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FROM THE PUBLISHER
There’s a certain point each summer when the heat stops being background noise and becomes part of the daily schedule. We plan around it, dress for it, complain about it, and occasionally dream of being anywhere else—somewhere cooler, somewhere slower, and somewhere with a breeze, a lake, a coastline, a shaded trail, or simply a change of scenery. That feeling is what inspired this issue.
Northern California is full of places that allow us to step outside our normal routines without traveling too far from home. From the Mendocino Coast to Lake Almanor, Sutter Creek, Grass Valley, American Canyon, and beyond, there are so many destinations within a few hours of Butte County that can make a weekend feel like a true escape. Sometimes, that is exactly what we need: a break from the heat, a break from the inbox, and a break from the same familiar roads and responsibilities. Most of all, we could all use a chance to breathe deeply, wander somewhere new, and remember how restorative a little time away can be.
We hope this issue gives you a few ideas for doing just that. Take the trip, book the room, and pack the car. Find the cooler weather, the quiet patio, the small-town main street, the lake day, the coastal morning, or the meal worth driving for. Life moves quickly, and summer has a way of disappearing faster than we expect. There is real value in giving yourself permission to pause and take it all in.
At the same time, while we are encouraging you to explore beyond town, we also want to offer a gentle reminder to look around right here at home. Summer can be one of the most difficult seasons for many local small businesses. As people leave town, routines change, foot traffic slows, and the same heat that sends us searching for relief can make it harder for restaurants, boutiques, service providers, cafés, galleries, gyms, salons, and neighborhood shops to bring people through the door. These are the businesses that support our schools, donate to local fundraisers, sponsor youth sports, remember our names, hire our neighbors, and give our community so much of its personality.
So, escape when you can—but don’t forget to come back and show up locally, too.
Meet a friend for lunch. Shop for a birthday gift downtown. Grab coffee from the place that knows your order. Book the appointment. Try the new restaurant. Pick up takeout on a night when it is too hot to cook. Invite someone to join you. Every small choice helps keep our community vibrant.
This summer, we hope you find your getaway, near or far. We also hope you find a few reasons to venture out right here at home. Both matter, both restore us, and both are worth making time for.
Aveed Khaki Owner/Publisher
UPGRADED LIVING
AVEED KHAKI Owner/Publisher
JASON CORONA Sales Director
MICHAELA GULBRANSEN Writer and Account Executive
SHELLY BRANDON Writer
CONTRIBUTORS
DOUG LOVE Real Estate
ALISA LEROUX Gardening
ELIZABETH IONA Almanor Photography
JAKE EDWARDS Almanor Photography
BOB MCCLENAHAN Napa Photography
DAVID H. COLLIER Napa Photography
MICHAEL CUFFE Napa Photography
VISIT NAPA VALLEY Napa Photography
VISIT MENDOCINO Mendocino Photography
KATELYN NIELSON RavensRoost Photos
NIK Z PHOTOGRAPHY Mendocino Grove Photos
SUTTER CREEK CHAMBER Sutter Creek Photography
GRASS VALLEY CHAMBER Grass Valley Photography
KIAL JAMES Grass Valley Photography
DON'T FORGET A STAYCATION!
A staycation is more than staying home—it’s choosing to see your community with fresh eyes. Spend a day like a visitor: try the restaurant you keep meaning to visit, wander through local shops, book a service you’ve been putting off, or plan an afternoon around coffee, lunch, and a little exploring. You might be surprised how restorative it feels to enjoy your own town without errands, deadlines, or routine getting in the way. The best part is that every dollar stays close to home, supporting the people and places that make life here feel special. You never know what you might find when you take the time to explore.
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
TRAVEL
Kick off summer at Lake Almanor, where boating, fishing, forest trails, Chester’s small-town charm, and nearby Lassen adventures create a refreshing mountain escape for everyone.
Timber House invites readers into Chester’s mountain charm, with themed lodging, craft drinks, hearty dining, and a welcoming basecamp near Lake Almanor and Lassen adventures.
Discover American Canyon, Napa’s southern gateway, where wetlands, golf, approachable lodging, wine country outings, and Bay Area ferry adventures create one smart, perfect home-base getaway.
Wander Grass Valley’s Gold Country layers, from Mill Street Plaza and creative downtown stops to Empire Mine’s reflecting pool, wooded trails, and mining museum stories.
Michaela Gulbransen's pop culture article delivers all the media musts while traveling during the summer.
Sutter Creek pairs Gold Rush charm with Amador wine country, inviting readers to wander Main Street, explore mines, sip local vintages, and slow down awhile.
Turn home into the getaway, with practical upgrades for patios, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and backyards that make every day off feel more vacation-like at home.
Take the scenic route with Off The Eaten Path, a flavorful road trip to hidden cafés, roadside dives, waterfront bites, and mountain-town favorites awaiting nearby.
Prepare your garden for time away with smart watering, mulch, shade, harvest timing, and simple plant-care strategies that protect your hardearned summer growth while traveling.
COMMUNITY
Cool Kids Elena and Gabriela Hootman overcome adversity and demonstrate how brightly you can shine through difficult times.
Dr. Jay Cass introduces 2nd Opinion Dentists, a new teledentistry platform offering trusted emergency guidance, second opinions, and clearer answers from licensed dentists online.
George celebrates 103 years welllived at Lighthouse at Chico.
Doug Love weighs the pros and cons of staycations and vacations.
Dr. Nerissa Prieto dispels myths surrounding the annual physical.
COVER STORY
Escape to Mendocino’s cool coast, where ocean air, redwoods, and village charm frame our cover story. Meet Royce and Mary Peterson of Raven’s Roost, discover their wedding retreat, then explore Mendocino Cove and Mendocino Grove—two unforgettable nearby stays that make lingering beside the Pacific feel irresistible all summer long.
Escape to lake almanor
Summer has a way of making us restless in the North Valley. The days grow longer, the temperatures climb, and the urge to get away becomes harder to ignore. Whether it is a weekend on the water, a quiet morning in the mountains, a walk through a charming small town, or simply the chance to breathe cooler air somewhere new, vacation does not always have to mean boarding a plane or planning months in advance. Sometimes, the best escapes are the ones waiting just a few hours from home.
That is the spirit behind this issue: rediscovering the places within reach. Northern California is filled with destinations that offer real adventure
without requiring a passport, a major airport, or a week away from work. From lakes and mountain towns to wine regions, coastal retreats, historic communities, and family-friendly hideaways, there are countless ways to step outside the routine and return feeling refreshed. For Butte County residents, these nearby getaways are especially valuable. They offer a chance to trade the familiar heat and hurry of summer for water, trees, trails, local restaurants, scenic drives, and a slower pace.
Few places capture that kind of easy, restorative escape quite like Lake Almanor and the town of Chester. Set in
Plumas County near the southern edge of the Cascades, the area feels relaxed, outdoorsy, and unmistakably Northern California. It offers the classic pleasures of a lake vacation—boating, fishing, swimming, paddling, biking, and long evenings by the water—while Chester provides the small-town basecamp that makes the trip feel simple, welcoming, and complete.
Lake Almanor is the centerpiece, a broad blue expanse framed by forested hills, quiet coves, and views of Lassen Peak and Dyer Mountain. It is the largest lake in Plumas County, with 52 miles of shoreline, two public boat launches, and three fullservice marinas with boat rentals and fuel.
For travelers arriving from Butte County, it offers the immediate pleasure of a classic summer lake trip without the intensity of larger resort destinations. The pace is slower. The crowds are lighter. The water is inviting. The whole place seems designed for long days outside and evenings that end with a sweatshirt, a sunset, and the smell of pine in the air.
Summer is when Lake Almanor truly comes alive. The water warms enough for swimming, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, wave runners, and long afternoons spent floating near shore. Families can move easily between the beach, the boat, and the picnic table, while couples and groups of friends can build a trip around fishing, golf, lakeside dining, and scenic drives. The lake is large enough to feel open and expansive, but still approachable enough for visitors who want a getaway that feels manageable rather than overwhelming.
Fishing has long been one of Lake Almanor’s biggest draws. Anglers come for trout, salmon, smallmouth bass, and the famous Hex hatch, a seasonal event that draws fly fishermen to the lake when conditions align in June and July. Even for those who do not fish, there is something memorable about being on or near the water at that hour, when the light begins to soften, birds move across the surface, and the lake seems to settle into its evening rhythm. Whether you hire a guide, cast from shore, or simply watch the boats come and go, the lake’s fishing culture is part of its identity.
One of the best ways to enjoy the scenery off the water is the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail. The paved trail follows the west shore through forested stretches and lake-view openings, making it a favorite for walking, biking, jogging, bird watching, and casual exploring. It is the kind of trail that works for almost anyone, whether you are looking for a morning workout, an easy family outing, or a quiet place to stretch your legs before dinner. Along the way, the combination of lake, trees, birds, and mountain views captures much of what makes the region special.
Bird watchers will find plenty to enjoy throughout the Lake Almanor Basin as well. The Lake Almanor Recreation Trail, Olsen Barn in Chester, and the Causeway are all known as good birding spots, and the area’s mix of water, meadow, forest, and marshy habitat draws a wide variety of species. Even casual visitors are likely to notice birds moving across the lake or gathering near the shoreline. Like so much of the region, the experience does not require a rigid itinerary. Sometimes the best plan is simply to slow down and pay attention.
Just beyond the lake, Chester serves as the area’s welcoming home base. The town is small, practical, and unpretentious, with restaurants, shops, parks, lodging, and the everyday services that make a lake trip easier. It has the feel of a place built around real life rather than tourism alone, which is part of its appeal. You can grab breakfast, pick up supplies, browse local shops, stop for a casual meal, or use the town as a starting point for a day on the lake, in the forest, or inside Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Chester also carries an important piece of the region’s timber history. The Collins Pine Museum, located on the Collins sawmill
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH IONA
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH IONA
PHOTO BY
ELIZABETH IONA
site, gives visitors a look at lumbering, forestry, sawmilling, sustainability, and the community’s long relationship with the surrounding forest. For families, history lovers, or anyone interested in how mountain towns have grown and changed over time, it provides meaningful context for the landscape. The trees are not just scenery here; they are part of the story of the place.
One of Lake Almanor and Chester’s greatest advantages is their proximity to Lassen Volcanic National Park. From Chester, visitors can reach some of the park’s most fascinating areas, including Warner Valley, Juniper Lake, and the main park road, depending on the season and conditions. Lassen is home to steaming fumaroles, clear mountain lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and volcanoes that tell the story of a landscape still being shaped by heat, water, and time. For travelers who want to pair a lake vacation with a national park adventure, Chester makes an ideal base.
A trip to Lassen can be as ambitious or easygoing as you want it to be. Some visitors plan full days of hiking and sightseeing, stopping at Sulfur Works, Lake Helen, Devastated Area, or Hot Rock along the park highway. Others choose quieter corners, like Juniper Lake or Warner Valley, where trails, meadows, and geothermal features reward those willing to travel a little farther off the main route. The nearby Subway Cave lava tube, located outside the park near the Highway 89/44 junction, offers another memorable stop for curious travelers and families.
