A writer from the LA Times recently visited Benicia and loved all that it had to offer. You can plan a small weekend escape right in your hometown, and enjoy everything that Benicia has to offer.
Benicia, a small waterfront town in the Bay Area often overlooked by
travelers, is an elixir for big-city angst. Less than an hour from
Oakland and San Francisco, this charming hamlet gives visitors a chance
to relax as they stroll the compact downtown's boutiques and antiques
stores. This one-time state capital (1853-54) and location of the first
Army post on the West Coast is dotted with historic sites and is a haven
for the creative set — about 500 artists make Benicia their home.
The bed
Close to the Carquinez Strait, the Union Hotel (401 1st St.; [866] 445-2323, http://www.unionhotelbenicia.com;
rooms $99-$179, including breakfast) offers 12 romantic, individually
decorated guest rooms that recall the hotel's 19th century roots.
Antiques abound, and there are such flourishes as ornate wood
headboards, four-poster beds, gold sconces and crystal chandeliers; all
have bathtubs (some Jacuzzi). Some have views of the water and the
Carquinez Bridge. Spring for the Coast Lotus suite, which is lovely and
has the best view.
The meal
Grab a table upstairs at Sailor Jack's (123 1st St.; [707] 746-8500, http://www.sailor-jacks.com;
appetizers, $5-$14; entrees, $15-$31) to watch the sun set. The
restaurant has a nautical feel and it comes by it honestly: It was built
in 1868 as a sea captain's home. "Sailor Jack" is legendary author Jack
London, a one-time oyster pirate who fished the Carquinez Strait and
went on to write about it. You can make a great meal out of the
appetizers, and we did. The New England clam chowder was terrific, as
were the Trio of Crudo (sashimi, scallop ceviche, salmon poki),
beer-battered veggies, fried calamari and a dozen oysters. (On Mondays
they are only $1 each.)
The Find
The Arsenal (991 Tyler St., beniciaarsenal.com),
a short ride from downtown, makes good use of former military and
commercial facilities and has scores of artists' studios. On any given
day, you may come upon a painter, sculptor or metalsmith at work — some
spaces are live-work studios — as you wander through the galleries and
shops. The artists and shop owners choose their own hours; that's part
of the charm. There are two open-studio events on the first weekends in
May and December. Be sure to explore the surrounding area — there are
museums, historic buildings and more.
The lesson learned
Bring
hiking shoes. The Benicia State Recreation Area covers 400 acres and
has paths for walkers and runners, and the Bay Ridge Trail follows the
waterfront all the way to Vallejo. Pamper yourself afterward at one of
the 40 spas and hair and nail salons in Benicia.
For more information see the LA Times.
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