Adventures fuel author's appetite for 'Great Escapes'

by Judith Kahn

For the adventurous soulÊ who loves to travel but is disillusioned about itsÊescalating cost, Laura Del Rosso'sÊbook "Great Escapes: Northern California" is the book that should be on your bookshelf.Ê

As the price of fuel and airfare continue to escalate, Del Rosso's book is most timely. She describes the book not as a comprehensive guide to the region, but rather a book thatÊoffers people "an assortment ofÊpossibilities."ÊÊ

"ThisÊ book is a guidebook for people who love to explore all the best about where they live," she said.

"Great Escapes" features well-known places, such as Yosemite and Napa Valley, as well as places in Northern California that are not as well frequented, including Downieville, the Northern Sonoma Coast and LakeÊBasin. The 30 destinations featured in the book are within a four-hour drive from the Bay Area. All destinations offer affordable escapes and allow a person to take a break from the hectic pace of city life. Some are located in historic towns that date back to 1862.

For each destination she clearly and briefly gives its historic background and suggestions for hotels and places to eat. Del Rosso includes information about the availability ofÊhorseback riding, canoeing or kayaking and tells about short walks in many of theÊareas.ÊÊÊÊ

The hotels selected for each destination were chosen on the basis of their charm, uniqueness, historical significance or good value. The eating establishments mentioned in the book include casual places for a quick biteÊ and those that are known for fine dining. Her objective, she said, is to give people affordable places to travel near home that wouldÊoffer them a slower paceÊso theyÊcan feel like they have really gotten away.Ê

"I thought it would be fun to write about places that you don't need to get on an airplane to see," Del Rosso said.

She tried to cover a little bit of everything in Northern California. Two chapters in the bookÊfeature interesting places to visit right here in San Francisco.

Del Rosso is a lifelong resident of Northern California who grew up on the coast on her father's artichoke farm. She has lived in San Francisco for more then 25 years and now calls the Richmond District her home.Ê

Del Rosso lovesÊto travel, often taking off with friends on days trips.

"There is so much to see onÊ the coast. For example, its mountains and wine country areas."Ê

She is "amazed" atÊhowÊ many people who liveÊhereÊand haveÊtraveledÊall over Europe haveÊyet to visit Big Sur or Yosemite. Some of her favorite placesÊare in Plumas County, including Lake Basin, where there are a couple of old lodges and beautiful trails around an alpine lake. She also enjoys going to Gold Country towns, including Downieville,ÊAmador City andÊ Volcano.

TheÊSt. George HotelÊ inÊVolcano dates back to 1862, "a funky old place where you wish the walls could talk."

Del Rosso is a veteran traveler who started by going to Italy at the age of five.ÊShe said her grandparents were there and her parents tookÊher to visit.

Currently, Del Rosso spends 30 to 60 daysÊout of the year traveling and still tries to get to Italy once a year Her interest in journalism began in high schoolÊwriting for a school magazine. She attributes her interest in writing to a terrific teacher, Mr. Paccini, who encouraged her to go into journalism.Ê

After high school, she attendedÊSkylineÊCollege and enteredÊ a journalism program. UnderÊ the direction of anotherÊteacher, Sam Goldman, her interest in journalism grew and she graduated with a degree from San Jose State University.

For several years she was a general assignment reporter for newspapers in Northern California and eventually became aÊfeatureÊeditorÊforÊTravel Age West. Four years later, sheÊbecame the bureau chiefÊfor Travel Weekly.

She is currently an award-wining freelance writer and a contributing editor for Travel Weekly. During life's travels, sheÊ has earned the American Travel Writers SilverÊLowell Thomas AwardÊfor a travel news /investigativeÊjournalism magazine and written for such publications as the Boston Herald. She has also contributed chapters to industry best sellers, including Frommer'sÊ"Honeymoons in Mexico" and Fodor's "San Francisco."Ê

Concerning travel tips, she stressed the importance of doing research about a destination in advance and advised travelers, if possible, to take Monday off and to stay Sunday night if possible. There are twoÊdistinct advantages to doing this, she said, avoiding traffic congestionÊand staying at hotels and bed and breakfast inns that often have lower rates on Sunday through Thursday nights.

Another advantage is thatÊthe small towns and resorts have less peopleÊduring this time. Places like Napa and Sonoma wine areas tend to be crowded during the weekends so the experience tends to be less relaxing during this time.

She also pointed out that the spring and fall are fine times to explore NorthernÊCalifornia. During these months, prices are lower, the hills are green, the poppies are in bloom and temperatures are cooler.

Because of the escalating coast of fuel, an increase in air fares, and people's time constraints, the manner in whichÊ people travel has changed. They are traveling long distances less frequently and air travel is becoming less frequent. People are choosing toÊtravel closer to home and taking shorter vacations.

"Few people take more than a week at a time anymore," she said.

For more information, go to Del Rosso's Web sites at lauradelrosso.com or www.greatescapesnorcal.com.