My husband and I set out for a relaxing weekend in Lake County -- home of Clear Lake and a handful of small towns dotting its shores. This area is known for its large mouth bass and a dozen or more wineries -- which were in place long before Napa Valley came to be. This former booming resort area has become quiet and serene.
We started at the lower eastern end at the town of Clearlake and drove along Lakeshore Blvd. passing Clearlake Oaks and Glenhaven on the top part of the lake. The road is very narrow and winding, but the view is very lovely!
Spotting a well placed sign for a cafe: '9 miles ahead,' we stopped for coffee and iced tea at Mary Lou's in Lucerne (a Swiss village in CA). A cute little sandwich shop with tables with umbrellas out front an an array of handmade birdhouses and benches inside and out. The gals working there are very friendly and offer up delicious sandwiches, pastries, ice cream, and espresso drinks.
Continung on we wound up through the hills above the lake. At one point the road is only large enough for one vehicle, as part of the road washed way. At the top of the lake, we passed through Nice (pronounced as the French do), then started south and east on the bottom part of the lake.
We arrived at Lakeport and checked into the Mallard House Inn -- a quaint motel with a few rooms per little cottage (basic, yet very clean and our unit was an efficiency with a microwave, full-sized fridge and stove). After checking in, we wandered toward the lake, passing a nice big jacuzzi, and walked the boardwalk up to the nice deck over looking the lake. We enjoyed a homemade picnic lunch of roasted asparagus and Portabella mushrooms sandwiches, with carrots, sugar snap peas, crackers and some deliciously sharp Irish cheddar cheese.
That evening we were walking to find a local restaurant to have dinner and heard squeals and music coming from over the hill. Being curious, headed toward the noises and realized it was county fair. What a great find -- people watching is one of our favorite past times!
There were two midways (one for the little ones and one for the bigger 'kids'), exhibits (featuring horticulture, animals, photography, etc.), a model railroad buliding (a work in progress), remote control vehicle races, and that evening's feature: "the Mud Bog Races!!" What a hoot!
The next morning (and Monday morning, too!) we walked across the street to Renee's Cafe. Friendly service, seating inside and out, and good ole American breakfast faire! The portions were large and the prices low! (Speaking to the proprietor Cindy, she has not raised prices in the last few years!)
Time to get my husband to the Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition at Koncti Vista Casino. (If gambling is your thing, this is the place for you -- do distractions for miles.) There were 18 teams, I think, and some celebrity judges from The Deadliest Catch. I liked this competition because the public got to purchase tickets for 2 oz. tastings (chicken, brisket, pork & ribs) and also got to vote for the People's Choice -- in which the teams got half the proceeds of their $2 tickets! My favorites were NC-style pulled pork from team Rolling Bones BBQ and a fabulous pair of ribs from Smokin' Yankees!
Dinner that evening was a quick walk down N. Main Street to Hong Kong Restaurant. Although the deco could use some updating, prices were affordable, the food fresh and tasty.
I was told by a local gentleman at the fair, "On a scale of 1 to 9 (9 being normal lake level), the lake is about a 3. I've not seen it this low in over 10 years!"
Hope Mother Nature looks favorably upon Clear Lake and helps to restore the level of the lake soon!! Take the time to 'go back in time' and find your own 'little gems' all around Clear Lake...
The next morning (and Monday morning, too!) we walked across the street to Renee's Cafe. Friendly service, seating inside and out, and good ole American breakfast faire! The portions were large and the prices low! (Speaking to the proprietor Cindy, she has not raised prices in the last few years!)
Time to get my husband to the Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition at Koncti Vista Casino. (If gambling is your thing, this is the place for you -- do distractions for miles.) There were 18 teams, I think, and some celebrity judges from The Deadliest Catch. I liked this competition because the public got to purchase tickets for 2 oz. tastings (chicken, brisket, pork & ribs) and also got to vote for the People's Choice -- in which the teams got half the proceeds of their $2 tickets! My favorites were NC-style pulled pork from team Rolling Bones BBQ and a fabulous pair of ribs from Smokin' Yankees!
Dinner that evening was a quick walk down N. Main Street to Hong Kong Restaurant. Although the deco could use some updating, prices were affordable, the food fresh and tasty.
I was told by a local gentleman at the fair, "On a scale of 1 to 9 (9 being normal lake level), the lake is about a 3. I've not seen it this low in over 10 years!"
Hope Mother Nature looks favorably upon Clear Lake and helps to restore the level of the lake soon!! Take the time to 'go back in time' and find your own 'little gems' all around Clear Lake...
- http://www.mallardhouse.com/ Mallard House Inn -- 970 N Main St., Lakeport, CA 95453-4306
- http://www.lakecountyfair.com/
- Renee's Cafe -- 1005 N Main St, Lakeport, CA - (707) 263-1058
- Hong Kong Restaurant -- 353 S Main St, Lakeport, CA - (707) 263-3535
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