Discover Northern California's Travel Blog

February Event: Santa Cruz

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:39:52 GMT

Every year they come and go - Celebrate the Migration!

Monarch Migration by kenrg presents

You and I are not the only creatures who feel compelled to travel and explore the world around us - near and far! Trek on over to Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz next Saturday, February 11th, for the annual Migration Festival. Natural Bridges is the only State Natural Preserve for Monarch butterflies - one of the great migrators of the world - and it's nearing time for them to leave once again. But the festival also celebrates migratory whales, birds, and other critters that travel: from the California Newt (who migrates no more than a mile each year) to Monarchs and Gray Whales (both of whom make annual journeys covering hundreds and thousands of miles, respectively). Enjoy live music, engaging speakers, activity stations, games, skits, art projects, and crafts while you explore the science and marvel at the wonder of these migratory creatures! Don't forget to try a piece of the festival's famous Habitat-Cake! To find more February Events and Festivals: January through March

February Event: Bay Area

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:08:20 GMT

San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival

Black-necked Stilt;
(CC) Mike Baird

Join the guided hikes and outings, the tours and workshops of the 16th Annual San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival on Mare Island next weekend (February 10th through the 12th).
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! Choose your events from exciting titles like these:

Life at the Bottom of the Food Chain,

Raptors at Hudeman Slough,

History of the Mare Island Naval Cemetery Docent-led Tour,

A Railing We Will Go!,

Bird Photography Safari, and

Good-bye Salt Ponds, Hello Hotel California,

...just to name a few (with more than 60 events on the schedule, there's something for everyone!). Check out one of my favorite wading birds:
the Black-necked Stilt (pictured above)! To find more February Events and Festivals: January through March

February Event: San Francisco

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:00:35 GMT

A Russian Staycation The 24rd Annual Russian Festival (February 10, 11, and 12) at the Russian Center in San Francisco offers an opportunity to visit Russia without ever leaving Northern California! And this year they're celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the founding of Fort Ross in Sonoma County! Celebrate over 200 years of Russian presence in San Francisco and Northern California with Vodka Tasting, Russian dancing, singing, art, food, and tea from antique samovars. The Russian American community of San Francisco
invites you to its home! To find more February Events and Festivals: January through March

Site Map for Discover Northern California

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:41:18 GMT

Discover Northern California's Site Map, gives you a quick, one-stop-shop for exactly the Northern California information you're seeking!

Alpine County

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:46:34 GMT

Known locally and lovingly as the California Alps, Alpine County straddles the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite.

Sonoma County California

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:56:22 GMT

Sonoma County California offers coastal contacts, redwoods and rivers, valleys and vineyards, plus Sonoma Plaza, Fort Ross and Jack London State Historic Parks. Come along ...

Free Things To Do in San Francisco

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:52:48 GMT

Like to hold on to your hard-earned bucks? You won't BELIEVE how many Free Things To Do there are in San Francisco!!

February Event: San Francisco

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:36:11 GMT

It's the year of the Dragon, Lunar Year 4710

(CC) Min Lee

Named one of the top ten parades in the world by the International Festivals and Events Association, San Francisco's Chinese New Year Parade (officially known as the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade) had its beginnings in the 1860s. As the largest Chinese celebration outside of Asia, in the largest Chinese community outside of China, the parade highlights include lion dancers, marching bands, elaborate floats, folk dancers, stilt walkers, Chinese acrobats, and Gum Lung, a 250 foot long golden dragon. The parade marks the pinnacle of a weekend celebration that begins with the Miss Chinatown U.S.A. Coronation Ball (February 10th), and includes the Chinese New Year Community Street Fair and Spring Festival (February 11th through the 12th) with all the exciting sights and sounds of The City's Chinatown neighborhood. It's an iconic time to spend a weekend in San Francisco, helping to celebrate one of its oldest traditions. Kung hei fat choi!
Congratulations and may you be prosperous
in this Year of the Dragon! To find more February Events and Festivals: January through March

February Event: Sacramento

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:02:41 GMT

Sacramento Museum Day means FREE admission at 28 -
yes, that's a record! - Sacramento area museums and other venues
on February 4th!

