Unique things to do in California
AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

Unique things to do in California

Book unforgettable activities hosted by locals on Airbnb.

Top-rated activities

Learn to Fly an airplane Above LA
Prior to boarding, pose like a seasoned pro for a photo shoot with the airplane. Once you’re on board, the pilot will give you an overview of the instruments and controls. After getting clearance from the tower, you’ll taxi to the runway for takeoff. Once at cruising altitude, you’ll learn basic flying skills in the training area over the Simi Valley. Then, grab hold of the controls and feel free to move about the skies, exploring LA by air. Finally, in preparation for landing, you’ll come back down to earth at Van Nuys Airport. Other things to note IMPORTANT : This experience is currently only offered as a private experience. The guest has to book both spots on the experience and will be allowed to bring an additional guest to sit in the back seat. Only one guest will be in the front seat. Approximate flight time is 40 mins Expect a cancellation if there is bad weather. Only two passengers are allowed per ride to create a guest-focused experience.
⭐️Learn to Surf and Get Free Photos
OUR GOAL IS FOR YOU TO HAVE AN EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE SURFING - whether its your first time or you're trying to advance your skills. We'll get suited up in the wetsuits I provide, grab the surfboards (we don't use 'one size fits all' Wavestorm boards - we offer custom boards in a variety of sizes to fit your needs) and head down to the sand. For the first 20-30 minutes we’ll be training on the beach, then it’s 60-80 minutes with an instructor in the ocean. The remaining time is yours to practice your skills and have fun in the water. The classes are taught by myself or one of our great instructors. We usually have the 2nd instructor helping in the water when the group exceeds 6-7 people. We will take photos of you in and out of the water in the last 10-15 minutes of the experience. These are not professional pics but a great memory for you, your friends and family. If you would like pro photos please inquire, we do offer them at an additional fee. If you want to book for kids under 12 yo - please contact me directly for private lessons Your safety is our main priority that is why myself and all of our lead instructors are ISA (International Surfing Association), CPR & First Aid certified, we obtain Water Safety Specialists certificates (surfing instructor safety training) and I also completed 2 Level surf instructors program with ISA. Other things to note We do teach anyone 12 years old and up
Learn to cook in scenic wine country
We’ll make a delicious, locally-sourced meal centering on Petaluma’s abundant local produce. I’ll teach you knife and cooking skills. Dishes will include unusual vegetables, fruits, and grains. You will learn knife skills such as the proper way to cut an onion. You will learn the "start-and-stop-and-start" method of preparing risotto so you can finish it in 10 minutes right before serving it. You will have the opportunity to be hands-on with virtually all of these dishes, learning good technique by doing it once you see the proper way demonstrated to you. We may include family recipes modernized just a bit by me to make it easier for cooks to do today. We’ll have vegetables from the local farmer’s market and a killer dessert. I’ll provide local Sonoma county wine (or very special non-alcoholic beverages instead, if you’d prefer). We’ll eat outdoors on our gazebo if weather permits, or indoors in a formal dining room if not. If you book all four places for your group, we can customize the menu to the kinds of items you want to learn to cook, creating a 4-course menu for you to enjoy as well. My homemade sourdough bread is served as well. The protein choices are chicken, pork or vegetarian. For an extra fee I offer seafood, beef or duck. As this is a hands-on cooking class, please be sure to wear comfortable shoes for standing. We have two small friendly dogs.
Beginner surf lesson
I Will check the wave conditions on Surfline to make this a safe and fun experience. We will go to the designated spot And then be greeted with me. I will be providing wetsuit You will change into WetSuit put sunblock on then be provided with surfboard then walk down to the beach and we will do dry School ocean safety awareness for techniques on popping up, paddling ,how to fall properly, reading waves, currents, I will take you out in the water then will get you surfing waves , This will be amazing experience to share with you and your loved ones and kids no greater joy then Ridein waves Total One hour in water Other things to note please send me your height and weight so I can get your wetsuit ready also keep in contact a before leasson
Fly in a plane over LA With Pro Pilot
Get ready for takeoff! This is one ride you’ll never soon forget. Let’s explore Los Angeles most iconic landmarks from the sky! We takeoff from Torrance Airport whose origins are traced back to World War II. Airborne we will fly over such amazing Los Angeles landmarks, such as the Hollywood Sign, downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the Californias beautiful coastline. This is a tour flight. However, after you’ve booked you can inquire about making it a lesson where you could take the controls during the flight. Note this is Not possible on all flights. Other things to note If arriving late, notify us by sending or leaving a message. We reserve the right to reschedule or cancel flights due to weather or FAA flight restrictions.

