Home
Stay in Touch DNC's Blog
DNC's Site Map
Who's Behind DNC?
My SBI! Secret
Contact Me
Visitor Survey
DNC's Privacy Policy
Discover NorCal Big Sur
CA Gold Rush
Chico
Lake Tahoe
Mendocino
Napa
San Francisco
Santa Cruz
Sonoma
Yosemite Nat'l Pk
Helpful Hints
& Tips
Beach Safety Tips
7 Travel Tips
Recession Travel Tips
Whale Watching Tips
Winter Driving Tips
Wine Tasting Tips
Freebies Free in Big Sur
Free in Chico
Free in SF
Free in Sonoma
Free Online Articles
Adventures NorCal Camping
Panning For Gold
Whale Watching
Day Trips Big Sur Day Trips
Chico Day Trips
Sonoma Day Trips
Weekend Trips NorCal Weekend Trips
Pacific Flyway
History Discovery of Gold
Bear Flag Revolt
It's Your Turn YOUR Questions
YOUR Stories
Guest Articles

[?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Subscribe with Bloglines

Discover Northern California's Travel Blog



THANK YOU FOR CHECKING OUT MY BLOG!


Discover Northern California's Blog keeps you up-to-date on
all that's new at
DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com.

If I've added a page you'll find out first at the Blog.

If I've updated a section you'll be the first to know.



It's also where you'll find Current Events information - the events and festivals that are happening in and around NorCal that will be of interest to you!

To keep on top of what's happening at DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com,

subscribe to my RSS Feed.

How?
Simply right click on that little orange button on the left that says RSS - it's as easy as that.

(If you're new to RSS Feeds and not quite sure how to do this, click on the Question Mark next to the words "Subscribe To This Site" for some help.)

It's free; it's safe (you don't have to give up any of your personal information); and it's so easy!!

And if you like what you see here - share it with your friends and family! It's easy to do - just click the button at the bottom of this page that represents your social network!

Check out the latest listings below and click on any of the permalinks to find the full blog post for each item.

Enjoy, and thanks again for keeping up on what's new at

DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com



How would you like to be part of this blog??

You can, you know!

Simply tell your favorite story here! Your story appears on the blog because it's a new page on the site, but it also becomes a permanent part of DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com for everyone to read!

And . . . I'll not only Tweet about your page on my Twitter Account, but I'll feature it on my Facebook too! You'll be famous!! :-)

Seriously though, it's easy, it's fun, & you'll have bragging rights -
"Hey, I'm a published writer, you know!" :-)



Interested in finding out more about SBI?
Click on the Site Build It! button to see how you could build a website to be proud of, 1 step at a time:

SBI! CTPM Process

To view information about SEB! in Spanish, click here.
To view information about SBI! in French, click here.
To view information about SBI! in Chinese, click here.



Feb 8, 2010, San Francisco

A quick trip to The City this last weekend

brought to mind some of my favorite San Francisco treasures.
I'd like to share them with you!

Energize for a day of shopping Union Square (even if it's only the "window" variety) with tea and scones at the Garden Court,
an elaborate and beautiful dining room in the Palace Hotel.

Skip dessert at the restaurant. Finish off dinner with a hot fudge sundae at the Ghiradelli Chocolaterie & Cafe, then head over to the Buena Vista for an Irish Coffee. What better place, since it was the Buena Vista that introduced Irish Coffee to the New World!

Celebrate life on a Sunday morn at the Glide Memorial Church. It's non-denominational, inclusive, high-energy, and rockin'! Sermons, songs, and a blues-style band join forces to raise your spirits
with messages of hope, joy & love.

Just be sure to wear some flowers in your hair!
(Thanx John Phillips & Scott McKenzie for a great song!)

:-)


Feb 7, 2010, February Events: Fresno

It’s not too soon to be thinking about the Fresno Blossom Trail!

Blooming Almond Orchard

The San Joaquin Valley in Central California is world renowned for its fruit & nut tree orchards, both for the quality of the fruits and for the quantity! With all those orchards, you just know it has to be a beautifully amazing site in the Spring when all the trees are blooming at the same time!

Some time ago, the Fresno visitors bureau put together a self-guided driving tour so we could all enjoy a lovely drive through the countryside and partake of the site of Almond, Plum, Apricot, Peach, Nectarine, Apple, & Citrus trees awash in delicate flowers that range in color from the purest white to pinks & reds.