California State Capitol;
(CC) David Sawyer

California's State Capital City and its surrounds are once again offering visitors and residents the opportunity to experience its incredible wealth of art, history, science and wildlife for free. Many of my favorite sites are participating in this great Sacramento Cultural-Vulture event, such as the Aerospace Museum of California, the California State Indian Museum, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, California State Capital Museum, and Old Sacramento State State Historic Park. For a complete list of participating sites: Find a Museum. On top of all that and as if that's not enough, the Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town (in William Land Park) are offering half-priced admission in honor of Museum Day! Saturday's your chance to discover a new Sacramento experience
or re-visit an old favorite for free! To find more February Events and Festivals: January through March

Apologies for My Absense!

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:03:19 GMT

If you've been looking here to learn about up-coming events and festivals, my apologies for being absent the last week or so! I'm afraid I succumbed to whatever virulent cold germs are circulating right now, but I'm feeling better and will be back at it - keeping you up to date on what there is to see and do in Northern California! For proof, see my first February Event Post below... Thanks so much for your patience and your readership!!
Cheers,
Suzi

February Event: Santa Cruz

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:03:19 GMT

Monarch Butterflies at Natural Bridges State Beach

Monarchs;
Photo by Suzi Rosenberg

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, and 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 and nature trail tours as well, but for the butterflies, be sure to call first (831-423-4609) because arrival and departure times are subject to the changing inclination of the Monarchs each year! May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun
And find your shoulder to light on,
To bring you luck, happiness and riches
Today, tomorrow and beyond.
~Irish Blessing To find more February Events and Festivals: January through March

January Event: Daly City

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:11:36 GMT

The Golden Gate Kennel Club's All-Breed Shows

SF Golden Gate Kennel Club All Breed Show 2010;
(CC) Rod Begbie

Watch over 1200 dogs, representing 136 breeds, strut their stuff for the audience and the judges! There are new breeds this year, such as the Irish Red and White Setter, the Swedish Vallhund, and the Cane Corso. Best in Show will be selected and cash prizes awarded daily. Special events include Fly Ball Competitions, the All-Breed Fashion Show, the Junior Showmanship, Best Puppy, and Breed Rescue information. This is the oldest major AKC associated event in Northern California and is often dubbed the Bay Area Family Show. And it's all happening at the Cow Palace in Daly City January 28th and 29th! Looking for just the right Man's Best Friend for YOUR family? This is a great venue to look 'em all over, and find out more about 'em!

January Event: Chico

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:56:42 GMT

This is the Pacific Flyway - one of the greatest
migratory routes in the world!

Snow Geese
Photo by Wolf Rosenberg

It's time, once again, for the Chico Snow Goose Festival! We're celebrating the millions of migratory birds that travel along the Pacific Flyway and stop over in the Chico/Butte County wetlands to rest before continuing their travels - or to winter over. That's right - although most of them will continue further South, many will spend the winter months here. Visit Chico anytime between November and February and you're guaranteed to see an abundance of waterfowl Check out the offerings for the 13th Annual Snow Goose Festival (January 26th through the 29th of 2012) - you'll find day and evening programs, field trips and workshops to chose from. And be sure to get your raffle tickets for your chance at: "Owl Night Out" (Join Dawn Garcia and Mike Fisher as they band the migratory Northern Saw-whet Owl for research and study - I've actually done this and it's an amazing experience!) Just click on the "Click for more info" link below to choose
the events that most interest you! Find out more about the amazing Pacific Flyway Migration To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

Fishermans Wharf

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:48:51 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!

January Non-Event: Napa Valley

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:27:32 GMT

Napa Valley Mustard Festival: Another Victim of the Economic Crisis Around this time normally, I'd be telling you about the upcoming two-month long Napa Valley Mustard Festival starting the last weekend in January and running through the end of March with all sorts of exciting food, wine, and art events in between. Sadly, that's not going to happen this year - with the exception of a couple of individual events that will continue (more on that in a moment). Festival organizers announced the cancellation of the hugely popular Mustard Festival for 2011 and expressed the hope that it would return better than ever in 2012. Alas, that appears not to be the case. Three traditional Mustard Festival events that will continue this year are: Calistoga's Mustard Mud and Music, a Jazz Festival scheduled for March 10th, and 11th;
Calistoga Chamber of Commerce Yountville's Taste of Yountville, taking place on March 17th;
Taste of Yountville and; The World-Wide Mustard Competition will take place via Barry Levenson, Curator of the
National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin. All of these are wonderful events that you shouldn't miss! In the meantime, the mustard is blooming, the grape vine leaf buds are beginning to swell, and it's a beautiful time to visit the Napa Valley! Here's to the return of the Napa Valley Mustard Festival in 2013! To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

