BRIGHTEN YOUR HOLIDAY
Still looking for something to do New Year's Eve?
Masai giraffes get an up-close look at tourists at Safari West Wildlife Preserve near Santa Rosa. The park has a special New Year's Eve offering.
JOHN BURGESS/THE PRESS DEMOCRATPublished: Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 6:04 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 6:04 p.m.
It's New Year's Eve and you're just now getting around to making plans.
Fear not, procrastinators.
There's plenty to do that won't require reservations or lots of money. And it won't necessarily leave you with a hangover.
The recession means it's safe to pursue simple pleasures like driving to the coast or watching the full moon from your backyard.
And if you must go out, finding a last-minute table at your favorite restaurant will be easier this year because fewer people are dining.
“If the sun is setting and you still don't have plans, don't freak out,” said food columnist Michele Anna Jordan. “You still have options. Call around. You'll find something. Very few places are selling out this year.”
A low-budget New Year's Eve could start with a drive to Spud Point Marina in Bodega Bay for clam chowder and fresh crab.
Walk onto the dock among fishermen and boats to experience the salty air and saltier talk that is tradition for some.
Spud Point Crab Co. sells chowder and cooked crab that you may eat there on picnic tables or take home. Live crab can be had elsewhere, like on the fishing boat Robert Croll.
Carol Anello, co-owner of Spud Point Crab, said her doors open at 9 a.m. and close around 3 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Over the holidays, people have swarmed the place to take in food and atmosphere, she said.
“It's a real experience in the morning when the fishermen are out drinking their coffee with their dogs and shooting the bull,” said Anello, whose son and husband are often among them. “Sometimes it gets heated.”
She said the crab isn't as big as previous years but it's just as tasty. Plan on spending no more than about $10 per crab.
“We cook them right here and serve clam chowder while you're waiting,” she said.
When it's all over, head inland to the Valley of the Moon near Sonoma to watch the full moon. But it's not just any full moon. It's a rare blue moon — the second full moon of the month.
On a fog-free night, against the backdrop of the eastern ridge, the rising orb looks big as life. Stop at a turnout on Bennett Valley Road or hole up at the Kenwood Restaurant for dinner and drinks.
The restaurant has no entertainment. Just the moon.
“It should be quite a sight if it's clear,” said general manager Jerry Cabral. “The arrangement of the mountains makes the moon look closer. It's like nothing I've seen.”
With more money come more options.
Safari West near Santa Rosa is holding a $100-a-head New Year's bash at the wildlife preserve that have the feel of an African adventure.
For an extra $189 a couple, you can sleep over in a tent-cabin and have giraffes and cheetahs serenade you into the new year.
“Become Meryl Streep for the evening,” said Safari West spokeswoman Aphrodite Caserta, referencing the actress's role in “Out of Africa.” “What's most special is going to sleep with animal sounds and waking up to mimosas in the morning.”
As of late Wednesday, 20 spots were available for the dinner and dance, Caserta said.
Of course, you could just decide to stay home.
If you do treat yourself well — use the good silver, the best wine glass. Turn off the TV, play your favorite music and curl up with a favorite book.
Rise early and go for a long walk.
“I prefer a quiet New Year's Eve given that I think starting a new year with a hangover is about the worst thing you can do,” Jordan said.
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