This will also be a good time to catch the wildflowers in bloom!

The blooming begins in late February and continues through March, but the timing can vary greatly depending on the year’s weather conditions. So check the Fresno Blossom Trail’s website (see the link at the bottom of this article) for the latest on this year’s blooms.

Click for more info


Feb 3, 2010, Things To Do in Chico

Chico Ca is my AHT (Adopted Home Town), so you'll have to forgive me if I wax enthusiastic about the plethora of things to do in Chico!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Things To Do in Chico"


Feb 2, 2010, Natural Bridges State Beach

There's still time to catch the docent-led Monarch Butterfly tours, but you'll have to hurry - most of the little critters will be gone by the first week in March.

Natural Bridges State Beach is the only State Natural Preserve for the butterflies, and they maintain a demonstration milkweed patch where you can see Monarch eggs, caterpillars, & chrysalides. Milkweed is the only plant that the larvae eat, which is one of the reasons the Monarchs return to Natural Bridges each year - plenty of milkweed!

In addition to the butterfly tour, you can enjoy tidepool & nature trail tours as well, but for the butterflies, be sure to call first (831-423-4609) because arrival & departure times are subject to the changing inclination of the Monarchs each year!

Click for more info


Feb 1, 2010, February Event: SF Bay Area

San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival

(CC) Mike Baird
Black-necked Stilt

Join the guided hikes & outings, the tours & workshops of the 14th Annual San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival on Mare Island next weekend (February 5th through the 7th).

Flanked by the Napa River and San Pablo Bay, Mare Island was home to the Mare Island Naval Shipyard before its 1996 closure, so this is an opportunity to not only do some incredible birdwatching, but to enjoy some military history as well!

And don't miss the opportunity to take a birdwatching cruise with Napa River Adventures!





Don't miss one of my favorite wading birds: the Black-necked Stilt (pictured here)!

Click for more info


Feb 1, 2010, You Too Can Build Your Own Website

Have you ever wondered if you could build your own website? I did it without any prior knowledge or experience, and I think it's a pretty nice website! Come on - I'll let you in on my secret!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "You Too Can Build Your Own Website"


Feb 1, 2010, Site Map for Discover Northern California

Here's a site map where you can one-stop-shop for exactly the Northern California information you seek.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Site Map for Discover Northern California"


Jan 30, 2010, Feb Events: Wine Country

Sonoma's Olive Festival & Napa's Mustard Festival Continue

You'll find festival activities galore in California's Wine Country from December through March!

Sonoma Valley celebrates the olive season every year from December through February with 3 months of olive curing workshops, olive oil/sea salt massages at its spas, olive-themed menus at its restaurants, tastings, music, family activities, art exhibits . . . the list goes on & on!
(Click here for more information.)

The end of January marks the beginning of the Napa Valley Mustard Festival, “A sensational season of food, wine & art events.” From the end of January through the end of March, all of Napa celebrates the coming of Spring as foreshadowed by the mustard blooming by the acre-full beneath the still sleeping vineyards.
(Click here for more information.)

Two great festivals in One great region!


Jan 29, 2010, February Event: Healdsburg

Red wine - chocolate - paired together - what more could we want!

(CC) Robert Nagy
Red Wine & Chocolates

Don't look now, but it's all happening on February 6th at the 21st Annual Wine & Chocolate Fantasy in Healdsburg.

Celebrate Valentine's Day a little early with a visit to the Rodney Strong Vineyards & Winery where you'll enjoy exceptional chocolatiers working side-by-side with expert somaliers to provide you with excellent pairings
of our favorite treats!

L'Chaim - To Our Health!