Things To Do Santa Cruz

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:28:51 GMT

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

January Event: Santa Cruz

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:16:11 GMT

Santa Cruz Chocolate Festival

Chocolate Cupcakes Extraordinaire;
(CC) Emilie Hardman

Tickets are on sale for the growing and newly expanded Santa Cruz festival that celebrates our chocoholic proclivities. Join in the fun taking place January 22nd at the Cocoanut Grove Ballroom (with 1/3 more space, this year) on the Boardwalk. Roam the tables to taste some of the best chocolate samplings ever gathered in one place, vote for your favorite chocoholic, meet local celebrity chefs, buy chocolate-themed gift items, and help a worthy cause at the same time! The festival is sponsored by the UCSC Women's Club to raise money for scholarships to the University. If you love chocolate, you simply have to attend this event! To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

Follow the Sacramento River

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:38:43 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...

January Event: Coloma

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:23:51 GMT

Celebrating Gold Discovery Day

Diorama of Gold Discovery;
Photo by Suzi Rosenberg

January 24th, 1848 - the day that James Marshall spotted something shiny amongst the gravel that changed the course of California history, and the history of the United States. Join the docents of the Gold Discovery Park Association on Saturday and Sunday, January 21st and 22nd, to share in the celebration of that discovery. Relive the California Gold Rush at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma. Volunteers will share the skills that were needed to survive during the Gold Rush along with period games and panning for gold. And cold as it is this week, imagine how it must have been for the 49ers back in the 1800s as they were panning for gold in the icy rivers and streams of NorthernCalifornia! Gold! Gold! Gold from the American River!
Samuel Brannan shouted through the streets of San Francisco To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

Mendocino Village

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:06:02 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!

Fort Bragg

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:24:45 GMT

Ride the Skunk Train through the redwoods, explore the oceanview botanical gardens, hop a whale-watching boat, beachcomb on a glass beach... just a few of the things you'll find at Fort Bragg, CA!

January Event: Mendocino

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:30:57 GMT

Crab Cake Cook-off; Crab & Wine Excursion Train; Crab feeds; Wine tastings; Crab Cooking classes; and innumerable choices of special offerings at local wineries and restaurants...
It all happens during the Mendocino Crab & Wine Days, January 20th through the 29th. I love food festivals and this is one of the best! A popular event and a favorite of mine is the Crab Cake Cook-off in the Big Tent - local chefs vie for the special honor of winning the People's Choice Award for their own spectacular versions of the always-popular Crab Cake, as you mingle, taste, sip local wines, and cast your ballot. Participate in the Wine Passport event and collect winery stamps for a chance to win some great Mendocino prizes like a two-night stay at either Elk Cove Inn and Spa in Elk, or Headlands Inn, in Mendocino! And be sure to take a Whale Watching cruise
out of Noyo Harbor while you're there -
It's whale-watching season in Northern California! To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

January Event: San Francisco

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:16:39 GMT

San Francisco's Popular Dine About Town

Iconic SF Victorians

In it's 11th year now, there's plenty of time for you to sample and enjoy specially created two-course lunches or three-course dinners at not just one, but many of San Francisco's participating Dine About Town restaurants... Restaurants like Blowfish Sushi to Die For (kudos for the name!), the famous Cliff House that's been around in one form or another since Sam Brannon built the first one in 1858, Cityhouse in the Parc 55 Wyndham on Union Square, Garibaldis ("quintessentially San Francisco"), Le Zinc French Bistro (a Parisian style café, as the name implies), and Chef Roy Yamaguchi's Roy's Hawaiian Fusion, just to name a very few. What's Dine About Town all about? It's a chance for you to try the menus at many of the finest restaurants in San Francisco at a reduced price! Dine well and save money - what's not to like! This year's dates: January 15th through the 31st. Bon Apetite! To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

Old Sacramento

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:26:52 GMT

Visiting Old Sacramento and Sutter's Fort is like taking a giant leap back in time! If you haven't been, let's find out what you've missed . . .

Going to California

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:43:30 GMT

Ever wonder what routes the 49ers used during the California Gold Rush? After all, they traveled from all over the world and going to California wasn't easy! Let's take a look at how they got there.

