An overview of Giant Sequoias in the Yosemite forest with pine trees behind them.

Blogs

Field Notes from Far & Near

A festive setting at Tallman Hotel featuring events in Northern California, where guests gather outdoors in groups to enjoy live music on the porch of a historic building.

Looking for a Blues Festival that's a little different? From unforgettable live performances and garden dinners to Lake County wine country and historic charm, this guide will help you plan the perfect weekend at the Blue Wing Blues Festival.

A serene panorama of a lake on the foothills of a mountain with surrounding snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky.

Looking for a mountain getaway that's far from the crowds? Discover why Lake Thomas A. Edison is one of the Sierra Nevada's hidden gems, with this guide covering everything from camping and hiking to the best time to visit and where to stay nearby.

A distant view of the Nevada Falls, with foaming white waters flowing downstream at a high speed, surrounded by pine trees.

Ready to experience one of Yosemite's most unforgettable trails? Follow this guide to Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall for expert tips, must-see viewpoints, and everything you need to make the most of your day in the park.

A man filling several wine glasses with white wine in a shed with ample of natural light coming from the outside.

Discover why Amador County (CA) wineries are one of California's best-kept wine country secrets. From historic vineyards and welcoming tasting rooms to charming Gold Rush towns, this guide has everything you need to plan a memorable day of wine tasting and a relaxing stay in the Sierra Foothills.

A wide-angle shot of a lake with a deep blue hue under a clear sky surrounded by mountain ranges.

Stanislaus National Forest is a vast Sierra Nevada wilderness with alpine lakes, volcanic formations, and over 1,000 miles of trails. Plan your visit to Groveland, the perfect gateway for outdoor adventure.

A scenic aerial view of the Clear Lake in Northern California with a small settlement by the lake shores, under a bright blue sky with clouds.

From sunrise fishing trips and lakeside kayaking to scenic vineyard drives through Lake County, Clearlake offers a slower, more laid-back side of Northern California. Explore this guide for the best things to do around California’s largest freshwater lake, along with local wine experiences, hiking spots, and charming small towns.

A thin stream of water flowing over the rocky cliffs with pine tree vegetation at the Rancheria Falls.

Planning a Sierra getaway near Shaver Lake? Discover everything you need to know about hiking to Rancheria Falls, from trail details and campground tips to the best time for peak waterfall views. Give this guide a read before you hit the trail and make the most of your mountain escape.

Back shot of a mountain climber wearing an orange jacket with a bag pack, looking at the panoramic Half Dome structure .

Thinking about conquering Half Dome? From permits and trail routes to cable safety tips and the best time to hike, this guide covers everything you need before taking on one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic adventures.

A tester platter featuring 6 wine glasses each containing a different wine for tasting.

Beyond the usual California wine trails lies Sutter Creek, a Gold Rush town where historic streets, old mines, and vineyard escapes create the perfect weekend retreat. Explore this guide to uncover everything from Knight Foundry and Main Street charm to wine tasting in Shenandoah Valley.

Long rows of grapevines with a hill visible in the background.

Discover Brassfield Estate Winery in Lake County's High Valley AVA, where volcanic soils and high-elevation vineyards create one of California's most distinctive wine experiences. From tasting flights with views over the Clear Lake basin to flagship blends, explore everything that makes Brassfield Winery worth the visit.

A huge wooden board that reads 'Sierra National Forest', surrounded by fine forests during the day.

From ancient giant sequoias to shimmering alpine lakes, Sierra National Forest is California's best-kept outdoor secret. Discover the top Sierra National Forest attractions, trail tips, and your perfect Sierra Nevada basecamp.

Stunning aerial shot of Bixby Creek Bridge in California during sunset, capturing the rugged coastline and turquoise ocean

California is home to some of the world’s most iconic destinations, from the Pacific coastline and towering redwood forests to scenic wine valleys and alpine lakes. This guide explores the best tourist places in California, thoughtfully curated by traveller type, season, and travel style for a more personalised experience.

A narrow dirt path winds through a dense forest of tall, slender pine trees under a soft, overcast sky in the daytime.

Mount Konocti is Lake County's defining landmark: a dormant volcano with sweeping summit views, rewarding trails, and enough wild character to make every visit memorable. This guide covers everything you need to hike it well.

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Whether you are planning your first visit or your fifteenth, this guide covers the essential tourist attractions in Yosemite, season by season and trail by trail, so you can spend less time planning and more time standing inside one of the greatest landscapes on Earth.

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El Dorado National Forest covers more than 600,000 acres of Sierra Nevada wilderness, from pine-covered foothills to alpine lakes and granite peaks. This is California at its most dramatic, ready for day hikers and weeklong adventurers alike.

A crowd seated at outdoor dining arrangement and eating under tree shade at Tallman Hotel

Explore Lake County's food culture with top restaurant picks, local wine experiences, and casual lunch stops that make this region a food destination. Discover lakeside dining, farm-to-table menus, and unique food festivals that bring the local flavors to life.

