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« Previous Edition | This California Travel Edition Posted on 01/25/12 | Next Edition »

Visiting California's Central Valley

It’s the season for planting in California’s central valley. One of America’s most productive produce regions runs over 400-miles between the Sierra Nevada’s and the California coastal mountains. This is the season the central valley grower’s focus on celery, bell peppers, peas and radishes. The fragrant smell of mint, oregano and tarragon soon fills the California air. From Redding and Sacramento in the Sacramento Valley to Fresno and Bakersfield in the San Joaquin Valley agriculture reigns.

Tulare, 45-miles south of Fresno on the Golden State Highway, welcomes the world’s largest agriculture expo in February. Tulare’s International Agri-Center hosts the 2012 World Ag Expo mid-February. This year’s event marks the 45th anniversary of the Ag Expo and features over 1,600 exhibitors showcasing the latest agriculture products. The International Agri-Center is the place to be for growers.

Sports fans get ready for March Madness in Fresno. The Save Mart Center at Fresno State hosts the 2012 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Championship March 24 and 26. Also home to Fresno State University men and women’s basketball regular season play. The Save Mart Center regularly fills with the excitement of basketball this time of year.

Runners and cyclists mark May on your calendar for the Eye-Q California Classic Weekend. Fresno hosts the 2012 California Classic May 17 through the 20, with the bike ride on Saturday and half-marathon on Sunday. Runners enjoy the course, which winds through Fresno’s Chaffe Zoo, the Tower District and finishes in downtown Fresno at Chukchansi Stadium. The ride is the only one in California that closes down a freeway. New in 2012, the 10-mile section of the ride on California State Freeway 168 is timed, and a King and Queen of the Freeway are crowned.

Merced, 60-miles northwest of Fresno on Highway 99, is a gateway to Yosemite National Park. Spring is an ideal time to visit, with cool weather sans summer crowds, Yosemite is delightful. Merced hosts the 2012 MERCO Cycling Classic March 1 through the 4. Visit for the classic and see the excitement of world-class bike racing. New for 2012, a Masters 35+ Stage race is added – bike racers don’t miss the MERCO Classic.

Anchoring the south end of California’s central valley, Bakersfield is coming alive for spring. Join the trill of the 2012 Western Street Rod Nationals at Kern County Fairgrounds. Bakersfield hosts the NSRA Western Nationals April 27 through the 29. Racing fans and car enthusiasts alike, enjoy this weekend in Bakersfield. May is the time for music lovers to visit Bakersfield. California State University, Bakersfield hosts the 2012 Bakersfield Jazz Festival May 11 and 12. Enjoy this Bakersfield “Rite of Spring” at the CSUB Amphitheatre.