INDEX OF STORIES

» Welcome to Lodi
» City offers a world of charms, attractions
» When you think Lodi, think of wine
» For wine lovers, Lodi’s charms are many
» Wine tasting: Basic rules every beginner must know
» Lodi-area wineries
» Lodi’s gateways to adventure await
» Love to tour and eat? In Lodi, you can do both
» What to see, fly, do
» Lodi — a nice, clean place to stay
» A tourist’s eye view of Lodi
» Festivals, music events fill Lodi’s calendar
» Local museums offer something for everyone
» For the Lodi-bound tourist, there are some must-sees
» Lodi can satisfy everyone’s appetite
» Lodi: The place to breakout — outdoors that is
» Grab your clubs and come out swinging
» Looking high, low for that something very old

By Julie Z. Giese
News-Sentinel staff writer

At first glance, Lodi can seem like a sleepy Central Valley town with its tree-lined streets and surrounding vineyards that stretch for miles.

But the city abounds with activities and sights for visitors to check out, ranging from annual wine events to natural attractions and local wildlife.

The beauty in the Lodi Lake area is a must see for any visitor. This photo is of the Mokelumne River behind the lake looking in a southeasterly direction. (Jerry R. Tyson/News-Sentinel)

The following are some noteworthy places and events to visit while in Lodi:

Downtown Lodi

If you’ve reached the yellow brick road, then you’re in downtown Lodi. The once-bustling business hub has been rejuvenated in the last decade, including the remodeled Lodi Train Station. Check out Lodi’s famed arches, the city’s oldest at Pine and Sacramento streets, and the city’s newest at School Street and Lodi Avenue.

Stroll down the streets to browse specialty boutiques and antique shops. If you get hungry, you can dine at one of the dozen downtown Lodi restaurants and even take in a movie at the new Lodi Stadium 12 cinema. Just outside of downtown Lodi is Hutchins Street Square, the former Lodi Union High School which was mostly destroyed in a fire in the early 1970s. The building has been resurrected into a conference and performing arts center.

Lodi Lake

It’s been called Lodi’s crown jewel. Lodi Lake was created in 1941 by partially damming of the Mokelumne River during the spring and summer months. The lake has since become a haven for those looking to fish, picnic, canoe, hike or simply enjoy the outdoors. It features a nature center and wilderness area. The park is located in north Lodi on Turner Road. For more information, call Lodi Parks and Recreation Department at 333-6742.

Lodi Wine & Visitor Center

Wine enthusiasts and novices will delight at discovering Lodi’s wine country. Constructed more than two years ago on the grounds of Wine & Roses Hotel and Restaurant, the center has a tasting bar featuring at least nine regional wines daily. It also has educational exhibits on growing grapes and wine-making and a gift shop. The center is sponsored by the Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission. It’s located at 2545 W. Turner Road in Lodi and open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cosumnes River Preserve

Hike through one of the California’s remaining valley oak riparian ecosystems, which is managed by the Nature Conservancy. The Cosumnes is the only free westward-flowing river out of the Sierra. The flood plain is home to thousands of migratory birds, valley oak forests and other native creatures. The preserve features several hiking trails and a nature center. It’s located on Franklin Boulevard, south of Twin Cities Road. For visitor hours, call (916) 684-2816 or visit the preserve’s Web site.

Lodi Grape Festival and Harvest Fair

If you’re in Lodi during the third week of September, you might want to check out Lodi’s oldest festival. The festival, of course, features local wines. It also includes a plethora of food, entertainment, unique grape murals, a grape stomp and carnival. The festival grounds is located on Lockeford Street. For more information, call 369-2771.

Lodi Spring Wine Show

In March, Lodi showcases spring with a medley of wines. The show has become Lodi’s premier wine event featuring more than 50 wineries, food and entertainment. The event is held at the Lodi Grape Festival grounds. For more information or show dates, call 369-2771.

	A Sandhill crane dances during its annual migration to the Lodi area. (Jerry R. Tyson/News-Sentinel)

The Delta

The rural and rustic Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta waterways west of Lodi make for an ideal day trip or vacation for fishing, boating and camping. The Delta has more than 1,000 miles of waterways connecting Stockton and Sacramento to the San Francisco Bay. It also features ferry rides, bird-watching, a handful of restaurants and seasonal events. For more information, visit the Delta’s Web site.

Sandhill Cranes

During the fall and winter months, the Lodi area becomes home to a range of wildlife, including the sandhill cranes. The migratory bird is celebrated in November with the city’s annual festival. The birds typically sojourn between October and March and can be viewed at the Cosumnes River Preserve; Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, which is north of Woodbridge Road, about two miles west of Interstate 5; and Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, located west of Interstate 5 at the end of Elk Grove Boulevard.