offMetro

offMetro is a resource for urban dwellers looking to get out of town. oM covers day trips and weekend getaways—car-optional—from New York, San Francisco and around the world. If you can't make the weekends longer, strive to make them better. 

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Tail-Wagging Times: 7 Pet-Friendly Getaways in California

By Kaitlin Roberts

Can’t leave Fido at home? No judgement here. (Photo: Nate Bolt/Flickr)

You were not going to be one of those pet owners, but this little lump of fur is so cute. It started simply with organic rawhide chews, and there was the cable-knit sweater for all those windy late-night walks… Now, to avoid separation anxiety, you’ve moved on to pet-friendly getaways.

But with all the allergies people have added to their resumes these days, is there really an affordable place to which you can escape without feeling like you’re rooming in aisle three of Petco? Fear not, my friend. Pet-friendly travel travel does not have to be full of cat hair, squeaky toys, or the cast of Best in Show. These seven retreats will have you wondering why you didn’t let your four-legged friend run your life sooner.

Play Fetch in Sausalito

Pooch Play: This pretty hamlet across the bay from San Francisco has a little bit of everything. Start the day off taking in spectacular city views while exploring the Marin Headlands trails. Then trek down to Rodeo Beach, where you can take a coastal hike or throw a frisbee down the sandy stretch.

Doggie Bags: Fred’s Place (1917 Bridgeway Boulevard) is renowned as “best breakfast in town,” and Fish (350 Harbor Drive), Poggio (777 Bridgeway Boulevard), and Kitti’s Place (3001 Bridgeway Boulevard) all offer delicious food and dog-friendly environments. “Wine down” with a tasting at Wellington’s (300 Turney Street), Sausalito’s waterfront spot for wine, beer, cheese, and gourmet chocolate.

(No) Kennel Club: It’s good to be a dog at Cavallo Point (601 Murray Circle), where your best friend will be treated to super absorbent towels, plush bedding, and organic treats.

Bark Up Trees in Mammoth Lakes

Pooch Play: Rover can romp where he will (often off-leash) in Mammoth’s forests, which boast the only stretch of the John Muir Trail where dogs are allowed. (Come summer, dogs also ride free on public transit!)

Doggie Bags: Sip margaritas on the pet-friendly patio at Roberto’s Cafe (271 Old Mammoth Road), then head over to Tailwaggers Bakery (437 Old Mammoth Road) for a better-than-kibble treat.

(No) Kennel Club: There are at least 20 dog-friendly hotels in Mammoth—and a website devoted to them.

There are few things more adorable than a doggie surf competition. (Photo: CashKate/Flickr)

Hang 20 in Huntington Beach

Pooch Play: Pups can Surf USA in Huntington Beach, which lays claim to a mile-long stretch of sand that is one of the best dog beaches around. And we’re not kidding about the dog surfing. Surf City Surf Dog is an annual surf competition, replete with fashion show and yappy hour. In order to prep the pooch, the festival offers private doggie surf lessons July through September.

Doggie Bags: Park Bench Cafe (17732 Goldenwest Sttreet) has been offering doggie menus since 1993. The canine cuisine includes boneless chicken strips, bacon bits, and lean ground turkey.

(No) Kennel Club: The breezy Shorebreak Hotel offers discounted dog sitting, pet beds, and even a Dog Is Good Pet Package, which includes a credit for a doggie/human dinner date, plus a gift set with toys, waste bags, and bowls.

Have a Doggone Day(s) in Healdsburg

Pooch Play: With the motto, “bark less, wag more,” it’s no wonder Mutt Lynch Winery (602 Limerick Lane) has received statewide and international awards for being the most dog-friendly winery. Proprietors Brenda and Chris (and their dog Patch) will let you sniff around the grounds, and then throw a few treats your dog’s way while you chat and taste.

Plus, when you buy wine, a portion of the proceeds goes to animal rescue organizations. Watch out for special events like “Yappy Hour” and Dog-A-Palooza.

Doggie Bags: Soak up the vino (and some sun) at one of Healdsburg’s many restaurants with pup-friendly patios. Barndiva (231 Center Street) serves up local eats in a stunning outdoor space, and Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar (403 Healdsburg Avenue) is located next to a schmancy pet outfitters store (Fideaux, 43 North Street).

(No) Kennel Club: High-energy pups will love the rural walks at Bella Villa Messina (316 Burgundy Road), situated a bit outside downtown Healdsburg. 

If you don’t believe that Carmel is “America’s Most Dog-Friendly Small City,” look no further than the Cypress Inn. (Photo: Cypress Inn/Facebook)

Lap Up Luxury in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Pooch Play: Dubbed ”America’s Most Dog-Friendly Small City” by Dog Fancy Magazine, Carmel-by-the-Sea certainly lives up to its name. Here, shop owners leave out treats and water for four-legged visitors, art galleries hang paintings at dog’s-eye level, and hitching posts and doggie-bag stations line the streets. Carmel Beach is one of California’s few leash-free beaches, where lucky dogs run the beach (literally).

Then there’s Fountain of Woof and the “town dog,” Pal,the only village resident to be buried in the one-mile city limits (and whose portrait has hung in City Hall since he died 80 years ago).

Doggie Bags: The Dog Pound at Forge in the Forest (Junipero Street and 5th Avenue) is an enclosed patio with its own entrance. On the “Canine Cuisine” menu? An 8-ounce New York steak.

(No) Kennel Club: Pack some stylish doggie duds, because at the Cypress Inn, owned by animal lover Doris Day, dogs are invited to afternoon tea and “mutt-tinis” are available at yappy hour.

Dog beaches abound in San Diego. (Photo: Damian Gadal/Flickr)

Go to the Dogs in San Diego

Pooch Play: San Diego roffers no shortage shortage of places to run and frolic, from myriad dog beaches to parks aplenty—or you can pamper your pooch at pet spas, dog washes, and more.

Doggie Bags: Experience a local brunch favorite at the all-outdoor Stratford Court Cafe, or take in some ocean views and fine food at Pacifica Del Mar & Pacifica Breeze Cafe.

(No) Kennel Club: Loews Coronado pampers pets with gourmet room service menus, walking routes, treats, and more.

More from offMetro:

The Six Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Southern California

Orange County for Kids

Endless Summer in Huntington Beach

A Local’s Guide to Romantic Sausalito

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Safari Style or In the Dark? 5 Unique Bay Area Dining Experiences

By Andrea McKenzie

Scrumptious jerk chicken while giraffes roam in the background? Talk about an unforgettable meal. (Photo: Savannah Grill) 

From Alice Waters’ Berkeley food revolution in the 1970s to Jessica Largey (of Los Gatos), James Beard’s Rising Star Chef of 2015, the Bay Area has long been a frontrunner all things epicurean. It’s also a haven for all manner of eccentricities. When you combine those two things, you get all manner of delicious—and unique—eateries. Here are five unique Bay Area dining experiences.

Savannah Grill 3115 Porter Creek Road Santa Rosa

What happens when you mix all-American barbecue with The Lion King and a dash of “Crocodile Hunter?” You get Savannah Grill, the restaurant located in Safari West Wildlife Preserve. Also known as “the Sonoma Serengeti,” Santa Rosa’s Safari West brings the African Safari to wine country, getting guests up close and personal with cheetahs, gazelles, wildebeests, and more.

But you don’t have to go on the full safari for a taste of the Serengeti. Savannah Grill serves up a buffet-style barbecue, with classic dishes such as jerk chicken, pulled pork, homestyle mac-and-cheese, and fresh salads—all in an open-air spot over overlooking the giraffes, lemurs, and other beasts playing on the Safari grounds. (Reservations are required.)

Are you hungry yet?! Homeroom makes you want to eat mac-and-cheese every night. (Photo: Homeroom/Facebook)

Homeroom 400 4th Street Oakland

A love of mac-and-cheese knows no age limit. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Oakland, this cozy restaurant specializes in gourmet macaroni and cheese dishes that can satisfy any wild craving. From the spicy Jalapeno Popper Mac to the sophisticated Mac the Goat (with fresh goat cheese), Homeroom has it all—including a vegan mac option and a plethora of toppings such as potato chips and “soyrizo” (a soy based chorizo).

What’s more, the restaurant combines classic comfort food with fine dining elements such as beer and wine pairings. The result feels stylish yet also fun and inviting (and affordable).

Casablanca Moroccan Restaurant 7557 Haverford Ave Sacramento

Who says good food has to be enjoyed at the table? Guests dining at this Sacramento diamond in the rough enjoy their meals while sitting on the floor, just as they would in Morocco. The seven-course meal features traditional Moroccan foods such as Harrira Soup, B’stilla, and Baklava, and the decadent meal is accompanied by live belly dancing entertainment on the weekends.

Opaque 1500 Sutter Street San Francisco

Nothing engages your sense of taste more than eliminating your sense of sight. San Francisco’s Opaque is a “Dining in the Dark” establishment modeled after similar restaurants throughout Europe. Before entering the dark room, guests pick out their menu selections in the lit foyer, and are then led into the dining area. Then, they enjoy a three-course meal completely in the dark. The menu, international with a French focus, features such options as tuna tartare, roasted chicken breast, and bittersweet chocolate cake.

In addition to heightening your ability to taste the exquisite meal in front of you, dining in the dark allows a unique opportunity to put yourself in the position of the visually impaired, and to interact with people with ocular disabilities—the entire waitstaff at the restaurant is legally blind.

