Fluffy Belgian waffles with syrup drizzle, butter, fresh fruit, and a side of syrup in a glass pitcher, served on a decorative plate for breakfast or brunch.

Savoring Yreka: The Best Vegetarian-Friendly Eats in Siskiyou County

Beth Glosner  | 

If you’re a foodie who’s vegetarian, or pescatarian—traveling solo, craving cozy vibes, and always hunting for delicious local bites—then Yreka, California (and the wider Siskiyou County) might just be your dream stop. I’ve wandered through its cafés, diners, and restaurants, tasted the homemade soups, sipped local coffee, and eaten more avocado toast than I thought possible. You’re about to discover the best veg-friendly eats in Yreka County, from hidden gems to full-blown vegan menus. Let’s dig in.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here

Why Yreka Is a Good Pick for Veg Travelers

  • Many small restaurants here are used to accommodating dietary preferences: vegetarian entrees, or at least modifiable dishes.
  • You’ll find places where “healthy,” “fresh,” or “local produce” is more than a buzzword—it’s part of what they do.
  • The slower pace of life means you can take your time, ask questions, and enjoy meals mindfully.

Top Vegetarian Spots in Yreka

Here are great places (breakfast, quick lunch, cozy dinner) in Yreka or nearby that cater to vegetarian or plant-friendly diets.

1. Nature’s Kitchen Café – Breakfast & Lunch Haven

What makes it special: Nature’s Kitchen is one of the locals’ favorite cafés when it comes to healthy, vegetable-rich meals. They bake their own bread, muffins, and scones; they have hearty salads, soups, and vegetarian-friendly options.

  • Best for: Breakfast with avo toast or fruit + pastry; Light lunch (salads, quiches).
  • Vibe: Casual, friendly, daytime-only. Great place to linger with a book or journal.
  • Pro tip: Ask about menu modifications. They may swap dairy or eggs if you’re flexible.

📸 Photo idea: A close-up of a garden salad, with bread on the side and natural morning light. Caption: “Fresh, green, and guilt-free—just how lunch should be.”

2. Linda’s Soup Café – Comfort in a Bowl & Beyond Soup

Located at 1812 Fort Jones Road, Linda’s Soup Café is a cozy spot with soups, wraps, salads, & specials that often include vegetarian choices. 

Best for: Quick lunch or a light but satisfying dinner. If the weather’s cold, you’ll love a steaming bowl of soup.

  • Hidden gem factor: Because it’s off the main drag, many travelers overlook it, but locals adore it.
Creamy melted cheese soup with crispy fried bread for a comfort food experience. Perfect for breakfast or a hearty snack in warm, inviting settings.
Warming up with soup that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

3. Strings Italian Café – Italian Made Veg-Friendly

For those who love pasta, or maybe a seafood twist if you’re pescatarian, Strings Italian Café is a solid choice. It’s not entirely vegan, but many dishes are vegetarian or adjustable.

  • Best for: Cozy dinners, date-night vibes, pasta comfort.
  • Pro tip: Go early evening, and ask for vegetable-only sauces.
When in Italy? Well, sort of—Strings Italian makes it feel like you are.

4. Black Bear Diner – Big Comfort, Some Veg Options

Black Bear Diner is more of a comfort food place, but it does have vegetarian-friendly options (like veggie omelets, salads, maybe seasonal dishes). If you want something less fancy but reliable, this is a good fallback. 

  • Best for: Breakfast. Fresh Baked Bear Claw, omelettes (ask for no meat), etc. This restaurant also has a Friday Fish Fry.
  • Pro tip: Portions are large; consider sharing or planning what to do with leftovers. Also, check if their sides can be vegan.
Fluffy Belgian waffles with syrup drizzle, butter, fresh fruit, and a side of syrup in a glass pitcher, served on a decorative plate for breakfast or brunch.

