MT#5 - Hiking in Europe

Hear about travel to Croatia's Istrian Peninsula as the Amateur Traveler talks to Olivia from inspiredbycroatia.com about her adopted country. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-croatias-istrian-peninsula/ Why should you go to the Istrian Peninsula? Olivia says, "I think that Istria is still a little bit underrated. Personally, I like to Talk about it as this like a fairytale like region. It has quite a strong Italian heritage somewhat reminiscent of Tuscany, but with a Croatian flair It's filled with these emerald green hills dotted with medieval villages throughout the food there is absolutely Fantastic." "If you're a foodie you want to go to Istria, their home to lots of truffles, so you'll find truffles in a lot of the dishes there. And then in addition to the green interior, we have the rugged coastline rocky coastline, but beautiful blue pristine water and beaches, and it really just has the best of both worlds." Olivia recommends this itinerary: Day 1: Pula Explore Pula, the largest city in Istria. Visit the Roman Arena, a well-preserved amphitheater. Explore other historic sites like the Temple of Augustus and the ancient Roman Forum. Visit the Museum of Olive Oil and the castle. Drive to Verudela Peninsula for a swim in the sea and explore the rocky coastline. Optional: Attend the Pula Film Festival which is held in July. Day 2: Fažana and Brioni National Park Drive to Fažana, a village 15 minutes north of Pula. Take a day trip to Brijuni National Park, an archipelago with untouched nature and Roman ruins. Explore the islands, including a tourist train ride and optional activities like renting a golf cart or bike, or driving Tito's car. Return to Fažana for a meal at Alla Beccaccia, a family-run restaurant. Day 3: Rovinj Head north to Rovinj, a charming fishing village. Explore the town, visit the church, and walk down Grisea Street. Visit Mediterraneo Bar for a seaside cafe experience. Day 4: Visit the Limfjord Take a boat ride on the Limfjord Head to Bale for a visit to local wineries. Day 5: Porič and Umag Drive to Porič, a seaside town popular among European travelers. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site and stroll down the main Roman street. Spend the afternoon walking along the Riviera for swimming. Head further north to Umag, known for the Croatia Open UMAG tennis tournament. Optional: Explore Savudrija and visit the oldest lighthouse. Day 6: Green Istria - Motovun, Grožnjan, Momjan Visit Motovun, a hilltop town known for truffles. Explore the town, visit Truba Jazz and Wine Bar, and possibly attend the Motovon Summer Film Festival. Head to Grožnjan, a charming town known for artists and musicians. Explore the cobblestone streets and visit Truba Jazz and Wine Bar. End the day in Momjan at Kono Bastari Podrum for dinner and Kozlovich Winery for wine tasting. Day 7: Buzet, Truffle Tasting, and Hum Visit Buzet and tour the Aura Distillery for brandies, liqueurs, and gin tasting. Head to Karlić Tartufi for truffle tasting, a truffle hunting experience, and a cooking demonstration. Optional: Stop at Kotli for waterfalls and small pools. Visit the "smallest town in the world", Hum. Enjoy your trip to Istria! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20 Jan 202444min

Hear about travel to Tokyo as the Amateur Traveler talks to Matthew Jasek from The Nerd Tourist about one of his favorite, if nerdy, cities.  https://amateurtraveler.com/otaku-guide-to-tokyo-japan/ Day 1: Arrival and Food Tour Afternoon: Arrive in Tokyo and check into your hotel. Evening: Join a food tour or find a local guide to visit a traditional Japanese restaurant. Explore the dining culture with the help of a guide who can navigate through nuances. Day 2: Tsukiji Outer Market and Senso-ji Morning: Visit Tsukiji Outer Market for a variety of food stalls. Try grilled eel and other local delicacies. Afternoon: Explore Senso-ji Temple. Take part in the tradition of shaking a metal container to get a fortune. Enjoy more street food around the area. Evening: Choose between visiting Odaiba for futuristic buildings and the Unicorn Gundam statue or exploring Shimokitazawa, a hip neighborhood known for vintage shops and live music. Day 3: Shibuya Scramble, Harajuku, and Meiji Shrine Morning: Experience the famous Shibuya Scramble and visit the statue of Hachiko. Head to Harajuku Station. Afternoon: Explore Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Enjoy crepes, Shiba Inu Cafe, and unique latte art at Cafe Reissue. Evening: Choose between visiting Ikebukuro for anime-related attractions or Nakano Broadway for