6529 Hollis St Emeryville CA (510) 652-4412 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Wed., Fri., Sat. and Sun
Many people eat chocolates but they have no idea how they're made. Especially when it comes to handmade chocolates. Thanks to Charles Siegel chocoholics can increase their chocolate knowledge with a tour of his Charles Chocolates factory in Emeryville.
When you walk in, you are summoned to a chocolate bar. It has a comfy couch and a row of stools with an eye level view of the company's factory floor. There, several highly trained white suited chocolatiers filling molding trays and performing other very important chocolate making tasks.
Siegel and the others on his staff who give the tour promise of a free raspberry truffle as a reward for making it to the end of the half-hour show. This is the only artisanal chocolate factory in the country to offer one. Anyone can view the chocolate making without a tour during regular business hours.
During the tour, Siegel asks the assembled to slow down, and bite the morsel in half and then compare the thinness of the walls of his handmade "Rolo". When you compare it to the machine made version, there's no question that the shell on Siegel's product is much thinner. Making them by hand allows him to create a thinner shell. Segal says that the shell is really just a delivery vehicle to get a soft filling into your mouth. Which I would say are very rich and good.
Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) is a resource center for preschool through high school science and mathematics education, and a public science center with exciting hands-on experiences for learners of all ages.
LHS was established in 1968 at the University of California at Berkeley. It is a national leader in the development of innovative materials and programs for students, teachers, families, and the public.
Their mission is to inspire and foster learning of science and mathematics for all. LHS is the public science center of the University of California, Berkeley and an innovative leader in the field of science and mathematics education.
To advance interest, skills, and knowledge they engage students and their families in exciting science and mathematics activities, at the center or in their classrooms, schools, and communities. They also design and distribute effective instructional materials and exhibits. Lastly, they create distinctive learning and leadership opportunities for educators. LHS is committed to serving all, especially those with limited access to science and mathematics.
The Tech Museum of Innovation 201 South Market Street San Jose, CA 95113 Phone: (408) 294-TECH (8324)
The Tech Museum is located in downtown San Jose. It is fun for all ages! It offers background information and allows you to explore technologies that affect our everyday lives. The museum tries to motivate the innovator in everyone. The museum is 132,000 square feet and is divided into galleries that focuses on innovation, the human body, internet, and exploration. In addition to the galleries offered, the Tech Museum also has the Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater, and area for workshops and labs, cafe, and retail store.
Sierra at Tahoe Ski Resort 1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Road Twin Bridges, Ca. 95735 Phone (530) 659-7453
Sierra at Tahoe offers several different activities during hours of operation. Activities include snow skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, and tubing. The resort offers rentals of all snow clothes and equipment needed for a fun filled day on the mountain. In addition, the resort has an adventure zone for children which includes: rollers, mini jumps, and banked turns that keep children entertained for hours upon hours. And most importantly for the beginners, Sierra at Tahoe offers lessons to adults and children on the beginner terrain of the mountain. Surely, an activity that the entire family would enjoy!
California is famous for its Redwood Trees, but did you ever looked at them really close? If not you should definitely visit the Muir Woods National Monument on a nice day. Muir Woods is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, known as one of the largest urban national parks in the world.
Muir Woods is located just a 11 mile drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marine County. For just $5 per person you can enjoy a relaxing walk through the woods. The National Park Service offers six different walking trails through the area. I would suggest at least to take the 1,5 hour loop because they will bring you even at busier weekend days to some quiter places of the woods. You will be surprised how tall trees can become: The tallest tree is about 260 feet high and some of them are already 1200 years old.
But be careful: Even on hot summer days it can be quite cold in the woods, so don't forget to bring warm clothes with you.
More information, directions and a schedule of tours you can find on the website of the National Park Service at www.nps.gov/muwo.
