Open Tuesday-Saturday. There are blues bands on Mondays and a beautiful outdoor eating area as well. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Our favorites include: Trains are often the most popular for families to visit during special events offered around the holidays. Thanks for the tip! Every caboose is tastefully decorated and equipped with all the modern amenities you could want, including hot tubs for your relaxation. This 53 acre park in Kelseyville boasts of a great shoreline for easy, level walks, boat ramps to launch a kayak or paddle board, a beach, birdwatching and ample space for picnicking. KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find and book the hotel deal at Featherbed Railroad B&B Resort that suits you best. Next door to the California State Railroad Museum, guests can hop aboard the affiliated Sacramento Southern Railroad for a full scale train ride along the Sacramento River. (These special events are all hosted by attractions listed above.). Laujor also offers tours of their property by reservation and you can also stay at their vineyard loft! Here are, 8) KAYAKING/PADDLE BOARDING ON CLEAR LAKE, For those of you waterbabies out there, exploring the lake on a kayak or paddle board is one of the best ways to enjoy its waters! You will find a quarter-scale motorcycle replica on its mezzanine. The La Loose Caboose has a burgundy Jacuzzi tub for two and a bar overlooking the beautiful Clear Lake. The incredible collection includes a number of diesel-electric locomotives as well as passenger cars, freight cars, and cabooses. Want to drive a train? The Easy Rider train suite is for the Harley Davidson Motorcycle fans. The Western Pacific Railroad Museum is off-the-beaten track in the more remote northeast part of the state about an hour from Reno/Tahoe. This is a carousel. Location: 14655 Lakeshore Dr, Clearlake, CA 95422. From haunted trains to holiday trains of lights, there are a number of special railway seasonal events in San Francisco, Sacramento, and all over Northern California. Yes, Featherbed Railroad B&B Resort offers free Wi-Fi. Not surprisingly, the appeal at Featherbed Railroad Bed and Breakfast, a quirky campground-like resort at Clear Lakes northern tip, is the cabins nine themed, vintage railroad cabooses just a few yards from the lakes shore. This post made me a lot happier since our dog Cloud will be joining us and I was terrified I would have to stay behind with him for certain experiences. Konocti Wright peak summit trail thatll reward you with splending views of the lake and its surroundings! Private beach There are several good food choices within walking distance or who deliver. Featherbed Railroad B&B Resort is located at 2870 Lakeshore Blvd., 0.6 miles from the center of Nice. There are several options for staying around Clear Lake, and many lodgings have beautiful lakefront views. Bed and Breakfast Website Design & Reservation Software. Clear Lake is about 122 miles north of San Francisco and it takes about 2.5 hours via the inland route of Highway 101 to get there. All Rights Reserved. Two routes are available for visitors to ride. Finally, the good stuff that youve been waiting for, i.e. If you are a local looking to take a smaller train-related excursion or ride, there are lots of options in the northern half of California especially in the Bay Area. Since we traveled with Gunda, we decided to stay at the very fun and unique Featherbed Railroad B&B in Upper Lake which is exactly what it sounds like- a collection of cheery red Cabooses (train cars) strewn over a grassy field! Disclaimer: This post may contain some affiliate links. There's always something happening here - check our events calendar today. Also, there are many pet friendly hotels and lodgings in and around Clear Lake. No separate zoo admission is required, but the parking fee ($10 per car) is in addition to the small fee for the train itself. The railroad now also offers rail bike experiences out of Fort Bragg. There is warm vintage wood inside and the bar is carved from a tree that was on the property. The main event is the open air narrow gauge Redwood Valley Railway that travels a one mile loop through the park. Plus, there are lots of day trips from Sacramento that you could go on to explore more of Northern California! The Niles Canyon Railway operates steam and diesel engines along a portion of the First Transcontinental Railroad. Highly recommend if youre looking for something different and full of flavor. The dining room also has a mini-library of books, games, and DVDs for guests to take and enjoy in their rooms. Other popular Clearlake hotels: Clearlake Cottages and Marina, Lake Point Lodge. Copyright 2022 Trips With Tykes | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, complete guide to Yosemite National Park with kids, Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, Tips for visiting Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.). Located in Nice, Featherbed Railroad B&B Resort is on a lake, within a 5-minute drive of Hinman Park and Holiday Harbor. