California's original planted grapevines date back to the early California Missions. Of historical note is the Ramona Vine at Mission San Gabriel (north of downtown). This vine was planted in 1774 - this mission was founded in 1771 and at one point was the largest winery in the state of California. Early wine was used for sacramental purposes at these area missions. Some of California's earliest commercial wine making dates back to the 1830's … [Read more...]
Fat City, Sacramento CA – July 2003
Fat City Bar & Café was located right in the heart of Old Sacramento (Old Town is worth visiting in its own right). This was a historic restaurant favorite with locals and tourists alike. It was housed in a building that was originally constructed in 1849, the heart of California's gold rush. This building was supposedly home to Sacramento's first general store and was one of the first buildings in town. It was constructed and originally … [Read more...]
Schulz Museum
The following is an article that first appeared in the April 2003 issue of Upbeat Times, a regional newspaper which is published once a month in Sonoma County, CA. I had just arrived at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center and was waiting in the front lobby when a young girl skipped in and the first excited words out of her mouth were "Mom, look its Snoopy!" I immediately saw what attracted her attention. On the wall were several … [Read more...]
Safari West, CA
A "little piece" of Africa is available to the general public in Sonoma County, about 1 hour 20 minutes north of San Francisco. Safari West is a gem of a nature preserve located only about 20 minutes from Santa Rosa off of Mark West Springs Road at the corner of Franz Valley Road (3115 Porter Creek Road). The park is about 15 minutes from Calistoga in the northern part of the Napa Valley. Visiting Napa for some wine tasting? Need a break? Come … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – Restaurants
Avalon has a diversity of restaurants - most overlooking the bay or within several blocks of the water. The following are select restaurants in Avalon. As with hotels, the prices for food can be significantly lower during the off/winter season. Prices subject to change without notice. Unless otherwise noted all phone numbers are in the 310 area code Avalon Grille is located in the central part of Avalon overlooking the … [Read more...]
Mammoth, CA – Restaurants
On the whole, we find the restaurants in Mammoth to be quite expensive and the food generally average. This is not to say that there aren't some good restaurants - and the food scene has generally improved in the past 10 or so years. Pick up a copy of Mammoth Menus, which is available at Vons or at some of the restaurants. This is a very informative guide to dining in the Mammoth area. Menus and prices are included. Prices subject to change … [Read more...]
Hopland, CA
The small scenic town of Hopland (population around 800) is situated about two hours (1 hour 45 minutes on a good day) north of San Francisco along the 101 Freeway or about 45 minutes north of Santa Rosa. Hopland is in Mendocino County and located on the western side of the Russian River. The 101 is a freeway the entire way from San Francisco until several miles south of Hopland where it turns into a 2 lane road. Reminiscent of parts of the 5 … [Read more...]
Hopland, CA – Wine Tasting
Tiny Hopland contains a number of tasting rooms which deliver down to earth experiences for visitors - focusing on wines from Mendocino County. Although there are many wineries in Mendocino County including a number of tasting rooms in Hopland, this area does not have the recognition that perhaps Napa and Sonoma County have obtained over the decades. For the consumer, that is not a bad thing. Mendocino County is producing some stellar wines (the … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, or as locals call it, "The City", is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. How many cities have a population of just over 750,000 and have the instant name recognition that San Francisco has? What other city can lay claim to have founded the United Nations, introduced the topless dancer, and the hippie movement? How many cities are known world wide for its cultural diversity and cultural acceptance? Where else can you … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Restaurants
More then most cities of its size, San Francisco contains a culinary delight of restaurants specializing in cuisine's from around the world. On one block one can find a mix of Chinese and Italian. On another block in the same vicinity one may find a Thai restaurant located next to an Ethiopian restaurant. Several distinct areas in San Francisco are known for certain types of cuisine. North Beach is known for its Italian food, Chinatown for … [Read more...]