Escape to California's secret mountain towns--Part one

Interested in escaping to mountain towns away from summer crowds?

Click here.

Close to home: Bay Area lakes equal summer fun--Part 2

Here are most Bay Area lakes to cool off in summer.

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-6346-Northern-California-Getaways-Examiner~y2009m5d27-Bay-Area-lakes-for-summer-swimmingPart-2

Bay Area lakes for summer swimming

When I think of summer, I imagine long hot days in the sun, swimming, picnicking and BBQing with friends. Since San Francisco doesn't (often) offer enough opportunities to do this, I have compiled an initial list of Bay Area lakes to catch some rays and swim sans fog and wind.

Close to home: Bay Area lakes equal summer fun--Part 1.

Northern California's top swim lakes

When the days get longer, do you pine to swim in a lake? If so, check this out: Nor Cal Swim Lakes.

Island dining on the San Francisco bay? You bet!

It begins with a boat ride from Fisherman's Wharf. Forbes himself motors over on a pontoon to collect you from the pier. Step aboard, sail past the barking sea lions and step onto shore at Forbes Island--San Francisco's one of a kind dining experience.

For more information, click here.

So you think you know Northern California?

Road trips are this year's travel trend. With stellar landscapes, peaks, valleys and windswept beaches, Northern California is by and large the finest place to venture out in your car. Whether you want a romantic trip along the Central Coast, a down and dirty trip through the Trinity Alps, redwood trails, wine tasting or under the radar antique shopping, Northern California delivers.

See more about my new book at http://www.examiner.com/x-6346-Northern-California-Getaways-Examiner~y2009m5d18-So-you-think-you-know-Northern-California

Getaway to Downtown Napa—finally!

Looking for ways to enjoy Napa? Check this out!

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-6346-Northern-California-Getaways-Examiner~y2009m5d6-Getaway-to-Downtown-Napafinally

Northern California May events

Here are my favorite Nor Cal events this month.

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-6346-Northern-California-Getaways-Examiner~y2009m5d4-Northern-California-May-events