traditional shopping and unique ramen. Day 4: Nerd Day Option 1: Take a guided tour of Akihabara, the hub of nerd culture, exploring anime shops and arcades. Option 2: Visit real-life anime locations using online resources or guided tours. Consider Studio Ghibli Museum, Totoro no Mori, or Shirohige Cream Puff Factory. Evening: Experience Tokyo’s nightlife with activities like Mari Car go-karting or trying Monjayaki in Monja Street. Day 5: Kamakura Trip Visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura Explore Zeniarai Benten Shrine and wash your money. Visit Hokokuji Temple Bamboo Forest Temple, and wander through the bamboo forest. Optionally, pay extra to drink tea at the little tea house in the back. Explore Kamakura’s main attractions like the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine. If in April, consider attending the Kamakura Festival (second to the third weekend). If in September (14th to 16th), experience Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Reitaisai Festival with horseback archery. Visit the grave site of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first Shogun. Visit Jufuku-ji Temple, the grave of Hojo no Masako (the Nun Shogun). Day 6: Enoshima Island Trip Travel to Fujiwara Station and take the Enoshima Electric Railway to the Shirahata Shrine. Visit Shirahata Shrine dedicated to Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Board the Enoshima Electric Railway and ride to Enoshima Island. Explore the long road leading to sea caves, shops, and the Dragon Bell. Visit the botanical garden with the sea candle lighthouse. Try the local delicacy Shirasu Don at one of the restaurants. Visit the Enoshima Shrine complex Bonus Day: Consider non-nerdy activities: Attend a tea ceremony. Rent a kimono and experience a traditional tea ceremony. Attend a sumo match or witness a sumo practice. Catch a baseball game. Take a vintage tram to Gotokuji, the temple that invented the beckoning cat statue. Join a tattoo-friendly Tokyo bathhouse tour. Tips: Stay in Akihabara for a central location. Use apps like the Visit Japan app for customs information, TableCheck for reservations, and Line for communication. Prepare for a lot of walking. There is always so much to see in and near Tokyo, for nerds and non-nerds alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13 Jan 202453min

Hear about travel to the Exumas in the Bahamas as the Amateur Traveler talks to Tessie from TravelingTessie.com about these sundrenched islands she has fallen in love with. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-exumas-bahamas/ Why should someone go to the Exumas? Tessie says, "It's a perfect destination if obviously, you enjoy the beach. But the beaches, they're very unique because they're really unspoiled. And there's not a lot of crowds. So if someone's interested in that, it's a really great destination for that, but it's also great for people with kids, for bachelorette couples, and friend groups that are looking for a place to get away from it all. I feel like, Exumas is truly a hidden gem." Day 1: Arrival in Georgetown Fly into Georgetown, Exumas. Check into Paradise Bay Hotel Relax on the beach, explore the hotel's surroundings, and get familiar with the area. Day 2: Full-Day Boat Tour Book a full-day boat tour departing from Georgetown. Visit Thunderball Grotto for snorkeling (film location of a James Bond movie). Optional: Swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay Marina. Visit Pig Island for a unique experience of swimming with pigs. Lunch is included in the tour. Explore beautiful sandbars, some of which were featured in Pirates of the Caribbean. Day 3: Explore Georgetown and Stocking Island Explore Georgetown, visit the straw market, and shop for local souvenirs. Take a ferry to Stocking Island. Spend the day at Chat 'n' Chill beach bar, known for its fresh conch salad and stingrays. Day 4: Little Exuma Beach Day Rent a car and drive to Little Exuma. Explore Pretty Molly Beach, Forbes Hill Beach, and Tropic of Cancer Beach. Visit Exuma Point Beach at low tide. Take an eco-tour at Mariah Harbor K National Park to learn about and witness marine life. Day 5: ATV Tour and Sea Turtle Encounter Morning ATV tour exploring the northwestern part of Great Exuma. Stops at Cocoa Plum Beach, Exuma Point, and the historical site of Pompeii. Lunch. Afternoon visit to Hooper's Bay Beach for swimming and snorkeling with wild sea turtles. Day 6: Boat Rental and Exploration in Elizabeth Harbor Rent a boat from Georgetown and explore Elizabeth Harbor. Discover an underwater cave, visit Starfish Beach, and snorkel at a coral reef. Explore Sand Dollar Beach. Return to Georgetown. Day 7: Return to Exuma Point Beach Visit Exuma Point Beach again, especially if you missed it at low tide. Relax and unwind before departing. Depart for home. If you are looking for remote beaches and a unique experience with swimming pigs then the Exumas are worth your consideration.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

