LAS VEGAS – POW WOW 2013 [ ABN NEWS ] — There`s nothing like California — riding the waves along the coast, lying on a beach, grilled food, the beat of live music, movies, and celebrations of America. And nothing is more authentic California than the birthplace of it all — Sonoma County.
This is where California became part of the United States after the Bear Flag Revolt. It`s where California`s famed wine industry was started and is still home to the state`s oldest commercial winery, Buena Vista, and the oldest family owned winery, Gundlach Bundschu.
Discover Sonoma County by engaging in purely California activities. Start planning your trip today at www.sonomacounty.com .
Surfing: You`ll want to catch the wave at Gourmet Au Bay (www.gourmetaubay.com) with their “wine surfing” tasting. Choose three wines to taste and they will be delivered to you on a small wooden surf board. Of course, if you want to try regular in-the-ocean surfing check out Bodega Bay Surf Shack and the surfer dudes will have you hanging 10 in no time.
Beaches: More than 55 miles/89 kilometers of Pacific coastline is spectacular, but don`t think that`s the only beach options in Sonoma County. With three rivers — Russian, Petaluma, and Gualala — and Lake Sonoma, there are miles of beaches throughout the area that`s perfect for swimming, fishing, and just soaking up the sun.
Fire up the food: Nothing shows off Sonoma County`s mild climate like roasting food on the fire, a nearly year-round activity. Whether enjoying a wood-fired pizza at a restaurant or at a winery patio, or tasting some delicious barbecue, there are a number of ways to get your grill on. Add some wine and you have the 10th annual Seghesio Zin & BBQ Festival at Seghesio Family Vineyards, held in July.
Classic American Music: The Rodney Strong Summer Concert Series embraces all genres of music. This year, the 23rd, shows off its stellar reputation of legendary musicians, beautiful concert setting, and award-winning wines. The series takes place June through September.
Other music festivals feature accordions, fiddles, jazz and blues, and rock. B.R. Cohn Winery owner, Bruce Cohn is the manager of the hit band the Doobie Brothers, who will be performing at this year`s concert. The concert series is in September. If you just want to hang out and listen to local talent, find more information at www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-listings/live-music.
Movies: Modern film classics like The Birds, Peggy Sue Got Married, and American Graffiti, have one thing in common: Sonoma County has long been a backdrop for acclaimed films.
Alfred Hitchcock`s “The Birds” was filmed in 1963 at the Schoolhouse on Bodega Lane, in Bodega, with the soaring white wood building playing a prominent role in the action. St. Teresa`s Church, right next door, and locations in Bodega Bay are also featured. This year — 2013 — marks the 50th anniversary of the movie.
Although portions of American Graffiti, now 40 years old, were produced in other Northern California locations, most of the memorable scenes in George Lucas` timeless, coming-of-age movie were filmed right here in Petaluma in June and July 1972. Petaluma`s Salute to American Graffiti — held in May — is an annual celebration of American Graffiti, classic American cars, cruising the “main drag,” rock `n` roll music and the “happy days” of the `50s and early `60s.
Events: Sure, Sonoma County is home to some of the most delicious events in the world — Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, Wine Road`s Wine and Food Affair, wine associations` tasting events, film festivals, music events, and more.
But what rumbles “California” more than the tail pipe of a cherry `57 Chevy dragging down Main Street? Not much, just ask the hundreds of people who come out for the annual Peggy Sue`s All-American Car Show. It takes place in early June.
For more information about Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com.
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Edited by Jose H Oliveira Jr
ABN NEWS – BRAZILIAN NEWS AGENCY
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