Camping on a remote coastal beach, bear sightings on a less remote coast (!), the possible forever closure of Yosemite’s High Sierra Camps’ tent cabins, and one of the best road trip vacations you can do that is sure to please everyone (even the dog!): Paso Robles! Paso is a down-to-earth revelation, home to one of the world’s coolest Lighted Art Shows (Sensorio), world-class and unpretentious wineries with full food menus; e-bike and side-car tours; a vibrant and creative downtown with a huge central park; great places to stay; and new experiences like guided horseback tours at a historic ranch with wildflowers, wildlife, and wowing views of the Santa Lucia Mountain range. Later in the podcast, Brad and Holly talk to Alex Villicana, an innovator in the evolution of Paso’s wine and spirits community. Alex is the Vintner/Distiller/Proprietor at Villicana Winery & Re:Find Distillery. 

Show Notes:
Road Trip to Real California

Villicana Winery and Re:Find Distillery
@refinddistillery

Sensorio
@sensoriopaso

Paso Robles Inn
@pasoroblesinn

Central Coast Trailrides
@centralcoasttrailrides

Cass Winery
@cass_winery

TravelPaso
@travelpaso

Life can feel surreal. Being out into nature can provide a little nurture. Local and international travel can provide respite and perspective. And art and culture contribute to conversation and community. In this episode, Brad and Holly speak with artist and advocate Jesse James Ziegler, Reno's Poet Laureate, about his journeys in poetry, where he goes locally to find inspiration, and the thriving, supportive art community in Reno. Brad and Holly also talk about their recent Weekend Sherpa trip to a point beyond: Cambodia. Learn about how to see Angkor Wat by bike, the magnificent islands less traveled, and the Hero Rats of APOPO.  

NOTE: At the beginning of this episode, in sharing some positive news about Jackie and Shadow—Big Bear’s celebrity bald eagle couple—Holly fumbles it with what you call newborn eagles… they’re eaglets, not chicks (but since she has chickens, we’ll grant her a pass on this one). 

Reno Tahoe Care Package

Monday Night Poetry at Shim's Tavern in Reno

Jesse Ziegler, Poet Laureate for Reno

Full Moon Island Resort

Angkor Cycling Tour

Hero Rats

Kompong Phluk Floating Village Mangrove Forest Cruise

In this episode Brad and Holly discuss the devastating fires in Los Angeles County. They are joined by LA-based Weekend Sherpa contributor Yvonne Pasquini, who talks about the impact of the fires and how Angelenos are navigating the aftermath. Holly and Brad also discuss past fires, including the 2017 fires in the North Bay of northern California, where they were mandatory evacuated in the middle of the night. Turning to a more uplifting topic, they talk about one of the gem destinations in northern California—Redding. Find out where to go and what to do in this sunny destination flanked by iconic Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen. And have you heard of Sleep Vacations? Well, they’re a thing now, too.
 
Show Notes:

To discover more about Redding, see our issue Redding for You.

LA County Parks Care Camps support families impacted by the Eaton Fire Youth and teens can find a supportive community space for recreation and fun, including arts and crafts, music, sports, and field trips to places like Dodger Stadium and La Brea Tar Pits. Breakfast, snacks, and lunch provided daily. 

Travel shaming? That’s now a thing? Say it isn’t so! In this first episode of Take It Outside 2025, Brad and Holly discuss visiting Mexico City, tasting mezcal and cocktails at the bar named Best in the World, the Surgeon General’s alcohol warning (!), and whether or not travel truly changes a person. Plus, travel shaming—what the heck is that? In a year where we need more positive vibes, we’re sticking with why it’s good to get out and have experiences both locally and in points beyond. Later in the podcast, we talk with Marti Tedesco, Senior Manager of Media & Communications for Peninsula Open Space Trust. Marti shares some of her favorite hikes, some updates on new developments for trail systems this coming year, and the 2025 POST Hiking Calendar, which you can get online (complimentary) for some ideas and inspiration.

2025 POST Hiking Calendar

Peninsual Open Space Trust

In this special holiday episode, Brad and Holly catch up on their favorite local hikes this time of year, what festive libations they like, and "Christmas" movies (Die Hard, yes or no?). Then it's on to Reno Tahoe! Find out where Weekend Sherpa went and what adventures happened on their recent trip to Reno: hikes, hot soaks, après, and where to find the best outdoor gear at good prices. Later in the episode they're joined by Max Smith, vice president of Moment Skis, based in Reno. Employee owned, Moment Skis is carving out an independent and successful path as the Biggest Little Ski Company in the World. Their factory in Reno is where the ski magic happens, and you can visit it to watch how the skis are made, check out the showroom, and get advice on gear and where to find the best snow in Reno Tahoe—plus enjoy a complimentary beer. It's the holidaze... enjoy!

