Are You That Woman

Off the road, off the grid

Mercey Hot Springs Story & Photos by Barbara L. Steinberg

Sometimes I hate to share all of my best California secrets, but here I go again!

No need to beg for mercy at Mercey Hot Springs, there's plenty to see, do, and enjoy! Out of the way and way off-road -- 13 miles from Interstate 5 and many more miles from scenic Hwy. 25 -- this historic hot springs resort (don't be thinking 5-stars) is worth the drive. This is especially true if you enjoy solitude, open spaces, and a clothing optional hot springs soak!

The full-size swimming pool -- hot springs water -- is available during the better weather. The pool and decking have been refurbished and a series of new soaking tubs added. Also added were two full baths. All that you want and more. This area of the resort is clothed and provides more options for visitors. The upgrades are fantastic.

The rustic cabins have all been restored. The cabins are tiny and only outdoor BBQs for cooking, so come prepared for a little roughing it on the soft side. You can bring your own Coleman stove or utilize one of the fire pits. For a little more money, the #5 cabin has a kitchenette. So ask about availability. There's no TV, but through the marvels of science WiFi has been added. Don't know if that's a good thing or not! No escaping technology even in this remote corner of Californa.

  The outhouses are the nicest I have ever seen! There are a couple of private soaking tubs in one of the ramshackle buildings, which also includes the most marvelous reptile mosaic. The restoration of the historic buildings has been done with their history in mind. Though modern conveniences have been added, the buildings maintain a weathered look and feel. Come spring, the hillsides and valleys bring forth a profusion of wildflowers after a wet winter. Even in the fall, the drive into Mercey delivers undulating golden hills of the Central Valley and Little Panoche Valley. A stunning view; so take it slow.

In the meantime, a colony of long- eared owls has taken up residence at Mercey. They arrive in late summer/early autumn and stay until Spring, nesting and birthing their babies. It's a sight to behold!   Day visitors can pay a fee to stop and see these wise birds.

The most amazing part is that the owners have created a completely green environment and everything is off the grid. There's solar, bio-diesel, and wind! Quite an accomplishment.

There are many hidden hot springs throughout Caliornia and I hope to visit each and every one. In this northwest corner of Fresno County, you are truly away from it all. I recenlty spent another quiet weekend at this delightful retreat. My Subaru taking me happily off-road and on. There are many wonderful back roads in the area and other historic sights to see. Enjoy the ride.

And a slide show of photos!

 

 

If my Subaru can't get me there, 
that's a good reason not to go!,

This Bud's for you!

Don't Miss the Fun:  National Bud Happy Hour!

Join Anheuser-Busch Brewery in
Fairfield, California for Budweiser Tours' Week-long Visitor Appreciation
September 28 to October 2, 2010

WHAT: On Wednesday, Sept. 29, the Anheuser-Busch Fairfield brewery tour center will remain open for tours and sampling until 7 p.m. as part of “Budweiser National Happy Hour."

Visitors taking the brewery tour from Tuesday, September 28, through Saturday, October 2, also will get some extras as part of the week-long consumer appreciation event:

•  10 percent discount on Budweiser merchandise
•  Complimentary Budweiser key chain
•  Opportunity to win a Budweiser gift

WHEN:  10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, September 28 through Saturday, October 2
             10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, September 29
WHERE:  Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour Center
              3101 Busch Drive
              Fairfield , CA
              707-429-7595
              www.budweisertours.com  

One of California's best things you almost didn't see

One of the Many & Photo by Barbara L. Steinberg

While on a recent writing assignment, I was fortunate enough to enjoy some wonderful conversation with two men who invited me to sit at their dinner table. As is often the case when traveling, I love to share stories with people I meet along the way. On this  recent adventure, I talked about some of California's great landmarks....many that are often missed or overlooked. One of my dinner companions mentioned one such landmark and sent me off to discover this "best thing you almost didn't see." He gave me some limited details and motivated me to go forth and search. So search I did.

Here is "the thing" (I believe) and am sending this photo to him for confirmation. Thank you, M.R., for this early morning adventure. I stopped a number of people in the general vicinty. As you said, no one knew what I was talking about. No one!

For everyone else, do you know where this is? It's in northern California. This commissioned work of art has ties to the Freedom of Speech Movement.

 

What's great about Sacramento is that it's country close!

Hang-out with your new best friends on the tour

Courtesy of Placer Farm & Barn Tour

The Placer Farm & Barn Tour is Back

And it's happening on Sunday, October 10, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Spend a beautiful fall day exploring the countryside, visiting working farms and ranches, and meeting the farmers who produce local food. Visit a variety of orchards, a cattle ranch, a Christmas tree and sheep ranch, a vineyard and a winery, an historic vegetable farm, or an aquatic nursery. Learn how various foods are grown, taste locally grown and prepared foods, try your hand at processing olives, take a class on starting a small vineyard, watch sheepdogs at work, or just sit back, sip a glass of wine, and enjoy some of Placer County’s most beautiful views.

The Placer Farm & Barn Tour celebrates Placer County 's agricultural heritage and the family farms that feed us. It is a one-day self guided tour of nine working farms, ranches, and vineyards in the beautiful countryside of Placer County , California . Each venue features different activities: tours, demonstrations, farm animals, equipment displays, food and wine tasting, live music, artists, locally grown produce and prepared food for sale. The Tour runs from 10 AM to 4 PM and costs $15 for adults, $25 for families (2 adults and unlimited children under 18). This is a great event for children of all ages.

Tickets include a map with directions and a description of activities at each venue and may be purchased online at Brown Paper Tickets or at the Placer County Visitors Bureau in Auburn, 13411 Lincoln Way, at the Foresthill exit, next door to the AM-PM, or call 530.887.2111. Tickets are limited to 1000 so as to avoid overcrowding and maintain the friendly, personal contact with farmers and ranchers, so be sure to get yours soon!

For more information, visit The Placer Farm & Barn Tour website. Come enjoy a day in the country, learn about farming, and meet the people who grow our local food! The Placer Farm and Barn Tour is a premiere family fall event.