Northern California Romance

Romantic Ideas – Top 4 Wish List

kcrosby — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:58:45 +0000

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?

No related posts.

A Little About Us

kcrosby — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:31:49 +0000

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.

No related posts.

Welcome to Northern California Romance!

kcrosby — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:10:51 +0000

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!

Woodson Bridge State Recreation

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:04:49 +0000

Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area is a beautiful oak woodland park nestled along the Sacramento River between Chico and Red Bluff. Mount Shasta, Mount Lassen, and the Trinity Alps loom in the distance.

A boat launch ramp located across the road in the county park makes for easy access to the river for those who enjoy water sports. A broad sand and gravel beach provides the opportunity to enjoy the sun and enjoy the Sacramento River.

Another special feature of Woodson Bridge is the preserve. This dense native riparian forest is a winter home to the Bald Eagle and a summer nest site for the Yellow Billed Cuckoo. This jungle like grove displays some of the last remaining riparian habitat to be found in California.

Over a hundred plant species have been identified throughout the park; the most prominent is the large valley oak. The California black walnut, Oregon ash, black cottonwood, sycamore, and willow are also plentiful. Beneath the oaks and cottonwoods along the river is a profusion of elderberry, wild grape, and wildflowers in season.

Location-Directions

The park is on South Avenue just three miles west of Highway 99 at Vina, or six miles east of interstate 5 at Corning.

Latitude/Longitude: 39.9175 / -122.0903

Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing

Spring and Fall are favored seasons at Woodson Bridge, but summer camping can also be delightful here. Summer daytime temperatures generally vary from 85 to just over 100 degrees, but cool nights are the rule.

Click here for more information

Woodland Opera House

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:04:18 +0000

Originally built in 1885 and rebuilt in 1896 after being destroyed by fire, the Woodland Opera House is still a stopping place for actors, musicians, and entertainers.

Over 300 touring companies had appeared on its stage by 1913, enriching the community with arts and entertainment, when, due to the growing popularity of motion pictures and an injury lawsuit, the Opera House was closed and boarded up. In 1971, the Yolo County Historical Society purchased the building.

The Woodland Opera House has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971. It became a California Registered Historical Landmark (#851) in 1973 and was declared a California State Historic Park in 1976. The Opera House was donated to the State of California in 1980. Major restoration work began in 1981.

Location-Directions

Located at the corner of Main and Second Street in historic downtown Woodland, the Opera House is two walking blocks from eight restaurants and has plenty of safe, off-street parking.

From Sacramento take I-5 North to the Main Street exit. Turn left and continue one mile to downtown Woodland.
From the Bay Area, Dixon-Vacaville area, take I-80 East to Highway 113 North (Woodland Exit). Continue 9 miles to the Main Street Exit. Turn left and continue one mile to the downtown area.

Click here for more information

Weaverville Joss House

William B. Ide Adobe

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:03:36 +0000

William B. Ide was named president of the short-lived California Bear Republic – which lasted for 22 days. The adobe memorial to him is located in a picnic area overlooking the Sacramento River. The park features the old adobe home, carriage shed, blacksmith shop and a small visitor center. Location-Directions

The park is south of Redding, two miles northeast of Red Bluff on Adobe Road.

Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing

Summer and spring are warm; fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is advised.

Click here for more information

Westport Union-Landing State Beach

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:03:05 +0000

Westport Union-Landing State Beach covers over 3 miles of rugged and scenic coastline, with 46 campsites on the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The magnificent vistas, sunsets and tree covered mountains in the background provide inspiring challenges to both amateur and professional photographers.

The park was named for two early day communities. Westport, a sawmill town, is still in existence and Union Landing now consists of only a few buildings. Both of these settlements were famous for supplying lumber and railroad ties, and Tan Oak bark to the schooners which anchored off shore. The schooners were loaded with forest products by means of intricate cable tramways and chutes from the bluffs.
Location/Directions

Located 19 miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1 and 2 miles north of Westport.

Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing

The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.

Click here for more information

Weaverville Joss House

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:02:32 +0000

The temple is the oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California. On display are art objects, pictures, mining tools, and weapons used in the 1854 Tong War. This Taoist temple is still a place of worship and a fascinating look into the role played by Chinese immigrants in early California history. The temple was built in 1874 as a replacement for another that had burned.

In an effort to preserve this important part of California’s Chinese tradition, the temple became a part of the California State Park System in 1956. Many of the historical objects have been restored and the structure itself stabilized. In addition to the temple equipment, park visitors will see Chinese art objects, pictures, mining tools, and wrought iron weapons used in the 1854 Tong War.

Location-Directions

The Temple is located in the heart of Weaverville, a small community near the Trinity Alps on Highway 299 about fifty miles west of Redding and about 105 miles east of Eureka. Weaver Creek runs nearby and locust trees complete the rural setting.

Weaverville Latitude/Longitude: 40.7311 / -122.9408

Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing

Climate in the Shasta-Cascade Region varies greatly with elevation. Higher elevations tend to have much cooler temperatures and higher precipitation. Summer weather is usually hot and dry with lower elevation temperatures ranging from 85° – 100°+F and lows from 60° – 70°. Fall days are usually mild and warm, with cool nights. Winter is when most of the precipitation falls, averaging over 55 inches per year, much of it in the form of snow in the high elevations. Highs range from 40° – 60° and lows from 30° – 40° in the lower elevations. Spring weather is variable with many pleasant days

Click here for more information

Woodland Opera House

Washoe Meadows State Park

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:02:03 +0000

Washoe Meadows State Park consists of meadows and woodlands in the valley at the base of the escarpment leading to Echo Summit. The park was named for the Native Americans who inhabited the area for thousands of years.

The park lands have not been developed.

Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing

Summer temperatures range from about 75 degrees during the day to the low 40s at night, and winter temperatures average from a high of 40 to a low of 20 degrees

Click here for more information

Ward Creek

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:01:31 +0000

The purpose of the Ward Creek property, in Placer County, is to preserve and protect an area of undeveloped upland forest and meadowland south of Ward Creek, located on the west side of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The property includes frontage on Ward Creek and provides regional open space which offers connections to other public forest and recreation lands.

Click here for more information