San Francisco: 16th Avenue Tiled Steps Project

 

16th Ave. Tiled Steps Project (photo: Rashimi G)

Head to San Francisco’s Sunset District where you’ll find an eye-catching staircase known as the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps Project. Situated in a quiet residential neighborhood about 15 minutes from Golden Gate Park, the stairway is decorated with 163 separate mosaic panels, one for each riser. Over 2,000 handmade tiles and 75,000 fragments of tile, stained glass and mirror were used on the project. Look closely, and you’ll notice a sea-to-sky theme, with fish and sea shells near the base of the steps and birds, leaves and stars rising to the top. 

 

A portion of the 16th Ave. Tiled Steps Project in San Francisco

 

The mosaic stairway was conceived in 2003 and the project was completed two years later. More than 300 neighborhood residents participated in the creation of the panels and over 220 community members sponsored the handmade tiles imbedded in the colorful mosaic. With a sharp eye, you’ll see the names of the sponsors interlaced into the design.

 

View of San Francisco from Grandview Park (photo: Yusaku K)

 

Once you’ve admired the artistic steps from afar, go ahead and climb them to the top, pausing occasionally to gaze at the magnificent Pacific Ocean view behind you. Want more views? For a spectacular 360-degree panorama of San Francisco and beyond, continue on to Grandview Park. To reach the park from the top of the mosaic steps, take the stairs on your right leading to the upper level of 15th Avenue. From here, continue on the old wooden steps on your right to Grandview Park. Tip: Wear comfy walking shoes (many, many stairs!) and a sweater or jacket for the breeze that welcomes you at the top of the park.

 

BE SMART:  Prowlers know that tourists frequent this neighborhood and car break-ins can occur, even in daylight. Don’t tempt them! Remove valuables and belongings from your car and lock your car doors before exploring the mosaic steps. Also, pay notice to the parking and street cleaning signs to avoid being ticketed or towed. 

 

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps Project is located on Moraga St. between 15th & 16th Ave. in San Francisco.

San Diego: The Barkyard at Petco Park – It’s A Dog’s Life

 

 

Tail-wagging news! Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, becomes the first Major League Baseball venue to have a dedicated dog-friendly viewing area at every home game. Aptly called The Barkyard, the area allows fans and their four-legged friends to watch baseball together all season long. It consists of six sets of premium box seats in left-center field (previously occupied by a row of the Picnic Terrace group space). Each box accommodates up to four people and two dogs. Ticket prices vary by game, but start at $100 for each box and include four tickets.

 

A rendering of The Barkyard at Petco Park (petco.com)

 

Each Barkyard viewing area will offer umbrellas for shade, heat resistant artificial turf, an in-seat menu offered by The Patio in Left Field concession stand and a complimentary treat for each dog in attendance. A swag bag featuring more treats, toys and other goodies are awarded to each person in The Barkyard, compliments of Petco.

 

Tickets for The Barkyard are available for purchase for Padres home games beginning June 13 through the end of the 2016 season. Fans wishing to attend must apply online and will need to submit information including vaccination records, license number and other details about their dog.

 

The Barkyard is accessible via a designated entrance from K Street in the Park at the Park. A Padres pet concierge will be on-hand to escort fans and their dogs to and from The Barkyard.

 

Petco Park opened in 2004 in San Diego’s downtown East Village and is the site of the 2016 MLB All Star Game. The park is located at 100 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101 and accessible by car via four major thoroughfares: Interstate 5, State Route 163, State Route 94/Martin Luther King Freeway and Pacific Highway.

Mammoth Bike Park – Radical Terrain & Tons of Trails

 

Mammoth Bike Park (photo: visitmammoth.com)

Grab your bicycle and riding gear; mountain bike season at Mammoth Bike Park is upon us. Summer trails open June 10 and if you hurry, you can score a discount on a Summer Bike Park pass if you purchase before June 5.

 

Mammoth Bike Park (photo:mammothmountain.com)

 

Mammoth Bike Park is a leading pedal-pushing destination and the biggest bike park in the West. With 3,500 acres and over 80 miles of single track, its trails are second only to the spectacular scenery you’ll witness on your outing.

