MAYBE IT'S THE HIGH ANNUAL RAINFALL or the fact that even our hottest days come with cool coastal breezes, but Humboldt County folks might enjoy the spring and summer sunshine even more than our sunburnt southern counterparts.

In this issue, we'll share some of our favorite ways to while away the season. In Perfect Trips, you'll find something for everyone in your exploring party. Adventurers are finally going to give their compasses a workout heading for new forest trails and an old lighthouse. After fueling up at a fancy food truck, you can peruse a few galleries and stroll through historic Old Town Eureka. And wait till the kids get a load of the new virtual reality ride.

Let us introduce you to Duane Flatmo, whose mural works and wild (sometimes flame-throwing) kinetic sculptures have made him a local art hero. (That's right, we have art heroes in Humboldt.)

Unlike your indecisive friends, we have lots of suggestions for where to eat. You can't say no to brunch al fresco — or you shouldn't, anyway. We'll take you to a couple fine spots for mimosas and lingering late breakfasts. There's Bayside Farmstead Café, with its farm-to-table ethos and indulgent lox Benedict. Or settle in for Afro-Caribbean flavors in bowls with mojo pork and Cuban black beans at Mother's Cooking Experience. When the dinner hour rolls around, we'll take you to the Diver Bar and Grill for woodfired pizzas, the burger you've been dreaming of and sweet treats to take you back to childhood.

Cider fans will want to pull up a barstool at the newly opened Humboldt Cider Co. Taproom. The flavors are many so settle in and maybe consider a growler for the road. Hopefully, you've got room in your suitcase for that and more. Our Browsing section will give you a tour of a couple of shops offering sustainable luxuries and Humboldt memories.

As always, you'll find our seasonal Calendar of Events in the back of the issue, with all the festivals and fun our county is packing in from now through October. Of course, we're always updating our online calendar so visit northcoastjournal.com for even more things to do. You can flip through our comprehensive list of places to eat and drink, too.

OK, we get sunburned here, too, so put on some SPF before you hit that all-day festival. It's going to be a great time.

Jennifer Fumiko Cahill