Arco (Williams, CA)

- Our old tried and true at the almost half way point (from the Bay Area). There is a Taco Bell right across the street as well if needed!

Poppy Gas (Arbuckle, CA)

- Great gas prices and snacks but beware, they ONLY have paper straws!

Costco - Churn Creek Exit (Redding, CA)

- If you are a Costco member, these are the best prices in town. If you are NOT a Costco member, all other gas stations near this one compete with their prices.

**Highly suggest filling up somewhere around here before heading up to Mount Shasta, prices on the mountain roads get higher.

HWY 44 East

- Exit and highway we would take to get to Oak Run, where the Tiny Home was! If you get adventurous and want to take a drive that way go to Whitmore and check out Dakaro Winery, we spent many weekends there. You'll get to hear our favorite question ever "Red, White, or Yes?"

Bridge Bay

- Crossing Lake Shasta (especially while it's so full right now!) is really beautiful! Have your camera ready OR get off at the Bridge Bay exit and take the exit down to the resort and tell them you are going to Huffs. Then, either head to the restaurant up and to the right for a birds eye view of the lake OR go to the left where you can park and get closer to the water!

O'Brien Exit

- Honey, we're home! You have reached our exit :) we live just a few miles to the left. If you are feeling like a swim or just want more up close and personal lake time take this exit and head left. Drive ALL the way down to the very end and you'll hit a gate, park by this gate and walk the rest of the way (you'll see a little cabin) and to the left of the cabin is the lake). If you want to adventure even more, if you keep walking up and around to the left, keep your eyes on the left as you go and you'll eventually see a little path/trail that will lead to our little secret spot - a perfectly perched rock in the lake where you can just sit and hang all day. Serious brownie points if you get here!

Lakehead

- Blink and you'll miss it but right after you cross another bridge over the lake (technically the Sacramento River at that point) you will see our little town of Lakehead! Two restaurants (we had three, one closed) both are bars, 2 gas stations and a grocery store. :)

Girard Lookout

- You'll want to look up directions for this but between Lakehead and Castle Crags is an insane Sierra Pacific cabin at a lookout with the most incredible view. Its a bit of a drive up but well worth it. Once you park at the gate its a short, flat walk out to the lookout - definitely not something you would regret!

Castle Crags

- Keep your eyes up and to the left and you'll see the epic beauty that is Castle Crags. Stunning rock steeples sticking up out of the trees. You can hike them, they are not dog friendly, or you can drive up to them (we have been told) but at the very least, be on the lookout for them!

Railroad Park Hotel

- This gets mentioned twice because its that cool. You don't need to eat here if you just want to see the cool railroad car hotel rooms and one of the cooler views of the backside of Castle Crags. Nice place to stretch along the drive!

Olive Pit (Corning, CA)

- Marisa loves their Muffuletta sandwich and Zack usually goes for a burger. Both Zack and Marisa love their Balsamic Milkshakes (trust us!). Some are better than others. Marisa's go to is White Raspberry Balsamic and Zack's is Strawberry Balsamic - we personally recommend avoiding citrus versions but that could just be us!

Cinders Pizza (Redding, CA)

- Delicious personal pizzas and salads. Also in the same building as....

Taste & See Ice Cream - Market Street (Redding, CA)

- Super good ice cream, unique flavors, dairy free options. Some of our favorites: Blueberry Goat Cheesecake, Nutella Bonfire S'more, Balsamic Roasted Strawberry, Lemon Speculoos, Bourbon Brown Butter Pecan - you honestly can't go wrong! They also have a Hilltop location (newer!) with a drive through!

Country Kitchen (Redding, CA)

- This is actually a recent find for us. Basic homemade breakfast/lunch etc. But they have a cinnamon roll worth checking out!

From the Hearth (Redding, CA)

- Local Redding chain with great lunch options!

Final Draft OR Woody's (Redding, CA)

- Listing two local Breweries together because they are a few blocks from each other and both are great!

Huffs at Bridge Bay (Redding, CA)

- If you are looking for a place to stop with a view after the long straight drive on the 5 and right before you start the mountain drive, this is your spot! Good food, good drinks, a view of the lake that can't be beat! This is our go-to post lake spot for a Bloody Mary!

Basshole Brews (Lakehead, CA)

- Wanting to try our local spot? This is it! The food is actually pretty fantastic, don't let the interesting parking lot and bar feel deter you! Basshole is our local watering hole, dinner place, brunch spot - pretty much where it all happens!

Railroad Park Resort & Dining Car Restaurant (Dunsmuir, CA)

- For one of the more unique experiences, stop in Dunsmuir. Not only do you get an incredible view of Castle Crags, you also get a great meal in an old Western Union Dining car, one of Marisa's favorite date nights (and a potential wedding location contender early on!) Try the brussels sprouts or the train wreck fries! (PS their menu does change and they have specials, they post on Facebook ONLY so suggest checking there if you want to see it!)

Yaks on the 5 (Dunsmuir, CA)

- Voted one of the top restaurants on Yelp for a long time at some point (there is a sign!) it is WELL deserved! Best burger ever, best garlic fries ever, best cinnamon bun ever!

Lily's (Mount Shasta, CA)

- 100% our favorite brunch spot in town! There are a number of weddings in town, suggest calling and putting your name in to make sure you don't have to wait long.

Black Bear Diner (THE Original) (Mount Shasta, CA)

- If you want to see the first ever Black Bear Diner, and taste what their food is supposed to taste like everywhere (we think its better here!) check it out! Fun spot, easy with larger groups, HUGE portions.

Crave (Mount Shasta, CA)

- Most random mix of food from Mexican to BBQ to whatever they decide to cook that day. Their papusas are insanely good! Easy spot to eat outside with a great view of Shasta and right downtown!

Yaks Shack (Mount Shasta, CA)

- The newest addition to the Yaks family, this outdoor only compound grew the burger only Yaks on the 5 to include sandwiches, bowls, salads, breakfast, coffee (the Cup of Soul is insane as well as the Peanut Butter Latte) We have a Yaks Breakfast Burrito before every Ski day!

Pipeline (Mount Shasta, CA)

- Great for a beer and their food is pretty good (not our favorite in town but, does the job!)

Mount Shasta Brewing (Weed, CA)

- If you need an excuse to go to Weed to get that T-Shirt we all wanted in high school, here it is! Mount Shasta Brewing is a super fun brewery with great beer and a great vibe! Need I say more?