Tourism By Region

Welcome to Breckenridge, Colorado. Breckenridge is a 148-year-old quaint Victorian town in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. As one of the nation’s premier year-round resorts, Breckenridge has an incredible selection of recreational activities. Breckenridge Central Reservations offers the widest variety of lodging options with local experts to guide you. In the 1800s travelers flooded into Breckenridge with the hopes of earning their riches in gold. Today, travelers experience a vacation rich in activities as well as history. This is the most comprehensive site to learn more about all Breckenridge has to offer for your next getaway. Of course, at the Breckenridge Resort Chamber, we believe that experiencing our town is ultimately the best way to learn about it! Breckenridge is a 148-year-old quaint Victorian town in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. As one of the nation’s premier year-round resorts, Breckenridge offers an incredible selection of activities. Whether you desire fresh air and sunshine, playing hard and breaking sweat, or the pursuit of fine art, music and a scrumptious meal, this historic mining town offers it all. Historic Breckenridge Significant Dates in Breckenridge History 1859 – BreckINridge founded – gold discovered along the Blue River 1860 – Breckinridge built a post office & town population reached 75-100. The town’s first stagecoach arrived 1861 – Town changed its spelling to BreckENridge after former U.S. Vice President namesake became a Confederate Brigadier General in the Civil War 1870 – Hydraulic Placer Mine introduced 1879 – Father Dyer “The Itinerant Preacher” started his church 1880 – Gold mining boom time & Breckenridge established its historic fire department during a raging forest fire that threatened to destroy the town 1882 – South Park & Pacific Railroads constructed a Breckenridge depot with rail service to Breckenridge over Boreas Pass 1887 – “Tom’s Baby,” a 13.5-pound gold nugget discovered near Breckenridge 1889 – Breckenridge population exploded to number in the 1000’s 1898 – Pug Ryan and his gang held up Breckenridge’s elaborate Denver Hotel. It snowed in Breckenridge for 79 days straight, forcing townspeople to build snow tunnels to get around town 1900 – Phones and electricity introduced to town. The Denver Times described Breckenridge as “a camp that has turned out more gold with less work than any camp in Colorado.” 1936 – “Kingdom of Breckenridge” first included in U.S. Map 1942 – World War II forced the end of the dredging industry 1960 – Breckenridge population dwindled to 393 1961 – Breckenridge Ski Area opened on Peak 8 1963 – First “Ullr Dag” festival celebrated in Breckenridge, now known as Ullr Fest 1971 – Peak 9 opened 1973 – Eisenhower Tunnel completed on I-70 1981 – Historic structures entered as a National Register Historic District 1985 – Peak 10 opened 1990 – Breckenridge population reached 1,285 1993 – Riverwalk Center and Peak 7 opened 1999 – Breckenridge population reached 2,399 2001 – Breckenridge Golf Club opened 9 new holes for a total of 27-holes – all Jack Nicklaus-designed 2003 – Breckenridge population reached 3,182 2004 – Barney Ford House Museum opened For more information on the history of Breckenridge, contact the Summit Historical Society at 970-453-9022 or summithistorical.org. Breckenridge History Details In 1859, as the Gold Rush moved West, an industrious individual by the name of General George E. Spencer, future U.S. Senator, journeyed to Denver with many others in hopes of finding gold. Twenty-nine men and a lone woman departed Denver and eventually descended into the Blue Valley, where they pitched a tent alongside the Blue River. The discovery party erected a small fort and named it “Fort Mary B” in honor of the first woman to cross the range. The boisterous mining camp filled the once-quiet mountain air with the sounds of progress. Wanting a post office, the camp named itself after 15th President James Buchanan’s Vice President, John Cabell Breckinridge. Spencer’s plan worked and the flattered Vice President arranged for the “town” of BreckINridge to gain a post office on January 18, 1860. A month later the town became part of a newly formed, Colorado Territory. A few