Highly rated for uniqueness

Let’s Goat Hike
Take in stunning views of the High Desert of the Mojave, accompanied by goats. We’ll meet our 15 friendly Nubian goats in their pens. They’ll wait for us to open their gate, and then these loving animals will show us the way. We’ll follow the herd at an easy pace into desert washes and onto boulders, where we’ll find beautiful spots to sit and chat—or simply gaze into the silence of the landscape, the gaping sky, and the goats enjoying themselves. We’ll walk about three miles and return with the goats after the sunset. Other things to note No phone connection the last 4.7 miles of dirt roads ( easy access :) & @ The Farm Long pants & suitable shoes for hiking are essential. Sun protection and hat. Plenty of water. Dress warm from October to April. Walk at your own risk
Experience Llamas
We strive to integrate the natural wisdom of the llama with the cultural heritage of this intelligent creature by relating knowledge of the Andean cosmology and the Andean spiritual path. Here you will have the opportunity to meet, greet, interact with and communicate with our specially trained llama friends. This Experience is about llamas for wellness and educational proposes. We do believe in llamas as healers and messengers of Mother Nature (Pachamama). We want you to experience their medicine and help us on their training too. Safety is always top priority for guests and the llamas, so our program will be different on a winter day after a rainy week than it will be on a hot August afternoon. Please wear comfortable shoes and country clothing. We will put you into situations where you will be able to understand who these llamas are, personally discovering the different personalities that make up our herd. Other things to note We will introduce you to our "Speechless Brothers". Be prepared to learn all about llamas. They are smart, clean and personable. Let them know you are as well.
Run with the Pack
Tap into your wild side as you spend time with wolfdogs and learn the powerful lessons they have to teach in this intimate group experience! Beginning with a visit to our wolfdog den, you'll meet the 30-plus rescues, hear their backstories, meet some through the fence, and have an unforgettable afternoon with out pack. You might even get a kiss (or two or three)! NOTE: Please wear closed-toe boots or shoes, long pants, and weather-appropriate layers. Do not wear fur or dangling jewelry. If you have a cast or physical limitation, please notify us in advance.
Hands-on Pasta Class in Inglewood, group discounts apply
PRICES: 1 guest - $250 ($250/person) 2 guests - $250 ($125/person) 3 guests - $375 ($125/person) 4 guests - $500 ($125/person) 5 guests - $625 ($125/person) 6 guests - $750 ($125/person) If you have a group larger than 6 ppl and you can host the class at your home/kitchen I'd be happy to arrange this for you. If you love pasta and want to learn how to make it, this class is for you! Together, we'll practice hand rolling pasta in different styles, and learn the secrets for drying and cooking pasta. You will also cook different sauces that compliment the pasta. Buon appetito! Other things to note Feel free to bring wine, apron, and cameras. If needed, I can provide a parking permit. Please let me know about food allergies or restrictions at least 1 day before the class.
Hang Gliding
Take a tandem Hang Glider flight with an accredited instructor over Southern California. I'll handle the takeoff and landing, and you'll get to enjoy the amazing experience of soaring in a hang glider on a 15- to 45-minute flight. I’ll point out landmarks from above and explain how to maneuver the glider. If you’re up for it—and conditions allow—you may even get to take the controls for a bit. Other things to note This is a weather-dependent sport. Flight and flight times will vary based on weather.