Back at the lake, the evenings are often the best part. After a day of boating, hiking, fishing, or exploring, the region shifts into a slower gear. Dinner might be casual and lakeside, or tucked into Chester after a day outdoors. The air cools quickly, the sky opens wide, and the mountains seem to draw closer as the light fades. It is not flashy, and that is exactly the point. Lake Almanor does not need to compete with larger destinations because its appeal is quieter and more lasting.
For Butte County residents, Lake Almanor and Chester offer a getaway that feels close, refreshing, and deeply Northern California. It is a place for families who want room to play, couples who want a relaxed weekend, anglers who want a reliable lake, hikers who want Lassen nearby, and travelers who simply want to sit by the water and feel the day slow down. Between the lake, the town, the trails, the forest, and the national park beyond, the area offers the kind of vacation that does not ask much of you— except to show up, breathe deeply, and stay outside as long as you can.
PHOTO BY JAKE EDWARDS
PHOTO BY JAKE EDWARDS
PHOTO BY JAKE EDWARDS
Gateway to the good life
Set at the southern end of Napa County, American Canyon sits in a position travelers quickly come to appreciate: close to Napa Valley, convenient to the Bay Area, and relaxed enough to serve as a comfortable home base between bigger-name destinations. For visitors who want access without the pressure of staying directly in the middle of Wine Country, American Canyon offers a smart and approachable way to experience more of Northern California in a single trip.
Part of its appeal is location. From American Canyon, travelers can head north into Napa for wine tasting, dining, shopping, art, and riverfront exploring, or travel south and west toward Vallejo, the ferry, and the greater Bay Area. It is the kind of place that works especially well for those who like options. One day can be spent in vineyards and tasting rooms, the next along the waterfront in San Francisco, and the next walking through wetlands before a relaxed dinner close to the hotel.
That flexibility makes American Canyon especially useful for Butte County travelers planning a few days away. Lodging can be more approachable than many of the better-known Napa Valley towns, while still keeping visitors close to the experiences that make the region famous. Families, couples, friend groups, and solo travelers can use it as a practical launch point, choosing how much energy they want to devote to Napa, how much time they want to spend outdoors, and whether a Bay Area day trip belongs in the mix.
American Canyon also deserves credit for offering its own reasons to stay and explore. The American Canyon Wetlands and Napa River Bay Trail are among the area’s most inviting outdoor spaces, providing miles of trails
PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT
NAPA VALLEY
PHOTO BY BOB MCCLENAHAN
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CUFFE
through restored wetlands, old salt ponds, eucalyptus groves, and riverfront habitat. The setting is peaceful and open, with wide skies, water views, birds, and a steady sense of being near the bay's edge. It is a wonderful place for a morning walk, a family bike ride, wildlife watching, or a sunset outing before dinner.
Wetlands Edge Park is a natural starting point for this experience. Its trails are accessible, scenic, and easy to enjoy without much planning, making it ideal for travelers who want fresh air without turning the day into a major hike. The wetlands are especially rewarding for bird watchers and photographers, but they are just as enjoyable for anyone who wants to slow down and take in a quieter side of Napa County. In a region often associated with vineyards and tasting rooms, American Canyon’s marshes and open spaces offer a refreshing change of scenery.
For those who want a more elevated view of the landscape, Newell Open Space Preserve gives visitors access to the hills behind town. The preserve is known for grasslands, oak woodlands, eucalyptus groves, rocky outcrops, and sweeping views stretching toward the bay. It feels more rugged than the wetlands and offers a different kind of outdoor experience, one that pairs well with the gentler walking and biking opportunities closer to the Napa River. Together, the wetlands and Newell Open Space show that American Canyon is more than a convenient stopping point; it is a community with real access to nature.
Golfers have another reason to look closely at American Canyon. Chardonnay Golf Club and Eagle Vines Golf Club both sit near the southern gateway to Napa Valley, offering rounds surrounded
by vineyard scenery and foothill views. Chardonnay Golf Club winds through acres of Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir vineyards, while Eagle Vines combines public play with a Wine Country setting that feels unmistakably Napa. For visitors who want to build a day around golf rather than wine tasting, or for groups with mixed interests, these courses add another layer to the American Canyon experience.
Of course, Napa itself is never far away. From an American Canyon hotel, it is easy to spend a day in Downtown Napa, beginning at the Napa Valley Welcome Center in the First Street Napa plaza for maps, ideas, and a sense of what is happening throughout the valley. From there, visitors can browse shops, enjoy tasting rooms, walk along the riverfront, or make their way to Oxbow Public Market for a casual meal, local ingredients, coffee, oysters, ice cream, or something to take home. Downtown Napa is polished but walkable, giving travelers a taste of Wine Country without requiring a full day of appointments.
For a more structured Napa outing, the Napa Valley Wine Train remains one of the region’s signature experiences. Departing from the Oxbow District, it combines vintage rail cars, dining, scenery, and a leisurely journey through the valley. It is an especially good option for travelers who want the romance of Wine Country without having to coordinate multiple tasting room stops. Others may prefer to drive farther north to Yountville, St. Helena, or Calistoga, where restaurants, shops, wineries, gardens, and historic sites offer even more ways to spend the day.
American Canyon also makes the Bay Area feel surprisingly accessible. One of the easiest day trip ideas is to drive to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal, leave the car behind, and take the San Francisco Bay Ferry into the city. The ride itself becomes part of the experience, with bay views, fresh air, and the pleasure of arriving downtown without having to navigate city traffic or parking. Once in San Francisco, visitors can spend the day around the Ferry Building, walk the Embarcadero, explore Pier 39 or Fisherman’s Wharf, visit North Beach, or continue toward museums, gardens, shopping, and neighborhoods depending on the mood of the group.
That is where American Canyon’s central location becomes such an advantage. It allows travelers to build a trip with variety rather than committing to just one type of vacation. A long weekend might include a morning in the wetlands, an afternoon in Downtown Napa, a full day in San Francisco, and a final round of golf or relaxed brunch before heading home. Families can mix nature, kid-friendly Bay Area stops, and casual Napa exploring. Couples can pair wine country with waterfront wandering. Friends can build an itinerary around golf, food, shopping, and ferry rides.
American Canyon may not have the instant name recognition of Napa, Yountville, or San Francisco, but that is part of its value. It offers convenience without fuss, access without overwhelm, and enough local scenery to make downtime feel worthwhile. For travelers who want to experience Wine Country and the Bay Area from one practical, comfortable base, American Canyon is more than a gateway. It is the place that makes the rest of the trip easier to enjoy.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CUFFE
PHOTO BY DAVID H. COLLIER
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CUFFE
Gold Country Reimagined
Grass Valley does not announce itself all at once. It reveals itself in layers: a brick storefront here, a historic hotel there, the sound of live music drifting from downtown, the shade of tall trees beyond the edge of town, and the unmistakable feeling that California’s Gold Rush past is still close enough to touch. Tucked into the Sierra Nevada foothills, Grass Valley is one of those destinations that feels easy to reach but satisfyingly different once you arrive.
It is historic without feeling staged, lively without feeling crowded, and outdoorsy without requiring a full expedition to enjoy it. For visitors looking for a weekend of good food, walkable streets, local shops, mining history, river time, arts, and foothill scenery, Grass Valley offers a beautifully balanced getaway.
Downtown is the best place to begin. Mill Street and Main Street form the town's natural center, with historic buildings now home to restaurants, boutiques, tasting rooms, bookstores, galleries,
antique shops, and cafés. It is a downtown made for wandering rather than rushing. Park once, then let the afternoon unfold at its own pace. You might begin with coffee, stop into a local shop, browse art or home goods, find a gift you were not looking for, and then settle in for lunch or a glass of wine.
Mill Street Plaza has added even more life to the heart of town. The pedestrian-friendly gathering space gives Downtown Grass Valley a welcoming, open-air feel, with room for outdoor dining, casual meetups, community events, and live music when the schedule allows. It has quickly become the kind of place that encourages visitors to slow down, stay a little longer, and enjoy the simple pleasure of being in a town that knows how to use its main street well.
Grass Valley’s downtown energy is especially evident during its seasonal events. The Thursday Night Market brings farmers, food vendors, makers, music, and families into the center of town, creating
PHOTO BY CAVAN IMAGES
the kind of summer evening that feels both local and festive. Later in the year, Cornish Christmas celebrates the area’s heritage with holiday shopping, crafts, food, and old-fashioned street fair charm. Even outside of major events, there is often something happening—music, theater, art, or community gatherings that make the town feel active and lived-in.
The town’s Gold Rush history is never far away, and no visit is complete without time at Empire Mine State Historic Park. Once one of California’s oldest, deepest, and richest gold mines, Empire Mine operated for more than a century before closing in the 1950s. Today, the park preserves mine buildings, equipment, gardens, the owner’s cottage, and the entrance to hundreds of miles of abandoned and flooded mine shafts. It is one of the rare historic attractions that works for nearly everyone: history lovers, families, garden enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone simply looking for a peaceful place to walk.
One of the most picturesque stops inside the park is the Empire Mine Reflecting Pool. Set near the historic estate grounds, the pool offers a quieter, more elegant counterpoint to the nearby industrial mining story. Framed by gardens, stonework, and preserved architecture, it is a beautiful place to pause, take photos, and appreciate the contrast between the demanding work below ground and the refined estate life above it.
The Empire Mine Trails make the park feel even more expansive. Beyond the historic buildings and gardens, miles of trails wind through pine, oak, and mixed woodland, giving visitors a chance to turn a museum-style visit into a nature outing. You can tour the historic grounds in the morning, then follow the trails into the trees for a longer walk, a quiet hike, or a chance to enjoy the foothill air. The trails are part of what makes Empire Mine feel less like a single stop and more like a full afternoon.
For those who want to dig deeper into the area’s mining past, the North Star Powerhouse Mining Museum offers another perspective. Its collection highlights the machinery, tools, and engineering that made hard-rock mining possible, helping visitors understand the innovation and labor behind Grass Valley’s growth. Together, Empire Mine and the Mining Museum show how much of the town’s identity was shaped not only by gold but by the people, technology, and persistence required to reach it.
Grass Valley is also a strong base for outdoor exploring. Nevada County is filled with trails, rivers, swimming holes, forests, and scenic drives, making
PHOTO BY KIAL JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY
it easy to pair a downtown getaway with time in nature. The South Yuba River is one of the area’s most beloved destinations, known for clear water, smooth granite, wildflowers, hiking trails, and the historic Bridgeport Covered Bridge. In warmer months, visitors head to the river for picnics, wading, sunning, and exploring, though water conditions can change quickly and should always be approached with care.
The arts add another important layer to the Grass Valley experience. The Center for the Arts brings concerts, theater, visual arts, education, and live performance to the community, making it worth checking the calendar before planning a trip. A weekend built around a show can turn a simple getaway into something more memorable. Between local galleries, music venues, makers, and events, Grass Valley feels less like a preserved Gold Rush town and more like a creative foothill community with deep roots.
