As most Northern Californians know, many people seem to think that California ends at San Francisco. But, in reality, there are nearly 400 miles of gorgeous coastal views and quaint little towns that stand between San Francisco and our northern border.
When I met my husband in 1998, we quickly discovered that we both love to travel. However, since we were in college at the time, we didn’t have a lot of money to travel to exotic places far away. This left us seeking affordable adventures in the local area. Unfortunately, we found there was little information out there on things to do and places to stay in Northern California. The information we did find was scattered at best. After years of frustration, my husband and I decided we would set up this website to help others explore the wonderful opportunities that exist in this beautiful area.
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Romantic Ideas – Top 4 Wish List
Over the years, my husband and I have had many opportunities to travel; from short weekend trips to Tahoe or San Francisco, to week-long trips to Hawaii and Las Vegas. However, here in Northern California, there is a wealth of fun and romantic trips / activities right in our own backyard. I’ve put together my own personal Top 4 Wish List of trips I’d like to make at sometime in the near future. Big hint to the hubby! 
- Skunk Train
I love the mountains and being surrounded by trees. It’s always so peaceful. The redwood trees of Northern California are some of the most majestic I’ve seen. Several friends and family have recommended this trip and I’d love to go. The Skunk Train offers several options, one-way and round trips to and from Fort Bragg and Willits, as well as a mid-point stop at Northspur with a return to Fort Bragg or Willits.
If you are interested, The Skunk Train is offering a $50 gas voucher if you stay two (2) nights at the Weller House Inn. This makes the trip even more enticing. Not only do you get to enjoy the scenic views of the redwoods and stay at a lovely B&B, they’ll even help pay for your gas to get there! The Weller House is a Victorian Bed & Breakfast in Fort Bragg. You can even see the Skunk Train Depot from their fourth floor ballroom!
http://www.skunktrain.com/ - Shasta Caverns
I know this is one thing Devin would prefer to avoid. He’s never been big on confined places. However, I’ve included it in this list because it is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid. The perfect weekend would include a camping trip to one of the many campgrounds around Shasta Lake, a trip to the Shasta Caverns, a nice dinner in either Mt. Shasta City or Redding, roasting marshmallows for S’mores and just getting some quite alone time with the hubby. - Sacramento River Dinner Cruise
One of my favorite things to do in Hawaii are the dinner cruises. They offer great views, great food, and a relaxing environment. So, why not have that same experience right here? We live close enough to Sacramento that this could easily be a one night event. The Hornblower offers a Dinner Dance Cruise that seems perfect for a unique date night.
http://www.hornblower.com/port.asp?port=os - Hot Air Balloon Ride over Sonoma Valley
Ok, so I’m going to have to apologize to Devin for this one too. Heights aren’t really his thing either. Although, I think he’d be willing to try this one out. A weekend trip into wine country with the highlight being a Hot Air Balloon Ride!I really couldn’t say it better than this quote from Up & Away.
“Depending on the altitude, you may see the Pacific Ocean, look into the Napa Valley or on a clear day, the buildings in San Francisco 60 miles away! At lower altitudes we will fly just above the grapevines and see rabbits, deer and other wildlife. We may even dip into a lake or pond for a “Splash and Dash”. When the pilot is not adding heat to the balloon, you will hear peace and quiet. You will also feel the unique experience of looking out all four “windows”. No other form of flight offers such oneness with nature.”
http://www.up-away.com/
So, there are obviously a ton of other things to do in Northern California, but I didn’t want to get into too many of them here. What are some of your Wish List of romantic getaways here in Northern California?
A Little About Us
So I thought I’d start this off by telling you a little about Devin and I.
- We are both Northern California natives
- We started dating in October of 1998
- Devin graduated from California State University, Chico in 2003 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with options in Management Information Systems and Production Operations Management
- I did the same in 2005
- We were married on March 25, 2006 in Chico, CA
- We had our first child, Connor, on February 25, 2008
- We are currently expecting our second child, a little girl, on January 25, 2010
- We are both computer geeks
- We love to travel
- Our favorite travel spots are Hawaii and Las Vegas
Well, I think that’s all I’ll post for now. I hope to use this blog to not only give ideas on wonderfully romantic things to do in Northern California, but to also give you a peek at our lives and relationship.
Welcome to Northern California Romance!
It’s been a long time coming, but I am finally taking the time and initiative to get it up and running. I hope to make Nor-Cal Romance a premier Northern California visitor site. From bed and breakfast locations to the best places to kiss, if you are looking for romance, you’ll find it here.
I’ll be adding new content on a daily to weekly basis, so keep checking back as this site is going to be a continual work in progress!