Rated once-in-a-lifetime

Superior Whale/Dolphin Watching - fast/fun, most sightings
GO FOR LESS, OR BOOK WITH THE BEST! Welcome to East Meets West Excursions with Capt. Nick in Newport Beach, CA. Southern California's #1 top rated ecotour - we have preserved the highest quality dolphin and whale watching tour available, don't fall for imitators! Daily safe and fun 2hr Ultimate Whale and Dolphin watching tours for groups up to 6 persons - public and private tours now available! Don't want to be on a big slow boat with 100+ other people? We understand! We have the newest, safest, fastest, and most advanced vessel in Newport Beach equipped with SUSPENSION SEATING and game changing vessel STABILIZER - reduces side to side movement up to 92%! Get ready for an intimate experience with some of nature’s most fantastic wildlife, aboard Newport Beach's most advanced whale and dolphin watching vessel. We limit our trips to 6 passengers per boat, allowing us to provide the Personal Attention and Comfort you deserve. Our new boats are extremely quiet, enabling us to stealthily approach and bring you a front-row seat to these spectacular mammals without disturbing them in their natural habitat. Departing from beautiful Balboa Island in Newport Beach, you will explore the wildlife-rich waters of Orange County, a superhighway for whales and dolphins year-round. See whales and dolphins in their natural migratory path. Creating lifetime memories, one trip at a time!
Learn To Eat Fire
Cat is international award-winning variety performer Vixen DeVille with 15 years experience in Fire Eating and Flame Manipulation. At the newly renovated Theatre 68 Arts Complex she will take you through the theory and safety precautions behind fire eating and body burning. We'll then actually light up the torches and explore this performance art fully with hand transfers, tongue transfers and of course, extinguishing the flame with your mouth. This is NOT an illusion! By the end of the session you'll be fire eating and body burning like a pro. Other things to note: Wear close-fitting clothes, sleeveless is ideal and either leggings or shorts. Flat shoes, no heels. Avoid wearing lipstick or body moisturizer & avoid use of hairspray. Long hair should be tied back. This experience is available for the single traveller but also ideal to book as a private event for a group experience or for team-building - please contact me for more availability if your preferred date and time isn't currently listed.
Sonic Butterfly
The Sonic Butterfly Experience takes you into the Ojai Cocoon, the enchanting studio of international installation and performing artist, Andrea Brook. Through an exquisite musical performance by the one of kind Sonic Butterfly, an acoustic, chromatic, long-string harp, with 60 foot strings and LED wings, Andrea will share with you the sight, sound and story of Sonic Butterfly. Audiences of all ages and backgrounds from Ojai locals to travelers from near and far LOVE Sonic Butterfly. Bring a group of friends, your partner, or the whole family to sit or lie beneath the strings for a full sensory one of a kind experience. It's like "being inside YoYo Ma's cello." "Andrea's performance exceeded my expectations." "An amazing musical experience- Andrea immersed us completely in her music." "What a wonderful experience!" Since 2001, Andrea Brook has presented visually and sonically stunning performances, transforming architecture and natural environments into large-scale musical instruments around the world and in a wide variety of locations including a cathedral in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a 9th Century Castle in Italy, and the Grand Theater in Shanghai. You can have this "phenomenal" "mesmerizing" "epic" 5-star experience in an intimate setting. This experience is great for groups, too! Please do not book solo unless there are others coming. It's a show!
Game of Thrones Dire Wolf Encounter Hike
Join us for an unforgettable “Bucket list” adventure as you hike alongside an Ambassador wolfdog who has starred starred in her debut film “The Midnight Trip” and is also the cousin to the wolfdogs used in Game Of Thrones, the t.v series “True Blood” and the movie “The Lion and The Wolf”. During this guided adventure you will be experiencing the everlasting bond between human and wolfdog. Capturing memories and some “selfies” you’ll get up close and personal with this amazing animal while your guide talks about wolves' habitat, behavior, & the myths and misconceptions surrounding this apex predator. You will come away feeling educated, invigorated and hopefully inspired to continue to promote the preservation of these majestic creatures. Times may be flexible so please inquire if you’d like a personalized time. No one under 16 years of age. No Children. Signed waivers will be required for all participants. Please reach out with any questions. No other dogs/animals allowed
Wings and Wine, A Falconry Experience
We will take a hawk for a walk thru a local vineyard. Our trained hawk will fly from your gloved hand to fly free over the vineyard and come back to you again. We will spend at least an hour interacting with the birds. You will meet a falcon, “Jack” the eagle owl (who you will fall in love with) and a Harris hawk that we will free fly in the vineyard. Afterwards we will go wine tasting the wine from the vineyard you were in. The winemaker “Larry” is a fun person to talk to as he will explain how he makes his wine and help you to enjoy his naturally grown grapes that make his wine unique. Other things to note This is an outdoor experience so dress appropriately. Rain or extreme winds will cause cancellations.