Budweiser is owned and created by Anheuser-Bush. The process to make Budweiser takes several interesting steps. The first step starts with miling the barley and rice. Second step consists of the malt and water that are carefully mixed in the mash which is like a cooking pot. The special ingredients are stirred and heated at a controlled temperature and time. Third, they are brought to a rolling boil and the brewers add hops. For those of you who don't know what hops are, they are oils and resins. Fourth, the beer is sent to ferment and age. The liquid is first settled before beginning the fermentation and cooled. The liquid is cooled to approximately 29 degrees and is then ready for taste tests.
Complimentary tours guide you through the unique process of making Bud. These tours take place with a guide that shows you the modern technology and heritage that produces the world's greatest beers. Guests 21 years of age or older, are welcomed to sample our products in the Hospitality Room. You can choose from a variety of beers including traditional, seasonal, and new products.
Hours of operation are as follows: June - August Monday thru Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. September – May Tuesday thru Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Paramount's Great America is an amusement park that has a theme park as well as a water park (Boomerang Bay)! It features several roller coasters (featuring Invertigo) as well as other rides. There is also a carnival setting where you can play games. There are live shows and plenty of fun for kids (as a kids park is also available). Kids can meet there favorite Nickelodeon characters too!
Tickets prices are as follows: right now Season Passes are available for just $49.99 (this includes admission into the park all season long), regular pricing includes adult admission for $53.99, junior/senior admission for $35.99, 2-day tickets for $59.99 (this is for admission 2 days in a row and must be used by the same person), and there is also a ticket available for $29.99 that includes admission after 4 p.m. that is only available at the front gate.
There are also group rates. Opening day for the regular 2009 season is March 29th, 2009. The park returns to opening for weekends only on August 29th, 2009.
The Oakland Zoo is located just off highway 580 and lays on a beautiful 525 acres of Knowland Park. The Oakland Zoo is home to more than 440 animals. Some of the animals include: birds, mammals, reptiles, arthropods, and amphibians. The zoo was founded in 1922 by Henry Snow. Since 1936 the Zoo has been located in Knowland Park. The Zoo is open weekdays and weekends from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. However, the rides area is open daily from 11:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Please check weather conditions before visiting the Zoo because it might be forced to close in the event of rain.
The Marin Headlands is an excellent place to go if you are interested in relaxing. It features a tour of the headlands that includes a viewing of the lighthouse located on the premises (you must be sure that you are not scared of heights though; for the bridge you have to walk across to reach the lighthouse is very high over the bay waters). There are hostels you may rent to stay in as well. You may do fishing, hiking, sunbathing on the beach (with a portion that has black sand), horse back riding, and much, much more! There are also places to take great photos including an old military base and the Golden Gate bridge.
The headlands are open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. everyday except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day (the lighthouse tour is not open if it is raining severely). The best part about this location is that it is absolutely free admission!
The Marin Headlands are located in Marin just off of the Golden Gate bridge. For more info such as directions, etc. please call (415)331-1540 or go to http://www.nps.gov/.
9th Ave & Lincoln WayGolden Gate Park San Francisco, CA 94122(415) 661-1316
Whether you have ten minutes or a life-time, there's always something new to see & do at the Botanical Garden. They are open every day of the week and offer access to beautiful grounds packed with a huge variety of plants of varying species, ranging from our famous redwood grove to tracts of plants from all over the world. Some of which are no longer found in their native homes. They also have plant sales that give the public a unique opportunity to acquire plants seldom found in garden centers.
The park was established in 1940. The development of Golden Gate Park, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden was due to John McLaren's vision, skill, and long lifespan. McLaren chose the site for the present Garden in 1889. In 1926 the Garden became a reality with start up funding from Helene Strybing. John McLaren hired Eric Walther as a gardener in 1918. Walther took the initiative of becoming a student of botanist Alice Eastwood, and by 1924 McLaren gave Walther the responsibility for compiling the plant list included in the Golden Gate Park's annual report. In 1937 Walther was placed in charge of the Garden and together he and McLaren developed the original plan. Walther remained the Director of the Garden until his retirement in 1957. During his tenure he emphasized education, guided tours and arranging displays of ornamental plants that could be grown successfully in the area.
San Francisco's most popular vacation destination Fisherman's Wharf offers many types of activities. Fisherman's Wharf offers different attractions, lodging, nightlife, restaurants, shopping, tours, and services.