Nearby Nevada City adds even more to the trip. Just a short drive away, it offers its own historic downtown, Victorian architecture, restaurants, shops, galleries, inns, and tree-lined charm. Many visitors naturally pair the two towns together, spending time in Grass Valley before heading to Nevada City for dinner, shopping, or a stroll. The two destinations complement each other well: Grass Valley feels grounded in mining history and downtown energy, while Nevada City adds a storybook quality tucked into the trees.
Food and drink help round out the experience. Grass Valley and the surrounding area offer cafés, bakeries, pubs, restaurants, tasting rooms, and farm-to-table flavors that make it easy to linger. Start the morning with breakfast downtown, spend the afternoon shopping or hiking, and return in the evening for dinner, drinks, or live music. Wine lovers can explore nearby Nevada County tasting rooms, while those who prefer a casual pace can simply enjoy a good meal and a walk through town as the storefronts begin to glow.
What makes Grass Valley so appealing is its flexibility. Couples can make it a romantic weekend with historic lodging, dinner, wine, and a show. Families can combine Empire Mine, the Mining Museum, river time, parks, and downtown treats. Friends can build a trip around shopping, food, events, and live music. Solo travelers can find plenty of room to wander, read, hike, and recharge.
Grass Valley rewards curiosity. It invites visitors to slow down, follow the side street, step into the shop, take the trail, stay for the music, and let the day stretch a little longer than planned. With history underfoot, good food nearby, art in the air, and foothill beauty in every direction, it is the kind of place that makes a short getaway feel rich, easy, and well worth repeating.
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Sister, sister: Cool kids Elena and Gabriela Hootman
At Paradise High School and Paradise Junior High, sisters Elena and Gabriela Hootman are making an impact far beyond the scoreboard, balancing sports, academics, and sisterhood in a way that defines what it means to be strong and lift each other up along the way.
Elena, a 10th-grader, is a soccer and volleyball athlete who has earned academic and varsity letters, but her story goes deeper than her awards. Soccer has been her constant since age seven, a place where hard work, commitment, and heart collide. One of her proudest moments came when she stripped the ball from the strongest player on the field and turned it into a gamewinning assist, but her biggest wins haven’t always been visible.
As a child, Elena was diagnosed with alopecia totalis, an autoimmune condition that causes complete hair loss on the scalp. In just two months, she lost all her hair, a life-changing experience that deeply affected her confidence and sense of identity during childhood. With the support of her family and a lot of perseverance, she regained her confidence and now wears her hair long as a quiet symbol of resilience. “Strong means adaptability, positivity, and teamwork,” she says.
Across the hallway and the playing field is Gabriela, an 8thgrader who brings explosive energy as a wrestler, volleyball player, and track athlete. Once struggling with self-image, she transformed through wrestling, losing weight in a healthy way, and gaining something even bigger: belief in herself. “Wrestling taught me discipline, growth, and how to keep going even when you lose,” she says.
Mental toughness is a shared theme between the sisters. Gabriela emphasizes the internal battle of pushing through fatigue and doubt, while Elena calls herself an overthinker. Both rely on pre-game rituals, leaning on music and mindset to lock in before every match or event to center themselves.
Off the field, Elena creates through painting, wood burning, workouts, and classic cars, while Gabriela writes, runs, volunteers, and trains simultaneously across multiple sports.
But what makes their story unforgettable isn’t just athletics; it’s their bond. They motivate, challenge, and laugh through it all, proving that sisterhood can be just as powerful as any scoreboard. Elena admires Gabriela’s drive and mindset, while Gabriela finds motivation in Elena’s work ethic and dedication to school. Their personalities balance each other out; “chaos and calm,” as Gabriela describes it.
The Hootman sisters represent more than talent; they embody the power of support. In their own ways, both are learning the same lesson: strength is not just physical; it’s the choice to keep going, no matter what.
These two sisters are on two separate journeys, but together they make one unstoppable team.
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Welcome to this exceptional Tuscan-style residence nestled within the prestigious, gated Canyon Oaks golf course community. Situated on nearly half an acre, this 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom estate offers breathtaking views, timeless elegance, and thoughtfully designed living spaces. Step inside to soaring ceilings and an abundance of natural light streaming through numerous picture windows, creating a bright and airy ambiance throughout. Beautiful laminate wood flooring flows seamlessly across the main living areas. Designed for both luxury and functionality, the home features two spacious primary suites, including a main-floor retreat complete with a jetted tub, separate walk-in shower, and generous walk-in closet. A second primary suite is located on the lower level, offering privacy and flexibility for guests or multi-generational living. The heart of the home is the well-appointed kitchen, showcasing custom self-closing cabinetry and drawers, pots and pans drawers, granite countertops, a large island, top-of-the-line appliances, gas cooktop, trash compactor, and a walk-in pantry. Adjacent to the kitchen, enjoy a charming breakfast nook with picturesque views. Entertain in style in the expansive formal dining room, or relax in the luxurious living room featuring a fireplace and panoramic views that open seamlessly to a massive veranda—perfect for indoor-outdoor living. The veranda overlooks the golf course and includes its own outdoor dining area. Step outside to your personal backyard oasis, complete with a sparkling in-ground heated Pebble Tec pool with cascading waterfall, a second outdoor dining area, and a covered patio wired for TV and spa—perfect for year-round enjoyment. Bed: 4 Bath: 4 SqFt: 4,361 Price: $1,445,000
Discover the perfect blend of versatility, comfort, and investment potential with this beautifully maintained ranch-style duplex—an exceptional opportunity for both savvy investors and owner-occupants seeking supplemental income. Ideally situated in a convenient, commuter-friendly location near shopping, dining, and public transit, this property offers approximately 2,130 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space on a raised foundation, enhanced by fresh interior paint and stylish new flooring. Each unit lives like its own private retreat. Bed: 10 Bath: 6 SqFt: 2,130 Price: $509,900
Nestled in the heart of beautiful Bidwell Park and tucked away on a peaceful cul-de-sac, this charming home offers a rare blend of comfort, character, and natural beauty. With approximately 1,510 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, the open floor plan creates an inviting atmosphere that is both spacious and welcoming. The large living room showcases gorgeous wood flooring that seamlessly continues into the attached dining area, creating a setting that is perfect for everyday living and entertaining. This home has so much to see. Call today! Bed: 3
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A New Way to Find Confidence in Dental Care
For Dr. Jason “Jay” Cass, dentistry has always been rooted in trust. The son of a dentist who practiced for nearly four decades, Dr. Cass grew up seeing firsthand how the right care could improve a patient’s comfort, confidence, and quality of life. After earning his undergraduate degree in Biology at UC San Diego and his dental degree from Creighton University’s School of Dentistry, he returned to Redding to practice alongside his father, later expanding that practice into a stateof-the-art facility.
When Chico became home to Dr. Cass, his wife, Chelsea, and their children, the opportunity to purchase Dr. Walker's long-established practice felt like the right next step. Now at Cass Family Dentistry, Dr. Cass continues the same patient-first philosophy that has shaped his entire career: listen first, explain clearly, and provide care built around each person’s needs.
That same approach is at the heart of his newest venture, 2nd Opinion Dentists, a teledentistry platform designed to help patients receive trusted dental guidance before making important decisions about their care.
For many people, dental concerns come with more questions than answers. Is this tooth pain an emergency? Does this treatment plan make sense? Should I move forward with a major procedure, or is there another option worth considering? Too often, patients are left guessing, searching symptoms online, or taking time off work just to find out what their next step should be. 2nd Opinion Dentists was designed to change that.
Through the platform, patients can connect virtually with licensed U.S. dentists for emergency consultations, second opinions, and expert guidance from the comfort of home. The service gives people a convenient way to better understand their options before stepping into a dental office, helping to reduce confusion, uncertainty, and the pressure that can sometimes accompany major treatment decisions.
The process is intentionally simple.
Patients create an account, explain what is going on, and share their location. From there, they choose the type of service they need, whether it is an emergency consultation or a second opinion, and book a virtual appointment at a time that works for them. Same-day and after-hours availability make the platform especially helpful for families, working professionals, and anyone who needs guidance without rearranging an entire day.
During the virtual visit, patients meet with a licensed dentist who can review their concerns, talk through possible next steps, and help determine what may need immediate attention. When in-person care is needed, 2nd Opinion Dentists can also help connect patients with the appropriate local provider, bridging virtual guidance and hands-on treatment.
The service covers a wide range of dental concerns, including pediatric, cosmetic, orthodontic, implant, and emergency questions. For parents wondering whether a child’s issue can wait, patients considering cosmetic treatment, or anyone facing a major dental recommendation and seeking another set of eyes, the platform offers honest, no-pressure advice.
With affordable fees, flexible appointments, and care available from home, 2nd Opinion Dentists represents a more modern, transparent approach to dental care. It does not replace the importance of an in-person dentist; instead, it gives patients a trusted starting point, helping them walk into their next appointment more informed, more comfortable, and more confident.
For Dr. Cass, the mission is simple: make expert dental guidance easier to access and easier to understand. Whether patients visit him in person at Cass Family Dentistry or connect virtually through 2nd Opinion Dentists, his goal remains the same—to replace uncertainty with clarity and give every patient a reason to smile.
Visit 2nd Opinion Dentists online and see how easy finding peace of mind can be at www.2ndOpinionDentists.com
"Effie is by far the best real estate agent I have worked with. I have bought and sold homes with her. In all cases she gets the home sold expediently at a price far above what I have expected. I would not work with anyone else. We will be selling additional property soon with her in the Los Angeles area as well."
