Reservations are no longer required — In case you forgot (I know I always do), one of our nation’s greatest national parks is just three to four hours away. And starting back on November 1, visitors can now go back to visiting Yosemite National Park without needing to reserve a day permit. So in case you’ve…

It’s peak season for getting autumnal, people — The socially acceptable season of chugging PSLs is upon us. I’ll admit that writing about the enjoyments of this glorious time of year feels pretty trite in the midst of the pandemic and the election — and a bit ironic, given that we’re experiencing yet another heat wave. But the…

Everyone can do their part — No doubt, 2020 has taken its toll on the Bay Area — in more ways than one. In the middle of a pandemic, we’ve just watched wildfires burn more than 1 million acres of land in the past week. And they still burn. It’s hard to fathom the impact of…

SIP — Sip in Person (safely) — Let the summer of safe and socially distanced outdoor drinking continue — and let it last until we get a vaccine. …

‘Honestly, we’re barely hanging in there’ — No matter the time, opening a business requires courage and adaptability. But owners have had to take those qualities and max them out to a whole new level in 2020. We all know how much even well-established restaurants, cafés, and wineries are struggling during the pandemic — what about those…

Weddings are out, eloping is in — Of all the things the pandemic has taken from us, I never thought weddings would be one I’d miss. But there’s something about the current state of the world that has me missing cheesy champagne toasts, sweaty cupid shuffles on the dance floor, and well — just getting to celebrate…

Sip in your own backyard — Driving up to Napa for a boozy weekend trip is usually one of the my summer highlights, but the idea of staying over at a place outside of my own apartment is still not sitting right with me. Fortunately, we have local wineries even closer to home in the South…

Hit up the peninsula for some wide open spaces — If there was ever a time to get into hiking, this summer is it. Now, I know what some of you may be thinking — I, too, once thought hiking was not something I’d just casually do on a weekend. But don’t worry, I’m not talking about intense rock climbing…

Venture out and see our beautiful state safely — Now that we’re nearing almost 100 days being sheltered in place, it’s only normal if you’re feeling a little (or a lot of) cabin fever. You’ve explored all the grocery stores in your neighborhood, taken some socially distanced walks with your quaranteam, and maybe eaten outdoors at a reopened restaurant…