All activities near California

Private Stargazing in Sequoia National Park
TOUR PRICE COVERS YOUR WHOLE GROUP - Book "one spot" and feel free to bring up to 9 friends on your private tour Under some of the darkest skies in California, settle in for a relaxing evening of curiosity and visual splendor on your own private tour of the cosmos! Learn about your favorite constellations while hearing star stories of the past. Find out what humans are currently discovering as we explore space. Come away with techniques needed to continue exploring the stars even after you leave Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the awe to fuel your curiosity. FAQ: What if the weather is bad? The weather changes rapidly in Sequoia and Kings Canyon - clouds will not prevent us from enjoying the night however if rain is likely then the event will be cancelled. Come prepared for cool temperatures by dressing in layers.
Beautiful Trail Ride nestled in Sanger outskirts
Guest parking in in front of our home in the graveldrive way . When you arrived horse's are saddle and ready to go ,you can request them to be unsaddel if you would like to learn how saddle..please message me and let me know you'd like this option and plan to arrive 30 mins earlier then your appointment time . We will enjoy a leisurely horseback ride while taking in some beautiful CURTIS GROVES .We give you some basics instruction on how to ride and we head out for our trail ride. Our horse's are beginner friendly and Very safe . We help encourage riders while riding down a one hour trail ride with kindness and patience .. if you choose to book with us please reach out with a height and weight and experience with horses .. as it helps us pair you with the right fit saddle and horse .
Kayak in La Jolla Sea Caves and Marine Reserve
La Jolla Bay is a Marine Protected Area that is home to a thriving ecosystem that boasts a high concentration of sea life, has a natural boat launch, which allows safe ocean entry year-round, and is famous for its Sea Caves and Marine Reserve. No experience is required. Great for all skill levels. Your guide will kick things off with a paddle tutorial on the beach. If surf exists, we will help push your kayak through any breakers. As we paddle through La Jolla’s Marine Reserve keep an eye out for Seals, Sea Lions, Sea Turtles, Pelicans, Dolphin and Gray whales in the fall/winter. Note: We cannot guarantee sea life. If conditions are safe, we will help guide your kayak into Emerald Cave. If it's not safe to enter Emerald Cave, we will still paddle out & explore La Jolla's World-Famous Marine Reserve. Note: if not safe we WILL NOT enter the Emerald Cave, we don't cancel if the cave isn't safe and spend about a minute inside. La Jolla Bay is an Uncontrollable Environment. Please come enjoy this place we love knowing each day is different than the last. La Jolla is a popular place to kayak, SUP and surf year long. Satisfaction Guarantee. Do not feel this was a 5-star trip, message me. Want to learn how to surf? Check out our Airbnb Surf Experience: Learn to Surf with San Diego's top voted Surf Shop of 2022.
Blossom Peak Ranch Experience
Come join us for a unique and interactive farm tour experience. Guest will have the opportunity to meet and interact with animals on our farm. We are located in the quaint town of Three Rivers California, just a few minutes from Sequoia National Park. Take a break from a day of hiking or fishing and enjoy the peace, quiet, and lots of relaxing cuddles. Guests will be given ample time to pet, feed and interact with our friendly animals in a beautiful, scenic setting at the foot of Blossom Peak. We have many horses that we will explain care, let you brush and feed. Feed and pet our chickens, gather an egg or two if the chickens are laying. Our goats love attention and will enjoy a little play time or just a few cuddles and treats. We even have a cow that loves a scratch behind the ears or to sit in your lap. Try your hand at roping. Occasionally, we have baby animals that might need bottle feeding or extra care. We hope you leave with lots of pictures, smiles and a love of our animals as much as we do. (Currently have bottle baby goats!! 02/24) We do our best to make this experience as enjoyable as possible! Please think twice before booking if you do not enjoy close encounters with animals. We do have a hand washing station for the end of your visit. No public Restrooms available. Horseback riding on property available upon request (no trail rides). Message for rates.
