In the Moment — Well, that was fast — we hopped over the line into a new decade in what felt like the blink of an eye. There’s a pull, at times like these, to commemorate milestones and the things that are most important to us. Admit it: You’re thinking about getting a tattoo.
You’re definitely in the right place. Not only are tattoos wildly popular in our county but we’ve got some of the most talented hands to wield a needle right here in the redwoods. (And you’ll see lots of redwood tattoos, if you keep your eye out.) In this issue’s Adventure story, we’ll take you to a trio of local shops that do beautiful and varied work, from colorful Japanese designs to black and white portraiture. You’ll also meet artist Henry Krüger, voted Humboldt’s Best Tattoo Artist by North Coast Journal readers for the vintage beauties he creates for customers at his Old Town Eureka shop Sailor’s Grave Tattoo.
In Perfect Trips, you’ll see why Humboldt is for the birds — all kinds of birds that draw binocular-toting birders from far and wide. Whether you’re working on your list or newly bird-curious, you can join them on an Audubon-guided walk or for the dawn geese fly-offs at the Humboldt Bay Wildlife Refuge. We’ve also got some relaxing pastimes for you, including forest bathing among the tall trees and warming up with a hot stone massage. And there are dance performances and performance art events to see, though the kids will likely prefer the more active visit to open gymnastics gyms for tumbling time.
We’ll show you a great place to treat your palate to some local wine tasting. Old Growth Cellars — with its petite sirah, zinfandel, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir and granache rosé — may have just the bottle for you. While walking around Old Town, stop in at the lobby of the historic Vance Hotel building and treat yourself to lunch or an afternoon nibble at Bandit Savory & Sweet. And if you have trouble choosing among the freshly baked snickerdoodles and such, remember that cookies were basically made to keep in your pocket for later. For dinner, you might try Tandoori Bites, where you can warm up with some Northern Indian cooking — meats cooked in clay ovens, warm naan bread and transportive curries.
Not gonna lie: It might be a little wet out. Gear up for the weather with a new pair of boots that will actually last you. We’ve gathered some great waterproof and water-resistant ones with genuine Humboldt style. After all, you’ve got a lot of walking to do.
— Jennifer Fumiko Cahill