You may not know what Chef Justin Cogley will cook for you at Aubergine, but you can be sure it will dazzle. (Photo: Aubergine/Facebook)

Aubergine Monte Verde Street & 7th Avenue Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you are willing to pay the piper (meals at this luxurious spot run $150 per person), you’ll be rewarded with a dazzling taste testing experience courtesy of three-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Justin Cogley. Located in scenic Carmel-by-the-Sea, Aubergine offers diners a spectacular eight-course Tasting Menu. Each course changes every single day, and Chef Cogley’s menu provides only the name of main ingredient for each course, leaving the other ingredients and dish preparation shrouded in mystery.

With just a twelve-table house, this restaurant offers an delightful, intimate setting for fine cuisine. It also hosts regular special events, including cooking classes with the chef.

More from offMetro:

Gourmet Getaway: Food, Beer, and Wine in San Luis Obispo County

Good Neighbors: Wise Sons Deli Picks 6 Favorite Restaurants Near SF

10 Best Pop-Up Restaurants in the Bay Area

A Foodie’s Guide to Affordable Napa Valley

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Wild and (Car) Free: A Guide to Big Sur

By Kaitlyn Ellison

With its craggy cliffs and wild waters, Big Sur is one of the prettiest places in California -- if not on earth. (Photo: Sérgio Luiz Araújo Silva/Flickr)

Big Sur is not something a lot of people do car-free. It takes an adventurer to respond to the challenge of taking a carless trip down the infamously winding two-lane road called the Pacific Coast Highway. But, if you do have that wild free spirit in you, it’s much more doable than you might ever expect.

Our two favorite options are by bike or bus. Biking is a spectacular choice if you’re experienced in the sport. The terrain is tough and the road narrow (and situated next to plunging cliffs), but avid (experienced) cyclists are sure to have an unforgettable ride.

For first-time Big Sur bikers, we recommend joining a guided bike tour like California Bicycle Tour, which offers customization options for making your way down the coast.

For the less experienced riders, the key to car-free Big Sur is the Monterey-Salinas Transit System—the 22 bus to be specific. It’s a seasonal ride starting in Monterey, winding through Carmel all the way to Big Sur, and then back up again. The first couple of bus stops are in Monterey and Carmel—the best places to board the bus.

The Pacific Coast Highway is s famous drive, but biking it makes for an even more memorable adventure. (Photo: faungg's photos/Flickr)

Where the Land Meets the Sea

There’s a reason Big Sur is coined “the greatest meeting of land and sea in the world,” and you can see it for yourself by diving right into the coastline with the ragged beauty of Point Lobos State Park’s headlands. Take advantage of this curious coastland by hiking, picnicking, or diving, where you can catch the underwater jungles of Northern California’s seaweed habitats. 

“Descend a Dusty Gravel Ridge Beneath the Bixby Canyon Bridge”

Take a hint from Death Cab for Cutie and make a stop at what’s properly called the Bixby Creek Bridge, a famous and historic overpass that was the very first of its kind in Big Sur and which connects the area to the cities up North. If you’re doing the trip by bus, the driver will make an unofficial stop here, as long as you ask nicely.

Built in 1932, the Bixby Creek Bridge is a man-made wonder among Big Sur’s stunning nature. (Photo:  docentjoyce/Flickr)

Cool Your Jets

Big Sur River Inn is a hotel and restaurant famed for letting its patrons plop their wooden chairs down directly in the river’s shallows. If you want to do Big Sur but you’re not really in the mood for the do-it-yourself experience of camping, then this is your spot: Eat, drink, lounge in the river, and relax.

If you’re up for a camping adventure, Andrew Molara State Park is accessible by the 22 bus and has 24 hot spots for tents along the main trailhead. Plus, you can take off right into the wilderness: One of Big Sur’s less well-groomed parks, Molara offers more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, with options to surf and fish. The campgrounds are first come, first served, so we recommend getting an early start and calling the park before bringing all your gear.

Deck With a View

Nepenthe Restaurant is one of the best places to stop for a bite along the PCH. Offering slightly overpriced but hearty fare (try the Ambrosiaburger) the place is more known for its view of Big Sur’s coastline, which always seems to be breathtaking from the mistiest mornings to the clearest nights.

Catch some Culture

Big Sur has long been home to famous writers and artists looking to get away from it all, including novelist Henry Miller, whose namesake memorial library provides one of the most engaging cultural outlets that Big Sur has to offer. A library and non-profit arts organization, the Henry Miller Memorial Library is a wonderful place to enjoy art shows, theater, lectures, and book signings.

Big Sur River Inn offers a unique lodging and dining experience. (Photo: Big Sur River Inn)

Just up the road from the library is the Big Sur Spirit Garden. Consider it the library’s more eclectic relative. Although the location also offers live shows in world music, performance, and other arts, we say go here to check out the “Spirit Nests,” large sculptural nests created by the center’s founder Jason Fenn to provide comfort and shelter for passersby. (These spots are located further south than the 22 Bus will go, so consider it a bike-only option.)

More from offMetro:

Things to Do in Pescadero

Orange County for Kids

Wellness Retreat at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center

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The New Beer Frontier: Where to Get Your Suds on in Oakland and Berkeley

By Rebecca Podesta

Make sure you’re ready for some serious tasting: Hog’s Apothecary has 33 beers on tap! (Photo: The Hog’s Apothecary/Facebook) 

The tradition of brewing began soon after the introduction of grain farming, as our ambitious ancestors quickly came to recognize what we now know for certain—that beer is comfort, beer is community, and (perhaps most importantly) beer is delicious. We’ve undoubtedly journeyed far from the original brew houses, with an increasingly intrepid collection of brewers and breweries, yet the original inspiration remains unscathed.

And Berkeley and Oakland, the two best-known cites of California’s East Bay, has embraced the craft brew era with arms wide open. The East Bay has bars and beer gardens popping up all over, while local microbreweries are working hard to keep your glass from running dry. Here are some of the best spots to get your beer on.

Get sippin’ in Oakland

The Hog’s Apothecary | 375 40th St.

With 33 rotating beers on tap, four wines, and even one stag root beer, the Hog’s Apothecary holds strong to their belief in locally sourced brew, with the entirety of their gawk-worthy draft list coming straight out of California. Don’t be duped by the impressive beer selection—the bar’s restaurant brings some honest competition with a hearty menu of artisanal sausages and lard-fried chips that caters to even the grizzliest beer drinker.

A choir performing outside of Linden Street Brewery. (Photo: George Kelly/Flickr)

Linden Street Brewery | 95 Linden St.,

Head over to the port of Oakland, for a behind the scenes look at how this brewery’s small batch of lagers goes from grain to glass. After the tour, cozy up to the bar, or lounge out on the patio to sample the final product. Whether you go straight for the suds in The Beer Shed, or pair your brew with James Syhaout (of Hawker Fare)’s global fusion menu at The Dock, the experience is certain to be sublime. 

Beer Revolution | 464 3rd St.

With 50 taps of hand-selected brews rotating daily (and sometimes hourly), it’s hart to keep up with the Beer Revolution madness—but fortunately the staff knows just about everything there is to know about what’s in your mug. The bar doubles as a bottle store selling hard-to-find favorites holds weekly and monthly events.

The Trappist | 460 8th St.

Red brick walls, vintage décor, an ever-rotating selection of European style beer. . .we dare you to dream up a better taproom. To top it off, there’s a menu full of creative entrées like “Green Eggs & Eggs,” plus charcuterie & cheese boards. Pay a visit to its little brother, Trappist Provisions, (6309 College Ave.) and take your pick of over 160 bottled beers to sip on there or stash for later.

Botzeit brings it with German ales and eats, plus a waterfront location. (Photo: Brotzeit Lokal)

Brotzeit Lokal | 1000 Embarcadero

Brotzeit Lokal offers up brews with a view in its Oakland waterfront location. As the name hints, this is the place to go for all things German, including homemade sauerkraut, pickles and mustards, bretzels, späetzle and all sorts of other tasty things you probably can’t pronounce. Brunch is served on the weekends until 3pm, and Brotzeit gives a whole new meaning to your average morning meal, thanks to an extensive list of handcrafted sausages.

Fill your glass in Berkeley

Triple Rock Brewery & Alehouse | 1920 Shattuck Ave.

An alehouse you can rely on, Triple Rock is one of America’s oldest brewpubs. In the business since 1985, it offers timeless classics alongside a rotating selection of specialty and seasonal brews. The menu offers guilty pleasures like cheese fries, chili cheese fries and garlic fries, plus plenty of vegan and vegetarian options like Seitan Philly Cheesesteak and Chili to balance things out.

Jupiter | 2182 Shattuck Avenue

A cozy outdoor patio, complete with dangling vines and a wood-burning fire pit, makes Jupiter’s the perfect spot for an after-hours brew. Pair Jupiter’s galactic beer option with an out-of-this-world brick oven pizza for the complete experience.

Cold beers and a whimsical courtyard make Jupiter out of this world. (Photo: Jupiter Beer/Facebook) 

Eureka! Burger | 2068 Center St.

With 30 craft beers on tap, Eureka! boasts one of Berkeley’s largest draft beer selections. It also has a full menu of gourmet burgers, like the towering Jalapeno Egg Burger, complete with bacon and a sunny side up egg. Stop in for ‘Hoppy Hour’: Nightly specials include live music on Thursdays and a chance to steal-the-glass every Wednesday with the purchase of that week’s featured beer.

Berkeley Freehouse | 2700 Bancroft Way

The massive outdoor patio at the Freehouse has heaps of group seating and fire pits to give it that neighborhood joint feel—plus an extensive beer menu to boot. Four plush couches, a fireplace and a menu full of comfort foods like Chicken Pot Pie and Beef Stew disguise the Freehouse as your own living room.