Attractions include:
Anchorage Square Address: Jefferson and Jones Streets Phone: 415-775-6000 Anchorage Square offers biking, touring, shopping, and dining. Some of the most popular places to visit are Bike and Roll, Bay Quackers, In-N-Out Burger, Coldstone Creamery, Starbucks, Hidden Plunder, Crazy Shirts, Courtyard by Marriott, Hertz, and Avis. Anchorage Square has convenient validated parking available on Anchorage Square Parking Garage located on Beach Street.
Aquarium of the Bay Address: Pier 39, The Embarcadero at Beach A marine center full of over 20,000 aquatic animals from the San Francisco Bay. The aquarium has 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels just inches from sharks, skates, octopus, bat rays, and other aquatic animals. This aquarium is open year round except December 25. Summer and holiday hours of operation are: 9am to 8pm and other times of the year the aquarium is open 10am to 6pm.
AT&T Park Address: 24 Willie Mays Plaza Phone: 415-972-2400 AT&T park is home to the baseball team San Francisco Giants. At this stadium home runs become splash hits as they hit the Bay water. Also, you can take behind the scene tours of the AT&T Park. You get to visit the dugout, indoor batting cage, and possibly the Visitors' Clubhouse. Tours last about 1 hour and 30 minutes and run almost everyday at 10:30am and 12:30pm.
The Cannery Address: 2801 Leavenworth Street Phone: 415-771-3112 The Cannery at Del Monte Square is one of San Francisco's most treasured places. The Cannery was originally built in 1907 and was the largest peach cannery in the world. Today, The Cannery is a waterfront marketplace with shops, restaurants, offices, and live entertainment.
Ghirardelli Square Address: 900 North Point Street Phone: 415-775-5500 Ghirardelli Square offers wine tasting, dining, shopping, and delicious chocolate treats. If you'd like a breath-taking view of the Bay, Ghirardelli Square is the place to be.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum Address: 175 Jefferson Street Phone: 415-771-6188 San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Address: Bldg. E, Room 265, Lower Fort Mason Phone: 415-561-7006
The Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf Address: 145 Jefferson Street Phone: 415-202-0402 The Wax Museum has more than 250 life-like personalities. The museum has different scenes including horror and disbelief, religion, and the most popular Gallery of Fame. The Gallery of Fame has sports heroes, royalty, scientist, U.S. Presidents, historical personalities, and entertainment idols. The most recent personalities to be added to the museum are Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, and George Clooney. Hours of operations are weekdays 10am to 9pm; and weekends from 9am to 11pm.
Pier 39 Address: Beach Street & The Embarcadero Phone: 415-705-5500 Pier 39 is located at the northern end of The Embarcadero, with stunning San Francisco views. Pier 39 is a two-story marketplace with about 110 shops and 13 restaurants with Bay views. Also, there are several street performers and musicians performing daily. Other attractions at Pier 39 are Carousel, game arcade, Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruises and more.
Sea Lions Located at Pier 39 behind the two-story shopping marketplace lies my favorite part of Fisherman's Wharf, the sea lions. These sea lions lounge on these floating wooden platforms daily at almost anytime of the day. This attractions is amazing, you won't believe your eyes as you see hundreds of sea lions on platforms laying, playing, groaning, sleeping, and even sometimes fighting. At night time they fight for a place on the platforms to sleep. This attraction is simply mind blowing, you must see it for yourself. Adults and children will love it!
Club Wet 396 South 1st Street San Jose, Ca. 95113 (408) 282-8938
Age Restrictions: 21 and over only Cover Charge: $20 or Free Guestlist before 11pm
Club Wet is a brand-new premiere nightclub and live performance club located in downtown San Jose. Wet is over 16,000 square feet where live performers and DJ's perform weekly. This nightclub is designed to give you a sense of luxury and style while dancing and drinking the night away. Wet offers extravagant multi-leveled VIP areas that over look the dance floor. Also, Wet has a seperate ultra-lounge, elite-access bottle service tables, four bars, and four levels. Some other exceptional amenities include: explosive sound and lighting, and International DJ's flown in to rock the perfect dance floor.