years later, when Abraham Lincoln sat in the Oval Office and Breckinridge represented Kentucky in the Senate, the Civil War fractured the nation. Breckinridge, in opposition to Lincoln’s war plan, left the Senate and became a Brigadier General in the Confederate Army. The Town of BreckINridge, a Union-allied Colorado Territory, changed the spelling of its name to the current day BreckENridge. In the 1860s, Father John Lewis Dyer, an itinerant Methodist minister who embraced mountain life, traveled to Breckenridge. He regularly skiied across the Continental Divide on 12-foot, wooden skis to deliver sacks of gold, mail and the Gospel. He founded a Methodist Church in 1879 which remains active today in its original structure. Another founder of the town, Naturalist Edwin Carter, came to Colorado during the 1859 Gold Rush. After witnessing the destruction that mining and a growing population wreaked on local wildlife, he changed his goals and embarked on a career as a naturalist. During his lifetime, Carter assembled over 15,000 specimens, many of which launched the Denver Museum of Natural History. The Carter Museum in Breckenridge displays many of these pieces currently. In 1879, Ford’s Chophouse opened in the heart of town. Barney Lancelot Ford, Colorado’s first great leader of African American Heritage, became Breckenridge’s first black businessman when he opened his restaurant. He owned several businesses in Breckenridge and, at one time, the finest house in Breckenridge, now preserved as the Barney Ford House Museum. Highlights of Ford’s life story include his escape from slavery, work on the Underground Railroad in Chicago, far-flung business endeavors and initiating the first adult education program in the state. Immortalized in stained glass in the rotunda dome of the Colorado Capitol, along with Father John Lewis Dyer, Ford earned recognition as one of the state’s 16 Founding Fathers. In 1882, the railroad arrived in Breckenridge. The Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad wound its way across Boreas Pass from Denver to Como and made Breckenridge a main thoroughfare in the Rocky Mountains, especially due to its post office. On Nov. 27, 1898, it began to snow in Breckenridge and continued to fall until Feb. 20, 1899. The railroad could not battle the winds and the 40-foot snow drifts. Snow rose to rooftop levels causing businessmen to dig tunnels across Main Street to provide foot access. Breckenridge remained isolated from the outside world for 79 days. Any mining town worth mentioning has a tale of the “big strike.” On July 23, 1887, Tom Groves discovered the largest gold nuggest ever found in Colorado. He trudged in to town cradling a blanket-wrapped bundle that gained the name, Tom’s Baby, and weighed 13.5 pounds. Three days later, he put the nugget on a train to Denver. No one reported its whereabouts for 85 years until, in 1972, the Colorado State Historical Museum investigated gold specimens deposited in 1926 in a Denver bank. They found Tom’s Baby, but it had shed over five pounds during its disappearance. Unfounded rumors surrounding the nugget’s location between 1887 and 1926 include a display at the Smithsonian, the Peabody Museum, Harvard University and Chicago’s Field Museum. Mining continued to support Breckenridge as the 20th century dawned. The need for soldiers during World War II caused the massive dredge boats that had chewed their way up and down the valley waterways to halt after decades of activity. Then, for more than 20 years, Breckenridge sat quietly, waiting for its next big boom. That boom arrived and has proved as historically monumental as any other chapter ever written in the annals of Breckenridge. The discovery of “white gold,” or snow skiing, put the town on international maps. For more information view the www.summithistorical.org Web site. View deals on Breckenridge Lodging. Considering purchasing property in Breckenridge? Contact us for a free relocation packet. If you are interested in seasonal employment or accommodations, or are looking for rental property, check out the Summit Daily News. If you are interested in short-term (28 days or less) accommodations, please call Breckenridge Central Reservations at 800-221-1091. Request a Free Vacation Planner.

