Loving Konocti Coffee in Lake County

So you’ve rented a beautiful Kelseyville property on Airbnb for the weekend. You wake up in the morning and look at the glistening lake and you think that you’ve arisen in a secret country haven. You go to the kitchen to make yourself a cappuccino and, horror of horrors, your rental has no espresso machine. Requiring espresso in a country villa may seem counterintuitive, but let’s be honest, espresso truly is a necessity. How else can you gear yourself up for the day on Clear Lake?

Thankfully, a new solution to the Lake County coffee woes has just opened in the Soda Bay area of Kelseyville. Konocti Coffee just recently opened up right at the Soda Bay bend.

I drive on Soda Bay to work in Lakeport every morning and that stretch has always seemed like a tedious trip without caffeine. However, I’m also very particular about my coffee and although I’ll try anything once, I will not habitually drink sub par coffee just because it’s convenient.

Perfect Latte

One morning I decided to give Konocti Coffee a shot. I walked into the doors to a modern calming interior and the friendliest staff ever. After chatting it up with the barista and one of the owners, I took a sip of my latte and braced myself. It was PERFECT! I love a properly pulled espresso shot with beautiful steamed milk.  Trust me, there are some other local coffee shops (that I will not name) that I’ve just had to pour my drink down the drain.

Menu with much more than just coffee

Konocti Coffee even has plenty for the non-caffeine lovers or those who need to get the kids out of the house. They serve smoothies, hot chocolate, and even Italian Sodas. It’s the perfect location to drop by for your morning cup and a quick chat or to use their free Wi-Fi.

So during your stay here in Lake County, stop by Konocti Coffee. Believe me you’ll be happy you did.

It's Been a While...

Sometimes events happen in our lives that we have no control over. My youngest brother passed away last year and with his death I lost all desire to do anything, much less write.

The only reason why I feel the need to blog about this matter that is so personal and close to my heart is because I know that there is someone out there who is dealing with how to continue on after you've lost a loved one. You ARE NOT ALONE.

I've just started to write anything positive again and I've realized how I previously enjoyed working on this blog before I lost my sibling and friend. I've decided that it is important for me to continue the things that I love and that my experience may help someone else out along the way.

This life is not as easy as it looks and sometimes when we look at other people's social media we feel as though we are the only ones that are struggling. The people who reached out to me after my brother's death taught me that that's simply not true.

If you ever find yourself going through a similar battle or just need a listening ear, don't hesitate to contact me. I'm hear to listen, chat, cry, whatever. Just remember that tomorrow is always the start of a new opportunity to do something that you love.

Kelseyville Pear Festival Tomorrow

Just a quick reminder that the annual Kelseyville Pear Festival in Kelseyville, CA starts tomorrow. Downtown Kelseyville is one of the cities in Lake County that has most kept in touch with its historic roots and appearances. The city is known for its delicious pears and celebrates its heritage proudly tomorrow, September 28, 2013. I've been to the festival several years and it is definitely worth the drive out. See a schedule of events by clicking here.

Sunday Funday at Rosa D'Oro

Let's face it, Sundays in Lake County are peaceful (nice for slow). While there is something wonderful about strolling around this naturally beautiful county without a care in the world and nothing to rush off to, sometimes the boredom makes me stir crazy and puts me on the hunt for some form of entertainment.

A quick phone call to my best friend and a quick internet search of wineries open on Sunday led us to the sophisticated Rosa D'Oro wine tasting room in downtown Kelseyville, CA. After a warm and welcome greeting, we were handed a list of the specialized Italian and French varietal wines Rosa D'Oro offers. One taste of the Rosato and I knew this was just the beginning of a beautiful relationship with Rosa D'Oro wines. To my surprise (I'm not usually a red wine fan), I also really enjoyed the Primitivo. It was very light and refreshing, perfect to be paired with a Summer day and a fresh salad.

The decor of Rosa D'Oro is classy, yet comfortable with high ceilings and a handmade wooden bar. It is situated inside of the old First Bank in Kelseyville, a beautiful building with large pillars at the entrance.

