HUMBOLDT COUNTY REAL ESTATE                                     

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Subarea: Garberville

Area: South County

Today: The Southern Humboldt town of Garberville, called South Fork in the late 1800s, is a bustling community that belies its size. With an interesting array of shops, motels, services and restaurants, it caters to travelers on Highway 101 as well as thousands of rural denizens in the surrounding countryside. Garberville, and its sister city Redway, are also the gateway to myriad recreational opportunities, from the miles of swimming holes on the Eel River, to the Yolla-Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness Area, to Shelter Cove and the Lost Coast and, of course, to the 31-mile-long Avenue of the Giants that winds through stands of ancient redwoods a few miles north of Redway. Although they get more rain in the winter than northern cities such as Eureka and Arcata, Garberville and Redway make up for it in the summer, when sunshine is the order of the day. During the summer months, temperatures can reach 100 degrees, although 80 to 90 degrees is more common. And, if it gets too hot, the Eel River and Benbow Lake are nearby to provide cool relief. The town is well placed on Highway 101, 200 miles north of San Francisco and 70 miles south of Eureka. Garberville's amenities include an airport with a 3,000-foot paved runway and a modern, well-equipped hospital. Garberville and Redway contain approximately 10 motels, 14 restaurants and 600 RV, private and public campsites. The area has its share of annual celebrations, among which is the Redwood Run. Each June, hundreds of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts converge just south of Garberville. Jazz on the Lake, Reggae on the River and the Summer Arts and Music Festival are other popular events. For more information on these and other celebrations, see the accompanying article. Fishermen and women have long made Garberville/Redway a favorite stop to enjoy the excellent fishing on local waterways. However, sometimes there are restrictions on the annual catch for species such as salmon due to dwindling stocks, so it's a good idea to check with local sporting goods stores for current regulations before dipping a line. Golfers will enjoy the picturesque nine-hole Benbow Golf Course, directly across Highway 101 from the historic Benbow Inn and the Benbow Lake State Recreation Area. During the summer, Benbow Lake offers sunbathing, swimming, boat rentals, camping and picnicking.