Bay Area Adventures After Dark

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DIABLO MAGAZINE: May, 2022

Sunset behind the Golden Gate Bridge

Much has been written about the poetry of a star-studded sky and evening’s enchantment. So why not make the most of our gorgeous twilight hours? When the sun sets and the moon takes its shift as night’s guardian, awesome nocturnal adventures can unfold, especially here in the bay area. From sunset sails to exploring an old civil war fort by lantern light, we’ve compiled a list of our region’s best after-dark adventures—some spooky and all certifiably fun.

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One Fine Weekend in Cabo

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DIABLO MAGAZINE: March, 2022

Take in views of the Sea of Cortez from Sirena del Mar’s dramatic bluff-top locale.Courtesy of Sirena Del Mar

Spring break in Cabo. If your first thought is tequila shots and bikinis, you may be surprised to find peaceful hideaways near this popular destination on the Baja California Peninsula. Yes, spring break in Cabo San Lucas is a good time for adults and families to get away, too, and explore authentic Mexican villages just a short drive from the resort strip.

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Hetch Hetchy Gate to Yosemite; Waterfalls and No Day Pass are Big Drawing Cards

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MERCURYNEWS.COM: June 1, 2021

Ginny Prior/for Bay Area News Group A spectacular waterfall can be found in Yosemite National Park at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. A hiker, above, pauses on the trail to Wapama Falls (about 5 miles round-trip). During the hike, you’re immersed in the grandeur of what John Muir described as a place as beautiful as Yosemite Valley.

Nature is really growing on us. A new survey found that almost six out of 10 Americans have developed a deeper appreciation for the outdoors since the pandemic began — and the national parks are getting much of the love.

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Happy Wanderer: Welk Resort San Diego experiences fun, innovative

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EASTBAYTIMES.COM: MARCH 27, 2021

Swimmers wear virtual reality goggles at Welk Resort San Diego, which caters to a diverse group of multigenerational vacationers these days despite famed bandleader Lawrence Welk’s original vision of just having it be a respite for fans.
Swimmers wear virtual reality goggles at Welk Resort San Diego, which caters to a diverse group of multigenerational vacationers these days despite famed bandleader Lawrence Welk’s original vision of just having it be a respite for fans.

If there’s a silver lining to COVID-19 restrictions, it’s that the hospitality industry has found new ways to enjoy the outdoors. From electric bike rides in the country to virtual-reality goggles in the pool, resorts are reinventing what guests can do outside.

An industry leader in outdoor adventures is a group of properties started by famed bandleader Lawrence Welk. It turns out the folksy entertainer best known for champagne music was pretty perceptive about customer service.

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The big cheese appears in Montclair

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Ginny Prior/for Bay Area News Group Farmstead Cheeses and Wines’ chief cheese monger, Jeff Diamond, “cracks a parm” — slices open a giant Parmesan cheese wheel — for food and wine writers recently at his Montclair store.

MONTCLARION: May 20, 2019

As far as cheese goes, it was a beaut — 85 pounds of fresh Parmesan, a wheel so big it took a young clerk to flip it. Farmstead Cheeses and Wines’ chief cheese monger, Jeff Diamond, treated journalists to a show the other night. “Cracking a ‘parm’ is a very cool thing,” he quipped. “And I’m always excited when I can show folks how it’s done.” Continue reading →