The Boat People Cruise- Private Harbor Cruises
COME ENJOY A RELAXING PRIVATE CRUISE ON OUR SAILBOAT! 1. We are a young couple who have received our US Coast Guard Captains License and have a huge passion for sailing and the ocean. We started our small boat chartering business giving harbor cruises around Newport Beach Harbor on our sailboat for people to enjoy life on the water with a very unique view and two captains. 2. Join us for a COVID friendly hour and a half cruise with a coastal ambiance on the bow of our sailboat. We strive to create an unforgettable evening with contagious laughter and panoramic views of the Newport Bay. Perfect for a date night or intimate group gathering of four as it is close proximity. You don’t want to miss out on this sea-worthy experience. Please BYOB (BRING YOUR OWN DRINKS AND FOOD as we will have an area to facilitate provisions). Also we DO NOT allow any marijuana on the boat as it is not legal under the maritime law. 3. We want our guests to leave with some great memories and good laughs onboard. We strive for passengers to leave with more knowledge of Newport Beach Harbor as well as grow a deeper connection to one another as they share a fun and unique experience onboard. *Each cruise is a PRIVATE cruise of just your party. *We require a minimum of 2 seats booked. *We offer a sunrise cruise, 4 cruises before sunset, a sunset cruise, and a romantic twilight cruises! 2021-03
Learn to Fly an airplane Above LA
Prior to boarding, pose like a seasoned pro for a photo shoot with the airplane. Once you’re on board, the pilot will give you an overview of the instruments and controls. After getting clearance from the tower, you’ll taxi to the runway for takeoff. Once at cruising altitude, you’ll learn basic flying skills in the training area over the Simi Valley. Then, grab hold of the controls and feel free to move about the skies, exploring LA by air. Finally, in preparation for landing, you’ll come back down to earth at Van Nuys Airport. Other things to note IMPORTANT : This experience is currently only offered as a private experience. The guest has to book both spots on the experience and will be allowed to bring an additional guest to sit in the back seat. Only one guest will be in the front seat. Approximate flight time is 40 mins Expect a cancellation if there is bad weather. Only two passengers are allowed per ride to create a guest-focused experience.
⭐️Learn to Surf and Get Free Photos
OUR GOAL IS FOR YOU TO HAVE AN EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE SURFING - whether its your first time or you're trying to advance your skills. We'll get suited up in the wetsuits I provide, grab the surfboards (we don't use 'one size fits all' Wavestorm boards - we offer custom boards in a variety of sizes to fit your needs) and head down to the sand. For the first 20-30 minutes we’ll be training on the beach, then it’s 60-80 minutes with an instructor in the ocean. The remaining time is yours to practice your skills and have fun in the water. The classes are taught by myself or one of our great instructors. We usually have the 2nd instructor helping in the water when the group exceeds 6-7 people. We will take photos of you in and out of the water in the last 10-15 minutes of the experience. These are not professional pics but a great memory for you, your friends and family. If you would like pro photos please inquire, we do offer them at an additional fee. If you want to book for kids under 12 yo - please contact me directly for private lessons Your safety is our main priority that is why myself and all of our lead instructors are ISA (International Surfing Association), CPR & First Aid certified, we obtain Water Safety Specialists certificates (surfing instructor safety training) and I also completed 2 Level surf instructors program with ISA. Other things to note We do teach anyone 12 years old and up
Private Photoshoot at Popular Locations in LA
THIS IS A PRIVATE SHOOT - 5 locations (I USE A DSLR) Have your very own Los Angeles fashion & lifestyle photoshoot at the luxury Beverly Hills and the famous Urban Lights. This shoot is great for social media, family photos, travel collages, headshots, brands promotion, or just for travel memories. LOCATIONS: 1. Famous Palm Tree Street 2. Rodeo Drive Street 3. 208 Rodeo 4. Rodeo Drive Stairs 5. Beverly Canon Gardens (Optional) Urban Lights BOOKING OPTIONS 1. Book for either: - $115 private shoot for one person. 15 high-resolution pictures. No choice of location & stay only in Beverly Hills. - $220 private group shoot, 30 high-resolution pictures. Choose any locations within LA not just Beverly Hills. (When checking out, choose the 'private group' option' to book. - Price changes due to special holiday prices 2. Don't see a time listed that works for you? Message me to schedule. 3. Weekdays are the best times to shoot with fewer people.