Sonoma County Wineries

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:15:02 GMT

Sonoma County isn't very big as California counties go, but it has boasting rights to over 200 award-winning wineries and 13 appellations. Why are Sonoma County wineries some of the best in the world?

January Event: Sonoma County

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:40:06 GMT

20th Anniversary Winter Wineland on the Wine Road!

Sonoma County Vineyard;
Photo Courtesty of Wine Road

Anderson Valley; Russian River Valley; Sonoma Coast... Magical words to wine lovers! These are a few of the appellations represented during Sonoma Wine Road's Winter Wineland weekend. Meet winemakers, taste some amazing wines you might not otherwise have a chance to try, discover wine and food pairings to delight family and friends with, enjoy Fine Arts, learn about vineyard managment and wine making - maybe you'd like to start your own vineyard! This weekend, January 14th and 15th... Plan YOUR tasting adventure! To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

Napa CA Attractions

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:07:50 GMT

What will you do when you visit Napa California? Tour wineries? Wine taste? That's all well and good, but don't miss these additional Napa CA attractions!

January Event: Napa

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:41:36 GMT

The Detectives' Club

Bustling Napa Valley Wine Train
(CC) CC Chapman

Murder Mystery Dinners were once all the rage, but I haven't heard much about them lately. Until I ran across this little item, that is. Hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train on special Saturday nights and you'll find yourself smack-dab in the middle of a murder mystery - Julius Fox's The Detectives' Club. And "in the middle" is not just a euphemism! This event is Real Life Theater - the actors appear to be guests like you, and the action takes place throughout the train. You're literally right in the middle of the action, helping to solve the mystery!
Add a gourmet meal paired with Napa Valley wines and who could ask for anything more? "Who loves ya, Baby?"
Telly Savalas as Lt. Theo Kojak To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

January Event: National Parks Fee-Free Days

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:17:12 GMT

What a great idea!

Bumpass Hell, Lassen Volcanic NP;
CC Jeff Frasca

Several of the US National Parks in Northern California - including Whiskeytown Unit National Recreation Area, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Yosemite National Park - are participating in fee-free days, meaning the fees normally charged for entrance to the parks will be waived. Here are the fee-free dates for 2012:

January 14-16 (Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday weekend)
April 21-29 (National Park Week)
June 9 (Get Outdoors Day)
September 29 (Public Lands Day)
November 10-12 (Veterans Day weekend)

And many National Park food, transportation, and lodging concessioners are also offering special experiences and discounts to visitors, making fee-free days an even better bargain! The first event takes place this weekend, January 14th through the 16th, so... bundle up, get outdoors this weekend, and enjoy your National Parks! More good news:
"Many of your 394 national parks NEVER charge an entrance fee!" To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

Shasta County California

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:30:11 GMT

Shasta County California is home to Lake Shasta, Mount Lassen Volcanic National Park, Turtle Bay, and the Sundial Bridge...

January Event: Sonoma Valley

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:10:15 GMT

Where better to put an olive than in a martini?

(CC) Adrian Hoffmann

As part of the Sonoma Valley Olive Festival - which happens every year from December through February in celebration of the almighty olive - Saddles Restaurant at MacArthur Place Inn and Spa is challenging Sonoma Valley bartenders to create the best new martini. Sample the latest and most unique of olive-inspired martini concoctions while you enjoy the live jazz entertainment and the delectable appetizers. Dinner packages are available as well! It all takes place on January 13th from 5 pm to 7 pm. As for the rest of the festival -iIf you love olives, you'll love this event!!
"Happiness is.....finding two olives in your martini when you're hungry."
Johnny Carson To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

Santa Cruz California

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:53:15 GMT

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

January Event: Santa Cruz Fungus Fair

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:51:23 GMT

Mushrooms in a Forest Setting;
(CC) M. Stits

Eeeeeewww!
If that was your initial reaction, you must have momentarily forgotten that mushrooms are fungi - Or you remembered but you hate mushrooms? (If that's the case, you may want to skip this event, LOL.) But, for those of us who adore mushrooms, this is a Fun Food Festival that we look forward to every year! It's hosted by the Fungus Federation at the Louden Nelson Community Center in Downtown Santa Cruz January 13th through the 15th, and offers lectures, classes, arts and crafts, demonstrations, and more!
Join Mushrooms 101 to learn everything you ever wanted to know about mushrooms, but were afraid to ask! Things like the nutritional and medicinal properties of the mighty mushroom, edible and poisonous mushrooms, and mushroom identification and collecting. Pick up some exciting new ways to use mushrooms in your favorite recipes at the cooking demos presented by top Bay Area chefs. Let the kids participate in hands-on activities in the Kids Room, with story telling, making clay mushrooms, face painting, and using mushroom dyes.

