At the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Reno is known to be a great place for a weekend getaway. It is also called the ‘Biggest Little City in the World’ and is most known for the casinos. But there are more than casinos that you can enjoy in this place because there is so much to do in the area.

Weekend Getaway Reno – Climate

The climate of Reno is dictated by the fact that it lies in the rain shadow area of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It gets extremely little rainfall and the average annual rainfall is around 7 to 8 inches. The snowfall in the area also ranges from light to moderate. In the summer, the temperatures range between the 90’s and 100 degree Fahrenheit and winter sees the temperatures drop to a range between 45 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit approximately.

Weekend Getaway Reno: Beautiful Drives

If you are one of those who enjoys driving and taking in the beauty of the locale, then you must take some of these scenic drives in the Reno and Lake Tahoe area. There is the fort Churchill to Wellington Back Country Byway that offers a 67 mile drive. It is along the Pony Express Trail and also takes you into the Pine Nut Mountains. On this drive you can stop to see the fort Churchill State Historic Monument, Dayton State Park, Alkali Lake Wildlife Management Area and more.

Not far from Reno is the drive that is often called the most beautiful drive in America. The Eastshore Drive on Lake Tahoe is a drive of approximately 72 miles and it presents a spectacular view of the lake. You can check out the Zephyr cove resort, the Tahoe Rim Trail and take in the mountains as you drive leisurely through this mesmerizing road.

Very close to Reno is the Pyramid Lake that you can drive up to for some interesting animal life, plant life and angling. The lake is estimated to be about 300 feet deep and has fresh water flowing into the Truckee River. The lake is also known for Cui-ui fish, Lahontan cut throat trout and other fishes. You have to opportunity of viewing the bighorn sheep, antelope and other wildlife too.

Weekend Getaway Reno – Things to Do

Gambling – When you drive to Reno you cannot leave without checking out the nightlife and the gambling scene in the city. While Las Vegas may be more popular for gambling overall, Reno beats the city in the dice and card games. Often considered to be a hot sport for the Hollywood people due to its relative privacy, this is a place where you can get some serious game.

Weekend Getaway Reno – Family Fun

Reno is also known to have various places that families can enjoy. So don’t shy away from the Reno holiday assuming that gambling is the only interesting activity in the place. Check out the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park that has about 600 acres of wetlands, meadows, picnic areas, trails, playgrounds, splash pads and more. The Wild Island Family Adventure Park is a hot favorite during summer but can be visited during winters too. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is a place where your kids can learn about camping safety and other aspects of adventure and camping that they need to know. And then there are some great bowling alleys that you can visit too.

Weekend Getaway Reno – Winter Fun

The Tahoe Meadows Snow Play Area is easily accessible from Reno and you should be prepared to literally pull your kids away at the end of the day due to the kind of fun that they will have in the place. Snowmobiling, sledges and more are common and you will love the number of snowmen in the place. There are other areas such as the Spooner Summit, Hope Valley Winter Recreation and Sierra Adventures that you can visit too. Ice skating is another option that you can explore at the Arlington Square Ice Rink, Rink on the River, Olympic Ice Pavilion or the South Lake Ice Arena too. Some of the skiing areas and resorts that you can enjoy include Spooner Lake Cross country skiing area, the Tahoe Donner Cross Country, Hope Valley Outdoors, Resort at Squaw Creek Nordic Center, Kirkwood Cross Country & Snowshoe Center and Clair Tappaan Lodge – Sierra Club.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Planning an elaborate vacation is sometimes so arduous, time consuming and stressful that one prefers to stay at home and chill out rather than take all the tension that comes with flying and flight delays especially during the holiday season. But if you could just drive down to an expansive coastline or take a day trip to the mountains, the whole affair can turn out into an enjoyable few days that you get off from the ennui and boredom.

While it is extremely difficult to choose from among the various beach, mountains and entertainment weekend escapes that California has to offer, here are the top 5 that are a must visit if you have not explored them already.

1.       Lake Tahoe – Top 5 California Weekend Escapes

Lake Tahoe promises to be a great short vacation spot irrespective of the time of the year. The place has a lot to offer in summer and winter too. And this is true for the North side of the lake as well as the South side. The Lake sits on the California-Nevada border and is one of the most popular locations for snow boarders and skiers. There are a large number of ski chalets and after a tiring yet invigorating day of skiing, the casinos offer great night activity too.

