'''Arcata''' is a city in the North Coast of California.
Understand
"Arcata, where the '60s meet the sea." - Local Saying
Arcata is a small university town on the north end of Humboldt Bay. It is well known for its hippie counter culture, progressive politics, and vegetarian restaurants. Arcata is the perfect place to relax and enjoy life the way it should be, by enjoying fresh air and an unbeatable natural environment. The pace of things is a little calmer here, with usually as many bicyclists or people on foot as cars going by. Sometimes referred to as "Being behind the Redwood Curtain", Arcata has a unique culture that makes you realize that the "outside" world may not have all the answers.
Due to it's tolerant residents, Arcata attracks a large "transient" population, many of whom you will find on the Plaza. Most of these people are harmless "dharma bums". Expect to be asked for change occasionaly.
Get in
There are only 2 roads in. You can come from the south or north on the 101 or you can come west on the 299. Arcata is 5 hours north of San Francisco, 3 hours west of Redding and 7 hours south of Portland.
The Arcata/Eureka airport ({{ICAO|KACV}}) is actually located in McKinleyville 6 miles north of Arcata on the 101.
Be advised of road closures before traveling in and out of the area. In the winter months heavy rains can cause flooding and mudslides on both US 101 and CA 299. In the summer and fall wildfires may close the highways as well. Most of the time the closures are for less than 24 hours, but occasionally can last for a couple days.
Arcata is a precedent-setting town in a precedent-setting state. Its city council is known for its Green Party domination. It has an "anti-corporation" ordinance. It refuses to cooperate with the Patriot Act. It is on record to impeach President Bush. And cannibis, or marijuana, is decriminalized here.
Get around
Arcata is the perfect walking town. Park near the Plaza and walk to numerous book stores, shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, coffee shops and banks, all within a few blocks of each other. Walk a little further to visit the Arcata Community Forest, university, or marsh.
Bike lanes abound. Loaner bikes can be checked out of the bike library, in the North Coast Co-op employee parking lot.
Three local buses (HTA, A&MRTS, Blue Lake Transit) cover the outer reaches of Arcata and run until 10 pm on weekdays. Students with ID ride for free on A&MRTS and HTA.
The county bus (HTA) can take you from Scotia to Trinidad.
Regarding transportation, the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCOAG) is currently revising its Regional Transit Plan, a process occuring every two years which affects the City of Arcata. There is a "Rails to Trails" movement to use existing railroad tracks along the eastern edge of Humboldt Bay for promoting safe bicycle and pedestrian recreation and commuting between Arcata and Eureka. In opposition is an effort to bring back the railroad to promote the movement of goods from north to south, paralling Highway 101. An additional effort is being made to change the use of the local railroad tracks from movement of goods to movement of people as a light-rail system to reduce automotive transport to and from the main service sector--the neighboring city of Eureka.
See
Every Saturday morning in the spring, summer, and fall there is an organic farmers market on the central plaza.
People watching on the Plaza is always a popular choice. Feel free to kick-back on the grass and view a cross-section of the people who make Arcata...Arcata!
Arcata is filled with vintage Victorian and Craftsman's homes that are well cared for. The Minor Theater is the oldest running movie theater in California.
Do
'''Humboldt State University''' is located on the east side of Highway 101.
Great biking trails in '''Redwood Park'''; also, hiking trails, and the best playgrounds in town.
The world famous '''Arcata Marsh Bird Sanctuary''' doubles as the town's sewage treatment plant. (It smells and looks better than it sounds). It has walking trails, an Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center and bird watching blinds. It is the home of Godwit Days.
The '''Arcata plaza''' is one of the greatest features of this city and also one of the many reasons it is such a great college town.There are always events taking place here, from Farmers' Market to the annual Oyster Festival. The plaza is also the starting point for the Kinetic Sculpture Race.
Arcata is less than 10 minutes from several scenic '''beaches''', which are perfect for family outings, surfing, skimboarding, and all other beach activities.
Buy
'''Heart Bead''', A happenin' bead store on the plaza where they help you create your own jewelry for free! Cool, artsy ladies are eager to offer ideas and creativity.
''' Greenhouse Boardshop and Juice Bar''',surfboards, organic juice, skimboards, smoothies, skateboards, paninis, clothing, vegan cookies. On 8th St, near Arcata Post Office
''' Northtown Books''', small but well stocked independent bookstore. On H St. a block or so up from the plaza.
''' The Works''', music store 2 blocks off the Plaza. You can hear any CD there at the listening stations.
''' People's Records''', record shop on the Plaza specializing in used vinyl, but carry used CD's as well.
''' St. Vincent DePaul Store''', thrift store, with the usual assortment of clothes, furniture, appliances and kitchenware. On K St. near Samoa Blvd (4th).
''' Tin Can Mailman''', excellent two-story used bookstore. (10th & H)
''' Wildwood Music''', Fretted and stringed instruments, sheet music, amplifiers, etc. On I St., near 11th.
Eat
Muddy Waters (aka Muddy's Hot Cup) on G and 16th streets near the university is a great place to see and be seen.
Hey Juan's Burritos across the street from Muddy Waters is good.
