Many Californians have never heard of Lake County, much less visited it, but we're here to tell you that it's one of the most laid-back, relaxing places we've been in a long time. You'll read more about taking a Lake County getaway next week, but today I'll tell you about a place that's enough of a reason to go all by itself.

Eleven Roses Ranch lies in an unspoiled hillside valley just east of Clear Lake. The owners are passionate, convivial hosts and a day out at their ranch is a rare treat. It's a beautiful property with native trees and flowers galore, and enough wild animals to fill a small zoo: turkeys, elk, bears, deer and plenty more. Eleven Roses Ranch

If summer turns your thoughts toward planting a garden, Sonoma's Russian River Rose Company specializes in roses that do well in Northern California, and they offer many roses that can tolerate sites with less than full sun.

But they don't stop there. Take one of their unique Perfume Rose Oil Harvest Tours and you will gather fragrant rose petals, then watch as they are transformed into rose water and rose oil.

Tours run mid-April through May, with many special events, and their nursery and display garden will also be open.