• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet

Northern California Style

Northern California Style

  • Home
  • About
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet
  • Shop My Home
    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

#ladybirdjohnsongrove

Why Humboldt Should Be Your Next Roadtrip

August 26, 2016 By kimwheeler No Comments

The past week we took a small four day road trip up to Northern California. We are in Northern California you say? Well, I mean the very north, Northern California, Humboldt County.

This area of amazing natural beauty, often referred to as being behind the ‘Redwood Curtain,’ is a 6-7 hour drive north of the Bay Area and yet remote enough that most Californians have never been.

Long ago in the era of the family road trip, the ‘redwoods’ were something one did with the family, preferably in a station wagon and most likely in the 1970’s. Now the luxury of time and long family road trips seem almost a bygone era. People want to get to their destination via plane and fast. To all those who have never done a real road trip of multiple days, this is your spot! Do you want to see ancient redwood forests, fern canyons and foggy beaches with a few VW buses thrown in? Humboldt has all this and more!

Flights can be expensive costing as much as a trip to Hawaii and prior rail services that connected here have been sadly been retired. Car is the way to go and it’s a pretty drive.

Leaving from the Bay Area, stop in one of the cutest town on the way up, Ukiah for a lunch.

Our favorite bakery Schats in quaint downtown Ukiah.

This Dutch bakery has at least 40 sandwiches on the menu and makes fantastic bread and sweets. I think The Verdict is the most popular sandwich on their amazing Sheepherder bread. (Did I mention they are across from the courthouse?)  Afterward pop into the wonderful Mendocino Book Company around the corner with it’s expansive selection of books, cards and all kinds of lovely things I just can’t find elsewhere.

Back on 101 you’ll pass through some other small cute towns like Willits and Laytonville, and follow the aptly named Eel River which meanders along the highway for a large part of the trip.

Our first stop is always our Arcata.

We were lucky to stay in Arcata at our stepmom Marguerite’s home. She has an amazing yard with a sunny deck and apple trees that back up to the redwood forest.

She could run a Bed and Breakfast she is an amazing gourmet cook and host. I never want to leave.

We picked tons of sweet organic apples and helped set up for a big family dinner the next night.

Isn’t this pretty?
Her front doors!
Arcata where Marguerite lives is a college town, home to Humboldt State University and is perhaps the most charming of the three with a historic main square and a thriving funky cool artist community. 
 
A great weekend in Humboldt can be kicked off at The Arcata Farmer’s Market  on Saturday morning! I love this market with fabulous sellers, and an interesting mix of people from students to garden enthusiasts and organic farmers to new age hippies.
The fruits, vegetables and plants are amazing! I was just wishing we had more room to take some of these home in the car.
The people watching at this market is 20 out of 10!
I loved this cute student’s ensemble- fair isle sweater, heart glasses and Bernie bag!
Dreads are a popular look up here for both men and women.
Kale is just the right accessory for your hippie chic look!
My oldest son bought a Bonsai tree from guys we call the Bonsai nerds. They gave us the lowdown on everything we need to ever know about those little trees. Some wonderful honey sellers here too.
Carnivorous pitcher plants and goat’s milk handmade soaps!
They always have an art project going on where anyone can participate. This one was being run by Boy Scouts.
People were working on paper floating lanterns here. This guy’s overalls were so Humboldt.
Love it.
Many impromptu picnics.
There’s also a hula-hoop area where everyone from toddlers to seniors are giving it a go!
 
While at the market check out the shopping around the town square.
 
  The Garden Gate is one of my favorite shops with inspired and beautiful items locally made. 
Giraffe bud vase anyone?
 
This trip I bought some thick striped raw linen dishtowels there that I’m crazy about.
 
They also sell some amazing comfortable chairs that are popular to try out as you can see. Not sure who these losers are.
 
 Plaza Design is another must and one of the best curated stores I’ve ever been in! Gorgeous curated home good.
In Arcata two lunch spots are great, Rita’s authentic Mexican food on 8th right by the plaza and also Cafe Brio, a wonderful bakery and restaurant if you can find a table. Coffee from Jitter Bean Coffee Company, also on the plaza is a requirement before a stroll through the market!
 