2.       California Hot Springs – Top 5 California Weekend Escapes

There is nothing more relaxing than an hour spent in the hot springs of California with mineral water directly from the depths of the Earth. In California there are hot springs that can be found in various styles. There are those that have wooden tubs and those that are created in the Japanese style baths too. Hot springs can be found all over Northern and Southern California. You can check out Drakesbad Guest Ranch at Mt. Lassen National Park, Orr Hot Springs, Surprise Valley, Vichy Springs or Wilbur Hot Springs in Northern California or Agua Caliente County Park, Beverly Hot Springs, Delight’s Hot Springs, Tecopa Hot Springs or the Fountain of Youth Spa in Southern part of the state. There is also the Desert Hot Springs Resorts in the Palm Springs Area too.

3.       Orange County Beaches – Top 5 California Weekend Escapes

No list of weekend escapes of California is complete without a beach destination. While the coastline offered by the state is large and each beach boasts of something unique, the Orange county beaches are a ‘must-visit’ for all. When you drive over to Orange County, take time off to visit the Seal Beach, Surfside, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente and the Sunset Beach. The beaches in these areas offer the quaint peacefulness and you can avoid the extreme crowds that you may otherwise encounter in other locations.

4.       Yosemite National Park – Top 5 California Weekend Escapes

With about 761,268 acres of national park area, the Yosemite National Park is another hot favorite weekend escape in California. The park has land at various elevation levels that range from 2127 feet to 13114 feet. It is accessible and open throughout the year though the Tioga Road is closed during the winter. Though the road to glacier point is closed towards the end of November, it is opened later in the year from mid December up till early April for those who want to drive up to the Badger Pass Ski Area. This is a place for the nature lover and one can see various kinds of flora and fauna. Adventure enthusiasts love the place for the numerous trails that it offers.

5.       Disneyland – Top 5 California Weekend Escapes

Many may feel that Disneyland is probably not the best of places for a weekend getaway. But ask any parent and they will tell you the kind of pleasure it gives them when their children squeal with joy on encountering the Disney characters. If you are planning to visit Disney’s California Adventure Park or the Disneyland Park during the Christmas break, make sure that you have reservations in advance since it is likely to be full to the brim.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Fox Rent A Car wishes all Fox Car Rental customers and holiday travelers a wonderful and very happy Thanksgiving.

We hope you made it safe and without too much travel-hassle to your destination and can celebrate this holiday with your friends, family and people you care about.

If you decided to take advantage of this extra-long weekend and travel somewhere, here are our suggestions for things to do and some great restaurants where you can get your Turkey treat on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving in San Diego

Thanksgiving in Seattle

Thanksgiving in Los Angeles

Thanksgiving in San Francisco

Thanksgiving in Las Vegas

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

A city that celebrates each and every festival with an enthusiasm that cannot be matched with any other, San Francisco has a lot that is in store for the holiday season this year. There are street fairs and ice skating options, holiday lights and Christmas trees and much more. Sometimes a walk along the crowded roads filled with dazzling lights and merriment seems like an event in itself.

Check out some of the events that are planned for the 2010 holiday season in San Francisco.

Holiday Events in San Francisco: San Francisco Green Festival

Global Exchange and Co-op America are bringing investors, individuals and companies at the Concourse Exhibition Center to cooperate in the economic solutions for the environment. This is being done for sustainability and there is no better time to engage in such dialogue other than this holiday season of charity and hope.

Holiday Events in San Francisco: The American India Film Festival

This is being organized between November 5^th to November 13^th at the Palace of Fine Arts and Landmark Embarcadero. This is the world’s oldest festival that has been dedicated to films made by Native Americans or on Native Americans.

Holiday Events in San Francisco: The Fabulous Food Festival

Running on November 13^th and 14^th at the Concourse Exhibition Center, the public will be able to partake all kinds of cuisine from cheese to chocolates and more. Sampling is allowed in most cases as you enjoy the musical entertainment.

Holiday Events in San Francisco: Embarcadero Center Building Lighting Ceremony

Being held on November 19^th, this is a great place to stroll in with the family. Live entertainment and lighting will highlight the skies of the city with more than 17,000 lights planned to go up.

Holiday Events in San Francisco: Holiday Harmony and Pier 39 Tree Lighting Ceremony

A multicultural celebration, you can witness 400 ornaments and 2000 sparkling lights at the Entrance Plaza on November 21^st.

