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« Previous Edition | This California Travel Edition Posted on 06/01/12 | Next Edition »

Visiting California's Central Valley

California’s Central Valley stretches from Sacramento, east of San Francisco and south through Stockton, Modesto and Fresno, to Bakersfield at the foothills of the Tehachapi Mountains. This is the season to enjoy the bounty of one of America’s most productive agricultural regions. Stop at fruit and vegetable stands as you travel down Interstate 5 and Highway 99 or stop at local Farmers Markets from Lodi and Lemoore to Firebaugh and Fresno. Enjoy America's favorite passtime with a day at Banner Island ballpark cheering on the MiLB Stockton Ports, the Fresno Grizzlies downtown at Chukchansi Park, or the Bakersfield Blaze at Sam Lynn Ballpark. Enjoy summer in central California.

Micke Grove Zoo in Lodi celebrates its 55th birthday throughout 2012. Look for special events and exhibits when you visit Lodi. The Micke Grove Zoo’s official 55th Birthday Celebration is August 5th – be sure to check out the exhibit of zoo photos and memorabilia collected from the Lodi community. Visit any time through September to see the 4th season of Lorikeets!, one of the zoo’s most popular exhibits.

Auto racing fans put Bakersfield on your itinerary for a visit this season. The Bakersfield Speedway bills itself as the west’s fastest 1/3-mile high banked clay oval, featuring the Bakersfield Weekly Racing Series, throughout the summer. The 2012 season features the USAC Midgets on September 22nd and the Bud Nationals, beginning on October 12th.

The Auto Club Famoso Raceway north of Bakersfield, features a full summer schedule of drag and nitro car racing, with the American Nostalgia Racing Association holding June and August events. Be sure to bring the kids along on your Bakersfield visit, for the Kart races at Buttonwillow Raceway Park. Buttonwillow Raceway is 28 miles northwest of Bakersfield and features over 40 different track configurations for events. Multiple events can be run at the same time, making for lots of excitement at the park.

August is a great time for a mountain getaway and the 49th Annual Tehachapi Mountain Festival, gives you a good reason. The Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce hosts the festival August 20th and 21st. Start Saturday day at the pancake breakfast, then stake out your spot for the Parade before joining the fun at Central Park. Browse the arts and crafts booths, refuel with BBQ or your choice of food, and enjoy the live entertainment and carnival. Don’t miss the gem and mineral show at St Malachy’s Catholic Church.

An ideal end to summer, the 2012 San Joaquin County Fair is September 20th through the 30th. With three concert stages and daily performances, pick your days for the traditional fair experience. See San Joaquin County’s best agriculture and livestock, enjoy the midway amusement rides and games. The San Joaquin County Fair of California has been a central valley tradition for over 150 years. Make your plan and arrive early, performances are free, but popular. The San Joaquin County fairgrounds are conveniently located between Interstate 5 and Highway 99 in south Stockton.