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Local Secrets, Big Finds - California

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View 2007 Local Secrets, Big Finds
Salt Point Photo Courtesey of California State Parks.
Get in on the Secret
Still family owned and run, natives rate this "the best ice cream in California." Whether you love the Dewar's chews, the candies, or the ice cream, after you come once, you'll be hooked for life. Read more.

Oak Hill Farm
Glen Ellen

707.996.6643
A visit to Oak Hill Farm is reminiscent of "living in the country back when you got everything fresh" or going to a farmer's market "in a pastoral farm setting." Oak Hill lies on 45 acres of productive farmland within 700 acres at the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains in Glen Ellen. The main building is the Red Barn Store, a "big red barn where they sell the freshest of everything" including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and more. Visitors in the fall will have their pick of "huge pumpkins;" and, in the winter, "beautiful, unique, and very natural wreaths" pack the barn. Read more.

Dry Creek Bar
Healdsburg

707.431.1543
Located in one of Sonoma County's "premier vineyard and winery areas," Dry Creek Bar is "the place to go once the tasting rooms close." Part of the historic Dry Creek General Store (which served farmers of the valley for generations), the bar is "favored by locals" and the deli sells picnic food to pair with your favorite wine. Although you can go anytime, the best time to visit is right before sunset so you can snag a spot on the "wide front porch" with a frosty mug of locally brewed beer and enjoy "some of the best views in the valley."

Silent Movie Theatre
Los Angeles

323.655.2520
Silent Movie Theatre
In the mood for a Laurel and Hardy classic? Then come to this 62-year-old Hollywood theatre where "only silent films are shown." Here, early film classics are presented the way they should be--"accompanied by a soundtrack performed live on a Wurlitzer." The theatre first opened with Cecil B. DeMille's The King of Kings, and over the course of its history has showcased a wide range of screen legends. It's a "great introduction into early Hollywood history" and vintage "fun for the whole family." Read more.

California Poppy Festival
Lancaster

A "splash of color" will greet you as you enter Lancaster's California Poppy Festival, where you can see miles of open land cover the "most beautiful poppies Mother Nature has to offer." The festival draws upward of 45,000 visitors annually and features more than 300 booths selling arts and crafts, flowers, food and other items. Children can ride carnival rides, pan for gold and make adobe. A Celtic area features music, dog shows, and medieval demonstrations. End your evening with a glass of wine and listen to some jazz as local musicians harmonize with the sunset. Read more.

California Small Brewers Festival
Mountain View

If you're in the mood for "good food, good music, and good drink," head to "one of the first small brewer's festivals in existence," where you have the chance to taste over 150 beers, from Alaska Brewing Company to Wyder's Cider. "All work is done by volunteers" at this charity event, and you can purchase a taste packet that includes a glass and about eight tastes. Here, "beer is the art form," so if you can tell your stouts from your porters, come and taste the offerings from microbreweries in California and nearby states.

Stump Beach
Sonoma County

707.847.3221
Stump Beach
For an "amazing coastal site" with "wonderful rock formations" and a "lush field that is comparable to areas in Ireland," Stump Beach gives access to the coastal hiking trails of Salt Point State Park. While "it almost looks like you're hiking the terrain on a different planet," the sandstone here was used to pave the streets of San Francisco. "Very few people seem to know of this attraction," giving visitors all the more room to stretch out while fishing, picnicking, and horseback riding among the bishop pines. Read more.

Pedro's Tacos
San Clemente

949.498.5904
For quick eats on the go, this "little hole in the wall," "walk-up taco stand" has "great burritos and rolled tacos smothered in guacamole." "You can probably get full on $2," which is why you'll see lots of surfers here after working up an appetite on the waves. Whether you go for fish tacos or giant bean and cheese burritos, this "is a great place to stop on the way home from a day at the beach."

Filbert Street Walk
San Francisco

One of the lesser-known attractions in San Francisco, the Filbert Street Walk is a series of stairs and landings covered with roses, fuchsias, irises, and trumpet flowers. It takes you past the many historical sites of San Francisco including Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and several 19th century cottages. Filbert Street runs on the west side of Coit Tower and although "many people won't want to attempt the walk up the steep hill," Coit Tower has been providing tourists "spectacular views" of the city since 1933. From this tower you can get "one of the best" views of Alcatraz in the city!

Dewars
Bakersfield

661.322.0933
A Bakersfield institution for almost 100 years, it's like "taking a time machine back a few decades." This sweet shop is home to the only original, old-fashioned soda fountain in town; and 26 pink leather stools add to its unique charm.
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