Tag: 7×7

Let’s Go Glamping!

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I came across this 7×7 article recently about glamping in Northern California. I’ve always wanted to give it a try (just looking for that special someone to share it with!). I’m especially interested in the Ventana resort in Big Sur – it looks magical! Here are 7×7’s best NorCal glamping spots:

Dawn Ranch (Guerneville): recently renovated, the wooded retreat melts into its natural surroundings. Check out the king tents, tucked away in an old fruit orchard. Bonus – you’re only a few blocks from a little local ice cream shop!

Credit: 7×7

Wildhaven (Healdsburg): all the amenities you need on the Russian River for some high-end glamping. Heaters, fans, and covered porches make everything cozy and comfortable. Those on the river itself have two-person hammocks!

AutoCamp (Guerneville & Yosemite): this is the most well-known glamping outfitter, and there are three locations within a few hours of San Francisco. The location in Guerneville has retro sleeping campers in the redwoods.

Treebones Resort (Big Sur): one of the originals (opened in 2004), this 10-acre resort in Big Sur has yurts with ocean views and two nearby restaurants (The Lodge and Wild Coast Sushi Bar).

Sequoia High Sierra Camp (Giant Sequoia National Monument): perched above Kings Canyon National Park, this hike-in glamping spot features dozens of canvas tents fancied up with high-end amenities. Each stay includes three meals.

Credit: 7×7 and @ventanabigsur

Ventana (Big Sur): this is my favorite. On the ocean, just off the Pacific Coast Highway, and rustic tents with electricity, private porches, built-in fire pits, and Adirondack chairs. That’s what I’m talking about!

Have you been glamping at any of these places or elsewhere in the region? Leave a comment below to share your favorites.

Summer Is Here (Pretty Much)!

Most local schools let out this Friday for summer, meaning the best part of the year is almost here! Below, I’ve shared some quirky summer events, plus some more summer-related ideas.

Instagram users, click the link in my bio for the whole blog!

Most local schools let out this Friday for summer, meaning the best part of the year is almost here! Below, I’ve shared some quirky summer events, plus some more summer-related ideas. I don’t know about you, but I welcome the consistent sunshine-y days we’ll be getting here in the East Bay!

Quirky Summer Events

One of the best local outlets, 7×7, shared this guide to quirky summer festivals in Northern California and it is just so Bay Area I had to share it. From jumping frogs to artichokes, to crawdads, to accordions, you can’t go wrong with looking into some of these hilarious and quirky summer events.

Handel’s Ice Cream

Handel’s Ice Cream – first created in the summer heat of 1945 Youngstown, Ohio – is now in Walnut Creek! Alice Handel, who used fresh fruit from her own garden and personal recipes to start her business nearly 80 years ago, started an ice cream legacy. They still make each batch fresh daily using Alice’s original methods and you can try some right next to the movie theater downtown.

Despite a lot of competition in Walnut Creek (Lottie’s, San Francisco Creamery, and even Shake Shack – not to mention all the yogurt!), Handel’s has a very eclectic flavor list. I ordered Spouse Like a House on a cone and enjoyed it a lot! I would change their rule about the two smaller scoops that come in a size small only being allowed to be one flavor – I wanted to try another!

Other Summer Fun

As I mentioned above, Walnut Creek definitely doesn’t lack in frozen dessert options – perfect as we roll into summer. One of my favorite places is The Yogurt Spot, which I have written about previously. There’s also the Creamery and so many other delightful choices. What is your favorite?

Finally, make sure to check out the Art & Wine Festival at Heather Farms this weekend! This Walnut Creek staple has been going for 41 years and is always a treat. Best of all, it’s FREE! More info here.