- Dr. Erik Simchuk, Chico
Ideally located near vibrant Meriam Park, with its popular restaurants, shopping, and community charm, this beautifully maintained home reflects true pride of ownership. From the moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the thoughtful architectural details, attractive appointments, and inviting open floor plan enhanced by soaring ceilings and abundant natural light. The spacious living room offers engineered wood flooring and a cozy gas fireplace, creating the perfect setting for both relaxing and entertaining. The dining area flows seamlessly from the living room, while the well-appointed kitchen is designed to impress with a center island, 5-burner gas cooktop, electric oven, microwave, refrigerator, and an abundance of cabinetry. Just off the kitchen, a darling breakfast nook provides the ideal spot for casual dining or morning coffee. The generously sized primary suite is a private retreat featuring an en suite bathroom with dual vanities, a large walk-in closet, soaking tub, privacy door, and separate shower. Down the hall, a charming lighted stained-glass niche leads to two guest bedrooms and a full guest bathroom. Indoor laundry includes washer and dryer for added convenience. Much more to see. Call today! Bed: 3 Bath: 2 SqFt: 1,610 Price: $465,000
Nested in a desirable cul-de-sac location near Bidwell Park, this light-filled home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and modern convenience. The open floorplan welcomes you with high ceilings, engineered wood flooring, and a spacious living room highlighted by large windows that invite in abundant natural light. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, the kitchen opens seamlessly to the dining area and features Corian counters, a breakfast bar, pantry, pots-and-pans drawers, gas appliances and a refrigerator. The adjoining family room with a cozy fireplace creates a warm gathering space for relaxing evenings. The generously sized primary suite offers a spacious bedroom retreat and a well-appointed bathroom with tile counters, a separate soaking tub, walk-in shower, and dual vanities. Step outside to enjoy the private backyard, where a covered dining patio with skylight provides the perfect setting for outdoor meals and year-round entertaining. Additional highlights include a new roof, indoor laundry with washer/dryer, water purifier and softener, Tesla universal charger with two batteries, and a two-car garage and potential RV parking along the side yard add extra convenience and flexibility. Bed: 3 Bath: 2 SqFt: 1,853 Price: $490,000
PENDING
Welcome to this beautifully maintained, nearly new home built in July 2025, located in Paradise, just minutes from Bille Park. Step inside to an inviting open floorplan where the living room seamlessly flows into the dining area and kitchen. The kitchen features granite countertops, an eating bar, pantry, refrigerator, electric stove/oven, and dishwasher—perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Both bathrooms also showcase matching granite countertops for a cohesive, upscale feel. This home is truly move-in ready, equipped with all-electric appliances, indoor laundry with washer and dryer included, and efficient minisplit systems for heating and cooling. Additional upgrades include fully owned solar, a fire sprinkler system, and a beautifully landscaped yard complete with an automatic sprinkler system on a timer. The property is on Paradise Irrigation District water and is on septic. The property also offers a 2-car garage with automatic opener and convenient RV parking. As a delightful bonus, the owners are occasionally visited by adorable fawns and their parents, adding to the peaceful, natural setting. A wonderful opportunity to own a lightly lived-in, modern home in a serene location—don’t miss it! Bed: 3 Bath: 2 SqFt: 1,368 Price: $379,900
Pop Culture on the Road: Your Ultimate Travel Entertainment Guide
The beauty of travel entertainment is that it doesn't require a passport. Whether you're loading up the car for a drive along the Northern California Coast, boarding a plane for a tropical getaway, or simply dreaming of adventure from your backyard hammock, the right entertainment can turn any journey into an experience. Even a camping trip in Lassen can become more memorable with the right soundtrack, podcast, show, or book.
Travel isn't just about where you're going; it's about what keeps you inspired, laughing, learning, and engaged along the way.
Build the Perfect Road Trip Soundtrack
Gone are the days of spending hours creating playlists. Apps like Spotify make it easy with personalized features like AI DJ, Daylists, and curated road trip mixes that adapt to your music tastes and travel mood. Heading to the beach? Expect sunny hits. Cruising through the mountains? You might discover folk favorites and road-trip classics. It's like having a personal DJ riding shotgun.
Keep Your Travel Plans Organized
Before you even leave the driveway, consider downloading Wanderlog, one of the most popular travel planning apps that allows travelers to organize flights, hotel reservations, restaurant lists, attraction tickets, maps, daily itineraries, and travel notes all in one place. It even lets families collaborate on trip planning, making it easy to keep everyone on the same page. Think of it as your digital travel binder without the clutter.
Three Podcasts Worth the Download
No road trip is complete without a few great podcasts queued and downloaded.
For the true-crime lover, Crime Junkie remains one of the most popular podcasts in the country. Hosts Ashley Flowers and
Brit Prawat explore real-life mysteries and criminal cases that are equal parts fascinating and suspenseful. Fair warning: you may find yourself sitting in the driveway for ten extra minutes to hear the ending.
For fascinating real-life stories, Against the Odds tells unbelievable true stories of survival, adventure, and resilience. From mountaineering disasters to shipwrecks and incredible rescues, each season feels like a blockbuster movie unfolding in your earbuds.
For travel inspiration, Zero To Travel features interviews with travelers, adventurers, and digital nomads from around the world. The stories are inspiring, whether you're planning a trip across the globe or just searching for new weekend destinations close to home.
A Show to Travel By
If you're looking for travel inspiration after a long day of sightseeing, Netflix's Somebody Feed Phil is hard to beat. Host Phil Rosenthal travels the world exploring food, culture, and local traditions with infectious enthusiasm. His curiosity and humor remind viewers that some of the best travel memories come from connecting with people and trying something new.
The Perfect Vacation Read
Looking for the book everyone will be talking about this year? Pick up Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Set against the backdrop of NASA's space shuttle program, this highly anticipated novel combines ambition, adventure, romance, and high-stakes drama. It's the kind of page-turner that's perfect for poolside reading, long flights, or lazy afternoons at the beach.
I truly appreciate Sherry's communication, negotiation and problemsolving skills, trying to find the best property for me. She is patient very professional and dedicated to her job with a high degree of importance placed on customer satisfaction. She was very patient and understanding walking me through the entire process. I totally enjoyed working with her and would definitely contact her first, should the need ever arrive.
-Tim Scallen, Chico
Perched along the canyon edge of Canyon Oaks Country Club, this custom Mediterranean estate by master builder Michael Gali is one of Chico's most extraordinary properties — 5,824 square feet of inspired architecture, seamlessly woven into 1.2 acres of curated landscape with direct access to Upper Bidwell Park and the South Rim Trail just beyond your door. Arrive via a sweeping granite paver circular driveway and step through a covered entrance that signals what lies within. A soaring spiral staircase rises from an Italian marble foyer, leading the eye upward through light-washed volumes framed by dramatic rotunda windows with unobstructed canyon panoramas. The chef's kitchen is outfitted with full Viking appliances, a double oven, and handcrafted mahogany cabinetry. The primary suite is a private sanctuary: step onto your own terrace, unwind in a marble column-framed soaking tub, or luxuriate under dual showers with floor-to-ceiling canyon views that make every morning feel like a retreat. A richly appointed library with fireplace and terrace access, a private home theater, five fireplaces throughout, radiant floor heating, Lutron automated drapes, smart lighting, and whole-home surround sound — this residence is as intelligent as it is beautiful. Owned solar and a water softener complete the picture of thoughtful, modern living. Outside, a shimmering pool is flanked by multiple verandas, a poolside bath, and a private steam room. Above it all, a rooftop terrace delivers sweeping canyon and sunset views. This is not just a home. It is an experience.
Experience the perfect balance of luxury, serenity, and seclusion with this extraordinary estate, just minutes from Chico yet worlds away from the everyday. Centered around a breathtaking 2-acre manmade lake, this one-of-a-kind property offers a truly unforgettable setting. Beyond custom security gates and across your private bridge, a residence of timeless Mediterranean elegance unfolds. Designed to capture the beauty of its surroundings, the home showcases stunning water views from nearly every room and a seamless connection to outdoor living spaces, including a sparkling pool and expansive patios ideal for both relaxation and entertaining. The grand living room features soaring windows that frame the lake, a custom fireplace, and an atmosphere of refined tranquility. The chef’s kitchen offers a cozy dining nook, sitting area with its own fireplace, and an impressive wine cellar— creating a warm and inviting gathering space. An elegant dining room opens to a charming courtyard, perfect for al fresco dining. The flexible layout includes a private office or den overlooking the pool, a nearby full bath, and a secluded downstairs bedroom with its own half bath—ideal for guests or extended living. The luxurious primary suite is a true retreat, featuring dual vanities, dual closets, and a spa-inspired shower. A private patio with hot tub invites you to unwind beneath the stars. Outdoors, the property shines with its tranquil lake, private dock, resort-style pool, and expansive grounds designed for privacy and beauty.
103 Years Young: George’s Story of Compassionate Care at Lighthouse
This June, The Lighthouse at Chico proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone as resident George F turns 103.
A proud military veteran, aviation enthusiast, and coin collector, George has spent more than a century gathering stories, wisdom, and experiences. Even as dementia has gradually introduced new challenges, those who know him best will tell you the same thing: George is still very much the same George.
His quick wit, bright spirit, sense of humor, and love for the ladies are ever present, and nobody knows that better than his daughter, Linda.
For years, Linda faithfully drove nearly 6 hours round trip each month to spend time with her father. She would stay for several days, cherishing their time together. Their favorite pastime was gathering around a table for dominoes and games like Mexican Train, always played by their own family rules. Whether George remembered every detail or not, Linda knows these moments matter.
As George’s dementia progressed, Linda found herself wishing she could be closer to him while ensuring he received the support he deserved. She missed seeing him happy and connected. Like many families facing similar decisions, she wanted more than just care–she wanted a community that would see the man behind the diagnosis.
The team at The Lighthouse at Chico understood exactly that.
Rather than simply offering a room, they visited George and took the time to build a relationship. Staff members shared photos of the community, spoke with George about life in Chico, and helped him envision a future closer to the family he loves. Their compassion and dedication gave him the confidence to make the move.
Today, just months later, the difference is undeniable.
George’s suite is filled with family photos, treasured keepsakes, warm quilts, and reminders of a life well-lived. He enjoys meals with fellow residents, spends time outdoors, and participates more fully in community life. Staff members know his preferences, listen to his stories, honor his independence, and gently support him through difficult days, which happen less often than the good ones since moving.
When homesickness or confusion arises, caregivers step in with patience, understanding, and genuine affection. They take walks with him, encourage conversation, and help him reconnect with the things that bring him comfort and joy.
That personalized approach is what sets The Lighthouse at Chico apart. Residents benefit from 24-hour support, individualized care plans, medication management, housekeeping, restaurantstyle dining, engaging activities, and specialized memory care services, all within a beautiful setting. Surrounded by peaceful outdoor spaces and thoughtfully designed common areas, residents enjoy both comfort and dignity while remaining as independent as possible.
Families trust The Lighthouse at Chico because they know their loved ones are treated like family. The goal isn’t simply to provide care; it’s to celebrate each resident’s unique story and help them continue living with purpose.
As George celebrates his 103rd birthday, he serves as a reminder that dementia may change parts of a person, but it does not erase who they are. With the love of family and the support of a compassionate community, meaningful moments continue to happen every day.
Visit The Lighthouse at Chico online for more information or to book a tour at www.thelighthouseatchico.com. You can also reach them at (530) 654-3020.
Working with Sherry Calbert was a great experience from start to finish. She was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about helping us find the right home. Throughout the process, she was always available to answer our questions, explain each step clearly, and guide us with honest advice. Her knowledge of the market and attention to detail made everything much smoother and less stressful. We always felt that she had our best interests in mind, and she went above and beyond to make sure everything was handled properly. We're very happy with our new home and truly appreciate all the effort she put into helping us get here. I highly recommend Sherry to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.
-Ghias Naser, Chico
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exceptional curb appeal, while the low-maintenance backyard and spa provide a
retreat. Located near Hartley Park and surrounded by open views, this move-in ready home offers a rare combination of space, flexibility, and natural surroundings. And, personally I
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they called the "Cade" offering the gorgeous hickory wood flooring while entering.
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: $697,000
Tucked behind a canopy of mature trees and hidden from the street, this rare 2BD/2BA private ranch sits on 5.53 acres — the kind of place people spend a lifetime looking for and 30 years never wanting to leave. A year-round creek passes by a corner of the property, cross-fenced acreage stands livestock ready, and a wrap-around front porch with artistic wagon wheel supports welcomes you home every single day. There is also an approx. 20 x 22' attached bonus room to use as either a bedroom, art studio, or he/she place with a wet bar, windows galore and lots of storage! Two barns offer exceptional versatility: a classic old timber barn with loft, power, water, cement floor, 2 bays, tack room, and two large overhangs — plus a 6-stall metal horse barn with a full breezeway. A small orchard of three pomegranate varieties, numerous olive trees, and endless natural shade complete the picture.