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Having just returned from Clear Lake in Augusts and narrowly escaped a heat stroke, I highly recommend November as the best time to plan your visit to Clear Lake Ca. My personal favorite was the buttery Sauvignon Blanc as part of the reserve tasting flight! Beautiful Lakefront Home with views. The trail itself is pretty strenuous and involves about 7 miles round trip with a steady 1,649-ft. climb along a winding dirt road with stretches of no shade, which is why it is best to tackle the hike early in the morning (something we did not take into account). The railway has plans to expand to Shingle Springs in the not-too-distant future and has a number of restorations and track repairs in progress. Don't miss out on the over 100 miles of hiking and biking trails that Lake County has to offer. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You missed the Western Railway Museum www.wrm.org https://www.facebook.com/WesternRailwayMuseum. Lakeport is the largest town on the shores of Clear Lake. Railway Inn, Kruger Scotsman, The Antlers They also have a nice shaded outdoor spot for dining. There's always something happening here - check our events calendar today. The cabooses also have a kitchenette, spa bath, private bathrooms, access to Wi-Fi, and outdoor barbeque facilities. Its one of only three 22 inch gauge railroads left in the world. Travelers taking the northern routes into Yosemite National Park may find a stop at Railtown 1897 Historic State Park an easy detour. All rights reserved. The museum has exhibits featuring trains and locomotives from every era of railroad history and is located right in the center of Old Sacramento. b) Laujor Estate Winery: This winery has some really good Roe of Sangiovese as part of its tasting, but what is more spectacular is the view of Mt. The hotel overlooks the private boat launch, scenic beach, and pier. Trips With Tykes is a family travel blog devoted to simplifying the logistics of traveling with young kids. Explore the region and learn all about it's rich history as a destination for wine makers and drinkers alike. Our caboose also had a fun bunker/nook on the top that could be reached via rungs attached to one side of the room. Plus, you get to have easy access to the outdoors as well as the lake right across the street for walking your dog. Location: 200 Park St, Lakeport, CA 95453. Well behaved dogs are also welcome in the tasting room. Im Leslie, a mom of two (ages 13 and 8) who loves to travel. Definitely Napa sounded like a stretch but we got a B&B at Clearlake and we are so excited! Search for Featherbed Railroad B&B Resort discounts in Nice with KAYAK. The train operates on Saturdays and Sundays in summer, with seasonal train rides available at other times of the year like the Spookomotive at Halloween and a Polar Express in winter months. And why not? The railroad runs one hour rides with steam engines through the adjacent Sierra National Forest. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Although Lake Tahoe is the uber popular alpine lake that everyone rushes to (read my Lake Tahoe guide to learn more), it is still shared by California and neighboring Nevada. The Orient Express-themed caboose is dominated by black, teal, and gold, while its hot tub faces a beautiful art deco mirror. Admission and parking are free; guests purchase a la carte tickets to each attraction in the park. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. (If you plan to visit while on a trip to the park, be sure not to miss my complete guide to Yosemite National Park with kids). Featherbed Railroad, Active vacations - get moving and get away in the new year, Dining Options expand in California's Lake County. Clicking on them may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you for the product. c) Chalerm Thai Bistro: This Lakeport Thai spot has some really good food (try their ground basil chicken with rice) and lots of outdoor seating option. It ultimately climbs a small grade to Bear Mountain by means of a switchback where it reverses direction. This historic rail lines runs through a large swath of Napa wine country, from the town of Napa to St. Helena, passing several dozen famous wineries along the way. Lake Cottage- Special 20% Off Holiday Rate+onsite Discounted Watersports Rental. Come early to get some of their sinful chocolate eclairs! 25 Date Ideas in San Francisco for Couples: A Locals Guide to Romantic Things to do in SF, 15 Amazing Dog Parks in San Francisco That Your Pups Will Absolutely Love. Welcome! 12 Amazing Things to do in Clear Lake, California on a Weekend Getaway, VISITING CLEAR LAKE, CALIFORNIA? Thankfully, those terrible dry days are far behind us and Lake County, with a terroir superior to Napa when it comes to grapes, has acres and acres of rolling vineyards stretching out for as far as the eye can wander.. Though it has changed hands a few times since, the Featherbed seems to have taken on a new life with its current owners, former Southern California hairdressers June and Paul Vejar. