Spend a Safer Vacation in Rural Northern California

COVID-19 has changed the way that we travel. But it’s still possible to safely discover somewhere new. Bordering Napa and Sonoma counties, Lake County has nearly forty wineries, ample outdoor opportunities, and great, friendly locals. Home to North America’s oldest lake and a hollow volcano, it’s a place with fewer people and more space to explore safely.

Here are five ways to create a COVID-friendly trip you’ll always remember:

Stay in the Heart of a Small Town: Suite On Main in Kelseyville offers fully functional kitchens so you can have a perfect staycation. Combine that with its spacious rooms and location just above Kelseyville’s eateries and shops, and you’ll never want to leave. While you’re there, do some clothes shopping at Oak Boutique, pick up some unique antiques at Two Sisters Collectibles, and browse A+H General Store, where you’re bound to find a little bit of everything. End your day with dinner from The Saw Shop Public House. They’re all within two blocks of your room.

Have Your Dinner Catered: If cooking isn’t what you had in mind, Ripe Choice Farm and Catering gives you the same homemade goodness you’re craving without all the work. Chef Tammy Lipps has decades of experience cooking quality, gourmet food; you won’t be disappointed. And if you want to spend some time on the farm, check out their Airbnb.

Visit an Authentic French Bakery: Pascal Hue De Laroque, owner of Marcel’s Bakery, lives a commitment to quality. He only uses imported French flour to create his authentic pastries that will make your mouth water. And while you’re there, be sure to get some coffee. You might just have the best mocha you’ve ever tasted; it’s all because of their secret ingredient. Marcel’s has two locations: in Lakeport and Clearlake Oaks.

Get a Dose of Local Art: The Middletown Art Center isn’t your ordinary small-town art gallery. Nestled at the foot of Mount St. Helena and surrounded by the rugged Mayacamas mountains, The MAC showcases some of the best artists in the region and regularly holds shows. Between the sculpture garden outside and the continually updated gallery inside, you’re sure to please your inner artist. Call ahead for hours.

Go Wine Tasting: You’re only a short drive away from nearly forty wineries, where you can safely taste some of Northern California’s finest wines. Capture some of the county’s best views when you taste at Laujor Estate Winery, directly across from the stunning Mt. Konocti. Just down the road is Boatique Winery, where you’ll find a showcase of beautiful wooden boats to enjoy with your wine. For a more rustic tasting experience, Visit Six Sigma Ranch and Winery. Hop on a WWII Pinzgauer and tour the working ranch and vineyards, a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Be sure to plan ahead and make reservations before you visit.