This stunning 1930s/40s ranch, crafted with timeless elegance, offers a rare blend of comfort, space, and natural beauty. Wake to breathtaking sunrises and peaceful evenings on your sprawling 15-acre property, listening to the peaceful sounds of nature. With a remodeled kitchen and all new appliances, two water wells, a large pole barn, a rustic tack barn, and a tool shed, there’s room for all your hobbies and passions. There's also a small smoke house on the property. Discover your own slice of paradise with breathtaking sunsets. Convenient access to amenities, ensures
from everything you need.
Stay or go
Which requires more endurance, a staycation or a vacation?
Our typical vacation involves driving. Though we may fly to our destination, we spend our vacation traveling by car. Take Hawaii, for instance. Did we lie around on the beach, reading books, sipping mai tais, and recharging our batteries? No. We constantly refilled the gas tank and put 1,500 miles on the rental car. We circled the island, checking out every village, town, grotto, cave, and paradise bar noted or footnoted in our travel guide.
We tend to pack the car with enough snacks to survive a small apocalypse. For me, survival means saltine crackers, cheese, and Tabasco sauce. Then comes the driving. Lots of driving. Whether stateside or overseas, with or without kids, we make it to the scenic byways, overlooks, historic landmarks, quirky roadside attractions, and the funky local restaurants. We cover the real estate as thoroughly as possible.
At the end of the day, we collapse into our beds or tents, exhausted but looking forward to stepping on the gas again. Our vacations tend to be like full-time jobs with a nicer view. Upon our return home, we need a vacation from our vacation.
That’s where the staycation comes in, relaxing in theory. There are no reservations, no traffic jams, and no suitcases. Stay home, enjoy your own surroundings, and recharge your batteries.
Drinking a cup of coffee, plunking on the guitar, and walking the dogs would be more than enough, but that is not your reality, and you know it. The grass and weeds are too tall, so you get out the mower. The field and hillside weeds are out of control, so you pull out the weed eater. Branches, shrubs, pine needles, and leaves violate defensible space requirements, so you grab the chainsaws, loppers, wheelbarrows, rakes, leaf blower, ladder, and assorted sundries.
The only batteries getting recharged are for the tools.
“Next time!” we say. “Next time we will just hang and relax.”
For instance, we take off tomorrow for Bend, Oregon, to the Sunriver Resort. The pool, restaurants, and hiking trails make it a self-contained, stay-in-one-place vacation opportunity.
But, hey, the quaint little town of Sisters isn’t too far to the north, the drive up Mt. Bachelor is spectacular, and what about the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway to the south and west, passing 14 alpine lakes?
Pack up the crackers, cheese, and Tabasco, yo?
Doug Love is sales manager at Century 21 in Chico. Email dougwlove@gmail.com. Call or text 530-680-0817.
A Breath of Cool Coastal Air
For Butte County residents, summer often arrives with a certain kind of intensity. The days stretch long, the valley heat settles in, and by midafternoon, the idea of cool air feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity. That is part of what makes the Mendocino Coast such a beloved escape. In just a few hours, the landscape changes completely. Dry heat gives way to ocean mist, the temperature drops into the 50s and 60s, and the road winds through forests, blufftops, and small coastal towns that seem to move at an entirely different pace.
It is difficult to overstate how refreshing that shift can feel. For those of us accustomed to summer days that hover near or above triple digits, the Mendocino Coast offers a rare kind of relief. Sweatshirts replace sunscreen as the first thing you reach for in the morning. Fog rolls gently across the headlands. The sound of traffic fades behind waves, wind, and the occasional call of seabirds overhead. It is still California, but it feels like another world.
That feeling has helped make Mendocino a longtime favorite for Butte County travelers. It is close enough for a long weekend, yet far enough to feel like a true getaway. The drive itself becomes part of the experience, especially as the route bends westward and the scenery begins to soften. By the time the ocean comes into view, the hurried rhythm of daily life has usually started to loosen its grip.
The Mendocino Coast is best known for its dramatic meeting of redwoods and sea. Towering trees rise just inland from rugged cliffs, creating a landscape that feels both grounded and expansive. One moment, you can be walking beneath a canopy of redwoods; the next, you can be standing at the edge of a bluff watching waves break against the rocks below. It is this contrast that gives the area so much of its character. The coast is quiet but not empty, refined but still wild, and beautiful in a way that never feels overly polished.
The village of Mendocino adds
another layer to the experience. Perched above the Pacific, with historic homes, inns, galleries, gardens, and ocean views in nearly every direction, it has the charm of a place that has carefully held on to its identity. Nearby Fort Bragg offers a slightly different energy, with working harbor history, restaurants, shops, coastal trails, and easy access to beaches and parks. Smaller communities like Little River, Albion, Caspar, and Cleone each add their own sense of discovery, often marked by tucked-away inns, quiet coves, and roadside stops worth slowing down for.
For many travelers, the greatest appeal of the Mendocino Coast is that there is no single right way to enjoy it. Some visitors come for long walks on the headlands, where trails curve along the cliffs and open onto sweeping views of the Pacific. Others come to kayak along the Big River, wander through art galleries, explore state parks, browse local shops, or enjoy a slow meal after a day outside. Some prefer to spend the afternoon tucked into the redwoods with a book, while others build their trip around beaches, tide pools, gardens, or simply the pleasure of doing very little.
It is also a destination that naturally invites return visits. A first trip might be centered around the village of Mendocino, with its postcard views and historic charm. The next might lead north toward Fort Bragg, Glass Beach, MacKerricher State Park, or the forests and quiet roads surrounding Cleone. Another visit might be built around a wedding, a romantic weekend, a family escape, or a coolweather retreat when the valley feels too hot to handle. The more time one spends there, the more the coast seems to reveal.
In this issue, we explore the Mendocino Coast through a few distinct lenses, beginning with Royce and Mary Peterson, longtime Chico and Paradise residents who found their own version of paradise among the redwoods near the ocean. Their Raven’s Roost property has become both a personal sanctuary and a wedding venue that captures the coast's rustic beauty. From there, we visit two unique lodging destinations—Mendocino Cove and Mendocino Grove—where travelers can choose between polished coastal comfort and the relaxed adventure of glamping beneath the trees.
Together, these stories offer a glimpse into why the Mendocino Coast continues to call to so many people from Butte County. It is not just the cooler weather, though that certainly helps. It is the way the air feels different. It is the quiet of the redwoods, the force of the ocean, the charm of the towns, and the permission the coast seems to give everyone who arrives: slow down, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.
Finding Paradise on the Mendocino Coast
For Royce and Mary Peterson, the move from Paradise to the Mendocino Coast was not just a retirement plan. It was a chance to build a life around the things they loved most: nature, hospitality, meaningful work, and the quiet magic of the redwoods.
Royce spent his career in Chico as the owner of Restoration Company, restoring family heirloom furniture and taking on high-level woodworking projects that required patience, artistry, and an eye for possibility. Mary built her career in the classroom, teaching generations of students while nurturing a lifelong love of the outdoors. Together, they lived in Chico before moving to Paradise in search of more space, spending years on Roe Road shaping their property into a staycation of their own.
When retirement came into view, the couple considered Panama, Costa Rica, and other warm-weather destinations, but their hearts kept returning to the Mendocino Coast. The area had long been one of their favorite getaways. For Mary, it offered peace. For Royce, it offered abalone diving and the ocean's rugged adventure. For both of them, it
offered a feeling they couldn’t quite find anywhere else.
In 2016, Mary retired from teaching, and the two began searching in earnest. They looked at properties in Mendocino and the surrounding communities, placing offers and imagining futures. Eventually, they found 15 acres just north of the Mendocino Coast. The property was in serious disrepair, but it had what the Petersons were looking for: towering trees, quiet forest, room to dream, and proximity to the ocean.
“I wanted big trees to have some semblance of the home we left in Paradise,” Mary says. “We found paradise here.”
Royce and Mary began revealing the beauty hidden beneath years of neglect by remodeling the main home, renovating a long-term rental, and transforming a detached garage into a 900-square-foot cottage with two bedrooms, one bath, a back deck, and a hot tub. Now available on Airbnb and VRBO, the cottage offers guests the same sense of escape that drew the Petersons to the property.
Friends from Chico and Paradise began visiting often. “We have so many friends from that area,” Mary says. “They all wanted to come and stay here. It was imperative that we found a place with at least one guest room, and we were lucky enough to find a property with two.”
Then one friend asked if they could host a wedding on the property. Royce and Mary agreed. They enjoyed the experience so much that what began as a favor became a new chapter. RavensRoost was born.
Today, RavensRoost Mendocino is an intimate wedding and event venue set among redwoods in Cleone, just minutes north of Fort Bragg on the Mendocino Coast. Ceremonies can unfold beneath the redwood canopy or giant event tent, receptions can carry on outdoors under the stars, and the on-site cottage doubles as both a romantic retreat and bridal suite. It is rustic and elegant, tucked into the trees yet close enough to the ocean to feel the coastal air.
For weddings, the property can host up to 100 guests, with the cottage included for three nights as part of the wedding rental. For couples and families traveling from Butte County, the appeal is easy to understand. RavensRoost feels remote
without feeling unreachable, natural without feeling unfinished, and personal in a way larger venues often cannot replicate.
The Petersons hosted one wedding in their first year. This year, they have five scheduled, with more already on the horizon. The property has also welcomed Music in the Redwoods, a benefit concert for the Noyo Center for Marine Science.
“I took a class in marine biology and just fell in love with it,” Mary says. “I immediately connected with the Noyo Center and knew I had to do something with it. Now I’m on the board and volunteer as a docent.”
The first Music in the Redwoods benefit, five years ago, was a huge success, and it’s grown every year since. This year, they’re excited to have Chico legend Big Mo and The Full Moon Band headlining the event.
For all the growth, the heart of the place remains deeply personal. Mary’s favorite spot is “right up the hill with the biggest redwoods,” where she takes a chair and reads. Royce’s favorite changes with whatever project has his attention at the moment.
“The deck and the area below have been my focus,” he says. “It used to be down in the apple tree orchard. I just love the property. Each time I work on something new, it becomes my favorite place while I’m bringing the new vision to life.”
Mary laughs at the truth of it. “That mower is his happy place.”
After years of renovation, Royce and Mary are still dreaming. They plan to maintain what they have, continue making it more beautiful, host weddings, grow the annual concert, and keep sharing the magic of the redwoods a half-mile from the beach.
For visitors discovering them for the first time, RavensRoost offers something increasingly rare: a coastal retreat where the forest feels alive, the ocean is close, and every corner carries the mark of two people who chose adventure and made it home. Whether you're looking to escape the heat for a weekend or week, or host a wedding on their property, Royce and Mary's Mendocino Coast getaway is one Butte County residents will surely love. Scan the QR codes or visit www.RavensRoostMendocino.com to discover more of this beautiful property and book your reservation or tour!