Caterpillar: One side will make you grow taller...
Alice: One side of what?
Caterpillar: ...and the other side will make you grow shorter.
Alice: The other side of what?
Caterpillar: THE [MIGHTY] MUSHROOM, OF COURSE!
From the 1951 movie, Alice in Wonderland

To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

January Event: Nevada City

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:26:37 GMT

Wild & Scenic Film Festival: Largest of its Kind!
January 13-15/2012

Yes, that's Sir Patrick Stewart!
Photo courtesy of Wild & Scenic Fim Festival

Touted as a festival by activists and for activists, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival promises to inspire and motivate us to go out and make a difference in our communities and in our world! Wild & Scenic refers to, of course, rivers... and the festival is organized by SYRCL - the South Yuba River Citizens League - a group dedicated to "restoring the rivers of our home watershed from source to sea." But the festival has expanded to include inspiration from across the globe on issues ranging from energy, food systems, biodiversity, wild lands, and climate change as well as wild waters, with environmental activists and professionals, filmmakers and celebrities all coming together to make a difference! Witness people being part of the solution; experience the adrenalin rush of kayaking the wildest rivers; explore the issues of the day; celebrate the natural and human world... Who would have thought the charming little Sierra Nevada town of Nevada City could put on such an extravaganza?
Come to think of it, where better? To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

Sacramento California

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:45:41 GMT

Sacramento California, having served as the up-river jumping-off site for the California Gold Rush, is now the cosmopolitan Capital City of California, and this is your Sacramento travel guide.

January Event: Sacramento

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:17:26 GMT

Dine Downtown: Sacramento Restaurant Week

Delta King in Old Sac;
Photo by Suzi Rosenberg

Discover sensational menus filled with magnificent dishes offered by premier local chefs - it all adds up to gourmet dining at bargain basement prices for you! For ten days (January 9th through the 18th), Capital City chefs will be creating special three-course prix-fixe dinner menus for only $30 per person. Just ask for the Dine Downtown menu at participating restaurants like multi-award-winning The Firehouse Restaurant, deVere's Irish Pub, The Broiler Steakhouse, Dawson's at The Hyatt, and my personal ambiance favorite, Pilothouse at the Delta King! Here's your opportunity to sample the wares of some of Sacramento's best chefs at great prices. It's for a limited time only, and offered only once a year, so don't miss out! “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” - Virginia Woolf - Bon Appétit! To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

January Event: Yosemite National Park

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:02:36 GMT

Chefs' Holidays at The Ahwahnee

Snowshoeing in Yosemite;
Photo courtesy of NPS

Another little something for the foodies amongst us! From January 8th through February 2nd, eight sessions of Yosemite's Chef's Holidays at The Ahwahnee will feature Meet the Chefs receptions, cooking classes and demonstrations, Behind-the-scenes Tours, and a lucious five-course Chefs' Holidays Gala Dinner with paired wines in the beautiful and regal Ahwahnee dining room. Many of the participating chefs have national reputations and have received coveted awards and honors. The range of styles and trends that characterize the American Cuisine scene will be well represented! You can participate by booking a two or three night stay at The Ahwahnee, or at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. Or you can purchase dinner-only tickets by calling 801.559.4884. It's a wonderful excuse for a visit to Yosemite -
as if any of us needs an excuse! To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

Empire Mine State Historic Park

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:15:05 GMT

Not your average gold mine!