 

Mammoth Bike Park (photo: mammothmountain.com)

 

The variety of terrain draws cyclists of all skill levels to the bike park. Beginners can start out at the Discovery Zone, an area with short practice loops and smooth turns and surfaces that allow the novice to get used to their equipment and handling of the bike. Intermediate and advanced trails are as diverse as the mountain itself, with fast downhills, rocky switchbacks, dirt jumps, and wooden ramps. Experts and pros can push the limit with trails aptly named Bullet, Velocity and Recoil, where you’ll be challenged by steep trails, rough surfaces and fast, adrenalin-rush descents.

 

Mammoth Bike Park (photo: mammothmountain.com)

 

Don’t be intimidated if you’re a first-timer to mountain biking. Mammoth Bike Park offers private and group lessons to ensure you get the most out of your cycling experience. As an added convenience, they have brand new Trek bikes available for rental (standard helmets are included). They even have special bikes built just for kids, so even the little ones can enjoy the awesome trails.

 

Mammoth Mountain is located in Mammoth Lakes, CA and accessible via US Hwy 395. It’s approximately 5 hours north (by car) of Los Angeles.

More Information: Mammoth Bike Park
Location: 1 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes California 93546
Phone: 1-800-626-6684

Los Angeles: 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations

 

4rh of July fireworks - Americafest at the Rose Bowl

If you’re in the Los Angeles area and haven’t yet decided where to celebrate the 4th of July, here are five Independence Day parties to consider for 2015.

 

Americafest at the Rose Bowl
See the largest fireworks show in Southern California at the 89th Annual Americafest at the Rose Bowl. It features food, games, inflatable rides for kids, motorcycle stunts and a special performance from the Grammy nominated Beatles Tribute Band, Liverpool Legends. At the conclusion of the fireworks show, there will be a viewing of movie, Despicable Me 2.

Where: The Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena, CA, 91103
Time: Stadium parking opens at 9am; festival starts at 2pm; fireworks start at 9pm.
Cost: $13 General Admission (5yrs & under free); $25 Reserved Seating.
Parking: $25 per car
More Info: 626-577-3100

 

4th of July Extravaganza at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Bring your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a fireworks extravaganza at the LA Memorial Coliseum. Viewing is from Christmas Tree Lane on the South Lawn of Exposition Park. There will be food, rides, games, sponsor exhibits and musical performances.

Where: Exposition Park, 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA, 90037
Time: 12pm - 10pm. Fireworks at dusk (around 9pm).
Cost: Free
Parking: $10 per car in Exposition Park
More Info: Peter Bellas 310-914-0015

 

Palisades Americanism Parade
The Palisades Americanism Parade is one of the top Independence Day parades in the U.S.A. and has been around for 67 years. This year’s parade Grand Marshal is KFI AM 640 radio host Bill Handel. Following the parade, head to Palisades Charter High School for a family-friendly concert, followed by spectacular fireworks. Additional activities include a kid’s fun zone and gourmet food trucks.

Where: Parade is on Sunset Blvd. between de la Paz and Drummond St. in Pacific Palisades. Entertainment and fireworks at Palisades Charter High School located at 15777 Bowdoin Street, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272.
Time: Skydivers 1:50pm, parade 2pm, entertainment 6:30pm, fireworks 9pm.
Cost: Parade is free. Concert and fireworks tickets are $10. (12yrs and under free).
Parking: Limited free parking available at the Palisades Charter High School lot.
More Info: Keith Turner 310-454-6190 or Rob Weber 310-595-3009.

 

4th of July Block Party at Grand Park
Grand Park in LA’s Civic Center will be the epicenter of a multi-block, alcohol-free Block Party. Musical acts perform on two main stages; additional entertainment is provided by mobile DJ’s. Bring your own picnic or purchase food from a variety of vendors, then watch an incredible rooftop fireworks display high above the civic center skyline.

Where: Grand Park, 200 North Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Time: 3pm – 9:30pm. Fireworks at 9pm.
Cost: Free
Parking: Parking garage rates vary. Public transportation is recommended.
More Info: 213-972-8080

 

July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza at Warner Park
Head to Warner Park in the San Fernando Valley for a free concert followed by an electrifying fireworks show set to live music. Over 15 local restaurants will be on hand along with arts and crafts vendors and local businesses. Children will have a special play area to explore.