From Canvas Tents to Coastal Suites
It’s easy to understand why so many travelers find themselves wanting to linger on the Mendocino Coast. Luckily, for those planning a longer stay, two properties from hospitality partners Teresa Raffo and Chris Hougie offer distinctly different ways to settle into the area. Mendocino Cove delivers a modern resort experience with beach access, a Nordic-inspired spa, pickleball courts, wellness amenities, and a full bar and restaurant (set to open late summer). Their sister property, Mendocino Grove, offers the beloved ease of glamping beneath the redwoods. Together, they create a rare pairing: one polished and resort-like, the other rooted in campfires, canvas tents, and starry night skies.
Mendocino Cove is the newest offering, thoughtfully reimagined from the historic Pine Beach Inn. Set across 11 oceanside acres north of Mendocino, the resort sits where redwoods meet the Pacific, with meandering pathways, coastal gardens, and direct walking access to secluded
Pine Beach. It is designed for guests who want the restorative feel of nature without giving up the comfort of a beautifullyappointed stay.
The resort is set to officially open on July 1, with 40 suites across two distinct buildings. The Cypress suites carry the nostalgia of a classic California roadside lodge, refreshed with modern coastal style. Vista Cove offers a more elevated retreat, with interiors designed to feel warm, natural, and residential. Across the property, accommodations include thoughtful touches like natural textures, warm woods, soft coastal palettes, reading nooks, private verandas, fireplaces, soaking tubs, and spaces that encourage guests to slow down and settle in.
For active travelers, Mendocino Cove’s eight professional pickleball courts may be the biggest draw. Guests can enjoy open play, lessons, clinics, retreats, and social programming, making the property
especially appealing to couples, groups, and friends seeking a getaway that blends movement and relaxation. After a morning on the courts, guests can shift into a slower pace with the property’s wellness amenities, including a Nordicinspired spa experience with a hot tub, sauna, and cold pour, as well as massage treatments, walking paths, communal fire pits, lawn games, and a meditation labyrinth designed for reflection and grounding among the redwoods.
The food and beverage experience is also beginning to take shape. Mendocino Cove will open with the Frolic Lounge, where guests can enjoy coffee and breakfast, or have them delivered to their rooms. A full bar and tapas menu are expected to follow in the fall, creating another gathering spot for travelers looking to enjoy the coast without leaving the property.
Just down the road, Mendocino Grove offers a different kind of escape—one that feels closer to the earth while still providing the comforts that make camping extra comfy. Celebrating its 10th
season, the glamping destination has become a favorite for travelers who want fresh air, forest quiet, and proximity to the ocean without having to pack every piece of camping gear they own.
The property features a variety of tent accommodations for couples, families, groups, and solo travelers, including standard, vista, family, and group tents, as well as easyaccess tents near common areas and bathhouses. Each tent is thoughtfully outfitted with heated beds, cotton linens, fluffy towels, lanterns, a landing deck with chairs, a food storage box, a picnic table, and a fire pit with a grilling grate. It is camping made comfortable, where mornings begin with coffee and cool coastal air, and evenings end around the glow of a private campfire.
Mendocino Grove’s amenities are part of what keeps guests returning year after year. Two central bathhouses include hot indoor and outdoor showers, well-appointed restrooms, fresh towels, organic bath products, hair dryers, and even a dog wash for four-legged travelers after a day of coastal exploring. The property is notably dog-friendly, with a dog park, warm-water dog bath, and thoughtful pup amenities available for guests traveling with pets.
The experience extends well beyond the tent. Guests can begin the day with coffee, tea, cocoa, a light breakfast, or barista-made espresso drinks, then spend the day hiking, exploring nearby beaches, relaxing in a hammock, or joining a guided nature walk through the forest. Wellness offerings include massage, yoga, sound healing, and a dry sauna, while weekend programming brings guests together through Friday-night dinners, live music around the campfire, community events, and seasonal gatherings such as the annual Fall Festival.
For families, Mendocino Grove offers plenty of room for adventure, from trails and scavenger hunts to play areas and campfire treats. For couples, the vista tents and quiet forest setting create an easy romantic getaway. For groups, the property can host private gatherings, weddings, company offsites, retreats, and full-property buyouts, offering a setting that feels both relaxed and memorable.
What makes Mendocino Cove and Mendocino Grove especially appealing is the way they naturally complement each other. One offers the clean lines and comforts of a coastal resort; the other offers canvas, campfires, and the nostalgia of sleeping beneath the trees. Both invite guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the landscape that makes this stretch of coastline so special.
Whether you are seeking pickleball and ocean views, a dog-friendly glamping trip, a romantic weekend, a family adventure, or simply a cooler place to unwind, Mendocino Cove and Mendocino Grove offer two unforgettable ways to experience the Mendocino Coast. Find more information and make your reservations online at www.MendocinoCove.com and www.MendocinoGrove.com.
Mendocino Musts
By the time you have settled into the slower rhythm of the Mendocino Coast, the hardest part of the trip may be deciding how to spend your days. The area offers the kind of variety that makes a weekend feel full without feeling rushed. One morning can begin with a quiet walk along the bluffs, the afternoon can unfold over a glass of Anderson Valley wine, and the evening can end with a stroll through town, a coastal dinner, or a beach sunset wrapped in a sweatshirt while the rest of Northern California bakes inland.
A perfect place to begin is Big River Beach, one of the most accessible and beloved stretches of sand near the village of Mendocino. Set where Big River meets the Pacific, the beach offers wide-open views, soft sand, and a peaceful estuary setting that feels especially inviting for families, couples, and anyone who wants to be near the water without an intense hike. It is ideal for a slow walk, a picnic, or simply sitting by the river mouth to watch kayakers, birds, and the changing coastal light. For those looking to do more than stroll, Big River is also a favorite launching point for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, bicycling, and exploring the estuary.
Just above it, Mendocino Headlands State Park surrounds the village on three sides and delivers some of the most iconic views on the coast. The trails are gentle enough for casual walkers but dramatic enough to feel unforgettable, with rugged cliffs, pocket coves, wildflowers, sea caves, and wave-carved rock formations around nearly every bend. This is the kind of place where you do not need a packed itinerary. You can simply follow the path, pause often, and let the ocean do most of the entertaining. The headlands are especially beautiful in the morning fog or late-afternoon light, when the village, cliffs, and Pacific seem to soften into one sweeping postcard.
For a deeper dive into the coast’s wilder side, Russian Gulch State Park is a must. Located just north of Mendocino, the park brings together several of the region’s best features in one place: forest trails, a protected beach cove, picnic areas, a historic bridge, ocean views, and the famous Devil’s Punch Bowl, a collapsed sea cave where churning water surges below the headlands. Inland, the park’s shaded trail to a 36-foot waterfall offers a completely different kind of experience, leading hikers through a lush,
forested canyon that feels worlds away from the open bluffs. It is one of the best examples of what makes this region so special—the ability to move from surf to forest in a single afternoon.
Of course, Mendocino County is not only about the coast. For many travelers, the drive through Anderson Valley becomes one of the highlights of the trip, especially for those who enjoy wine tasting. Goldeneye Winery in Philo is a favorite stop for Pinot Noir lovers, offering a polished yet welcoming tasting experience in the heart of the valley. Known for its Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, Goldeneye is the kind of place where the landscape and the wine seem to speak the same language: refined, coolclimate, and rooted in place. Reservations are recommended, making it a smart stop to plan ahead, either on the way to the coast or as part of a dedicated wine day.
Nearby, Roederer Estate offers another can’tmiss Anderson Valley experience, particularly for those who love sparkling wine. Its guided tastings showcase méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines crafted from estate-grown fruit, with sweeping vineyard views and an elegant tasting room that makes the visit feel special without being overly formal. Between Goldeneye and Roederer, Anderson Valley provides a beautiful inland counterpoint to the coast, adding vineyard views, rolling hills, and a slower wine-country detour to the trip.
Back along the water, leave time for the towns themselves. Downtown Mendocino is a joy to wander, with historic architecture, galleries, bookstores, boutiques, gift shops, cafes, restaurants, and ocean views never far away. It is a place made for unhurried browsing, whether you are looking for local art, a new book, a warm drink, a handmade gift, or nothing in particular. Fort Bragg offers a different but equally worthwhile downtown experience, with a compact, walkable shopping district, vintage finds, clothing, gear, home goods, locally made products, music, books, and plenty of personality. Together, the two towns give visitors a fuller sense of the Mendocino Coast— one polished and storybook, the other working, creative, and deeply local.
The best Mendocino trips leave room for both plans and surprises. Visit the beaches, walk the headlands, hike beneath the trees, taste the wine, wander the shops, and let the weather decide a few things for you. On a coast this beautiful, getting sidetracked is often the point.
A Weekend in the Mother Lode
There are some places that seem designed for wandering, and Sutter Creek is one of them. Tucked into the rolling foothills of Amador County, this historic Gold Country town offers a different kind of getaway than the coast. Instead of ocean mist and redwood groves, visitors find sunwarmed brick, shaded balconies, old stone buildings, tasting rooms, antique shops, nearby vineyards, and the lingering feeling that every storefront has a story behind it.
For Butte County residents looking for a manageable escape, Sutter Creek is an easy place to love. It is close enough for a weekend but feels far enough removed to slow everything down. The pace is unhurried, the town is walkable, and the surrounding countryside offers just enough variety to make a short trip feel full. You can spend one day browsing Main Street and sipping local wine, then spend the next exploring a mine, walking through gardens, touring a historic foundry, or following winding roads into Shenandoah Valley.
Sutter Creek’s charm begins with its history. Born of the California Gold
Rush and shaped by the hard-rock mines of the Mother Lode, the town still retains much of its 19th-century character. Downtown feels like the kind of place where preservation and daily life have learned to coexist. Historic buildings now house boutiques, galleries, tasting rooms, restaurants, inns, and specialty shops, giving visitors the pleasure of stepping into the past without feeling like they have entered a museum.
Main Street is the natural starting point. Park once, then let the town unfold on foot. The sidewalks invite slow browsing, with antique stores, gift shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, home goods, and wine tasting rooms tucked into historic storefronts. It is the kind of downtown where shopping feels less like an errand and more like part of the experience. You might begin with coffee, wander into a gallery, leave with a vintage find, stop for lunch, and then spend the afternoon tasting wines made only a few miles away.
That connection between town and vineyard is one of Amador County’s greatest strengths. Sutter Creek makes an ideal home base for exploring
the Sierra Foothill wine region, especially the wineries of the Shenandoah Valley near Plymouth. Amador County wine country is approachable in a way that feels refreshingly personal. Many tasting rooms are family-owned, the drives between them are scenic, and the atmosphere is more relaxed than what visitors often find in larger wine regions. Zinfandel has long been one of the area’s calling cards, but the county is also known for Barbera, Sangiovese, Syrah, Grenache, Tempranillo, and other warm-climate varietals that thrive in the foothills.