Empire Mine Owner's Cottage;
Photo by Suzi Rosenberg

Empire Mine is one of the oldest, largest and richest hard-rock gold mines in California history. But you don't need to be a history buff or a 49er fan to put this extraordinary place on your Bucket List of Must-see Sites! For the man who inherited the mine in the 1800s - San Franciscan William Bourn II - needed a place for he and his family to stay when business duties there called for his attention. As a result, he built several residences, a social clubhouse, and had beautiful and expansive gardens installed. Visit Empire Mine State Historic Park, and you'll discover not only part of California's rich Gold Rush history, but the grounds and gardens have been beautifully restored as well! Many of the original mine buildings are still there - including the owner's residence, Ophir Cottage, and the Clubhouse. There are 367 miles of abandoned and flooded mine shafts and tunnels beneath your feet as you visit the cottages, the forested back country, and the hiking trails. Take the Mineyard Tour to discover the Secret Room where you'll find an accurate scale model of the entire mine! One of the best treats is to take the Living History tour of the Owner's Cottage - On weekends from May to the end of October volunteers dressed in 1905 period costumes act out their parts for your enjoyment and edification as to life in the early 1900s. And they are serious about - don't you be texting on your Smart Phone while the Bournes are giving you the Grand Tour! There are also Living History participations on
selected weekends in the mine yard See my Facebook album for more photos of the Empire Mine Historic SP

January Event: CA Restaurant Month

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:52:12 GMT

Did you know that January is California Restaurant Month?

California Restaurant Month Logo;
Courtesy of VisitCalifornia.com

That means top restaurants all over California will be offering us the opportunity to discover gourmet menus, exquisite wine pairings, and Celebrity Chef dinners and event at deliciously affordable prices! Some areas are celebrating with specials and events all month; others are concentrating their efforts into a week or ten-day time period during the month, so you'll have to check within your own community for specifics. But here are a couple of examples to help you get started: Sacramento's award-winning Dine Downtown Restaurant Week takes place over the ten days of January 8th through the 21st with special three-course prix fixe menu offerings at favorite and wish-list downtown restaurants. Mendocino County restaurants will be serving up specially-priced crab menus, starring such delights as crab cakes, cioppino, cracked crab, as well as Crab and Wine Festival specials for Restaurant Month card holders. And how could we forget to include San Francisco's legendary Dine About Town, which transpires during the weeks of January 15th through the 31st. The City's most exquisite restaurants will be designing epicurean two-course lunches and three-course dinners at nearly soup-kitchen prices! These extraordinary dining opportunities are occurring throughout Northern California, so - where ever you are this month - check it out and take advantage! These offers won't be available again until NEXT January!

Discover Lake Tahoe California

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:36:02 GMT

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!

January Event: Lake Tahoe

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:44:11 GMT

What could be more peaceful than snowshoeing under a full moon?

Snowshoe Tracks, Big Meadow;
(CC) Erik Meldrum

Visit Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park on January 7th and you can find out! Rangers will be leading Full Moon Snowshoe Hikes along Lake Tahoe's West shore. Enjoy the views while discovering the natural and cultural history surrounding the Hellman-Ehrman estate, where San Francisco businessman I. W. Hellman built his opulent 1903 summer home, Pine Lodge. The hikes are being offered during full moons throughout the Winter months and beginners can attend the Beginners' Clinic a half hour before the event starts. Snowshoeing, my Honey and me...
♬ ♩ by the light of the silvery moon... ♪ ♫ To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

Big Sur Beaches

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:44:03 GMT

Big Sur Beaches are sometimes dramatic, sometimes peaceful, and sometimes dangerous. But they are always beautiful!

Elephant Seal Birthing Season

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:25:47 GMT

Something Magical is Happening!

Elephant Seals on the Beach;
(CC) Chris Isherwod

Once nearly extinct, the Elephant Seal is making a remarkable come-back and you can see it in action. They started arriving at Piedras Blancas at the southern tip of Big Sur in November (males first to give them time to establish dominance), and - although some births may have already occurred - the majority of the colony's new pups will be born in the next few weeks. It surprised me to learn that the females leave their pups behind after nursing them for about a month. The weaned pups then have to teach themselves how to swim before leaving the rookery for their first foraging trip, eight to ten weeks later! This event provides a unique opportunity each year
to learn about a truly remarkable creature!

January Event: Sonoma

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:24:33 GMT

What's Sonoma Valley famous for?

Photo of Van Gough's Olive Orchard

Wine, you say? Well, yes - that's true. But the same wonderful climate that allows Sonoma Valley to grow grapes and produce award-winning wines, is perfect for olives as well! And Sonoma Valley is very proud of its olives. So proud, in fact, that they celebrate the olive season every December through February with three months of olive curing workshops, olive oil and sea salt massages, olive themed menus, olive and olive oil tastings, plus musical performances, family activities, art exhibits, and a lot more... Olive Festival packages are offered through the season as well, so plan a visit to Sonoma Valley to enjoy the festivities and take part in celebrating all things olive! Tour and Taste at The Olive Press; enjoy Artisan Olive Oil Tasting at Figone's of California; sample Martini Madness at Saddles Restaurant; partake in the Feast of the Olive Dinner at Ramekins Culinary School; and that's just for starters! "Except the vine, there is no plant which bears a fruit of
as great importance as the olive."
Pliny (AD 23-79)

It's the Perfect Time!