Picture of exterior taken from Rosa D'Oro website

Delicious Rosato with Olive Oil in Background

Our experience was very enjoyable and both my best friend and I purchased wine for our upcoming Vegas trip (if we can resist enjoying them until then). In addition to their wines, Rosa D'Oro also makes specialized olive oils and vinegars. I often say that downtown Kelseyville is the treasure of Lake County for maintaining the charm of an older, more civilized era. Rosa D'Oro just may be the crown jewel of that treasure.

Sunday Funday accomplished!

Just Some of the Many Awards Rosa D'Oro has Won

The No Name Bar

It's bound to happen. You come up to Lake County looking for a fun and relaxing vacation boating on Clear Lake. Since you're so busy during the day, you don't really plan on going out late at night, but you're up late and you look at your watch. It's ten o'clock and you are not remotely close to being tired. Where do you go? After days of wine touring, where can one get a stiff drink? What is there to do in Lake County after 9:00 p.m.?

My old answer used to be go to bed and pray that you'll be able to sleep to pass the time, but recently I've been a bit more adventurous in experiencing Lake County nightlife. Of course there's always the ritzy-for-Lake-County Saw Shop bar that I adore (ask for a traditional margarita and you won't be disappointed), but if you're looking for something a little more bar-like, but not as grungy or divey as the typical Lake County bar, I have just discovered the perfect place for you.

I call it "The No Name Bar" simply because for now, it really has no name. The Buckhorn (a Lakeport bar that I was always reluctant to enter) has relocated and taken on an entirely new (yet historical) concept. The No Name had its soft opening June 7, but will have a grand opening and name revealing July 20th.

I must say that it is so refreshing to see a Lakeport bar accomplish mixing class, fun, and liquor so appropriately. The No Name Bar has an antique bar concept, but a modern mood, coupled with great service and friendly people. The owner, Logan Weiper, fabricated his own beautiful, mahogany-finish handmade bar and the alcohol shelf is actually an antique post office box (I know, how creative is that!) from Traditions, the antique store across the street.

What I probably love most about the decor of this place is the floor-to-ceiling wooden walls with exposed brick highlights. While talking to my bartender, I found out the the owner is marketing towards a slightly more upscale clientele, yet refraining from being fussy. This can be seen in the nice selection of top shelf liquors they carry.

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised by this new bar. My drink was reasonably strong and pleasantly cheap ($7). Eventually, the owner plans to open the kitchen side and provide small bites as well. I can truthfully say that I look forward to making The No Name part of my Lake County weekend routine.

"No Name"
150 North Main Street
Lakeport, CA  95453

The Beauty of Lake County - A Quick Non-Review Post

Every once in a while, on a perfect Sunday afternoon, I'm driving with my sun roof open and my radio blaring through the winding mountains of Lake County  and I am stunned by the natural beauty of this county. Spending most of my time in Lakeport and Kelseyville, I sometimes find that I'm a little biased until I look at the beautiful shorelines of Clearlake, Niece, and Lucerne and remember that all of this county is amazing. There's something about natural beauty that just stuns me and makes me realize what a small, yet important part we all play in a beautiful world.

In an attempt not to bore you to death with accolades about the sanctuary of a place, I'm going to just post pictures of my view across the lake that I'm pretty sure is Clearlake Oaks.

Speed boat on Clearlake

My lavender plant with our dock in the background

Quick Updates of New Highly Anticipated Lake County (Worthwhile) Businesses

It's amazing how time flies when you're not blogging! I can't believe my last post was in February. Sorry about that. Okay now down to business!

The Pub in Lakeport is reopening!!!! Rumor is that it will no longer be Molly Brennans, but a new German style Pub owned and operated by a couple that fell in love with the absolutely STUNNING handmade wooden bar made by the previous owners. It is expected to be open Memorial Day weekend.

I have also been informed that a new bar is opening on Main Street in Lakeport. The founder is the previous owner of the Buckhorn Club, but his new bar will be in a new location, almost directly across from the pub. My sources have told me that this bar will cater to a more trendy crowd. Fingers crossed!

I am very excited about these two new establishments. In Lake County, it can sometimes be hard to find luxurious places, so I can't wait to try these places out. I'll post updates on both as soon as I hear and see more.

Image by racinred