Backroads Culture

On June 27, the 64th Annual Bigfoot Daze returns to Willow Creek, California.

But don’t stop at the festival.

Turn it into a Northern California road trip and explore everything waiting beyond Main Street. Spend time discovering Trinity County’s mountain lakes, wild rivers, historic communities like and Weaverville and shops like and , and scenic backroads, then head west into Humboldt County to experience towering redwoods, local businesses check out and their event Friday Night Market in Downtown , charming small towns, and endless outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re searching for Bigfoot, cooling off in a river, exploring a hidden lake, or finding your next favorite small town, Willow Creek is the perfect place to start.

📍 Willow Creek, California
🦶 64th Annual Bigfoot Daze
📅 June 27
🌲 Explore Trinity and Humboldt Counties while you’re here

POV: You just entered the small town duo rumored to still have trillions in Gold under them, but where shopping, culture, and music never stop

Grass Valley and Nevada City are two of the most vibrant places in Northern California. More than 2,700 historic buildings create the backdrop for streets filled with boutique shops, vintage finds, artisan makers, handcrafted jewelry, local art, specialty food spots, and cafés that feel like community hubs.

In Grass Valley you get that rich Gold Rush charm paired with modern creativity. In Nevada City you feel the artsy heartbeat of the Sierra foothills with independent shops, local bookstores, handcrafted goods, and a music scene that brings the town to life almost every night.

Both towns breathe culture. Both support small business. And both make shopping local feel like an experience instead of a chore.

If you want a place where you can shop all day, listen to real live music, and feel the culture with every step, welcome to the foothills.

You can only visit this place 12 days a year.

Perched above Trinidad Bay, the Trinidad Head Lighthouse has stood watch over California’s rugged North Coast since 1871. While the lighthouse is only open to visitors 12 days each year, the views from Trinidad Head are available year-round, with dramatic sea stacks, migrating whales, and sweeping Pacific Ocean vistas.

Adding to the atmosphere is Howdy the Bagpiper, whose music often echoes across the headland, creating one of the most memorable experiences on the California coast.

Have you ever visited Trinidad Head?

For three days each summer, the historic streets of Nevada City become a gathering place for storytellers, artists, filmmakers, and film lovers from across the country.

Now in its 26th year, the returns June 26–28 with more than 50 films, outdoor screenings under the pines, creative workshops, filmmaker conversations, live events, and plenty of opportunities to explore one of California’s most charming Gold Rush towns.

Whether you’re passionate about independent film or simply looking for a memorable weekend in the Sierra foothills, this festival offers far more than a movie screening. It’s a chance to experience Nevada City’s thriving arts and culture scene while discovering stories from around the world. It’s a perfect California weekend getaway!

Have you ever been to the Nevada City Film Festival?

Redding is getting national attention.

HGTV just named Redding one of the Top 10 rising small cities in America, ranking it #9 overall and the highest-ranked city in California.

From the Sacramento River and Sundial Bridge to Whiskeytown, Shasta Lake, and a growing downtown, it’s easy to see why more people are discovering what makes this corner of California special.

Do you think Redding deserves the ranking?

The oldest continually operating theater west of the Mississippi has welcomed audiences since 1865 and still stands in the heart of Nevada City, California.

The Nevada Theatre is more than a historic landmark. It has remained a centerpiece of the community for nearly 160 years, hosting performances, gatherings, and events while preserving a unique piece of California history.

Visitors can explore this iconic theater and enjoy the restaurants, shops, history, and small-town charm that make Nevada City a favorite destination in Northern California.

If you’re looking for a historic attraction, a Gold Country adventure, or a memorable weekend getaway, Nevada City is well worth a visit.

Have you ever been inside the Nevada Theatre?

The small, charming mountain town of McCloud transforms into one of Northern California’s most unique events. The McCloud Mushroom, Music & Wine Festival brings nearly 15,000 visitors to town and close to 200 vendors for two days of live music, local wine, incredible food, artisan goods, workshops, foraging tours, and a celebration of the region’s rich mushroom culture. Put on by the McCloud Chamber and all its incredible volunteers!

But the festival is only part of the story.

Nestled at the base of Mount Shasta, McCloud is a destination worth exploring year-round. Stay in a , cozy bed & breakfasts (among others), campgrounds, RV sites, or vacation rentals. Spend your days exploring the McCloud River waterfalls, hiking forest trails, fishing alpine waters, discovering historic downtown, and experiencing the strong sense of community that makes this mountain town so special.

Whether you’re visiting for the festival or planning your next Northern California getaway, McCloud proves that some of California’s most memorable experiences are found in its small towns.