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at Featherbed Railroad B&B Resort and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. A few rooms even boast a two-person Jacuzzi tub. The Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society runs the Diablo Valley Linesmodelrailroad which features a mix of model railroad types standard gauge, narrow gauge, and overhead electric freight and trolley lines. Much like Napa wineries and those at Sonoma, many wineries here are dog friendly. ), but the headliner is the parks miniature gauge railroad. In the morning, the couple makes use of the industrial-grade kitchen to cook hot breakfast for their visitors. Free self parking is available onsite. Details: 2870 Lakeshore Blvd., Upper Lake; (707) 274-8378. www.featherbedrailroad.com, Suite Spot: Featherbed Railroad Bed and Breakfast, Smaller Blue Lakes offer feeling of European resorts, Boutique wineries drawn to Lake Countys local flavor. There are several antique stores as well as a very nice art gallery on 325 N. Main Street maintained by the Lake County Arts council that you should check out when in Lakeport. They serve typical California cuisine in an upscale, but not stuffy atmosphere. Pets allowed on request. Location: 401 S. Main Street, Lakeport, CA 95453, For those of you waterbabies out there, exploring the lake on a kayak or paddle board is one of the best ways to enjoy its waters! The Featherbed Railroad Bed and Breakfast Resort is set in a park on the shores of upper Clear Lake and consists of 9 beautifully themed vintage train caboose. In fact, it's known as "the bass capital of the West" due to the large, healthy bass population the lake supports. A truly unique experience for those looking for a hotel, motel or other lodging. Large Modern home, 2300 sq. feet, great room,100' beach, firepits, hottub, dock, Beautiful 5 Bedroom Lake Front House On Clear Lake W/Bonus Room For Extra Guests, Check in anytime after 3:00 PM, check out anytime before 11:00 AM. The first is the shorter one hour 15 minute Pudding Creek Express that makes a round trip from the coast in Fort Bragg perfect for families. As long as it is deemed necessary, we will be keeping the rooms vacant for at least 24 hours between occupancies, which means that will limit the number of days we will be booking, so a 2 night minimum stay will be required. I hope you enjoyed reading about these wonderful things to do in Clear Lake California for a weekend getaway. Each caboose is just like a hotel room with the usual amenities (bed, furniture, even a mini fridge, bathroom) but with one major difference-there is a giant tub/bath in one end of the room and not in the tiny bathroom itself. This impressive combination of offerings has made it one of our familys favorite railroad attractions in the state, even though it might not have as big of a name as several other stops on this list. PO Box 712 The Saw Shop is probably the leader in farm-to-table fare in Lake County with an art house feel and a lot of good choices, from buffalo burgers to fish. Will include in the next update. Hopefully this post and all my other California travel adventures have inspired you to explore more of this beautiful state, especially with your pup. Inquire about special packages or add-on items. The setting: Set in a mini-forest where falcons perch and squirrels play, each restored vintage caboose is about the size of a small studio apartment (around 400 square feet), complete with coffee maker, bar-size refrigerator, and queen-size bed. On Saturdays, the museum offers free railbus rides on a network of narrow gauge tracks that is a must-do. Most of the cabooses feature in-room Jacuzzi tubs and all have an incredible view of Clear Lake. PRIVACY TERMS GDPR DISCLOSURES. This park is just south of Austin park beach and is actually the watershed area for the Sacramento River. Unlike Napa (, HOW TO GET TO CLEAR LAKE CA FROM THE BAY AREA, Yes! Weve had a mixed experience dining in Clear Lake, which definitely has some good options when it comes to restaurants and cafes but not nearly as many as Napa. This playground with a small beach is perfect for an evening walk along the lake with your pup. To top it all off, each caboose has stunning vistas of the lake and mountains in the distance. Thanks a lot for stopping by and happy travels! Travel During Summer Wildfire Season: What You Need to Know. It's a bit out of the way, set roughly 120 miles from San Francisco or Sacramento but that's part of the charm of the Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast Resort. Bed and Breakfast Website Design & Reservation Software. We had a really nice afternoon taking in the views while wine tasting, thanks to a super friendly staff. Location: 5300 Soda Bay Rd, Kelseyville, CA 95451. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The interior of a motorcycle-themed caboose at the Railroad Caboose Bed and Breakfast. Heated pool But its a really unique steam train experience that enthusiasts will enjoy. KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at Featherbed Railroad B&B Resort in Nice and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Unlike Napa, the atmosphere is pretty relaxed and wine tasting is on the affordable side (although you can read my Napa post for first time visitors to not feel as intimidated on your very first trip). Konocti. The museums Run-A-Locomotive Program lets you be be a train engineer for an hour (kids too! California Gold Country in Nevada City is home to a lovingly-maintained and fascinating narrow gauge railroad museum, the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum. The Railroad Museum at Ardenwood is a nonprofit railroad in Fremont was founded with a mission to preserve West Coast narrow gauge railroad technology and history. Featherbed Railroad B&B Resort is 42.3 miles from Santa Rosa Sonoma County. Inn, Red Caboose If you stay at the Featherbed Railroad, you can also enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, cycling, swimming, and hiking. The train doesnt have the same smell today thankfully! The Featherbed Railroad is located right on the shore of Clear Lake in Northern California's Lake County. 