Reno Tahoe Care Package

Movies and the great outdoors combine for some best supporting scenery, including dunes for days and Death Valley's surreal-scape (and the new but temporary lake, Manly). In this episode, Holly and Brad discuss several sand dune sites to adventure at, plus the ethereal nature of Death Valley National Park, which is spring-primed. Find out the best spots there for private sunset viewings; where to get stellar vistas of the park's temporary phenomenon, Manly Lake (which reflects Telescope Peak and the Panamint mountains); and the best way to stargaze in this dark sky destination. Later in the pod, they are joined by Ginny Krieger, Executive Director of the Sonoma International Film Festival (March 20 to 24, 2024) to talk about the beauty of Sonoma, and the ways in which the film festival has become one of the best in the West. 
 
Show Notes:
 
Sonoma Valley International Film Festival (March 20 to 24, 2024)
Death Valley National Park Weekend Sherpa Edition
Dunes for Adventure

Dune 2 is the big blockbuster in theaters, but with a break in rain and cooler weather now's a great time to head outdoors to explore some of California's best dunes, including less known places, best for sunsets, and--bonus--the Oregon sand dunes that inspired the novel Dune. In this episode, Brad and Holly talk about some of these surreal sandscapes, in addition to other outdoor adventures that are good post-rains, what it means to hurkle-durkle, and Big Bear’s famous bald eagle pair—Jackie and Shadow. Later in the podcast, they are joined by Janice Lim, founder of the travel blog WheresJanice, for a conversation about some top California waterfalls, national parks, camping areas, road trips, and tidepool destinations. Dune it right for outdoor adventures.

Dunes to visit in California and Oregon

Janice Lim, @wheresjanice

There are all kinds of ways to "winter" in the West over the coming months, including some fantastic adventures in Yosemite National Park. In this episode, Brad and Holly discuss some of the season's best activities in Yosemite, home to California's first ski resort, the old-school and budget-friendly Badger Pass. There's also snowshoeing to panoramic Dewey Point, outdoor ice skating under a huge view of Half Dome (with a firepit and s'mores!), and lots more. Later in the pod they're joined by Lisa Cesaro from Aramark Destinations, discussing lakeview adventures in South Lake Tahoe, snowmobile safaris in Jackson, Wyoming, and the beauty of Yellowstone and Crater Lake national parks. Yodel for Yosemite, yodel for the West's best winter adventures!

Show Notes:
Yosemite's Winter Wonders
Nation's Vacation Ideas

With the holiday season full steam ahead, Brad and Holly are joined by Weekend Sherpa contributing content creator Yvonne Pasquini, talking about what to do outdoors with friends, family, furry pals, or going solo this season. From day trips with apple cider, donuts, wine, bike trails, and beers, to the best fall foliage, sunset spots, picnic areas, stairway hikes, beaches, and festive restaurants, here's a collage of California fun.

Follow Yvonne Pasquini @yvonne_pasquini

Links to a few of the places discussed:

NorCal
El Dorado Bike Trail
Apple Hill Adventures
Purisima Creek Redwoods
Windy Hill
Wildcat Camp
Samuel P Taylor State Park
Napa Valley Bike Ride
Petaluma Tree Farm

SoCal
Hollywood Heights
Echo and Elysian Park
Hetch Hetchy Backpacking
Baldwin Hills
Will Rogers State Park
Catalina Island

Death Valley reopens, Mount Diablo's "gated" community controversy, and all the hidden-gem ways to find some Zen this autumn in beautiful Monterey ... it's glow time! And that includes the brilliant bloody-belly comb jelly at Monterey Bay Aquarium's incredible new exhibit, Into the Deep. Brad and Holly are joined by the Aquarium's Ken Peterson and Allen Protasio, who share an ocean's worth of knowledge and tips on where to go and what to "sea" at the Aquarium, on sustainability initiatives for a better future, and on nearby hiking and biking trails, including a few truly hidden gems for birdwatching and sea otter sightings. Get the scoop on fall's best adventures in Monterey and beyond in the Golden State.

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Check out Weekend Sherpa's issue: Monterey's Many Hidden Gems