This historical settlement dates back to 1812, when it was an important trading post that helped send vital food supplies to the pioneer communities in Alaska. Be sure to visit the chapel and the Rotchey House?one of the few surviving original structures. They've also reconstructed the blockhouses and stockades, to give visitors a chance to get a ?feel? of life in early America.
2. Visit Lake Sonoma, Healdsburg
Lake Sonoma has something for everyone?families, couples, or even individuals seeking a few hours of serene solitude. You can hike, swim, ride a boat or a horse, hunt, and even set up camp.
There are nearly 17,700 acres to explore, full of trails and groves full of oak, madrone, alder, redwood and bay trees. These encircle the lake and the surrounding hills, and are full of amazing wildlife?deer, rabbits, birds, and one of America's endangered species, the peregrine falcon. In early spring and summer, the forest floor is carpeted with wildflowers of every color.
Bring a picnic basket and a camera?this is one place you can't miss.
3. Experience a Scenic Air Tour ?Above California?
Experience California from a completely different perspective ? from the air! These amazing aerial tours will take you through the famous Sonoma and Napa Wine Country? through vineyards and valleys, over the mountain peaks and the rippling waters of the Pacific Coast. You'll even get to see places accessible only through plane (and imagine what kind of pictures you'll be able to take!).
All pilots are FAA certified, and give an informed and interesting commentary on the region's history, geography and ecosystems. Truly an ?Experience of a Lifetime? you'll remember forever.
Visitors can also ask for customized tours and photography flights. Visit www.sonomacountyairport.com/scenic-air-tours.php for more information or call North Coast Air at: 707-542-8687 (TOUR).
4. Cruise Along America's Famous Hwy. 1
They don't call this American Road for nothing. California's state route, Highway 1, takes visitors past one of the world's longest stretches of coastlines. Enjoy mile after mile of ocean view, refreshing breeze, and clear, blue sky. Then, stretch your legs at any of the many golden beaches. Dive into the water, work on that tan, or lounge in the shade with a cold drink and a good nook.
5. ?Ooh and Aah? at The Old Faithful Geyser
Think of geysers as natural recurring steam baths. These stone cones cast a scalding fountain of water up to 75 feet into the air. However, most breakouts are irregular and unpredictable?only three in the world actually have constant, predictable eruptions.
One of them is found in Calistoga. This Old Faithful erupts every 20 to 30 minutes, though rainfall can cause it to ?blow? more frequently, but with less intensity. Visitors say it's an ?amazing experience? that draws oohs and aahs every time. Pack a picnic lunch and grab a table near the geyser.
6. Be a Farmer for a Day on ?Sonoma County Farm Trails?
For one day, you can experience being farmer for day'go berry picking, feed the sheep and llamas, and bite into apples that had been picked off the branches just minutes before. You can get free trail maps that will lead you though different produce farms, breweries, cheese factories and wineries. You can also buy fruits and vegetables directly from the farmer.
You can also sign up for the Gravenstein Apple Fair held every year from August 11 to 12. For more information, visit www.farmtrails.org
7. Enjoy Ferrari Carano Winery
In just 2 decades the Ferrari-Carano winery had become one of America's leading producers of world class wines. You can schedule a wine tasting tour from Monday to Saturday, and avail of any of the several fun but informative programs. Sample different vintages, paired with cheese, chocolate and dried fruit.
Test your ?smell memory?. Find out how to pair wine with different dishes. Or, ask for a customized tour (by appointment only).
Schedule wine tours by emailing Mandy Cuthbert at mandy@fcwinery.com. You can also take your trip to ?new heights? with an amazing aerial tour of the region's vineyards. Visit http://www.SonomaCountyAirport.com to book your memorable scenic air tour.
8. Visit Ancient Redwood Trees at Petrified Forest, Calistoga
Geologists say that the Petrified Forest in Calistoga has one of the world's best fossil forests. These ancient redwood trees were buried under tons of volcanic ash, freezing life as it was 3,000 years ago. So, when you walk through the woods, you literally walk back in time?seeing insects and animals (some of them now extinct), ancient leaves turned to stone, caught mid-furl.
The park is dotted with signposts that explain key fossils and geology. At the end of the 20 minute tour, visitors can relax in the picnic area.