More from offMetro:

Food, Beer, and Wine in San Luis Obispo County

Picnics, Wine, and Outdoor Art at Cornerstone Sonoma

Undiscovered Wine Country: Lodi Wine Tasting

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Find Your Summer Bliss at Pismo Beach

By Thomas Martin

A beautiful sunset view at Pismo Beach. (Photo: Matthias Rhomberg/Flickr)

With a few rough edges and a lot of homespun charm, Pismo is the quintessential beach town. It’s laid-back and unassuming, much like the people who call it home. There’s certainly something about the combination of 310 sunny days year, etched mountains, moody beaches, and a cornucopia of fresh, local foods that makes stress a foreign concept. Here are some great things to do in Pismo Beach.

What to do

Wave riding. Central Coast Kayaks (1879 Shell Beach Road) offers kayak and Standup Paddleboard rentals, but we opted for a tour of the coast’s hidden caves and coves. After an initial period of gentle paddling— during which we watched sea lions sunbathing on tiny ocean islands—we learned the art of working with the waves to maneuver through the narrow gaps between stacks and arches and make up the rocky coastline.

Take a tour of the hidden caves and coves along Avila Beach. (Photo: Bill Ward/Flickr)

Set sail. For those who prefer a little less manual labor in their ocean explorations, Avila Beach Boat Charter offers a Seaweed Express shoreline tour, which departs from nearby Port San Luis.  The small size of the speedboat allows access to many of the hidden caves and coves along the coastline. Directions: Take the Avila Beach Trolley.

Apples and grapes. There are several wineries located in nearby Avila Beach and Avila Canyon. Taste and tour one a bike ride along the Bob Jones Trail.

Kelsey Vineyard (1947 See Canyon Road) is nestled in the woods of See Canyon, and easily reachable by bike. The Kelsey family has owned the winery and tasting room since 1999, sourcing many of their grapes from their vineyard 30 miles north in the small town of Creston. With names like “Red Delicious” and “Golden Delicious,” the wines celebrate the fertile area.

Get brunch at the charming Mon Ami Cafe. (Photo: Britt Reints/Flickr)

After a tasting at Kelsey ($5), cruise over to Creekside Farm Orchard (1691 See Canyon Road) to sample some of the apples that make up the wines, and sip on some fresh cider.

Those who prefer not to ride can still get their fill at the cluster of wineries located in Avila Beach, all accessible by the Avila Beach Trolley, which runs throughout the spring and summer.  For general information about wineries in the area, visit the Avila Wine Trail website.

Where to eat

Breakfast of champions. The adorable Mon Ami (230 Pomeroy Ave.) cafe whips up its delicious crepes right in the dining room.  We opted for a savory (with bacon, eggs and mushrooms) and a sweet (with a symphony of fresh berries).

Sea(food) and sun. Marisol (2757 Shell Beach Road) is an ideal spot for no-fuss lunch and dinner, offering a wide selection of simple meat and seafood dishes like Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Sushi Fried Rice.  There’s an outside patio with ocean views, or you can even eat your supper by the poolside.

Just one of the many selections you can choose from at Ventana Grill. (Photo: Ventana Grill)

Windows on the water. With its spectacular coastal views and delicious “coastal fusion” cuisine, Ventana Grill (2575 Price St.) is a great venue for fine dining. The restaurant is situated on a bluff and juts out over the cliff edge, and its spectacular ocean and sunset views pair perfectly with fresh catches and Mexican spice.

Where to stay

Rooms with views. Although they are a bit removed from the center of town, the oceanfront hotels along Shell Beach Road are tough to beat. Cliffs Resort (2757 Shell Beach Road, from $195 per night) is large and well-landscaped, with a swimming pool, hot tub and spacious rooms, many with ocean views. Apparently there is also a secret beach (so secret, in fact, that we weren’t able to find it!). Bike rentals are available (it’s about a 20-minute cycle into the city center), and Bus 21 stops at the nearby Spyglass Inn, and runs into town.

Pier pressure. Set one block from the Pismo Beach Pier, the Pismo Beach Hotel (230 Pomeroy Ave., from $99) is a casual spot offering easy access to the beach and all town activity. Perks include continental breakfast, gas-burning stoves, and a lovely Spanish-style courtyard, with an array of rooms, ocean-view suites, and apartment suites with full kitchens.

The newly remodeled Pismo Beach Hotel was the setting of the 1937 Clark Gable film Strange Cargo. (Photo: Pismo Beach Hotel)

Getting around

By bus. A variety of buses run throughout the area, and between March and October, the free Avila Beach Trolley shuttles passengers from the center of Pismo Beach to Avila Beach, stopping at the oceanfront hotels on Shell Beach Road along the way. Visit San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority for schedules and information.

By bike. Wheel Fun Rentals (100 Stimson Ave) offers bike rentals ($8 per hour, $25 a day), as well as surreys ($20 per hour), choppers ($10 per hour) and fun cycles ($10 per hour). There are four locations: at the Sandcastle Inn, next to the parking lot by the pier (guided tours available), at SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel (bikes only), and at Cliffs Resort (bikes only).

More from offMetro:

The Best Beaches Near San Francisco

The Six Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Southern California

Where to Dine and Unwind in Laguna Beach

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A Good for You (and the Environment) Getaway: 10 Attractions in Carlsbad, CA

By Jessica Festa

Take a walk in the flower fields of Carlsbad. (Photo: kellinahandbasket/Flickr)

Despite having “bad” in its name, Carlsbad, California offers many good-for-you experiences. Here are some suggestions to help you have a healthy and happy vacation that’s good for you, the community and the environment.

1. Eco-Chic West Inn & Suites West Inn & Suites is a charming boutique hotel, offering an onsite shuttle that will take you anywhere within five miles (including Carlsbad Village, The Flower Fields, Legoland, and the lagoons). In addition to various eco-friendly practices, the hotel takes part in a local WorkAbility program, hiring autistic individuals to help them enhance work skills. It also owns a three-acre farm, which guests can tour get a true sense of farm-to-table.

Indulge yourself with a sustainable and scrumptious meal at the Bistro West. (Photo: Bistro West)

2. Rarefied cocktails at West Steak and Seafood West Inn and Suites has two onsite restaurants, both of which source ingredients from the property-owned farm. Head to West Steak and Seafood for cocktails mixed with a stem-to-stem philosophy: The “Chameleon Martinis” feature fresh garden herbs as well as ice cubes infused with spirits and fresh fruit, so that as you stir, the drinks’ flavors and colors transform. 

3. Local Love at Village Faire Village Faire, located in the center of the Carlsbad Village, is filled with palm trees and local restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries, so you can savor Carlsbad culture and help local business owners. 

Naked Cafe, focuses on flavor, nutrition, and fresh ingredients—plus local artwork on the walls. Almost everything is made in-house, and each menu item is broken down by protein, fiber, carbs, fat, and calories. 

Paddleboard yoga is a perfect way to start the day. (Photo: Carlsbad’s Floating Yogis/Facebook)

4. Practice Morning Yoga While Paddleboarding For those who have never done Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Yoga, Carlsbad’s Floating Yogis can introduce you to this unique sport. While immersed in nature, increase your physical and mental stamina as you stretch and bend your body into yoga poises—atop a paddle board. The calm morning waters and singing birds will relax you while the balancing movements work your core.

5. Get an All-Natural Spa Treatment at Ocean Crest Spa Located in the Hilton Oceanfront Resort & Spa, Ocean Crest Spa offers only the highest quality products, many of which feature locally sourced ingredients from California and the ocean. Relax with the “Motion in the Ocean” treatment (110 minutes for $250), a reenergizing journey that incorporates healing gestures, a soft body brushing, and undaria scrub. After a hot shower and a hair mask, the treatment finishes with a Lomi Lomi massage, with long strokes and cradling motions to make you feel as though you are rocking in the ocean.

Get your beach gear ready! (Photo: David Baxendale/Flickr)

6. Break a Sweat on the Beach Along Carlsbad Boulevard, the beach—and scores of people running, cycling, skateboarding, and rollerblading on the paths—will beckon. Lush gardens of purple lavender add to the ambience for an inspiring workout.

7. Go For a Hike Carlsbad is home to an array of hiking areas, most notably around Batiquitos Lagoon. There is an array of hiking trails circling the lagoon, and visitors can see unique flora, plus about 185 bird species. Make sure to hike to the top of the hill for aerial views of the lagoon and surrounding wetlands.

One of the few tidal wetlands left on the Southern California coast. (Photo: Joe Wolf)

8. Bike the San Diego Coastal Rail Trail The paved San Diego Coastal Rail Trail runs along Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink/COASTER Corridor for 33 miles through the coastal communities of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas and Solana Beach in San Diego. Cyclists, hikers and runners enjoy the art and garden offerings on the trail as well as the local attractions in each city. Rent a road bike from Synaptic Cycles and get it delivered right to your door.

9. Indulge Locally Located in Carlsbad Village is the Chocolate Bar, an artisanal chocolate and wine shop committed to sustainable indulgence. About 1/3 of the chocolates are made on premises, with the others being sourced from small California chocolatiers. Additionally, many of the wines come from local wine regions.

10. Go on an Adventurous Beer Tour Scavengers Beer Adventures offers tours that show you Carlsbad’s best craft beer experiences. While this may not sound healthy, beer in moderation actually has natural antioxidants and vitamins, especially dark beers. Additionally, some of the company’s tours also allow for wildlife spotting and scenic beach views so you can learn about the local ecosystem.

