In recent years, the #1 trend for travel is solo travel. How come? For starters, anyone that’s been on vacation knows we all end up doing things on our time off that we really didn’t want to. It’s great to travel with family to create memories. Or spend some time with your best friend, but there’s nothing quite like the freedom of going by yourself. You get to do what you want, eat where you want, and enjoy things YOU want to do. So, if you feel like you deserve a little bit of self-love, here’s some epic solo adventures in the High Sierra.
For The Outdoorsy Adventurer: Walk On The “Wild” Side
For those feeling a bit drained, it might be time to book a solo trip to the great outdoors. Bishop offers a great basecamp for your outdoor adventure to help improve your physical and mental health. Stay in comfort in Bishop and then spend your days exploring what many call California’s outdoor playground. An intersection between the high desert landscape and the alpine wonderland… the options are limitless. For example, you could go for a hike and see waterfalls in the morning and finish your day off with some of the best road cycling roads in the country or better yet, see the oldest living things on Earth.
For The Foodie: Bite Into The Breadbasket Of America
Go and TASTE the bounty from the heart of the most productive agricultural region in the nation. In fact, Visalia takes pride in sharing what’s “homegrown” literally. For example, Jack & Charlie’s changes their menu on the regular based on what’s fresh at that particular moment. Another option to taste the region’s bounty at its freshest is the Farm Fresh Bowls. As the name dictates, their focus is on locally served ingredients made out of the most natural food possible. For the meat lover, make a visit to Pita Kabob. The star dish is the lulu lavash. It’s a lamb and beef concoction put on a bun, but all their kabobs are mouthwatering so choosing one could be the hardest part. This is only a “taste” of the vast assortment of places to dine.
For The History Buff: Discover Timeless Nuggets From The Gold Rush Era
There’s a lot of amazing Gold Rush towns to discover up and down the Sierra Nevada. For those solo weekend adventurers looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, you won’t want to miss Mokelumne Hill. Or as locals like to call it “Moke Hill” comes to life Thursdays through Sundays. Within the undulating streets surrounding historic Mokelumne Hill’s Main Street, you’ll find beautiful Gold Rush era architecture and copious flowers in springtime. Conveniently located near the Mokelumne River Big Bar Access, you can work up a sweat along the nearby Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail, before grabbing a frosty pint at the Hotel Léger Restaurant and Saloon. Located within the confines of one of only two continuously operating Gold Rush era hotels in California, the historic, haunted Hotel Léger restaurant and saloon will certainly provide more than its fair share of unforgettable experiences. Live like a local by strolling through town exploring unique places like the Petroglygh Gallery, as well as novelty and antique shopping throughout Mokelumne Hill’s independent businesses. Afterwards, wind down with a meal and wine or beer tasting at the Renegade’s Winery tasting room. Looking for history outdoors? You won’t want to miss the historic Mokelumne Hill Chinatown Gardens right outside of downtown.
Solo travel, like dining alone, gets a bad rap. Instead of pampering everyone else, why not take a trip that’s for you and by you… and explore these epic solo adventures in the High Sierra.
Author: Alex Silgalis
Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.
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