Where: Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Time: 6pm – 9:30pm
Cost: Free
Parking: $20 in any of the Warner Center structures between Topanga and Canoga or Califa and Oxnard.
More Info: 818-704-1358

San Francisco: Alice 97.3 Summerthing 2015 Free Concert

 

(Clockwise) Kelly Clarkson, Mat Kearney, Rachel Platten and Elle King perform at Alice's Summerthing

 

San Francisco’s popular AC radio station, Alice 97.3, presents its annual Summerthing concert on Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park on Sunday, June 28, 2015. Offered free to the public, this year’s musical guests include Kelly Clarkson, Mat Kearney, Rachel Platten and Elle King. Doors open at 10:30am and the concert winds down around 4pm. Besides music, there will be interactive booths, fun activities, gourmet food trucks and more.

 

Public transportation is encouraged due to limited parking. Parking is available at St. Mary’s Hospital (off Fell St.) and UCSF (Irving & Arguello), three blocks from Sharon Meadow.

 

Approximate Set Times
Elle King 12:35pm
Rachel Platten 1:20pm
Mat Kearney 2:15pm
Kelly Clarkson 3:30pm

 

Alice 97.3 sponsors two other concerts each year; the “Now and Zen Fest” in September and “Alice in Winterland” in December.

Solvang: Quicksilver Ranch - See Miniature Horses

 

Miniature Horse at Quicksilver Ranch (photo: Scott B.)

 

Part of the fun of a driving vacation is an unexpected roadside attraction. Quicksilver Ranch near the village of Solvang (30 miles north of Santa Barbara) is just that. This family-owned ranch has been around for over three decades and breeds and sells miniature horses – about 20 to 30 foals a year. Visitors can wander the grounds, free of charge, and admire these adorable little creatures. Open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 3pm, it’s the perfect place to stop for a stretch and soak in some cuteness.

 

Quicksilver Ranch (photo Scott B.)

 

Solvang is located in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley on the central California coast. The Valley is recognized as one of the most important horse locations in America. Besides high-quality horses (over 50 different privately owned breeds), it’s known for its prominent clinicians, veterinarians, showmen and judges. Many Kentucky Derby winners and contenders have trained and lived in the Valley.

 

Quicksilver Ranch is located at 1555 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, CA, 93463. Phone: (805) 686-4002.

Yosemite: YARTS Bus Service from Fresno Up and Running

 

YARTS bus service to Yosemite

Just in time for summer, YARTS  (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) has added a new route to its schedule: Fresno to Yosemite Valley via Highway 41.

 

Buses make five round-trips daily, picking-up passengers at the Greyhound and Amtrak stations, the Fresno Airport, CSU Fresno, and the Highway 145 Park and Ride. Stops are made at the Coarsegold Historic Village, the Oakhurst Best Western, and Fish Camp’s Tenaya Lodge on the way to Yosemite Valley.

 

Tickets can be purchased on the bus with cash, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Or pre-purchase your tickets at various local outlets. One way tickets from Fresno to Yosemite Valley are $15 or $30 round trip. Reduced fares are available for seniors (62+), children (12 and under without an adult paid fare), and persons with disabilities. Your YARTS ticket includes admission to the park, as well as one free child ride (12 and under) per adult ticket purchased.

 

YARTS also has bus service to Yosemite Valley from Merced, Mammoth Lakes and Sonora. For a complete list of schedules and fares, visit the YARTS website.

Los Angeles: Hello Kitty Con 2014 – A Purrfect Celebration

 

 

Hello Kitty, the adorable feline first introduced to the world in 1974, turns 40 this year. Its maker, Sanrio, is planning a major celebration to mark the occasion. It’s the first ever Hello Kitty Convention, aptly named Hello Kitty Con. It will be held in Los Angeles October 30 – November 2, 2014 and will include classes and workshops, lectures and panel discussions, and additional Hello Kitty themed activities. Vintage Hello Kitty products will be on display and shoppers will be able to purchase one-of-a-kind items exclusive to the convention. Fans will be able to meet and snap photos with Hello Kitty and enjoy refreshments from some of the trendiest food trucks in Los Angeles. Seems like a purrfect way to spend the day.