5. Zephyr Books & Coffee – Coffee & Light Bites

If your priorities are a calm space, good coffee, and something light on the side (pastry, sandwich, muffin), Zephyr Books & Coffee is a perfect pairing: book browsing + food. It’s one of those places where you can relax. 

  • Best for: Late mornings, quiet time, writing, people-watching.
  • Pro tip: Ask for dairy-free milk; plenty of cafés in the area allow substitutions.
Cozy bookstore interior with warm lighting, bookshelves, and comfortable seating areas, perfect for book lovers and visitors seeking a relaxing reading nook at a local cafe or bookstore.

Veg Options Just Outside Yreka

If you’re willing to drive a little, Siskiyou County has more options:

  • Lily’s Restaurant (Mount Shasta): Offers organic, fresh ingredients. They have vegan/gluten-free menu items. 
  • Berryvale Café (Mount Shasta): Burritos, sandwiches, some vegan options. Great for day trips.

Insider Tips & Hidden Gems

  • Always ask about vegan or vegetarian modifications—even if the menu doesn’t list them. Many places will adapt sauces, dressings, or sides.
  • Watch local social media (Facebook groups, Yelp) for daily specials; sometimes vegetarian soups, veggie tacos, or plant-based dishes pop up unexpectedly.
  • Visit early in the day for breakfast or lunch when fresh pastries and produce are just out.
  • If you are travelling in spring or fall, farmers’ markets often bring seasonal produce, a good source for fruit, nuts, or prepared vegetarian items.
  • For pescatarians, local Mexican, Thai, or seafood-friendly places often offer fish or shrimp options that pair well with vegetarian sides.

Seasonal & Photo-Friendly Notes

  • Spring: Tender greens, fresh herbs, and floral displays in café patios look dreamy. Use macro shots of blossoms + fresh salads.
  • Summer: Strong light—suitable for golden-hour photos of pasta or veggie bowls outdoors. Heat can also make creamy/sweet treats feel extra refreshing.
  • Fall: Warm tones, pumpkin-spiced or squash dishes, cozy soups; photos with warm lighting, leaf colors.
  • Winter: Interiors glow, steamy soups, hot drinks; focus on cozy atmospheres and contrast between cold outdoors and warm food.

Why Yreka Will Feed Your Soul (Literally)

If you travel vegetarian, or pescatarian, Yreka may surprise you. It’s not a huge metropolis, but its food scene has heart, and locals care. From cafés that bake fresh bread to restaurants that’ll swap out ingredients for you, there’s enough flavor and variety to make your solo trip satisfying and delightful.

So next time you’re planning a road trip, craving comfort food without compromise, or looking for a town with character plus plant-friendly eats, Yreka should be on your list. If your looking for things to do in the small town read my blog Solo Female Travel in Yreka: 10 Must-Do Activities, Veg-Friendly Eats & Scenic Escapes

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


-Beth
8 Best Indoor Activities in Buffalo for a Rainy Day Escape

8 Best Indoor Activities in Buffalo for a Rainy Day Escape

Beth Glosner  | 

So, the skies over Buffalo have turned a moody gray, and your plans for kayaking or strolling Canalside are officially a wash. But don’t worry—there’s a silver lining in every storm cloud. The Queen City is full of  cozy, creative, and downright fun indoor activities that make a rainy day feel more like an unexpected adventure. From science exhibits to art-deco theaters, we’ve rounded up the best ways to turn a gloomy day into a great one. Let’s Dig In.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here

1. Buffalo Museum of Science: Get Nerdy with It 

Why let the rain dampen your curiosity? Head to the Buffalo Museum of Science for hands-on exhibits that both kids and adults love. Explore everything from the human body to space exploration and the world of dinosaurs.

 Jurassic vibes, no umbrella required.

2. Shea’s Performing Arts Center: Show-Stopping Indoors 

The Queen City’s crown jewel of culture, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, is as stunning on the inside as the productions it hosts. Catch a Broadway show, a concert, or even a classic movie screening.

Pro Tip: Snag last-minute seats for a discount, especially on weekday evenings.