Holiday Events in San Francisco: The Turkey Trail Trot

On November 25^th enjoy the trot at the Golden Gate Park and be a part of this run or at least take a shorter route and walk for the Thanksgivign Tradition.

Holiday Events in San Francisco: Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony

With a 50 foot Christmas tree and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, this lighting event is a hot favorite among all each year.

Holiday Events in San Francisco: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Running from November 26^th to December 19^th on weekends at Cow Palace, this fair reminds us all of the old English Victorian Christmas. Here you can experience theaters, music, dance parties, taverns, stall food, street vendors, all in period costumes to fit in.

Holiday Events in San Francisco:  The Great San Francisco Crystal Fair

On November 27^th and 28^th, you can experience more than 40 exhibitors showing off their wares of a wide variety of gems and jewels in this interesting and unique exhibition.

Holiday Events in San Francisco: San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker

Performed by the oldest ballet company of the country, the ‘Nutcracker’ is in town this December too at the War Memorial Opera House.

Holiday Events in San Francisco: The Union Fantasy of Lights

On December 4^th and 5^th, you will be able to see costumed characters all over the streets and this will not include only Santa.

Holiday Events in San Francisco: The Emerald Bowl

This event is now know as the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, since Kraft Foods bought it earlier this year and is being held on January 9, 2011 at the AT&T park, this event will be full of color and high energy as two top teams of the country clash.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Skiing in Lake Tahoe

There is no doubt that skiing is the number one activity that is the main attraction for anyone who is headed to Lake Tahoe in winter. Not only did the SKI Magazine 2007 Resort Guide rate the Heavenly Mountain Resort as the 3^rd best for scenery and view, the Kirkwood Mountain resort also got ranked at number 8 for the best snow in North America. Lake Tahoe has one of the most concentrated of downhill ski resorts and among these are like Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Donner Ski Ranch and more.

Winter at Lake Tahoe: Other Winter Sports

But skiing is not all that you can find in Lake Tahoe during winter. There are other options as well. Sleigh rides can be extremely exhilarating for the younger ones when you can put your feet up and just slide down a nice comfortable hill.

Dog sledding is another favorite for those who like the thrill. Check out the Siberian huskies and the eagerness with which they run when they are tied to the sleighs. Ice skating enthusiasts can find great rinks in this area. Choose from the Olympic Ice Pavilion, resort at Squaw Creek, South Lake Ice Arena, Village Ice Rink at Kirkwood, Village at Northstar.

On the day when you do not want too much of activity, choose a guided tour around the area on snowmobiles. Otherwise you can snowmobile at the Blackwood Canyon Area, Area of Fiberboard Freeway and Mount Watson, Martis Peak Area, Area North of Truckee or Eldorado National Forest and Tahoe National Forest.

Winter at Lake Tahoe: Things to Do

There are also some regular vacation things that you can do in Lake Tahoe in winter. Each of the resorts have a selection of boutiques, gift shops and markets that can be visited. The Boatworks Mall, The Cobblestone Corner, the Village at Squaw Valley and the Christmas Village are all great places to visit.

The holiday spot has some great dinging options as well. These include the Lone Eagle Grille in Incline Village, Six Peaks Grille, Graham’s and PlumpJack Cafe in Squaw Valley and Moody’s in Truckee. These are hot favorites for those who come back to Lake Tahoe and a visit to these places is mandatory on a holiday after a long period of skiing.

For those who visit Lake Tahoe only for the gaming element, it should be said that there is a lot that is probably being missed by staying indoors and late at night. But if that is what you are looking for, then there is the Cal-Neva Resort, Crystal Bay Club and Casino, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort and Jim Kelley’s Tahoe Nugget to consider.

Winter at Lake Tahoe: Getting There

Driving to Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular methods of getting there. It is an easy drive without any hassles. If you are going to North Lake Tahoe, the interstate highway I-80 East towards Reno and exit highway 89 South to Tahoe city is the best option. For those looking at moving towards South Lake Tahoe, US Highway 50 East towards South Lake Tahoe would be a better bet.

When driving to Lake Tahoe during winters in the snow, be careful to check the road conditions before hand because the snow does get extremely heavy in the region. In addition to that try and use a four wheel drive SUV. If you do not have one, renting one would be a good idea for this terrain. Always ensure that you have snow chains (learn how to put on snow chains here) and a snow shovel with you when you are driving up.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

While there are some locations across the world where you could ski and surf on the same day like Chile and New Zealand, the one location in the United States that is the most popular if you want to surf and ski on the same day or during the same trip or holiday, California is obviously a place that will come up and be discussed with regards to the same. There are various combinations of beaches and mountains that you can explore when in Southern California and those who have been extremely adventurous just park themselves in a Beach Resort and then drive up in the snow after a morning of sun and sand and surfing. In most cases, it takes a couple of hours to hit the dense snow from where you can ski down.

