LAYTONVILLE: Welcome to the southern tip of Emerald Triangle legacy cultivation country, where growers have filled these hills for decades growing some of the most award-winning cannabis in the world. From Laytonville up to Sohum to the Lost Coast know that you are in the heart of the cannabis heartland, the cultural capital of the Emerald Triangle. Icons like the late Frenchy Cannoli, Swami Chaitanya and Kevin Jodrey call this region home. Mendo Trim Tools is a must visit. This shop is legendary, having served the local outlaw cannabis cultivation community for decades with turkey bags and trim tools of all kinds. Just north of Laytonville en route to the Land of SoHum you will find the iconic Area 101, a historic destination and Cultural Landmark along The Cannabis Trail. Make time for Area 101. Know that you are stepping on hallowed ground. It was here that cannabis legalization history happened and the Emerald Cup was born. 

GARBERVILLE to REDWAY: As you enter Southern Humboldt, stop at One Log House attraction and pop into the Cookies Treehouse Lounge. Bask in the fact that you are indeed in the heart of cannabis legacy country. As you head north to Garberville, keep an eye out for the Richardson Grove sign, a piece of history and a point of interest along The Cannabis Trail. In addition to being the heart of cannabis country, Humboldt was and is a battleground for forest preservation and earth stewardship activism. Go ahead, join in with the locals and hug a redwood. Head north and you will come upon Garberville and Redway, the sister towns of southern Humboldt. In the quaint downtown of Garberville, notice the Hemp Connection sign, an important piece of hemp history from sustainability pioneer Marie Mills. This was the very first hemp shop in the United States, a radical idea at the time. Pop into the Southern Humboldt visitors center to view The Hemp Connection Cultural Landmark and ask about the important hemp history of SoHum. Find Country Club cannabis shop in Redway, a must visit. This place is a favorite shop for the locals, always offering fresh locally grown cannabis, hash and craft products that are hard to find elsewhere.  Book a guided tour with Humboldt Cannabis Tours and visit Huckleberry Hill Farms, a once in a lifetime experience that any seasoned traveler would fully enjoy. Book your tour at least a month in advance and prior to your visit to Huckleberry Hill Farms, listen to the deep and rich cultural heritage and context of this legacy cannabis region. Enrich your experience by understanding what it took to protect and steward the cannabis plant under prohibition. Five Sisters Farm is a glamping style, riverside lodging option with cannabis plants and soaking tubs as part of the experience.

BRICELAND to the LOST COAST: Plan for two nights at The Inn of the Lost Coast and head west to the Shelter Cover. Take it slow and steady, as the road weaves and winds throughout the beautiful countryside. As you travel, know that these roads are where tanks and convoys once rolled during the height of the war on drugs era and military helicopters flew overhead. The unique history of this region directly informs the culture today, and any traveler that makes their way to southern Humboldt needs to respect the sensitivities of the community. Many community members experienced trauma during the war on drugs era and to this day, the sound of helicopters trigger fear and PTSD from the many raids and arrests that happened here. As you head to Shelter Cove, learn about the history of the region from Bob McKee, the Father of Counter Culture. Stop in at Plant Humboldt, a cannabis nursery like no other on earth. Browse the many types of cannabis varieties and pick one or two to take home and grow yourself. Upon arrival, ask for a tour, as they are often willing to do so if they aren’t too busy. Consider booking a wine tasting at Briceland Vineyards and sip on vino while the winemaker shares stories of living in legacy cannabis country.

SHELTER COVE: A true paradise, Shelter Cover is an absolute hidden gem. Prepare to unplug and become one with the nature that surrounds you. The pristine beaches, the wild ocean air, sunsets and sea-life are all outstanding. Shelter Cove is my favorite place to stay in Humboldt County. I always plan for at least two nights. Mi Mochima is a great food spot serving up Venezuelan style cuisine while Gyppo Ale Mill has entertainment and good vibes alongside brew-pub style burgers and bites. Find the cannabis-themed murals as you make your way to Gyppo’s front door. Plan for time at the beach and walk along the shoreline. Visit the tiny lighthouse, stargaze at night and rekindle your sense of discovery by tide pooling on the oceans edge. When it comes to setting, for me, it doesn’t get much better than Shelter Cove. Slow down, unplug, elevate and reconnect with yourself and nature, enjoy.