California's Central Valley, Fresno, Vasilia and Camp Nelson.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Cruising up the California Coast and then heading east on Highway 46 from Paso Robles is vinophile's nirvana (at least at least for the first dozen miles or so. You pass vineyard, and winery after vineyard and winery. Some 14 wineries make up the collection where you can even get a passport that you can collect stamps from the various wineries and thereby qualify for invitations to block parties and even a prize drawing. http://www.paso46westwineries.com/wineries.php




Castoro Cellars, "Dam Fine Wine, Donati Family Vineyard, Family. Estate. Vision with Italian treats, and Eagle Castle which has a moat.

Further along Highway 46 where it intersects with Highway 41 in the James Dean Memorial Highway. On September 30, 1955, dean had just finished filming Giant He was driving his new silver Porsche Spyder and collided with a 1950 Ford Custom Tudor.

The San Joaquin is a family-owned, boutique hotel situated in the prestigious Fig Garden District, steps from premier shopping, restaurants and nightlife. The nearby restaurant, The Elbow Room offer pick-up and drop off at the hotel.

The Elbow Room was established in 1955. Two locations later it now resides in Fresno's Fig Garden Village. The Elbow Room is a famous hangout for locals with great casual dining. Two patios, a lively bar and rooms with sports games (and enthusiastic fans) makes it lively. As a hotel guest they offer complimentary sauteed portabellow mushrooms. A nice, rich beginning. An authentic Caesar salad was a home run and big enough to split for two. A well grilled halibut served with potato cakes, string beans and mushrooms, The chile relaneo with rice and a black bean salad and salsa was surprisingly satisfying.

In the heart of the San Joaquin Valley is Vasila the oldest inland town between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It was part of the County of Mariposa and in 1852 was known as four creeks being the rivers that flow from the nearby Sierra Nevadas. It is the giant Sequoias that gave Vasila the tagline, "Where the Valley Meets The Giants". It grew during the gold rush and today has 121,000 inhabitants.

Main Street is filled with restaurants, antique shops and the Fox Theater. Fox built hundreds of theaters across the nation to promote their films. Six of them were in California, and the Visalia theatre opened in 1930 in the early days of "talking pictures.".

Heading east of Vasila into the Sequoia National Forest is home of the world's largest trees, the giant sequoias. Here too are glacier-carved landscapes, impressive granite monoliths and rushing rivers that create ideal swimming spots and trout fishing. This is home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest (by volume) tree in the world. About 275 feet tall, with a circumference of 102.6 feet at the base.

A secret destination in the Sequoias is Camp Nelson at about 4200 feet above sea level. It is known for hiking, fishing and swimming in the summertime. And in the winter, there is cross country skiing a few miles from Camp Nelson. A selection of mountain cabins are available for rent and wildlife abounds. From deer, bear, squrills, birds to red lizards and other reptiles. One of the most unique aspects of the area is the water. Not only clear, delicious spring water but actual carbonated mineral water --- just like Perrier - comes bubbling straight out of the ground. This naturally carbonated water is rich in minerals and locals swear that it makes pancakes. when used in the mix extra fluffy. Camp Nelson and the Sequoias are filled with the miracles of nature.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Fresno
• The Elbow Room Restaurant
• Vasila
• Camp Nelson
• Sequoia National Forest

[Nippervw]

Thank you! Please take a look at the video on this channel "Nipper Soda Spring" also shot near Camp Nelson. What was your mother's maiden name?

[cb1313bb]

so cool that you got to go to camp nelson, my family has a cabin there, and one of the streets is named after my mothers maiden name. cool spot :)