One Day in Arcata

Some people think that Northern California should be a separate state from the southern half of the Golden State. If that's the case, then the city of Arcata should be on another planet. Often referred to as "Planet Arcata" by local conservatives, this sleepy little college town is a steadfast holdout of 1960s hippie thinking and activism. It's a place where being local is always in style whether its your food, clothing or even your hair products, and one that has made significant, positive changes for local forests, transportation and public services like recycling. Arcata is a colorful escape away from the dreariness of suburban America or the blight of urban cities, and if you stay a while, you might not want to leave. This is one of the few places in California where you can still get to know your neighbors and even the farm from which your last meal came from. Even if you only have one day to visit, you'll enjoy becoming a part of the distinct vibe that makes up the hippie heart and soul of this one-of-a-kind community.

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Arcata Co-Op Deli
Your first stop in Arcata should be the Co-Op, where you'll instantly see that Humboldt County lives up to its reputation as a mecca for free thinking hipsters committed to living local. It's hard to believe that a city located five hours from anywhere can have a treasure like this, but honestly, Whole Foods has nothing on the North Coast Co-Op. This member-owned establishment is a Humboldt County institution with more locally raised produce and manufactured food products than you'll see at any other market of its type. The bulk section alone will blow you away with its varieties of grains, spices, mixes and snacks. The Co-Op's wine, seafood and meat counter will astound you with the choices of fresh, sustainably-raised eats. And with... More >
Your first stop in Arcata should be the Co-Op, where you'll instantly see that Humboldt County lives up to its reputation as a mecca for free thinking hipsters committed to living local. It's hard to believe that a city located five hours from anywhere can have a treasure like this, but honestly, Whole Foods has nothing on the North Coast Co-Op. This member-owned establishment is a Humboldt County institution with more locally raised produce and manufactured food products than you'll see at any other market of its type. The bulk section alone will blow you away with its varieties of grains, spices, mixes and snacks. The Co-Op's wine, seafood and meat counter will astound you with the choices of fresh, sustainably-raised eats. And with a deli serving fresh food every day, there's no better place to people watch in Arcata.
2
Finnish Country Sauna And Tubs
I love this place! Since 1982 Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs has been the focal point of Arcata living. This old world style hot tub retreat and coffee house has a calm, relaxing setting that puts your jittery nerves at ease the moment you walk through the little hobbit-style entrance. Their private wooden tubs are cheap to rent, they're super clean and you get a quiet little space filled with ferns and trees to quiet your soul and rekax your aching muscles. Stick around after your soak and enjoy a steaming hot espresso, as you listen to quiet conversation about the latest leftie revolution in this hippie-style throwback community.
This old world style hot tub retreat and coffee house has a calm, relaxing setting that puts your jittery nerves at ease the moment you walk through the little hobbit-style entrance.
3
Hotel Arcata
Arcata has a fair share of franchise hotels and motels, none of which can match the charm or location of Hotel Arcata. This historic hotel is a great place to stay if you want to be in the heart of the city, right on the Plaza. The rooms are all decorated with antique furniture (including clawfoot bath tubs), staff is super helpful, and the hotel even has a dog-friendly policy. Stay here and you'll be within walking distance of most of Arcata's best gems, which will give you the best view on life in this small college town.
4
Golden Harvest Cafe & Catering
Many places try to accommodate vegetarians but few give the impression that they really care about providing the type of foods we look for. Golden Harvest is different. Instead of simply offering traditional breakfasts minus the meat with eggs heavily slathered in cheese, Golden Harvest was one of the first places where I was able to order up a tofu scramble and homemade tofu sausage, along with biscuits and gravy for my husband. Although they do serve up meat-based breakfasts and lunches, the meat they do serve is sustainably raised and thoughtfully selected. Come here any time you're seeking a hearty, healthy and conscientious meal at a reasonable price.
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Arcata Marsh Interpretive Ctr
Inbetween your morning run through the park and your hot tub soak, take a gander over at the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center to learn what creatures live within the grassy lands and tidal mudflats. The area is a sanctuary for local marine and wildlife, including herons, river otters and songbirds. One of the most intriguing things abo... More >
Inbetween your morning run through the park and your hot tub soak, take a gander over at the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center to learn what creatures live within the grassy lands and tidal mudflats. The area is a sanctuary for local marine and wildlife, including herons, river otters and songbirds. One of the most intriguing things about the marsh is that it doubles as a water treatment plant filtration system for the city of Arcata (no, it doesn't stink like sewage...that funk you smell is probably just patchouli from the hippies on the Plaza). There are miles of walking paths to check out the scenery. And while it's OK to bring your leashed dog, you won't exactly win points with the birding community for doing so.
One of the most intriguing things about the marsh is that it doubles as a water treatment plant filtration system for the city of Arcata (no, it doesn't stink like sewage...that funk you smell is probably ju...
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About the Author

Rene Agredano
Rene Agredano
Partner, Agreda Communications, and co-founder of Tripawds.com, the world's largest community for three legged dogs and their humans. Seasonal adventure traveler, writer; and seeker of good times, tasty beverages and good people.
Websitefacebook.com/agredano
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