Sonoma Vineyards, CaliforniaGorgeous Sonoma, California, is known world-wide for its incredible wineries, but it's also a fabulous place to enjoy stately redwood forests, rolling vineyard hills, and delicious fresh food. Sonoma is the perfect place to enjoy a bike trip, where you can cycle from winery to winery, camping at night, and rising to beautiful California mornings. The Lay of the LandSonoma County is divided into five regions, each with its own distinct flavor. If you're biking or want to explore an area in depth, you might choose just one or two of these areas to focus on. Otherwise, with a car, you can easily tour the whole county. The regions are: Sonoma County North, Russian River/West County, Sonoma County Central, the Coast, and the Sonoma Valley. This county literally has hundreds of wineries. Most of the vineyards and wineries are located in the Sonoma Valley (the area around Mount Sonoma near Glen Ellen, Sonoma, and Kenwood), the Russian River Valley area around Forestville, and the northern end of the county near Geyserville and the big city of Healdsburg. What to DoWine tasting is obviously a popular activity in Sonoma County, but the California sun also makes it fun to try other outdoor pursuits. Cycling and bike riding are very popular, as is hot air balloon riding and golfing. You can go skydiving here, head to the coast for a day of beach-combing and surfing, or explore the arts scene and shopping districts of one of the charming small towns. Farmer's Markets are a delight in a region that can grow such a range of produce. You might also enjoy a trip to a working farm or garden. Sonoma County puts on a number of fabulous events, from the Summer concert series to the annual golf tournaments. You'll find year-round cooking classes, wine and cheese samplings, and lessons on pairing wine with food. Many vineyards have special holiday events and open houses. Picking Up the VibeCalifornia wine country has a relaxed feel that makes it especially attractive to visitors. This is a place where food is served in its freshest possible state, the sunshine is steady, and everyone enjoys sampling award-winning wine. When you visit, take some time to unwind, California style. As you settle in to a relaxed pace of life, you'll find more time to appreciate the little things, like a glass of great wine and a stunning view.
1,000 Islands, New YorkDotting the St. Lawrence river and eastern side of Lake Ontario lies a magical wonderland of islands, beautiful views, and amazing wildlife. This unique region spans the waterways between New York state and Canada, offering some of the finest water sports you'll find anywhere. Named for the over 1,000 islands in the lake and river, the area is filled with breathtaking views and miles of water for boating, sailing, fishing, jet skiing, and much more. Cape VincentConsidered by Americans to be the "gateway to the 1,000 islands," this historic village was founded by explorer Samuel de Champlain who visited the area in 1615. It received its name from French Missionary priest Father Dablon, who worked among the Indians with Father Chaumonoit in 1655. Today, the township includes the islands of Carelton and Linda in the St. Lawrence River; Grenadier, Little Grenadier, and Fox Islands in Lake Ontario; and hamlets like Rosiere, St. Lawrence Corners, Sand Bay, and Millen Bay. Visitors can tour the Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, learn about Fort Haldimand's role in the Revolutionary War, and tour the thirty homes and buildings that are on the State and Federal Historic Register. Alexandria BaySet in Jefferson County, New York, on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, Alexandria Bay was once described as "a fairyland, that neither pen nor tongue of man may even attempt to describe" by French explorer Count Frontenac. Known as the resort center of the 1,000 islands, Alexandria Bay specializes in boat tours, water sports, and fabulous festivals including their Blessing of the Fleet and their incredible July 4th celebration. While you're here, don't miss a visit to Heart Island, where you'll find an authentic turn-of-the-century Rhineland castle. Take a tour of the 120 room Boldt Castle and see this magnificent structure as it once was. The exhibits and displays are sure to spark your imagination, as are the views from the fairy tale castle walls. OgdensburgKnown to locals as "the Burg," Ogdensburg is the big city of the American 1,000 islands. Set where the gentle Oswegatchie River flows into the St. Lawrence River, this city is rich in natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. In addition, like all of the 1,000 islands, it had a long and fascinating history. In the summertime, visitors enjoy fishing, boating, and all kinds of water sports. Winter sports include cross-country skiing and all the downhill thrills to be found at White Face Mountain and Lake Placid, the former Olympic site. Be sure not to miss the Frederic Remington Art Museum. Ogdensburg played a significant role in the War of 1812, then known as the second revolutionary war. Learn all about it at the city's incredible museums and historical sites.
Sackets HarborFor superb dining, shows, entertainment, and marinas, head to lovely Sackets Harbor on the shores of Lake Ontario. Situated in Black River Bay, this is a fabulous place to go sailing and wind surfing, or to try your hand at white water rafting and water skiing. Trophy fishing is a year-round sport here! During the summer, Sackets Harbor springs to life with Sunday Concerts on the Waterfront, antique shows, auto shows, and sporting events that range from polo and lacrosse to rugby. Join them for the annual International Festival or the Fireman's Field Days (which includes a carnival, a block party, and fireworks). Each year the town hosts a Can-Am War of 1812 Festival, complete with musket fire and tall ships engaging in battle.