Rainy nights made for red curtains and standing ovations.

3. Reading Between the Raindrops at Local Bookstores 

Escape into a story at cozy indie bookshops like Talking Leaves or Rust Belt Books, where creaky floors and quiet corners set the scene for a perfect literary hideaway. Pair your paperback with a hot drink at nearby cafés.

Pro Tip: Ask staff for their favorite rainy-day reads..

Are you ready for a plot twists? 

4. Explore B-Lo‘s 716 History at the Buffalo History Museum 

What does “716” mean? It’s more than just B-Lo’s area code—it’s a source of hometown pride and community identity. Dive into what makes Buffalo tick with a trip to the Buffalo History Museum, filled with exhibits about our city’s industrial roots, sports legacy, and resilient spirit.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the small but mighty Erie Canal exhibit upstairs.

My favorite rainy day escape: A museum

5. Get Cozy with a Cup at Remedy House or Overwinter Coffee 

Not all heroes wear raincoats—some craft single-origin coffee topped with perfectly swirled oat milk foam. These cozy cafés are your rainy-day MVPs, offering the perfect spot to sip, read, and watch the weather roll by. Looking for a warm, welcoming hideout while the skies clear? Many of these local gems are featured in my blog B-Lo’s Buzz-Worthy Coffee Scene—your go-to guide for the ultimate rainy-day retreat.

Pro Tip: Grab a window seat for the ultimate people-watching and latte combo.

 Espresso yourself, no poncho necessary.

6. Explore Art Indoors at the Burchfield Penney or Albright-Knox Northland

Art lovers, rejoice. Fill your Rainy days wandering the halls of local galleries. Burchfield Penney highlights regional artists, while Buffalo AKG Art Museum brings in bold, contemporary exhibitions.

Pro Tip: Burchfield Penney is quieter on weekday afternoons—ideal for contemplative solo strolls.

 When it rains, go frame by frame.

7. Try an Escape Room or Indoor Arcade ⚽

Feeling adventurous? B-Lo has a growing number of escape rooms and retro arcades, like Misuta Chows, that are perfect for friend groups or family outings. Rain is way more fun when you’re chasing clues or crushing Pac-Man.

Pro Tip: Book ahead—rainy days fill up fast!

Escape the weather and the room—win-win.

8. Get Tropical at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Rainy days call for a little green therapy—and luckily, you don’t have to hop a plane to find it. Head to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, where you can wander through a glass conservatory filled with lush palm trees, exotic flowers, and warm, humid air that feels like a mini vacation. It’s the perfect place to slow down, snap a few dreamy plant-filled photos, and breathe in some fresh (fragrant!) air.

“Tropical getaway” shot—rain or shine.

 Pro Tip: Visit during one of their special exhibits, such as Lumagination or the orchid show, for an extra magical experience.

Rain or Shine, B-Lo Shines Indoors

When the weather outside is frightful (or just drizzly), the Queen City still knows how to bring the fun. Whether you’re marveling at a museum, sipping something warm, or solving your way out of an escape room, there’s always a way to stay entertained without stepping into a single puddle.

Call to Action: Save this guide for your next rainy-day game plan. Share with a friend who always cancels plans when the skies turn gray—B-Lo’s still got your back.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!
-Beth
Niagara Falls: Your Next Big (Wet) Adventure Awaits

Niagara Falls: Your Next Big (Wet) Adventure Awaits

Beth Glosner  | 

Hey there, fellow adventurer! If you’ve ever dreamed of standing face-to-face with one of nature’s most breathtaking wonders, Niagara Falls is calling your name. But there’s more to this bucket-list destination than just waterfalls and misty selfies. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a weeklong escape, this guide spills the tea on what to do, see, and eat at Niagara Falls—with tips you’ll wish you had sooner. Let’s dig in.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here

What Are the Best Things To Do at Niagara Falls?

Let’s not waste any time. You came here for the goods, and I’ve got ‘em:

But don’t just stop there. Let’s break it down so you can build the perfect itinerary.

