Laurie Jo Miller Farr, Author at Local Getaways

A scenic view of Lake Tahoe, one of the Best Places to Visit, surrounded by snow-capped mountains under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The calm, reflective surface of the lake contrasts with the rugged, snowy terrain and dark forested areas on the slopes.

Best Places to Visit in Tahoe

Up in the Sierras, America’s largest alpine lake is a scenic freshwater beauty spot that straddles California and Nevada, more than 6,200 feet in elevation […]

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A group of people walk along a trail surrounded by tall palm trees in a rocky canyon, reminiscent of Native California landscapes. The trees have thick trunks and fanned leaves, creating a lush canopy. The rocky ground and towering canyon walls add to the natural, rugged scenery.

Visit Native California, Sacred Heritage of Our Ancient Past

California has it all. And now, California is embracing it all. During California’s ancient past, at least 64 different languages were spoken here, making this

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A scenic view in Sonoma Wine Country shows three hot air balloons in flight over a vast landscape of fields and farmlands. The balloons are yellow and blue checkered, floating serenely above the green and golden terrain under a clear blue sky, capturing the essence of summer adventures.

Best Places to Visit in Napa Valley

No visit to the San Francisco Bay Area is complete without a visit to Wine Country,

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A serene landscape with a row of white Adirondack chairs facing a lush vineyard. Tall palm trees are interspersed with verdant foliage, and a winding road leads through the scene under a blue sky with scattered clouds—perfect for a bay area bed and breakfast near San Francisco.

4 Charming and Historic B&Bs in San Francisco Bay Area

When a local getaway is called for, these time-honored inns provide bed and breakfast — and much more — beyond the city limits.

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A lavishly decorated dining room with a long table set for a formal dinner. The table is adorned with elegant place settings, silverware, crystal glasses, and lit candles. Padded chairs line both sides of the table. Framed artwork and shelves are visible in the background, typical of private dining rooms in the East Bay.

Best Restaurant & Hotel Private Dining Rooms in the East Bay

When a special event requires a special venue, check out places with spaces for birthday and anniversary parties, family reunions, rehearsal dinners, wedding parties, bachelorette

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A beautifully set dinner table with elegant place settings, candlelit centerpieces, and white flower arrangements overlooks a nighttime cityscape through large floor-to-ceiling windows. The room offers a warm and intimate ambiance, perfect for private dining in San Francisco.

Best Restaurant & Hotel Private Dining Rooms in the South Bay

Silicon Valley has more than its fair share of five-star hotels with fine dining restaurants offering private spaces for events from board meetings to weddings.

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A cozy restaurant in San Francisco with elegantly set tables, covered with white tablecloths and black chairs. Warm lighting from pendant lamps creates an inviting ambiance, perfect for private dining. The walls are adorned with framed pictures and feature a mix of dark tones and red accents.

Best Restaurant & Hotel Private Dining Rooms in San Francisco

Create your own social bubble to celebrate a special (or not so special) occasion by booking a private dining room. From live entertainment Moroccan-style to

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A luxurious wine cellar with a large wooden table surrounded by cushioned chairs. The walls are lined with shelves fully stocked with wine bottles. Soft lighting enhances the elegant atmosphere, and a mirror is centered on the wall reflecting the space, perfect for private dining in North Bay.

Best Restaurant & Hotel Private Dining Rooms in the North Bay and Wine Country

Private dining with your own crew of friends, family, or colleagues? Think outside the box and contact the venue’s in-house event planner in advance to

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An interior shot of the SF Ferry Building, with tall vaulted ceilings and people walking to visit the various shops.

Where to Taste Wine in San Francisco

When wine tasting rooms first appeared in San Francisco, the idea was to bring oenophiles in the door to showcase the bounty of Bay Area

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A modern, spacious dining area features large windows with sweeping mountain views. Light wooden ceilings, sleek furnishings, and ambient lighting create an inviting atmosphere. Tables and chairs are neatly arranged, and a sign reads "Edna Valley Vineyard," the perfect spot to taste wine in SLO.

Where to Taste Wine in SLO

Midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo has more than 250 wineries growing 20 varietals and a wide selection of both urban

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