Northern California Archives - Bohemian by the Bay

Best Weekend Hikes in SF

June 2, 2016

If there’s one weekend activity that I would do every weekend if I could, it’s hike. Being from Colorado, I am very fond of the outdoors. And very fond is an understatement. Part of the reason I moved to California was to explore new landscapes and see what the state has to offer. I haven’t been disappointed thus far.

Last weekend, Jack and I went on a hike in Muir Woods near Mt. Tamalpais. We hiked the Matt Davis trail from the Mountain Inn to the Westpoint Inn and back. It was a bit of a large hill on the way up (only uphill, actually) so your booty definitely gets a workout. I wore my new Vince & Vic yoga pants, which are actually great for hiking since they are thick and provide great coverage. I love the mesh inserts as well, sorta like these. This trend is popping up everywhere!

Some of you may be asking, how does a native Colorado girl know what are the best places to hike in SF? Well let me tell you, I’ve got my sources… And my friend Alex gave me the best Refinery29 article I’ve ever read. Here are some of my recommendations:

1. Stinson Beach- haven’t done this one yet, but anything with the word “beach” in it- count me in!

2. Westpoint Inn to Mountain Inn- this is the one we did this weekend. The views from the Westpoint Inn are incredible and the hike up really works your booty.

3. Land’s End to Ocean Beach- if you have people visiting from our of town that enjoy nature, this hike needs to be at the top of your list. The cliff views are stunning.

4. Tennessee Valley Trail to Pelican Inn- a bit of a longer hike, but my favorite I have been on so far. The Pelican Inn has such a yummy brunch so you can fill up before the hike back. Ocean views that will make your heart jump too 🙂

5. Pfeiffer Falls Trailhead- down in Big Sur, but another one of my favs that hugs the coastline. A must if you are down in that area.

Let me know if ya’ll know of any more that I can add to this list!

Love,
Lauren

PC: Jack my Adventure Buddy

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Retreat at The Bay Club

May 25, 2016

I had one of the best Fridays I’ve had in a while last Friday. I spent the entire day at The Bay Club Redwood Shores in Redwood City, about an hour drive south of San Francisco for a day of rejuvenation. And let me tell you, I needed it; between full-time work and blogging, I don’t have much downtime. The itinerary of the day was as follows: tour, yoga, post yoga smoothie, facials, relaxing by the pool, eating and shopping! It was hard to pick a favorite activity, but considering how much I love to eat, mine would probably the eating part. We ate at their Seventy-Seven restaurant in the club for lunch and the food was great- I would have to say the shrimp tacos took the cake. Here’s a little peek inside what The Bay Club has to offer…

What I like about The Bay Club is that there is something for everyone- whether you want a place to meet or work for business, let your kids play (or be babysat!), exercise by yourself or in a group, play tennis/squash, swim, eat, etc. The Club just has it all. Definitely pay this club a visit if you are in the area to see what they have to offer!

Love,
Lauren

PC: Alicia Hotson of

*Big thanks to The Bay Club for hosting such a fabulous event!

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Tassle Dress

May 6, 2016

Last weekend, I attended the Jackalope Art Fair in Pasadena, like I mentioned in one of my last blog posts. I wore this adorable tassel dress I picked up from the Crossroads Trading in Pasadena, which is one of the best Crossroads I have ever been to. I paired it with my lace-ups from The Mint Julep Boutique for a laid back casual bohemian look.

The art fair was also one for the books! Here is a list of some of my favorite vendors at the fair:

United by Form– everything from jewelry to candles to macrame succulent holders… need I say more.
Sacred LA– handmade kimonos!
Zafiro Jewelry– some of the more eclectic and creative jewelry I have seen lately.
Loschy– handmade, uniquely designed crowns, so so beautiful.
Cactus Club– beautiful watercolor art.
Clay & Fabric– the absolute cutest pots you will ever see! Jack got one of his own here.
Katie Dean Jewelry – I’ve been an avid follower of Katie, and her jewelry is some of my favorite.
Just Jan’s– homemade jams! I bought the strawberry rhubarb, mmm.

Can’t wait to head to more festivals and art fairs this summer. If anyone has any recommendations, I would love to hear them.

Thanks,
Lauren

PC: Jack Van Leeuwen

*Sunglasses are from Shop Ditto– use the code BOHEMIANBYTHEBAY for your first month free!

*Dress is thrifted from Crossroads Trading!

Best Kept Secrets in Napa

March 30, 2016

About two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Flavor! Napa Valley Festival, a week long festival in Napa with over forty events hosted by local wineries and caterers/restaurants. These events ranged from private wine tours, banquets, brunches, and much more. I attended two of the many events: a private Napa Valley wine tour and a brunch party. Both of these events were spectacular, especially the food- both on the wine tour and at the brunch party. But the wine tour was the event that stole my heart.

I’ll take you inside some of the best wineries I have ever been to…

1. Spring Mountain Vineyard: This place is magical. From the original old architecture to the abundance of plants engulfing the property, it really and truly was my favorite winery I have been to in Napa yet. Oh, and the wine is good too.

2. Rudd Oakville Estate: From the expansive fields of wine and crops to the underground cave, this winery will make you never want to leave. There was something new around every corner at this winery- when you think you have seen it all, you really haven’t. I suggest taking a tour downstairs to the private dining room underground if you can! Their Samantha’s Cabernet Sauvignon is incredible.

3. Nichelini Family Winery: This winery is very family driven, and very welcoming because of it. They have a great selection of red wines, be sure to try Red Reserve if you do a tasting here.

4. Goosecross Cellars: I will one hundred percent go back to this winery purely for the company. Our hosts were fantastic, primarily for their sense of humor. The back patio is a great place to do a tasting and there was a very accepting, laid back and young vibe at this winery. Also, their new 2013 Sauvignon Blanc is to die for.

If any of you have any recommendations for Napa I would love to hear them!

Definitely consider trying out these wineries next time you are in Napa.

Love,
Lauren