Why Niagara Falls Should Be on Your Bucket List

Alright, you’ve got the highlights. But why bother visiting Niagara Falls when you could chill at your local beach? Here’s why:

  • Sheer power. You’ll feel the roar of 3,160 tons of water crashing every second.
  • Family-friendly fun. From boat rides to wax museums, there’s something for everyone.
  • Perfect for solo travelers. Safe, walkable, and easy to navigate.
  • Epic Instagram content. You’ll light up your feed like never before.
  • Foodie finds. Think poutine, wings, and wine country all rolled into one.

Let’s dive deeper into what you’ll actually experience.

1. Soak It All In: Up Close with the Falls

You can’t visit Niagara without getting up close to the falls—unless you hate fun (and mist). Two must-do tours:

📷 Photo Tip: Snap a windblown selfie in your poncho with the falls raging behind you.

  • Maid of the Mist: The OG boat tour since 1846. Expect to feel the thunder (and moisture) of American and Horseshoe Falls. It’s exhilarating—and you’ll get a complimentary (and fashionable) poncho.
  • Cave of the Winds: Walk down a series of wooden decks to the Hurricane Deck, where 60 mph winds and water spray will make you feel alive. This one’s for the thrill-seekers.
  • Stay late and you can see the fall light up at night
Caught in the spray, but still slaying

2. Hit the Trails: Walk Through Niagara Falls State Park

Need a break from the adrenaline rush? Grab a latte and take a stroll through Niagara Falls State Park—designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (yep, the Central Park guy).

  • Scenic Overlooks: Terrapin Point and Prospect Point give unbeatable views.
  • Rainbow Bridge: Straddles the U.S. and Canadian border. Bonus: great photo op!
Prospect Point

3. Where to Eat in Niagara Falls (and What to Skip)

No one wants to be hangry in the land of mist. Here’s where to fuel up:

🍕 Top Eats on the U.S. Side:

  • The Silo (Lewiston): Build-your-own ice cream sandwiches and views of the river.
  • Donatello’s (Downtown): Family-owned and known for giant slices.
  • Red Coach Inn: Cozy, romantic, and rich with local history.

🍁 Canadian Side Cravings:

Calories don’t count with views like this.

Pro Tip: Book ahead for window seating at Skylon Tower. It’s worth every spin.

4. Attractions Beyond the Falls: Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful

Yes, the falls are the star, but Niagara’s got some quirky co-stars too:

High above the chaos. And the cotton candy.

5. Make It a Day Trip or a Weekend Getaway

Depending on your travel style, Niagara can be a quick in-and-out or a weeklong exploration.

  • Day Trippers: Stick to the main falls, observation points, and grab lunch nearby.
  • Weekend Wanderers: Add in wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake, explore Old Fort Niagara, and indulge in more meals than you planned for.

Pro Tip: Use the Discover Niagara Shuttle—it’s free and connects key stops.

Color on Display

Photo Tip: Lights over the Niagara Gorge = chef’s kiss.

Bonus: If You’re Visiting Family, Turn It Into a Travel Opportunity

Got family nearby? I do! Visiting them gives me the perfect excuse to explore new places. My cross-country family adventures often end in foodie discoveries, scenic hikes, and spontaneous side quests. If you’ve got relatives near Buffalo, upstate New York, or even Pennsylvania, like I do, tag on a Niagara Falls trip—it’s like adding whipped cream to an already great sundae.

Thanks Sis for the bed and the meals. Next stop: waterfalls.

Time to Book That Trip

If Niagara Falls wasn’t on your radar before, I hope it is now. It’s powerful, it’s fun, and it’s surprisingly doable for solo travelers, families, and food lovers alike. It is a great place to visit in the summer when the humidity is high on the East Coast. It’s a great way to cool off.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your poncho, book that boat tour, and don’t forget your camera (and stretchy pants).

Leave a comment below if you’ve got questions—or your own Niagara tips!

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


–Beth