Bar None 1980 Union Street (At Buchanan) San Francisco, Ca. 94123 (415) 409-4469
Age Restriction: 21 and over only Cover Charge: Free
Bar None is a World Famous New York City watering hole. Bar None includes pool tables, darts, beer pong tables, a jukebox, and food. The atmosphere at bar none is cozy, the music's loud, and drinks are served ice cold and strong. They have a world famous POWER HOUR, every night, from 9 till 10pm. This bar offers numerous drink and food specials daily. Bar None offers two private rooms where you can throw private parties.
Chabot Space and Science Center, located in Oakland, California, is a hands-on center featuring interactive exhibits, a digital planetarium, a large screen theater, hands-on activities and three powerful telescopes.
The Center is the continuation and expansion of a public observatory that has served San Francisco Bay Area schools and citizens with astronomy and science education programs since 1883. It is named after the father of hydraulic mining and benefactor of the original Oakland Observatory, Anthony Chabot.
My favorite attraction would have to be the telescopes. Theyhave three observatory telescopes. "Leah", an 8" refractor telescope that was built in 1883."Rachel" is a 20" refractor telescope, commissioned in 1914. It is the largest refractor in the western United States regularly open to the public. "Nellie" is a 36" reflecting telescope which opened in June 2003. The telescopes are available for free public viewing on Friday and Saturday evenings when the sky is clear.
Aside from its telescopes, it contains, The Ask Jeeves Planetarium. It is a full dome digital projection system, with various shows running daily. They also have the Tien MegaDome Theater, a 70-foot dome screen auditorium with various IMax shows running daily. Lastly, it contains the Challenger Learning Center. This is a hands on simulated space mission environment where 8 teams work together to complete a mission.
The Saddle Rack 42011 Boscell Road Fremont, Ca. 94538 (510) 979-0477
Age Restrictions: 21 and over only Cover Charge: $20 after 10pm and $10 before 10pm
The Saddle Rack is the largest club located in Fremont. It has two open dance floor areas that are surrounded by three bars, a mechanical bull, an oxygen bar, a "Margarita Chair", several pool tables, darts, and food service. The main dance floor is used for dancing, lessons, line dancing, or seating. In addition, there is a smaller dance area where a majority of the line dancing takes place. Located in the front is a large stage where well-known musicians and vocalists perform weekly, along with video screens located on the perimeter walls.
Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night from 7:30 p.m. till 9:00 p.m., the main dance floor is filled with a variety of almost anyone over 21 years old stepping and twirling to the voice of a patient dance instructor. The dance instructor teaches all different types of line dancing and couples dancing to the wonderful beat of country music. There is no extra charge for line dancing. However, every night there is live music and on Saturdays there are two live bands who perform.
Alcatraz Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Bay Area and just a few minutes away from San Francisco harbor. The island first was home for a lighthouse and became later a military fort before it served as probably the world's most famous prison from 1934 to 1963.
Nowadays you don't need to be Al Capone to go to Alcatraz Island which is meanwhile a National Park. Everyday Alcatraz Cruises is offering several trips to "The Rock". Of course, it is quite expensive (tickets start at $26) but Alcatraz is definitely worth the money. It is a great experience to walk around the cell blocks and the listen to stories of real Alcatraz prisoners through the audio tour (which is already included in the admission). Apart from that you have a phenomenal view of San Francisco, so don't forget to take your cameras.
A special tip is the night tour which is held Thursday through Monday: It is much less crowded than the day tours and the National Park Service is offering special guided tours and activities. Another tip is to book tickets far in advance: Especially during peak seasons and around holidays it is nearly impossible to get tickets at short notice.
Santa Cruz beach boardwalk is a place you can go to have fun in the sun! It features a beach, restaurants, an arcade, shops, games, and rides! Admission is completely free!! (There is a cost for rides.) The main featured ride at the boardwalk is the Giant Dipper. It is a wooden roller coaster and has been at the park since 1924 when the park first opened. It is the 6th oldest roller coaster in the U.S. and goes 55 mph. There are also occasional concert events on the beach if you like music.