Most of the locations in California are apt for the surfing and skiing on the same day because of the proximity of the ocean and the mountains. Beaches like Imperial Beach, pacific Beach, La Jolla reefs, Scripps, Cardiff reef, Tamarack, San Onofre, Brooks Street, The Wedge, Seal Beach Pier, Malibu Beach, Campus Point, Huntington Beach and more are perfect locations because the best cross country skiing trails can be found in areas such as Mt. Pinos Nordic Ski Area, Rim Nordic Ski Area and Green Valley Nordic Ski Area, Montecito-Sequoia Resort Cross-Country Ski and Sequoia Ski Touring Area. There is Mount Baldy, Big Bear and other skiing attractions.

Another area, further up North on the California Coast, where you could ski and then drive down to surf include Lake Tahoe where you can choose any of the ski resorts to ski down from. The beaches that are relatively closer to this area include Fort Point, Dillon Beach, Black Point Beach, Half Moon Bay Beaches, Juan Beach and more.

Here are some options that people have tried and loved. Following these will ensure that you do not go wrong with the timing or land in trouble due to the setting sun.

-          Surf at Seal Beach in the morning and ski at Mt. Baldy in the afternoon.

-          Newport Beach surfing followed by Big Bear skiing at the Wedge.

-          Surfing at Huntington Beach and skiing at Big Bear

-          Skiing at Donner or Squaw in Lake Tahoe and Surfing at Mavericks about three to four hours later.

-          Mountain High and Malibu Surf Shack

If you are looking for ski resorts close to LA, you might want to check out Mt Baldy, Mountain High Resort, Sunrise Ski Area, Snow Valley or Snow Summit. The beaches close to LA are D and W, El Porto Beach, Manhattan Beach, New Jetty and 64^th Place. While Mt Baldy is the largest ski resort in Southern California, Big Bear is also fairly large with 26 serving lifts, and 400 skiing area.

While taking on the ‘Californian Dream’ of skiing and surfing on the same day, remember that you need to first and foremost keep safety in mind.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Visiting Yosemite in Winter is a very special experience. Snowy peaks and icy forests give it a special tranquil atmosphere, that you can enjoy in solitude, without hordes of day-trip tourists all over the pace.  The Yosemite National Park spans the counties of Tuolumne, Mariposa and Madera in East Central California and reaches the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is estimated that the park is visited by about 3.7 million people every year and most of these spend their time in the Yosemite Valley. The Park is known for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, streams, Giant Sequoia groves and biological diversity. The elevation range of the park is between 2127 and 13114 feet.

During the winter the Yosemite National Park becomes extremely serene as it is shrouded in white snow. Since there is a lesser amount of crowd, the park makes for a great place for skiing, skating and hikes too.

Yosemite National Park in Winter: Winter Sports

There are various skiing opportunities at the Yosemite National Park. You can choose to ski during the daytime at the Glacier Point or choose the Giant Sequioa Groves too. If you are an enthusiast and have confidence in your skiing skills, you can choose to take an overnight skiing trip to the backcountry trails at Tuolumne Meadows. There are also snowshoeing options at Badger Pass too. Some other trail options include Dewey Point via Meadows #18, Ostrander Lake and Ghost Forest Loop. Those who want to learn skiing can attend classes and there are even classes for the young ones on smaller slopes.

Before you start off on your own it is a good idea to get to know the rules of the specific location where you are headed. Understand the facilities that you are likely to get at the location and what is permitted. For example, you should be aware of the areas where motor vehicles are permitted before you think of driving anywhere inside the park.

Ice Skating is another activity that you can choose and the Curry Village Ice Rink is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The dramatic view of the rock walls and open snow is one to remember. Located near Glacier Point, this rink was build in 1960 keeping in mind that it received sun only for a few hours in the morning.

Seasoned hikers may love the challenge that is posed by Yosemite National Park in winters. The Mariposa Grove Road that is closed to cars and vehicles during the winter makes for a great hiking trail from November onwards.

