CALIFORNIA CALLING: ADVENTURE AND TIMELESS MAGIC AWAITS IN THE GOLDEN STATE
From Gold Rush echoes to glamping among towering pines, this year Northern California rolls out an unforgettable welcome.
Let’s take a scenic tour through what’s new—and what’s nostalgically beloved—in this thriving corner of the state.
A Taste of the World in Sacramento
From September 26–28, Sacramento will host a flavor-packed debut of Terra Madre Americas, the North and South American counterpart to the globally celebrated Terra Madre Salone del Gusto. This landmark event will bring together global farmers, chefs, and food artisans to celebrate the Slow Food movement. Attendees can sip cocktails crafted by renowned mixologists, engage in tastings and hands-on workshops with coffee farmers and roasters, and explore a market featuring culinary treasures from the Arctic Circle to Patagonia. Held in California’s farm-to-fork capital, it promises to be as ethically rich as it is delicious.
Also new to the capital: Major League Baseball. The Oakland A’s have taken up residence at Sutter Health Park, right in the heart of Sacramento, for at least three seasons. The ballpark, steps from the Tower Bridge and State Capitol, gives fans a chance to experience America’s pastime in a new, energetic setting.
Cheers to Wine and History in the Mountains
After a pandemic pause, the iconic Vintners’ Holidays are back at The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park. This luxury event invites guests to enjoy tastings with California’s top vintners, intimate conversations, and an exquisite five-course wine-paired dinner within one of the most stunning architectural landmarks in the West.
On the Placer Wine and Ale Trail, Lecavalier Cellars has unveiled a new tasting room just off I-80 in Newcastle, with a full winery and restaurant complex set to break ground by early 2026. For something truly unique, head to Rancho Cordova’s Barrel District, where you can sample craft beer, spirits, and mead, including rượu đế, a Vietnamese rice whiskey now made locally at Dao Distillery—the first of its kind in California.
Back to the Prairie and the Future
Time travel is trending. June brings a nostalgic gathering in Columbia State Historic Park: the 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion of Little House on the Prairie. Set among Gold Rush-era buildings, fans can meet original cast members, enjoy prairie games and daily costume contests, watch a new documentary, and ride a historic steam engine seen on the show—paired with wine and cheese, naturally.
Just down the road, Tuolumne County will celebrate the 35th anniversary of Back to the Future Part III—much of which was filmed locally—with Return to Hill Valley. From September 26–28, fans can enjoy cast and crew appearances, film location tours, DeLorean displays, and themed events that raise funds for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Celtic Spirit and Outdoor Thrills
Making its inaugural appearance this November 1–2 is the Yosemite Celtic Festival, a lively celebration of heritage with music, dance, games, and traditional fare in Oakhurst. Toast with whiskey tastings, shop authentic crafts, and revel in ancient clan pride—backdropped by the grandeur of Yosemite National Park.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be thrilled with the arrival of Rail Explorers in Gold Country, where you can pedal along the Amador Central Railroad, catching sweeping views of vineyards and Sierra foothills. Meanwhile, Cosumnes River Preserve welcomes visitors with audio tours through over 50,000 acres of birding paradise and Soil Born Farms in Rancho Cordova continues to inspire with farm-to-fork education, wellness classes, and Saturday markets.
Where to Stay in Style
Whether it’s rustic elegance or luxury in nature, Yosemite and the surrounding region have upped the ante in lodging.
Wildhaven Yosemite and Under Canvas Yosemite both offer glamping just minutes from park entrances—think king-sized beds, private baths, and Instagram-worthy forest views. Longtime favorite Tenaya at Yosemite is celebrating 35 years with newly renovated rooms, a rock climbing wall, pickleball courts, and shuttles into the park.
Looking ahead, the highly anticipated Outbound Yosemite Resort will open in winter 2025/2026 with a 17-acre campus of modern cabins, cold plunges, and sustainable luxury. For an elevated casino stay, Chicken Ranch Casino Resortoffers gaming, fine dining, and a scenic event space just an hour from Yosemite.
History, Hospitality & Hidden Gems
Get lost in Gold Country charm at The Extraordinary Camino Hotel, a creatively themed retreat in a former lumberjack bunkhouse. Or check into the newly reopened Inelle, Oakhurst Yosemite, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel featuring design-forward rooms and the lively Hemlock Restaurant & Bar.
History buffs will want to visit the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, celebrating its 60th anniversary with jazz-themed train rides and gourmet experiences through Sierra’s wooded beauty. Also marking a milestone is Tuolumne County, commemorating its 175th birthday with yearlong events including the 49er Festival in Groveland.
And don’t miss a chance to dine or shop at The Gnarly Carrot, a sustainable farm shop near the eco-conscious Noma Resort, or to relax lakeside at Miller’s Landing Resort and The Forks Resort on Bass Lake—where tradition, nature, and warm welcomes await.
Whether you’re craving bold flavors, majestic views, cultural encounters, or cozy nights under the stars, this season, California’s heartland offers countless ways to explore, taste, and fall in love with the Golden State all over again.
Let’s take a scenic tour through what’s new—and what’s nostalgically beloved—in this thriving corner of the state.
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