Visiting Eureka (Sacramento, Glendale, Santa Cruz: crime rate, motels, luxury)

[earthwatersunwind]

I am trying to convince my husband to give No. California a shot. He's reluctant to move away from our families, both sides based in So Cal. I am dying for a change of scenery, having lived here and hated the weather for my whole life--no autumn, no snow or cold days, barely 5 days of rain if that. AND I am paying out the A&& for this privilege.
I would like to plan a weekend to Eureka. Can anyone tell me some nice places to stay (not luxury, but not fleabag), and some places to drive around? I'd like to check out the whole county, really. I have this fantasy of moving to a nice, safe, not-too-little town with beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons, and is actually affordable. This would be a long-term plan, but I like to have plans. Any more info you can give me on specific travel sites/must-see areas, wonderful local restaurants would be great.

[Jaybee]

I live three hours inland from Eureka. I'm thinking a move from Southern CA would be a bit of a weather shock. Eureka is often fog shrouded. While it certainly moderates the temperature, it can also have substantial depressive effects on one's psyche. I know several people from the sunny Central Valley who just couldn't acclimate to the Humboldt Coast.

It is in the midst of the Redwoods and that is a real plus scenery wise. I think there's quite a tourist influx thru the summer months when us inlanders seek relief from the 110 degree July and August days.

Eureka is a former mill town that hasn't recovered from the closed lumber mills-despite the substantial efforts of the downtown folks who've completed some nice streetscape improvements there. But there remains a real need for redevelopment downtown. However, redevelopment is unlikely to occur without the synergy that a robust economy provides. I don't see that changing anytime soon. There also seem to be a disproportionate share of homeless types hanging about in the core area.

Check the census figures. I think you'll find that Eureka's population has stagnated; either remained the same size or declined, since the 1960's. That is not a sign of a prosperous community. I'm not sure there are many jobs there paying livable salaries-particlarly since the loss of the lion's share of the blue collar mill jobs.

Politically, Humboldt County seems pretty liberal, partly due to the presence of Humboldt State College-just north in Arcata, as well as the coast. The place is very isolated-you have to drive at least six hours to get to the bay area or Sacramento. I believe the liberal politicos may complicate and discourage new development.

In my opinion, the depressing overcast/foggy weather, limited economy and isolation limit Eureka's appeal. But that's just my humble opinion. If I were to consider a move to the area, I'd look at Fortuna-20 miles or so to the south and just a bit inland. I'm certain they see much more of the sun.

For places to stay during your visit-look to the newer motels on the north side of Arcata, or in Fortuna or the one at McKinleyville airport. Be wary of downtown Eureka motels.

[TheDragonslayer]

I will second what Jaybee said and add that McKinleyville, where the Eureka/Arcata airport is located, is the fastest growing town in the county, where as Eureka has indeed stagnated. Fortuna which is south of Eureka by six or so miles, is about to start construction of a Walmart and is expected to put on growth. A really good place to enjoy a great meal is the Sea Grill in Eureka in the Old Town area. My neighbor across the street from me works there, her name is Sheryln. She and her husband often make the trip to Ventura to visit family there. Once you get past Ukiah the traffic thins out drastically and the driving becomes a breeze. I just made a trip down to Santa Cruz and back last weekend and the trip there took 7 hours and the trip back took just under that. If you like the heat there is several small towns located inland from the coast; Fieldbrook, Blue Lake, the West End rd area of Arcata, Glendale and about 30 miles inland it get really hot at Hawkins Bar and Salyer to name just two towns. All the towns are fairly small with Eureka at 28,000, McKinleyville at close to 16,000 or more, Arcata at probably 18,000 now and most of the rest much smaller. The economy in Eureka is not thriving, but it is there, it is stronger in Mck and Arcata with Fortuna getting there. I forgot, there is Ferndale, who can forget Ferndale. It is the most quaint Victorian village town that I have seen, it was featured in the movie " Majestic " with Jim Carey. The whole town is authentic victorian architecture throughout with several beautiful victorian church's. You have to drive through farm and dairy land to get to it. There are some very nice bed and breakfast inns in Ferndale and if you drive north of McKinleyville is the small and I mean small town of Trinidad. It will make you think of Monterey but with under 400 people, the fishing there is great. You will have to spend a week here to appreciate the area and still not see everything.

[bigtallredhead]

Originally Posted by earthwatersunwind

I am trying to convince my husband to give No. California a shot. He's reluctant to move away from our families, both sides based in So Cal. I am dying for a change of scenery, having lived here and hated the weather for my whole life--no autumn, no snow or cold days, barely 5 days of rain if that. AND I am paying out the A&& for this privilege.
I would like to plan a weekend to Eureka. Can anyone tell me some nice places to stay (not luxury, but not fleabag), and some places to drive around? I'd like to check out the whole county, really. I have this fantasy of moving to a nice, safe, not-too-little town with beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons, and is actually affordable. This would be a long-term plan, but I like to have plans. Any more info you can give me on specific travel sites/must-see areas, wonderful local restaurants would be great.

The city is supposed to be a neat place as far as having a lot of old Victorians and having a lot of character. But I would also keep in mind the warnings of the previous posters. Also, I looked it up on city data and Eureka has a high crime rate as well. Actually, a lot of depressed small towns in more remote areas but that are not truly rural are relitively crime plagued. But they don't show up on lists of crime ridden communities that only include larger cities. -Emil.

[Grumbler]

Originally Posted by Jaybee

<...> If I were to consider a move to the area, I'd look at Fortuna-20 miles or so to the south and just a bit inland. I'm certain they see much more of the sun.

Have done several motorcycle trips in that region, and usually stay at the Comfort Inn next door to the Eel River Brewing Co (Organic Beer by Eel River Brewing Company First in the Nation from Fortuna, California) as we've always enjoyed spending a night or two there.

Have stopped at the Lost Coast Brewery (The Lost Coast Brewery in the Humboldt Nation) in Eureka, but the town is rather gloomy as is Crescent City.

Haven't been to McKinleyville, but there's several newer motels located by the northeast junction of US-101/CA-299. We were planning to stay there, and grab dinner at the Six Rivers Brewing Co (6R - Six Rivers Brewery, Welcome (broken link)), but decided to do Lolo Pass instead.

Incidently, we were glad to arrive in Willow Creek on CA-299 where it was sunny, much warmer after riding along the coast and US-101.