Travel like a Local in Wine Country
The Wine Country certainly has something for everyone, of every taste, of every budget, persuasion, and interest. Thirty years ago, things were quite different in the Wine Regions of California, they weren’t quite as touristy there weren’t nearly as many crowds, or traffic and while the hospitality industry was there what we have now is at a whole new level.
So, while there is definitely nothing wrong with being a tourist, I mean who doesn’t like to be catered to, everyone likes to shop once in a while, and the chance to explore something new is always interesting. However, you can have just as much fun, albeit a slightly different experience, of traveling and visiting like a local. So maybe you don’t eat at the trendy restaurant, you choose a place with locals lined up around the block. Maybe instead of eating breakfast at a hotel you find a great coffee shop or greasy spoon. Often times you travel to places, and the nicer, the fancier you get sometimes you actually shield yourself from the local culture and many of the things that make a place special.
Tips to experience Wine Country like a local:
- Ditch your Hotel – There are a couple ways you can do this, first is to actually ditch your hotel. You can try an AirBnB, VRBO, or other rental property. The Wine Country has some amazing places, from smack in the middle of Vineyards, cute Bed and Breakfast Inns, and amazing places including high end “Glamping” tents, and other fun experiences. Check out our recommendations.
- Don’t eat at your Hotel – Yes, it can be super convenient, and if you’ve had a long flight, or need to get something quick, I get it. However, be open to just try what is out there, sometimes right outside your door. There are some amazing coffee shops and bakeries, great little markets, and restaurants if you’re willing to explore. Northern California has some of the most diverse cuisine options on the planet, you’ll find something for every taste. Yelp unfortunately is not the greatest resource based on ratings alone, I mean I admit I like Taco Bell every once in a while, but Four stars? Check out our recommendations.
- Go to a Local Market – The Farmer’s Markets in Wine Country are amazing, they long ago went past selling only fruits and vegetables. They’ve become amazing gathering places for great food, music, art, goods, and yes of course amazing produce. These are well attended by locals, the shop owners are locals, and you’ll get a great sense of the people and local flavors. Use it as an opportunity to plan other outings, gather all the items you need to have a great picnic on the road. What could be better than fresh Bread, Local Cheese, Charcuterie, and Wine. Check out our recommendations.
- Create your own tours – Managed tours are great, you don’t have to think, they point you where to go, and they take care of all the planning and details. Sometimes they’re hit or miss, and if it’s your one shot visit to the Wine Region than these can be good “safe” bets. Seriously though, who wants safe, you can swing for the fence and really plan something that you’ll love. If you do put a little time into planning, you can get something more local, more tailored to your taste and needs, and you could save quite a bit on your trip as well. You can look at several of the trip and event companies, and deconstruct them to plan your own. This site has everything you need to help you plan something great.
- Zig when everyone else Zags – Tourist season nowadays is year round. However, you can avoid a lot of the Harvest traffic by visiting during off season. In fact, I find that some of the most beautiful times are in the Winter. There is an austere beauty in the sleeping vines, and you’ll have a lot more time enjoying yourself versus fighting the crowds. If you do decide to go during peak season, you can also alter your timing, you might have breakfast and decide to head out early to some of the wineries, or hit them later a little before they close. Not everyone thinks of Wine during the morning, but why not – many of the wineries are open and it’s a great start to the day.
Conclusion
Traveling like a local means blending in with the local surroundings, customers, traditions, and sensibilities. It means understanding the places and experiences that are good, not just where you live, but anywhere. When you pick up a magazine, or go to a popular website, chances are you’re going to find the biggest, most popular activities in an area and there is definitely nothing wrong with that. Although, the more time you have the greater chance you have to get acquainted with an area and the more you’ll feel comfortable that you aren’t “missing out” and you can begin to have a more “authentic” experience of what locals expect. So instead of constantly seeking and doing, slow down and take more in. Look for smaller, more intimate, authentic experiences off the beaten path. They may not be the most glamorous, Instagram photo ready, brag about events, but they just might end up be the most enjoyable awesome experiences you’ve ever had.
Cheers, Enjoy the Roll.