Great Day or Weekend Getaways

MacCallum House in the Evening, Photo: John Birchard

With a cooler wind in the air and the last of the long summer days threatening to leave us for the fall, there is no better time to get out there for a weekend get-a-way. And with soaring airline prices, these “mini” vacations will be a lot more comfortable for your wallet, too. Here are a few of our choices for weekend get-a-ways around the Bay area.

Drive up California’s Route 1 and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the rugged coastline and quaint sea-side villages. Autumn is the quietest time of year to take this drive. You’ll want to give extra time for sightseeing and stops along the way. Just 2 hours north of San Francisco is Mendocino County which is home to 53 wineries. www.byways.org/explore

Visit San Francisco’s Chinatown. Step into another world where Pagoda-shaped roofs and painted dragons greet you, and where the best authentic Chinese food is literally right around the corner. Immerse yourself into the festive livelihood of this neighborhood and stay at San Francisco’s only Mobil Five-Star hotel—the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. www.mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco

Lake Tahoe and the Sierras has a lot to offer this time of year, and the best time to beat the crowds. South shore Lake Tahoe offers more beaches and restaurants, but more crowded. If you are looking for a little more action, check out the casinos or the old logging town of Truckee, if you are in the mood for something charming and low-key. Check out Lake Tahoe’s official website, www.visitinglaketahoe.com for maps, lodging, specials and trip ideas.

Mendocino – stay at the MacCallum House Inn & Restaurant located in the historic Mendocino village. The house was originally built in 1882 by the town’s founder, William Kelley as a wedding gift to his daughter. Now it’s a beautiful bed and breakfast with views of the ocean from many rooms, a wine & cheese tasting in the afternoon (with their homemade breads) and one of the best breakfasts in Northern California. Visit www.maccallumhouse.com for more information and look online for their special “$200 slow down refund” on your stay.

Sebastopol in Sonoma County is a town known for its Gravenstein apples, although most of the apple orchards have now been replaced by vineyards (producing excellent Pinot Noir)! Eat at Hopmonk Tavern where you can enjoy Hopmonk’s own specialty brewed beers or try another beer from their extensive selection. They also have a great wine list featuring many local producers. www.hopmonk.com. While in Sebastopol, don’t miss Screamin’ Mimi’s which makes their own ice creams and sorbets. If you’re lucky, they may have some of their special Gravenstein Apple Sorbet the day you visit. If you want to get a feel for what Sebastopol built its reputation on, make sure to make an appointment to pick apples at Gabriel Farm on Sullivan Road.

Monterey is a scenic and romantic choice for a weekend getaway. The town of Monterey boasts the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row—full of dining options and shopping along the wharf. Not too far from Monterey is the charming town of Carmel is home to Clint Eastwood and countless artists and photographers and writers. There are many boutiques and galleries for the art lovers, and fine dinging for the food lovers. www.montereybay.com

Written by Karen