The Polite Traveler

Dear Polite Travelers, One of our favorite restaurants in Davis, California, Paesanos , offers simple Italian fare.  We tend to visit once a month, a tradition which began after my last birthday.  Since Davis, CA is a casual university town, most restaurants are as well.  So, even though Paesanos is somewhat casual, it is a step up from the usual $5-beer-with-pizza joints so common when students are in the mix.   Consequently, it was a no-brainer, special-event choice for a b’day dinner.  Sitting in the Restaurant Instead of outdoor or bar seating, we chose to dine in the main room of Paesanos for this special day.  The theme of the restaurant is eclectic, somewhere between old-style Italian and bohemian hip.  Pictures of Italy, especially Venice, adorn the walls.  Tables are tasteful, but not stuffy.  Service was attentive but not pushy and I never had to wait for my water glass to be filled.    The Restaurant...

Getting the Most out of Our Staycation Dearest Polite Traveler, With a world-class university, active community parks, a proper town center replete with unique boutiques and a variety of restaurants, why travel somewhere else for vacation?   We won't.   Hubby and I will staycation in our little hamlet, better known as Davis, California—land of many bikes.   It's a little-known fact (visions of Cliff Clavin from Cheers just popped into my head), that Davis is the first city to implement bike lanes and is also home to the US Bicycling Hall of Fame.   Not that bike lore has much to do with our staycation, it's just one of the reasons I love our town. If It's Saturday, We Must Be In The Farmers Market We begin the first day of our stayca at our world-famous Farmers Market (Central Park, 4th and C Streets).   Well, it might not be world-famous, but it is ranked highly in multiple media outlets.    This morning, a lively Folk band is playing in...

Davis’ New Hilton is a Treasure Revised 4/2021 Dear Polite Traveler, So, why would a person want to spend her birthday in a local hotel room?  When that room is in  Hilton  Garden Inn Davis Downtown.  I love it there!!  In fact, I became acquainted with the staff of this lovely hotel — previously under a different name— years ago when the manager, Marisa Schaffer assisted with an article I was writing for Yahoo concerning local businesses and holidays.  Her graciousness necessitated a meeting, which became a friendship, which eventually extended to the entire hotel staff.  It is my belief that the people make a hotel successful.  A hotel is just a building.  With the best team members in place, it then becomes a sanctuary—a place guests wish to stay often.  And this Hilton is one of those places.  Note : Follow CDC and county guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask wh...

My Nirvana, Our Nugget Market Revised 4/2021 Dear Polite Traveler, Nugget Market has been voted as one of the top 100 best places to work. I would not know it if I hadn’t read it. 　 Nevertheless, what I do know is that everyone seems to enjoy the day, every day. 　 And they are eager to help their guests find exactly what we want.   Note : Follow CDC and county guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.   A Girl Must Have Her Rituals I have a ritual. 　 Actually, I have many. 　 However, this particular ritual involves a weekly visit to Nugget. Every Sunday my husband and I will stop in for coffee and a pastry. 　 It is typically terribly busy, even early in the morning. After all, they make the best croissants this side of France. Note : During the pandemic, self-serve coffee bars are not available. 　   No one seems to mind that I must absolutely mix my coffee at their self-serve coffee bar. 　 I liken it...

Explore with Us: Davis on the Cheap Updated 4/15/2021 One of the best things about living in Davis is our university.  Having access to free lectures, art, and music presentations, and on-campus festivals is priceless.  Nevertheless, there is more to Davis than just the university.  Join my hubby and me as we guide you through our lovely town of Davis, California exploring free fun activities .    Walk Among the Flowers A favorite activity is exploring the UC Davis  Arboretum , a 100-acre botanical garden used for teaching and research planted alongside Putah Creek.  Along this 3.5-mile path, you will spot many species of birds, such as the Green Heron and several varieties of egrets playing in the creek, yellow-billed magpies, and a large variety of songbirds flitting here and there, and Swainson's Hawks flying overhead.  My favorite animal sighting is at the equestrian center, though.  It looks like ...