From Lodi, fun is just a day trip away

Whenever you’re feeling tired of the same old scene, it may help to know that Lodi is perfectly situated for any number of fun and exciting day trips.

Heading out in nearly any direction, you should be able to find a good regional spot where you can lose yourself — but always find the way back home. Here are some favorites:

Knight’s Ferry: About an hour drive from Lodi, Knight’s Ferry is a town left over from the Gold Rush era. On Highway 120 between Oakdale and Sonora, visitors say this Stanislaus River spot is a perfect hideaway for anyone who enjoys walking and biking or simply partaking in a riverside rest under a shaded grove of trees.

A 360 foot-long covered bridge, the longest of its kind left west of the Mississippi River, dates back to 1862. Nearby as old is the Dent House, where Ulysses S. Grant visited in 1854. Visitors can also examine the workings of an abandoned mill, including all its machinery.

Brannan Island State Recreation Area: Just 15 miles east of Lodi is Brannan Island, a 336-acre area of land buffeted by the Sacramento River to the west and San Joaquin River to the south. On the island is Windy Cove, a place where locals come to windsurf, fly kites or just relax in the cool breeze.

With over 140 campsites and areas for picnicking and swimming, Brannan island is a good way to escape a hot and sticky summer day. For more information, visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=487.

Jackson: This small city, a delight for adventurous travelers, features the Jackson Rancheria — an Indian gaming casino that includes slot machines, traditional casino card games as well as restaurants and entertainment for all ages. On site is also a hotel with spacious accommodations.

For more information, visit www.jacksoncasino.com/index.htm, or call 223-1677.

Big Bear Water Park and Campgrounds is located 12 miles east of Modesto on Highway 132 in Waterfront. Family owned and operated, this water slide park includes a kid’s play area and 11 slides with combinations of twists and turns that are sure to please all ages.

For those with drier inclinations, the grounds include volleyball and horseshoe sand pits, as well as shady oak trees where summer breezes provide a perfect opportunity to sit, relax or catch up on some summer reading.

Also on site is a general store, meeting room and clubhouse as well as a game arcade and playground. Camping grounds and RV spaces with hook-ups are available. For more information, call 874-4000 or visit www.the-campground-network.com

Foothills: Many cities in the foothills area, including Jamestown, Sonora and Murphys, offer unique shopping, dining and sightseeing. Old town cemeteries and churches are perched on brick-lined streets that feature boutiques, antique stores and family owned restaurants.

The Delta: Stretching all the way from Stockton to Suisin City, the Delta has 1,000 miles of combined waterways for swimmers, fishermen and boating enthusiasts. For information, including a list of sites and local businesses, visit http://www.sacdelta.com/.

San Francisco Bay Area: The Bay Area provides a wide variety of day trips for Lodians, from outdoor activities like hiking and biking to some of Northern California’s finest shopping. Head south on Interstate 5, then west on Interstate 205 to 580, the Valley’s gateway to the Bay Area.

This spot could be the ideal location for longer trips, and hotel accommodations in and around San Francisco range from inexpensive hostels to four-star luxury hotels. For more information visit www.sfvisitor.org/.

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