If you have neck problems, don’t visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park, home of some of North America’s largest trees, because you will be spending your trip looking upward at the phenomenal Sequoia redwoods. No traveler to California will want to miss a trip to Calaveras Big Trees State Park (or any other Sequoia Redwood grove).

This photo is taken on the popular North Grove trail, near the park’s entrance.

If you go, visit Calaveras Big Trees’ official site.

My rule of thumb for ordering a Pie in the Sky pizza, is to order one size (or two) smaller than you usually order. (This makes the steep prices not so steep after all) The crust is thick and the toppings are literally piled on. And, even though the “large,” “medium,” and “small” pans hanging on the wall are the same size as your hometown pizza parlor’s, Pie in the Sky makes their pizzas so large the crusts hang off the edges of the pan. Nothing fits neatly inside. So heads up! If you are ordering take out, Pie in the Sky Pizzas are piled “sky high.” A multi topping pizza may be so tall, the pizza box won’t close all the way.

Oh, and turn your cell phone off if you sit at the bar. House Rules state that if your cell rings at the bar, you buy a round.

If you visit
24943 State Highway 108
Mi Wuk Village, CA 95346

Call Ahead: (209) 586-4251

The Beach at Jug Handle State Natural Reserve

If we hadn’t have woken up on our last day of camping to a very flat tire on our car, we wouldn’t have had to put the “donut” on and drive north to the nearest service station in Fort Bragg, and we wouldn’t have had two hours to kill while the flat tire was repaired in a very busy repair shop. Without that flat tire, we wouldn’t have ended up at Jug Handle State Natural Reserve, for a last minute picnic lunch to pass the time while we waited.

We are grateful for that flat tire because the beach was a beautiful, half-hidden gem that we had driven past several times during our stay in the Mendocino – Fort Bragg area, but never stopped at. The sand was soft and warm, the waves were gentle, the water was clear, and heavy winds bypassed the sheltered cove, which is as much as can be asked for in a Northern California beach.

If you decide to go, here is the California State Parks Department’s guide to Jug Handle SNR.

Falls at Russian Gulch State Park

Maps simply refer to this waterfall in Russian Gulch as “waterfall,” but I wish I knew its proper name because it is a refreshing end to a peaceful, shaded stroll on the Fern Canyon Trail. The first part of the trail can be biked, but the last mile or so can only be hiked. A group of picnic tables provide a pleasant rest stop midway through the trail. The total round trip is about 6.5 miles depending on where you park your car, a bit far for our then 4-year-old son to walk, but we misheard the ranger and thought “just over three miles” was round trip, not one way. Needless to say, we carried him piggyback most of the trek out.

For your reference, here’s the California State Park Department’s description of the trail and a map of the location. If you go, wear layers and don’t forget mosquito repellent.

The first place my husband and I stayed on our honeymoon, besides the generic hotel near our reception site,  was the Blue Spruce Inn, a cozy bed and breakfast, in Soquel, California.

The room was cozy, the innkeepers were friendly, and the food was fabulous. The innkeeper gladly shared her recipes with us (we are making mango salsa to this day). The town (which neighbors Santa Cruz) is quaint and friendly. What more can you ask from a bed and breakfast?

We got this lodging recommendation from The Best Places to Kiss in Northern California–a great book filled with lodging, restaurant, and activity recommendations for the romantically minded travelers. It makes a great bridal shower gift. Get it here.

The Blue Spruce Inn is located at

2801 S. Main Street
Soquel, California 95073

Phone: 831-464-1137

E-mail: info@bluespruce.com