TRAVEL

Even though your South African safari may have gotten postponed this year (along with every other overseas BY SUZIE DUNDAS Get Away Without Going Far Away5 Close-to-Home Destinations adventure), you’re in luck: Our region is full of scenic, adventure-filled locales that are waiting to be discovered. At each of the destinations below, masks are required in all indoor spaces and when you’re unable to socially distance outside. Ready to (finally!) travel? Grab your quarantine crew and check out the places below. FIND SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN SLO San Luis Obispo (SLO) is a great weekend destination from Sacramento, at around four hours away by car. Because of the variety of small towns in the area, there's something for everyone, even if you like different activities. Wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts will love kayaking through Dinosaur Caves near Shell Beach or spotting massive elephant seals in San Simeon, while wine aficionados will enjoy a gentle winery cycling tour through the Edna Valley or picnic at one of Paso Roble’s picturesque vineyards. Prefer quirky attractions? Take photos in “Bubblegum Alley” or do a self-guided drive down historic California State Route 1. Visit highway1discoveryroute. com to explore a map of the best roadside stops. WHERE TO STAY: Book a room at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa (sycamoresprings.com) for private hot springs tucked onto a wooded hillside, HEAD TO THE NEVADA SIDE Lake Tahoe is split between California and Nevada, and the Nevada side is arguably the prettier of the two. That's because much of the shore is protected land with a plethora of public beaches, parks, and hiking trails hugging the shore. For a beautiful outdoor adventure, walk or bike the new Tahoe East Shore Trail, which runs past some of the best views in Tahoe. And whether you stay on the north shore (in Incline Village) or the south shore (in Stateline), there are plenty of breweries, SLO photos courtesy of Visit San Luis Obispo. Lake Tahoe photos courtesy of Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority.

meditative gardens, and more. If you’re traveling with the kids, book the Bunk House at the newly renovated Stables Inn (stablesinnpaso.com), which sleeps six comfortably and includes access to outdoor fire pits, plus a communal table, locally roasted coffee, and Western chic décor. DON'T MISS: If cycling isn't your thing, book the zipline tour with Margarita Adventures (margarita-adventures.com)—it soars over pinot noir vines and pairs well with a reserve tasting at nearby Ancient Peaks Winery (ancientpeaks.com). Be sure to make reservations for both, since capacity is limited. HEALTH: Visit slocal.com for info on current health, opening, and mask requirements throughout the region.

Stables Inn Picnic in Paso Robles Wine Country Stables Inn

Morro Bay

Dinosaur Caves

restaurants, and easy hiking trails to keep you busy for a long weekend. WHERE TO STAY: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino (hyatt.com; search "Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe") offers a private beach on the north shore, but Edgewood Tahoe Resort (edgewoodtahoe.com) is near many of the casinos and restaurants on the southern end of the lake. DON'T MISS: You don't have to ski to get a bird's-eye view of Tahoe. Non-skiers can take the 2.4-mile ride up the Heavenly Mountain Gondola (skiheavenly.com/ explore-the-resort/ activities/epic-discovery/ scenic-gondola.aspx), which operates yearround. Just remember: Wait times may be longer than normal, since gondola capacity is limited. You might also want to wander through the Tallac Historic Site (tahoeheritage.org/visit-2/tallac-historicsite), where you’ll find ruins of an early 1900s resort with outdoor signage explaining the sights. HEALTH: Stay updated on Lake Tahoe health and safety regulations at tahoesouth.com or gotahoenorth.com.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort Spa & Casino

doors and dry saunas) complete with complimentary morning pastries (sourced from local favorite Paris Bakery), parking, and other amenities. If you’re feeling fancy, opt for the Bernardus Lodge & Spa (bernarduslodge.com), a luxury resort that grows its own award-winning wines and features croquet, tennis, and bocce ball courts; a junior Olympic-sized pool; lush gardens, orchards, and vineyards; and a 5,200-square-foot spa.

Heavenly Mountain Gondola Edgewood Tahoe Resort Hofsas House Hotel

Morning pastries at Hofsas House Hotel

DON'T MISS: Mad

Salinas Valley

TRY A NEW WINE COUNTRY

If you live in the Sacramento area, you've probably been to most of the wineries in Napa Valley. So instead, head south. The Monterey County AVA has more than 200 wineries within its borders. And because there's such a wide range of terrain, you'll find a wine to suit most palates, from the whites of the Chalone AVA (perfect for people who like a high minerality to their vinos) to the full-bodied cabs and merlots grown in the southern part of Salinas Valley. You can visit the wineries in person or shorten the walk (and avoid having to designate a DD) by visiting the various tasting rooms in downtown Carmel or Monterey. WHERE TO STAY: Carmel's family-owned Hofsas House Hotel (hofsashouse.com) is within walking distance of Carmel's best tasting rooms and boasts a boutique, Bavarian-themed charm (think Dutch Dogs Carmel (maddogscarmel.com) offers e-bike rentals where you can cycle the famed 17-mile drive at your own pace. When hunger hits, avail of the region’s abundance of expanded outdoor dining experiences, including brunch at From Scratch Restaurant (fromscratchrestaurant.com) and a fondue dinner at Lugano Swiss Bistro (swissbistro.com). HEALTH: Check out Monterey’s current COVID-19 guidelines at seemonterey.com.

