So many features on Northern California hotels and inns topped our list this year, we decided to give them their own place to shine (8 Northern California Hotels + Inns We Loved in 2025). Many of our other most-loved stories celebrated the great outdoors, from the hip new pool club and upscale camping resort The River Electric in Guerneville to the newest California National Monument, Cotoni-Coast.
Perhaps no cuisine is as frustratingly scarce in the Bay Area as the one I was born into - Armenian food. While San Francisco once boasted a world-famous Armenian restaurant, you can't find so much as a food truck now with an officially Armenian menu. As if taunting me, Los Angeles with its larger diaspora population has a thriving Armenian food scene, including one restaurant in the Michelin Guide.
The emcee of the pickle brine drinking contest greeted attendees with, "Welcome to Pittsburgh, you jagoffs!" highlighting the playful, local atmosphere of Picklesburgh.