A day in Shenandoah Valley can be as structured or spontaneous as you want it to be. Some travelers prefer to map out tasting reservations in advance, while others simply follow the roads between vineyards, stopping where the view, the sign, or the architecture catches their eye. Either way, the pleasure is in the combination: rolling hills, old vines, oak trees, tasting patios, and conversations with people who often have a direct connection to the wines in the glass.
Between tastings, Amador County offers plenty of ways to add history and adventure to the trip. In Sutter Creek, Knight Foundry is one of the area’s most remarkable historic sites. Recognized as America’s last water-powered foundry and machine shop, it offers a rare look at the industrial side of Gold Rush history. The machinery, tools, belts, wheels, and preserved workspaces tell a story that feels different from the usual gold-panning narrative. This was the infrastructure behind the boom—the place where equipment was made, repaired, and kept running.
A short drive away in Jackson, Kennedy Gold Mine gives visitors another powerful look into the region’s mining past. Once one of the most significant gold mines in the area, the site now offers tours that help connect the beauty of Gold Country to the demanding work that shaped it. Standing near the old mine structures, it becomes easier to understand why these foothill towns grew the way they did and why so much of their identity remains tied to the people who came west in search of fortune.
For a completely different underground experience, Black Chasm Cavern near Volcano offers guided cave tours through a National Natural Landmark known for its rare formations. The cavern adds a sense of discovery to the trip, especially for families
or travelers who want more than just wine tasting and downtown strolling. Volcano itself is worth extra time, with its quiet Gold Country character, small-town streets, and proximity to the higher-elevation landscapes along Highway 88.
Amador County also has a softer side, especially at Amador Flower Farm in Plymouth. Set among the vineyards of Shenandoah Valley, the farm features landscaped demonstration gardens and rows of daylilies that bring color and calm to wine country. It is an easy stop between tasting rooms, especially for gardeners, families, or anyone who enjoys a slower afternoon outdoors.
The beauty of a Sutter Creek getaway is that it does not ask visitors to choose a single form of relaxation. It can be romantic, historic, winefocused, family-friendly, outdoorsy, or simply slow. Couples can spend the weekend tucked into a historic inn, tasting wine and enjoying long dinners. Friends can make it a shoppingand-wine trip. Families can pair downtown exploring with caves, mines, gardens, and nearby recreation. Solo travelers can find plenty of quiet corners for reading, browsing, walking, and recharging.
Surrounding towns add even more texture. Jackson offers a larger downtown, more dining options, and deeper mining history. Amador City offers a tiny, charming stop between Sutter Creek and Plymouth. Plymouth serves as the gateway to much of the wine country. Volcano adds old-world Gold Rush atmosphere and access to nearby natural attractions. Together, they make Amador County feel like a collection of connected discoveries rather than a single destination.
For those accustomed to heading to the coast or the mountains when it is time to get away, Sutter Creek offers something wonderfully different. It is not about rushing from attraction to attraction or checking off a long list of mustdos. It is about walking a historic Main Street with no particular agenda, sipping wine where the foothills roll toward the horizon, stepping into the stories that built California, and remembering how good a weekend can feel when the pace finally slows.
In Sutter Creek and Amador County, the past is never far away, but neither is the pleasure of the present. The result is a getaway filled with character, charm, and just enough discovery to make you wonder why you did not visit sooner.
Vacation Starts at Home
There is something wonderfully freeing about the idea of a staycation. No flights to book, no bags to pack, no hotel checkin time to race toward, and no need to spend the first day of vacation recovering from the trip itself. Instead, the destination is already there, waiting just beyond the back door, inside the kitchen, across the patio, or in that one room you keep meaning to turn into something better.
The key to a great staycation is not pretending your home is a resort. It is making your home feel more like the place you would choose if you were getting away. That might mean a backyard that invites you outside at the end of the day, a bathroom that feels a
little more spa-like, a kitchen made for slow mornings, or a living room ready for movie nights, games, and long afternoons with the people you love. With the right projects, every day off can begin to feel a little less ordinary.
Outdoors is often the best place to start. A backyard does not need to be enormous to feel like an escape; it simply needs a purpose. A small seating area beneath a shade sail, pergola, or mature tree can become the place where morning coffee tastes better and evening conversations last longer. Add comfortable outdoor furniture, a side table, a few planters, and soft lighting, and suddenly the same patch of yard
you used to walk past becomes the best “room” in the house.
Shade is especially important during Northern California summers. Covered patios, umbrellas, trellises, awnings, and strategically planted trees can make the difference between a space you admire from indoors and one you actually use. Misters, outdoor fans, and light-colored hardscape materials can help make patios more comfortable during hotter months. Even a simple upgrade like replacing sun-baked concrete with pavers, gravel, decomposed granite, or a cooler-toned outdoor rug can make the space feel more intentional.
Once the seating area is in place, lighting changes everything. String lights remain popular for a reason: they create instant atmosphere without feeling formal. Path lights, lanterns, solar accents, and low-voltage landscape lighting can guide guests through a yard and make even a modest garden feel magical after sunset. A well-lit backyard does not just look better; it extends the day. It invites dinner outside, a late-night glass of wine, or a few quiet minutes beneath the stars.
A fire feature can add another layer of vacation energy. Whether it is a built-in fire pit, a portable propane bowl, or a simple gathering area with Adirondack chairs, fire naturally becomes a destination. It gives people somewhere to sit, something to gather around, and a reason to stay outside longer. In the cooler months, it can turn the backyard into a year-round retreat. In the summer, it becomes the place where s’mores, stories, and unplanned evenings happen.
For those who love to entertain, an outdoor dining area may be the single most valuable staycation upgrade. It does not have to be a full outdoor kitchen, though built-in grills, prep counters, sinks, refrigerators, and pizza ovens can certainly transform a patio into a serious gathering space. Even a simple grill station with storage, a sturdy table, comfortable chairs, and nearby lighting can make dinner feel like an event. The goal is to remove friction. If the space is easy to use, you will use it more often.
Water is another powerful way to make a home feel like a getaway. A pool may be the dream for some homeowners, but smaller projects can have a big impact too. A hot tub, stock tank pool, plunge pool, water feature, fountain, or even a shaded soaking area can introduce that resort-like feeling of relaxation. The sound of water softens a space. It makes the yard feel cooler, calmer, and more private. Add surrounding plants, towels in a storage bench, and a place to set a drink, and suddenly a regular afternoon feels like a mini retreat.
Landscaping may be the quiet hero of the staycation home. Plants create privacy, softness, color, scent, and atmosphere. A row of tall shrubs or bamboo can screen a fence. Citrus, lavender, rosemary, jasmine, and roses can make a yard feel alive and fragrant. Native plants can reduce maintenance while supporting pollinators. Raised garden beds can turn unused space into something productive and beautiful. The best landscapes do more than look nice; they make you want to slow down and spend time in them.
Inside the home, the kitchen is often the heart of the staycation. Vacations are built around food, and a few thoughtful upgrades can make cooking and gathering feel more enjoyable. A coffee bar is one of the simplest projects with the biggest daily payoff. Set aside a dedicated space for mugs, beans, syrups, tea, an espresso machine, or a French press, and mornings instantly feel more intentional. For those who enjoy entertaining, a wine fridge, beverage station, or organized bar cabinet can bring the feeling of a boutique hotel lounge into everyday life.
The dining area deserves attention too. Fresh lighting, a larger table, new chairs, linen napkins, open shelving, or a statement centerpiece can turn meals at home into something worth lingering over. The best staycation spaces encourage rituals: Sunday brunch, Friday pizza night, backyard dinners, or slow breakfasts without phones. A home begins to feel like a destination when it gives you reasons to gather.
The bathroom may be the easiest place to create a spa-like escape. Start with the senses. Better lighting, plush towels, a teak stool, eucalyptus in the shower, candles, bath salts, and upgraded storage can make the room feel calmer almost immediately. Larger projects like a walk-in shower, soaking tub, heated floors, new tile, or improved ventilation can completely change the experience. Even a modest bathroom can feel luxurious when it is clean, uncluttered, and designed around relaxation.
Bedrooms matter just as much. Vacations feel restful partly because hotel rooms are designed around sleep. At home, small changes can make a bedroom feel more restorative: better bedding, blackout curtains, layered lighting, uncluttered nightstands, a reading chair, and a calmer color palette. Treat the bedroom less like a storage area and more like a retreat. Remove what does not belong, invest in comfort, and create a room that helps the day end well.
A staycation home also needs places for fun. A bonus room, garage, den, or underused bedroom can become a game room, movie lounge, music space, craft room, yoga studio, home gym, or reading retreat. The best version depends on how you actually relax. Some people want a big screen, a deep sofa, and a popcorn machine. Others want shelves of books, soft light, and quiet. Families might want board games, puzzles, art supplies, and room for kids to spread out. The point is not to copy someone else’s idea of leisure; it is to make space for your own.
Even practical projects can make home feel more vacationready. Decluttering the entryway, improving garage storage,
adding built-ins, organizing closets, and creating a better laundry system may not sound glamorous, but they reduce the background stress that keeps the home from feeling restful. A well-functioning house gives you more room to enjoy it. Vacation is partly the absence of nagging tasks. The more your home supports your routines, the easier it becomes to relax there.
Technology can help when used thoughtfully. Outdoor speakers, smart lighting, automated shades, security cameras, irrigation systems, and programmable thermostats can make a home more comfortable and convenient. The goal should be to make the house easier to enjoy, not more complicated. A playlist on the patio, lights that dim at sunset, or sprinklers that keep the garden thriving can all contribute to that sense of ease.
Of course, some projects require professionals. Electrical work, plumbing, structural changes, gas lines, major hardscape, pools, and large remodels should be handled safely and properly. But a home does not need a full renovation to become a better place to spend time. Sometimes the smallest projects make the biggest difference because they change how you live day to day.
The perfect staycation home is not about perfection at all. It is about invitation: a chair that invites you to read, a patio that invites you to linger, a kitchen that invites you to cook, a yard that invites friends over, or a bedroom that invites rest. A home becomes a getaway when it offers the same things we seek when we leave town: comfort, beauty, ease, connection, and a break from the usual pace.
The best part is that these upgrades do not disappear when vacation ends. They become part of everyday life. The backyard dinner, the quiet bath, the morning coffee, the game night, the garden walk, the evening under string lights—these are small escapes we can return to again and again. With a little imagination and the right projects, home can become more than the place you come back to after vacation. It can become the place where vacation begins.
The myth of the annual physical
Most of us grew up believing the annual physical was the cornerstone of taking care of ourselves. You show up, get weighed, have your blood pressure checked, give a blood sample, and walk out reassured that everything is fine. For decades, that ritual has been the basis of preventive care.
Unfortunately, the science and data tell a different story: For the things most likely to shorten your life, the routine annual checkup is not enough.