Click for more info


Jan 29, 2010, Discover Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is famous for its majestic views and primative nature. It's one of the most beautiful spots on earth and it's nearly in my backyard! Join me-let's see what nature has wrought!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Discover Yosemite National Park "


Jan 28, 2010, Discover Sonoma California

Sonoma California is where Northern California's wine industry began and, although Sonoma is sophisticated in so many ways, it still retains that pioneering spirit that gives it so much character.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Discover Sonoma California"


Jan 28, 2010, Guest Articles

The idea for Guest Articles at Discover Northern California was conceived as a way of sharing great articles by other people with my readers. Please enjoy!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Guest Articles"


Jan 28, 2010, RV Destinations in Northern California

This Guest Article by Creztor Tessel takes you on a tour of some of Northern California's best RV destinations.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "RV Destinations in Northern California"


Jan 28, 2010, Santa Cruz California

Santa Cruz California - Quintessential California Beach Town - municipal wharf for fishing & crabbing, the mainland's 1st Surf City, salt water taffy, AND the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Santa Cruz California"


Jan 28, 2010, Discover San Francisco California

What's San Francisco California mean to you? Theater? GG Bridge? Dining? Alcatraz? Shopping? It's all that, but what about neighborhoods? Not your usual image? Come and see what you might have missed.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Discover San Francisco California"


Jan 27, 2010, January Event: San Francisco

A Russian Staycation

Russian Festival Dancers

The 22nd Annual Russian Festival (January 29th, 30th, & 31st) at the Russian Center in San Francisco offers an opportunity to "visit Russia" without ever leaving Northern California!

Celebrate over 200 years of Russian presence in San Francisco with Vodka Tasting, Russian dancing, singing, art, food, & tea from antique samovars.

Vi gavareetye pa rooskee? (Do you speak Russian?)

Click for more info


Jan 27, 2010, Napa California

Napa California is the premier wine region in the United States, but - wonderful as the wineries & vineyards are, there's much more to Napa than just wine!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Napa California "


Jan 26, 2010, Discover Mendocino County California

Where can you be pampered, hike the redwoods, wine AND beer taste, dive for abalone, see a pygmy forest, and explore botanical gardens with an ocean view? In Mendocino County California, that's where!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Discover Mendocino County California"


Jan 26, 2010, Year-Round Event: Davis

Davis, California - known as a University Town almost from its very beginnings - was in the forefront of the Green & Local movement before anyone else even knew there would be a movement!

Davis Farmers Market

At the heart of their Green & Local movement is the Davis Farmers Market, which has been operating for 34 years now! Fruits & vegetables, flowers, fresh baked goods, wine, Pilar's Famous Tamales, crafts, Aisu Pop's gourmet popsicles . . .

A great way to spend a Saturday!

Click for more info


Jan 26, 2010, Discover Lake Tahoe California

Lake Tahoe California is a magical combination of exquisite natural scenery and sportsmania that ranges from tranquil kayaking to over-the-edge kite surfing. Come, explore with me!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Discover Lake Tahoe California"


Jan 25, 2010, Discover The California Gold Rush

Has your heart ever skipped a beat at the thought of discovering gold? Then you know how the California 49ers felt! Come - discover the California Gold Rush with me . . .

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Discover The California Gold Rush"


Jan 25, 2010, Discovering Northern California Adventures

Whether you've lived in NorCal, vacationed here, or wanted to visit, I'll bet you have stories to tell! Stories about YOU Discovering Northern California Adventures. And we'd love to hear them!!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Discovering Northern California Adventures"


Jan 25, 2010, Turtle Bay

Exploration Park Extraordiaire!

(CC) John Leimbach
Sundial Bridge





"The Scoop on Poop," "Find Your Walden in Redding," "The Art of Mt. Shasta," "The Art of the Brick," "Native images," & the soon-to-come "Turtle Travels" . . .


These are just a few of the exciting adventures that await you at Turtle Bay in Redding!

Spanning the Sacramento River & connected by the Sundial Bridge, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a 300-acre park with entertainingly educational activities that interpret the relationship between humans & nature.

It tells the stories of the region & its people with wildlife exhibits, a forest camp, its summer butterfly house, the mcConnell Arboretum & Gardens, its art gallery, & its museum.

Turtle Bay is a great place to spend a few hours exploring your world!

Click for more info


Jan 25, 2010, Chico Day Trips: Sutter Buttes

Looking for an interesting Day Trip you can take from Chico, CA? Try Chico Day Trips: Sutter Buttes! Drive or bike the circumference, or arrange for a guided hike! Either way the Buttes are amazing!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Chico Day Trips: Sutter Buttes"


Jan 24, 2010, Big Sur Day Trips: Salinas

County seat of Monterey County, birthplace of John Steinbeck, Salinas still hasn't received much respect. But, as you'll see from this Big Sur day trip, Salinas is worthy of another look!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Big Sur Day Trips: Salinas"


footer for northern california page