 

More Information: Hello Kitty Con 2014

Where: The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA

Date/Time: October 30 – November 2, 2014, 10am – 7pm daily

Tickets: Adults $30/day, Children (Age 6-12 years) $20/day. Children 5 years and under are free. (Limit 4 free children per paying adult). Note: All children under 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Lassen Volcanic National Park: RentMyTent Camping Ease

 

Lassen Volcanic National Park

 

Are you a first-time camper wanting to experience the outdoors but don’t want to buy camping gear until you’re certain you’ll like it? Or maybe you love camping, but dread hauling, setting up and taking down your own tent. Listen up, then. The new RentMyTent program at Lassen Volcanic National Park is just for you.  Starting today, visitors to the park can rent a clean 17’ x 9’ Coleman “Adventure” tent for four, set up and ready to be enjoyed upon arrival. No need to take it down when you leave – that will be done for you, too. The cost is $67 per night (plus the standard $18 per night campsite fee) and also includes two deluxe cots, two steel deck camper chairs, and a battery operated lantern. Just bring your own sleeping bags and cooking gear. You don’t want to lug those items either? You can rent them for an additional cost.

 

The RentMyTent program has a two-night minimum and reservations must be made at least four days prior to arrival. To start the process, reserve a tent site in Loops A or C of the Manzanita Lake Campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Once completed, call 530-335-7557 or email California Parks Co. to reserve your RentMyTent package.

 

Lassen Volcanic National Park covers 106,000 acres of spectacular scenery and has over 150 miles of hiking trails. It’s the only place in the world where you’ll find all four types of volcanoes in one place. The focal point of the park is Lassen Peak (10,457 feet), the largest plug dome volcano in the world.  Nearest major airports include Sacramento (165 miles away) and Reno, Nevada (180 miles away).

 

More Information: Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mailing Address: PO Box 100, Mineral, CA 96063

Phone (Visitor Center): 530-595-4480, 9am-5pm daily

Park operates year-round, 24 hours per day

 

Anaheim: SoCal Residents Save at Disney Parks

 

Disney offers discounts to SoCal Residents

 

Disney discount tickets are back for SoCal residents! After a year’s absence, Disney has brought back its popular multi-day discount ticket packages to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure for folks living in the Southern California region. You must reside in ZIP codes 90000-93599 (or Northern Baja California ZIP codes 21000-22999) to take advantage of the savings; proof of residency is required for purchase and admission. Here’s a breakdown of the ticket packages:

 

$129: 2-day ticket with your choice of one park per day

$164: 2-day Park Hopper ticket

$159: 3-day ticket with your choice of one park per day

$194: 3-day Park Hopper ticket

 

Each of the 3-day ticket packages also includes one Magic Morning early admission to Disneyland.

 

Tickets must be purchased by May 30, 2014 and are valid through June 6, 2014 (blackout dates apply March 31 to April 20, 2014). You may purchase up to 5 tickets per person per day with valid ID. For additional information or to purchase SoCal Resident Tickets, visit the Disney Parks website.

Coronado: Hotel del Coronado - Skating by the Sea

 

Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado

 

Spend a day on a Southern California beach ice skating – yes, ice skating! The historic Hotel del Coronado has transformed its expansive Windsor Lawn into an oceanfront ice rink for the holidays. You can skate under the warm San Diego sun with a view of the Pacific Ocean and later enjoy holiday music and a warm drink while viewing a crimson sunset. You’d be hard pressed to find a more stunning location for this outdoor skate zone, so grab your blades and join in on the fun. Skating by the Sea is in its ninth year and runs until January 5, 20014.

 

More Information: Skating by the Sea  

Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118

Phone: 619-435-6611

Date/Time: Daily through January 5, 2014; 11am-1pm, 1:30-3:30pm, 4-6pm and 7-9pm.

Cost: $23 per adult, $18 per child (ages 10 and under) for 2-hour session. Skate rental included or $5 discount if you wear your own ice skates.

 

A portion of the skating proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego.

California: Christmas Boat Parades 2013

 

 2012 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (photo: John L. Blom)

 

The holiday season is in full swing. How do we know? Because of the dozens of Christmas boat parades taking place this month.

 

Lavishly decorated and brightly lit vessels will navigate California waterways like proud peacocks, each with its own festive style. Whether it’s the multi-million dollar yachts of Newport Beach or the modest skiffs of Mission Bay, one thing is for sure – the boats will be decked out to the nines in lively, seasonal splendor.

 

The lighted boat parades start their procession in early December. Here's a list of holiday boat parades (and start times) for the remainder of the month. Some parades run on multiple nights and all are free to view. Click on the individual links for more information.

