Dan and I always suggest that our clients give themselves an extra day when making a Smith trip. If you choose Highway 101, you will skirt the Pacific coast and meander through some of the oldest and biggest trees in the world. Northern California is the home of the giant redwoods, 200-275 feet tall and 8-10 feet in diameter, and the Smithy runs right through the center of Jedediah Redwoods State Park. For most it is a fairly timely drive, and this gives you a chance to rest up for an early start on your fishing day. Fishing this river requires concentration and a lot of activity so you want to be ready to go.

The first step is to call and arrange a date with Dan for your fishing trip. Once the rain starts up here (usually late October) the salmon and steelhead run nonstop. These fish are right out of the ocean, loaded with energy, and on a mission. The season starts with salmon and then the steelhead appear as well. It is necessary to book early for a choice of dates and to make the other arrangements for your romantic weekend. You and your partner will be guided by Dan in our driftboat down one of the world's last wild rivers (no dams) through pristine gorges bordered by immense redwoods from a past age. The salmon and steelhead of this river are as wild as the scenery and fight with intensity and courage. The record steelhead is 27.4 pounds and the largest salmon landed is over 80 pounds. I personally landed a steelhead 22 pounds with Dan at the helm. Even if you have never fished before, we guarantee a trip down the Smith River will capture your sense of adventure. We provide all gear and ask only that you dress warmly and in layers. Dan has rowed many couples down this incredible river and they have told us it was a truly special experience to share. You can visit our website at www.cartersfishing.com, Email us at fishcarter@aol.com, or phone us at (707) 458-3527. Now you are ready for the rest of your weekend.

Awaiting your arrival, the White Rose Mansion Inn rests majestically on a knoll in the town of Smith River. Built in 1869, this historic Italianate Victorian bed and breakfast has six rooms and a vacation cabin. Amenities include all private baths, some with whirlpool tubs for two. You can stroll 4 acres of gardens or curl up by the fireplace with a book. Joseph McVay built the mansion in a 'Grand Plantation' design for his Kentucky bride so she would feel more at home in the rugged West. When she passed away soon after her arrival, he sold the house to his sister and her husband. I had the pleasure of meeting his granddaughter this year on her 92nd birthday, and she told me the house was once filled with 11 children. She remembers scalding pigs in a vat in the front yard. The present innkeeper, Candy Jo Gallo, bought the house with the intention of renovating it for her own residence, but it became evident that the history and charm of the house needed to be shared by all. You can visit the mansion website at www.whiterosemansion.com and get a preview of your grand accommodations. The Email address is innkeeper@whiterosemansion.com. The mansion is located at 149 South Fred Haight Drive. (707) 487-9260. You may want to take a short walk up the street from the mansion, stop in at the Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery in Smith River, and see where some of our great fish come from.

Whether you stay at the mansion, park your RV in the trailer park, or camp at Jed Smith State Park, the area provides endless trails for hiking or biking, many beaches for strolling or beachcombing, and a great lighthouse to visit.

For your dining pleasure we recommend making reservations for Chives restaurant in Brookings (reservations are a must). Rick and Carla Jackson opened Chives in April of 1995. Rick graduated from culinary school in Santa Barbara and taught there as well. He was the Chef at the Sheraton Palace Hotel in San Francisco previous to opening the restaurant. Menus are printed daily and the dessert menu is to die for. Whether you choose sole in a blue cheese crust or venison in red wine sauce, you will not be disappointed. Be sure to order different entrees so you can share, and I know you will love the warm rolls right out of the oven. You might even want to make reservations for two nights, just so you can experience more of the wonderful creations. They are open February thru December, Wednesday-Sunday for dinner from 5pm to 9pm. (closed Monday, Tuesday, January, and sometimes for private parties). Their address is 1025 Highway 101 at the Northgate Center, Brookings, OR. (541) 469-4121.

If you are into antiques, Brookings also claims one of the most interesting antique shops around. The Hanky Box is the creation of Liz Ann Konn. Callers are treated to an AHH CHOO, when they call during closing time. Liz has an eclectic menage of antiques, Indian art, and an annex in the back filled with even more goodies. Her specialty, however, are sachets fashioned from antique hankies and baubles of all sorts that she calls Hanky Bouquets. Her hours are Wednesday thru Saturday, Noon to 4PM, but you can call her for a special appointment at (541) 469-9773 and she will meet you there if she can. Her address is 1009 Chetco, Brookings, Or. I guarantee you will find the perfect souvenir and some unique take-home gifts as well.

Another of my favorite stops for antique treasures is in the town of Hiouchi just up the road from my house. Fred and Lila Shrader have a shop next to their house that is packed with really unique and rare items. Lila tells me that fishermen often stop in to buy their partner a gift before heading home. They also carry art, pottery, and selected Americana. Nestled right next to the Hiouchi Café, you can stop by and ring the bell or give them a call so they can open the shop for you at (707) 458-3525.

A romantic weekend (or even weekday getaway) is just a phone call away. Give that special someone the perfect gift, your undivided attention, and some unforgettable memories. WE HAVE GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE.

Columnist Joan Carter co-owns, with her husband, Dan Carter's Guide Service.