Other winter activities include snowboarding and snow-tubing. You can also enjoy bus tours, evening presentations, Yosemite Ranger walks and more.

Yosemite National Park in Winter: Getting There

It is practical to inquire about the road conditions before you set off to the Yosemite Park in the winter. For the latest road conditions inside the park you can call (209)372-0200 and then select 1 twice to get the information you want. For road conditions on roads that lead to the Yosemite National Park, visit the site for more information.

When you are driving, make sure that you carry a map, tire chains, flashlight, bottled water and snacks, sleeping bag, first aid kit, spare tire, matches, snow shovel, ice scraper and a cell phone with an extra battery.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

The Golden Gate city has a lot to offer those who chose to be in San Francisco for the thanksgiving Holiday. With the festival falling on Thursday, it makes for a perfect weekend getaway time too. Not only does the city have a wide selection of quality restaurants for the Turkey Day Feast, it also as a lot of other things to offer.

Thanksgiving Restaurants in San Francisco

Balboa Cafe offers traditional Thanksgiving favorites like butternut squash, turkey, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts and of course turkey!

The Stinking Rose is always worth a visit when in San Francisco, but how about enjoying the most garlicy turkey you ever had? It is said the turkey is prepared with 400 cloves of garlic! If you don’t believe us, read the Thanksgiving menu!

If you had something more classy and traditional, yet with a contemporary twist  in mind, EPIC might be the right choice for you. You will enjoy an exquisite Thanksgiving dinner with 4 courses and the option to take home a turkey sandwich with the works for lunch the next day!

Home will offer you a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner for $ 40/person with delicious turkey, honey glazed ham, an array of side dishes and more. If you prefer a traditional meal, it might be a good idea to celebrate Thanksgiving at “Home”!

Thanksgiving Activities in San Francisco

One of the most interesting things that people who are engaged can do on Thanksgiving in San Francisco is to get betrothed in this strange San Franciscan Thanksgiving Tradition. The ceremony originates from the Chinese areas of San Francisco and engaged couples have to buy a lock and key and then chain the lock to the Golden Gate bridge. The key is then thrown away for posterity indicating a locked relationship for life.

The Thanksgiving Blessing Meal Delivery is being organized on November 13^th this year and the activity starts at 8:30 AM and continues till November 14^th 3:00 PM. The blessing meal is being held at the San Francisco City Hall. Since funding is tight, a nominal charge of $25 will be charged for registration and there are various jobs available like preparing meals delivering groceries and more. The goal is to deliver 5000 hot meals to homes and serve 300 hot meals to the homeless. Tehre will also be 500 gift bags to be passed out. The proceeds of the collection benefit San Francisco City Impact.

You can also choose to kick off Thanksgiving with a fun walk or run at the Park before the parades, football games and feasting starts. The Turkey Trail Trot starts on November 25^th at 8:15 AM from the Polo Field at the Golden Gate Park. The 5 mile run or 3 mile walk and there are turkeys, pumpkin pies and wine.

The day after Thanksgiving there is also the Annual Tree Lighting ceremony at Ghirardelli Square. A large 50 foot Christmas tree is lit with sparkling lights and ribbons, ornaments and Ghirardelli chocolate bars. There are Christmas carolers and a visit from Saint Nick is assured. There are also festivities that include a musical theater performance, stilt walkers and puppet shows and later there is the tree lighting ceremony. Towards the evening you may want to grab hot cocoa.

More Things to Do in San Francisco

If you have traveled from another city to celebrate Thanksgiving in San Francisco make sure that you lodge in a hotel that is close to Union Square where you can find Tiffany’s, Macy’s and other upscale shops. Make sure to take a break from the shopping to grab a great meal at lively Lefty O’Doul’s. The Ferry Building is also a shopping place with good restaurants and you can have a good afternoon martini at the Slanted Door. Some of the great eateries of San Francisco include Cliff House, Julius’ Castle and One Market. Other attractions in the area that you might want to visit include the Young Museum and Academy of Science. Both of these have been given a makeover and may be great to visit this time.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Wine Country Escapes this Fall

Even though the sun seems to be giving way to a chillier time, it does not really mean that you have to stash away your traveling bags and say good bye to road trips that you may not have been able to take up during the summer. A great option is to go to the Wine Country in Northern California, especially since the crushing is at its height in September and October and going there just after this season is a great idea.

