Recently, Mr. H and I took a trip back to Redding, CA - where we lived during our first year of marriage. Its almost been three years since we lived there and there were so many new hot spots. Thus, we enlisted the help of one of Redding's coolest... Katie Dobbins. Not only is this chick beautiful and fun, but she's also one of those dreamers who lives life fully! I can't think of a more perfect person to show us the "bests" of Redding. (Plus, she has mad photography skills, which equals an aesthetically beautiful post.)
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| {Katie hangin' around town} |
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| {sisters // Allyson & Katie} |
KD: If I were to say the buzzing epicenter of culture and art, I would be lying. Probably the thing I love the most about Redding, is the fact that all of my closest friends live within 10 minutes from front door. Or maybe, the fact that our little town is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers, and you can go on a new adventure every day.
MMH: Food+Beverage // Favorite _______?...
Breakfast
My usual go to for any breakfast outing is Déjà Vu cafe. It is tucked away in an old brick building in downtown redding. On most Weekends it is packed with families enjoying a leisurely morning. I am always impressed with their service, and equally impressed with the food! Let's be honest, any excuse to divulge in gluten drowned in syrup is fine by me!
Lunch
Wildas Grill. The steady line out the door is a testament to the quality of their food. Their menu was designed to meet the dietary needs of vegans, vegetarians, carnivores, and even those with gluten intolerances. Get a Buddah bowl, packed with rice, beans, cabbage, and chicken, add a side of sweet potato fries, and call it day! This place does so well, that they are only open from 11am-4pm Monday-Friday. If you remember to catch them while they're open, you've hit the jackpot!
Dinner
I’m pretty much always in the mood for Thai. I’ve been to every Thai restaurant in town (that I know of) and have deemed Champa Garden my favorite. The atmosphere isn’t outrageously trendy, but the food is always top-notch. I go there so often, they know my name, my order (yellow curry with chicken), oh… and my cell phone number.
Coffee shop
This one is a toss up. In the past year, two great coffee shops have popped up in town. Before they opened, you could only get high quality espresso from Starbucks… or Starbucks. Let’s just say, if you wanted to get a nice cappuccino or americano you would have to drive at least an hour and half outside of Redding.
Coffee Shop #1 Coffee Bar- This is the local watering hole for all 20 somethings in the Redding area. You can never go wrong with a latte, so my drink of choice is typically just that; or, in the summer, I’ll branch out for with a cold brew.
Coffee Shop #2 Heritage Rosting Co.- If you are up for a 15 minute drive, Heritage is worth the trip. The raw wood and exposed brick make this the perfect nesting spot for an afternoon.
Health/Wellness
Sky’s Pure Food. (I actually visited this place for the first time with Mr. and Mrs. H). Sky’s is a small business that specializes in clean, raw foods. Their nutrient dense menu does not lack “yumminess”. I can eat a piece of chocolate pie, and feel like I did myself a favor.
Sweet spot (ice cream, cupcakes, dessert spot, etc)
I would definitely describe myself as an avid dessert lover. If I am in need of a sugar fix, I get a cupcake and gelato from Sweet Spot. The “Diva” cupcake and Cookies and Cream gelato are always a winning combo; however, I went in the other day and tried the “Samoa” gelato, and it looks like Cookies and Cream may need to watch its back. This place is super cute; it has a giant chalkboard for kids (and grown ups) to show off their artistic abilities.
Dive (food truck, spot that tourists wouldn't find, etc.)
A new favorite of mine would have to be El Rinconcito. A little Mexican restaurant located on the way out to Whiskeytown Lake. I get chicken tacos every time, and am never disappointed. They make the tortilla’s in house, and they definitely deliver on flavor!
MMH: Favorite shops? What are their goods?
KD: Carousel. A small boutique that sells clothes, jewelry, and other odds and ends. It’s located next to Deja Vu, my favorite breakfast spot, so if you’re brunching on a Saturday, it’s worth walking over to take a peek inside.
MMH: Your favorite area in Redding (neighborhood, part of town, etc) and why?
KD: Whiskeytown Lake. Since “city life” isn’t really Redding’s strong suit, I would have to say my favorite part of town is actually more of a green space, than a hip neighborhood. Whiskeytown is Redding’s saving grace during the summer months. This man made lake is surrounded by mountains, and is even more beautiful at night; the sky is so clear out there, that you can spot several shooting stars on any given night.
MMH: What's your favorite green space in your city (park, outdoor area, etc.)?
KD: I have a few favorite’s for this category. Don’t worry, I’ll be quick.
1. Caldwell Park/ The River Trail- The park sits on the Sacramento River, and there is a shaded trail that runs alongside it.
2. Shasta Dam/Shasta Lake- You drive through the forested mountains to get to the stunning lookout. All around, a definite must see.
3. The Bluffs- Most Redding locals know about this “no trespassing” spot. This cliff overlook, gives you a panoramic view of the Sacramento River. Redding gets an A+ for sunsets, and this is THE place to watch them.
4. Lema Ranch- As an amateur runner, this is my favorite place to run. Trails weave around ponds and trees, featuring break taking mountain views.
MMH: Your perfect Saturday looks like...
KD: I would start my day at Coffee Bar catching up with a friend, then grab a longboard for an afternoon ride on the River Trail, stopping to walk down a rocky path to river. Next stop: dinner. Luckily Redding’s winters are very short, so cooking out with friends can be a regular activity; I would end the day with a trip to Whiskeytown to watch the stars.
MMH: Is there anything/anywhere that you'd tell a friend not to miss while visiting Redding?
KD: Burney Falls. It is a 45 minute drive outside of Redding, but a definite summer favorite. This oasis comes complete with rock waterslide, and plenty of cliffs to jump off of. 
Thanks Katie! I love getting to go back "rediscover" a place you've loved and missed. I can't wait for my next trip to Redding... I'll definitely use your Local's Look to lead the way on our adventure there.
-mrs.h
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