The wedding venue is located in Humboldt County and close to many beautiful areas - we encourage you to explore them!

Definitely drive the Avenue of the Giants while you're here - a roughly 30 mile drive parallel to highway 101. If you are driving north from the Bay Area, we recommend doing it either on your way up or on your way back - Scotia sits at the very northern most part. The Avenue of the Giants is also a part of Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which is really impressive.

Visit Ferndale - it's a super cute, well preserved Victorian town with great shops and spots to eat. It's also where Guy Fieri is from! If you're looking for a quick hike and birdwatching, check out Russ Park.

Check out Centerville County Park Beach and if you have time, do the Lost Coast Scenic Drive (4 hours).

In Scotia, you can do a scheduled (free) tour of the Eel River Brewing Company Warehouse if you call in advance. Also we haven't done it but we've heard the free Humboldt Fisheries Exhibit is a hidden gem!

The Fortuna Rodeo celebrations start on July 12. The big rodeo days are July 20th + 21st, but there will be events leading up.

Here's a map of dog friendly places if you're bringing your pup.

Old town Eureka is pretty cool and the Redwook Sky Walk at the Sequoia Park Zoo is impressive (walk on bridges amongst the redwoods!) so long as you're not afraid of heights!

Scotia and Rio Dell (immediately across the river) have very limited options for food. There is a small market in Scotia and if you are staying at the lodge there are small options available, but we would recommend heading to Fortuna or Ferndale (10 - 15 minutes away) for more selections.

Ferndale has some good spots to eat. Poppa Joe's for diner breakfast. Tuya's for mexican food. Mind's Eye for good coffee in an interesting space. We haven't been but have heard that No Brand Burger Stand (no website) is also really good.

Eel River Brewery Pub (Fortuna) Food and beers with a large outdoor area and live music (also where the welcome party will be).

Paul's Live From NY Pizza (Fortuna) go here for casual large slice pizzas or delivery.

If you're looking for more food options, we recommend driving to Eureka or Arcata.

While Scotia holds a special place in our hearts, Marianne grew up north of Arcata in Fieldbrook. These are the highlights we'd share from the area north of Scotia if you are planning on spending more days in Humboldt:

- Saturday morning farmers market at the Arcata plaza (every Saturday 9am - 2pm). The plaza is surrounded by many local shops.

- Catch a Humboldt Crabs baseball game

- Redwood Park - a huge park filled with redwoods, hiking trails, and a playground.

- Restaurant recommendations: Los Bagels, Hole in the Wall Sandwiches, Salt, Septentrio Winery, Slice of Humboldt Pie, Esteban.

The Trinidad area is really incredible. Hike Trinidad Head, definitely get dinner at Larrupin Cafe (reservations recommended but not always necessary). The Eatery is great for breakfast too.

Lots of great beaches - Clam Beach, Moonstone Beach, Centerville County Park (closest to Scotia), Agate Beach (furthest away).