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Most of us spend the Fourth of July weekend grilling in our backyards, hanging out with friends and family as we celebrate our independence.
But for a country that was founded by intrepid trailblazers, isn’t it a bit more patriotic to hit the open road in search of scenic landscapes and charming towns?
Fortunately, Northern California’s got both categories covered in spades. From wine country to coastal communities to mountain escapes, there’s never a shortage of diverse destinations to check out, many within a quick drive of the Bay Area.
And there’s no better vehicle to help you explore all of NorCal’s hidden gems than the 2016 Kia Sorento. Redesigned to be sleek, strong, and versatile, the 2016 Sorento has elegantly sculpted surfaces, a spacious cabin, and a wraparound dashboard for distinctive appeal. From finely crafted seating to intuitive advanced technologies, it’s the car you drive to seek out adventure.
Which is a good thing, because adventure abounds in these three destinations, perfect locations for your July 4 getaway.
Healdsburg
Sonoma wine country brims with beautiful towns, but for our money nothing tops Healdsburg. Stroll along its charming main street, where you’ll find 19 tasting rooms, art galleries galore and excellent eateries. For a one-stop experience, check out the James Beard Award-winning SHED, a modern mix of café, market and home-garden store all in one soaring space. Tuckered out? Hotel Healdsburg feels like a luxurious villa, while its funky offshoot h2hotel offers free bicycles.
Mendocino
Though only a three-hour drive from San Francisco, Mendocino makes you feel like you’ve ventured all the away across country to coastal Maine. Enjoy the briney ocean breeze as you stroll past Victorian homes before popping into charming local shops and art galleries like the Mendocino Art Center. Feeling adventurous? Hit the coastal coves with a guided tour courtesy of Liquid Fusion Kayaking, then reward your heroism with dinner at foodie favorite Cafe Beaujolais. Turn in at the cedar-shingled Brewery Gulch Inn, where the ocean views are as lovely as the accommodations.
Truckee
Tahoe has always been a must for winter sports enthusiasts, and the mountainous destination is just as gorgeous when the snow melts. Make Truckee your home base for the weekend, an authentic mountain town with easy access to beaches, golf courses, hiking trails and cycling routes. Grab a hearty sandwich at Full Belly Deli and save it for a midday pit stop. Come dinner, you can’t go wrong at Cottonwood, a popular restaurant overlooking town whose rustic decor belies its upscale menu. Considering all the adventurous activity, we're sure you’ll be ready for a good night’s sleep, so check in at The Cedar House Sport Hotel, an environmentally-friendly boutique property boasting contemporary design and luxury amenities.
To learn more about the All-Wheel-Drive 2016 Kia Sorento, from its advanced tech to its safety features, visit ChooseKia.com.
