If you want to have a great time in California, a good rule of thumb is to do as the locals do.
In this episode of the California Now podcast, host Soterios Johnson speaks with three longtime California residents who are deeply in love with the place they live in — and eager to share that love with visitors to their city.
Johnson kicks off with Guerneville-based chef Krista Luedtke, and the two discuss the best food, drink and outdoor fun to be had in western Sonoma County. Luedtke, owner of Boone Hotel + Spa and a regular at Guy’s Grocery Games, shares an impressive list of recommendations that will have you adding this wine country destination to your next Golden State getaway plans.
Johnson then meets Santa Barbara author and tour guide Tara Jones Harf, who says her food tours not only introduce her to the city’s best eats, but also help her hone her photography skills along the way. She also explains the origins of the famous Santa Barbara Funk Zone’s name. (Hint: it’s not what you’d expect!)
Finally, Johnson got in touch with Elexia de la Parra, owner of Artelexia, a popular folk art shop in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood. De la Parra’s passion for this colorful, friendly neighborhood is contagious, and she can rattle off at least a dozen great recommendations, including shopping tips, within a few blocks of her store.
Sponsor: Destination Irvine
Known as a hub for cutting-edge technology and life sciences, Irvine wows with some of the most low-tech open space in Orange County, with over 16,500 acres of protected natural habitats and wilderness areas and more than 60 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
guest
Christa Luedtke, Guerneville chef, restaurateur and hotelier
Tara Jones Harff, founder of Eat This, Shoot That! food tours in Santa Barbara
Elecia de la Parra, Owner of Artelexia in San Diego
resource
From the moment Krista Luedtke first set foot in Guerneville, she knew it was the perfect place to call home (and start a few businesses).
Guerneville
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Boone Hotel + Spa
Boon Eat and Drink
El Barrio Bar
Blot Restaurant
Highland Resort
Jenner Kayak
Jenner Headlands Conservation Area
Jenner
End of the River
Duncan’s Mills
Island in the Sky Hike
Cafe Aquatica
Leonid Roadhouse
Russian River Pub
Healdsburg
Single-Threaded Farm
Bodega Bay
Fischerian
SPUD POINT CLUB
Timber Cove Resort
Fort Ross State Historic Park
Iron Horse Vineyards
Barlow Market
Pax Wines
Spiritworks Distillery
Lime Cellars
Forestville
Porter Creek Vineyards
Flowers Vineyards
Preston Farm and Winery
Dry Creek Valley
Author, tour guide, and Santa Barbara resident Tara Jones Harf says the best way to start exploring a new destination is to find out where the locals eat.
Santa Barbara
Eat this, shoot that!
100 things to do in Santa Barbara before you die
Funk Zone
Cutler’s Artisan Spirits
Helena Avenue Bakery
Mony’s Mexican Food
Flor de Maiz
Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Courthouse Gardens
El Presidio
Solvang
Aebleskiver at Solvang Restaurant
Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery
Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tasting
Double Dolphin
Santa Barbara Sailing Center
Elecia de la Parra, owner of folk art shop Artelexia, said she enjoys helping the people who frequent her store looking for local eats, attractions and recommendations in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood.
Alterexia
San Diego
Tijuana
North Park
Holsem Coffee
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
El Comal
California Taproom (Pretzels & Pints)
Shank & Bone
dunedin new zealand food
Lower abdomen
Senor Mango
Pigments
Bottled Craft Beer Shop & Bar
About the host
Soterios Johnson, a former local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on radio station WNYC, moved to Davis from New York City in 2016. Combining his journalistic instincts with personal curiosity, Johnson is using the platform of his California Now podcast to deepen his understanding of his adopted home.