More from offMetro:

Gourmet Getaway: Food, Beer, and Wine in San Luis Obispo County

A Hidden Hike in Marin County: Loma Alta Open Space Preserve

Just Say OM: 7 Yoga Retreats Near San Francisco

Wellness Retreat at Tassaraja Zen Mountain Center

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Making the Most of the Day

By Lauren Matison                                                                        

If you travel for a living, as I do, it is so important to know how to make the most of each day on the road. And when we travel writers do get some time off to just enjoy a destination—without having to take notes—we don’t want sightseeing to feel like work. These insider tips will allow you to spend more time enjoying and experiencing and less time planning and worrying.

1. Skip the lines.

There is a whole city to be explored and waiting in long lines at museums isn’t the best use of your time. Most major cities offer culture cards that make it a breeze to bypass lines and go straight to the exhibits. With the Paris Pass and Barcelona Card, you get fast entry to the best museums, plus free use of all public transportation. The CityPass, available in 11 cities—including New York, San Francisco and Toronto—provides travelers with skip-the-line privileges and up to 50 percent off museum admission. Buy the passes online, in advance, so it’s one less thing you have to worry about doing on the trip.

Keep reading

[offmetro-blog]

Three San Francisco Bay Area Peaks Every Cyclist Must Climb

By Suzanne Russo

A view of the bay area mountains from Brisbane. (Photo: Franco Folini/Flickr)

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to many peaks, and the possibilities for enjoying all these “pies in the sky” are endless, from taking in their vastness to taking to their trails. Hiking, running, or meandering along creeks and gullies can easily fill a peaceful afternoon, and pedaling up and down hills offers an intense adrenaline rush.

But exploring the mountains of the Bay Area involves a car, at least get to the trailhead, right? Not necessarily. Here’s how to visit Bay Area mountains on bike and public transit.

Immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery around Mt. Hamilton. (Photo: Don DeBold/Flickr)

South Bay: Mt. Hamilton Sneaky Mt. Hamilton hides from view in the Diablo mountain range. The highest peak overlooking the Silicon Valley, it’s home to Lick Observatory, the world’s first permanently occupied mountain-top observatory (which offers excellent star-gazing programs).

It’s an 18-mile bike ride with a two-step climb from San Jose’s Caltrain station to Mt. Hamilton’s summit. The first climbs up from the flatlands to Joseph Grant County Park, a vast expanse of grasslands and wildflowers, and then there’s a second climb to the top of Mt. Hamilton

Directions: Take Caltrain to San Jose and ride from there. For those wanting to visit without a bike, carpooling is the best bet (try Zimride to find folks going your way).

Enjoy a beautiful sunset at the top of Mt. Tamalpais. (Photo: Eric Pheterson/Flickr)

North Bay: Mt. Tamalpais From anywhere north of Oakland to anywhere south of Novato, one can catch a glimpse of this beloved Bay Area fixture. Biking to the top of Mt. Tam is easy (logistically—though not so easy on the muscles) to do from anywhere in the Bay Area, thanks to the Golden Gate Bridge and the ferries to Sausalito .

There are also many ways to hike Tam, including the famed Dipsea Trail, along which you can peek into the exclusive Tourist Club (open to the public on select weekends), or enjoy Sunday breakfast at the historic West Point Inn.

Directions: Take Golden Gate Transit Bus 92 toward Manzanita, then transfer in Marin City to Marin Transit bus 61 toward Brighton Avenue. Get off at Panoramic Highway and Pan Toll Road. (Visit marintransit.org for scheduling.) You can also take the Marin Stage Coach from many convenient places on the east side of Marin to more western and northern trails.

View from Summit Trail on Mt. Diablo. (Photo: susby/Flickr)

Mt. Diablo | 96 Mitchell Canyon Road | East Bay As the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART train nears Walnut Creek, majestic Mt. Diablo comes into view. It’s not the tallest of mountains, but you can witness none of the most expansive views in the world from its summit.

There are several transit-friendly ways of getting closer to the Mt. Diablo’s peak. One is to bike the Iron Horse Trail from the Pleasant Hill BART. (Note, however, that while it may be just 16.4 miles, 3,849 feet is a hefty climb.)

The Donner Creek Trail makes a wonderful adventure in winter or spring, when Donner Canyon Falls gush down the mountainside. The views of the north side of the mountain are stunning, the shade along the creek refreshing, and the waterfalls awesome to watch.

Directions: Take BART to Concord and catch the County Connection 10 bus to Clayton Road & Mitchell Canyon Road (the journey takes about an hour and a half). Or take BART to Walnut Creek or Pleasant Hill and bike from there (about a 2.5-hour ride).

More from offMetro:

10 Best San Francisco Bay Area Bike Rental Shops

The Best Big Sur Activities By Bus and Bike

Five Best Bike Getaways Near San Francisco

[offmetro-blog]

A Two-Wheel Utopia: Long Beach, California

By Allison Tibaldi

Be sure to check out Long Beach’s port during your stay.  (Photo: nightowl/Pixabay)

Located on the southern fringe of Los Angeles County, Long Beach is a city of half a million residents, a busy port with a laid-back, California coast vibe. It’s also a two-wheeled utopia with hidden charms, urban flair, and beach town friendliness.

With more than 60 miles of bike-only routes and 20 miles of designated bike boulevards—not to mention 345 days of sunshine annually, Long Beach begs to be explored on two wheels. And its bike share program offers some 2,500 bikes at 250 solar-paneled locations, so locals and visitors can simply pick up and return bike at any stations.

This bike path is just one of the more than sixty-miles’ worth of bike-only routes. (Photo: The Great Southwestern Exploration Company/Flickr)

Then there are Bike Saturdays, which allow cyclist-only discounts to those who pedal to dozens of local eateries and shops, and Car-Free Fridays, which offer lunchtime discounts at scores of restaurants on the first Friday of the month (just show your bike lock key or helmet).

Then there are bike valets, bike rack art, and the rides themselves. Here is where to pedal in Long Beach.

Shoreline Bike Path

Distance: 5½ miles Level: Easy Fun factor: This flat beachfront path is separate from the walking path, so it’s a perfect ride for novices and families. Stretching from Shoreline Village to Belmont Shore, the easy-to-follow path takes you by shops, the lighthouse and the Downtown Marina.

Take a ride ride through the canal past Italian-inspired architecture. (Photo: www.twentyfouratheart.com)

A Spin Through Naples Distance: 2.2 miles Level: Easy Fun factor: This Italian-inspired neighborhood is loaded with Venetian-style canals. Start and finish the ride at the Long Beach Yacht Club on Appian Way, and pedal along the waterfront sidewalks, past Mediterranean-inspired homes, boats, floating gondolas, paddle boarders and kayakers. 

Historic East 1st Street and the Beach Path Below the Bluffs Distance: 4.2 miles Level: Easy-to-moderate Fun factor: Architecture buffs can go for a scenic whirl that starts and ends at leafy Bixby Park. Pedal the designated bike lane as you spy pristine examples of California Craftsman homes and Art Deco-style apartment buildings. You’ll see the Belmont Plaza Pool, where the 1968 and ’76 U.S. Olympic Swim Trials were held, and at Belmont Pier, you can glimpse Catalina Island on clear days. 

Take a break from cycling and tour the quaint Shoreline Village. (Photo: Loren Javier/Flickr)

Shoreline Village to the Los Angeles River Bicycle Path Distance: 16 miles Level: Moderate-to-difficult Fun factor: This ride starts at Shoreline Village. Head Northwest for several miles until you reach the Los Angeles River Bicycle Path. Pedal riverside for a few miles and you may see waterfowl and other wildlife. On the way back, you can take a short detour to Bixby Knolls, an up-and-coming neighborhood loaded with shops and restaurants. 

The Tourist Trail There are several attractions that are worth getting off your bike to visit. The impeccably preserved ocean liner Queen Mary is a piece of maritime history. Explore this hulking 20th century seafaring vessel’s nooks and crannies and see just how glam travel used to be.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is the place to learn about Pacific Ocean life. The Behind-the-Scenes Tour will take you backstage to see what it takes to successfully care for and feed thousands of sea creatures each day. 

The Museum of Latin American Art is the only museum West of the Mississippi to feature art exclusively from Latin America and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. Environmentally concerned culture vultures should note that it is one of the first California museums to use solar energy with a photovoltaic energy system.

Walk Around Town Long Beach was named one of the top pedestrian-friendly cities by Walkscore.com, and its modest size and near-perfect climate equals excellent strolling. Trend seekers won’t want to miss browsing the East Village Arts District, with its cutting-edge shops and galleries. For something more exotic, Cambodia Town is home to the largest Cambodian population outside Southeast Asia.

Where to Stay At the aptly named Hotel Maya, rooms are decorated with colorful textiles and bold accents that will transport you to a market in Oaxaca. You can rent beach cruisers, and it’s located on a car-free path that brings you to the Queen Mary in minutes. If you choose to ride public transportation, the free Passport Bus and the seasonal Aquabus both stop here. 

During the day, swim in the waterfront pool, read in a floating cabana, play beach volleyball, tennis or bocce. In the evening, warm up in front of the fire pit and stargaze on the hotel’s own soft-sand Playa Maya.

Other Modes of Transportation

The Passport shuttle bus is free and efficient, making its rounds every eight minutes. It will get you to all major attractions and you can bring your bike on board. Seasonal services include the AquaBus water taxi and the AquaLink, a catamaran that carries 69 passengers while perfectly exploiting the town’s waterfront location.

More from offMetro:

Things to Do in Westwood, Los Angeles

The 5 Best Hotels with Electric Car Charging Stations in Los Angeles

The 6 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Southern California

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Your To-Do List for the Shangri-La of California: Ojai

It’s only 80-some miles from Los Angeles, but it may as well be 8,000. Ojai, or “the Shangri-La” as natives like to call it, certainly is the mystical and harmonious valley depicted in the movie Lost Horizons (filmed in Ojai in 1937). The small-town charm is lost on no one, and oftentimes strangers will wave to you as they drive down the street (they must, after all, know you from somewhere).

