Bi-weekly podcast
Humboldt County Travel Guide
Get to know the charming small towns that dot this picturesque county on California’s North Coast
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson explores the ins and outs of Humboldt County’s diverse offerings with three knowledgeable insiders.
First up, Johnson talks with Sebastian Elrite, who oversees a trio of oyster businesses in Humboldt County: Aqua-Rodeo Farms, Humboldt Bay Oyster Tours, and Humboldt Bay Provisions. Elrite discusses his bay-to-boat-to-oyster bar operation, sharing tips and stories from his educational boat tours. “We're able to go out to my oyster farm and do some fresh oyster harvesting,” he shares. “When we get those oysters landed, we'll go ahead and head back to the oyster bar at Humboldt Bay Provisions over in Old Town in Eureka and do a little tasting and have some local libations.” Going beyond bi-valves, Elrite also name-drops his favorite local restaurants and activities in the area.
Next, Johnson is joined by Kimberly Frick, co-owner of Redwood Creek Buckarettes, a horseback riding experience in Orick. A fifth-generation Humboldt native, Frick details the advantages of exploring Redwood National Park by horseback. “Most of our guests are very awe-inspired, they use the word ‘magical’ or ‘majestic,’” she says. “And on our particular trail, you're surrounded by a lot of [redwoods]. There's not just one or two, it's a whole hillside full of them.” Frick shares other options for exploring nature in Humboldt County, from hiking Fern Canyon to gondola rides in Klamath.
Finally, Johnson talks with Melissa Sanderson, publisher of The Ferndale Enterprise and owner of Humboldt’s Hometown Store. Sanderson discusses the joys of running a community newspaper, Ferndale’s ornate Victorian homes, and what it’s like to have Guy Fieri as a landlord. “The town itself is a historical landmark,” she notes. “We have more cows than people.” Sanderson also discusses shopping and unique dining experiences in the area.
Sebastian Elrite, owner of Aqua-Rodeo Farms, Humboldt Bay Oyster Tours, and Humboldt Bay Provisions
Kimberly Frick, co-owner of Redwood Creek Buckarettes
Melissa Sanderson, publisher of The Ferndale Enterprise
Sebastian Elrite is a Eureka local who takes guests out on the water to get an up-close look at his oyster farming operation.
Kimberly Frick is the co-owner of Redwood Creek Buckarettes, a horseback riding tour experience in Orick.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Melissa Sanderson is the publisher of The Ferndale Enterprise, a local newspaper, and owner of Humboldt’s Hometown Store in Ferndale.
Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on New York radio station WNYC, has been the host of the California Now Podcast since its inception in 2018.
Host, Soterios Johnson
Editorial Director, John Godfrey
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall
Theme music, Aaron Taos
41min
39min
55min
42min
44min
54min
1hr1min
52min
38min
1hr
This hamlet on California's North Coast, near Redwoods National and State Parks, charms with unspoiled Americana
Behold massive sequoias, ancient forests, peaceful beaches, and tasty brews in this northern California wonderland
Explore a supersize world, with big trees, big elk, and big wows
A stream canyon bounded by fern-covered walls
Walk through the world’s largest stand of old-growth redwoods
Explore the breathtaking scenery of the wild Sonoma and Mendocino coasts—from sandy shores to the top of a lighthouse
Travel blogger Jessica Wright shares her top stops in Mendocino, Fort Bragg, and points north
Hike to peaks and waterfalls, paddle rivers and lakes, and delve into little-known California history in this outdoorsy paradise
Plus, receive communications from California Grown and their exclusive ebook 'Iconic California Dishes to Celebrate California Wine Month' FREE.