 

Friday, December 13, 2013
San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf Lighted Boat Parade, 5:30pm

 

Saturday, December 14, 2013
Channel Islands Parade of Lights (Oxnard), 7:00pm
King Harbor Boat Parade (Redondo Beach), 5:30pm
Long Beach Parade of 1,000 Lights, 5:30pm
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights, 7:00pm
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, 6:00pm
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights (San Diego), 6:00pm
San Joaquin Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade (Bethel Island), 5:00pm

 

Sunday, December 15, 2013
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, 5:30pm
Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade, 4:30pm

 

Wednesday, December 18, 2013 through Saturday, December 21, 2013
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, 6:30pm each night

 

Friday, December 20, 2013
Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks, 6:30pm

 

Saturday, December 21, 2013
Naples Holiday Boat Parade, 6:00pm
Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks, 6:30pm

Riverside: Festival of Lights – A Holiday Must-See

 

Riverside Festival of Lights - Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

 

Today is the day! It’s the start of the five-week long Festival of Lights in Riverside. And what a spectacle it is! With the flip of a switch, downtown Riverside will be illuminated by the glow of nearly 4 million holiday bulbs and electrified by the burst of fireworks. The lights, accompanied by dazzling holiday decorations and animatronic displays, can be found along Mission Inn Avenue as well as at the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and numerous other buildings. A tradition for 21 years, the Festival also features an outdoor skating rink, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday vendors, live entertainment, carolers, and delectable food. Of course, Santa Claus will be there too.

 

The festivities get started today at noon, with the official lighting ceremony commencing at 4:30pm. This is an extremely popular event, drawing over 250,000 visitors over the multi-week run. If attending opening day, plan to arrive early – it’s estimated over 60,000 folks will be there and downtown streets surrounding the event start closing to motor vehicles around noon.

 

More Information: 21st Annual Festival of Lights

Mission Inn, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501

Dates/Times: Friday, November 29, 2013 - 12:00pm to Saturday, January 4, 2014 - 10:00pm (Closed Christmas Day)

Admission: Free

Parking: Parking Garages, Metered and Free Parking

San Francisco: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

 

Authentic English pubs serve up brew at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair (photo: Rich Yee)

 

For five weekends in November and December, visitors can step back in time to Victorian London and experience a one-of-a-kind event – the Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party. It’s all happening at the Cow Palace in Daly City where over 3 acres will be transformed into a remarkably authentic Dickens Village, circa 1865.

 

Guests make their way down the winding lanes and alleys, brought to life by actors dressed in colorful period costume from the pages of both history and literature. The streets are dotted with pubs, tearooms and music halls, along with Victorian-era shops selling a variety of hand-made items.  There’s food-a-plenty, including traditional holiday fare such as roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and warm cider. Daily Christmas parades snake through the crowds and visits from Father Christmas will thrill the little ones. Now in its 35th year, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair is the perfect way to welcome the holiday season.

 

Would you like to go to the Great Dickens Christmas Fair?

Check back tomorrow for a chance to win tickets!

 

More Information: Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party

Address: The Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014

Phone: 800-510-1558 x114

Date/Time: Saturdays & Sundays, November 23 - December 22; 10am-7pm.

Also open Nov. 29, the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Tickets: Adults: $25 ($30 final 2 weekends); Children 5-12 years: $12.

Free for children under 5 years.

Parking: $10. (Free shuttle runs from the Glen Park BART station)

Veterans Day 2013: Free Admission Knott’s Berry Farm

 

Knott's Berry Farm - Timberline Twister ride

 

Starting today, members of the military can score free admission to Knott’s Berry Farm. Better yet, you can bring a guest. It’s Knott’s way of paying tribute to our armed forces for all that they do. The promotion runs through November 27, 2013 and is valid for both active-duty military and veterans. Valid proof of military service with photo ID is required – just present it at the turnstile. Up to six additional tickets may be purchased for accompanied guests for $22 each.

 

Knott's Berry Farm is just 20 minutes from John Wayne/Orange County Airport and 30 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport. 

 

More Information: Knott's Berry Farm

Address: 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park CA 90620

Phone: 714-220-5200

Hours: Varies

Parking: $15 (Busses & RV’s $20)

San Francisco: Weekend Events – Movies, Music and More

 

Polk Street Blues Festival September 21 & 22

On any given weekend in San Francisco you can find an endless list of things to do. With summer winding down and fall approaching, it’s an ideal time to be outdoors. Here’s a tiny sampling of events to get you outside and out of the house. 

