Discover Northern California's Travel Blog

Mar 10, March Event: Napa

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:03:36 GMT

Riverwalk Marketplace They call this A signature Event for Connoisseurs,
and I have to heartily agree! Were still celebrating the Napa Valley Mustard Festival and here's what's in store for you on Saturday, March 13th & Sunday, March 14th - Tastings of foods, wines, mustards, and gourmet products from as close as Napa and as far away as the rest of the world;
live musical entertainment; cooking demos;
a live remote broadcast of Martha Stewart Living Radio;
Sunset Magazine pavilion . . .

Two full days of gourmands enjoying gourmandise, and it all takes place amongst the historic, revived, & rebuilt of Napas lovely Riverfront District, set along the west bank of the Napa River. To paraphrase Julia Child, In Napa, food & wine are serious art forms!

Mar 9, March Event: Foresthill

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:19:57 GMT

Iditarod, NorCal Style! The Iditarod is underway in Alaska & you may be following the progress of the teams from the comfort of your home because much as youd like to this just isnt your year for a trip to Alaska . . . But heres your chance to attend Iditarod in person & a bit closer to home: its Run for the Iditarod, California Style! Its all happening March 13th & 14th in Forestville dog sled racing at its finest! Sponsored by the Sierra Nevada Dog Drivers & the Foresthill Divide Chamber of Commerce, the racing begins at China Wall Staging Area on Foresthill Road (take the Shuttle bus as theres
no visitor parking at China Wall). Watch these amazing dogs & their mushers in action, live!

Mar 8, SPRINGTIME HAS ARRIVED!

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:55:51 GMT

You know its Springtime in NorCal when . . . Springtime comes early to Northern California beginning in January! Yes, when the rest of the country is still immersed in the throes of blizzards and ice storms, Californias hills are greening, mustards are blooming under the still-bare limbs of the fruit trees, bulbs are slowly pushing up through the warming soil, buds are beginning to swell along forsythia branches . . .

(CC) David Sawyer

By mid- to late-February, the daffodils and almond trees are blooming, with the occasional tiny wildflower popping up as well; and around the first of March redbud and manzanita are flowering in the lower foothills . . . Soon, the wildflowers will be out in force, with lupine, sweetpeas, and California poppies being the most noticeable, but also including
hundreds if not thousands of other varieties . . . All this while the winter rains and snow storms continue . . . So, in honor of Springtime in Northern California,
here are some flower power venues for you to enjoy:
Daffodil Hill in Volcano
Daffodil Hill in Sutter Creek
Filoli Historical Country Estate in Woodside
Kautz Ironstone Vineyards near Murphys
Oaklands Keep Oakland Beautiful in Oakland
Paradise Daffodils Across the Ridge
San Jose Beautiful in San Jose
Jamie & Marcs Farm (Formerly Bill the Bulb Baron) in Carmel Valley
And that brings us to the Point Arena Flower Power Festival, which takes place over the weekend of March 13th through the 14th.
Enjoy the daffodils lining historic Highway 1 from Arena Cove to the Point Arena Lighthouse! Point Arena Flower Power Festival

Mar 8, March Event: Little River

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:07:43 GMT

Theres still time to catch a Whale Watching Festival
in Northern California! The Little River Whale Festival takes place March 13th and 14th in Little River, and includes savory tastings from the kitchens of the towns noted chefs, sipping of fabulous Mendocino County wines, history and birding walks in Van Damme State Park, tours of artist studios, a cheese-making class, and fireside talks with local historians. And many Little River inns are offering a free nights stay !!

Mar 5, My 3 Best Kept Northern California Travel Secrets

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:51:00 GMT

My 3 Best Kept Northern Callifornia Travel Secrets are . . .

Mar 4, Whale Watching Tips

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:59:49 GMT

Looking for some Whale Watching Tips to enhance your experience and make your whale watching trip more enjoyable? Then this is the place for you!

Mar 4, March Event: Pinecrest

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:19:19 GMT

California Senior Winter Games It's funny, but I didn't know anything about California's Senior Games until last year when I stumbled on them in San Francisco! I'm guessing I was oblivious because I don't think of myself as a Senior (even though I suppose I am . . . technically). The Senior Winter Games are being held in Pinecrest on March 11th through the 14th with categories that include downhill skiiing, snowboarding, telemark, and Nordic cross country races. It's all happening at Dodge Ridge Wintersports Area and it promises to provide tons of festive, action-packed entertainment!