9. Go on a Wild Safari at ?Safari West Animals?
This unique 400 acre wildlife preserve is home to over 400 animals and birds, some of them endangered. There are zebras, giraffes, lemurs, several cats and much, much more. Great for families and all nature lovers, it's the closest people can get to an ?African reserve? while on American soil.
The tours last three hours each and are led by an experienced naturalist. Visitors are also free to explore the inner compound at leisure, where they can make friends with friendly animals like giraffes and moneys, and enjoy the music of the birds in the open-air aviary.
Entrance fee is $58 per person. For more information, visit http://www.safariwest.com
10. Come Say ?Hi? to Snoopy at the Charles M Schulz Museum
The world owes much to Charles M. Schultz, the creator of the beloved comic strip, Peanuts. His lovable characters were not only funny, but often incredibly philosophical?from the existential angst of Charlie Brown, to the carefree spirit of Snoopy.
Charles Schultz? closest friends and family established the Schultz museum in 2002, in the heart of his hometown, Sonoma County. Collections include over 6,000 drawings, samples of thematic work from 1950 to 2000, and priceless preliminary sketches for Peanuts.
Direct flights straight into the heart of the Wine Country are now available at none other than the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport. The Airport was recently re-named to pay tribute to the local artist.
Discover all you need to know about visiting the California Wine Country at:
http://www.SonomaCountyAirport.com
While you're there, make sure to sign up to win a FREE Trip to the Wine Country - one lucky winner is chosen every 30 days.
Top Tourist Attractions In The World
The Idea for national parks first started in the United States and one of the first national park was Yosemite of course.
Since that time many other countries have adopted this way of protecting and preserving the unspoilt habitats of the world for future generations and for the preservation of endangered species as well.
The New Forest has a few endangered species itself but nothing like the American bald eagle that is now increasing in numbers due thankfully. The New Forests most wildly known species are of course the deer and the lovable little roguish New Forest Pony.
Centuries and centuries ago the New Forest was to all intents and purposes open land but then one of the kings on of the day decided to make it a royal forest only to be used for the royal pursuit of hunting, and local folk who had lived off the land for centuries found themselves unable to hunt the land for food to feed their family, penalties for contravening the law were severe and in later time fatal.
Fortunately over time sanity prevailed and today you will find many animals wandering the forest grazing as the local "commoners" exercise their right to graze their live stock on the common ground.
The New Forest is also home top some of the oldest woodland in England with an oak tree said to be over 400 years old, Not as grand and the giant redwoods although there are a few of those here as well.
A holiday in the New Forest opens up a wide diversity of activities for those on vacation here from simply going on one of the forest walks to mountain biking (only not too many mountains here so very suitable for younger children) and if you are a horse rider then you will be in seventh heaven as there are no riding restriction across the open country side.
If you are having a family holiday the Park has a number of really olde worlde New Forest cottages you can rent and if you have a penchant for the quaint then you will just love the old thatched roofs and if your lucky gardens that literally take you out into the forest from your back door.
If you prefer the outdoor lifestyle then the forest has a number of designated campsites with and without facilities so you can camp the easy way or the hard way , the choice is up to you.
One of the most popular areas of the New Forest has to be the picturesque Village of Beaulieu which is actually part of a massive 7000 acre estate (by UK standards) estate belonging to the Montagu family who's ancesters have owned the land and property since the early 1500 after the dissolution of the monastries by King Henry VIII.
Part of the estate is used for the National Motor Museum which must rank as one of the best museums of automotive history in the world with exhibits that span motoring history not only by age but also by achievement as a number of land speed record breakers are exhibited here.
There is also the Abbey to visit which whilst not to much to see these days still gives you an idea of the grandeur and power of the church in early british history.
Beaulieu Palace house contrary to what was considered traditional in the day was not built on the Abbey grounds but evolved from what was originally the Abbey gatehouse.
A holiday in this part of England isn't only restricted to the forest though as just a short drive away you have some of the best beaches in England all with blue flag designations for their cleanliness. Bournemouth is even going to have its own artificial reef built here after many years in planning and it will be the first of its kind in the northern hemisphere.
Poole in the neighbouring county of Dorset has many claims to fame, from the many celebrities that live in what is the most expensive part of England to the stunning natural beauty of one of the worlds largest natural harbours. That's what you must pay to rub shoulders with the Rich and Famous I guess.
I don't think anyone in their right mind could argue that The South Coast is a truly magical family holiday destination
Both Nancy Hayssen & Dave Talbot are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
