Temecula, CA: The Palomar Inn Hotel

The Palomar Inn Hotel is a 10 room historical landmark hotel built in Old Town Temecula in the 1920's. Two rooms have private baths and full kitchens. In the Hotel is the Temecula House of Wine exclusively offering local wines. The unique setting combines the ambiance of "Old Town Temecula" and that of a small family run inn. Temecula Valley's natural beauty, mild climate, rich history, and convenient location make it a destination worth exploring. The Palomar is located in the heart of what is considered the cultural and historic center of Temecula.

Also in Old Town Temecula is the Garage Brewing Co. It is a state-of-the art 10 BBL brewery and fast casual restaurant serving fast fired pizza in an old automotive center at the edge of town. They offer up to 10 different types of fresh beer with seasonal or specials rotated in. There are also 20 other rotating tap handles so there's always a nice selection of other craft brews along with a few domestics to choose from. 

For a great route into town start in Palm Desert, right off the Route 111 and Highway 74. Keep traveling until it turns into the 371. This route gives you great scenery and a change of pace from riding the highway while still giving access to the wooded areas of Southern California. While riding through Palm Desert, it is primarily desert. At the bottom of the 74 there are switchbacks that are great for sportbikes and cruisers alike. Further in, you will come upon lush trees and foliage surrounding the road. The 371 takes you through the hills and down into the flat lands of Anza as well as bringing you to the hills just outside of Temecula. It is a great route for those who are bored of seeing the desert and like a calm ride.

For more information, visit The Palomar Inn Hotel and Garage Brewing Co. online. 

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Wofford Height, CA: Kern River Brewing Company

For a Kern Valley cruise, start in Bakersfield, California, near the Meadows Field Municipal Airport on the corner of 7th Standard and Airport Dr. Head North through the grassy scenery until there is a Y split about 12 miles out. Go left, you only have one decreasing radius turn, but it's a dangerous one. The first half has very bad road conditions whereas the latter half has great road conditions and is one of the grippiest roads. Other than that Y split, everything else has signs and is pretty obvious. You will finish at Lake Isabella in Wofford Heights.

If you want to stay a night in Wofford Heights, the Mount and Lake Hotel is a mile off the lake and offers some of the amenities of an upscale hotel, but in a cozy, intimate setting. Each room is rustic and different and kitchenettes are available. There are great fishing and hiking opportunities. Less than 5 miles from the hotel is the Kern River Brewing Company Brewpub. KRBC is Kernville's first brewpub.  This makes KRBC much more than just a restaurant; it's an attraction in itself. Keeping the names of the beer local, they provide a simple yet diverse menu.  Kern River Valley residents and visitors alike have found themselves at home.

For more information, visit Mount and Lake Hotel and KRBC online. 

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Santa Monica, CA: The Bella Vista

For great views of the beach and the mountains, take a cruise from Santa Monica, on the Pacific Coast Highway to Las Flores Canyon Road through the Santa Monica Mountains and Malibu Creek State Park. See the Valley and the ocean from a whole new perspective. There are lots of twists and turns and some residential traffic on this short, 17 mile ride, but it is so beautiful.

In the center of the mountains, there is a beautiful bed and breakfast to spend a night or weekend. The Bella Vista is a relaxing California bed and breakfast, located in Malibu Canyon, just five miles from the Pacific Ocean coast. They pair stunning views with comfortable accommodations to give you an unmatched vacation experience in this Ranch style home. Three rooms are available and all are kid and pet friendly. All rooms have satellite TV, Wi-Fi, and each guest receives breakfast in the morning.  The meals include fruit, fresh baked scones, cinnamon-raisin waffles or breakfast crepes.

For more information, visit The Bella Vista online. 

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San Luis Obispo, CA: Petit Soleil Bed and Breakfast

For a gorgeous ride through some beautiful rolling hills, start in Bakersfield and head west on CA Highway 58. Gas up in Bakersfield because there are no stops along the way. Take the Highway up through the hills. Giant sweepers with multiple changes in elevation run through pastoral farmland for more than an hour. Cross roads and driveways are few and far between and traffic is always light. Near the end of the highway comes up to the east side of San Luis Obispo.

When you reach San Luis Obispo, otherwise known as SLO, be sure to visit the Bubble Gum Alley. This tourist attraction is known for its accumulation of used bubble gum on the walls of an alley. It is a 15-foot high and 70-foot long alley lined with chewed gum left by passers-by. Located in the beautiful downtown district at 733.5 Higuera Street, it's a must see.

For a great nights rest, visit Petit Soleil, Bed and Breakfast, an unforgettable delight only five blocks from downtown San Luis Obispo. Step inside the cobblestone courtyard and find yourself transported to the rustic charm and colors of Provence. The hosts have tried to recreate a feeling of European comfort and ease, with touches of whimsy, in the newly remodeled Bed and Breakfast. Freshly brewed coffee and a full gastronome breakfast will be served to you each morning in the inviting dining room, or in the sun filled back patio. Every evening you can relax and enjoy a tasting of Local and French wines paired with delectable appetizers.

For more information, call Patit Soleil at 805-549-0321. 

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Diablo, CA: Mt Diablo Summit Run

Take the Mt Diablo Summit Run, starting at the North Gate entrance of the mountain right off of Ygnacio Valley Road, and ending at the south gate in the town of Diablo near the 680 freeway. It is filled with twists and turns for the more advanced rider.The Summit Run offers a stop off at the top for a beautiful 3800 feet view of the Bay Area. On a clear day you can see the Golden Gate Bridge. This 22 mile ride will take you about an hour and on your way up and down, watch out for rapid altitude changes.

You also have the option to take the Marsh Creek Road around the back side of the mountain for a casual cruise.  The Marsh Creek Road has some tight 5mph turns for a short 7 mile ride from Clayton to Livermore.

 

And while in Livermore, stop off for a taste at the Working Man Brewing Company. Working Man Brewing Company is a micro-brewery dedicated to hand crafted artisan beers. The tasting room is officially open to the public and visitors are able to sample a variety of beers and have growlers filled fresh while you wait.

For more information visit Working Man Brewing Company online.

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Los Angeles, CA: Mulholland Drive and The Rock Store

If you are looking for a cruise this weekend, take a trip into Los Angeles and ride Mulholland Drive.  This 21 mile, mostly two lane road runs through the east side of the Santa Monica Mountains. Just off the 405 Freeway, filled with beautiful California landscapes, it has stunning views with some turn offs to enjoy the  Los Angeles Basin, the San Fernando Valley, and the Hollywood Sign. And while you are on your way stop off halfway between Malibu and Calabasas, enjoy a brew at The Rock Store.

The Rock Store is one of the most famous motorcyclist and biker hangouts in the world.  It's the perfect place to come by bike or by car for breakfast or lunch and a drink on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. Among the attractions are the rustic settings, celebrity sightings, hundreds of bikes to look at and the food and drinks. The Rock Store is most popular for their hefty breakfasts, BBQ tri-tip sandwiches, teriyaki chicken sandwiches, homemade chili and more and don't forget those ice cold beverages.

For more information, visit The Rock Store online. Pictures courtesy of their website. 

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