About My Book

Great Escapes: Northern California, part of a new guidebook series by Countryman Press/Norton, is geared to the growing number of vacation-starved Americans who may have only a weekend -- or merely a day -- for a quick getaway.

The book is divided into 30 chapters, each covering a place that is either well-known, such as Yosemite or the Napa Valley, or off-the-beaten path -- such as the tiny Gold Rush town of Downieville, where time seems to stand still, and the hamlet of Gualala, amid the lovely, isolated beaches of the northern Sonoma coast.

Each chapter provides recommendations for a hike or a bike ride, moderately priced places to stay, with an emphasis on charming or historic lodging, and a range of places to eat, including coffee shops and Michelin-starred restaurants.