Mar 4, Little River California

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:58:40 GMT

Where can you find amazing views of the Pacific, beaches, redwood forests, and tranquility in the State of California? Look no further than Little River California!

Mar 3, Mendocino Village

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:01:07 GMT

Mendocino Village: Cape Cod homes, Victorians, shops and restaurants; all set atop a weather-and-surf pounded rocky bluff with fantastic views of ocean, whales, and sunsets-what's not to love!

Mar 3, March Event: Mendocino

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:39:00 GMT

28th Annual Mendocino Whale Festival

(CC) Clinton Steeds

Wine tasting and whale watching - it doesn't get much better than this! Wine tasting and whale watching will be the featured attractions of the 28th Annual Mendocino Whale Festival in Mendocino. Many wineries will set up tasting stations in inns, galleries and shops throughout Mendocino Village and Little River, while the areas top chefs produce their favorite seafood chowders in a tasting event. A marine mammal art exhibit, plein-air (live outdoor painting demonstrations) and docent-led walks are all part of the two-day festival. And March is chock full of Whale Festivals in Mendocino County - if you miss this one, try the Little River Whale Festival March 13th & 14th or the Fort Bragg Whale Festival March 20th & 21st! This is a great time of year to go whale watching - the Grays are migrating North with their babies, which means they're generally closer to shore!

Mar 3, San Francisco Gold Rush

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:16:09 GMT

The story of the San Francisco Gold Rush is fascinating! There are two Outdoor Museums disguised as self-guided walking tours that'll take you to the historic sites of the Gold Rush in San Francisco.

Mar 2, Things To Do in Chico

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:00:08 GMT

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!

Mar 2, March Event: Sacramento

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:40:21 GMT

California State YoYo Championship The California State YoYo Championship will take place on Saturday, March 6th, at the Westfield Downtown Plaza in downtown Sacramento. If you haven't been involved in YoYo-ing in recent years, you probably have no idea what's in store for you at this event! Top YoYo-ers from all over the country will be on hand, participating, judging, teaching, and helping out. You'll be introduced to incredible new tricks you never imagined it would be possible to perform with this "children's toy" - and more innovation is added every year by excited participants who are constantly pushing the envelope of the
YoYo industry! What kinds of tricks can you expect to see at this level of competition? It's not just about the tricks anymore - prepare yourself to be entertained as the contestants perform their complicated tricks to the beat of Rock & Rap - seemingly entwining their bodies inside a web of YoYo string! Atomic Bomb, Double or Nothing, Mach 5, Shoot the Moon, Worm Hole . . . Don't worry about the names - unless you're an expert, they'll be going so fast you won't be able to pick out individual tricks anyway! ;-) And don't forget the National YoYo Contest held annually in Chico the first Saturday of October! Don't worry, I'll remind you!!

Mar 1, March Event: Stockton

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:28:21 GMT

Head for Stockton on March 6th for the biggest Chinese New Year Celebration in the Central Valley! It's the Year of the Tiger (4708) and Stockton is pulling out all the stops to celebrate! Not only will you have the opportunity to enjoy a lively Chinese & Vietnamese New Year Parade in the heart of the streets of Downtown Stockton, but you'll also enjoy
the Chinese New Year Festival as well! After the parade, visit the Bob Hope Theatre for performances of Chinese ethnic dances, a Chinese fashion show, martial arts demonstrations, & more. And head on over to Hunter Square for craft booths, vendors, and delicious food! It's a fantastic way to kick off another New Year!! Gong Xi Fa Cai & Xin Nian Kuai Le - Prosperity & Happy New Year!

Mar 1, Follow the Sacramento River

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:21:13 GMT

Are you up for adventure? Want to see how the 49ers went from San Francisco to Sacramento City? Come on, let's follow the Sacramento River . . .