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast seeking fresh air and majestic views, an art collector looking to “gallery gallivant,” or a foodie seeking innovative eats, Ojai’s got you covered. Here’s what we recommend to do on a quick vacation to Ojai. 

What to do Get “Zen-sational.” Whether you’ve got spirituality in spades or none at all, Meditation Mount is a little bit of magic. The hustle and bustle of day-to-day life disappears as you stroll through the International Garden of Peace, inhaling the oleanders and listening to the little sounds so often overlooked in daily life—bees buzzing, leaves rustling in an afternoon breeze… Down below, Ojai stretches out in all its glory. (Note: The Mount is located about five miles outside of downtown Ojai, but experienced bikers could bike up the main road. Otherwise, the only way to reach it is by car.)

Chill out among art and antiques. Nearby, the world-famous Bart’s Books is not to be missed. The largest independently owned outdoor bookstore in the world, Bart’s is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, with more than 100,000 new, used, and rare books. The small house is filled with cases of rare books, while the used books spill out into the courtyard. Each room of the house also contains books of a fitting subject matter. (Interested in perusing an old Julia Child cookbook? Look no further than the kitchen!) After hours, Bart’s operates on the honor system: Customers put money through a slot in the door and may take books of their choosing. The air-conditioned (and fabulous!) shops and art galleries in Ojai’s Arcade are a great way to cool off and catch up on your shopping. Marvel at Josh Simpson‘s stunning glass planets at the Primavera Gallery, and then wander over to the Human Arts Gallery for affordable and funky glasswork, sculpture, jewelry, and furniture. And the collective antique mall, Treasures of Ojai, is a perfect place to lose yourself for the afternoon—and to find a good bargain (or three).

Horse Around. Saddle up to explore the magnificent Ventura River trails and the foothills of the Los Padres National Forest. Melissa White, founder of Western Trail Rides, keeps it intimate by taking out no more than four riders. There’s no caravan system here, and White takes her riders and horses on different trails every day—because the horses get bored too! White has five horses available for rides, and explains that “Each horse has his own personality, and I like to pair up the personalities of the horses with the personalities of the riders.”

White offers a real personal touch and considers the horses much more than her business:  ”These boys are my family,” White says. “I always knew that I was going to have four children, I just didn’t know that they were going to weigh 1,000 pounds!” (Western Trail Rides offers one-, two-, and three-hour trail rides for $60 per person, per hour.)

Get into the groove. Finish up the day with a concert inLibbey Park. Every Wednesday night in July and August, the Rotary Club of Ojai-West offers a free concert in the Gazebo from 7:30-9 p.m. Ojai natives turn out in droves, camping out up to an hour to secure the perfect front-and-center seats on the grass. The band’s musicians range in age from 13 to 73, and the vibe is decidedly “old-time Americana”—and all-around heartwarming. The evening began with Phil “The Voice” Harvey leading an enthusiastic sing-along of “The Ojai Song,” (Ojaians truly do love “this little valley, this valley of ours,” and with good reason!), and then the band played a medley of Sound of Music songs while children lined up for 25-cent balloons and popcorn. You don’t get much sweeter than that.

Where to eat After working up an appetite in the Arcade, hit Feast Bistro, which fills the gap between Ojai’s high- and low-end restaurants by providing affordable gourmet. My perfectly juicy EEL River Organic Beef Burger was served with warm, salty pommes frites, and the Buffalo Blue salad was a perfect mix of spicy chicken, fresh greens, and tangy blue cheese crumbles. Feast Bistro also offers alluring specials, such as “Wine Wednesday,” when all bottles of wine are 50% off.

For a beautiful atmosphere, check out Bodee’s—and be sure to sit near the water. The magic of Ojai becomes particularly apparent dining outside, when you realize that you are neither too cold nor too hot and that there’s not a single bug out to bite you. Furthermore, the steaks at Bodee’s are cooked to perfection. And the patio, decked out with lighted oak trees and a stone water fountain, make you feel as though you are dining in a magical garden.

The Ranch House offers an upscale, classic dining experience. Its indoor dining room may feel a bit dated, but the lush l garden (ask when reserving) is a fabulous setting to enjoy melt-in-your-mouth scallops in a unique, lightly curried corn sauce. Dessert aficionados will also enjoy the lime cheesecake or the fudge pie, made fresh in the Ranch House’s bakery.

Where to stay For elegance and relaxation in Ojai, look no further than the Su Nido Inn (from $189). “Su Nido“ is Spanish for “your nest,” and the suites here truly are the perfect “nests” for a weekend getaway. The one- and two-bedroom suites are gorgeous and equipped with a fireplace, kitchen, and patio. Each room has its own unique theme and artistic touches, from 1930s retro to modern Manhattan. As much as there is to do in Ojai, you could make a whole weekend out of lying on your feather bed, soaking in your tiled tub, or snuggling in front of the fireplace.

If tiny Su Nido is full, its larger (and less expensive) sister hotel Casa Ojai Inn (from $114) offers 45 guest rooms, a complimentary breakfast, and a saltwater swimming pool. It’s also Ojai’s first green hotel, with non-toxic cleaners, fluorescent and energy-star rated lighting, water-saving fixtures, and much more.

Directions Take Amtrak to Ventura. If you’ve brought along your bike, it’s an easy 12-mile ride (the off-road trail is paved, relatively flat, and runs parallel to Highway 33). Otherwise, take the Gold Coast Transit Route 16 to Ojai.

Photos: Elise DePuydt, Will and Stephanie Coeler, Sarah Destin, Su Nido Inn

[offmetro-blog]

The Wildest Summer Festivals in North America You Can’t Miss

From 16th-century soirées to mariachi mania, these eight fabulous festivals do summer right.

The New France Festival  

Quebec, Canada; August 5-9, 2015

In case you couldn’t tell by the French language spoken here, Quebec’s cobblestoned streets and pretty historic buildings might let you know that region was once a part of New France. That fact is all the more apparent during Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France, an all-out celebration of the French colonial period. This lively fête revels in all things 16th century, in its period costumes, traditional foods and dancing, fencing workshops, and historic schooner cruises. Of course, there’s also that little thing called the Parade of Giants, in which people cart around 100-pound effigies of historic figures on their backs…

Kentucky Bourbon Festival

Bardstown, KY; September 15-20, 2015

The year, 1776 may be remembered as the birth of a nation, but it is also the birth year of one of that nation’s great products: in that year, the town of Bardstown, Kentucky began distilling bourbon. Known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” Bardstown enjoys a week-long bourbon bash with live music (country and bluegrass, naturally), hot air balloon rides, and classic games such as barrel racing, poker, and horseshoes. And, of course, numerous tastings. Featuring historic ghost tours, speakeasy-themed parties, and bourbon a-flowing, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is a celebration of all things spirits.

Brush off your top hat and untangle those pearls — the 1920s are calling. (Photo: Jazz Age Lawn Party)

Jazz Age Lawn Party

New York, NY; August 15-16, 2015

Featuring dapper dans, glitzy gowns, Charleston contests (and all that jazz), the Jazz Age Lawn Party is a soirée for which Jay Gatsby himself would swoon. A flashback to the days when jazz was king, flappers were queens, and liquor was illegal but still flowed like, well, wine, this whimsical event turns New York’s idyllic Governors Island into a 1920s wonderland, replete with a Tin Lizzie motorcade and tinny tunes wafting from antique gramophones. Like Fitzgerald’s beautiful throngs who descended upon Gatsby’s glittering West Egg extravaganzas, the bright young things of the 21st century flock to Governors Island to experience the glamorous sepia-toned 1920s in technicolor. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!

Wild West Air Fest

Steamboat Springs, CO; September 5-6, 2015

The Wild West Air Fest pays tribute to flying machines through aircraft displays and spectacular aerobatics. Kiddies can build their own model planes, and the whole family can take flight in historic aircraft carriers.

Southern Decadence

New Orleans, LA; September 2-7, 2015

Sometimes described as a "Gay Mardi Gras,” Southern Decadence is an aptly named frenzy of glitter, disco balls, and rainbow flags. It began as a humble going away party at a Tremé abode, with partygoers dressing as their favorite “decadent Southerners” (the likes of Belle Watling, Helen Keller, and a New Orleans favorite, Ruthie the Duck Lady). As only a true New Orleans party can, Southern Decadence rapidly grew grander in scale, to become one of the primo gay events of the year, drawing more than 160,000 participants from all over the world for drag shows and DJs, block parties and bead tosses.

Don your white (cowboy) hat and git on up to the wild west in Calgary. (Photo: Calgary Stampede)

Calgary Stampede

Calgary, Canada; July 3-12, 2015

If it surprises you that the world’s largest rodeo takes place in…Canada, it will all make sense once you enter Stampede Park, the home of steer wrestling, bareback bull riding, carnival rides, and more during the 10-day Calgary Stampede. Although the stampede came to Calgary (by way of a New Yorker) well after the days of the Old West (in 1912), it has left its stamp on the city, where all good days begin with a stack of hotcakes. White cowboy hats, introduced to the festival in the 1940s, are a fashion staple year-round. Live music, a reptile zoo, and covered wagon races will have you cheering faster than you can say “giddy-up.”

International Mariachi Festival

Guadalajara, Mexico; August 28-September 7, 2015

Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara is home to some of its most beloved traditions: mariachi and tequila. The International Mariachi Festival celebrates both, drawing musicians from Venezuela, Cuba, Belgium, and Australia to perform the folksy music in its traditional and modern forms. From mariachi museum exhibits and strolling musicians on the square, to fancy galas and a “tequila train,” this festival truly captures the vibrant energy of Mexico.

