Weekend Adventures in San Francisco and Northern California (Paperback)

by Carole Terwilliger Meyers (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"... It's the greatest guidebook around for families who want to explore Northern California." -- Dixie Jordan, Editor, Parents' Press

"... her attention to detail and enthusiasm for this lovely chunk of California. This book is a valuable resource." -- Mike Cleary, The Food and Travel Enthusiast, Hills Newspapers

"...almost overwhelmingly full of detailed information. Excellent." -- San Diego Union-Tribune

"This lady is organized . . . well-researched guide." -- San Francisco Chronicle Book Review

"activities are presented in an organized manner. Buy this book, ... plan for a memorable vacation in Northern California." -- The Bloomsbury Review

Product Description
Life is a journey. Here to help you escape the bumps and enjoy the ride through Northern California is the thoroughly revised 8th edition of WEEKEND ADVENTURES IN SAN FRANCISCO & NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

Award-winning author Carole Terwilliger Meyers, who published the first edition of her book in 1977, invites you to visit the vast array of vacation wonders in Northern California. You can spend the night in a coastal lighthouse, play chess on one of the two largest chessboards in the United States, and pan for gold in an authentic Gold Rush river. WEEKEND ADVENTURES has something for everyone--from weekend warriors anxious to test their mettle to world-weary slugabeds who want breakfast brought to them on a tray.

Weighing in at almost 1 1/2 pounds, WEEKEND ADVENTURES is packed with interesting places to visit: the Santa Cruz mountains, the coast south to Morro Bay and north to Eureka, the Wine Country, the Russian River area, Sacramento and the Delta, Highway 101 north and south, the national parks, the Gold Rush Country, Lake Tahoe, and the Mt. Shasta area. San Francisco and the Bay Area--including the East Bay, Marin, and the Peninsula--are also detailed. Former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown says, "Ms. Meyers’ love for the City and her familiarity with its abundant charms are evident in each entry."

Each destination includes information on what to do, where to stay, and where to eat. Helpful extras include the most direct driving route and interesting stops along the way. Details on family amenities are provided with each listing, and the text is filled with intriguing historical tidbits and unusual facts. Additional chapters are devoted to ski areas, family camps, houseboats, river and pack trips, and assorted other adventures.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 500 pages
• Publisher: Carousel Press; 8th edition (March 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0917120191
• ISBN-13: 978-0917120190
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #439,665 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for both visitors and especially local residents, June 6, 2005

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

If Weekend Adventures In San Francisco & Northern California sounds familiar, it should be: this latest represents its 8th updated edition, including a wide range of attractions from staying in a coastal lighthouse the night to exploring small local parks, byways, and less major attractions. Even the well-traveled California native who has seemingly covered all routes will find plenty of new adventures here, all updated thoroughly. A recommended 'staple' for both visitors and especially local residents.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Have Travel Guide Book, May 30, 2005

By	Norman Goldman "Editor of Bookpleasures.com" (Montreal) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Carole Terwilliger Myers, author of the 8th Edition of Weekend Adventures in San Francisco & Northern California, points out in her introduction that there is nothing more disappointing than returning home from a vacation and finding out that you had missed an interesting attraction or you overpaid for your hotel accommodations.
I would have to concur, and as I am a stickler for preparing my travel itineraries well in advance-I just hate surprises and disappointments.

Although there may be several travel guides available pertaining to San Francisco and Northern California, each seeking its own market niche, the Weekend Adventures in San Francisco & Northern California is built around providing information that will aid the reader to quickly ascertain what is of special interest in the area he or she is planning to visit. Moreover, the guide contains useful advice concerning bargain rates, welcoming of families, aesthetically pleasing, historic significance, etc. In addition, the author provides phone numbers, toll-free numbers, fax numbers, and websites.

The 469 pages of the guide is bigger, thicker, and longer than most and it is divided into sixteen sections, a substantial index, and many well-chosen black-and-white photos.
The author commences with San Francisco, and as pointed out, all other destinations radiate from here. Chapters are devoted to Coast South, Coast North, 101 South, 101 North, 1-80 North, 1-880 South, 1-5 North, Highway 49-Gold Rush Country, The High Sierra, Santa Cruz Mountains, The Delta, Wine Country, Lake Tahoe, Winter Snow Fun, and finally Miscellaneous Adventures such as family camps, houseboats, river trips, pack trips, and camping.

Excellent suggestions are offered as to annual events, what to do, where to stay and eat.
For example, if you read the section pertaining to Monterey, you will notice that some of the events listed are the Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival, the Grand Prix auto races, the Jazz Festival, and Christmas in the Adobes.
As for the last one, we are informed, that each year a group of historic adobes are festively decked out with period decorations and illuminated only by candlelight.

Terwilliger Myers' writing is brisk and entertaining, and you can see she has done her homework, as evidenced by her well-researched and useful information.

All in all, the guide makes an excellent reference to visiting San Francisco and Northern California and is a must-have for anyone traveling in the region.

Norm Goldman Editor Bookpleasures

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Love it!, February 8, 2008

By	E. Tompkins - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I love this guide, so much in fact that when i lost it a year ago I bought another copy. The advice is useful, though you'll need a more detailled map to accompany it, and it hits the bright spots of each little town without leaving out much. Great if you are new to the Bay Area and want to explore without feeling like a tourist.