6 Jan 202435min

Hear about travel to Gujarat, India as the Amateur Traveler talks again to James Schomburgk about festivals, temples, and Asiatic lions. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-gujarat/ James says, "Gujarat is in the far western central of northern India. Pakistan is its western border. And the southern border is the Arabian Sea. It's actually close to some of the big-hitting states in terms of tourism, but it's a very different geographically. It's very different feel to the rest of India. If you're looking for something that's remote. If you're looking for something that is you'll be, you'll be certainly be treated like royalty, because everybody will be looking at you bizarrely because they rarely see any tourists. The beauty of it is I think, for me, the wildlife, the wildlife is was quite mind blowing. And I know I've spoken to so many people in India, a lot of people associate India with tigers, but what they have in Gujarat is lions, leopards, hyena, and wolf, animals that people would be a bit surprised that are in India. It was the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi so it's also got a lot of history." James starts us in the city of Bhavnagar. He stayed in the Nilambag Palace with the current Maharaja. Half the palace has been turned into a hotel. He takes us then to one of the most holy sites in Jainism at Shatrunjaya. You can climb the 3,300 steps past a number of temples to a set of ornate temples at the top that are 900 years old. The view from the top of the mountain is also spectacular. If you don't have the fitness to climb the steps you can get carried up on a litter.  From there James directs us to Sasan Gir National Park where you can see the last remaining Asiatic Lions in India. The Asiatic Lion is a close cousin of the African Lion. In addition to lions, they saw the nilgai which are the largest Asian antelope, and the dangerous mugger crocodile. Gir National Park is closed from 16 June to 15 October every year. The next stop is Junagadh which is known for its old fort (the name literally translates to "Old Fort"). There are also some spectacular mausoleums in Junagadh which were built in the late 1800s in an Indo-Islamic style. They have elaborate carvings and minarets with exterior spiral staircases. But the most memorable part of James' visit to Junagadh was the festival of Bhavnath Mela where throngs of people would climb the nearby holy hill of Girnar wearing their best sari... or in the case of some Naga (holy men) wearing nothing at all. Somnath temple is a sacred Hindu site that has been built and rebuilt over the centuries after it fell victim to invading Muslim armies from the West. Gujarat cuisine is vegetarian and you won't find alcohol either for religious regions so James and his traveling companion enjoyed a visit to the tiny state of Diu which used to be a Portuguese possession. Here you could see the blending of the Indian and Portuguese cultures... and get a cheap beer. They enjoyed a visit to a fishing village and a pick-up game of cricket with locals. The last stop on our itinerary is Blackbuck National Park for more wildlife viewing including the eponymous Blackbuck antelope, striped hyena, and Indian wolf. James highly recommends a stay in the luxurious Blackbuck Safari Lodge. After you have seen the well-known sites of India, explore some of its hidden gems like Gujarat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 Dec 202346min

Hear about driving the Selkirk Loop in Washington State, Idaho, and British Columbia as the Amateur Traveler talks to Anthony and Jodie St. Clair from learnersandmakers.com about their favorite road trip. https://amateurtraveler.com/driving-the-selkirk-loop/ Why should you drive the Selkirk Loop? Anthony and Jodie say, "It is just the most epic, gorgeous views of nature, I think. And it's very accessible. I (Jodie) am an amputee, and so I'm always looking for ways to easily access nature. It felt like we were out in the middle of these beautiful spaces while I didn't have to do a ten-mile hike to do it. " "We've driven things like the Blue Ridge Parkway in, Virginia, North Carolina, we've driven highway one in California. We've RV'd across the