Where’s Jessie B… Going Next?

Unique travel ideas in California, every other week.

Hello hello Subscriber First Name! It’s Jessie B., your well-traveled friend, bringing you yet another round-up of unique and off-the-beaten-path travel ideas in California, along with insider intel on happenings around the state’s travel scene.

SIERRA FOOTHILLS

This Sierra Foothills Farmstay is All About Food, Nature, and Community

Heyo! I’m just back from a weekend at Blue Ruby Farm, a unique, three-room stay tucked into the lesser-known Sierra Foothills town of Browns Valley, not far from Yuba City. If you’re looking for a getaway built around food, nature, and meaningful connection, this place delivers.

The experience is deeply personal and community-oriented. Mornings start slow—French press coffee, garden walks, and frittatas shared around the table with fellow guests. At night, it’s chef-prepared, farm-and-garden-to-table dinners, cooked over an open hearth and enjoyed family-style. One morning, hosts Paul and Stephanie led a walk through the property, pointing out edible plants, beaver dams, and their efforts to practice regenerative farming on the property.

There’s not a ton to do nearby, but that’s part of the charm. You can grab pastries at the Saturday-only Artisan Lavinia bakery, sip wine at Frenchtown Farms, go for a hike at South Yuba State Park, swim in the Yuba River, and stop through Nevada City for vintage shops or a drink at The National Exchange Hotel.

→ Read my full review of Blue Ruby Farm

SAN FRANCISCO

I Have Endless Reasons to Take a Staycation in San Francisco Right Now

How often do you explore your own city like a local? About a year ago, I was working on a list of the best hotels in San Francisco for Afar (and, ofc, my own list of faves for WJB 😉), touring, drinking, and even staying in many of the city’s best properties.

But the best part? Being pushed to explore beyond my usual haunts—like the night a good friend and I posted up at the Four Seasons and used it as an excuse to finally visit the iconic jazz spot, The Dawn Club. Or, how a stay at The Jay led to a lovely evening sipping negronis at Bar Sprezzatura, followed by a day out in Chinatown around Lunar New Year. A tour of Japantown’s Hotel Enso (which has the loveliest staff!) inspired me to spend an afternoon popping into the small boutiques nearby and discover that The Anchovy Bar is really good as a solo diner (they don’t tell everyone this, but tables of one can do half orders of most dishes). And can we talk about The Starlite Room, a fun (enclosed) rooftop bar at Beacon Grand, or how non-members can stay at The Battery and get access to all their shows and programming?

Pick a hotel. Be a tourist in your own city. And if you do, respond to this email (seriously!) and lmk. I’d love to hear about your adventures :)

→ My Favorite Hotels in San Francisco

IN OTHER NEWS…

Happening Around California

🌮 SAN FRANCISCO: Beloved Italian restaurant, Flour + Water, opens doors on its Pizza Shop in Mission Rock, joining an (also new) branch of Arsicault and the recently renovated China Basin Park as neighbors.

🏖️ LAGUNA BEACH: Got a new Pali Hotel, Le Petit Pali, and it’s very cute. I’ve had some issues with thin walls at other Palis (they tend to revive old inns) but overall love the design, vibes, and food.

🍾 HEALDSBURG: Guy Fieri is throwing a party. May 17th, annual Magnum Party at The Matheson in Healdsburg. Will there be trash can nachos? Who’s to say 🤷‍♀️

ICYMI

➛ I’m Obsessed With This Brand for Women’s Travel Clothing (Where’s Jessie B.)

➛ This Underrated Farm Stay Is One of Northern California’s Best Kept Secrets (Where’s Jessie B.)

➛ How to Find a Last-Minute Campsite in California (Where’s Jessie B.)

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