THE TOP SPOTS FOR A GREAT GIRLS GETAWAY WEEKEND TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
SHOP, SIP, AND SIGHTSEE THROUGH THE ‘NORTH OF ORDINARY’ REGION OF NORCAL FILLED WITH HISTORIC SMALL-TOWN CHARM, SCENIC ADVENTURES, FIRST-RATE WINES, AND FOREST BATHING FOR A PERFECT GIRLS’ GETAWAY.
1. RETREAT INTO THE FOREST FOR SOME YOGA & FOREST BATHING WITH YOUR SQUAD IN DEL NORTE COUNTY
Discover true zen surrounded by towering ancient trees and your girl gang. Redwood Parks Conservancy offers an utterly restorative forest bathing experience (known as Shinrin-Yoku) in a quiet redwood grove within Redwood National Park. Connect to nature more deeply with mood-lifting and self-reflective exercises. Or go for a Flowga yoga class along the glimmering emerald waters of the Smith River. All skill levels are able to follow along and find a trance-like state listening to the gentle river.
Red Barn Vacation Rental nestled near the Redwood National Park in Del Norte County, California
WHERE TO STAY IN DEL NORTE COUNTY
After some solid gal pal ecotherapy, cozy up in The Red Barn vacation rental. With farmhouse charm for days, this rental is roomy and sleeps 4 comfortably. Share some wine and stories around the firepit in a dreamy backyard. Rally the troops to explore Redwood National Park, the Smith River, and several gorgeous beaches just minutes away from the rental. Beach chairs and towels provided!
WHERE TO EAT IN DEL NORTE COUNTY
Keep the party vibes going with a dose of Bourbon Street at Schmidt’s House of Jambalaya in Crescent City. There is plenty of Cajun flare with classics like the muffuletta sandwich and shrimp po’ boy (using bread from a New Orleans bakery, too). Or savor the local catch with super fresh seafood options like snapper. Grab a picnic table outside and toast to the spectacular ocean view.
2. PLAN A FINE-AND-FUN WINE WEEKEND IN LAKE COUNTY
Cruise up a mountain with your crew for a unique wine tasting at Wild Diamond Winery. Ooh and ahh at the panoramic views as you explore first-class wine. Wild Diamond sits on red volcanic soil and has a longer growing season, enhancing the wines’ taste and body. The incredible sips, service, and sights are perfect for long-haul girl time. Be sure to call ahead to schedule a tasting time (and ask about a sunset tasting).
Sit and relax fireside at Stonehouse Cellar’s Bed and Barrel boutiqe B&B
WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE COUNTY
Get a taste of vineyard life with a stay at the Bed & Barrel at Stonehouse Cellars. This luxurious bed and breakfast in Clearlake Oaks is a girls’ getaway dream. Sip fair trade coffee – roasted onsite every few days – from a King room balcony overlooking lush rolling hills. Savor a bountiful breakfast in the winery’s great room. Plan a full day on property to explore the vineyard, taste wine, and take a dip in the pool.
WHERE TO EAT IN LAKE COUNTY
Stonehouse Cellars has even more to offer. Create a meal-to-remember with a Bed & Barrel Culinary Experience. Book a picnic in the vineyard and savor artfully-crafted sandwiches or charcuterie. Upgrade your typical breakfast to a farm-to-table treat. Dive into a private, chef-prepared dinner featuring local ingredients and expertly paired wines.
3. SINK INTO THE ELEGANCE AND CHARM OF THE HISTORIC TOWN OF FERNDALE
Promenade with your pals through the Victorian Village of Ferndale in Humboldt County. Swoon over Main Street’s enchanting architecture oozing with elegance. Wander into the past in Ferndale’s Historic Cemetery, nestled into a hillside with a stunning view of the town. Explore quaint shops and galleries, or visit the museum.
Go shopping and dining in historic Ferndale with a top it off with a good night’s sleep at the Victorian Inn.
WHERE TO STAY IN FERNDALE
Keep the Victorian vibe going with a stay at Victorian Inn. Built in 1890 with local redwoods, this boutique hotel is one of the most photographed buildings in Northern California. Enjoy a full breakfast surrounded by vintage furniture and vaulted ceilings. Gather your group for a tavern lunch at the inn’s restaurant. There are many room options to choose from, including suites, a full kitchen, or historic touches like a clawfoot tub or bay window to ensure you maintain those bygone era vibes.
WHERE TO EAT IN FERNDALE
Treat your tribe to fresh Mexican flavors at woman-owned Tuyas on Ferndale’s Main Street. This is not your run-of-the-mill Mexican joint. Sip on fresh-made sangria or horchata as you drink up the vibrant art. Enjoy a generously portioned vegan burrito or their famous chicken mole on their patio. Tuyas’s colorful yet relaxed atmosphere and top-notch menu pair perfectly with a girls getaway.
4. SAVOR BOLD WINES IN MENDOCINO COUNTY’S QUAINT TOWN OF HOPLAND
Explore lovely shops, gorgeous landscapes, and more than a dozen tasting rooms in and around Hopland. Amble along a picturesque vineyard tour or sample limited production wines with a fireside tasting at Campovida. Sip award-winning wines overlooking a Tuscan-like landscape or book a private tour of the impressive wine cave at Saracina Vineyards. Plan the picnic of a lifetime in the sprawling courtyard of Dancing Crow Vineyards as you enjoy expertly made wine surrounded by the Mayacamas mountain range. Gather your crew for an antique hunt at the nearby Country Porch Antiques.
Get some pool time in at the Thatcher Inn in downtown Hopland
WHERE TO STAY IN MENDOCINO COUNTY
Unwind with your ride-or-dies in the beautifully restored, historic Thatcher Inn. Enjoy a house-made cocktail at the bar, or find your best chill spot at the stately library, courtyard lounge, or in the pool. Rooms feature hardwood floors, minimalist furniture, and lush textiles. Book the Carriage House for a fully renovated two-primary bedroom home including a full kitchen and backyard views overlooking vineyards.
WHERE TO EAT IN MENDOCINO COUNTY
Go for deliciously local quality at The Golden Pig with a farm fresh menu that celebrates local produce and producers. Try the grass-fed burger or pulled pork sandwich. The beverage menu is brimming with craft cocktails and meticulously selected beer and wine representing global and local flavors. The Golden Pig also offers grab-and-go options to make your vineyard picnic deliciously easy. Get a little pick-me-up just a block away at Steep Organic Coffee & Tea which boasts wonderful drinks as well as a cheery crystal shop.