We've compiled an outstanding group of historic sites, which we believe will provide you with memorable experiences. Visitors can indulge in the glittering-gold of Colorado’s precious ore history, treat their children to a taste of early 1900s living on the open prairie, or even catch a show at historic and talent-filled fine arts centers. In Colorado, our past permeates every corner of the state, and it’s yours to enjoy. Denver Area The Black American West Museum and Five Points Neighborhood – This museum pays homage to black pioneers, and chronicles their often-overlooked contributions to building the Western frontier. Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton all laid down smokin’ jazz licks at this historic neighborhood’s venues. Jack Kerouac even gave homage to Five Points in his generation-defining novel, On The Road. Colorado State Capitol – Colorado’s state capitol is built with one of the most precious stones around. Do you know what it is? Front Range Region Central City Opera House –Ornate, nostalgic and remarkably preserved, the Central City Opera House is a beloved bastion of performing arts in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Colorado Chautauqua – Take a respite filled with tranquility, nature, intellectual stimulation and maybe even a live concert, at Colorado’s very own Chautaqua. Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District – Maps of Colorado are dotted with mining boomtowns that added the trademark glitter to Colorado’s gold and silver industry. Georgetown and Silver Plume are two of the most renowned. Old Fort Collins/Cache la Poudre National Heritage Area –Running through a landscape memorialized in James A Michener’s novel, Centennial, the nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, the Cache la Poudre is the lifeblood of historic Fort Collins and the outlying Cache la Poudre National Heritage Area. South Central Region Fine Arts Center of Colorado Springs – Located in the heart of Colorado Springs, this Art Deco gem continues to serve the community with flourishing arts programs and performances. Town of San Luis – Established in 1851, Colorado’s oldest town is a mosaic of history, Hispano culture and religious significance. Town of Leadville –This National Historic Landmark District was once Colorado’s second largest city. Situated at a lofty 10,152 feet above sea level, Leadville is also the highest incorporated city in North America. Southwest Region Chimney Rock Archaeological Area – Displaying the Ancestral Puebloan’s interaction with the earth and the cosmos, this significant and intriguing archaeological site truly possesses a timeless aura. Mesa Verde National Park – Mesa Verde holds the distinction of being the first national park in the United States to be set aside for preserving the works of humankind. Town of Silverton – With a thriving National Historic Landmark District at its core — and the option of arriving via narrow gauge train, a high country four-wheel trail or historic highway — this legendary mining town of the San Juan Mountains is pure vintage. Ute Mountain Tribal Park – Follow a trained Ute Indian guide through the rugged backcountry and into an important piece of the region’s Ancestral Puebloan and Ute history. Northwest Region Canyon Pintado – Spanish for “Painted Canyon,” and named for the Fremont Indian rock art that adorns the walls of this canyon, Canyon Pintado has history carved and painted onto stone. Town of Meeker – Teddy Roosevelt spent some of his time in this historic town hunting and trying to get away from it all — if only for a while. The neighborly-feel that brought President Roosevelt to town is still drawing visitors today. Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts Camp – “All the world is a stage,” and Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts Camp teaches people to act in it. As the oldest continuously operating performing arts camp in the country, the arts camp has molded a wealth of burgeoning talent. Southeast Region Bent’s Old Fort – Before there was a gold rush, there was a fur rush, and Bent’s Old Fort served as the focal point as trappers, traders and settlers established commerce in Colorado. Town of Boggsville – See an authentic and abandoned plains settlement that has provided key insights to archeologists about life on the prairie in the mid-1800s. Trinidad History Museum/El Corazón de Trinidad National Historic District – Between cattle barons, Santa Fe Trail voyagers and modern-day residents who wouldn’t let the community’s