Feb 28, March Event: Isleton

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:42:28 GMT

Isleton's Annual Spam Festival You heard right . . . Spam Festival! You know, the stuff that comes in a can and is so popular in Hawaii? Maybe your Mom or your Grandma scored it with diamond shapes, stuck it with whole cloves, and baked it in the oven in lieu of a ham? Believe it or not, this meat product in the blue & yellow can has been called a War Hero, a Pop Culture Icon, & an American Institution! Why, it even has a special place in the Smithsonian!! Now it has come to pass that the teensy little town of Isleton - somewhat lost in the Sacramento River Delta - has claimed Spam for its own by hosting the only California Spam Festival. Join the natives on March 6th at Isleton Joe's for any or all of these events: Spam breakfast, craft booths, Spam Carving Contest, Spam Toss, Spam Eating Contest, Raffle Prizes, & Music on the Patio with a live band. Best of all, participate in the tasting & judging of unique and original Spam Recipes to help decide who receives the coveted People's Choice award! Spambalaya? Spam Thermadore? Who knows? You'll have to attend the 13th Annual Spam Festival to find out!! Bon Spam Appetito!

Feb 27, Napa CA Attractions

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 19:28:36 GMT

What will you do when you visit Napa California? Tour wineries? Wine taste? That's all well & good, but try these Napa CA attractions as well!

Feb 27, March Event: Calistoga

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:43:22 GMT

Mustard, Mud, & Music - A Calistoga Jazz Festival Monterey not enough? Here's more! The Napa Valley Mustard Festival continues throughout the month of March with just such events
as this one! The small town of Calistoga, with its early 1900s Main Street, jumps to a livelier beat come March 6th through the 7th this year. Suddenly the sleepy little town (albeit known for its sophisticated dining & shopping) is host to Napa Valley's annual Jazz Festival. You'll enjoy live jazz in a variety of venues as you explore the quaint downtown of shops & galleries and dine at local pubs & restaurants. Don't forget to book a Mud Bath -
Calistoga is known for its hot springs & spas!

Feb 26, March Event: Monterey

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:56:05 GMT

Jazz Bash By The Bay Can you believe it's almost March already??? Where does the time go? The Monterey Jazz Festival is coming up once again! Help Monterey celebrate 30 years of Jazz, March 4th through the 7th, by kicking up your heels on 6 dance floors and snapping your fingers to traditional Jazz, Swing, Ragtime, Big Band, & Zydeco music. And it's all to be had on and around the famous Monterey waterfront. Highlights include not only professional musicians, but the Big Band Swing Party on the 4th (dance to a 16-piece Big Band orchestra), youth bands, and the Elderhostel Program where those over 55 can explore Dixieland Jazz with professional musicians as teachers. Grab those Dancing Shoes and prepare for some great
Fun at the Seashore!

Feb 25, February Event: Chico

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:18:47 GMT

Chico's New Gateway Science Museum

(CC) HUSO

"Backyard Monsters: The World of Insects," with its gargantuan robotic insects, serves as the Star of the Show at Chico's latest attraction. The Gateway Science Museum will hold its Grand Opening Saturday, February 27th, to show off its inaugural exhibits which include Outdoor Eco-Regions, Ice Age Skeletons, Endangered Species of North America, & River Voices, along with the Backyard Monsters. The museum's purpose is to provide opportunities for learning about the natural & human history of Northern California through science, research, and education. Saturday's events will include hands-on activities with science experiments, live animals, & nature walks. Visit the Gateway Science Museum and discover the exhilaration that accompanies scientific enlightenment!

Feb 24, February Event: Ripon

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:56:36 GMT

48th Annual Almond Blossom Festival Every year the little town of Ripon, located in the San Joaquin Valley in Northern California (part of the Great Central Valley agricultural expanse) celebrates the coming of Spring and the beginning of the next crop of almonds with its Almond Blossom Festival. It's old-fashioned, down-home fun kicked off by a Spaghetti Dinner at the Lion's Club with a 4-H Pie Sale, & the Queen's Coronation at the Ripon Community Center (all on Thursday evening). The Almond Blossom Carnival opens Thursday evening at 5:30 ($1 rides on Thursday night) and continues throughout the festival. Other fun stuff includes the Fun Runs, a Diaper Derby, and a Hometown Parade (Saturday morning). It's small-town fun for the whole family!

Feb 24, Big Sur Attractions

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:10:45 GMT

Come for the beaches, the redwoods, the camping, & the beauty, but also enjoy the artsy, the hippie, and the bohemian for you won't want to miss these other Big Sur Attractions!

Feb 23, February Event: San Jose

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:19:23 GMT

San Jose, CA Presents the 2010 Cinequest Film Festival

Visit San Jose between Feburary 23rd & March 7th to attend one of the last bastions for the opportunity to discover new & emerging film artists! Cinequest Film Festival will be exhibiting unique social & artistic visions from around the world. Plan to be engaged in thought-provoking dialogue as you enjoy cutting-edge technology & movie-making forums! It's a warm & personal experience you won't ever forget!

