Hi Friends!
Thanks for showing up once again for our little newsletter. We're always trying new ideas to improve it, and we're at it again this Saturday. We will feature one story about food, travel, or something else of interest to read in its entirety in the newsletter.
Don't worry we will still have links to check out, but we thought this might be good! Please let us know what you think, good or bad. We can handle it.
Have a great weekend, and watch out for rain and snow in California and other areas.
Be Well! Stay Safe!
Mark & Patti
Note: I noticed that SF Gate keeps asking for emails. It isn’t a ploy to purchase it. I don’t know if you can click and get to the story and I’m sorry if you can’t. They’re collecting emails. I wrote to them about this, but no answer as of yet. Just thought you should know.
Patti and me had the opportunity over the years to visit family in Fremont, and check out the happiest city as well as many of their eateries. My favorite spot which wasn’t an eatery was the JellyBelly factory. Now that’s an eatery where you could spend a day. Although your sugar will rise and you may gain a few pounds!
The one thing I did notice was that at all the eateries we visited over the years that the servers were helpful, knowledgeable, and courteous.
It’s worth a trip!
New report lists a Bay Area suburb as the happiest city in the country
by Timothy Karoff, SF Gate
According to WalletHub, one reason behind the East Bay suburb’s ascendancy is a simple one: money. The city has more households earning $75,000 per year than any other city in the country, WalletHub reported (the company said it used that figure because a study showed that increasing income beyond $75,000 doesn't increase happiness). The significance of this statistic may be questionable, since $75,000 in the Bay Area won’t take you as far as $75,000 in, say, Overland Park, Kansas, which ranked second on the list. It’s unclear whether the ranking adjusts for cost of living.
Despite rubbery chicken and raw pizza, LA tourists love this classic restaurant
by Karen Palmer, SF Gate
Since 1949, family-owned Miceli’s has been serving pizza and pasta mere blocks away from the famous TCL Chinese Theatre, otherwise known as Grauman’s. Located just steps off of Hollywood Boulevard, its neon sign glows above an awning emblazoned with “LA’s Original Pizzeria,” luring in tourists wandering the Walk of Fame like a beacon of red sauce and good times.
The restaurant’s website one-ups the awning, claiming Miceli’s as the best pizzeria in all of California. Given its long history and confident statements, could it actually be delicious? As someone who loves both a good pizza and an old-school joint, I had to find out.
Spring is almost here and I’m sure many of you are excited about some changes. With that in mind, I found this article about vacation spots in California that might be a good choice. Read the entire story here.
The 5 Best Spring Vacation Spots in California
by California.com Team
California, a state known for its varied landscapes and climates, truly comes alive during the spring season. From blossoming wildflowers to temperate coastal breezes, the Golden State offers a plethora of destinations perfect for a springtime getaway. Here are the five best spring vacation spots in California that promise memorable experiences amidst nature's reawakening.
1. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Spring in Yosemite is a spectacle of nature, with waterfalls at their peak, courtesy of the melting snow. The famous Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and Vernal Fall roar with renewed vigor, creating mesmerizing vistas against the backdrop of granite cliffs. The meadows are lush and dotted with wildflowers, offering scenic hikes for all levels. The mild weather of spring makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities like rock climbing, hiking, and photography, especially before the summer crowds arrive.
2. JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Joshua Tree National Park is a desert oasis that truly shines in the spring. The moderate temperatures make it perfect for exploring the unique landscape filled with its namesake Joshua Trees and a variety of other desert flora. Springtime brings a bloom of wildflowers, painting the desert floor in vibrant colors. Hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing are popular activities here, with clear night skies offering a breathtaking view of the stars.
3. NAPA VALLEY
Spring in Napa Valley is synonymous with renewal and rejuvenation, making it an idyllic destination before the summer crowds set in. The region transforms with vineyards bursting into greenery, showcasing rows upon rows of vibrant new leaves. This season offers the perfect climate for exploring the outdoors and indulging in al fresco dining amidst the scenic beauty. While the area is known for its agricultural bounty, visitors can also immerse themselves in educational tours that highlight the art of sustainable farming and local food production. Napa Valley is equally renowned for its wellness retreats, featuring an array of spas that provide holistic treatments designed to soothe and revitalize the body and spirit.
4. BIG SUR
Big Sur, with its dramatic coastline and towering redwoods, is a haven for nature lovers and photographers, especially in spring. The Pacific Coast Highway, running through Big Sur, offers some of the most stunning coastal views in California. The region's state parks, like Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, offer trails that meander through redwood forests, alongside streams, and overlook the ocean, providing ample opportunities for hiking and picnicking amidst the blooming wildflowers.
5. LAKE TAHOE
While known for its winter sports, Lake Tahoe transforms into a springtime paradise as the snow begins to melt. The lake, surrounded by mountains still capped with snow, offers a stunning contrast to the blooming wildflowers and budding trees at lower elevations. Hiking and biking trails reopen, and the lake becomes a hub for water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The north and south shores of Lake Tahoe cater to different tastes, with the north offering a more tranquil retreat, while the south has a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene.
Forget the celebs: This posh town has some of California's most stunning hikes
by Andrew Pridgen, SF Gate
Just beyond the bridge is the Cold Spring trailhead, the gateway to three of Montecito’s most popular hiking and running trails: East Fork, a 1.6-mile out-and-back lined with emerging waterfalls and panoramic views of the Pacific; West Fork, a 4-mile out-and-back that goes even deeper into the densely forested canyons of the Los Padres National Forest; and the star attraction, Tangerine Falls, a 2.2-mile out-and-back that features a 100-foot waterfall near the trail’s apex that careens down jagged boulders and draws audible gasps from visitors during peak runoff.
Are you a Bob Dylan or Willie Nelson fan? I had seen Bob Dylan numerous times over the years in New York, Boston, and Rhode Island at concerts and festivals. He never failed to put on a great show. I would recommend seeing him if you have the opportunity.
Ad for Willie, I always wanted to catch his concerts, but it never worked out. If you do see him, let me know how his concerts are.
Outlaw Music Festival announces Bay Area date with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson
by Timothy Karoff, SF Gate
On August 3, the touring Outlaw Music Festival will make a pit stop at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. Outlaw country pioneer Willie Nelson and folk rock legend Bob Dylan will headline the festival.
Bob Dylan is as deeply ingrained in the American songbook as the Grateful Dead and Chuck Berry. He penned a track that Rolling Stone once listed as the greatest song of all time, performed at a presidential inauguration and gave 1960s civil rights and anti-war activists one of the decade’s most important protest songs.
Other Spots to Consider
Underground Monastery, Valletta, Malta. Note: If you ever get to visit Malta, this spot is the place to see. I had the opportunity years ago to go with my Dad and it was amazing.
Influencers Ruining Bay Area Park, Walnut Creek, California