70. The Holiday Express! Top 10 Travel and Outdoors Stories of 2025

Joy to the wild! And to the simpler ways to get outside and into nature. In this episode, Brad and Holly talk about holiday plans, movies, books, and of course--where to go and what to do for getting a soulful dose of wonder and discovery around California, and points beyond. From national parks to hidden treasures, even a bit of outdoors trivia, tune in for some festive conversation and tips based on Weekend Sherpa's Top 10 adventure stories of the year. Show Notes:Top 10 Outdoor Stories of 2025 SF/Northern CaliforniaTop 10 Outdoor Stories of 2025 LA/Southern California Lab Mice in NatureHoliday ReadsThe Penguin Book of Christmas Stories

In this episode Brad and Holly talk about Weekend Sherpa's recent adventure hiking a section of Türkiye's relatively unknown world-class long-distance hiking trail, the Lycian Way. This marvelous and challenging trek overlooking the Turquoise Coast and passing ancient ruins, with beach stops and charming towns along the way, can be done as a guided adventure, a do-it-yourselfer, or a combo of solo hiking with the help of a guiding company's GPS and info App, plus luggage and trailhead transfers. Learn more about it in this episode, and also hear about the cats of Istanbul and the hot air balloon magic in Kapadokya. Then Holly and Brad turn it towards home, discussing some of the best places across California from the most festive and fabulous holiday light exhibitions, to where to enjoy beauti-fall beaches.  Show Notes: Fort Ord Dunes State Park https://www.weekendsherpa.com/stories/beach-sunset-at-ford-ord-dunes-state-park-in-monterey/ Mendocino's Hidden Beach Stairway https://www.weekendsherpa.com/stories/hidden-stairway-beach-to-town-hike-in-mendocino-california/ Redding Holiday Lights https://www.weekendsherpa.com/stories/holiday-getaway-to-redding-2025/ Paso Robles Sensorio and Central Coast Trail Rides https://www.weekendsherpa.com/stories/experience-the-extraordinary-sensorio-light-exhibition-in-paso-robles/https://www.weekendsherpa.com/stories/go-on-a-guided-horseback-ride-at-the-historic-santa-margarita-ranch-in-paso-robles/ Reno Tahoe's Tom Cooke Trail https://www.weekendsherpa.com/stories/hike-tom-cooke-in-reno-tahoe/ 

Reno Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places in the country, with its mountain-to-desert scenery, extensive hiking and biking system, along with pristine rivers and lakes! In this episode Brad and Holly talk with adventurer Jim Litchfield, owner of Reno Fly Shop. Jim's passion for rivers knows no bounds: he's fished in places near and far, including Alaska, Bolivia, and Christmas Island. But his favorite spot is home: Reno Tahoe’s Truckee River is premier for fly-fishing experiences and float adventures. Jim talks about his favorite local and international places to enjoy the art and sport of fly fishing. Reno Fly Shop leads a tailored range of guided float and fish adventures within Reno Tahoe and points beyond.It’s time the for the Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge! Get outdoors and get a stylish t-shirt from Weekend Sherpa plus other sponsor gifts as a reward! It’s so easy, but most of all it’s a fun way to enjoy time outside and get some cool stuff in return. You’ll also be entered to win an Adventure Trip for 2 to Reno Tahoe.Show NotesLearn more about Reno Fly Shop’s Fly Fishing Lessons and Guided River Adventures. See our story Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing about our beginner friendly river and fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop.

Camping on a remote coastal beach, bear sightings on a less remote coast (!), the possible forever closure of Yosemite’s High Sierra Camps’ tent cabins, and one of the best road trip vacations you can do that is sure to please everyone (even the dog!): Paso Robles! Paso is a down-to-earth revelation, home to one of the world’s coolest Lighted Art Shows (Sensorio), world-class and unpretentious wineries with full food menus; e-bike and side-car tours; a vibrant and creative downtown with a huge central park; great places to stay; and new experiences like guided horseback tours at a historic ranch with wildflowers, wildlife, and wowing views of the Santa Lucia Mountain range. Later in the podcast, Brad and Holly talk to Alex Villicana, an innovator in the evolution of Paso’s wine and spirits community. Alex is the Vintner/Distiller/Proprietor at Villicana Winery & Re:Find Distillery. Show Notes:Road Trip to Real CaliforniaVillicana Winery and Re:Find Distillery@refinddistillerySensorio@sensoriopasoPaso Robles Inn@pasoroblesinnCentral Coast Trailrides@centralcoasttrailridesCass Winery@cass_wineryTravelPaso@travelpaso