The park is open during the summer everyday. (Weekends only during off-peak months. Check website for hours.) An Endless Summer Season Pass is offered for unlimited rides all summer season for just $68.95 (plus tax). There is also an unlimited ride pass that also includes 3 attractions good for one full day of fun for $36.95 (plus tax). An unlimited ride wristband that is good for one day of fun is just $16.95 (plus tax). They also offer a 60-ticket strip for $39.95 (rides range from 3 to 6 tickets at 75 cents per ticket). So try it out if you enjoy fun in the sun!!! For more info go to http://www.beachboardwalk.com/
Vikingshom Castle is a castle that was built by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight in 1929. It is located at Emerald Bay, just minutes outside of Lake Tahoe, CA. It was the summer home to Mrs. Knight (who was the mother-in-law of Helen Fargo heiress to Wells Fargo bank). She purchased the property in 1928 for $250, 000. She designed and decorated every inch of the castle. She had a staff of 15 working at that castle. She threw extavagant parties at the castle every summer and when the summer was over she returned to her home in Santa Barbara.
Vikingsholm is about a 3 hour drive from the Bay Area. Tours are available 7 days a week from mid-June to the end of September from10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the tours lasting 30 minutes each. The tour's admission price is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for youth ages 6-17, and admission is free for children under age 6. There may be parking fees as well depending on which lot you park in (ranging form $0-$3.00). There is also a 1.7 mile hike on an upward and downward trail. So if you're feeling adventurous and you don't mind spending a little money to get out of the house, then Vikingholm is the place for you!! http://www.vikingholm.com
Sightseeing tours look nearly the same everywhere: You hop on a bus or a boat and within an hour or two you see the most important spots of the city. In San Francisco you can don't have to follow these standard procedure. Do some workout and see sights like the Embarcadero, Ferry Building or the Bay Bridge at the same time.
CityKayak, who are located in San Francisco's South Beach Harbor, are offering a wide range of paddle trips in the SF Bay. The length of the trips last between 1 and 3 hours and some of them don't even require any kayak experience. CityKayak also offers various special tours like seeing the New Year's Eve fireworks from a kayak. All tours are guided by experienced staff members who know both: kayaking and the city.
Don't wait any longer and take a look at CityKayak's calender to see when the next trips are offered.
The Jelly Belly Factory is located in Fairfield, CA. It offers a FREE tour of the factory most days of the year from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The factory offers restaurants, free candy, and other activities. During the tour (it is 40 minutes) you will learn the history of Jelly Belly, the different tastes (150 different ones!) that Jelly Belly has to offer, and a whole lot of fun!! . You will also be given the ingredients of how to make Jelly Bellies. Jelly beans are not the only thing that this factory makes. They also make taffy, chocolates and wild gummi critters. The best part of all is reservations are not needed. You can come and enjoy all the fun completely free!!! There is also a souvenir store conveniently located on the premises so you can purchase all of the souvenirs and candy you want! The factory is located just an hour away from San Francisco, which means if you live in the East Bay it's even closer! Tours begin every 15 minutes. The address to the factory is 1 Jelly Belly Lane Fairfield, CA 94533. So come and enjoy all the fun at the Jelly Belly Factory!! http://www.jellybelly.com
Kai's is located in the Old Oakland Neighborhood in Down Town Oakland. The food is great and the prices are cheap. They also have a full bar. My favorite plate is the Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box. It comes with chicken triyaki, stem rice, noddles, and a salad (this plate is under $5). They also have a full sushi bar. I don't really like raw fish so my favorite one is the California roll. They give complementary soup and tea while you wait for your food. The service is great and fast. I love the atmosphere. So, if your a student and you love good food this is the place for you. You will not be disappointed.
Nothing to do at the weekend? NorCal Tourist Spots provides you with exciting ideas about activities, places, bars and restaurants.
You know a great spot? We're happpy about new ideas for this blog. Just send us an email to: catouristblog@gmail.com
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