 Experience all things cheese.  Stockton Asparagus Festival Celebrate the ultimate spring veggie  Pedal along the San Joaquin River Parkway.  A great place to get fresh in Fresno.
Drive through the Central Valley, and you’ll see evidence of how life here has historically revolved around agriculture. You’ll find incredible farmer’s markets, roadside produce stands, and festivals that celebrate local specialties: wine, tomatoes, asparagus, cheese and more. The region’s major cities, including Bakersfield, Fresno and Stockton, offer many attractions including museums, concerts, racing, country music and unique gardens. See the Central Valley Tourism Association website  for more details about the area.
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Perhaps most well known for its country music history (think Buck
Owens, Gene Autry, and Merle Haggard), Bakersfield also has a symphony
orchestra, art and history museums. Farther north in Fresno, you can
catch a live music or theater show at the historic Tower Theater.
Stockton boasts of downtown galleries, a children’s museum, and the
Haggin Museum, called “one of the under sung gems of California” by
Sunset magazine. In Modesto, you can learn about the Central
Valley itself at the Great Valley Museum, or cruise the loop made
popular in the movie American Graffiti. |
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California has family-friendly fun for every member of your brood, young or old. From theme parks galore with the latest rides and roller coasters, to up-close encounters with animals and history alike, grab the relatives and hit the road for a groovy California getaway! |
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Stretching over 400 miles, the rich soil and unique landscape of the Central Valley has produced a bountiful crop of distinct and affordable golf courses. Explore the hidden gems of California's heartland. |
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The 400-mile long, mostly flat Central Valley is home to two wetland
wildlife refuges, which make for excellent bird watching and easy hikes.
The region’s many rivers and lakes offer fishing, boating, and
whitewater rafting. Lesser-traveled roads are great for biking through
the countryside. |
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Vacaville’s Premium Outlets draw crowds from miles around for great
deals on popular brands. The Fulton Street pedestrian mall in Fresno
makes for a pleasant shopping afternoon, among fountains, sculpture and
gardens. Another fun stop is the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, where
you can take a tour and get a bag of “belly flops,” the jellybean
mistakes! Bargain treasure hunters: take note of Stockton’s three flea
markets (two on Saturday and Sunday, plus one on Thursday). And of
course, if you drive through the Central Valley any time of year, you’ll
pass fresh fruit and vegetable stands selling just-picked produce right
off the farm. Can’t beat that. |
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In the Central Valley, Lodi has recently emerged as a trendsetter with its Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing. One of the valley's best kept secrets is the Madera Wine Trail , just across the river from Fresno, where you can find world class dessert wines and ports. Fine restaurants throughout the Central Valley make use of the fresh meats, produce and dairy products of the region. For some hidden gems, you're sure to find plenty of them in this region.
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Central Valley Events
May 31, 13 - Aug 16, 13 Jun 1, 13
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