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Rainy Day Fun!

Apr 5th, 2011 by

If you’re ever in the area, there are great things to do when the weather is sour! Here are some activities that we enjoy!

1. Visit the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, CA (just a short drive from Paraiso Vineyards in Soledad). John Steinbeck is truly a great American author. Visit the interactive museum for a in-depth look into the author’s life and tour the historic landmarks throughout Salinas, like his childhood home and his burial site. Learn more about the Salinas Valley, a.k.a. the “Salad Bowl of the World” at the Rabobank Agricultural Museum. It’s a great activity for families! We loved our trip there!

2. Take a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and marvel at the marine life! You’re never too young or too old to spend the day at the aquarium. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Seahorse family. With a collection of over 15 species, it’s one of the biggest seahorse exhibits in the country! From May 20-22 the Monterey Bay Aquarium is hosting Cooking for Solutions, for the 10th time, featuring over 70 Chefs and Celebrity Chefs. Good food and good wine in a spectacular setting; what more could you ask for?

3. