by Faith Phillips

Hey everyone! I’m Faith, the Vice President of Marketing and PR for PUC’s Student Association. As a freshman last year, I spent much of my free time (when I wasn’t studying) traveling with friends to new places. This made all the difference—not only for my mental health as a student, but also for my personal growth as I explored the world.

Here’s a list of my favorite spots to visit within two hours of campus:

Bodega Bay & Goat Rock – (approx. 1 hr 40 min drive)

Whether you’re in the mood for browsing local surf shops or soaking up the sun on the beach, Bodega Bay has so much to offer. Tide pools, fresh saltwater taffy, and stunning coastal views await you! If surfing is your thing, this is one of the closest places to go. I especially enjoy Goat Rock for its straightforward drive and beautiful scenery. It’s a great spot for a quick Sabbath afternoon getaway with friends if you have a few hours to spare.

Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, St. Helena – (approx. 15 min drive)

Are you a history fan? Or just in need of a peaceful nature walk? Bale Grist Mill is one of the last functioning water-powered mills of its kind, making it a unique and valuable place to visit. For a small fee, visitors can attend a guided tour of the mill, including a live demonstration of how grain is ground. I even got to try my hand at hand-milling the flour—my workout for the day! This hands-on experience gave me a glimpse into what life was like for early settlers in the West. The mill also hosts food events and other activities year-round.

Sam’s General Store, St. Helena – (approx. 15 min drive)

This is just one of many great cafés in St. Helena and Calistoga, so I encourage everyone to explore and find a favorite! Every time I study at Sam’s, I seem to run into a fellow PUC student or professor. While it’s a little on the pricey side, it’s the perfect spot to sit, study, and enjoy delicious coffee, matcha, and snacks. I love the warm environment as much as the food.

Calistoga Creamery, Calistoga – (approx. 20 min drive)

In my humble opinion, this is the best ice cream in the area. As someone who is health-conscious, I really appreciate Calistoga Creamery’s organic ingredients and house-made ice creams and frozen yogurt. I highly recommend the matcha, cardamom, or any of their seasonal flavors. It’s the perfect treat for a hot day, and it’s located just down the street from cute boutiques, great restaurants, and even a bookstore.

Linda Falls, Angwin – (1.6 mile round trip hike)

Just a quick hike away, this is a popular spot for students and faculty to step into the wilderness. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick swim or a hike, Linda Falls is a timeless destination. Be sure to also explore the many hiking trails in the Back 40 behind PUC campus! 

Giugni’s Deli, St. Helena – (approx. 15 min drive)

A timeless PUC lunch stop, Giugni’s holds a special place in many of our hearts. Their sandwiches are delicious, but the real star is their signature “Giugni Juice” dressing. It’s a great place to grab a bite and support a locally owned business. Ask any alum, and they’ll recommend this spot without hesitation.

Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, St. Helena – (approx. 13 min drive)

Napa Valley is full of unique architecture, and the CIA is no exception. If you’re a foodie, this is a must-see. I love this impressive stone building (I fondly call it the “Napa castle”) for its European-inspired façade. Visitors are limited to a small, public section of the campus—including a restaurant where students train, a museum, and a ballroom—but you may get lucky enough to watch students and instructors at work through the viewing windows. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop, too! 

These examples only scratch the surface. We are blessed to be at a school in an area abundant with nature, beauty, history, and opportunity. If you’ve read this far, I hope you take my advice and explore! 

“For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made.” – Romans 1:20