Feb 22, Yosemite National Park Lodging

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:43:49 GMT

There is absolutely nothing like staying inside Yosemite NP!! You sure can't beat the ambience, so come along and explore Yosemite National Park Lodging with me . . .

Feb 20, February Event: Yosemite

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:25:21 GMT

Yosemite's Nordic Holiday Race This weekend marks the 38th annual series of races at Badger Pass celebrating cross-country skiing! The Nordic Holiday Race is a two day event filled with friendly skiing competition for everyone. Try your skis out on the Classic Race (best costume prize will be up for grabs), the Telemark Race (it's all downhill from here), or the Glacier Point and Back Freestyle Race (every man-woman-child for him-her-self). Enough watching Olympic skiing - it's your turn now!

Feb 20, Things To Do In Santa Cruz

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:58:13 GMT

Discover some of my favorite things to do in Santa Cruz: the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, Monarch Butterflies - just to name a few!

Feb 20, February Event: Santa Cruz

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 01:36:06 GMT

29th Annual Clam Chowder Cook Off & Festival at The Boardwalk February 20th - Come Rain or Come Shine - Be at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for some of the best clam chowders in the world! Teams from all over the West Coast will be vying for the title of Best Clam Chowder! (If you'd like to partake of the chowders, tasting kits are available for $8.) How's this for a list of attractions: the Clam Fairy, mermaids, scuba divers, 3 divisions Individual, Restaurant, & Corporate/Media), Best Clam Chowder awards in both Boston & Manhatten plus the People's Choice & Most Original Team awards And, if that's not enough, the admission is FREE! Who doesn't like free admission?? There's even a theme song! Enjoy!

Feb 20, Fishermans Wharf

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 01:29:59 GMT

Despite that it's such a huge tourist attraction, Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco is an honest-to-goodness neighborhood that still practices the traditions of its Italian fishermen!

Feb 19, Discover San Francisco California

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:10:17 GMT

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.

Feb 19, February Event: San Francisco

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:04:40 GMT

Tulipmania - San Francisco Style The word Tulipmania was originally coined to describe a period during the Dutch Golden Age when the tulip bulb was introduced (1630s). Investors speculated on the now well-known & popular bulb, causing a high spike in prices which later collapsed. An economic bubble. In San Francisco, it simply means we love tulips and they're in bloom - it's time for the Tulipmania Festival at PIER 39! Visit San Francisco's most famous pier between February 20th and February 28th and you'll be treated to the spectacular Springtime display of over 39,000 tulip bulbs in full bloom! You'll find them in every color of the rainbow all up and down the Pier 39 complex. Take the free daily guided tour to learn more about the tulips, or just stroll the pier on your own and enjoy the display!

Feb 19, Travel Tips During A Recession

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:21:42 GMT

Do you have a blog or a website? Are you looking for free online articles to post? Visit DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com to find a free online article about travel tips during a recession.

Feb 19, Travel Tips

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:08:34 GMT

Here are 7 easy travel tips for getting the most out of all your adventures, whether they be in Northern California or around the globe!

Feb 18, February Events: Chester

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:09:27 GMT

Annual Winterfest Sled Dog Races I've been fascinated with dog races ever since first learning about the Iditarod in Alaska. The bonding, intelligence, endurance, and just pure love of the race exhibited by the dogs and their human partners is a wondrous thing to see!!

Lake Almanor in Summertime

That's why I'm always excited to share with you when I find a dog race close to home & this one truly is! Lake Almanor is just a hop, skip, & a jump up the road from Chico! On February 20th & 21st, 40 skilled mushers from California, Oregon, Nevada, & Washington State will vie for the $2000 purse attached to First Place. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy several sprints with varying numbers of dogs and distances ranging from 1.5 miles (for the Juniors 3-Dog run) to the 14 mile Mid-Distance 6-Dog run. Dress warmly for the snow & be prepared for rain &/or snow to fall - hopefully, it'll be snow!!

Feb 17, Discover The California Gold Rush

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:15:11 GMT

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 . . .

Feb 16, Big Sur Camping

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:04:09 GMT

Ever thought about camping Big Sur, California? You're not alone - Big Sur camping offers some of the most spectacular scenery on the California coastline!