history fade away, Trinidad offers travelers a town filled with rich and compelling stories. Northeast Region Town of Fort Morgan – What could a landmark bridge, the Overland Trail and famed Big Band leader Glenn Miller have in common? Visit Fort Morgan and you’ll find out. Kit Carson County Carousel – A veritable zoo of carousel animals trot circles around a fully restored antique organ. For only 25 cents you can ride atop these delicately sculpted and magical creatures that are reminiscent of days gone by. Not sure of what to do with the family? Trying to accommodate everyone? Well, consider these ready-made family friendly activities, and bring smiles to the faces of every generation. Get the kids excited about Colorado with games and interesting facts here. Features Articles: A Colorado Icon Turns 100 Years Old: The National Western Stock Show: Drawing crowds in the hundreds of thousands, the National Western Stock Show in Denver rightfully earns its place as . . . A Denver Shopping Spree: Great Areas to Shop: Denver shopping is more than cowboy boots and belt buckles. Trendy boutiques, world-class salons and an array of art can . . . A Hot Spring Tour of Northwest and Southwest Colorado: Dip your toes into the hot pools of comfort, then let the rest of your body slide slowly past the water's surface until . . . A Sampling of Events Around Colorado in January and February: I’m interested in the: Denver Area South Central Region Southwest Region Front Range Northwest Region Southeast . . . A Sampling of Events Around Colorado in March and April: I’m interested in the: South Central Region Front Range Region Southwest Region Northeast Region Denver Area Northwest . . . A Sampling of Events Around Colorado in May and June, 2007: Information on Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials (Hotchkiss) Mother’s Day Lunch at the Denver Botanic Gardens (Denver) Estes . . . A Sampling of Events Around Colorado: December and January: Denver (Denver Area) Christkindl Market: November 24–December 22, 2006 For more than 500 years, Germany has been . . . A Sampling of Fairs and Festivals Around Colorado: July/August: Colorado Shakespeare Festival, July 5–August 17 Boulder, Front Range Dust off your complete works and get ready . . . A Sampling of Fairs and Festivals Around Colorado: June /July: Summer events in Colorado are as varied as the state itself. In fact, there are hundreds to choose from. Into art shows . . . A Sampling of Fairs and Festivals Around Colorado: November and December: Denver (Denver Area) Starz Denver International Film Festival: November 9–19, 2006 Nearly 175 independent movies . . . A Sampling of Fairs and Festivals Around Colorado: October and November: Corn Maze at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield: September 8–October 31, 2006 Denver Area: Littleton Eight acres . . . A Sampling of Fairs and Festivals Around Colorado: September/October: Telluride (Southwest) Telluride Blues & Brews Festival: September 15–17 Three full days of music pours out of Telluride . . . A Sampling of Fairs and Festivals Around the State: May/June: 5th Annual Festival of Brewpubs (Arapahoe Basin) May 28 — Northwest Colorado: Here’s your chance to sample . . . Baseball with Altitude: The Colorado Rockies Take to Coors Field: Long, long drives to center field, diving catches, double plays and scorching fastballs are on their way back to Colorado. . . . Beringer Denver Restaurant Week 2006 (Feb. 25–Mar. 3): Denver is a food connoisseur’s delight, where those wishing to indulge in culinary talent are seldom disappointed. For . . . Big Screen Colorado: Famous Movies Filmed in Colorado: Show me movies made in Colorado in the: 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 1950s Around the . . . Breckenridge for the Bunch: Breckenridge is arguably one of Colorado's most adorable mountain towns. With one of the state's largest and most intact . . . Colorado Wines: A Toast to Colorado: In Colorado, local vintners are eager to let you sample wine from their casks and tour the rows of hearty grapes. Here, . . . Cowboys Ride at the 2007 National Western Stock Show: Information on: General Information Rodeo Stock Show Horse Show Special Events Exhibits General Information Dates: . . . Critter Watch: Top Places to See Colorado’s Wildlife : For more information: Alamosa NWR Browns Park NWR Barr Lake SP Bonny Lake SP/South Republican . . . Denver for the Family: Folks in Colorado believe that the family that plays together, stays together. That's why we're thrilled to be