Morning came quickly in Crescent City. Maybe the wind blew it in early! Not really sure what time we left but we drove for an hour and a half, about 85 miles south, to Eureka to have breakfast. That was another of the cities we had placed on our possibilities of moving to. And somehow this one seemed nicer. We cruised around and followed our noses to a small local shop. This place was only big enough to fit about 20 patrons at a time and you could tell had been there for many long years. Wish I could remember the name and I’d give it a great review.
After eating we headed back north a few miles to follow the directions that the Auto Club had provided in its “Trip Tic”. It told us "to turn onto no named highway eastbound". Well, we figured out it was California Highway 299, but it took a few minutes. It didn't take us long to figure out that this road followed Willow Creek and the Trinity River. If the creek turned, the road turned. And let me tell you this creek turned frequently. Our average speed was only around 30 miles per hour for the 150 miles to Redding.
We didn't wear out the steering wheel but I nearly got blisters from turning so much. :)
Good thing we had a nice place to stay in Redding, because by the time we got there we were ready for it. We are at the Oxford Suites tonight.
Dinner that night was at a Black Bear Diner. I may have done a review on another location but this one deserves the good write-up too. The food is great, prices are fair, service is good, and portions are huge.
This is a pretty nice location in Redding. You get two drinks and some munchies for happy hour, and a better than decent full breakfast in the morning. The 2-room suites are good sized and the layout is functional. Movies are available as well as snacks at the front shop area. The room was well furnished and the bed was comfortable. We did have one small problem. A water leak from the room above flooded our bathroom and required us to call and have maintenance come and dry it out. Their response was quick and efficient and within a half hour the problem was gone. I would certainly stay at this hotel again.
I have reviewed this chain restaurant for the Tulare location but to really tell the whole story is to try it at another location. We had the chance in Redding. Again the exterior is like a log cabin in nature with Black bears carved and painted into the logs. Inside, again the logs are visible and bear items abound. You can purchase t-shirts, mugs, and other “cute” items. The staff is friendly and helpful and the food is wonderful. But be prepared for the LARGE portions. Again, they are LARGE portions. The prices are no higher than other family restaurants. I will also remind you that they have the most scrumtious deserts around, especially their cobblers, which are designed for at least two people. Yeah, if you are really hungry you might “polish” one off by yourself. I’ll say it for a second time, if you are looking for a good place to eat, check out Black Bear Diner.