 

Tour de Fat 2013 Bike & Beer Festival

Slip on your craziest costume, hop on your bike and pedal through Golden Gate Park to help raise money for local bicycle nonprofits. Afterwards, celebrate your bike-riding accomplishment with beer, great food and live entertainment. The event is free. Proceeds from beer and merchandise sales go to the non-profits.

Location: Golden Gate Park

Date/Time: Saturday, September 21, 2013; 11am – 5pm

 

The Polk Street Blues Festival

Soulful sounds will saturate Polk Street when blues musicians take to the stage at this increasingly popular festival. Two main stages will feature continuous live entertainment over a two-day period which also features food and beverage booths, a beer garden and a selection of items for purchase from local merchants. Free.

Location: Polk Street, between Pacific and Union Streets

Date/Time: Saturday & Sunday, September 21-22, 2013 | 10 am to 6 pm

 

Film Night in the Park – Skyfall 007

Sit under the stars and experience outdoor movie-watching in Dolores Park. The James Bond blockbuster, Skyfall, will screen on Saturday night as the June to September film festival winds down. Bring your favorite blanket, pillow or backrest, kick back and enjoy. Admission is free (donations appreciated); refreshments can be purchased on the premises. 
Location: Dolores Park

Date/Time: Saturday, September 21, 2013. Films begin at dusk, arrive by 8pm

 

Golden Gate Park Band Free Public Concert

A San Francisco institution almost as old as the city’s famed cable cars. The Golden Gate Park Band has been in existence since 1882 and is one of America’s oldest professional concert bands. The weekly (Apr–Oct) concerts pay tribute to music of specific nationalities or cultures. Saturday’s concert salutes Irish patriot and orator, Robert Emmet, and features Irish music, singing and dancing.

Location: Spreckles Temple of Music, Music Concourse at Golden Gate Park

Date/Time: Sunday, September 22, 2013; 1pm – 3pm

 

Off the Grid's Picnic at the Presidio

Nosh on food from San Francisco’s top restaurants as you picnic in a lovely park-like setting. Thirsty? Enjoy “blanket-side” cocktail service to compliment a selection of tasty food items. Afterwards, compete in lawn games, fly a kite or work off your meal with a session of yoga. Bring your wallet – admission is free, but food and drink are not.
Location: Presidio Main Post Lawn, next to the Montgomery Street Barracks

Date/Time: Sunday, September 22, 2013; 11am – 4pm

Fairfield: Jelly Belly Candy Palooza – September 28 & 29

 

 

Satisfy your sugar craving at the first annual Jelly Belly Candy Palooza held at the Jelly Belly Visitor Center in Fairfield on September 28 and 29, 2013. Splurge in free candy samples throughout the day, including exquisite treats from local Chocolatiers. Additionally, for the 21 and over crowd, there is the Chocolate and Wine Experience. Pay $15 per person and you’ll sample selected wines paired with hand-made confections (a souvenir wine glass is included). Other festivities of Candy Palooza include arts and crafts exhibits, carnival rides, pony rides, and entertainment from a variety of local performers. And if you’ve ever wondered how those colorful jelly beans are made, tours of the Jelly Belly Factory are offered free of charge.

 

More Information: Jelly Belly Candy Palooza at the Jelly Belly Visitor’s Center

One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield, California, 94534

Date/Time: Saturday & Sunday, September 28 & 29, 2013; 9am to 5pm

Admission: Free
Parking: Free

Perseid Meteor Shower - A Light Show Not To Be Missed

 

 

One of nature’s most outstanding light shows occurs this month - The Perseid Meteor Shower. It’s expected to produce about 60 to 80 “shooting stars” per hour during its peak on Monday, August 12 through Tuesday, August 13, although you can start watching days before. Ideal viewing is between 11pm and 4:00am, with the best visibility in the northern hemisphere. To enjoy the display, you’ll want to find a dark, open location away from the glare of city lights. No telescope or binoculars are needed – just face the northeast and scan the sky. The meteors may come in spurts and whisk across the sky in many different directions, so grab a blanket or recliner, lay back and enjoy the show. 

 

The Perseid Meteor Shower occurs when Earth travels through a stream of debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle. The debris particles, some as small as a grain of sand, hit the Earth’s upper atmosphere at speeds of 130,000 miles per hour, creating streaks of light as they burn up. These visible light paths or “falling stars” are what make up the Perseid Meteor Shower. It is so named because it appears to radiate from the constellation Perseus.