able to offer . . . Driving to Colorado From the Arizona State Line: Hwy. 160 East: Information on: Highway 160 Gas-Saving Tips Highway 160 Once you cross the border, Highway 160 travels . . . Driving to Colorado From the Kansas State Line: I-70 and Hwy. 50 West: Information on: Interstate 70 Highway 50 Gas Saving Tips Interstate 70 This major thoroughfare bisects the . . . Driving to Colorado From the Oklahoma State Line: Highway 287/385 North West: Hwy. 287/385 North Plains gather at the edges of the road and spread out for miles into the horizon along Hwy. 287/385 . . . Each End of the Spectrum: Colorado's Biggest, Smallest, Highest and Lowest Attributes: Information on: Colorado’s Oldest Town Colorado’s Highest Town Colorado’s Lowest Town Colorado’s Tallest Fourteener Colorado’s . . . Family Friendly Adventures Throughout Colorado: Ever notice how a child can delight in the single petal of a wildflower? Or how the color of a sunset seems even more brilliant . . . Family Fun at the Colorado State Fair: August 25–September 4: From August 25–September 4, the town of Pueblo in Southeast Colorado kicks up its heels and lets loose at this family event. . . . Family Fun in Denver: Information on: Childrens Museum Park System Denver Zoo Wings Over the Rockies Butterfly Pavilion Children’s . . . Family Fun Just Outside Denver: Once upon a time, there was a wild man named Bill; and now he's buried on the hill. We're talking about Buffalo Bill of course, . . . From Rattlesnake to Buffalo: Out of the Ordinary Food in Colorado: “Tastes like chicken” is an all-to-often used phrase when describing a new venture placed upon the palate. This is far . . . Homegrown Food in Colorado: The What and Where of Fresh Eats: Maybe it’s the countless number of sunny days we have, the fresh water caught by the Rocky Mountains, or perhaps the effect . . . Ice Skating In the Front Range: Whether you gracefully glide or awkwardly totter across the ice, Colorado’s outdoor rinks deliver solid scenic venues for . . . Kid-Friendly Colorado: Sometimes the best vacations are the ones that leave room for spontaneity. Here are some tips as you plan your Rocky Mountain . . . Quirky Colorado: Events, Fairs and Festival that are Genuinely Out of the Ordinary: Colorado’s events are diverse, from the grit of rodeos to high-culture of wine tasting; they cover the spectrum of interests. . . . Roads from Nebraska Lead to the Heart of Colorado: Driving I-76 and Hwy. 34 West: For more information: Interstate 76 Highway 34 Gas Saving Tips Interstate 76 I-76 leads travelers over the . . . Roads from New Mexico Lead to the Heart of Colorado: I-25 North and Hwy. 285 North: For more information: Interstate 25 Highway 285 Gas-Saving Tips Interstate 25 I-25 is Colorado’s most traveled . . . Roads from Utah Lead to the Heart of Colorado: I-70 and Hwy. 40 West: For more information: Interstate 70 Highway 40 Gas Saving Tips Interstate 70 I-70 bisects the state and leads . . . Roads From Wyoming Lead to the Heart of Colorado: I-25 South and Hwy. 125 South: For more information: Interstate 25 Highway 125 Gas-Saving Tips Interstate 25 . . . RVing Northwest Colorado: Northwest Colorado The Path Dinosaur Diamond Scenic and Historic Byway Distance (Colorado section, one way): 134 miles Estimated . . . RVing South Central Colorado: South Central Colorado The Path Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway Distance (one way): 129 miles Estimated . . . RVing Southwest Colorado: Southwest Colorado The Path Trail of the Ancients Scenic and Historic Byway Distance (one way): 114 miles Estimated . . . Ski Train: Denver to Winter Park: A Denver tradition since 1940, the Ski Train is Colorado's most original passport to wintertime skiing and summer adventure. . . . Stress-free Family Travel: When it comes to planning a trip to Colorado, there's no better way to gauge what works best than by talking to real families . . . Take a step back in time – 3.5 billion years to be exact – and enjoy the amazing artifacts dinosaurs have left behind in Colorado: NOTE: The map of Dinosaur Exhibits that appeared in the Denver Post Travel Section on Sunday, June 4th contained an error . . . The Fine Arts in Colorado: Indulge Your Artistic Side: Information on: Performing Arts Aspen Santa Fe Ballet (Aspen) Bas Bleu Theatre Company (Fort Collins) Center . . . Three Days in Pikes Peak Country, for Kids & Families: Day One Get an early start to the day and head to the world-famous Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, where they feed and care for . . .

