MAGAZINE: May 2009 ISSUE
Great Escapes
May 01, 2009
Glorious May the sweet spot of the North States climate. Winters chill is behind us, the sky high summer temperatures are yet to come, and we have all sorts of ideas to share if youre looking to get out and enjoy it all.
First, take a trip to the end of the road the end of Highway 299, that is. As the road turns to dust in northwestern Nevadas high desert, you will enter a land of steaming hot springs, snowcapped mountains, alpine lakes and streams, where bald eagles soar and wild horses run free. Added bonus: No cell phone service.
Another must-see spot? Clearwater Lodge, a hidden treasure in eastern Shasta County. Cast a line into the Pit River’s trophy fishing waters or just relax in front of the main lodge’s spectacular floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace.
If you venture up north, settle into a windowside table at Dunsmuir’s Café Maddalena, less than an hour from Redding. Enjoy fresh, innovative food that feels like it belongs in a metropolitan city, yet the charming and unpretentious atmosphere will make you feel right at home. A little further north is Greenhorn Park, a treasure alongside a 30-acre reservoir in Yreka.
And if you head south, consider timing your visit around a Tehama County Concert Association show. The association recently celebrated its 70th anniversary, and it continues to bring impressive performers to town.
Looking for somewhere to take the kids? Check out some of the hidden vacation getaways that range from rustic and inexpensive to all-inclusive country luxury. We’ll tell you about some of our favorites.
One of the best ways to explore the area is on two knobby wheels. Meet the Redding Mountain Bikers, who get out every Saturday to enjoy the scenery that many of us just see from a car window.
And when you’re between excursions, why not take a moment to meet some of our most interesting neighbors? Benita Epstein is a world-famous cartoonist who lives right here in Redding. And we’ll also help you get to know the McConnell Foundation a little better. This story kicks off a series about the organization that started with the simple generosity of a North State couple and has grown into a philanthropic powerhouse.
Featured Content for May 2009
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Interest: The End Of The Road
story and photos: Jean Bilodeaux When You Think You've Driven Too Far, You Are Just About To Cedarville Ever been to the end of the road? You might want to give it a try. Nearing the eastern end of State Highway 299, the road tops the geographically isolated Warner Mountain range. The earth drops away as the traveler twists down a dramatic fault line escarpment into Surprise Valley. Originally named Surprise Valley by the pioneers traveling west on the Lassen Applegate Trail, the area also hol... More
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Interest: Local Mediterranean
story: Adam Mankoski photo: Kara Stewart Dining At Dunsmuir's Cafe MaddalenaA window-side table at Dunsmuir’s Café Maddalena allows the perfect view of the North State’s changing seasons. Snow banks disappear, ice crystal-encrusted trees reveal green buds and wildflowers peek from thawing earth. Stand outside on Café Maddalena’s wrap-around porch, and the view through the distinctive paned windows mirrors the transformation happening outside Café Maddalena’... More
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Profile: One Funny Lady
story: Phil Fountain Acclaimed Redding Cartoonist Benita Epstein If you were to play a word association game with your average cartoonist, the word “bugs” would probably elicit the response, “bunny.” Should you try the same word on acclaimed Redding cartoonist, Benita Epstein, you would likely get, “Do you mean from the phylum class, such as a Dictyoptera Blattaria?” Epstein is one funny entomologist. She may indeed be the only person in the history of bugdo... More
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Interest: Solid Foundation
story: Kerri Regan photos: provided by The McConnell Foundation The McConnell Foundation Part 1 “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”– Martin Luther King, Jr. Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The Sundial Bridge. Redding’s Freedom Festival fireworks spectacular. Renovation of the Cascade Theatre. Shasta Community Health Center. Some of the North State’s most celebrated crown jewels exist today due to the ge... More
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Top 10: Que Bueno!
1. Casa Ramos 995 Hilltop Dr. Redding (530) 224-7223 2830 Childress Dr., Anderson (530) 365-1791 2001 N. Main St., Red Bluff (530) 527-2684 1136 S. Mt. Shasta Blvd., Mt. Shasta (530) 926-0250 Visit their website at www.casaramos.net for even more locations. Most popular menu item: Plato Emperador 2. Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant 435 E Cypress Ave., Redding (530) 223-2540 More