The fifth annual Fool’s Parade in Occidental is over, which means you’ll have to gently fold up your Bedazzled pair of Faerie Wings and store them next to your Gary Glitter Glam Rock Boots and Utilikilt until next year.
But don’t let another year go by without stopping by this cute little town in an even cuter valley soon.
Occidental, an old railroad stop-cum-West County chill zone, is a great stop either to or from the coast, or just as a trip on it’s own. Gerard of paella fame does his thing there at the weekly farmers market (Tuesday) and the Renga Arts Center offers cool recycled artwork. Also, Howards is rumored to have the best soy-latte on earth. A scan of the community message board outside the Occidental Market will confirm: people out here know their soy. As well as their chakras, vermiculture, and how to get rides to Burning Man.
If you’re going to stay the night, consider the Inn at Occidental, run by Gerry and Tina and which features different themed rooms. I still can’t tell if Gerry is joking when he says people have to sign a waiver when booking the circus room, with its prominent trapeze rings hung over the bed. (Gerry blogs about life and the inn here.) Another good choice is Negri’s Occidental Hotel, situated on the other side of the narrow valley.
And if you have to wear the kilt, it’s ok. People in Occidental are way cool. They might even loan you one if you forgot yours. That’s how cool they are…
Occidental is a great place to viist. Hand Goods is one of my favorite stores there. And breakfast or lunch at Howard’s Station is a treat. You can something for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans, and all will be happy.
Just a cool little town. And if you want to get great bread — head to Freestone and Wildflour Bakery, less than 10 minutes away.
Jill- nice idea! And I totally agree about Wildflour Bread – the cinnamon rolls are beyond compare. Maybe next post will be on the Bohemian Highway- unless you beat me to it.