We're dreaming of a Green Christmas. Here are three options for respectful, renewable tree-trolling.
Like tailgating? Like Christmas trees? Grab your rainbow wig and foam finger and head to the Skyline Christmas Tree Farm, where tailgating is not only accepted, it's encouraged. Skyline is a sustainable farm that takes great care using "stump culture" in their regrowth patterns; cutting the trees two branches from the bottom ensures the renewed life of the trees. For over 50 years, the farm has been growing Douglas firs, Scotch pines, Monterey pines, and Sequoias. With 63 rolling ridgetop acres, there are plenty of trees to choose from and plenty of places to roam. Pick one of the tall, full evergreens with lush green branches, or go for the Charlie Brown-style trees—scrawny little wonders that make endearing fixer-uppers (all they need is love…and lights!). Pack a picnic, park the car, pick up a tree, and tailgate. Gooo Green!
Skyline Christmas Tree Farm is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It's on Hwy. 35 in La Honda, just 6 miles north of the Hwy. 9 intersection. All trees are $50; only cash or checks are accepted. Netting and twine for tying the tree to your car are included. BBQs are not allowed. Please tailgate responsibly.
We love the Friends of the Urban Forest's living Christmas tree program—but they've sold out their allotment this year. Here's an alternative: Sloat Garden Centers have living Christmas trees; everything from a dwarf Alberta spruce (growing to just eight feet) to a Monterey pine (pictured; and grows up to 90 feet!). Pick out your choice and take it home. Remember: Caring for a living tree is like caring for a pet—it needs some attention (and that means more than just an outfit of ornaments; don't forget the water!). But here's the real beauty of the living Christmas tree: After you've adorned it, adored it, and watched it glitter and glow, you can plant it in your yard or donate it for replanting at a local park or school. Now that's a gift that keeps on giving.
There are 10 Sloat Garden Centers in the Bay Area. Living Christmas tree prices range from $30–$150. Pick up their four-page brochure on taking care of the tree. Contact your local department of parks and recreation or local school to find out about living tree donations.
Douglas firs are among the most popular Christmas trees this side of the North Pole. But where else can you enjoy them other than on Christmas tree farms? Try the Matt Davis Trail on Mt. Tam. Sections of the trail beam with these coniferous beauties. Make it a 7-mile loop, starting at the Pantoll Ranger Station and landing on Stinson Beach; grab a snack there, then hike back up the Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trails. Classic holiday hike accomplished!
Unlike the Douglas fir, the Monterey pine is a species native only to a small range of coastal regions in California, making it a rare find in these parts. It also makes a lovely Christmas tree with its skyward-pointing branches and mint-green needles. Want to ride your two-wheel sleigh among these coastal wonders? These fast-growing pines line Waddel Canyon (pictured) on the path to Berry Creek Falls in Big Basin State Park. Bring your bike and embark on one of our favorite bike-n-hikes: 4 miles of easy rolling followed by a 1-mile hike, inhaling the fresh scent of rare pine all the way. Fa-la-la-la-lovely!
Still trying to plan holiday activities with friends and family? Get in the spirit with a moveable feast aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Their gift certificates are bound to put wine-stained smiles on faces! Maybe you've seen the train rolling by, its beautifully restored rails cars filled with giddy passengers sipping delightful wines, and the vineyard hills glowing in the background. Now's your chance to enjoy the experience. And with ticket prices starting at $50, they're a jolly good value. Wine Train packages range from romantic Moonlight Dinners to a 3-course Gourmet Lunch to special events like the popular Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. Executive chef Kelly Macdonald whips up gourmet meals, accompanied by—of course!—an outstanding selection of local wines. All aboard! Oh Yeah.
HOLIDAY HINT: Napa Valley Wine Train gift certificates make a delightful and festive gift. Redeem it on special events next year like the great Wine Maker Dinner series, Vintner's Lunches, and special Winery Tours.
TIP: Got New Year's Eve plans? Roll in 2009 with the Napa Valley Wine Train's New Year's Eve Gala. Enjoy a feast of seasonal, regional specialties and renowned wines, with dancing to live music by Casino Royale. Happy New Year!
Napa Valley Wine Train, 707-253-2111.