Only in West Hollywood will you find the legendary Sunset Strip, home to unparalleled nightlife, innovative dining, and world-class shopping. And in what other 1.9 square mile city will you find 14 distinctive hotels, ranging from discreet hideaways to art deco architectural wonders? West Hollywood also boasts a thriving art and design community, featuring over 30 art galleries, 200+ design showrooms in the Pacific Design Center. It’s no wonder we’re the place where the stars come out to play Get the Info! If you would like to receive the West Hollywood Travel Planner that includes maps and information about hotels, restaurants, nightlife, art galleries and more, fill out our Travel Club Form. You can also call us at 1.800.368.6020. Want to visit? From a romantic getaway to an up-all-night-on-the-town, West Hollywood has the ultimate in accommodations, dining, nightlife and attractions. Travel services such as airport information, rental cars and travel agencies can help get you to the hottest city in the USA. Speaking of hot, check out our weather information for tips on what to pack. This 1.9-square mile, pedestrian-friendly town is chock full of interesting people, places and things to see. This sample itinerary incorporates some famous features of "The Creative City" for 4 full days and more, but be adventurous and open-- discover your own West Hollywood! Filming a movie? Location, location, location! The City of West Hollywood Film Office will provide you with pertinent information concerning film permits, companies and production services to make the cameras roll smoothly.

Sequoia Foothills Chamber of Commerce Just minutes from the entrance to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, you can enjoy year round camping, boating, fishing, and picnicking, as well as hiking, and horseback riding. Be sure to plan a trip around one of our annual events, or why not plan your own event! Everything you'll need to make your adventure trip, family reunion, or wedding a memorable one is right here. So, come and experience the charm, the beauty, and the wonder of this little oasis in the heart of the Sierras as you discover one of California's last great escapes for rest, relaxation, and fun hree Rivers Historical Society 42268 Sierra Drive, P.O. Box 162, Three Rivers, CA 93271 Three Rivers California is located on the Kaweah River at the junction of its three or more tributaries. Before the mid-1850's the area was populated by the Yokut Indian Tribe who found the native oak trees, plants, fish, small animals, etc to be a veritable Eden for their survival. 1856 saw the first documented appearance of the white man into the area. His name was Hale Tharp and he settled on the river bottom, raising cattle and hogs. Click on any picture below to view full size Museum Entrance Main Exhibit Area Inside Front Doors Artist Resale Shop Some photos from our Paul Bunyan Day - September 16, 2001 Click on any picture to view full size By the 1870's many other farmers had come to the Three Rivers country and found it a secluded and ideal place to raise their domestic livestock. In addition, many orchards of fruit and citrus trees were planted and thrived in the area. Veins of silver ore In 1886, a group of 160 people came to the North Fork area of Three Rivers and established the Kaweah Colony, a utopian settlement, based on Socialist principles. Their goal was to obtain the land where the giant Redwoods grow. However, in time, their petitions were denied and the Redwood groves were saved from destruction. The trees are now mostly contained in the Sequoia National Park. With the creation of the Park in 1890, tourists and visitors to the area brought prosperity and more people wanting to live and make their homes here. In due course, schools were established, roads constructed and improved, bridges built across the rivers to carry the increased traffic. The uniqueness of Three Rivers has attracted many artists and people with unusual talents, perhaps due to the quiet and peaceful scenic surroundings. Businesses of many varieties have been established, many surviving and flourishing a long time. At the current time, Three Rivers is inhabited to a large degree by retired people, while the tourist trade continues to fuel the economy.