Another must while in Humboldt is Los Bagels, something you won’t find anywhere else- a combo Jewish/Mexican bakery cafe with the best organic bagels you’ll ever have. It was begun 32 years ago by Dennis Rael who came from a multi-cultural Jewish and Mexican family. It soon became a Humboldt institution that everyone loves. We never miss a chance to go here and get a slug- their long seeded bagels, and fresh creme cheese. They also have challah, empanadas and fresh guacamole and more bakery items plus great artsy T-shirts and bags. There are two more locations, one in Old Town Eureka and on the Humboldt State campus.
I had to have this cute white shopping tote, one of many fun things they sell.
Eureka is the largest town in Humboldt, is famous for it’s Victorians and it’s cute Old Town. It sits on the waterfront of Humboldt Bay and has many nice seafood restaurants and cute shops.  The Carter House is one very nice hotel to stay in here with it’s pretty Victorian buildings.
Interesting note-Eureka is the home of the original Restoration Hardware which began as a supply spot for the many Victorians being renovated and sadly is no longer there or anything like the original store. While in Old Town check out Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate.

Trinidad is the cutest little secret beach town in California …At least that’s what Sunset Magazine said and I agree.

Trinidad was a historic whaling port and it’s also where my husband Max grew up. It sits in a bluff overlooking the prettiest little harbor. There is still a population of around 400, about the same as it was when he grew up here in the 1970’s.

It reminds me a little of East Coast Beach towns.

Now however, it’s a bit more upscale with many beautiful vacation rentals, inns and three cute cafes. This pretty one below is Trinidad Bay Bed and Breakfast which overlooks the harbor.


It is a great little village to walk around.

The Beachcomber Cafe is my favorite spot with it’s organic fare and green ethic.

Those cool bikes parked in front belonged to biking backpackers.

Food is organic, local and delicious. The breakfast bean bowl was tops. Bring your own cup for coffee here. They don’t do paper cups, but you can buy a to go glass for a dollar.

A walk around Trinidad brings you to a few cute shell shops and to the harbor with another landmark spot, The Seascape. It’s right at the bottom of the harbor and you can watch the fishing boats go out if the fog isn’t too thick. Their traditional fare is actually tasty and it’s a cozy spot on a cool day.

I always have  to make a stop at Trinidad Art Gallery. I’ve bought some  beautiful ceramics there by local artists over the years.

Trinidad State Beach is the walk to do here and it begins with a pretty trail down to the sea.

This is where my husband played all day as a kid in these woods!

Banana slugs may be sharing the trail…

The fog blows in and out all day here in the summertime so dress warmly and in layers. It’s magical this mist!

Patrick’s Point is another great coastal trail in Trinidad if you have time. Agate Beach is also a favorite spot to find agates.
The beach below of the Trinidad lighthouse is also lovely, seen below.
 
 Most of these beaches require a little hike down a trail so bring good shoes with you.
If you have an extra day, drive up the coast an hour to the town of Orick to see Lady Bird Johnson Grove, some of the most remarkable old growth redwoods ever. Here’s a pic I took a few years back at LBJ..
 Not far from there is Fern Canyon, a stream canyon through fern covered walls where Jurassic Park II was filmed. Both are worth adding another day to your trip and fortunately are close to each other and can be done in one day.
This shot in Fern Canyon from a few years ago on the same trip…
It’s a blast to walk along all the boards through the creek and along the canyon. You need shoes that can get wet here.
For lodging near to all this in Trinidad check out View Crest Lodge, which has spacious rooms for families and good prices and is central to all these spots north and Trinidad.
Trinidad has a very famous and unique restaurant, Larrupin’ Cafe. Wonderful local food and a beautiful cozy decor make it a perfect ending to a weekend up in Humboldt!
For more information visit this  Visit California site which has a good overview of the redwood parks as there are so many.
The coast redwoods are the tallest living things on earth and really have to be seen to be appreciated. No photos can capture the beauty or the smell of the redwood forest. I hope you all get to see this amazing part of the world one day. The little towns that surround this area are charming too and feel a bit like another place and time, which I love and highly recommend as a getaway!
Kim
Photos all Northern Cal Style, except where noted.

Filed Under: Arcata, Eureka, Humboldt County, Northern California Travel, Roadtripping, See the redwoods, Trinidad California Tagged With: #arcatatravel, #eureka, #ferncanyon, #humboldt, #humboldtroadtrip, #humboldttravel, #ladybirdjohnsongrove, #northerncaliforniaroadtrip, #seetheredwoods, #TrinidadCa

Primary Sidebar

Featured Posts

Signature Style- Summer Wish List

The Beautiful Mauna Kea Hotel, My New Bed and Nightstand Options

Tips to Give Your Home a Summer Vibe

Signature Style- Resort Looks and Packing Tips

Signature Style- Summer Sandal Edit

Summer Picnic Ideas

Get My Posts by Email!

Find Me on Facebook

Northern California Style

Archives

Categories

Footer

Don’t Forget to Follow!