Private Outdoor Meditation&Sound at Home
This is a private experience in the comfort of your own Airbnb. Please make sure to click private at check out & enter the right amount of guests during booking. During our time together we will explore different tools and practices of meditation to reach a deep state of peace and relaxation. •. Breath-work • A Deep & Self-Healing Guided Meditation •. Sound Journey, including Crystal & Tibetan Bowls, Drums ... This experience is only for private groups that are interested in a meditation journey in the comfort of their own Airbnb in Joshua Tree or Yucca Valley. Before booking, please send a message to confirm that your location is in the area of coverage. This session is perfectly fitted for families, groups of loved ones that would live to deepen their connection with self and fulfill their trips to the desert with peaceful and loving energies. Joshua Tree is known to be a powerful vortex of energies allowing our human bodies to harmonize. The experience will be simple and gentle. It is perfect for large great for groups and team building. All levels are welcome. Please feel free to contact me for a new date & time. Other things to note - If you are staying in someone else’s space, please make sure that this experience is allowed under your host’s house rules and your host is ok with it before you book. Whenever possible, we will hold the experience outdoors.
Surf Lesson in Los Angeles
We meet at the agreed location/beach. Surfboards will be provided and wetsuits can be rented additionally from the package. Class will begin with light stretching and some theory. We then talk a little bit about the surfboard and the ocean. After you will learn water safety and proper surf safety for entering and exiting the water. Once all basics are covered, we practice pop-ups on the sand correcting any positioning. Finally, we make it to the water to experience what we've learned and Surf some Waves!!! Plenty of time for photos after the lesson. If you've had prior experience to surfing, we can evaluate your skill level and continue from where you left off. Everyone is different. Please let us know what type of coaching you will need. Beginner - Advanced Surfboards are all soft top longboards. Other things to note Feel free to call for any immediate assistance or needs.
The Movie Guys' LA Film Locations Tour
The Movie Guys’ L.A. Film Locations Tour will take you to the locations where your favorite movies (and some TV shows!) were filmed, with a unique experience catered entirely to what you want to see. $350 per vehicle (1-4 guests) We’ve divided Los Angeles into Five sections: Hollywood West Valley East Valley West Side East Side Once you book, we'll be in touch for you to pick one section. This way, you can see as much as possible in your time on tour. If we visited more than one section, we’d spend most of your time driving, not vacationing. Customizing the tour for your liking is crucial. In each section, I’ve listed 20-30 locations we could visit and you pick your top ten spots - those will be guaranteed! No reason for me to pick places from movies you don’t like or have never seen, YOU pick the locations and it’ll be a greatest hits of just the films you love. Then, tell me what other movies you like from the list and we’ll fill the three hours with those. No two tours are alike! Great side effect - chances are you'll see a lot of other amazing L.A. landmarks along your route! Other great reasons this tour is unique: - We get out of the car. We get out and take pics where you can be involved in the photo and interact as much as possible with the location. - One-on-one attention. We don’t have a bus, so you won’t get lost in the crowd while we spill a script on you.