It’s all doggone fun at Huntington’s Surf City Surf Dog competition. (Photo: CashKate)

Surf City Surf Dog

Huntington Beach, CA; September 25-27

What could be cuter than a dog on a surf board? Turns out, not a whole lot. That’s why the town known as “Surf City USA” says “Pawabunga” every September with Surf City Surf Dog, a doggie surf competition featuring an opening “yappy hour,” “Puparazzi” red carpet, and “Hang 20” surf lessons.

[offmetro-blog]

Favorite San Francisco Getaways

The team at offMetro SF is still sighing over the gorgeous photos submitted to the Go offMetro SF Photo Contest. It seemed every shot was better than the next, so we truly struggled to narrow things down. Fortunately, we had the help of some fabulous celebrity judges, all seasoned wanderers, discerning tastemakers, and Bay Area experts.

In addition to adding their own personal brand of expertise and flair to the judging task, our judges shared their favorite places to get out of town. From bike paths to beach escapes, here are eight great San Francisco getaways. Plus, check out the winning contest photos for even more getaway ideas and insider tips.

BIG SUR

“I’ve had a love affair with Big Sur for many years. This little hamlet stretched between the sea and the redwoods is unlike any other place on earth. It has become a second home to me…where mind, body and soul are restored upon each visit. It is, quite simply, magical.” —Chip Conley, Most Inspiring Photo Judge

About Chip: Chip Conley turned a seedy inner city motel into the second largest boutique hotel brand in the world, Joie de Vivre Hospitality. The New York Timesbestselling author of Emotional Equations is a passionate and seasoned world traveler. His experiences at some of the world’s most transformational festivals inspired him to launch Fest300 based on his belief that, “The more virtual we get, the more ritual we need.” He is now also sharing his brand of hospitality with Airbnb hosts in nearly 200 countries. Explore the world with Chip on his travel blog and find out more at chipconley.com.

Photo: ”#bigsur” by jorgeabianstudio‘s (oM contest entry)

Directions: Take Caltrain to the San Jose Caltrain Station. From there, walk to Cahill/Diridon Station and take the MST 55 Bus to the Monterey Transit Plaza – from there you can either catch the 22 Bus or hop on your bike.

STINSON BEACH

“You can hike down to Stinson from the top ofMt. Tam, which affords stunning views of the city, Bolinas, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s well worth the trek down to hang at the laid back beach. After the hike down, I love having breakfast at the Parkside, followed by hours lazing on the sand and playing frisbee. Then, a hike back up the Steep Ravine trail (or any of the other steep uphills) towards Pantoll. That is a dreamy day. “ — Mary Polizzotti, Dreamiest Photo Judge

About Mary: Mary runs the website for 7×7 and is also the digital director at California Home+Design. A Boston native, Mary traveled to 41 countries in between stints at the East Bay Express, Denver Westword, Lonely Planet, NileGuide.com, 10Best.com and a non-profit gig in Uganda. You can find her in the Lower Haight when she is not wrangling freelancers.

Photo: “Late afternoon in summer on the Matt Davis trail above Stinson Beach in Mount Tamalpais State Park” by Miguel Vieira

Directions: Take Golden Gate Transit Bus 70 to Marin City at Donahue and Terners. From there transfer to Marin Transit Bus 61 toward Brighton Avenue. Get off at Panoramic Highway and Pan Toll Road for Mt. Tam (to hike from there), or take the bus all the way to Shoreline Highway, a short walk from the beach.

TOMALES BAY

“My favorite place to get away from San Francisco is Tomales Bay. Here you can have a picnic with friends and family over the freshest oysters you’ve ever had. It’s a gorgeous spot to boot.” —Dan Rosenbaum, Best SF Bay Area Photo Judge

About Dan: Born in New York City, raised in Los Angeles, and living in San Francisco. Dan currently works at San Francisco Travel running their social media channels. When Dan’s not working, he’s hosting people for his underground dinner series (#dinnerwithdan), traveling the world and always exploring San Francisco.

Photo: “Kayak camping under the stars. Tomales Bay” byinitika (Adventure Photo finalist)

MARIN HEADLANDS

“My favorite place to get away near San Francisco is just across the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands. You are just a stone’s throw from the city, but feel worlds away. The amazing photo opportunities of the bridge are an added bonus to a hike or drive along the headlands.” —Krista Rossow, Most Adventurous Photo Judge

About Krista: Krista Rossow is a travel photographer, photo editor, and educator from Eugene, Oregon (currently living in Cape Town). A photographer for @NatGeoCreative, Krista is a former photo editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine and a yogini who fell in love with San Francisco in 2012 during a shoot for @NatGeoTravel.

Photo: “Nothing better for the soul than a long #run in the #marinheadlands” by getfitwithla (Most Inspiring Photo contest finalist; says Judge Chip: “These trails are like an old friend…just minutes away from the city.”)

99 RANCH MARKET

“99 Ranch Market (http://www.99ranch.com/) in Richmond is a wonderland of far-out ethnic food. This giant Chinese grocery has aisles upon aisles upon aisles of ingredients from China and other Asian countries: fruits and veggies you’ve never heard of, all kinds of seafood and weird cuts of meat, prepared foods, and more types of frozen dumplings than I have ever seen in my life.” —Brendan Spiegel, Best Food Photo Judge

About Brendan: Brendan Spiegel is a writer for the New York Times, the Washington Post,Wired, New York Magazine, Travel + Leisure,The Village Voice and offMetro.com. He is the managing editor of Narratively, an online publication dedicated to in-depth storytelling about New York. He is also the publisher of Endless Simmer, an independent food website that draws 300,000+ monthly readers. He got his start as a political reporter and editor at Congressional Quarterly.

Photo: 99 Ranch Market.

SANTA CRUZ

“One of our favorite places to get away is Santa Cruz. It’s beachy and beautiful and we will never get tired of walking up and down the boardwalk.” —The Bold Italic Team, Boldest Photo Judge

About The Bold Italic: The Bold Italic is an online magazine, shop, and events hub in San Francisco. It’s a chorus of voices that celebrates the free-wheeling spirit of the city, supports local businesses, and incites conversation. The Bold Italic inspires readers to live life out in the city.

Photo: “Boardwalk Feet” by Refracted Moments

THE BIKE HUT

There’s a bike ride out there in Northern California that I dream about from New York. Starting in Half Moon Bay, you weave through the Santa Cruz Mountains, passing wild backcountry that only a few farmers and lucky cyclists seem privileged enough to enjoy. There are hard climbs and thrilling descents, with spectacular verdant vistas and the Pacific Ocean glistening all the way down to Tunitas Creek, where a little red gem awaits. You’ll step inside the bike hut and linger a while, looking at vintage cycling photos and chewing on chocolate covered banana chips that you paid for in accordance with the honor system. The place is full of surprises that make off-the-beaten-path rides like this worthwhile. As you head back along a nice wide shoulder on Route 1, you feel like you’ve been gone from San Francisco much longer than a day. Follow this map on Strava for the ride.

About Lauren: Lauren runs offMetro’s New York, San Francisco, and Way Off websites. A New York native with Southern California roots, Lauren also contributes to The Huffington Post and Bicycling Magazine, and was named a top 10 female blogger by Cosmopolitan. Lauren writes the “Car-Free Traveler” column at Budget Travel, and in her spare time, works with the non-profit organization Transportation Alternatives. Lauren can be found on two wheels wherever she goes.

Photo: Lauren Matison

TASSAJARA ZEN MOUNTAIN CENTER

“Last spring, I had the good fortune of attending a yoga retreat at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. Operated by the San Francisco Zen Center, Tassajara is the first Zen monastery outside of Asia, and it opens to the public every summer. Tucked into the Carmel Valley (and accessible only by a rugged, and harrowing 14-mile road), it has a magical, trapped-in-time, brigadoon quality, augmented by the fact that it is completely off the grid. Being only a casual practitioner of yoga (and a never practitioner of Zen), I was initially both excited and anxious, but it turned out that four days away from the constant stimulation of emails, texts, and Internet is the perfect refresh button. I quickly melted into meditation, enjoying the tranquil setting, pleasant company, and famous Tassajara food, and then stepping back into the “real world” feeling more grounded, focused, and at ease. (And I can’t wait to go again this year!)”

About Suzanne: Suzanne is offMetro SF’s managing editor, bi-coastal gal dividing her time between the Bay Area (where she was born and raised) and New York. She explores both East and West Coasts, and beyond, and reports on her adventures for a variety of publications, including EuroCheapo.com, CBS Watch! Magazine, MarieClaire.com, National Geographic, and Matador Travel. She also runs the New York (San Francisco-originated) literary pub crawl, Lit Crawl NYC.

Photo: Tassajara Zen Mountain Center

Lead Photo: nickton

[offmetro-blog]

The Best Things to Do in Stinson Beach

Just over 20 miles north of San Francisco, Stinson Beach is a beautiful free-spirited destination surrounded by jagged coastline and the forested slopes of Mt. Tamalpais.

100 years ago, Stinson Beach wasn’t on the map. While the gold rush was booming in San Francisco, Stinson Beach was little more than a camp, only accessible by boat or by foot from Sausalito. It wasn’t until 1906, when refugees displaced by the SF earthquake came to the area, that the first permanent structures like a hotel and a few stores were built.

Over the course of the last century, Stinson Beach has expanded and become easily accessible via Highway 1. Yet, with a population of 632 residents, it has managed to maintain its sense of seclusion and remains one of California’s lesser known gems—for now.

