Lodi: Perfect base for adventurous day trips
If you’re ever “stuck in Lodi” some Saturday morning claiming there’s nothing to do, pull out a map.
Chances are, if you close your eyes and let you finger fall, you’ll be guided to one of many regional spots for a day trip. Here are some favorites:• Jackson: Travelers can find the Jackson Rancheria, an Indian gaming casino that offers both slot machines and table games. There is also a hotel and restaurant on site.
For more information, go to www.jacksoncasino.com/index.htm, or call 223-1677.
• Volcano: The little town is home to Daffodil Hill. The somewhat famous property covered by the little white and yellow flowers makes a great spring jaunt. Pack a picnic!It is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during spring, summer and fall months. For more information, including directions, go to comspark.com/ daffodilhill.
• Other Foothill locations to “daytrip” include just perusing the downtown shopping district in towns like Sonora, Jamestown and Murphys. Historic churches and cemeteries dot the brick walkways, alongside tiny boutiques and bookstores.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort off Highway 88 is a popular wintertime trip for skiers, while Moaning Caverns in Calaveras County is good year-round for thrill seekers of all types. Call 736-2708 for admission prices and directions.
Most Mother Lode destinations are located off Highways 4, 12, 26, 49 and 88. The rural, two-lane highways can all look the same, so be sure to take a map!For general information about Amador County, which is bisected by Highway 88, visit the Web site at www.co.amador.ca.us. It includes links to both cities and hot spots.
The Alpine County Web site is www.co.alpine.ca.us.
• The Delta — from Stockton to Suisin City — always holds adventures, whether you’re a boater, a swimmer, a fisherman or just a water warrior. With 1,000 miles of waterways, you can always find something to do.
For general information, visit takeatrip.com/us/california/central_valley/stockton_delta.
• The San Francisco Bay Area, too, can be a gold mine for day trips from the Lodi area. Head south on Interstate 5, then west on Interstate 205 to 580, the Valley’s gateway into the area.
While there are far too many little trips to mention here, there are numerous hiking paths that provide breathtaking views of both the Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
The best Web site is sfgate.com/sports/outdoors/parks which offers links to most area parks.
Muir Woods National Monument, located in Mill Valley north of the Golden Gate Bridge, is one of the best. It offers visitors breathtaking views of redwood trees and plenty of paths. The weather can be cool, so take a jacket.
Go on line to www.visitmuirwoods.com for more information, or call (415) 388-7059.
Finally, if hiking is not your thing and eating is, visit the Jelly Belly Factory in nearby Fairfield. Tours (and free tastes) are offered daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Easter Sunday.
The company's Web site is www.jellybelly.com. You can also call (800) JB-BEANS.