2870 Lakeshore Blvd, Nice, CA 95464, United States. Owned and operated by the East Bay Model Engineers Society, the Golden State Model Railroad Museum has three model train layouts to view in operation. Enjoy the private dock, sit on the porch of the 100-year-old Main Station or languish in the pool. This is definitely a railroad to watch in the coming months and years. We loved checking out the, Given the explosion of wine making and vineyards in Lake County (actually a revival to be honest), it is hard to believe that the, Clear Lake is part of one of the 40 smaller AVAs of the broader North Coast AVA (that Lake County belongs to) and has many beautiful, expansive wineries where you can spend an afternoon (or, morning) relaxing with a glass of wine or do a flight tasting. But one thing is for sure, dining at Clear Lake is pretty light on your pocket (unlike Napa). Guests visiting the Oakland Zoo can take a ride aboard the Outback Express Adventure Train. Hinted at by the name, this unique accommodation is actually a series of nine railroad cabooses set in a park-like fashion, overlooking the beach, pier, and Clear Lake. While you're here, don't forget to look up! Konocti towering over the vineyard in all its magnanimous glory. These cookies do not store any personal information. Yes, Featherbed Railroad B&B Resort is a pet-friendly hotel. That means that you can always find a great deal for Featherbed Railroad B&B Resort. While the Napa Valley Wine Train welcomes kids on some trips, I wouldnt recommend this train for families with younger kids due to its more adult focus on food and wine. (Theres a similar caboose hotel in Lake County, CA Featherbed Railroad but rooms there are limited to an occupancy of 2 and the resort is focused on romantic getaways. We wanted a way to find fishing spots for the guys and wine for the ladies while staying at a little closer to a budget. You are advised to bring your own food for dinner since the manager leaves for the night and there are no restaurants close by but she comes back in the morning for a delicious breakfast spread with quiche, fruits, yogurt and pancakes. With a little knowledge of airline rules & good planning, family travel can be really fun, even if it still involves the occasional in-flight tantrum or battle with TSA over your toddlers juice box. A number of local Bay Area theme parks also have small train rides you shouldnt miss if you are planning a day at the amusement park with a train-loving kiddo. The museum offers train rides on weekends for a small fee. For families, the regular River Fox excursion focuses on Californias Gold Rush history and includes gem mining. The railroad is only on view for specific shows (a few days a month on weekends, but more frequently during the holidays). Featherbed Railroad, Active vacations - get moving and get away in the new year, Dining Options expand in California's Lake County. It is located on the grounds of Ardenwood Historic Farm Regional Preserve, a popular family-friendly outing to view a historic working farm in the Bay Area. Theres a variety of options for both adults as well as families. This railroad offers rides two Sundays a month from its El Dorado Station, running along the tracks of the old Southern Pacific Railroad line. Admission is a little pricey ($7 per passenger in addition to the zoos admission and parking fees), and it only takes two short laps. All Rights Reserved. However, we are taking very mindful precautions in our business operations and sanitation protocols. This is an place that would be at home in any city but it's in Lakeport. For the thrill-seekers, many businesses around the lake offer jet ski, sailing, windsurfing, and wake board rentals. Just be sure to call ahead to make a reservation! The park has a working roundhouse and a number of historic trains on display outdoors to view and explore. There are several antique stores as well as a very nice art gallery on 325 N. Main Street maintained by the Lake County Arts council that you should check out when in Lakeport. If youre visiting Lake County in California and wondering about how to spend the weekend there, then let me entice you with this post on some really fun and cool things to do in Clear Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the state and the oldest in USA! Clear lake is a frequent stop for professional and weekend fishermen alike. Depending on which trail you choose, you might find yourself meandering through a field of wildflowers, or traversing the rocky slopes of a mountain peak. