My Blog

Apple Pickings

If you've headed to the world-famous Apple Hill near Camino, California then you know that during prime apple-picking season, it can be as popular as Disneyland with traffic backed for miles up into Placerville. So you either have to go very early or late in the season mostly to avoid the traffic congestion. If you would rather pick your own fruit outside of Apple Hill, then use this handy directory to find places throughout California to pick your own fruits and vegetables and avoid the crowds. You can create your produce tour up and down the great farm state. Look for a location near a great destination and make it a weekend soiree.

Historic Columbia River Highway

Known as the "King of Roads," a fun weekend getaway would be to take a fall drive to the Historical Columbia River Highway in Oregon. The longest and most scenic drive if you start in the state of California would be take Highway 101 to Highway 1 and drive along the coast until you cross the Oregon Border and then map you trek inland to the Columbia River. What makes this drive particularly special are the overlooks and views of the Columbia river and waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls. In the fall you will enjoy the fall colors mixed in with the evergreens and catch plenty of shades of orange and yellow. You can make this a driving trip or plan to hike or bike on any of the numerous trails, but be aware that later into the fall it will get damper and colder so plan accordingly. The full route is approximately 75 miles between Troutdale and The Dallas, which was built through the Columbia River Gorge between 1913 and 1922. You might pick your lodging based on either the beginning of the end of the drive.

Bodie -- California's Authentic Ghost Town

Up for some real ghost-town experience? Travel to the Mother Lode in California and find a real abandoned ghost town named Bodie, which had the reputation of being the most furious, vehement, violent and lawless town in the hills. Bodie once had a burgeoning population of 10,000 people and made some $75 million in gold taken from Bodie Butte, which at the time was a huge sum of money. Some suggest there is still much more gold to be mined under Bodie Butt, but the mine shafts and tunnels are caving in. Now the site is considered a State Historic Landmark. The best time to visit is in the fall, and with Halloween right around the corner, a trip seems apropos. 

Ocotillo Desert, Southern California

 

Rain has already set in early in California. Some people will seek drier climates and the Ocotillo Desert in Southern California is a great escape from the cold climate. The Anza-Borrega Desert State Park also houses the famous Joshua Tree that has been made famous in pop culture by the likes of the band U2, which named one of its albums after it. The tree is supposed to be sacred and is now protected. The desert is sparse and spread out, and as you would expect in a desert, very dry with little plant life. Great desert escapes involve off-road recreational fun that includes motorcycle and ATV fun. The Ocotillo Desert area doesn't offer much in the way of lodging so you might want to consider designing a great RV trip to one of the campgrounds. If you decide to hike throughout the area, make sure you bring a proper map or GPS and lots of water. The climate is cooler in the fall and winter and offers the best time to explore the region without baking in the sun. 

 

Cayucos, California Beach Town

Located in San Luis County, Cayucos is a classic beach town that hosts antique shops, restaurants, taverns and numerous boutiques primarily located on old California Main Street. In late fall and early winter, the weather along the coast moderates between rainy, long days and tepid, sunny temperatures. You will not find the common coastal fog that sets in during the summer. Cayucos is home to a sparse white-sand beach where you will find an old-fashioned pier built in 1875. Enjoy the pier and fish or beach comb and explore the tide pools. While the beach offers terrific swimming and sunning opportunities, the winter you will want to focus more on fishing and exploring. You will find numerous hotels to enjoy all the way from four-star bed and breakfasts to independent inns and lodges. Hoppe's Garden Bistro and Wine Shop is one of the more famous cafes in the area to enjoy some succulent seafood and California cuisine. 

Hunt Your Own Turkey

Want to find the freshest turkey around? Well, you can get it any fresher than if you hunt your own wild turkey. Yes, you can actually hunt your own turkey for the holidays. You can actually make an escape out of it and fly to the great state of Texas and visit Whitney's Anything Outdoors Inc. where you can make your turkey hunt but one of many other hunting or recreational activities including golf and fishing. You can rent a cabin on the property and plan to spend $300 for a day to hunt wild turkey, They offer over 3,000 acres for you to explore and hunt your gobbler. It's definitely a unique way to hunt your quarry for your next feast. You will not want to take younger children hunting, but you can hunt with your teenagers or grown children. You'll definitely have stories to tell your family while they enjoy your "catch". 
 

Always Dreamed of Visiting Fiji?

The time is ripe to book a trip to Fiji, the romantic and tropical escape. Pleasant Holidays is offering numerous deals from $1099 to $1855 for various package prices. These deals won't last long, so contact Elisa Taylor at etaylor@worldlesstraveled.com to discuss your package options. As the weather cools down, you will want to go somewhere warmer -- and Fiji is your answer. Check out the World Less Traveled website for more information.