Feb 16, California Whale Watching

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:25:07 GMT

Why are we so fascinated with whales? Maybe it's because they seem as curious about us as we are about them. Whatever the reason, it's California Whale Watching Season, so come along . . .

Feb 12, Discover Big Sur California

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:35:48 GMT

Big Sur California is a piece of the Northern California coastline that is isolated, dramatic, dynamic, and charming.

Feb 11, Discover Northern California

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:35:15 GMT

Northern California is one of my favorite places. Come explore it with me-you'll discover secret beaches, chic cities, redwoods, vineyards & much more! I promise you won't be disappointed!

Feb 11, Visit Old Faithful in NorCal!

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:17:11 GMT

Who knew? Most of us think of Yellowstone National Park when we hear Old Faithful, but there are actually 3 of them & one is in Northern California!

NorCals Old Faithful

She erupts about every 30 minutes, forecast by rising steam & boiling water, to shoot thousands of gallons of 350 degree water over 60 feet into the air. Head for Calistoga, spend the day, bring a picnic lunch, & visit the interestingly different animals (Tennessee Fainting Goats & Guard Llamas) in a petting-zoo-like atmosphere while youre there. (By the way the 3rd Old Faithful is in New Zealand. Now theres something for your Bucket List visit all three Old Faithfuls before you die!) Thar she blows (in Northern California)! Thar she blows (in Yellowstone)! Thar she blows (in New Zealand)!

Feb 10, Northern California Camping

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:26:19 GMT

If you're a camper, you will love Northern California camping! You've got your beaches, your mountains, your Redwoods, your rocky rugged coastlines, your wilderness . . . every environment imaginable!

Feb 10, February Event: Bay Area

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:06:55 GMT

SFBOT -- Now that's just got to be the ultimate in twitter & texting shortcuts! (Well, maybe ROTFLMAO has it beat by an "A" and an "O" but come on, it's right up there!) What does it stand for? Why, it's the 11th annual San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival, of course, and - in typical SF over-the-top fashion - it's nine days long! From February 12th through the 21st, you'll find the most talented Americana & Grassroots musicians performing in small clubs all around the Bay Area. They'll be pickin' & fiddlin' & singin' their way into your tappin' feet in San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Fairfax, San Rafael, Alameda, Marshall, Nicasio, & Point Reyes Station. You'll also find banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bass, & bluegrass harmony singing workshops at the Swedish American Hall in San Francisco on Saturday, February 20th - your chance to learn at the feet of the masters! Oh - and ROTFLMAO? That's text for "Rolling On The Floor, Laughing My A** Off!"

Feb 9, February Event: Lodi

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:55:54 GMT

It shouldn't be too surprising that there's more than one Wine & Chocolate Festival going on in Northern California in February!

Lodi Wine & Visitor Center

If you missed the Wine & Chocolate Fantasy in Healdsburg, here's your second chance. Lodi's Wine & Chocolate Weekend takes place February 13th & 14th - perfect timing for a romantic Valentine's Day! You'll find yourself sipping delectable wines and nibbling delightful chocolates in California's emerging jewel of a wine country with its rural atmosphere, relaxed pace, & beautiful vineyards. And the timing couldn't be better - Spring is in the air & you'll likely catch the beginning of the mustard season. There's no more beautiful sight than a vineyard of sprouting buds underlaid with a carpet of yellow mustard bloom!! Discover Lodi & Lodi Wine Country!

Feb 9, San Francisco Neighborhoods

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:25:12 GMT

San Francisco neighborhoods are the BEST part of San Francisco. IMHO, they are what MAKE San Francisco the unique city that it is. Come explore with me!

Feb 8, San Francisco

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:00:16 GMT

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, February Events: Fresno

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:21:21 GMT

Its not too soon to be thinking about the Fresno Blossom Trail! 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 years weather conditions. So check the Fresno Blossom Trails website (see the link at the bottom of this article) for the latest on this years blooms.

Feb 2, Natural Bridges State Beach

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:53:22 GMT

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!

Feb 1, February Event: SF Bay Area

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:05:49 GMT

San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival

(CC) Mike Baird

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)!

Feb 1, You Too Can Build Your Own Website

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 01:53:50 GMT

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!

Jan 30, Feb Events: Wine Country

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:14:56 GMT

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, February Event: Healdsburg

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:08:17 GMT

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

(CC) Robert Nagy

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!