Escape to California's secret mountain towns--Part one

May 29, 3:04 PMNorthern California Getaways ExaminerMichele Bigley

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Northern California Getaways Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

It's not a secret that Northern California boasts some of the finest landscapes on this planet. Locals smile from ear to ear just thinking of Big Sur's jagged peaks, Yosemite's grandeur, and the north coast redwoods. However, even locals aren't privvy to some of Northern California's gem towns, hidden in mountains, nestled between city and sea, and brimming with warmth all summer long. This summer I'll be profiling some of my favorite small towns, starting with Felton.

Just up Hwy 9 from Santa Cruz, tucked in a sea of redwood trees in Big Basin, is Felton. Populated by back-to-the-earth crunchy families with kids named Phoenix and Starlight, it is easy to chalk this town off to hippie tree huggers. But skipping this hamlet means you'd miss out on the sheer beauty, insanely good chai tea, and a drag queen dinner show.

If you're lucky, you can reserve one of Big Basin's tent cabins or campsites well in advance so as to wake up beneath a tower of redwood trees. This is one of the closest redwood groves to San Francisco, boasting waterfalls, sky to sea trails and plenty of picnic areas to relax in the shade.

Post hike, head over to the Bigfoot Discovery Museum (831-335-4478) to check out all things related to the big old dude supposedly living in many forests. Or trek to Roaring Camp Railroad (831-335-4484) and relax your legs on a train ride through the redwoods, down to the beach boardwalk and back.

Afterwards head over to the White Raven cafe for one of the tastiest chai teas this side of the Pacific Ocean. Stroll through the little town and then head to the Tyrolean Inn, a German beer garden with a bounce house for kids to play in while mom and dad sip steins. 

If you are in the mood for an experience (and are hungry), head over to the family-friendly Ciao Bella: a funky (but really good) Italian restaurant where the owner performs a full on drag show, complete with show tunes and kitsch.

You might scratch your head at how quirky this tinny redwood town is compared to the upscale towns just on the other side of the hill, but you'll surely be entertained, well-fed and happy as you travel back home, wondering how Felton has stayed a secret all these years.