Humboldt County Travel Guide

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson explores the ins and outs of Humboldt County’s diverse offerings with three knowledgeable insiders.

First up, Johnson talks with Sebastian Elrite, who oversees a trio of oyster businesses in Humboldt County: Aqua-Rodeo Farms, Humboldt Bay Oyster Tours, and Humboldt Bay Provisions. Elrite discusses his bay-to-boat-to-oyster bar operation, sharing tips and stories from his educational boat tours. “We're able to go out to my oyster farm and do some fresh oyster harvesting,” he shares. “When we get those oysters landed, we'll go ahead and head back to the oyster bar at Humboldt Bay Provisions over in Old Town in Eureka and do a little tasting and have some local libations.” Going beyond bi-valves, Elrite also name-drops his favorite local restaurants and activities in the area.

Next, Johnson is joined by Kimberly Frick, co-owner of Redwood Creek Buckarettes, a horseback riding experience in Orick. A fifth-generation Humboldt native, Frick details the advantages of exploring Redwood National Park by horseback. “Most of our guests are very awe-inspired, they use the word ‘magical’ or ‘majestic,’” she says. “And on our particular trail, you're surrounded by a lot of [redwoods]. There's not just one or two, it's a whole hillside full of them.” Frick shares other options for exploring nature in Humboldt County, from hiking Fern Canyon to gondola rides in Klamath.

Finally, Johnson talks with Melissa Sanderson, publisher of The Ferndale Enterprise and owner of Humboldt’s Hometown Store. Sanderson discusses the joys of running a community newspaper, Ferndale’s ornate Victorian homes, and what it’s like to have Guy Fieri as a landlord. “The town itself is a historical landmark,” she notes. “We have more cows than people.” Sanderson also discusses shopping and unique dining experiences in the area.

GUESTS

Sebastian Elrite, owner of Aqua-Rodeo Farms, Humboldt Bay Oyster Tours, and Humboldt Bay Provisions

Kimberly Frick, co-owner of Redwood Creek Buckarettes

Melissa Sanderson, publisher of The Ferndale Enterprise

RESOURCES

Sebastian Elrite is a Eureka local who takes guests out on the water to get an up-close look at his oyster farming operation.

Humboldt County

Aqua-Rodeo Farms

Humboldt Bay Oyster Tours

Humboldt Bay Provisions

Eureka

Trinity River Vineyards

Briceland Vineyards

Humboldt Cider Company

Humboldt Hotsauce

Nonna Lena's

Old Town Carriage Co.

Victorian Seaport of Eureka

The Sea Grill

Trinidad

Trinidad Bay Eatery

Humboldt Bay Bistro

Skunk Cabbage Trail

Kimberly Frick is the co-owner of Redwood Creek Buckarettes, a horseback riding tour experience in Orick.

Redwood Creek Buckarettes

Orick

Redwood National Park

Fern Canyon

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Trees of Mystery

Klamath

The End of Trail Collection

Sequoia Park Zoo

Redwood Skywalk

The Larrupin’ Cafe

Sunset Restaurant

The Lighthouse Grill

Café Marina

Melissa Sanderson is the publisher of The Ferndale Enterprise, a local newspaper, and owner of Humboldt’s Hometown Store in Ferndale.

Ferndale

The Ferndale Enterprise

Humboldt’s Hometown Store

Humboldt County Fair

Guy Fieri

Eel River

Victorian Mansions

The Boardroom

Russ Park Ferndale

Ferndale Cemetery

Tuyas

No Brand Burger Stand

Golden Gait Mercantile

ABOUT THE HOST

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on New York radio station WNYC, has been the host of the California Now Podcast since its inception in 2018.

OUR TEAM

Host, Soterios Johnson
Editorial Director, John Godfrey
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall
Theme music, Aaron Taos