Covered with oak trees, vineyards and various orchards, Northern California Wine Country has a lot to offer those who prefer the cool Pacific Coast or those who would rather opt for the warmer inland valleys like Napa and Sonoma. It is one of the most exalted viticulture regions and gives France’s vineyards a run to its quality and taste.

It might interest some to know that the Wine Country in and around Napa and Sonoma Valley has been producing great quality wine since 1857. This happened when Hungarian Count Ágoston Haraszthy developed the first commercial winery for the state, Buena Vista. It almost seemed as if this was a greatly kept secret of the Sonoma valley because it was only in sometime in the 1970’s that the wineries received international recognition and fame. The event where this worldwide recognition was bestowed took place in France when 2 entries from Napa Valley Chateau Montelena’s 1973 chardonnay and a Stag Leap’s 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon scored higher than the French Bordeaux in a blind test.

When you decide to visit the Napa Valley or the Sonoma Valley you have the option of choosing from about 450 wineries. This is more than a quarter of the wineries present in the state of California and yet the amount of produce that comes from these valleys is about 10 percent of Californian wine produce. The valleys concentrate on good quality wine and focus on getting great lots every year rather than dishing out large quantities that are ‘not as great’.

Napa is also an extensive of the culinary exquisiteness that you can find in San Francisco. The great part is that while you are likely to find great cuisine here, you will not have to shell out a lot of money for it either. Breakfast in the Napa Valley is something that you do not want to miss due to the lip smacking fruit jams, oven baked breads and delectable cheese.

While Napa and Sonoma Valleys are fairly well known for their wine tasting there are also various other lesser known family owned wineries in the San Francisco Bay Area too. These make great weekend escapes. Check out some wineries at Mendocino County where you can see Pinot Noirs, Zinfandels and Alsatian whites too. Another famous and preferred stop is Navarro Vineyards where you can taste the wine and your kids can enjoy juicey Gewürztraminer grape juice.

If you are driving in this area you can take a turn towards the northern San Joaquin Valley. Here you will be able to taste some of the oldest wines. Or head to the Santa Cruz region where you can taste great stuff at the local favorite Bonny Doon Vineyard.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

The city of Monterey is located in the Monterey County along Monterey Bay. It is famous for being the setting for John Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row. It is also known to be a haven for those who are sea food buffs. The historical city has many enjoyable and amazing sights to offer.

Discover Monterey: Getting There

When you are driving to Monterey, you need to know that there are basically 2 highways that get into Monterey County – Highway 1 and Highway 101. Highway 1 will take you from San Francisco to LA and you will get a great view of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline as you drive on this mesmerizing route. Highway 101 on the other hand will take you down the valley corridor and might be a good idea if you want to stop along the way and take some time off from driving.

Discover Monterey: Climate

The climate of Monterey depends largely on the Pacific Coast and therefore is very Mediterranean. October is a great time to visit this city. Average highs are around 70 degree Fahrenheit and the temperature drops to about 50 degree Fahrenheit. The winter rains have also not set in by this time of the year and therefore are not likely to spoil your outdoor fun.

Discover Monterey: Key Attractions

Monterey Bay Aquarium – This famous aquarium is located at the southern end of Cannery Row and houses many aquatic science laboratories. This is mainly because of the quick and easy access to deep waters that this location allows.

MY Museum – Also known as the Monterey County Youth Museum it is a place that younger children love to go to.

Fisherman’s Wharf – This active wholesale fish market is a sight to see. When you ask for directions to this place, make sure that you clarify that you are interested in the historical Old Fisherman’s Wharf and not the commercial wholesale market that is also known as Municipal Wharf #2. A place that is lined with restaurants, street eateries, gift stores and souvenirs, Fisherman’s Wharf, along with Cannery Row is a place where you can sit in one of the restaurants and see the ships leave and enter the harbor. You can also enjoy sailing from the coasts here. Remember that some of the restaurants charge hefty sums of money for the same grub that you get in the eateries outside. After all the crabs and squids that have been caught are from the same waters!

Sealife – Visit this place to experience the deep sea habitat from up close. Scuba diving is extremely popular here and you can visit and experience some scuba diving even if you are a novice and want to try it out for the first time. It is a good idea to check out San Carlos State Beach for short term classes when you are there.

Lake El Estero – If you are looking to spend some time off and relax, take a trip to this park where you can paddle or visit the Dennis the Menace Park. This is also a great place for bird lovers since a variety of species flock in this area.

Monterey is a fun place to visit all year round and a perfect stop over for anybody taking a road trip up or down the coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.