Life can feel surreal. Being out into nature can provide a little nurture. Local and international travel can provide respite and perspective. And art and culture contribute to conversation and community. In this episode, Brad and Holly speak with artist and advocate Jesse James Ziegler, Reno's Poet Laureate, about his journeys in poetry, where he goes locally to find inspiration, and the thriving, supportive art community in Reno. Brad and Holly also talk about their recent Weekend Sherpa trip to a point beyond: Cambodia. Learn about how to see Angkor Wat by bike, the magnificent islands less traveled, and the Hero Rats of APOPO.  NOTE: At the beginning of this episode, in sharing some positive news about Jackie and Shadow—Big Bear’s celebrity bald eagle couple—Holly fumbles it with what you call newborn eagles… they’re eaglets, not chicks (but since she has chickens, we’ll grant her a pass on this one). Reno Tahoe Care PackageMonday Night Poetry at Shim's Tavern in RenoJesse Ziegler, Poet Laureate for RenoFull Moon Island ResortAngkor Cycling TourHero RatsKompong Phluk Floating Village Mangrove Forest Cruise

In this episode Brad and Holly discuss the devastating fires in Los Angeles County. They are joined by LA-based Weekend Sherpa contributor Yvonne Pasquini, who talks about the impact of the fires and how Angelenos are navigating the aftermath. Holly and Brad also discuss past fires, including the 2017 fires in the North Bay of northern California, where they were mandatory evacuated in the middle of the night. Turning to a more uplifting topic, they talk about one of the gem destinations in northern California—Redding. Find out where to go and what to do in this sunny destination flanked by iconic Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen. And have you heard of Sleep Vacations? Well, they’re a thing now, too. Show Notes:To discover more about Redding, see our issue Redding for You.LA County Parks Care Camps support families impacted by the Eaton Fire Youth and teens can find a supportive community space for recreation and fun, including arts and crafts, music, sports, and field trips to places like Dodger Stadium and La Brea Tar Pits. Breakfast, snacks, and lunch provided daily. 

Travel shaming? That’s now a thing? Say it isn’t so! In this first episode of Take It Outside 2025, Brad and Holly discuss visiting Mexico City, tasting mezcal and cocktails at the bar named Best in the World, the Surgeon General’s alcohol warning (!), and whether or not travel truly changes a person. Plus, travel shaming—what the heck is that? In a year where we need more positive vibes, we’re sticking with why it’s good to get out and have experiences both locally and in points beyond. Later in the podcast, we talk with Marti Tedesco, Senior Manager of Media & Communications for Peninsula Open Space Trust. Marti shares some of her favorite hikes, some updates on new developments for trail systems this coming year, and the 2025 POST Hiking Calendar, which you can get online (complimentary) for some ideas and inspiration.2025 POST Hiking CalendarPeninsual Open Space Trust

In this special holiday episode, Brad and Holly catch up on their favorite local hikes this time of year, what festive libations they like, and "Christmas" movies (Die Hard, yes or no?). Then it's on to Reno Tahoe! Find out where Weekend Sherpa went and what adventures happened on their recent trip to Reno: hikes, hot soaks, après, and where to find the best outdoor gear at good prices. Later in the episode they're joined by Max Smith, vice president of Moment Skis, based in Reno. Employee owned, Moment Skis is carving out an independent and successful path as the Biggest Little Ski Company in the World. Their factory in Reno is where the ski magic happens, and you can visit it to watch how the skis are made, check out the showroom, and get advice on gear and where to find the best snow in Reno Tahoe—plus enjoy a complimentary beer. It's the holidaze... enjoy!Reno Tahoe Care Package

Movies and the great outdoors combine for some best supporting scenery, including dunes for days and Death Valley's surreal-scape (and the new but temporary lake, Manly). In this episode, Holly and Brad discuss several sand dune sites to adventure at, plus the ethereal nature of Death Valley National Park, which is spring-primed. Find out the best spots there for private sunset viewings; where to get stellar vistas of the park's temporary phenomenon, Manly Lake (which reflects Telescope Peak and the Panamint mountains); and the best way to stargaze in this dark sky destination. Later in the pod, they are joined by Ginny Krieger, Executive Director of the Sonoma International Film Festival (March 20 to 24, 2024) to talk about the beauty of Sonoma, and the ways in which the film festival has become one of the best in the West.  Show Notes: Sonoma Valley International Film Festival (March 20 to 24, 2024)Death Valley National Park Weekend Sherpa EditionDunes for Adventure

Dune 2 is the big blockbuster in theaters, but with a break in rain and cooler weather now's a great time to head outdoors to explore some of California's best dunes, including less known places, best for sunsets, and--bonus--the Oregon sand dunes that inspired the novel Dune. In this episode, Brad and Holly talk about some of these surreal sandscapes, in addition to other outdoor adventures that are good post-rains, what it means to hurkle-durkle, and Big Bear’s famous bald eagle pair—Jackie and Shadow. Later in the podcast, they are joined by Janice Lim, founder of the travel blog WheresJanice, for a conversation about some top California waterfalls, national parks, camping areas, road trips, and tidepool destinations. Dune it right for outdoor adventures. Dunes to visit in California and Oregon Janice Lim, @wheresjanice