Enjoy A Valentine’s Getaway in the Yuba Foothills
by Leah Champagne
With Valentine’s Day 2022 falling on a Monday, many couples are left scratching their heads as they try to plan a memorable holiday with their significant other. After all, who wants to go to work the day after a champagne and chocolate-cake filled night?
Instead of fighting the crowds for fancy dinner reservations or cramming into theaters to see the latest rom-com, you could enjoy a relaxing weekend getaway. This Valentine’s Day, retreat to the Yuba Sutter foothills for some much needed R&R (romance and reconnecting). The foothills are home to peaceful woods, gorgeous mountains and even a few lakes. It’s a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy a truly intimate weekend with your special person.
Where to Stay?
The ideal spot for a weekend in nature is tucked in the tiny town of Dobbins, CA. It’s a mostly rural area where you can enjoy feeling far from the hustle and bustle of commercial Valentine’s Day, but aren’t far from the necessities of life such as restaurants and grocery stores. Dobbins allows you the benefits of nature with the convenience of city life.
More specifically, if you want to spend the weekend experiencing nature, stop by the Lake Francis Resort. It offers a variety of outdoor activities as well as lodging options to match the type of stay you’re looking for. There are a variety of different cabin styles and sizes available so you can spend a cozy night indoors, or you can bring your home with you and utilize one of the many RV spots with full hookups.
Whatever level of disconnect from the world you need to reconnect with your spouse, you’ll find it at the Lake Francis Resort.
What to Do?
Nature was made for exploring, so don’t feel like you have to spend the whole weekend holed up in your cabin or RV site. The Lake Francis area has plenty of fun activities to keep you busy all day long.
Hike
There are three open trails near Lake Francis Resort, ranging in difficulty to accommodate beginner and experienced hikers alike. All of the trails wind through the beautiful Tahoe National Forest so you can enjoy the variations of trees and winding landscape as you stretch your legs.
The three hiking trails are:
- Yuba Rim Trail – A moderate 4.2-mile hike that goes out and back along the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It’s a great trail for hikers who enjoy long walks with minimal steep climbs and grades. The trail is known for its abundance of wildflowers and frequent wildlife sightings.
- Bullards Bar Trail – This one is a 4.6-mile trail that’s suited better to more advanced hikers. It’s more secluded than the Yuba Rim Trail and offers views of Bullards Bar Reservoir on the back end of the hike.
- Rebel Ridge Trail – Another moderate-level trail, Rebel Ridge is a peaceful 4-mile walk through the woods. It connects to the 8 ball, 7 ball, and Schoolhouse trails to form a 12.2-mile loop for any couple who wants to turn their morning in nature into a full-day experience.
Bike
If you enjoy a ride through the woods on a nice day, then bring some bikes to your getaway weekend! All of the hiking trails mentioned above allow for mountain biking, plus there are trails through the campground at the resort and plenty of country roads nearby that are safe for riding. You can burn some energy, see some nature, and enjoy a memorable experience with your significant other.
Paddle or Fish
Although boat rentals will be closed for Valentine’s Day, you’re still welcome to bring your own kayak, paddleboard, canoe or non-gas powered boat to Lake Francis. You can enjoy a fun paddle around the lake and see different parts of the shoreline. You might even pack a picnic to eat on one of the beaches for lunch!
If paddling isn’t your thing, bring your fishing gear (and fishing license) to enjoy some sport from a comfortable spot along the shoreline. The lake is stocked with catfish, crappie, bluegill and bass. With February fishing, you’re most likely to catch bass with weighted plastic worms and spinner bait. If these aren’t in your tackle box, don’t worry! Bait, tackle and other fishing supplies are all sold on-site.
Relax
What's more relaxing than spending a cozy night under the stars? Stay warm by a campfire and enjoy some s'mores as your Valentine's chocolate treat this year. You can bring your own fire pit to set up in your RV spot or use the resort's campfire area, which has plenty of fire pits for you to use. The resort even sells s'mores supplies in their office in case your dessert decision is a last-minute indulgence.
How to Bring the Romance
After a full day of fun activities, you might be in the mood for some down time with your spouse. Before you return to the real world, be sure to add some classic romance to your Valentine’s getaway with a visit to a vineyard.
Lucero Vineyards & Winery is just 15 minutes away from Lake Francis Resort and the perfect stop for a romantic Valentine’s date. The vineyards are housed on land that’s been in the Lucero family since 1906. The first grapes were planted in 1995 by present owners Dan and Marian Lucero. Their wines feature bold flavors and rich family history.
The vineyard is typically open for wine tastings on weekends. Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. To ensure your spot at a wine tasting, call ahead to let the Luceros know you’re coming because their hours are subject to change.
Book Your Stay Today
That’s our suggestion for a Valentine’s Day you’ll always remember! Escape the busyness of everyday life and achieve some real quality time this year. Spend Valentine’s weekend in the Yuba Foothills, snuggling with your significant other and enjoying the great outdoors.