I'd like to surprise my husband with a weekend getaway without kids in March. We live in Northern California (East Bay Area), and our favorite places are Post Ranch Inn and Dietjen's in Big Sur. We also like Carmel, Napa, and the Point Reyes area. However, we have been to these places several times, and I'd like to find something new. Any suggestions for a romantic (not cutesie) place with great food nearby, hiking, kayaking or some other activity in the vicinity? A two- to three-hour drive from the Bay Area would be good. Four hours max. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Hi, meo! Interesting question!

Guess it all depends, there are so many variables: it's still the rainy season, so some roads may be closed, some roads may be snowed just for the time you want to be there, it may be raining and the weather along the coast will not be very inviting - well, you get the idea.

Anyhoos, thinking about where would be best, I'd suggest either the redwood forests, such as the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the Avenue of the Giants (believe there are cabins available either in the park or in some of the nearby towns) or the Trinity Alps. If things go right, you will find some wonderful rafting in the Trinity Alps.

Talking about rafting, there's great rafting along the American River, which would be closer to home for you. You can go on an overnight trip and the rafting outfit will provide almost everything that you need, along with transportation back to where you had your car parked.

March is a bit early for me to be going out hiking and exploring, so hope some of the local residents can chip in on ideas!

California is so beautiful - truly a paradise on earth! Have a great time wherever you chose to go!

A logical suggestion here would be Mendocino, especially if you haven't been here before. It combines the attractive points of Carmel and Point Reyes.

meo,
How about the Sea Ranch? Lots of activities and lovely terrain there. I love it there in March and April. We've rented houses from Rams Head and loved it. Here is our favorite:

http://www.ramshead-realty.com/unit.asp?which=Graham

It's very asian/modern. Great deck with hot tub overlooking the crashing surf.
If a rental is not your cup of tea, try the Sea Ranch Lodge. The people that own and manage Post Ranch Inn took over earlier this year and it will be interesting to see what changes they end up making.

-Bill

We stayed in Gualala recently and had dinner at St. Orres, a wonderful meal. They have some rooms or you could look into some of the B&B's on the coast there.

meo - I went back to look at what looked very nice in that area when we were there and I would recommend you look at the Whale Watch Inn, just north of Gualala. Don't know what your budget is but this place has a spectacular location on the coast.

Okay, I'm completely sold on the coast idea - Sea Ranch (nice photos!) or Gualala B & B, dinner at St. Orres, day trip to Mendocino. I'd also like to stop in Elk.

Sounds perfect! Thanks for the help!

my husband and I found our favorite place in the Russian River valley this past June. It's a cabin nestled under the redwoods one half block from the Russain River. You can canoe on the river, hike around the area, visit the wineries (just a few minutes away), excellent restaurants nearby. The cabin is absoultely beautiful, romantic, (hot tub, towel warmer, featherdown comforter, etc. etc) and the most gracious owner we have ever met. www.springhillcabin.com Read the reviews and you'll see what we mean!

In Elk yoou must stop at the Greenwood Pier Inn gift shop and prowl a little while. (Say hi to Lorraine who runs the place).Great prices on lots of craft
items and the garden is a delight.
Amazing ocean views. Consider a stop at Queenies for a fun, funky breakfast.

In Mendocino, have lunch or dinner at
Moosse Cafe. We recently dined there an it was fabulous. Wildflowers should be blooming in March.

R5