All In A Days Work

No matter how big or little the town, we are able to find some hidden gems among the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take St. Meriden for example; tons of places that you don’t want to miss!

Hubbard Park. This 1,800 acre park was donated by Mr. Hubbard and bears his name.  Some 51 parcels of land, including 150 acres formerly known as the Hubbard Park State Park deeded by the State of Connecticut to the City, comprise the park.  The tract was laid out originally by Mr. Hubbard in consultation with the Olmsted Brothers, sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, America’s foremost landscape architect.  A great deal of effort has been taken to preserve and accentuate the historic nature of his park.  The skate house, as it is known today, was formerly a refreshment and lunch facility.

Castle Craig. Castle Craig, located on East Peak in the Hanging Hills, is constructed of trap rock and is 32 feet in height and has a base 58 feet in circumference . A metal interior stairway is used to ascend the observation deck on top.

Village Barn. After hours of hiking and sightseeing, visit Village Barn, a small family-owned restaurant that you’d miss if you blinked while passing – they serve some of the best pizza and italian food for miles and they have an old school feel with a jukebox and pool tables. (If you are visiting for a few days, you will be back more than once so just plan on it!)

This post is sponsored by Robert’s Chrysler Dodge

Giuffrida Park. At nearly 600 acres, this public park is known for its hiking trails & reservoir. With the natural beauty and wildlife surrounding you be prepared to be in awe (and bring your camera!)

Gallery53. Gallery 53 was founded in 1907, this is one of the oldest visual arts organizations in the state of Connecticut. Through educational programs, exhibits, workshops, and lectures this non-profit organization is dedicated to cultural enrichment of the community; They have some of the best art shows around with live entertainment, food and wine.

Located in the coastal mountain range of central California, Paso Robles, or “Pass of the Oaks,” is close to mountains, beaches and deserts. The area has an ideal climate for wine-making; grape growing in the region began in 1797. There are now more than 170 wineries, 26,000 vineyard acres and 40 varietals of wine. Visit the thermal springs, which are said to have healing powers, or one of the more modern spring resorts in the area.

Wine Tours & Tastings.

With over 170 wineries it’s hard to pick just one however for your time sake (and mine) I won’t try to compare them, however taking the Wine Wrangler’s Wine Tours & Tastings is highly recommended. Meet other wine enthusiasts and spend the day visiting between 4-6 wineries. They specialize is showing you the family-owned smaller wineries that are historic and off the beaten path. They will point out landmarks and other wineries along the way, share stories, local history, the local culture and of course – wine making.

Franklin Hot Springs.
Hot Springs have a ton of benefits besides just relaxation. The Franklin Hot Springs may impart a wide range of benefits for visitors who suffer from arteriosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, burns, arthritis, poor circulation and other disorders.

Sponsored by  Mullahey Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Margarita Adventures.
Soar along 5 ziplines, including the 1,800 ft Pinot Express, experience rugged beauty and diverse habitats of the Margarita Ranch and even savor the beauty (and taste) of the ranch’s vineyards.

Hearst Castle.

Hearst Castle’s history begins in 1865 – when George Hearst purchased 40,000 acres of ranchland. In 19191 William Hearst inherited what had grown to be more than 250,000 acres and dreamed of ways to transform it into a retreat he called La Cuesta Encantada. . with over 165 rooms, 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pool and walkways, and his art collection – this is a legendary place to visit.

When you visit a new place there are some things you just fall in love with – the people, the view, the food. Well Chico has a little bit of everything and we love it! Here’s why:

Chico has the Best Views.
The city of Paradise lays just across the Butte Creek Canyon. Honestly no words can describe it in all it’s glory, so we will just share a glimpse.

No Winter.

A ‘cold’ day in Chico is around 55-65 degrees. We are talking shorts all year round, and swimming pools, and no frigid winds, ice or snow. It’s like being in the caribbean 365 days a year.

Scenic Bike Trails.
Butte Creek Canyon has some of the most epic bike trails EVER. With over 5,200 bike trails in the area even as an avid biker you will never get bored.

Artoberfest
Forget Oktoberfest – check out Artoberfest for the whole month of October in Chico. Over 150 exhibits, multiple art fairs and even live concerts. It’s an art lovers dream!

Nuts.

Chico sits on some of the most fertile soil in the entire world – so it’s rich in fabulous crops. Almonds are what Chico is known for, but they also grow tons of walnuts, peaches, plums and kiwis!

The Bidwell Mansion
The Bidwell’s and their gigantic mansion (along with their 26,000 acres) is part of historic Chico. They entertained and bumped elbows with the best like Susan B. Anthony , President Hayes and more.

Downtown Chico.

Downtown Chico has everything you need – from shops, to restaurants bars and nightclubs, hotels, and all kinds of special events this is a place you don’t want to miss. They even have Chuck Patterson Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep with a huge inventory if you are looking!

Golf.

The Bidwell Park Golf Club is known in Northern Cali for its pro shop, hitting cages, and ranges. Whether you’re beginning or pro, you’ll have plenty of putting options here, and the on-site bistro is on par with the course.

Papago Park
Papago Park covers 1,200 acres of park recreation and extends to the cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale AZ. It is not the largest park in the city of Phoenix. Papago features the widest variety of outdoor fun and is home to some of the most visited attractions in the Phoenix area. Including “Hole in the Rock” – The hole-in-the-rock is the most prominent icon in Papago Park and carries evidence that the prehistoric Hohokam Indians settled this area thousands of years ago. The red butte was created 6 to 15 million years ago and naturally formed with a series of openings caused by erosion. The openings and “chamber” (hole) near the butte’s summit are easily accessed from the rear via a smooth, but somewhat steep path. Those that trek to the chamber hole-in-the-rock are rewarded with great views across the city.

Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain is the highest peak in Phoenix – and probably the most scenic hiking spot in the city. Over 2,704 feet high, Camelback’s summit offers spectacular views of Phoenix and Scottsdale and can be reached from the 1.2 mile Summit Trail.

Piestewa Peak

Piestewa Peak, at 2,610 feet is the second highest point in the Phoenix Mountains, after Camelback Mountain, and the third highest in the city of Phoenix, Arizona. It’s a 2.3 mile trail that features beautiful wild flowers and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The trail offers a number of activity options and is only open from March until October. (Not far from Earnhardt’s Mr. Eds Auto Center).

Off-Road Desert Tours
Travel through rugged and beautiful terrain and go deep into the desert where most people don’t; This Adventure takes you deep into the Sonoran Desert where you may see javelinas, desert mule deer, wild burros, coyotes, rattlesnakes, scorpions and other indigenous creatures.  

Desert Botanical Garden

For more than 70 years, the Desert Botanical Garden has been teaching and inspiring visitors from the local community and around the world, providing research, exhibits and more designed to help us understand, protect and preserve the desert’s natural beauty. Today, the Garden features:140 acres, 55 under cultivation, over 50,000 plant displays showcased in beautiful outdoor exhibits, and more!

South Mountain Park

At more than 16,000 acres South Mountain Park/Preserve actually consists of three mountain ranges, the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe; and is one of the largest municipally operated parks in the country. It boasts 51 miles of primary trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking for all ability levels. From the park’s main entrance, you can drive up the Summit Road 5.5 miles to Dobbins Lookout and spectacular valley wide views or you can continue to the Gila Lookout for a view of the Gila River Valley.