldt, world cuisines combine at Le Monde, a French-esque restaurant in Eureka with a menu that roves the planet, offering a range of flavors from tandoori-baked cauliflower, Thai soup and ramen noodles to duck breast in red wine reduction. Asian […]
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Drinks On The Waterfront
The unassuming bar, located at the corner of Commercial and Waterfront streets south of Old Town Eureka, is tucked between commercial fish packing plants, facing away from an unremarkable part of Humboldt Bay. But despite the name, you’re not here for the view. Step inside and you’re welcomed to a cozy space that feels like […]
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Perfect Spring Trips
What better way to feel grounded in nature than to park a blanket and basket outdoors and commence to eat, drink and be merry? Fear not, hungry and thirsty traveler, we’ve got you covered. First, load up on sandwich supplies at the corner delis favored by locals. Second, set your course for the aptly named […]
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Crown Jewell
You don’t have to be a fan of gin to enjoy Jewell Distillery’s latest spirit, Jewell Gin. In fact, you don’t have to be a gin fan to distill it. Michael and Barbara Jewell began Jewell Distillery in a small Blue Lake warehouse in June of 2016. It was a passion project for the longtime […]
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An Herb Shop Grows in Eureka
The first time Julie Caldwell drove across the Humboldt County line, the native Alabamian felt curiously at home underneath the towering redwoods. Humboldt’s incredibly diverse ecosystem, rich with verdant flora and fauna, captured Caldwell’s heart and imagination. She decided to stay forever. Like many transplants starting anew behind the Redwood Curtain, Caldwell saw an opportunity […]
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Bagels & Boards
Let’s set aside, for now, the flea market with its displays of quartz crystals and circa-1973 Pepsi glasses, the craft fairs, wrestling matches, roller derbies and cannabis fests. Redwood Acres, that bastion of endless entertainment, is also a hotbed of handcrafted delectables. A few mornings a week, head to the old racetrack these days to […]
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Perfect Winter Trips
Don’t let winter slow you down, traveler. You can play it cool in Humboldt this time of year. Hone hunting skills in search of giant trees and whales or tiny semi-precious stones. Unwind with spirits, jazz and Creole food. Strum along with celebrated luthiers. Get on point with Russian dancers and symphonic players. For a […]
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Flavor Palette
Start with a heart of Romaine, curled up on the plate like a crisp green flavor envelope waiting to be filled. Add tangy corn pico de gallo. That’s the foundation for the main event — chicken in a dark, glossy mole simmered up from a generations-old family recipe. Top with thinly sliced, perfectly ripe avocado. […]