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Far north of San Francisco in the heart of old redwood logging country is an area rich with train history. But for for couples travelers or those with tweens and teens who appreciate food and views, its a unique way to get an overview of the entire area. Bed and Breakfast Website Design & Reservation Software. (Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. Always a favorite with true railroad enthusiasts, its worth the trip. For a full size passenger train experience in the heart of the Bay Area, head to the Niles Canyon Railway in Fremont and Sunol. Renting a kayak or paddleboard from Lakeport is easy-just go to, Lakeport is the largest town on the shores of Clear Lake. If you are looking for a full scale train ride or a railway-related experience worthy of traveling to see, these are the headliners in NorCal. One of the most well-known train destinations in the state is located in the town of Felton in Santa Cruz County. If you're in the mood for some music, there's live performances most nights of the week at local clubs and venues around the lake. This independently run model train build run entirely by volunteer enthusiasts is truly amazing. Full breakfast daily crafted from locally-sourced and home-made ingredients. Clear Lake is part of one of the 40 smaller AVAs of the broader North Coast AVA (that Lake County belongs to) and has many beautiful, expansive wineries where you can spend an afternoon (or, morning) relaxing with a glass of wine or do a flight tasting. Planted in 2006, this winery is part of the Red Hills AVA and specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah Noir, and Cabernet Franc. Here are more details on hiking to the top of Mt. Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas, Premier Northshore Birdwatching Lakefront Home. The ride takes you into the enclosures where the emus and wallaroos are kept for a down under adventure. Leave your recommendations in the comments and well keep this list updated. Operated in partnership between the California State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum, this park runs both historic steam and diesel locomotives through the heart of California Gold Country in Tuolumne County. Shalati, Shiki-Shima While not a restaurant, the Kelsey Creek Brewing Company invites you to bring food from any area restaurant to enjoy with their craft-brewed beers, which are outstanding. Are there any train rides or attractions in Northern California we missed? Although there are other places to explore in Lake County, this post will focus only on things to do in the vicinity of the lake and trust me, there is plenty to keep you busy for a weekend getaway from San Francisco! Location: 225 East Highway 20, Lucerne, CA, United States. We have all sorts of great restaurants and dining options. $195 per night (Latest starting price for this hotel). Day use is from sunrise to sunset and it costs $8 per vehicle. One of the museums most prized items in its collection is its historic Number 5 engine that spent many years starring in Hollywood movies before returning to the railroad. Visit Clear Lake only in Fall (Late October to November) or in Spring (March-April) for Fall colors and much cooler weather that makes outdoor activities much more enjoyable. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. with parent accompanying and a signed release of liability). While the Main Car has its own Internet connection (the Vejars will gladly share the protected password), the connection doesnt reliably reach inside the cabooses. Although you have the dormant volcano Mt. The museum highlights the role of the railway in hauling supplies through the region during the Gold Rush. all the fun things to do in and around Clear Lake in Lake County, California. Kelseyville is a cute little artsy town with restaurants, antique stores, local maker stores and several art galleries. The park is open daily in summer and Saturdays and Sundays the rest of the year. Dating from 1885, this railroad line has served many functions over the years. The boardwalk provides tranquil views of the lake and it is a popular spot with locals for fishing. I am a student at UC Davis and both my family and my boyfriends family are here to visit us. Konocti. Clear lake is a great place to stargaze. Good to know: If you need reliable Wi-Fi during your Lake County stay, the Featherbed may not be your best option. Wine tours, Lake County Tourism Its closed in the winter months, so check your travel dates with their schedule before you go. Cancellation/prepayment policies vary by room type and provider. The property is a hotel with multiple caboose cars converted into individual hotel rooms. Fishing is also another popular activity and this being the Bass Capital of the west, most of the catch is largemouth bass along with crappie, bluegill, swordfish, carp and catfish. Either way, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. 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It's all part of your Featherbed Railroad experience! Train Suite, Belmond Royal Summer is oppressively hot (I am talking of temperatures exceeding 105F) plus the lake is plagued with algae that will throw a wrench in your plans for floating on its gentle waters. Bring plenty of water with you since there is no water source along the trail. Dogs are welcome in many parts of Clear Lake, including shops, wineries, parks and open spaces. I loved this post! Parking is in designated spots only and not in campgrounds. I also recommend stopping by Marcels French Bakery and Cafe for breakfast (their apricot croissants are delicious) and Wine in the Willows tasting room across Library park for wine, balsamic vinegar and gifts. The bike-themed caboose takes things seriously. Our closest neighbor, food-wise, is the Boat House. If youre into hiking, then dont give the beautiful nature trails in Clear Lake State Park a miss!
things to do near featherbed railroad