Mt. Shasta, California: Groovy Weekender
Mt. Shasta, California, has groovy shops, a monthly art walk, and famous outdoors.
The majestic 14,163-foot volcano shares its name with the town of Mt. Shasta, a Siskiyou County hamlet that invigorates the spirit with its groovy crystal shops, lively arts scene, and picturesque outdoor setting.
Shasta's beauty inspires plein air landscape painting and whimsical Western sculptures. You can view these creations at the Fourth Friday Art Walk held every month. Snow Creek Studios provides maps.
Mouthwatering croissants, flaky bear claws, berry tarts with vanilla cream, and hearty breakfasts at Mount Shasta Pastry will fortify you for a day exploring the countryside.
Ready to tackle the peak? The Fifth Season sporting goods store can supply you with trail maps and titanium cups, as well as rental gear for all your mountaineering needs.
Great for dog walking (leashes required), the wooded and tranquil Elsa Rupp Nature Trail meanders along Big Springs Creek. Pick up the trail near the hands-on Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum, where you can delve into local history. The neighboring Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery raises four kinds of trout and is open dawn to dusk for self-guided tours.
Connect with locals while you devour a wild salmon burger in the Berryvale Natural Foods Grocery's café. The store is well stocked for picnics, and the friendly staff can help you choose the perfect shoulder bag.
If you're seeking good vibrations, head to the New Age emporium Soul Connections for a dazzling array of crystals, angel artwork, and devotional items from several continents.
A cozy vegetarian spot in a renovated house, Maruti Restaurant offers Indian dishes such as mushroom biryani, palak paneer, and homemade mint chutney. The kids' menu includes fries topped with tikka sauce.
This article was first published in Summer 2016 and last updated in February 2019.