Eureka, Fortuna and Ukiah, CA Bear River Casino & Nelson Family Vineyard
At times, driving can be stressful. Uphill, downhill, windy curves, heavy traffic takes their toll, and there is no preparation for it. Early on, we decided we would not go more than 300 miles or 3 ½ hours on those travel days. It is those times when we have to stop someplace overnight. Harvest Hosts are our go-to. On our way to Napa Valley, we needed to have two overnight stays. The first was Bear River Casino. Mitch doesn’t gamble, but I love the slots. It is mindless entertainment, and I go in knowing I will lose. The game for me is to see how long I can play on the money I allocated. Sometimes I play for a while but not this time.
We ventured to nearby Eureka, CA. seeking a breakfast place. The Green Lily has a four-star rating and offered gluten-free options. What a treat for me. Mitch had their “peaches and cream” french toast, which he finished every last bite. Feeling renewed, we walked their Old Town, which had elaborate Victorian buildings from the 19th century. Each one was unique and, to be sure, had its history.
The next stopover was Nelson Family Vineyards. Yes, a wine tasting was in our future. Sixty-five years ago, this 2,000-acre farm originally was a plum orchard and grazing land for grass-fed sheep. It then morphed into a winery but also had pear and olive trees. What I found interesting was the matriarch, Clara, loved redwood trees. So much, her husband, Herman, obliged her by planting a small redwood grove. Today, one can sit in an area, enjoy wine, and gaze up at the redwoods grown to their massive glory.