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The Bright Lights of Austin, TexasWith the quirkiness of a college town, the amazing food of the capital of Texas, and some of the best live music you'll hear anywhere, Austin is a visitor's paradise. This charming city may be home to the governor's mansion and the state congress, but Austin doesn't take itself too seriously. Its motto, after all, is "Keep Austin weird," a phrase that sums up its eclectic tastes. MusicYou'll find just about everything in Austin. With plenty of artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and young people, Austin is a bold and spicy mix of ideas and attitudes. And with over 200 live music venues, you'll find bands of all stripes playing on just about every evening of the year. Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, a title it takes to heart. This is the home city of Willie Nelson, after all, as well as the site of the Stevie Ray Vaughn Memorial. Austin's music scene is focused around a cluster of districts encircling the downtown area. When you head into the city, pick a district and limit your nightly explorations to that area - you can always try a different district the following night. Don't miss the famous venues of Sixth Street or the Red River District. The Warehouse and Downtown Districts have a special edge, while the University of Texas District sports a youthful flair. Other districts include East Austin, South Austin, and the Market District. Museums and HistoryHistory buffs will find plenty to enjoy about Austin. After your must-see visit to the state capitol, take a tour of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum for a look at the state's colorful past. At the LBJ Library and Museum, you can see records from this famous president's political career, both in Texas and on the national level. Family-friendly AttractionsAustin is as family and kid-friendly as a city can get. The young people in your group will love the Austin Children's Museum with its hands-on exhibits and games. They can cool off on the water slides at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, see the animals at the Austin Zoo, or head to the Aquarena Centerfor a marine life show. And be sure not to miss the fun goings-on at Wonderworld Park. Great FoodTexas is famous its unique cuisine, and Austin provides its own special additions to the mix. You'll find outstanding BBQ, flavorful Tex-Mex and international food, organic restaurants, and plenty of local treats. OutdoorsThis gateway to Texas Hill Country is surrounded by picturesque lakes and rolling hillsides. With plenty of sunshine and over 200 city parks, it's easy to get out and about in Austin. You'll find miles of hiking and biking trails, excellent golf courses, and much more. Each year Austin hosts the annual AT&T Marathon, which brings over 5,000 world-class runners into the city. Even if your fitness level isn't marathon-ready, you can have plenty of fun rambling down the Barton Creek Greenbelt with its 7.8 miles of hiking, walking, and biking trails. Several endangered wildlife and plant species call the Greenbelt home. Be sure to pay a visit to Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, where you can stroll along the 10 mile trail that encircles the waters. At Barton Springs Pool, swimmers can enjoy 68-degree, spring-fed waters year round. And you won't want to miss the trails and view points at 360-acre Zilker Park. No visit to Austin is complete without a trip to see the city's famous bats. Every evening, 1.5 million bats take flight from under the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Spectators line up daily to watch this impressive sight, as a cloud of winged creatures sails out into the sky in search of mosquitoes and other insects. At dawn, the bats return to their sleeping spot, where they rest peacefully until the following evening.
Santa Fe, Culture and Art
The vibrant, colorful artists' community of Santa Fe has history and beauty to spare. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the foothills of the Rockies, Santa Fe is graced with 325 days of sunshine a year and a rich blue desert sky. With hundreds of art galleries, plentiful arts programs, luxurious spas, and a calendar filled with festivities, you'll enjoy the getaway vacation of your dreams in Santa Fe.
Begin your tour with the historic Plaza de Santa Fe that marks the end of the eight-hundred-mile Santa Fe Trail. Here you will see the La Fonda Hotel, which once served as headquarters for the Confederacy, and The Palace of the Governors, which was built in 1609-1610 by the Spanish and is the nation's oldest government building. This will give you a firm footing in Santa Fe's past, an element that plays a part in nearly every piece of art and design you'll see here.
Art is the blood that pumps through the heart of Santa Fe. Though it's a small town, Santa Fe has over 300 art galleries showing works by local artists and craftspeople. It's also the home of the world-class Santa Fe Opera, which is famous for its grand productions. The city is also a popular foodie destination. With its unique blends of international, Southwestern, and Mexican cuisine, this the place to enjoy a true tour of senses.
This high desert town has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Set at 7,000 feet in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this is the ideal place to go hiking and biking. Other outdoor sports like river rafting, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, fly-fishing, ice-skating, and swimming are popular here. You'll find plenty of yoga, Pilates, and other fitness classes in town, and many people flock here for the great downhill skiing between Thanksgiving and Easter.
You won't want to miss the St. Francis Cathedral, the San Miguel Mission, and the Santuario de Chimayo Church. Explore Santa Fe's cultural past with a visit to one of the eight Native American pueblos located nearby and see the past and present day life come together. Be sure to make time for the Nambe Pueblo, Ohkay Owingeh, the Picuris Pueblo, the Pojoaque Pueblo, and the San Ildefonso Pueblo.
If you're interested in New Mexico's desert wildlife, look no farther than Santa Fe's Randall Davey Audubon Center. You'll enjoy bird walks, nature talks, and plenty of wildlife at this 135-acre nature sanctuary in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos. Don't miss the historic buildings and the works of art by the late Santa Fe master. (1800 Upper Canyon Road, 505-983-4609)
Santa Fe may be known as a place to buy art, but it's also a center for people who want to make art. Even if you aren't a skilled painter, potter, or drawer, you'll find plenty of classes here that can help you improve in any art form you choose, from calligraphy to photography. And be sure not to miss museums like the New Mexico Museum of Art (formerly the Museum of Fine Arts), the three sites on Museum Hill, the Institute for American Indian Arts, and the ever-popular Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.
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Camping Hot Spots