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:50:45 GMT

Do you think your little corner of NorCal is the Bee's Knees? Now's a great time to let others know! Everyone is putting together their To Do lists, making their New Year's resolutions, and updating their Travel Bucket Lists... If you're a Northern California-ite and you'd like others to know what's so special about your favorite place (or places), just click on the link below. You can tell everyone all about it! What's so special about your town? What is your area known for? What is there to see and do? Tell them why they should take time out of their busy vacation schedules to visit YOUR special place. You can even include pictures if you want to! It's easy! It's fun! And we'd love to hear from you!

Travel Plan For 2012!

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:10:41 GMT

♫♪ Looks like we made it... ♩♬
Best Wishes to all of us for a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2012!! New Year's Resolution: Travel more and see more of Northern California!

Redwood Forest Canopy;
(CC) Gordon Wrigley

Discover the Redwood forests of Del Norte County
Visit Limekiln State Park and discover the lime kiln ruins
Follow the Sacramento River and other 49er routes
Join in on the National Yo-Yo Contest - as a contestant or as a spectator
Celebrate the jumping frogs of Calaveras County
Ski Tahoe: Alpine Meadows (no hoopla), Northstar-at-Tahoe (complete family resort experience), or Sierra-at-Tahoe (small and intimate) - you pick!
Explore the Pygmy Forest and Glass Beach of Mendocino County
Find events and festivals plus Fun Food Festivals near you
Enjoy all the free stuff in San Francisco
Visit the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and the Surfing Museum
Taste your way through the wineries of NorCal's Wine Country: Napa and Sonoma
Explore the High Country of Yosemite National Park
Pan for gold!

...You'll find all this and more here at Discover Northern California! Put these and other NorCal destinations on your
Places to Explore Bucket List for 2012!

!! HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE !!

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:30:01 GMT

Wishing everyone a safe, enjoyable, prosperous,
and happy, happy, Happy New Year!

Happy New Year 2012; (CC) Sir Watkyn

For some of you around the world, it's already New Year's Day. For those of you on the East Coast of the American continents, it's three or four hours closer to New Year's Day than it is here in Northern California and other West Coast areas. But to all of you - my family, my friends, my faithful followers - let's make 2012 a year of discovery and adventure in whatever way we're able! If you can, get out and discover the world around you, near and far. If you can't get out to discover for yourself, there's the miracle of the World Wide Web that can bring the world to you! "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain See you all next year!! ;D
To find more January Events and Festivals: January through March

Limantour Beach

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:01:04 GMT

Let's hit the beach!

Limantour Beach at Sunset;
(CC) tressa

You may think it's odd that I'm posting about a beach in December, but don't forget - Winter is often the best time to visit the NorCal coast! The days are often warmer than inland and bright and sunny! So let's take a look at Limantour Beach... Located at Point Reyes National Seashore, Limantour Beach is long, wide, and sandy, and it's big enough that it never gets overly-crowded. Pack your picnic basket with whatever your family needs to get through a day at the beach when there's no place to shop, and enjoy a day of wildlife viewing at the Estuary, along the beach, and in the water. Explore the beach and try some of my favorite beachy things: beachcomb for treasures, build a toasty bonfire (by permit), design award-winning sand castles, swim, surf (or, in my case, watch the surfers), chase the waves - in short, enjoy a marvelous day away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life! Things to look for at Limantour: Sandy beach and easy dunes, loads of wildlife in the form of Harbor seals, Snowy plovers and scores of other shorebirds, Gray whales heading South to Baja... A couple of things to be aware of: there have been infrequent reports of sharks attacking surfers; be careful about currents, sneaker waves, and undertows if you're near the water; part of Limantour is clothing-optional. For tips on how to stay safe on Northern California's beaches, please see: Your Beach Safety, and for more on NorCal's nude beaches: Northern California's Nude Beaches.

San Francisco Attractions

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:47:07 GMT

Looking for San Francisco attractions? This is the place! Let's explore Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Coit Tower, Union Square & Union Street..