Sonoma Country is conveniently located less than 30 miles north of San Francisco. Boasting over 250 of the world's most award-winning wineries, 76 miles of scenic coastline, pristine beaches, the mystical Russian River, majestic redwoods, 21 challenging golf courses, a thrilling road course and drag strip, more than 40 spas, outstanding theaters, fascinating museums, shopping, botanical gardens, galleries, diverse festivals, farm markets and incredible eateries. Welcome to Sonoma Country, your perfect getaway anytime of the year Come to Sonoma Country and stay for entertainment that is always up close and personal. From world-class headliners, to stage productions, nightclubs or festivals, it is difficult to resist the urge to have fun. Perhaps best known today as Wine Country, there is far more to Sonoma Country than just food and wine. In fact, we can also be called Art Country. While a devotion to stewardship of the land is part of our legacy, a passion for the arts is what really defines Sonoma Country. Those fortunate enough to live and visit here soon come to relish this area's rich creative environment past, present and, certainly-future. World's a Stage The Wells Fargo Center for the Arts is among California's largest performing arts centers and serves the North Bay region with more than 125 live performances annually. The Center's hallmark for nearly 25 years is its diversity of programs. From opera legend, Jose Carreras to pop legend Carole King, the arts center offers something for everyone. Visitors to the arts center will enjoy dance, theatre, jazz, rock & roll, country, classical, blues, world music, or comedy. Live theater is often considered the sole provenance of a big city with high ticket prices for a blockbuster night. With the establishment in 2002 of the North Bay Theater Group, an alliance of some 38 troupes-exciting, demanding, thoughtful and excellent live performance has become the norm in Sonoma Country. During the regular season, fall to spring, expect productions ranging from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwrights to risky, experimental works one would be hard-pressed to find in New York. The Santa Rosa Junior College stages a slate of summer repertory that is nationally renowned. The Pacific Alliance Stage Company at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center is proud to be an Equity house, meaning that their professional actors are welcomed on any stage in the country. In the summer, Shakespeare, farce and original productions are mounted in parks and are particularly enjoyed at area wineries, where a homemade picnic can be supplemented with a bottle of local vintage. Sonoma Country is home to music lovers Sonoma Country is also home to more musicians and music lovers than can be counted. 78 years young, the Santa Rosa Symphony is nationally renowned for inspiring and adventurous musical performances. Known as one of the leading regional symphony orchestras in the U.S., the Santa Rosa Symphony has a full season of classical concerts with stellar guest artists from October through May, a chamber music festival and a brand new Symphony Pops series. It is featured in the annual Green Music Festival which also features internationally acclaimed chamber and solo music. The festival runs from July to August and is one of the great regional open air concerts in the country. Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park is another venue with theater, dance and music from Sonoma Country and around the world. Don't miss the The Glaser Center in Santa Rosa. Some fun commercial venues include the Mystic Theater, The Phoenix and the Last Day Saloon. Visual Vibes Galleries proliferate as the landscape and cultural environment inspire artists to create and exhibit. Sonoma Country is home to many nationally and internationally known artists and galleries. "Destination Art", the Sonoma County Gallery Group, is an association of the county's top galleries, museums and art organizations. Visit the SCGG website to explore this diverse art scene. Here you can preview galleries, current exhibitions, and events. The site also offers regional maps and local art news. The Arts Council's annual ARTrails open studios event, typically held the second and third weekends in October, finds upwards of 140 artists opening their private workspaces directly to the public for the opportunity to learn about and purchase art directly. Along the rugged coastline of northern Sonoma Country, the Gualala Arts Center presents a year-round slate of programming featuring arts of all disciplines that add to the enjoyment of a day at the beach. In western Sonoma Country, Sebastopol Center for the Arts presents a full spectrum of visual, performing and literary arts. Internationally-known artists view Sonoma Country as a retreat, many keeping studios here in addition to ateliers in New York and Europe. Christo and Jeanne-Claude first came to the world's attention when they launched their Running Fence over Sonoma Country's hillsides and straight down to the coast. Today, the Sonoma County Museum (www.sonomacountymuseum.org) showcases work by internationally acclaimed artists, and is proud to hold the country's largest private collection of work by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Innovative exhibitions and education programs for all ages on art, history and culture, are organized around the theme 'Where Land Meets Art'. The Sonoma County Museum is amid an ambitious expansion both physical and conceptual as it aims to better serve an increasingly sophisticated audience in this gem of a regional museum. Contemporary outdoor sculpture can be found in many locations including Paradise Ridge Winery and the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, established to honor the late Peanuts cartoonist, regularly hosts visiting cartoonists and promotes the arts to children as a viable career path. Plus, there's everything about that little round-headed kid! Last Word Dana Gioia, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, is a poet from Sonoma Country; the written word flourishes here. Look for the Sonoma County Book Festival to take place outdoors each September and for the Petaluma Poetry Walk to follow. A thriving poetry and story circuit is well established throughout the Sonoma Country. Local bookstores such as Copperfield's Books plus many of the branches of the county's library system host free author readings regularly. The Wells Fargo Center for the Arts is home to a popular spoken word series that hosts a diverse annual series of world renowned authors.