entire USA. The Selkirk loop holds its own with any of those scenic drives." Leg 1: Spokane, Washington to Newport, Washington The easiest place to access the Selkirk Loop is from Spokane, Washington. Stretch your legs in Newport, a small town at the beginning of the Selkirk Loop. Check out the visitor center, museum, and the giant paddle wheel. Don't miss the county museum, showcasing the timber industry and the region's history. Leg 2: Newport to Sandpoint, Idaho Head south to Sandpoint, Idaho, situated on Lake Pend Oreille. Enjoy water activities, and boat tours, and explore the surrounding mountains. The lake is the star here, and various public beach areas exist. Sandpoint offers a mix of outdoor adventures and charming small-town vibes. Leg 3: Sandpoint to Creston, British Columbia Cross the border into Canada and explore Creston. Visit an organic dairy farm, sample cheese, and experience the meshing of organic practices with technology. Check out the Kootenay Columbia Discovery Center for nature exploration and hands-on experiences. Leg 4: Creston to Kootenay Bay (Ferry) to Kaslo Take the free ferry from Kootenay Bay to experience the Kaslo area. Explore artisan workshops in Crawford Bay and soak in the town's history and nature. Kaslo offers a mix of small-town charm, outdoor activities, and a chance to visit the SS Moyie, a restored paddle-wheeler turned museum. Leg 5: Kaslo to Castlegar Head south to Castlegar, known for its outdoor art, sculpture garden, and Zuckerberg Island. Walk across a suspension bridge, explore hiking trails, and enjoy the mix of nature and town life. Learn about the Doukhobors' history and their sustainable farming practices. Leg 6: Castlegar to Boundary Reservoir Recreation Area Cross back into the US and visit the Boundary Reservoir Recreation Area. Kayak to Pee Wee Falls, a stunning 233-foot waterfall. Hike to Sweet Creek Falls for a short, easy trail with a wading pool. Take in the region's beauty while enjoying simpler pleasures like skipping rocks into the creek. Leg 7: Boundary Reservoir to the End Explore Gardner Cave, the longest known cave in Washington state, and take a guided family-friendly tour—hike to Sweet Creek Falls for another waterfall experience. Enjoy the scenic Vista House, overlooking the Boundary Waters dam. Drive through communities like Ione and Metaline Falls, and don't miss Gardner Cave, the longest-known cave in Washington state. Reflect on the incredible memories as you approach the end of this unforgettable road trip.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 Dec 202348min

Hear about travel to the northern island of Hokkaido in Japan as the Amateur Traveler talks to Inga from Inga's Adventures about a trip to hike in the Daisetsuzan National Park. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-hokkaido-japan/ Why should someone go to Hokkaido? Inga says, "The natural beauty is the main reason to go to Hokkaido. The rugged landscapes and the feeling that you're far away from civilization is an experience. That you don't find in a lot of other places on the main island of Japan, which is Honshu. Many beautiful places to go down there, but it's a very different landscape in Hokkaido." Inga recommends this 7-day itinerary for travelers interested in exploring Hokkaido, particularly focusing on the Daisetsuzan National Park: Day 1-2: Tokyo Arrive in Tokyo and spend a day or two decompressing and adjusting to the time difference. Stay in a hotel near Tokyo Station for convenience. Day 3: Tokyo to Sapporo Exchange the JR rail pass for the Shinkansen train journey to Hokkaido. While you can fly directly to Hokkaido and save the 8-hour train journey, for Inga the journey was part of the point. You can watch the mountains rise up and the population thin out as you head north. Stay one night in Sapporo, exploring the city and visiting places like the Tokyo train station and the Sapporo Brewery. Inga and her husband also visited the Hokkaido University Botanic Garden and a museum about the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. Day 4: Sapporo to Asahikawa Take a train to Asahikawa, a smaller town. Explore Asahikawa, staying overnight. Day 5-7: Asahikawa to Daisetsuzan National Park Take a bus to Asahidake within Daisetsuzan National Park. Stay in a traditional onsen hotel in the park, such as Daisetsuzan Shirakaba Soryokan. Explore hiking trails, including the Sugatami Loop, nature trails, and hikes to the Nakadate Onsen. Enjoy the onsen experience in the hotel. Consider exploring other hikes within the national park if time allows. Return to Tokyo: Take a bus back to Asahikawa and a train from there to Hakodate. The journey back to Tokyo can be completed in the remaining two days, either by train or by taking a flight from Hokkaido. Inga also mentions renting a car for more flexibility in exploring the national parks.  If you want a Japan experience with a heavy dose of hiking, ropeways, natural hot springs, and fumaroles consider heading north to Hokkaido. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16 Dec 202341min