GLAMP OUTSIDE YOSEMITE

Book a weekend stay at AutoCamp Yosemite (autocamp.com), a new resort 30 minutes outside Yosemite National Park's El Portal entrance. Amenities include an alpine-modern clubhouse with fire pits, an outdoor pool, and complimentary alfresco yoga. Rooms come in a few varieties: custom-built 1950s-style Airstreams, complete with a campfire, AC, and separate

AutoCamp Yosemite

Mt. Bachelor

restaurants in the town’s highly walkable downtown area, too.

WHERE TO STAY: Book

bedroom; safari-style glamping tents furnished with king-sized beds and lux linens and amenities; and classic cabins with a modern twist for up to five guests. A few sites are available with both trailers and tents, which are ideal for large families traveling together. And the best part? While campsites and hotels typically fill up months in advance inside the park, you can usually find rooms available at AutoCamp without too much notice. WHERE TO STAY: The custom trailers will give you serious vintage vibes, but if you need more space, ask about an X Suite. The rentable tiny homes are all ADA accessible, making them perfect for travelers who value having a little extra space. DON'T MISS: The Yosemite Valley is home to some of the park’s best hikes, including the famous Mist Trail and nearly flat Valley Floor Loop, which passes sights like El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. For easy access to and from the park, hop on the YARTS shuttle at the entrance of AutoCamp. HEALTH: Check out Yosemite’s COVID-19 guidelines and safety procedures at nps.gov/yose/index.htm.

>>>AutoCamp also has a property even closer to home in Guerneville. Sited in a grove of native redwoods and a stone’s throw away from some of Sonoma County’s most buzzworthy wineries, the Russian River, and downtown, the location here boasts the same luxurious Airstreams and glamping tents as their Yosemite locale, with the addition of Wi-Fi—which means you can book a midweek stay and (literally) work remotely.

Crux Fermentation Project

ADVENTURE IN BEND

Head to Bend, Oregon, one of the most en vogue towns in the Pacific Northwest. Why is this town so beloved? Easy: It offers a great mix of outdoor adventure and an artsy-meets-hippie culture. Head out on a beginner bike ride with Cog Wild Tours (cogwild.com), which can take your group to the trailheads in a private shuttle to avoid significant uphill climbs. Not a biker? Book a hike in an underground lava tube with Wanderlust Tours (wanderlusttours.com). The company also hosts other fun-filled fall and winter expeditions, including a “Full Moon & Starlight” photography tour and “The Local Pour,” where you explore (and sample) the city’s myriad craft beverages. Speaking of booze, if you’re a beer fan, you're in luck: Bend is home to more than two dozen breweries, 15 of which are included on the town's "Ale Trail" passport program. Be sure to make time to check out the unique galleries and a room at Tetherow Resort (tetherow.com), which is minutes from downtown and Downtown Bendfeatures 50 rooms spread across 700 acres bordering the Deschutes National Forest. Also onsite? An award-winning golf course, pool, three restaurants, and a fitness facility. DON'T MISS: There's excellent hiking and biking at nearby Mt. Bachelor (mtbachelor.com); hike up yourself or take the chairlift and enjoy a mellow stroll back down. HEALTH: Check out Bend’s mask and COVID-19 guidelines at visitbend.com.

Wanderlust Tours

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please check each destination's respective website for the most up-to-date info regarding travel restrictions and health and safety protocols.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS!

Justin Raithel

justin4folsom.com

phone: 916-572-3205

facebook.com/justin4folsom

BACKGROUND

I am a small business owner and a licensed professional engineer with a passion for serving Folsom. I currently serve as the Chair of Folsom’s Planning Commission and the Chair of Folsom’s Community Service Day.

ABOUT

My focus on our Planning Commission has been on walkable routes to school, connections to our open spaces and parks, and thriving community commercial where we can walk to our local coffee shop and grocery store. My top priorities for Folsom are to help our small businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19, improve the efficiency of our local government without new taxes and to encourage healthy lifestyles through good community design.

Paid for by Justin Raithel for Folsom City Council, Campaign ID 1423956

FOLSOM CITY COUNCIL

Rosario Rodriguez

rosarioforfolsom.com

phone: 916-573-1345

facebook.com/ElectRosarioRodriguez  instagram.com/ElectRosarioRodriguez

BACKGROUND

A native of San Francisco and daughter of immigrants, Rosario and her husband, Paul, moved to Folsom in 2008. She owns the Sutter Street Taqueria, a popular gathering spot in Folsom’s Historic District, and she is a passionate community supporter and volunteer.

