CM #48: Train Ride for the Holiday
Hey Friends!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Each week we bring you 6+ things that have to do with drinking, eating, and checking out in California. Thanks & Enjoy your read!
Be Well! Stay Safe!
Mark & Patti
Before We Start - Traveling for the Holiday
AAA is predicting the busiest Thanksgiving in several years.
And the estimates don't even count the many Americans who are expected to travel days ahead of the five-day peak period.
In all, AAA forecasts there will be 55.4 million people traveling, including more than 49 million Americans driving, between the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (November 23) and the Sunday after the holiday.
1. This Is One Of The Most Festive Holiday Train Rides In California
by Grace Jeremiah, The Travel
With its rolling green hills adorned with neatly groomed vineyards, pleasantly mild climate, and many hidden gems waiting to be explored, Napa Valley is the perfect escape destination. Besides its panoramic beauty, this destination is known to keep its visitors satisfied all year long and not only during the summer thanks to the countless things to do in what's known as California's Scenic Wine Region.
One of the most comfortable and efficient ways to discover this wine region is by taking a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train. While riding on a 150-year-old rail corridor in sophisticated 100-year-old railcars is a memorable experience in itself, there is something that makes this ride all the more magical during the festive season.
2. How to Ride Darker Waves (and Stay Dry) in Huntington Beach This Weekend
by Lina Lecaro, LA Mag
Gen-Xers who grew up with new wave and what many today generalize as “goth" have had some impressive line-ups to dress up in black for the past few years. In truth, those of us who connected with the sensual angst and allure of new romantic, dark wave and death rock music in the '80s never stopped donning our favorite non-color, and now that we’re all grown up, we never miss a chance to seep ourselves in the cool nostalgia of our adolescent idols and their music, even when the weather ain't so cool.
3. Sonic Runway
by Atlas Obscura
A SERIES OF 25 LARGE metal circles that stand in front of San Jose’s City Hall look totally innocuous in the daytime, but turn into a skater and photographer’s magnet at night. Zooming through the tunnel at speed almost feels like zipping through a wormhole, and synchronized music timed to the rippling lights makes for a trippy experience.
4. Dunsmuir-Best Water on Earth
Start with an endless blue sky. Punctuate the vista with rugged snow-frosted mountains and the highest free-standing volcano in North America. Fold the land into a canyon… through its center runs a river bountiful with granddaddy trout and world-class fishing.
Right beside the river, set down an old-fashioned town with no stop lights, no parking meters, no traffic, and few worries. Step back to a simpler time, a time when shopkeepers ask, “How’s the family doing?” or people smile as they pass on the street.
5. San Francisco is a ghost town this week
by Amy Graff, SF Gate
The only signs of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit were fleets of police officers on motorcycles zipping around and a few people with APEC lanyards around their necks. Up the hill, fencing surrounded the Fairmont Hotel, where President Joe Biden is staying as he meets with other world leaders in San Francisco. On Tuesday afternoon, a group of six people stood at the top of the hill at Powell and California streets, where the cable car usually rolls by, waiting for a chance to see Biden's motorcade.
6. 5 Exhilarating Hiking Trails in the Sierra Nevada
by Team California.com
Nestled in the majestic realm of California and Nevada, the Sierra Nevada is not just a mountain range—it's a hiker's paradise. With its awe-inspiring peaks, serene lakes, and diverse ecosystems, this region offers some of the most exhilarating hiking trails in the United States. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting, these five trails in the Sierra Nevada are sure to offer an unforgettable experience.