Hear about travel to Long Island, New York as the Amateur Traveler talks to Vanessa Gordon from EastEndTasteMagazine.com about her home. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-long-island-new-york/ Why should someone go to Long Island? Vanessa says, "Long Island, there truly is so to discover, even from living out here for many years, whether part-time or full-time there's truly so much to do, whether you're in Nassau or Suffolk County, the two counties that make up Long Island. I've lived here in the Hamptons, been here for over 30 years and this New York region never ceases to amaze me. There are ocean beaches. We have Bay beaches. We have beautiful nature preserves, bountiful farmers markets, and endless amounts of summer events." Vanessa suggests visiting Long Island in September or October, mentioning the abundance of events, family activities, and cultural events during these months. She shares her favorite spots in Montauk, including the Montauk Point Lighthouse and the opportunity for seal watching and whale sightings. Moving to Shelter Island, Vanessa recommends taking the ferry and exploring the island's unique attractions, such as Rams Head Inn and Mashomack Preserve. She also suggests Sunset Beach as a hotspot for live music and sunsets. Vanessa then talks about Sag Harbor, her favorite village, and its family-friendly beaches. She highlights The Beacon restaurant and Barron's Cove Hotel for breathtaking sunset views. The discussion extends to wineries on the North Fork, with recommendations like Wolfer Estate and Channing Daughters. She covers various family-friendly activities, including museums like the Parrish Art Museum and Guildhall and theaters such as Bay Street Theater. Vanessa mentions the presence of celebrities in the fall. The itinerary continues with a move to Riverhead, described as the gateway to the North Fork and South Fork. Vanessa appreciates the town's historic charm, new businesses, and attractions like the Long Island Aquarium. She highlights the East End food market as a one-stop shop for local food purveyors. Vanessa suggests considering staying in Brookhaven instead of the Hamptons to save on your travel budget. She highlights Patchogue on the Great South Bay as a vibrant spot, particularly for nightlife, and recommends Fire Island for its popularity among the LGBTQ+ community. She emphasizes historical sites like Fire Island Lighthouse and Bellport, suggesting the Bellport Inn as a cozy stay. Moving to the "Gold Coast" on the north shore, Vanessa mentions historic mansions like Teddy Roosevelt's Sagamore Hill, the Old Westbury Gardens, and Oheka Castle, the latter featured in a Taylor Swift music video. She advises dividing mansion visits over two days. Whether you are visiting Long Island on your yacht or by train, whether you are visiting mansions or living in one, this area near New York City offers a very different world to the city with its beaches, farms, and vineyards.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 Dec 202345min

Hear about travel to the wine region Sonoma County in California as the Amateur Traveler talks to Brooke Herron about this popular tourism region where she grew up. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-sonoma-county/ Why should someone travel to Sonoma County? Brooke says, "A myriad of reasons, in my opinion beyond wine. It is an absolutely stunning region from an outdoors perspective. You've got the coast, you've got hiking trails, mountains, hills and then you've got also lots of farms, distilleries, breweries, cideries. And what I loved the most about living there for 20 years and now coming back home to it on a regular basis is really first, the outdoors and the beauty, right? The access to the ocean and trees. And then next, of course, the fact that you can get amazing food, and craft drinks everywhere." Brooke lays out a 5-day itinerary: Day One: The Sonoma Coast The first day begins on the breathtaking Sonoma Coast. Drive along Highway 1, skip the touristy Bodega Bay, and head to Shell Beach near Jenner. Here, you can choose between a leisurely stroll on the Kortum Trail or a more challenging hike