Celebrating a Happy and Healthy Vacation

The start of each new year brings thoughts of a renewed outlook with many hoping to get a jump on weight loss or healthy eating. In fact, a lot of people are considering healthy vacation ideas this time of year and the Northern California wine country region of Lake County is a perfect choice for this. With the cleanest air in California and a rich abundance of outdoor activities, a trip to Lake County may be the perfect vacation fitness plan.

For those looking to add active activity to their getaway, we have an almost limitless suggestion list. But one of the things visitors can participate in is rowing and the Clear Lake Scullers would love to have you join them. Clear Lake Scullers is a community-based rowing club offering access to rowing and paddling equipment as well as instruction. Membership is open to the public and there are programs for youth and adults year ’round.

“We’re always looking for beginners to join us,” said Scullers member Carol Cole-Lewis. The club generally goes out on Saturdays.

Hiking is an excellent way to get a move on. Lake County is a hiker’s paradise with over 600,000 acres of public land and over 100 miles of hiking trails through some of California’s most stunning landscapes, making Lake County an ideal place to step out.

Have you hiked a volcano lately?  One of hikers’ favorite treks is to the top of Mount Konocti, an inactive volcano that is the centerpiece of almost all Lake County vistas.  “I think it’s one of the best trails around,” continued Carol Cole-Lewis, “There are lovely vista stops with restrooms along the way. Even your dog will appreciate the hike!”

Of course there are trails for all interests and levels of expertise and Konocti Regional Trails has downloadable maps for pathways on land and water.

Feeling stressed out, not enough sleep?  Many fitness and well-being experts tout the healthful benefits of a good night’s sleep and an active day here will certainly promote that, and Lake County’s beautiful night sky will contribute. With almost no light pollution, visitors to Lake County are dazzled by the number of stars they can see in the night sky. Hiking and stargazing are the perfect combination to promote your great night’s sleep.

Unless you choose to stay up and marvel at how many stars you see – that delightful decision is up to you!

Did your New Year’s resolution include eating healthy as part of your wellness plan? Lake County’s many and diverse dining choices will help you make wise decisions – or simply indulge after a successfully healthy time in the great outdoors. Several Lake County restaurants, in particular, have focused on healthy eating including the Wholly Bowl and Nutriblends. Many local restaurants use beautiful locally-sourced Lake County produce and showcase Lake County wines on the menu.

To whet your appetite, several of Lake County’s chefs have provided recipes to jump start your healthy eating regimen. Making these recipes at home will entice you to make sure to visit these restaurants as well as others on your next Lake County getaway. There are some great lodging choices so we hope to see you soon – and thank you for considering a getaway to Lake County.

Several of our local eateries shared healthy recipes including Fresh & Bangin’ in Lucerne whose menu items celebrate much of the incredible local agricultural products that abound in Lake County:

Fresh & Bangin’ Eatery – Lake County Parfait

• 1 1/2 cups of plain Greek yogurt
• 2 ounce red walnuts (available in limited supply from Suchan nursery, the Tallman Hotel or People Pleazin’ Pantry)
• 2 oz. raw walnuts
• 2 oz. wild Lake County Blackberries
• 2 oz. Love Farm strawberries
• 2 oz. of local pears preferably from Scully farms
• 1 oz. drizzle of Chacewater blood orange olive oil

Loch Lomond Road House – Fall Salad

• 6 oz. of mixed greens
• 5 raw Brussels sprouts (chopped)
• 1/4 red onion
• 3 oz. feta cheese
• 4 oz. candied walnuts
• 1 5 oz. cooked chicken breast heated and diced
• 3 oz. of dried cranberries
• Mix all ingredients together.
• Toss with raspberry vinaigrette
• ½ cup fresh berries
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• ¼ cup Lake County honey (raw)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt and pepper, more if needed

In a blender add berries and extra virgin olive oil. Blend till smooth.

Add honey, vinegar, salt and pepper. Blend together.
Drizzle dressing throughout the salad but don’t over dress.

Loch Lomond Roadhouse – Sesame Seared Ahi with Baby Bok Choy

• 2 (6 oz.) Portions of ahi
• 3 tbsp. of mixed black and white sesame seeds
• 8 baby bok choys blanched and split
• 3 tbsp. sesame oil
• 2 cups prepared jasmine rice
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1/4 Sambal chili sauce
• 1/2 clove chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp. green onions

Heat 2 tbsp. of oil in a pan. Coat each piece of ahi. Sear for 2 minutes each side. Remove from pan. Add remaining oil and then garlic. Add Sambal and bok choy and sauté for 3 minutes.  Add soy sauce. Glaze all the pieces of bok choy.  Remove from heat.

Serve with jasmine rice and split bok choy between two plates. Slice ahi thinly and serve over bok choy. Add additional drizzle or soy if desired.