Santa Barbara: Kardboard Kayak Race – Build It, Race It

 

Kardboard Kayak Race, Santa Barbara

 

The challenge is on! It’s time to channel your inner MacGyver and build a seaworthy vessel from two sheets of cardboard and a roll of tape. Those are your building materials when you participate in the Kardboard Kayak Race on Saturday, July 13 in Santa Barbara. Teams of up to four people will have one hour to construct a kayak with just three tools – a yardstick, utility knife and marker. Then it’s a race of the paddles in the water to test the stability and speed of your jury rigged design. Will it stay afloat or will it snap under pressure like a rusty, old paper clip? Prizes will be awarded in two separate heats: the Family Fun Heat (family groups, 14 years old or younger) and Paddling Pros Heat (adult and/or “skilled” competitors).

 

More Information: Kardboard Kayak Race

Location: West Beach (across from Sambo’s Restaurant)

Date/Time: Saturday, July 13, 2013, 12:00-3:00pm

Cost: $25 (SB Maritime Museum members), $30 (non-members)

Registration: Register online or call 805-962-8404 x115

California: 12 County Fairs – Get Your Summer On

 

 Ice cream cone, Krispy Kreme sloppy Joe, deep fried cookie dough, waffle dog

 

This summer it’s all about the county fair. California has nearly 80 of them throughout the year, and dozens to choose from during the summer. It’s a time for carnival rides, fun zone games, competitive exhibits, loads of musical entertainment and plenty of family fun. And food – well, put your diet on hold. At the fair you can devour everything from deep fried cookie dough to waffle dogs and wash them down with bacon beer.

 

Below are 12 of this summer’s many California county fairs, listed by date of opening. Average admission runs $6-$10. For more information, click the link on each individual fair.

 

June

San Mateo County Fair - June 8-16, 2013

79th year at its current location. Free fair admission on Wednesday, June 12 from 12pm to 3pm. Location: San Mateo County Events Center. Phone: 650-574-3247.

 

San Diego County Fair - June 8-July 4, 2013, Closed July 1

The fourth largest fair in North America, it draws more than 1.5 million visitors annually. The Beachboys kick off the Toyota Summer Concert Series on June 8, free with fair admission. Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds. Phone: 858-755-1161.

 

Merced County Fair - June 12-16, 2013

Tractor parade, petting zoo, kiddie rides. Location: Merced County Fairgrounds. Phone: 209-722-1506.

 

Shasta District Fair - June 12-15, 2013
Attracts 90,000 people over the four-day event. Horse show, livestock auction. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring.” Location: Shasta District Fairgrounds. Phone: 530-378-6789.

 

Alameda County Fair - June 19-July 7, 2013, Closed Mondays
It’s in its 101st season. $1 admission and $1 rides on opening day, June 19. Fireworks show on June 21, June 28 & July 5. Location: Alameda County Fairgrounds. Phone: 925-426-7600.

 

July

Santa Barbara County Fair – July 10-14, 2013

Dollar day is Wednesday, July 10 - admission & carnival rides just $1. Live entertainment, delicious food, exhibits. Location: Santa Maria Fairpark. Phone: 805-925-8824.

 

Orange County Fair - July 12-August 11, 2013

23 days and nights of food, rides, games, exhibits, animals, headline entertainment and more. Location: OC Fair & Event Center. Phone: 714-708-1500.

 

Sonoma County Fair - July 25-August 11, 2013, Closed Mondays

Giant carnival, Wine Country Horse Racing, Derby Dog Dash, Hall of Flowers, free entertainment, more. Location: Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Phone: 707-545-4200.

 

Ventura County Fair - July 31-August 11, 2013

Purchase a personalized brick and your name will be part of the fair’s main entry plaza forever. Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds. Phone: 805-648-3376.

 

August

Yolo County Fair - August 14-18, 2013

The largest and oldest free gate fair in California, it was first held in 1893. Location: Yolo County Fairgrounds. Phone: 530-402-2222.

 

Los Angeles County Fair - August 30-September 29, 2013

One of the largest fairs in the USA. Daily parades, wine tasting, shopping with more than 600 vendors. Location: Fairplex. Phone: 909-623-3111.

 

September

Kern County Fair - September 18-29, 2013

Bakersfield’s largest annual celebration. Free concerts featuring Jo Dee Messina, Los Lobos, Lonestar, Uncle Kracker, and others. Location: Kern County Fairgrounds. Phone: 661-833-4900.