Learn how to throw on the wheel
During this 90 minute personal pottery lesson, I will teach you the basics of wheel throwing. I will first start with a short 5-7 minute demo on the wheel, giving a narrated, step by step process of throwing. After that, the rest of the hour is yours to throw! If you decided to bring a friend you will be throwing right along side each other. You will be given 2-3 one pound balls of clay to throw and attempt to make any vessel of your choice. Throughout the hour I will be your guide, helping you along the way. The goal is for you to learn, have fun, create and have something that lasts a lifetime. At the end of the lesson you will pick which of the two pieces you want fired. Any additional pieces are $8 each to cover the cost of time, supplies and shipping. After the lesson is over, the ceramic process is not done. I will then trim, fire and glaze your piece, and ship it back to you within a 4-5 week period. Packaging and shipping IS included in the price within the U.S.A. An additional charge will be added if shipping out of the country. If you need your pieces shipped to two separate addresses an additional $10 will be added for the extra package. **Please provide a valid email address where I can contact you. The exact address of my studio will be given after booking. Psstttt I have more NEW classes on my website!! www claybabeceramics dot com.
Learn to cook in scenic wine country
We’ll make a delicious, locally-sourced meal centering on Petaluma’s abundant local produce. I’ll teach you knife and cooking skills. Dishes will include unusual vegetables, fruits, and grains. You will learn knife skills such as the proper way to cut an onion. You will learn the "start-and-stop-and-start" method of preparing risotto so you can finish it in 10 minutes right before serving it. You will have the opportunity to be hands-on with virtually all of these dishes, learning good technique by doing it once you see the proper way demonstrated to you. We may include family recipes modernized just a bit by me to make it easier for cooks to do today. We’ll have vegetables from the local farmer’s market and a killer dessert. I’ll provide local Sonoma county wine (or very special non-alcoholic beverages instead, if you’d prefer). We’ll eat outdoors on our gazebo if weather permits, or indoors in a formal dining room if not. If you book all four places for your group, we can customize the menu to the kinds of items you want to learn to cook, creating a 4-course menu for you to enjoy as well. My homemade sourdough bread is served as well. The protein choices are chicken, pork or vegetarian. For an extra fee I offer seafood, beef or duck. As this is a hands-on cooking class, please be sure to wear comfortable shoes for standing. We have two small friendly dogs.
Beekeeping in Coastal California
The Woolly Egg Ranch is located just a few miles north of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge on your way to Muir Woods. During your visit, we’ll put on beekeeping veils, open hives and learn all about honeybees. We’ll start the visit with a short farm orientation and learn the basics of beekeeping safety and etiquette before everyone puts on their veils. Then Jennifer will open hives, pull out frames of comb and show you what the bees are doing based on each season. You'll have the opportunity to sample honey fresh from the comb. For those feeling brave, you can even hold a frame of honeycomb in your hands while you watch the bees busy at work. Jennifer will share how these amazing animals live and work, and if we’re lucky you’ll even spot the queen among all those worker bees. Perhaps your curiosity of bees is tinged by a fear of getting stung. You’re not alone! Jennifer is an expert in leading people on beekeeping adventures, and she puts your comfort and safety first. She’ll outfit you with all you need and orient you so you can experience beekeeping minus the stings. This experience is great for people with an interest in keeping bees as a hobby, for birthdays and anniversaries, as well as folks in groups looking for team building activities.
Create Ricotta, Tartines, and Cacio e Pepe
You will be greeted with some specialty non-alcoholic beverages, along with some affection from our three small rescue dogs. I will teach you how to make homemade ricotta cheese in a very simple way, and then how to use that ricotta to make tartines (rustic bread toasted and spread with Ricotta and topped with your choices of things -- we take them to a whole new level with at least 25 special ingredients I create just for you) and a quick and easy version of cacio e pepe (what I call a grown-ups mac n' cheese). You will learn what to do with the whey which is leftover from making cheese. We will even pick some herbs and edible flowers from my herb garden, and learn more about those as part of this experience. Then you will sit down to eat the creations you have made. You will leave with the recipes you need to easily recreate the ricotta at home, and a new skill to share with your family and friends. Other things to note As this class centers around making ricotta cheese, if you have a dairy allergy this would not work for you. However, if you are simply lactose intolerant we CAN make this with lactose-free milk. Please let me know in advance. We have three small friendly dogs who are part of the welcoming committee. If you have a dog allergy or aversion, please understand this part of the experience cannot be changed.