La Chiquita, kiddy corner from the Minor Theatre, is a "taco truck" serving cheap, decent Mexican food. Hit up the BRC (bean, rice, cheese) for the most bang for your buck.
Wildflower Cafe on G Street is well known for its great vegetarian food.
Wildberries Marketplace (13th & G): You can order a deli sandwich or a juice smoothie, or get soup, salad and olives from the bar. There is also an extensive cold case with freshly made dishes ranging from pasta and lasagna to fruit salads and many exotic specialties, as well as daily grilled meats, vegetables and tofu. There is seating at the front of the store, and along the side in a covered patio with a bayside view. Inside the store is also Ramone's Bakery, with lots of fresh breads and pastries, plus coffee and espresso.
Renata's Creperie on G street has awesome crepes.
Tomo on 8th Street between G&H has Japanese food.
Tranquilitea on G Street has delicious vegetarian panini and salads.
Arcata Pizza Deli (APD) on H Street has burgers (meat and veggie), pizza, salads and the best Tofu Reuben around. Open late.
Greenhouse Boardshop and Juice Bar on 8th St near the Post Office is a surfboard shop--with a cool cafe vibe. Order a panini and smoothie "for here" and watch non-stop surf footage on the big-screen TV.
Stars on G Street has good burgers (beef and veggie) and the best malts in town.
The Alibi on the Plaza has tasty diner fare and good breakfasts with vegetarian options. Rock music most weekends
Ritas, near Greenhouse Boardshop, serves the best Mexican food in town!
Moonrise Herbs has delicious organic soups and salads.
Daybreak Cafe serves breakfast and lunch all day. Mostly vegetarian but some meat items. Yummy cashew gravy.
Porter Street Barbeque on Samoa Blvd (4th St.): Excellent tri-tip and chicken sandwiches. The barbeque sauce is made there and very yummy.
3 foods cafe(behind the Co-op)has eclectic ethnic food in a cozy atmosphere.
Live from New York, next door to Sushi Spot, serves huge, tasty slices of pizza with yummy salad on the side. Or get a pie to go!
Los Bagels. 061 I Street , Arcata CA. 07-822-3150. ttp://humboldtsearch.com/directory-cat_id-2-cat_name-Restaurants.htm. Los Bagels combines a Jewish ethnic tradition with the customs and tastes of Mexico in an outdoor/indoor cafe that churns with multicultural excitement.
Drink
Night Life
The Alibi is a good place to get a local manhattan with an orange twist.
The Humboldt Brewery is a great place to enjoy several of the award-winning micro brews from the Humboldt County area.
Sidelines is more popular among the locals but also a fun and exciting bar for anyone to enjoy.
Planet Chai, Arcata's own local chai, is available at any of the town's coffeeshops.
There are a couple local venues to catch live music in town some nights, including a couple of the bars on the plaza, Humboldt Brewery (10th & I), Muddy Waters and The Metro on G St., as well as Mosgo's coffee shop in the Westwood neighborhood on Alliance Rd.
Toby and Jack's is a laid-back place to meet your friends for a drink.
If you enjoy a quieter atmosphere check out Caffe Mokka on 5th and J. Not only is it a small quiet coffee shop that often has live Celtic music, it is home to Arcata's hot tubs. Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs offers private tubs and saunas for solo or group bathers. I suggest you bring your own towels.
Coffee Shops
Muddy Waters Coffee Co (G St.)
Jitterbean (9th & G)
Cafe Mokka (5th & J)
Espresso 101 (Valley West off Giuntoli)
Mosgo' (Alliance Rd.)
Greenhouse Boardshop and Juice Bar (8th St.)
Cafe Brio (*8th St.)
Sleep
Days Inn Arcata. 975 Valley West Blvd.. 07-822-4861. ttp://www.daysinnarcata.com. The Days Inn Arcata offers attractive amenities in California_fs famed North Coastline region, home of the giant redwood trees. Enjoy an indoor swimming pool, hearty California breakfast and dining at the hotel restaurant, plus complimentary wireless Internet.
'''Best Western Arcata Inn''', 4827 Valley West Boulevard, (707) 826-0313, Fax: (707) 826-0365, [http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=05505].
'''Fairwinds Motel''', 1674 G St., (707) 822-4824, [http://www.fairwindsmotelarcata.com]. 5 minutes walk to Humboldt University, walk to downtown in minutes, Free Wi-Fi, NO Pets.
'''Hotel Arcata''', Arcata Plaza Downtown, (707) 826-0217, [http://www.hotelarcata.com]. Right in downtown near all the good shops. Historic landmark with great old photos of town in every hallway.
'''Motel 6 Arcata - Humboldt University''', 4755 Valley West Boulevard, (707) 822-7061, Fax: (707) 822-4827, [http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.asp?MotelId=0259&state=CA&full=California&city=Arcata].
Listen
'''KSLG''',
[http://www.kslg.com]. Humboldts New Rock - Tune into stream
'''KHUM''',
[http://www.khum.com]. Radio Without the Rules - Tune into stream
'''KHSU''',
[http://www.khsu.org]. Diverse Public Radio - Tune into stream
'''KMUD''',
[http://www.kmud.org]. Redwood Community Radio - Tune into stream
Get out