About the Redwood Coast Relocation Information Road Conditions Maps & Directions Weather Updates Media Spotlight Links Page Back to Home Mendocino County Sonoma County About the Redwood Coast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Chamber of Commerce service area extends from the community of Fort Ross in northern Sonoma County to Irish Beach in Mendocino county. This magnificent stretch of coastline is known for its rugged beauty and quiet wilderness. Nature’s splendor, along with the tranquil pace of coastal living, has long attracted a wide spectrum of residents including ranchers, loggers, trades people, writers, artists and professionals. From this diverse blend of personalities, the cultural scene is filled with hometown picnics, fairs and festivals, quality art exhibitions, concerts and theatrical performances. More than 50 miles of spectacular, craggy coastline is punctuated with coves and sandy beaches providing access for surf fishing, scuba diving, sea kayaking, surfing or just strolling the beaches, tide pooling, and sitting mesmerized by the crashing waves. This coast is also one of the last bastions of sport diving for abalone, and draws great numbers of divers willing to brave the cold and sometimes perilous coastal waters. A magical event to witness on our coast is the migration of the California Gray Whale. These incredible mammals pass the coast from November through December on their journey south, where they give birth to their young in the warm waters of Baja, California. They pass by again on their return trip north beginning in February and continuing through April when the adult whales bring their young close to shore. At times, these magnificent creatures can be seen scraping their barnacles on the rocks or rolling in the tide. There are many other ocean creatures that can be seen in their natural environment, including the playful sea lions, the huge California pelicans and the endangered sea otter. The first settlers, the Kashia Pomo Indians, referred to the area as qhawálaoli, "water coming down place". It is an appropriate name for the redwood-flanked Gualala River that empties into the Pacific Ocean. The river’s source is high in the coastal range watershed, and the main forks of the Gualala meander through 30,000 acres of privately owned redwood forest. Kayak and canoe rentals are available for touring the river and offer an exceptional view of the area’s native flora and fauna. Visitors can stop at quiet beaches accessible only by boat for picnicking or lounging in the sun, catching glimpses of osprey, waterfowl, and playful river otters. There are two campgrounds located on either side of the river, and there are beaches on the river that allow for public access for swimming, picnicking, fishing in season or launching private, non-motorized watercraft. Highway One acts as the lifeline and Main Street to the towns up and down the coast. Shops laden with an eclectic variety of gifts and treasures from local artisans offer a choice selection for the most discerning shopper. From classic Victorian-style Bed & Breakfasts to modern vacation rental homes to luxury oceanfront hotels, the redwood coast offers lodging for everyone. Whether on a romantic getaway or a family vacation, we have the place that is right for you. Check out our member business directory to browse our lodging and vacation rental home selections. Choice is the key to dining in the area. Fresh-caught local seafood highlights the menus of a majority of the restaurants and our chefs take great pride in selecting indigenous foods and wines for their uniquely prepared culinary creations. Families are welcomed in many establishments for those traveling with children and there are places to fit any budget. Many dining establishments offer breathtaking views of the ocean. The Redwood Coast offers a number of pursuits for the active lifestyle. The Sea Ranch’s Scottish-style 18-hole golf links are open to the public, plus there is sea and river kayaking, canoeing, ocean and river fishing, abalone and scuba diving, hiking, biking, tennis, and a local fitness center offering memberships and drop-in privileges. For those looking to unwind, the coast has a plethora of bodywork practitioners offering massage and other therapies both in-house and out-call to rooms or vacation homes. Tempered by ocean breezes, the Redwood Coast enjoys comfortable weather year-round. The deep blue of the sky mirrored in the vast expanse of the Pacific creates one gorgeous day after another. If the slower pace of coastal country life-style appeals to you, take a look at our real estate possibilities offering a wide variety of homes and lots from ocean bluffs and meadows to coastal ridges and forest.