on the Pomo Canyon Red Hill Loop. Chris recommends history buffs take the drive up to Fort Ross which was the Russian presence on the California Coast. After the hike, consider a stop in Jenner for a smoked salmon bagel or clam chowder with a view over the bay. For dinner, Santa Rosa offers the Bird and the Bottle, a favorite, or a more casual option at Russian River Brewery. Day Two: Sebastopol and Russian River On the second day, Brooke will explore the charming town of Sebastopol and the Russian River area. The Barlow, an open-air marketplace, is a must-visit. Enjoy craft cider, spirits, and unique food options. Highlights include Golden State Cider, Blue Ridge Kitchen, SpiritWorks Distillery, and the recently added Rewind Arcade for a playful touch. If you're not into alcohol, explore Goldridge Organic Farms for olive oil tastings and Bohemian Creamery for a delightful cheese experience. For wine enthusiasts, Horse and Plow, Dutton Estate Winery, and the unique Radio Coteau are recommended stops. Day Three: Relaxing in Petaluma On the third day, Brooke recommends a leisurely drive to Petaluma. Explore the historic downtown, and if in the mood for seafood, the Shuckery is a great choice. For a more casual experience, Brewster's Beer Garden offers a relaxed atmosphere with great outdoor seating. Accommodations in Santa Rosa can be found at Hotel E, a boutique luxury option in the heart of downtown. In Petaluma, Brooke suggests considering the charming Metro Hotel for a unique and affordable stay. Day Four: Explore Hillsburg and Windsor Brooke's top winery picks in Hillsburg include Idlewild Wines for unique Italian varieties like Arnés, Fresa, Dulcetto, Grignolino, Barbera, and Cortese blends, with educational Sunday events. Orsi Vineyards, a hidden gem in Dry Creek Valley, offers distinctive varieties like Sagrantino and Biancolella. Unty Vineyards, known for sustainable practices, provides a casual Rhone and Italian variety tasting experience. Gary Farrell in Sonoma County is recommended for exceptional Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, especially from the Russian River Valley. Aperture Cellars, known for Bordeaux blends, stands out, with a focus on texture. In Windsor, Artisan Alley hosts Two Shepherds Wine and Tilted Shed Cider. Two Shepherds offers organic and natural wines, including orange and skin-contact varieties. Grand Cru Custom Crush offers a diverse micro-winery tasting experience. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Shiloh Regional Park's hikes and mountaintop views, while Riverfront Regional Park offers a scenic water setting. Brooke suggests exploring farmers' markets in Windsor and Healdsburg for fresh produce and vibrant atmospheres. Dining recommendations in Healdsburg include Bravas Tapas Bar, Willie's Seafood and Raw Bar, Valette Restaurant, and The Matheson. Lo and Behold is recommended for cocktails, and Black Oak Coffee and Flying Goat for coffee. In Windsor, Artisan Alley's Two Shepherds Wine and Tilted Shed Cider are must-visits, along with Pizzalea for gluten-free pizza. To unwind, Shiloh Regional Park and Riverfront Regional Park offer beautiful natural settings. For spirits, Young and Yonder Spirits and Alley Six Spirits in Healdsburg are noteworthy. Day Five: Explore the Sonoma Valley On day five, explore the renowned Sonoma Valley. Hike at North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park or Bartholomew Park. Kibblestadt Cellars, known for balanced wines, is a top choice. Prohibition Spirits in Sonoma offers unique tastings like Pink Gin. Bedrock Wines, near the plaza, features interesting varieties. Eldorado Kitchen is recommended for high-end dining. Café La Haye, Valley Bar and Bottle, and Sunflower Cafe offer diverse breakfast and casual options. Enoteca Della Santina is suggested for a relaxed glass of wine, while Winery 16 600 in Glen Ellen offers unique wines. Sonoma's fine dining includes Eldorado Kitchen and Café La Haye. Hot Monk Tavern and The Grapevine are casual favorites. Eldorado Cantina, attached to Eldorado Kitchen, offers delightful Mexican food at a more affordable price. Wrap up the day with tastings at Kibblestadt Cellars and Bedrock Wines. Brooke highlights Sonoma County's diversity, including hikes, beaches, cider, beer, and spirits. For planning, check Sonoma County Tourism's website for itineraries and information. Whether you are here for the wine, cider, and spirits or the coastal hikes and ziplining through the redwoods, Sonoma Valley offers adventures that bring you back again and again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 Dec 20231h 8min