Get some sand between your toes

The name is no misnomer, Stinson Beach’s main attraction is indeed its beach, which is composed of soft white sand and striking red cliffs. A popular local spot for surfers, sun bathers, and beach combers, Stinson Beach’s crisp, blue water and 260 days of sunshine are among its most attractive attributes.

Tucked into Bolinas Bay, the waves that crash on Stinson are usually suitable for surfers of all skill levels. However, there are commonly strong tides so make sure to heed warnings when posted. Current and upcoming surf conditions can be checked at surf-forecast.com. Surf boards can be rented locally at Live Water Surf Shop and Stinson Beach Surf and Kayak, which are both within walking distance from the beach.

Make the short trek to Red Rocks beach. Red Rocks is immediately south of Stinson Beach (to the left if you are facing the ocean). You can walk to Red Rocks from Stinson Beach if you don’t mind scrambling over the rocky out-cropping on Stinson Beach’s southern side. Otherwise, Red Rocks beach is accessible by trail from Highway 1. Head south from Stinson, and you’ll see a turn out just a mile out of town (at milepost 11.3). A little Stinson secret, Red Rocks is often enjoyed by locals in the nude.

Explore the lagoon

Just behind the beach, Bolinas Lagoon is an estuary where the ocean water mixes with fresh streams rolling down from the Mt. Tamalpais watershed. The lagoon’s calm water makes it an ideal habitat for harbor seals, river otters, leopard sharks, and in the spring, great egrets and great blue herons.

Because the lagoon is protected from the waves and tides of the ocean, it is an ideal spot for a casual swim or kayaking. Kayaks can be rented at the aforementioned surf shops.

Take a hike

Some of the region’s most picturesque and acclaimed hiking trails are accessible on foot directly from Stinson Beach.

Winding its way along a gurgling stream under the cover of redwoods, and then rising up the slopes of Mt. Tamalpais to gain expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, the Steep Ravine Trail is among my favorite hikes.

Immediately upon stepping onto the Steep Ravine trail, you’ll be immersed in tree cover that is light enough to let in splotches of sunlight, but dense enough to keep all the world’s distractions at bay. During spring and into summer, the trail is lined by wildflowers. Myriad shades of green mixed with the chorus of bird calls have a hypnotic effect. If there is a fairy kingdom to be found in California, my bet is it’s somewhere along this trail.

The Steep Ravine trailhead connects to Highway 1 at a turnout marked by the Steep Ravine Environmental Campground. It is also accessible via Dipsea trail, which connects to Highway 1 on the southern side of town.

For hikers looking for a work out, the Matt-Davis trail begins from Belvedere Ave, and makes a steeper ascent. Both the Matt-Davis and Steep Ravine trails lead to the Pantoll Campground in Mt. Tamalpais State Park.

For really ambitious hikers, it is possible to trek from Stinson Beach to Muir Woods National Monument and back in a day.

Walk about town

One of the perks of Stinson Beach’s small size is that once you’re here, everything is a short walk away.

Stinson Beach’s downtown (so to speak) consists of a few boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and wellness centers. It’s the kind of place where small, succulent gardens and Buddha shrines adorn the front steps of each locally owned business. Visitors looking to eat, drink, buy gifts or get a massage will surely find what they’re looking for.

On my most recent visit, I was pleased to find a collection of portraits made entirely from bits and pieces of plastic junk found on the beach in a side-room art gallery attached to Elaine’s Boutique. The art on display there changes monthly.

Breaker’s Cafe and the Sand Dollar Restaurant serve the best local fare, or for thrifty diners, the Parkside Snack Bar is a suitable spot. Stinson Beach Market has a wide selection of organic food, drinks, and even salt water taffy.

Stinson Beach is a sleepy sort of town where most of the businesses, excluding the restaurants, close by 5pm. If you want to check out the town, it’s wise to do so before evening falls.

Stay for a night

For campers, Steep Ravine Environmental Campground is a prime locale. There are seven tent sites as well as nine single-room cabins available. The amenities are simple, a water spigot and an outhouse, but what the campground lacks in luxury it makes up for in natural beauty.

The site sits on a low bluff just over the sea, within eyesight of Stinson Beach. The coastal shrubs surrounding the site make an excellent habitat for local birds, rabbits and deer, and the rocky coves nearby are home to abundant marine life.

From the site on a clear day, you can see the city far off, across the mouth of the bay. However, the ocean mist combined with bird calls and the unobstructed wide-blue sky will have you feeling like you’re on another planet. As the sun sinks into the horizon, painting the sea shades of lavender and rose as far as the eye can see, you just may feel like you’re living on the edge of the world.

Campsites are $25 per night and cabins are $100. Reservations are often booked in advance, and you can make them at reserveamerica.com.

From Stinson Beach, Steep Ravine Camp is a little over a mile south on Highway 1.

Lodging is also available at Stinson Beach Motel and The Sandpiper (from $130/night), which boasts a beautiful garden and gas fireplaces.

Directions

From San Francisco, follow the 101 north across the Golden Gate. Exit onto Highway 1 toward Mill Valley/Stinson Beach. Follow Highway 1 until you arrive at the beach.

By bus use Golden Gate Transit. Take a bus to Marin City (such as 4, 70, 80 or 101) and then hop on the 61 to Stinson Beach.

For adventurous cyclists, Stinson Beach is bike-able from the city. Cross the bridge and follow signs to Sausalito. Then follow Highway 1 the rest of the way. The ride involves climbing over 2,000 vertical meters in total, but the coastal views offer a distraction from the effort, and the reward of knowing you got there on caloric power alone cannot be beat. Be sure to bring water, layers of clothing for both warm and cold weather, and lights or reflective gear for the Highway riding. For fit bikers, the journey takes 3-4 hours each way.

Photos: Daniel Hoherd, Colleen Proppe, Emily Hoyer, Eye of Kiltron, Dolan Halbrook, Justin Heideman

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Weekend Getaway: The 5 Best Beaches in San Diego

Thinking about a weekend down south? You don’t have to cross the border to enjoy a little heat with your surf and turf. Consider planning your next coastal getaway to one of these swell sandy spots—plus our tips on nearby active things to do and places to eat—in San Diego.

1. Pacific Beach Crystal Pier | 2500 Ocean Boulevard Though you may recognize shots of Pacific Beach in MTV’s “Real World San Diego,” do not let that discourage you from exploring this laid-back beach town. From bikes to boards to bare feet, Pacific Beach (locally known as “PB”) is home to many of San Diego’s twenty-somethings, in addition to the best swimsuit shacks, thrift stores, beach bars and late night eats.

On the endless boardwalk, which first opened in 1927 and stretches three miles from Garnet Avenue to the Mission Bay Harbor Channel, you will find plenty of cyclists, rollerbladers, surfers, and joggers. And since this is San Diego’s magnet for college folks and young adults, there is no doubt you’ll meet some new friends. You can find anything from beach cruiser rentals to biker bars along the coast. Bicycle Discovery (742 Felspar Street) offers rentals on bikes starting at $7 an hour. Brought your bike? Find an authentic San Diego bike accessory to remember your bike day at the beach.

Access: Pacific Beach is full of bikers, boarders, and bladers. Street parking is available and getting to the beach is easy Public Perks: If you’re in Pacific Beach on a Tuesday evening, you’ll watch as Garnet transforms into a market of local produce, food trucks, crafts, and music for the weekly Farmer’s Open Air Market. Vendors such as Bread & Cie, gourmet baked goods, and plenty of other treats and eats make for a delicious evening out. Beach Eats: Ciro’s Pizzeria and Brewhouse serves up craft pizza and craft beer at delicious prices, and Zanzibar Cafe offers a plethora of paninis and Mediterranean inspired salads in addition to great outdoor seating right off Garnet. Getting There: Bus 30 runs from central San Diego to Pacific Beach.

2. La Jolla Shores | 79500 La Jolla Shores Drive Below a cliff and just down the hill from the University of California lies San Diego’s La Jolla. The aptly named town (La Jolla is Spanish for “the jewel” is a treasure trove of harbors, quaint eats, pristine shops, and world-famous beaches. Known as a good spot for novice surfers to catch some gentler waves, La Jolla Shores draws many first-time travelers because of its close proximity to luxury resorts and the breathtaking La Jolla coast.

It’s also home to The Scripps Institute of Oceanography and Scripps pier, and La Jolla beach-goers can check out guided kayak tours, learn how to snorkel, go deep-sea diving, and even sign up for a surf lesson. Surf Divawill equip surfers with a board, rash guard, and fan club. Voted the number one surf school for women for more than 12 years, the school offers private or group lessons taught by locals themselves.

Public Perks: There are volleyball areas, BBQ and bonfire pits, and shower/restroom facilities at the north side of the beach. Traveler’s Tip: Serious about setting up a bonfire? The early bird gets the worm at La Jolla Shores—many college kids and locals stake their claim before the sun sets. Beach Eats: After hours in the sun, experience true coastal wining and dining with a trip up the road to The Cottage, which cooks up contemporary California cuisine with a local twist. Take a revitalizing bit of a crab melt (with sliced avocado, sharp cheddar cheese, onion, and tomato on parmesan sourdough toast) or try out the Eggs La Jolla for brunch, with Canadian bacon, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and roasted tomato. It pairs perfectly with the spot’s signature Bloody Mary. Getting There: Take bus 30 to La Jolla Shores Drive and Calle Frescota.

3. Del Mar City Beach | 15th Street and Camino Del Mar Here, the old time cliché still rings true: Del Mar is where the surf meets the turf. Often known for being a secluded oasis for Hollywood celebrities, this little coastal city is home to the Del Mar Racetrack and summertime San Diego County Fair. Stretching nearly four miles from Solana Beach to the Torrey Pines Reserve (just north of La Jolla), it’s is a true escape surrounded by cliff trails and a jaw-dropping view of the Pacific.