The conditions that drive heart attacks, strokes, dementia, and metabolic disease can begin a decade or more before they show up on a basic blood panel. By the time someone notices, you may be starting an uphill battle against a new diagnosis that has been years in the making, and in some cases, it is too late. A routine cholesterol number can look reassuring while the actual particles that damage blood vessels go unmeasured. Fasting glucose can remain normal for years while insulin climbs in the background. Thyroid screening with a single TSH can miss patterns that explain why a patient feels exhausted and foggy. Hormone levels in both men and women are almost never checked at all unless someone insists.
A more effective preventive workup looks different these days. It asks not only “Do you have disease?”, but “Where are you on the road to future disease?” That means looking at fasting insulin alongside glucose,
hemoglobin A1c in context, an advanced lipid panel that counts particles rather than just measuring cholesterol, inflammatory markers like hs-CRP, a full thyroid panel rather than a single number, vitamin D, B12, ferritin, and, when the history calls for it, a thoughtful look at sex hormones and adrenal patterns.
The road to more effective prevention takes time: time to take a thorough history; time for a careful physical exam—either instead of or in addition to ordering a CT or MRI; and time to actually talk about sleep, stress, alcohol, movement, and the habits and genetics that drive chronic disease.
None of this requires exotic technology or superhuman clinical acumen. It requires a clinician willing to look earlier, ask better questions, and treat prevention as more than just an insurance-mandated checklist. The patients who do best are the ones whose issues are identified in the decade before they become a diagnosis, when a best-case intervention may simply be a matter of awareness, habits, and small course corrections.
The annual checkup is not wrong: It is simply not enough. Real preventive medicine means asking more questions, being more curious, and intervening meaningfully in the years before something goes wrong, rather than scrambling in the moment it finally does.
Off the Eaten Path
Some restaurants don’t just feed you—they give you a reason to take the long way. We ventured beyond our usual coverage area to find the roadside cafés, hidden patios, waterfront stops, and mountain-town kitchens that turn a simple meal into a miniature adventure. These are places where the drive is part of the story, the scenery sets the table, and the first bite makes the extra miles worthwhile. From Oregon House to Forest Ranch, Colusa and Corning to Yankee Hill, each stop offers a reminder: sometimes the best local flavor is found just outside the lines.
Clover Cafe
13623 Rices Crossing Rd
Oregon House, CA
Knowing I’d soon be transported away from city vibes was all the promise I needed to start my foodie adventure. A few minutes down Foothill Boulevard in Oroville, I found I could have been on any rural backroads in the state. An olive grove, some palm trees, a horse stable, and the historic Wyandotte Cemetery gave the scenery an interesting mix. The following 10 miles on Oro Bangor Highway, as it leads to Loma Rica Road, were subtle enough for the patient minivan, with plenty of thrilling opportunities for motorcycle or manual-transmission enthusiasts.
Halfway through the drive, as I passed Hickman Family Winery, I found myself grateful for the reaching branches of the blue oaks lining the road and the relief they provided from my quickly developing driver’s tan. Shadows cast by the native oaks kept the weather cool, and the foothill pines brought a clean wilderness scent through the cracked windows. I tapped my foot to ZZ Top, impressed by the nimble handling of the maroon Chrysler Pacifica that unknowingly guided me on my trip as we passed through the quaint town of Bangor and over the Yuba County line, where the highway ended.
A turn up Marysville Road and the subsequent sign for Collins Lake assured me I was almost there. Following Highway 20 East over the lake’s outlet, I arrived at the Clover Cafe, a welldisguised hidden gem.
Immediately through the doors, Jordan met me at the cafe counter, where service begins. I ordered an Arnold Palmer and their chicken sandwich, and took a seat on the covered patio overlooking a second patio and garden. The tender breadedand-baked chicken was perfection, sitting above ribbons of romaine and topped with pickles, purple onion, tomato, and a Dijon mayo.
To say it left an impression was an understatement. I returned that weekend for a date with my wife, where we enjoyed a feast against the backdrop of a live jazz trio. Baked brie with a fig jam, lamb chops with chimichurri and squash, and blackened salmon with a fresh citrus salsa brought vibrancy to a room that already pops with funky colors, indoor plants, and local art.
Toni’s Burgers and More 11975 CA-70, Oroville, CA
The drive up to Toni’s is serene, full of tall grass and olive groves, as you approach the only stoplight between you and adventure. As you press forward, lush greenery guides you through a slight change in elevation. The temperature drops momentarily as you pass over Lime Saddle Marina, offering a daydream of what next weekend could bring. You hardly notice as two lanes in each direction turn to one, and the lack of winding turns gives you plenty of time to observe the hills on one side and the valley on the other. Five minutes past the U-pick cherry farm at Stagecoach Lane Ranch rests the former Rock House Cafe, before a couple more curves place you at Toni’s Burgers and More.
Bring a conversation and an exploring spirit. For indoor or outdoor dining, Toni’s serves up full flavors and flat-top cooked goodness at this iconic roadside dive.
Slough House Social 3249 Butte Slough Rd, Colusa, CA
As I escape Chico towards Yuba City, the southbound wind propels me through an array of almond orchards and rice fields on my right, while the rock wall of the Thermalito Afterbay protects me to my left. At Highway 162 West, I make a straight shot towards the Sacramento River, where the fields follow my movement. Then, one orchard after another salutes me in uniform rows—a testament to Butte County's agribusiness.
A quick jaunt past the former Butte City Club, an S-curve leads me over a narrow green bridge and through the quaint town of Princeton, home of the best-decorated Halloween house. After another stretch of farmland, I enter Colusa, driving briefly through the downtown along its edge, and then just off the beaten path where I found Slough House Social.
This casually upscale restaurant serves elevated pub fare along the waterfront. Bring your shorts and an appetite.
TONI'S BURGERS AND MORE SLOUGH
Bambi Inn
7436 Humboldt Rd, Forest Ranch, CA
Moments after passing through the light at Bruce Road, Chico faded into the background. I darted between a low canyon of rocks before wrestling with the wind on a concrete plateau between two valleys of dry brush and oak trees. As I entered Forest Ranch, the scenery comes to life. Mature pine trees, which know the area's history well, stand proud over the freshly paved asphalt.
I veered towards Butte Meadows for five miles, past the CAL FIRE Station, where Smokey Bear reported the current fire danger. Then, a huge banner in the distance welcomed me to the Bambi Inn.
Home of the locally famous Chili CookOff, the place is entwined with local history and lore. Enjoy the smokestack scents as your meal is prepared while resting in the shade on their flower garden patio.
Chata's Brunchies
710 4th St, Corning, CA
Just off I-5 in Corning, Chata’s Brunchies feels like the kind of place you hope to find when hunger and curiosity meet at the same exit. This small café has built a following around hearty breakfast and lunch favorites with a playful, homemade edge. Think chilaquiles, breakfast burritos, loaded pancakes, chicken sandwiches, burgers, salads, and the kind of churros that make “just one” feel unrealistic. The room carries an easy diner warmth—friendly, unfussy, and clearly cared for—making it a worthy stop whether you’re passing through town, heading toward Rolling Hills Casino, or taking the scenic route north.
There’s comfort to places like this, where the menu feels familiar but still manages to surprise you with personality. Add in generous portions, bright flavors, and the kind of service that makes a quick stop feel more like a local recommendation, and Chata’s earns its place on any road-trip food list. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new Corning ritual.
BAMBI INN
CHATA'S BRUNCHIES
vacation-proof your garden
Two years ago, I did what most gardeners would consider completely unreasonable. After weeks of planning, planting, and hauling compost, I put in roughly 2,500 square feet of garden. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, you name it. Eleven days later, I loaded up the family and left for a nine-day vacation.
If you're a gardener, you're probably cringing already.
Newly planted gardens are vulnerable. They haven't had time to establish deep root systems, summer temperatures are often climbing, and a few missed days of watering can turn healthy plants into a wilted mess. Leaving for over a week felt like tempting fate.
The entire vacation, I wondered what I would come home to. Would I spend the first day back pulling dead plants and starting over?
Instead, I pulled into the driveway and found a garden that looked better than when I left.
The secret wasn't a neighbor willing to water every day or a complicated irrigation system installed by a professional. It was a simple battery-operated timer attached to a hose spigot. I've used an Orbit programmable digital hose timer for years with excellent results, and it has proven to be one of the most reliable tools in my garden.
That timer became the brain of the entire system.
Water flows from the spigot through a 5/8-inch mainline that runs throughout the garden. From there, quarter-inch tubing branches off into raised beds and planting rows. Depending on the crop, water can be delivered through drip lines or directly to emitters placed at the base of individual plants.
For larger gardens, it's important to understand that there are limits to how much water a single timer and irrigation zone can deliver. In my own garden, I use hose splitters with multiple timers and separate irrigation zones to accommodate the space's
size. I also group plants with similar water needs together so they can be watered more efficiently. That level of planning isn't necessary for most beginning gardeners, though. If your goal is simply to keep your garden alive while you're away, don't get overwhelmed by perfect irrigation design; adjustments can always be made down the road.
One of the things I appreciate most about these systems is how simple they are to assemble. Compression fittings require no glue or special tools; pieces simply push together by hand. If you're installing the system on a cool morning and the tubing feels stiff, dipping the end of the tubing into warm water for a few seconds can make the fittings slide on much more easily.
One common but easily avoidable mistake when purchasing irrigation supplies is mixing tubing and fittings of different sizes. Most home gardeners will encounter either 1/2-inch or 5/8inch mainline tubing. The fittings are typically color-coded, but it's important to choose a size and stick with it throughout your system to ensure proper connections and avoid ill-fitting connections. I always choose the larger 5/8inch size for higher water volume delivery.
The beauty of drip irrigation is that it delivers water exactly where plants need it, at the roots. Instead of spraying water across pathways or onto foliage—which is often undesirable—it slowly soaks the soil where it can be used most effectively. The result is less wasted water, healthier plants, and less time spent dragging hoses around the garden.
For gardeners who travel, the biggest benefit is peace of mind. A basic timer allows you to schedule watering days, times, and durations. Once it's set up, the system does the work whether you're at home, running errands, or sitting on a beach hundreds of miles away.
Vacations should be spent relaxing, not worrying about what you're coming home to. A simple irrigation system won't guarantee a perfect garden, but it can make the difference between returning to thriving plants and returning to a disaster.
For me, it transformed gardening from something that tied me to home into something that gave me the freedom to leave it for a while and come back to a garden that was still growing right along with me.
bring us home
Butte County has an inordinately high number of animals in need of adoption due to a number of factors including wildfires, floods, and irresponsible breeding. Please consider adoption as an option for increasing the love in your own household. These cuties can be adopted by calling the Chico Animal Shelter at (530) 894-5630. You can also visit their website at www.chicoanimalshelter.org 3-year-old
Anthony Dalton PGY-1, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Caroline Makary PGY-1, Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine
Ifrah Zaki PGY-1, Deccan College of Medical Sciences
Jorge Ordaz Jr. PGY-1, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara Facultad de Medicina Guadalajara
Ramsharan Padhy PGY-1, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Phillip Anderson PGY-1, International American University College of Medicine
Prabhjyot Singh PGY-1, Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine
Sean Blanche PGY-1, Ross University School of Medicine
Yesong Ahn PGY-1, Trinity School of Medicine