Blogger, writer and explorer sharing about my native California, and parts farther afield. Join me here where I chat about things to love in the worlds of design, fashion, home, travel and culture.

Currently Pinning

  • feeling all white
I don’t know where I saved this from, possibly P I don’t know where I saved this from, possibly Pinterest, but I’ve had it forever.  I need to remind myself this quite often! 

Our mindset is everything and I was inadvertently raised to worry about things. My mom was one of 8 kids and her mother warned them about the dangers of everything to keep them all alive in her mind.  I think that was seeped in my dear mom’s bones and passed onto us.. by no fault of hers. 

My brain defaults to that and I have worked hard to stop that sort of internal monologue. 

Remember worrying never kept anyone safer. We don’t care more about someone by being a worrier. We just need to expect good things will happen. 

Being a person who is always worrying is not good for those around you either. It hurts your family and their own feelings of security. The more I realize this, the more I feel impelled to reassure, not stress and trust all will work out… and might even be fantastic!

Hope you all have a Happy Friday - and trust things will work out! 

I’ll be back tomorrow with the weekend post! 

#dontworrybehappy #qoutesoftheday #imspirationalquotes
If you missed the weekend posts with Juliet and El If you missed the weekend posts with Juliet and Elizabeth, I shared this pretty Newport Beach Home by the talented @caseyhillstudio in @fredericmagazine photos @lauraresenphotography 💕 

The Chanel slingback is also the ‘it’ shoe of the season and so versatile.. I share the original, resale options, and some very chic copies..at a lower price point.. My favorite Vuori jacket is also back and in new colors.. and lastly the fab J.Crew at 40 book I am coveting.

This is my second go at posting a Reel on the weekend meander.. The first was taken down, for unknown reasons?  So let’s hope this works!

Pop on by our blogs for all the fun and more good ideas!
Links in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

Have a great week friends. 😘

#californiahomestyle #californiastyle #jcrew40 #vuori #chanelslingback #caseyhill #fredericmagazine
Had a great cappuccino and avocado toast at the mo Had a great cappuccino and avocado toast at the most charming spot @bluestonelane in Los Altos with my dear friend April. So good to catch up with her. 💕 

I think this is one of the nicest spots to meet a friend! Make a plan to catch up with a friend this fall. 

#bluestonelane #losaltos #bayareaeats  #bayareacharm
I have this quote in my closet! It is smart to re I have this quote in my closet!  It is smart to remember we may already have what we think we need to look great.

Right now the season is changing and I - like everybody else, am super excited for fall clothes, adding new things to my closet, and refreshing my look. 

Hold off though. Before we buy anything or get ‘influenced’ from people like myself, we have to first look at what we have. 

I am constantly reminded that the best dressed people have less clothes and wear great pieces on repeat! 

Get in your closet and you may see you already have that perfect fall sweater or the ballet flat that’s everywhere!! The truth is your pieces may be cooler than the new offerings that are out there- and no one else will have them. 

Make this a goal to go to your closet before you buy for fall and I promise you’ll shop smarter  and get what you really love and need.

Have a beautiful Friday!! Here’s to sweater days soon. 🍂

#fridayinspiration #fallshopping #closetinspo #quotestoliveby
I haven’t posted many house photos lately. I jus I haven’t posted many house photos lately. I just realized yesterday how very much I’m enjoying being at home especially now windows wide-open and the beautiful weather. We couldn’t be more lucky here in California when the weather is as it is now. 🧡

My tomatoes finally turned red and my new fig plant that I added to the front yard in spring already has figs on it!  Marlo is enjoying the sunshine and fresh air too. She’s nearly 18 years old. 

Nothing better than this late summer early fall…Still the goodies of summer and the promise of fun things in fall without all the heat.

If you didn’t read my weekend post there’s a  wonderful inspiring story I shared about getting together with your neighbors and creating small micro neighborhoods…. and how the French love this time of year for socializing again too.. Lots to look forward to! 

Have a beautiful day.

#california #californialiving #northerncalstyle  #serenaandlily #latesummer #earlyfall #catlife #acalifornialife
It’s that fun time when I get to talk style with It’s that fun time when I get to talk style with the fabulous Cindy and since it’s September, we are sharing our Fall Wish Lists!  Are you ready for the change of season?? I can’t wait!

I had so much fun pulling this together. I sort of had to edit myself because there’s many cool new things out there, but we just have to find the right pieces that will make what we already have work and look updated and chic.. We have to be editors! I am just giving you some ideas. 

The best part about fashion right now is there really are no rules and we just had to find what works for us and our lifestyle and our bodies! 

