June 24th: Summer in Guerneville + Fall in Malta
This newsletter was originally published and sent on June 24, 2024. Enjoy this read from the archives, and be sure to sign up if you’d like more content like this in your inbox.
Happy Monday, fellow traveler!
It’s Jessie B., bringing you two of my favorite off-the-beaten-path travel ideas for the week. As always, I’m sharing one last-minute travel idea on the West Coast and one to plan for later in the year. Let’s get to it!
WHERE TO TRAVEL NOW
Guerneville, California
Weekend of June 28-30, 2024
Come June, there are few places I’d rather be than Guerneville, California—in fact, I just spent this past weekend there and can confirm: summer in this small, riverside town is in full swing. This time of year, life revolves around the Russian River, which passes through town, with plenty of opportunities to swim, kayak, or sunbathe on the beach. Plus: a lively LGBTQ+-friendly party scene and some excellent restaurants mean you’re sure to have a fun time off the river as well.
➛ 3 things to do: Rent a canoe or kayak at Burke’s and paddle down the river; go for a hike in Armstrong redwoods; and spend an afternoon wine-tasting—I like nearby Hartford Family Winery.
➛ Can’t-miss restaurants: Canoe to riverside Stumptown for beers. In town, get cocktails at El Barrio and dinner at Dawn Ranch or new wine bar, Trillium. Always save room for ice cream at Nimble & Finn’s. On your drive back to The Bay, get brunch at Willow Wood in nearby Graton.
➛ Where to stay: For a luxe getaway with or without the kiddos, go to Stravand (from $506/night) and be sure to book at least one dinner on site. For an adults-only trip, I love boon hotel + spa (from $209/night for glamping; $299/night for rooms), an OG classic with a great pool, or their stylish, new, sister property Highlands Resort (from $199/night). As of writing, all have availability for the weekend of June 28-30th.
➛ Packing tip: Bring water shoes (I tested Teva’s new water sandals on this last trip to Guerneville and they were perfect), plenty of sunscreen, small cooler, and a flotation device of your choice.
➛ Getting there: 1.5 hours north of San Francisco by car.
➛ Book this trip: Just fill out a quick survey and I’ll plan + book everything for you. 😎
WHERE TO TRAVEL THIS FALL
Malta in October
Weekend of October 11-12th
It may feel early to start thinking about fall travel, but it’ll be here before you know it. And it’s always a good to book trips around events, like Malta’s Birgu Fest, happening this October 11 + 12th, in advance. Every October, the entire medieval town of Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa, turns off its electricity and is illuminated by candles in this magical event. It was such a highlight of my year living in Malta, I returned for it 10 years later. It’s 100% worth planning a trip around.
➛ 3 (other) things to do in Malta: Hike, rock climb, or scuba dive in Gozo; spend a day in the medieval town of Mdina; explore the capital and UNESCO World Heritage site, Valletta, after dark. See my full list.
➛ Can’t miss restaurants: Get coffee at Lot 61 and traditional Maltese pastizzi next door at Manuela; fresh seafood lunch at Tartarun; and Maltese dinner at Legligin. In Valletta, sit outside with a cocktail at Cafe Society or G&Ts at Yard 32. Or, ferry across the harbor for drinks on a boat at Guadalupe.
➛ Where to stay: If you’re only there for a few days, make Valletta your home base with a stay at the luxurious boutique hotel, Casa Ellul, ultra-luxurious Phoenician, or one of the apartments at Valletta Vintage. Whichever you choose, try to book a room with a traditional Maltese balcony.
➛ Packing tip: Bring a light jacket and a hat—this time of year gets windy in Malta.
➛ Getting there: No direct flights from the U.S. Fly through Rome or Paris and tack on a night (or two) in one of these cities.
➛ Take this trip: Save all of my Malta recommendations instantly in your Google Maps app with this curated Google Map list, or get in touch, and I’ll plan the whole trip for you.
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