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After a quick Airbnb search, we found a traditional log cabin in a canyon just off the highway called Whitewater. Turns out that Whitewater is sacred land that has been occupied for the last 11,000 due to the abundance of clean and clear water. Our Airbnb host Marcus runs a foundation dedicated to researching this desert oasis. The cabin itself is ideal lodging for a party of two, with a comfy bed, claw foot bath tub and a stocked kitchen (the fridge was filled with granola, coffee, bagels, milk and other treats). After a sunset walk through the quiet roads, we spent the evening listening to radio and making Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup.

The next morning we rose with the sun and went out to explore the Whitewater Preserve, two miles up the road. What makes this canyon such a treasure is that despite being situated in a hot desert landscape, Whitewater boasts a year-round emerald-hued running river. Exploration is easy with endless nature trails and a visitor center filled with helpful tips about how to best experience the preserve (bird watching, anyone?).

Once we were fully blissed out on nature, we hit the road and drove about thirty miles west to the the town of Yucaipa, i.e. apple land. Our first stop was lunch at Agnus McCurdy’s where we ate cheeseburgers and split an apple dumpling. Next we stopped into Mom’s Country Orchards to browse their selection of homemade delectable canned goods, like cinnamon apple sauce and spiced pears. And there was no way I could pass the sign for Snow Line Orchard advertising “Apple Cider Donuts” without pulling over and picking up a dozen. With cinnamon sugar dusted hands, we arrived at Riley’s Farm where we paid $32 for an empty box and instructions to lift up and twist. We left with around 80 perfect apples, which feels like a pretty good deal to me considering you’re not only walking away with a big box of fruit but you’re also getting a pretty picturesque experience. Apple picking is available at several different farms in Yucapia through the end of October. Check this site for details.

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HBT Ojai Spots:

Sleep:
The Love Shack

Eat:
Osteria Monte Grappa
Boccali’s
Knead
Farmer and The Cook

Shop:
Modern Folk Living
Shop Summer Camp
Bart’s Books
Ojai Farmers’ Market

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APEROL SPRTIZ
serves one

Ingredients:
Ice cubes
3 oz Prosecco
1.5 oz Aperol
Sparkling water
Orange, rind

Instructions:
Place a couple ice cubes in a coupe glass. Add the prosecco and aperol. Top with a healthy splash of sparkling water and garish with a 1″ long strip of orange rind. Enjoy immediately.

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SAN FRANCISCO IN BLOOM // ADDRESS BOOK:
Beretta, 1199 Valencia St, SF
Tartine Bakery, 600 Guerrero St, SF
Gravel and Gold, 3266 21st Street, SF
de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, SF
Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen, 3150 24th St, SF
The Mill, 736 Divisadero St, SF
BAM/PFA, 2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
Trouble Coffee, 4033 Judah St., SF
General Store, 3035 Judah St., SF
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Not pictured:
Zuni Cafe, 1658 Market St, SF
Papalote, 3409 24th St, SF
Mollusk Surf Shop, 4500 Irving St, SF
Ferry Building Marketplace, 1 Ferry Bldg, SF

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