ABOUT

Rosario is a high achiever and successful business leader with a heart for the City of Folsom. Rosario gained a wealth of leadership and collaboration skills during her successful medical administration career, which she will leverage as an effective council member as Folsom strives to regain its financial vibrancy in the post-COVID-19 era. Rosario has earned the endorsements of Folsom Fire and Police; Folsom Chamber of Commerce; Assemblymember Kevin Kiley; and a host of other local and regional leaders.

FOLSOM CITY COUNCIL

YK Chalamcherla

electYK.com

phone: 916-248-1156

facebook.com/YK4FOLSOM  instagram.com/YK4FOLSOM  twitter.com/YK4FOLSOM

BACKGROUND

YK has 25 years of leadership experience in government administration with fiscal responsibility. Currently, Folsom Arts & Cultural Commissioner. Past Parks Commissioner. Member of HART, School’s Parent Board, and many more. Regular attendee of City Council meetings.

ABOUT

Serving the community is my passion. Recently, I changed my profession to dedicate more time to serve Folsom residents. I have great relationships with County & State officials; this helps me to put Folsom interests first. My approach is to consistently engage with residents and represent them. I pledge to make effective decisions with my experience and community involvement. YK’s Platform: COVID-19 recovery, enhance public safety especially in schools, expanding opportunities for small business owners, finding solutions for homelessness, and foster job-oriented Education.

Ken Broadway

kenbroadway.com

phone: 916-801-5625

facebook.com/

KenBroadwayForRocklinCityCouncil2020

twitter.com/dbroadways

BACKGROUND

A genuine, consummate community supporter for more than 30 years, Ken lives and breathes Rocklin. He’s raised a wonderful family there, and to this day always raises his hand to jump in where needed.

ABOUT

A businessman, sitting councilmember and former mayor, youth-sports president, president of South Placer Rotary, Planning and Parks and Recreation commissioner, current member on numerous regional boards and committees, Ken has leadership experience. He understands the importance of sound, fiscally prudent governance, transparency and availability, public safety, parks, recreation, and open space. He’s devoted himself to making Rocklin a wonderful place to live and run a business.

Paid for by Ken Broadway for City Council 2020 Campaign ID 1388741

Bruce Houdesheldt

justbruce.net

phone: 916-952-1287

facebook.com/ElectBruceHoudesheldt  instagram.com/bruce4roseville2020

BACKGROUND

For a decade – as a Roseville Councilmember, Planning Commissioner and Public Utilities Commissioner – Bruce has given back to the community. His experienced leadership and cooperative spirit will help lead us forward in a changing world.

ABOUT

Bruce has spent his career in the private sector solving complex transportation, housing, water resource, and economic policy issues. He is seeking a return to the Roseville Council to put his experience to work for residents and businesses, and to ensure that the quality of life residents and businesses have come to expect continues to improve. He will exercise a prudent fiscal hand and the courage to make tough choices.

Paid for by Citizens to Elect Bruce Houdesheldt Roseville City Council 2020 FPPC # 1403917

ROSEVILLE CITY COUNCIL-DISTRICT 3

Geoff Sakala

geoffsakala2020.com

phone: 916-365-6337 email: geoff.sakala2020@gmail.com

facebook.com/GeoffSakala2020

BACKGROUND

I’ve been married for 18 years to my amazing wife Karen, I am a father of two wonderful girls Lauren (9) and Kaylie (6). I’m a veteran of the U.S. Army and a small business owner.

ABOUT

I’ve served on the Board of Directors for many organizations including the Downtown Roseville Merchants, the Downtown Roseville Partnership, Growth Public School, and the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce. I was appointed by the Roseville City Council to the Economic Development Advisory Committee and have successfully graduated from the Leadership Roseville program. I currently organize the Highland Reserve Neighborhood Association and volunteer my time for the Vencil Brown Elementary PTC.

ROSEVILLE CITY COUNCIL-DISTRICT 5

Scott Alvord

TalkToScott.org

phone: 916-784-0240

facebook.com/FriendsOfScottAlvord  facebook.com/R.Scott.Alvord  instagram.com/rscottalvord  twitter.com/RScottAlvord  linkedin.com/in/scottalvord

BACKGROUND

Roseville Councilmember Scott Alvord is a local businessowner, parttime university business professor, neighborhood advocate, and family man. He is known for his community engagement, transparency, and responsiveness to the residents and businesses of Roseville.

ABOUT

Councilmember Scott Alvord has been a public servant for decades. He has served on a long list of boards and commissions to make the city a better place. See www. TalkToScott.org for more details. Scott earned an MBA from Sac State and a BS in Computer Science. He is an avid business coach, author, and speaker. He married his college sweetheart, Karen, and they’ve raised seven children (via adoption and birth) into adulthood.

614 Sutter St, Folsom, CA 95630 916-353-0140

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