A high-angle view of a red rock plateau overlooking a winding river deep within a vast, layered canyon landscape.

Step into California’s Native heritage at Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, with ancient mortar holes, petroglyphs, museum exhibits, and scenic trails.

Sunlight illuminates Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall, making the water glow bright orange like lava against a dark cliff.

Discover Yosemite waterfall hikes with detailed trails, distances, difficulty, viewpoints, seasonal highlights, permits, and safety tips for planning.

The view of the lake flanked by pine trees under a partly clouded sky.

Explore Huntington Lake for alpine waters, outdoor adventures, and a relaxing mountain escape close to nature.

The sunlit base of a giant sequoia tree towers over a dusty forest path, surrounded by dense green woodland.

Explore Yosemite’s iconic giant sequoias with trail insights, seasonal tips, and a warm forest-side stay near Mariposa Grove.

Aerial view of an industrial quarry with conveyor belts and heavy machinery moving gravel and stone.

Explore the Kennedy Gold Mine in California with guided tours, rich Gold Rush history, underground mining stories, visitor tips, and nearby attractions to see.

An aerial view of scattered homes built among rolling, tree-covered hills and coastal scrubland.

Explore top tourist attractions in Northern California, including redwood forests, scenic coastlines, lakes, trails, wine regions, and iconic outdoor destinations.

A collection of taxidermy animal heads, including deer and antelope, mounted on a white wall around a standing bear.

Discover the Museum of the Sierra in Shaver Lake, explore Central Sierra history, vintage exhibits, and plan a relaxing stay near top local attractions.

Steam locomotive with wheels emitting smoke while stationary on tracks near a station

Experience the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad on a historic logger steam train, then unwind at Narrow Gauge Inn near Yosemite’s South Entrance.

A valley at Yosemite National Park with snow-capped mountains in view.

Experience Yosemite National Park’s legendary landscapes and outdoor adventures with a comfortable stay at The Groveland Hotel. Book your escape today.

Large, heavy bunches of ripe purple grapes hanging from a vine amongst green leaves in a sunny vineyard.

Explore Northern California wine country, visit scenic vineyards, enjoy guided wine tours, and experience the charm of Tallman Hotel in Lake County.

A dramatic view of Yosemite Valley with towering granite cliffs, including El Capitan, snow on the peaks, and autumn colors in the forest.

Explore Yosemite National Park with iconic granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and seasonal outdoor experiences year round.

A silhouetted view of a valley with the sun setting in the background.

Enjoy weekend getaways in California at Amador Hotel with cozy rooms, scenic forest views, and nearby attractions perfect for couples.

A panoramic view of a massive rock formation with a clear blue sky and forested valley below.

Enjoy a memorable weekend in Yosemite with this easy 2 day itinerary featuring Yosemite Valley, Carlon Falls, and a relaxing stay in Groveland.

A narrow waterfall flowing down a forested mountainside with tall pine trees.

Discover the majestic 620-foot Bridal Veil Waterfalls in Yosemite Valley, explore nearby icons, and find your perfect mountain retreat at Narrow Gauge Inn.

Festive holiday market stall decorated with Christmas ornaments and lights.

From snow-draped forests to cozy fireside evenings, explore the charm, adventure, and festive magic of Shaver Lake. Make Shaver Lake Village Hotel your perfect place to stay.

A view of  a lake with the reflection of a nearby mountain surrounded by trees.

Add this to your plan for a weekend in California at Shaver Lake! Here the sapphire-blue water, pine-fringed shores, and starlit mountain skies invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply be. For anyone looking to trade traffic noise for wind in the pines, this High Sierra hideaway is the perfect alpine alternative to California’s busier destinations.

Scenic view of a lake and surrounding mountains near Tallman Hotel, with a small town visible along the shoreline

Lake County blends lakeside serenity, outdoor adventure, and local charm, offering something for every traveller. From lake excursions and vineyard visits to scenic trails and starry nights, the region promises a memorable Northern California escape.

A couple sitting with their arms around each other on a dry, grassy hillside, watching a hazy sunset.

Escape together with tailor-made romantic getaways in Northern California, culminating in a serene stay at The Serenite Amador Hotel—secluded, scenic, and ideal for couples.

Side view of a person in a cowboy hat and jeans riding a light brown horse through a grassy field near woods at sunset.

Saddle up for unforgettable Yosemite Trails horseback adventures, winding through forested meadows and mountain ridges near Yosemite. After the ride, unwind at the serene Narrow Gauge Inn—your gateway to outdoor adventure and restful stays.

A valley at Yosemite National Park with snow-capped mountains in view.

Enjoy a true weekend in Yosemite at The Groveland Hotel. Explore the valley by day, savour farm-to-table cuisine by night, and unwind in Gold Rush-era comfort just 30 minutes from the park.

A table filled with flowers and gift boxes in an indoor setup.

Experience Christmas and New Year in Yosemite with snowy adventures, festive charm, and cozy stays at The Groveland Hotel. Plan your winter getaway now!

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