Bringing along a furry, four-legged friend? Walking on the shore north toward Solana Beach will bring you to one of San Diego’s most popular dog beaches, where canines are free to mingle and get wet and wild. Once you have exhausted Del Mar’s great possibilities of sunbathing, hiking, and window shopping, check out the Cardiff’s Restaurant Row, right on the beach and just up the highway.  For original art, handcrafted furniture and other one-of-a-kind treasures, visit the South Cedros shopping district up the coast in Solana Beach on South Cedros Avenue. Want to experience local live music? Round out your trip with a stop at the Belly Up Tavern, also on South Cedros Avenue and known as San Diego’s top live music venue. Access: Del Mar’s beaches are all named after the numbered streets that intersect them. Dog Beach, also known as the River Mouth, has broad stretches of sand for volleyball and sandcastle building. From 15th Street north to the River Mouth, the swimming is good and two coastal parks make good picnic areas. South of 15th are myriad bluffs for walking or jogging. Beach Eats: Experience a little piece of Del Mar history with a stop at the Cape Cod-inspired Stratford Court Cafe, which serves up family-style favorites and organic California cuisine like soy smoothies, cilantro-pasta salad, and savory sandwich options. Public Perks: 15th Street Beach has its own showers located clear of sand, so you can wash off without having anything stick to you after. There are also public restrooms located near the showers, which are directly to the south side of Poseidon Restaurant. There are no bonfire pits allowed on the beach, but you can bring your own BBQ to the park. The beach at 15th Street is in close proximity to stellar playground and cliff-top park, as well as 15th Street bars and stores. Getting There: Take bus 150 to Gilman Drive and Eucalyptus Grove Lane, and then catch bus 101 to Camino del Mar and 15th Street.

4. Mission Bay | Mission Beach Boardwalk, 3704 Mission Boulevard With easy access to bars, the boardwalk, and the bay (which is caddy-corner to the beach and within walking distance) Mission beach is a funnel-cake and ferris wheel kind of fun. It’s similar to Pacific Beach in location and character, but it tends to be less crowded and more family-oriented than PB.

That’s not to say that Mission Beach doesn’t have its share of fun for those big kids too. Mission Beach is home to San Diego’s coolest and wettest music venue, The Wavehouse. A wave simulator that has attracted a few famous surfing pros, this technology behind flow-boarding has created quite the stir as the only one of its kind in the United States.

The Boardwalk is home to Belmont Park, a wooden walk of carnival games and rides. Here you can also rent all sorts of personal beach transportation, like bikes, kayaks, segways, and rollerblades, which can be found dominating the beach crowd. Mission Beach buzzes with activity between the sand and the bay, the bars and the surf. Access: The beach is on the same level as the street, which makes wheelchair access easy. Public Perks: Lifeguards are on duty and enforcing the separate swimming and surfing areas. The only danger here is you may have to watch out for skateboarders and rollerbladers whizzing by you. Public Restrooms located at Belmont Park, and there are no bonfires allowed. Getting There: Take bus 9 to Ingraham Street and Crown Point Drive.

5. Ocean Beach | Newport Avenue Despite being home to surfing yuppies and many of San Diego’s generation Y, the neighborhood of Ocean Beach manages to be eco-friendly, artsy, and dog loving, reflecting all things sun-kissed and perfectly SoCal. Newport Avenue is home to plenty of places to sip and shop. Find authentic, handmade swim suits all year round at Molly B Bikini’s, or perhaps indulge in a one-of-a-kind juicy hamburger from local favorite, Hodad’s. The burgers are so good, you might just have to wait in line.

Headed straight to the shore? The beach begins at the end of Newport Avenue and there are designated surf and swim areas. Dog Beach is a revered attraction in OB: a K-9 haven where dogs are free to roam about unleashed and ecstatic. Whether you’re laying out in the summer sun, or making friends out on designated volleyball area, there are tons of activities to discover in Ocean Beach—all to the sound of Bob Marley serenading you from someone’s old school pickup truck.

Out of all San Diego’s glorious beaches, OB will surely leave you in a chill mood. Dogs are allowed at all hours and without a leash, so make sure your furry partner gets along well with other dogs and you’re bound to have a splash together.  What’s not to love about this doggy-friendly, laid-back, prime surf spot within walking distance to popular Ocean Beach restaurants and bars? Access: There is a beach wheelchair lent at no charge (first come, first served), but is given to the first person. Beach Eats: Newport Pizza and Alehouse has a tap list worth, uh, tapping, and it conveniently sells pizza by the slice. Feeling like using your noodle? Head over to the OB Noodle House and create your own spicy, Asian-inspired concoction. The possibilities are endless, and everything tastes better when paired with a sake bomb. Public Perks: Public restrooms and showers are available on Abbot Street. Bonfire pits are open during the summer. Note that there is a strict rule about burning only wood, charcoal, and paper products. Lifeguards are on duty during summer, usually from 9 a.m. until sunset. Getting There: Take bus 923 to Cable Street and Brighton Avenue.

Photos: tch1337 and eyeliam

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America’s Most Unique Fourth of July Celebrations

When it comes to parties, patriotism, and overall good cheer, few holidays capture the American spirit better than Independence Day. New York, Boston, San Francisco, and Chicago may light up the skies with fireworks extravaganzas, but America’s small towns know how to celebrate in style too. From hot air balloon shows to Wild West shootouts, here are 10 of the most unique Fourth of July celebrations in the country. 

Bristol, RI is so patriotic that even the traffic lanes are red, white, and blue. (Photo: H.C. Williams/Flickr)

1. Party Like It’s 1785

Bristol, RI first celebrated the Fourth in 1785, and its festivities have gotten bigger (and longer) since then. Today, the party gets started on Flag Day (June 14) and includes a free concert series, Fourth of July Ball, and a Rockwell Amusements Carnival on the Town Common. Fireworks take place on July 3, paving the way for the big parade on the Fourth. (Fun Fact: Bristol is so proud of its Fourth festivities that the town has painted its traffic lines red, white, and blue.) 

2. Peachy Keen

In Gilbert, SC, Independence Day goes hand in hand with a celebration of the Queen—the “Queen of All Fruits,” that is. The Lexington County Peach Festival features fruity fun, from live entertainment and an antique car show to a Revolutionary War re-enactment and a “peachy and patriotic parade.”

Steamboat Springs, CO celebrates the Fourth Wild West style. (Photo: Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association/Facebook)

3. Yippy Ki Yay

The American West is alive and well in Steamboat Springs, CO, where the Fourth of July has been synonymous with Cowboys’ Roundup Days for more than 100 years. Here it’s all about the rodeos and Mountain Madness (a half marathon), with some art, music and dancing in the street. There’s also an annual Jumpin’ & Jammin’ Competition, featuring members of the US Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping National Teams soaring off a HS75 meter jump (this is Colorado, after all).

4. Surfin’ USA

Huntington Beach, CA adds its own beachside flair to the Fourth, starting with a 5k Surf City Run and ending with fireworks over the pier. There’s also a three-day festival with booths and entertainment. And Surf City’s parade, which runs along the Pacific Coast Highway is the longest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi, and likely the most star studded—past presiders have included Zsa Zsa Gabore, Mickey Rooney, Mickey Mouse, Buzz Aldrin, and even a cameo by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

5. Midnight Madness

Gatlinburg, TN likes to kick things off early—as in, at the stroke of midnight. More than 80,000 people gather in the Smoky Mountain town to watch the shimmering floats and tributes to U.S. military heroes. After a few hours of rest, the festivities continue again at noon with a River Raft Regatta, live music, and, of course, evening fireworks.

It wouldn’t be the 4th in Bar Harbor, ME without lobster. (Bar Harbor Maine Chamber of Commerce/Facebook)

6. Maine Events

It should come as no surprise that the festivities in Bar Harbor, ME kick off with a blueberry pancake breakfast. Equally fitting are the annual lobster races.

7. Rockets Red Glare

After a brutal battle in 1814, Francis Scott Key saw a familiar sight waving over Baltimore’s Fort McHenry and was inspired to pen some of the most moving lyrics in our nation’s history. To this day, the fort celebrates our country and its Star-Spangled Banner canon fire, a musket salute, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

8. Fourth of July City

In 1979, Congress officially recognized Seward, NE as “America’s Official Fourth of July City—Small Town USA,” so it goes without saying that there is no shortage of hometown pride in this small city. Come Independence Day, the town’s 6,000-person population swells to some 40,000 revelers, who flock here to enjoy concerts, parachutists, horseshoe contests, apple pie-eating contests, quilt exhibits, and Wild West shootouts.

Ashland, OH brings sets Independence Day cheer soaring each morning with glowing hot air balloons. (Photo: Ashland BalloonFest/Facebook)

9. Up, Up, and Away

In Ashland, OH, it’s balloons instead of fireworks that take to the skies on the Fourth. In addition to being full of hot air, the Ashland Balloon Fest features barbecue, beer gardens, kids’ games, and a corn hole tournament

10. Star-Spangle Banners

Florence, OR celebrates independence with a display of 25 flags related to American history, plus rarely seen editions of the Declaration of Independence, military artifacts, and a vintage car and airplane show.

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Here’s oM co-founder Vince (and Brooklyn the Whoodle) enjoying the best kind of stormy day. One of our favorite quick escapes from NYC is hiking Storm King Mountain then biking around Storm King Art Center in the Hudson Valley. Stop by the sculpture park’s cafe for pulled pork sandwiches and mac & cheese (on weekends only).

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Enjoying the best breakfast in the Hudson Valley at Buttermilk Falls Inn.