Pop on by the blog, and I’ll share some of the trends like longer fuller pants, suit looks, those darling Chanel style jackets, and other pretty pieces. 

Cindy as always has some beautiful ways to mix it all and create your own look.

Link in our bios as always!! 
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

All the links are on the post, but comment if you are missing something you see here! 

#fallfashiontrends #falllooks #fallfashioninspo
Hello happy weekend! It’s that time for Meanderi Hello happy weekend! It’s that time for Meanderings post with Juliet and Elizabeth!  This week I am sharing this cute bar basket from @hudsongracesf my friends bought for me, and fall items that I am excited to add to my closet.

I am also chatting about the new movement to connect with your neighborhood and create smaller communities -and ideas on how to do it! 

Fall is a perfect time for this and in France it’s called la rentrée and it means the start of a new exciting season of getting back together with others after summer. 

More on the blog- along with my favorite fall soup I’ve made forever from @marthastewart . 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#fallstyle #fallvibes #fallsoup #larentrée #microneighborhoods #onlyconnect #trench 

P.S… This is my first time adding music to a static post.. Is this fun or annoying??
My motivation for Friday! I love @therealdvf and s My motivation for Friday! I love @therealdvf and she is still out there working and inspiring women. 

This quote! Only we can make ourselves truly happy and as women we so often taught to look outside of ourselves for that and that’s never a good thing. We have to learn to ask for what we want without apologizing and go for it ourselves.🩷

Happy Friday friends!

#inspiringquotes #quoteoftheday #dvf
What do you do when it’s rainy and cool in Tahoe What do you do when it’s rainy and cool in Tahoe? Well someone asked me today and  actually there is a lot to do and it’s one of the best times to go! 

Last weekend it was a cool 48 degrees and it felt like November even though it was Labor Day weekend. We enjoyed some sun and breezes so being layers!

You can pack a lot in the two days with great hikes and walks..and food!  Two good hikes- one at Ward Creek, another at Sugar Pine Point.. are perfect for now! Have some lunch by the river @riverranchlodge, take a walk on the lake and a drive on 89, end it by playing games and have a cozy dinner in with pot pies from Tahoe House bakery. ( SO good!) 

Tahoe when it’s shoulder season is the best kept secret. Though normally Labor Day would be hot here. Make some plans to enjoy the fall here! 🍂

Here’s to an early fall! I added a few autumn touches to our tiny cabin while I was there..

Yes I snapped that 🐻 bear! He was crossing the road. This is their season to bulk up so you leave no food in your cars..

#tahoe #westshoretahoe #sugarpinepointstatepark #wardcreektrail #shoulderseasontravel #ourgoldenstate #californiatravel
Hope you’re all having a good holiday weekend! I Hope you’re all having a good holiday weekend! If you have down time the Weekend Meanderings is up with my pals Juliet and Elizabeth with some fun ideas for you. 

On my weekend post-
Cute fall decor
Pretty towels on sale 
An autumn my dress and sweatshirt
The US Open’s tribute to Billie Jean King
Michelle Obama’s US Open look and her talented stylist! 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#falldecorating #septemberdecor #bathtowels #serenaandlily #rails #evereve #michelleobamastyle #meredithkoop #usopentennis #billiejeanking
I can’t let this date go by without a tribute to I can’t let this date go by without a tribute to Princess Diana, my original style idol.  I recently found this book my dear mother bought me way back in the 80’s. Tucked inside was this torn page from American @vogue about this new girl’s style….Oh if they only knew what this young woman would be to the world. …

She was so much more than what she wore. She was a real life princess in her heart as well as title- touching so many lives. Who didn’t she care about or show kindness towards? She had it in her heart and that radiated in her face. 

These are a few photos that are my favorites and a few that show her fun personality that always shines through.. 🩷 Of course everything she wore is back in style again like this vest - the caps, the blazers, and floral prints. 

This day makes me hugely sad. 
If it wasn’t for the nasty British press ( who are still horrific), and paparazzi she would be here. 

#dianaspencer #princessdiana #ladydi
The weekend post with Juliet and Elizabeth is up. The weekend post with Juliet and Elizabeth is up. I have my 40th reunion this weekend so I’ve got what to wear to a reunion, an excellent book on rethinking how we age by the chic @annagmurphy , and  the story of how San Francisco’s Nordstrom changed the city and its unlikely success story. 

It’s all on the blog! 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#whattowear  #highschoolreunion #highschoolreunionlook 
#bayarea  #northerncalstyle #californiastyle #agingbackwards #destinationfabulous

Copyright © 2023 · Northern California Style· Blog Design by Little Blue Deer