Hit the Road for Fall Color by Barbara L. Steinberg
Summer would seem the logical season for the 3-Rs: rest, renew, and reflect. Sometimes we are so busy trying to make the most of those long, warm days that we really forget to decelerate. As we move from summer to the harvest season of autumn, the days are cooler, shorter, and begin that slow whorl towards hibernation. As internal clocks start winding down it’s the perfect opportunity for a fall color retreat.
The shoulder-seasons getaways are often less expensive. post-Labor Day, with fewer travelers on the road there’s less stress. Autumn provides the added bonus of fall color. Yes, California really does have a fall foliage season! Even in the city, fall colors eventually find us later in the season. However, there are lots of opportunities for leaf peeping near Sacramento. So, let’s go north to Lake County and enjoy a restful and colorful ride.
Lake County! Yes, that place so many of you have driven through on your way to the North Coast. Let the drive be the start of your adventure by avoiding many miles of Interstate 5. Country roads provide their own autumn finery. Meander up Highway 16 to Esparto, through the Capay Valley and Cache Creek Canyon -- stunning this time of year. Turn left on Highway 20 and follow the winding road to Lake County.
What to do? What to do?
If fall color is in the Lake County air, you won’t miss out. Black, golden and red oaks, dogwoods, cottonwoods, and red maples deliver a colorful display through mid-November. The inside scoop from locals in the know, is that a drive up through Cobb Mountain packs a wallop during leaf-peeper season. The vineyards and orchards also put on a beautiful show this time of year. The Big Valley of Kelseyville is another locals’ recommendation. Of course, fall colors are weather dependent, so don’t be disappointed if the fall foliage deities don't provide. Lake County has plenty of attractions to fill your days.
Rodman Slough Preserve offers surreal kayak or boating adventures through sensitive wetland areas and oak woodlands. Preserved by the Lake County Land Trust, the preserve is home to a variety of wildlife including nesting sites for Great Blue Heron, Great Egrets and Double-crested Cormorants. Docent-led hikes are conducted every Saturday at the Nature Education Center. Guided kayak tours from Kayak Adventures, located in Lucerne, include all the equipment and terrific interpretive talks on the history and nature of the Preserve.
Pillow Talk (i.e. Where to Stay)
Depending on your Yelp- and budget-mentality, Lake County is an ideal 3-R solution. Camping isn’t for everyone, but Clear Lake State Park might convert you. RV or tent camping; great for groups; and includes ADA accessible facilities including the Kelsey Creek Trail’s 1,500-foot boardwalk. The largest freshwater lake in California, Clear Lake fosters stress-reducing recreational opportunities. Hiking, boating, fishing, bird-watching, or just hanging in the shade. We suggest you disconnect, but if you feel withdrawal pangs, there is Wi-Fi access.
They call it Upper Lake because it is! At the upper end of Clear Lake. Considering its rural location, the tiny hamlet of Upper Lake has a bustling Main Street. The beautifully restored and fabulously LEED green Tallman Hotel is the posh end of Lake County. Lodging includes a fabulous expanded continental breakfast with all the healthy choices including fresh fruits and homemade granola, jams, and scones. You’ll find lots to do in this tiny hamlet. You can park and unwind. Main Street has wine tasting and interesting local shops including Gracious Ladies – all handmade my Lake County craftspeople.
Energy-efficient cars will love the Tallman’s free electric car charging station. Electric cars released in 2010 or later can plug directly into the charging station, while older cars will need an adapter. BTW – the Tallman’s heating systems are delivered from geothermal sources. If you want to learn more about this natural process, visit The Geysers in Middletown, the largest geothermal power plants in the world.
Add a 4th R: Repast…that would be food!
Lake County has a thriving agritourism industry! Local farms and seasonal farm stands and farmers markets provide fresh fruits and vegetables, farm eggs, goat cheese, and, of course, wine! So apply the now 4th R and eat fresh fruits and veggies! The vineyards are especially pretty during the fall color change.
Not enough time in the day or on the page to talk about places to eat. Local options that also focus on fresh are available throughout the county. Family-owned and operated, comfort foods, beautiful views, color-draped landscapes, and fresh air all score high on the Yelp scale; the perfect sidebar to further your Lake County 4-R experience. Here are a few favorites:
Angelina’s Bakery & Espresso
Biggs’s 155 Diner
Blue Wing Saloon Restaurant
Park Place
Saw Shop Gallery Bistro
Studebakers Café & Deli
For more information on Lake County, visit: www.LakeCounty.com
Enjoy more beautiful images of Lake County at www.3dviewmax.com
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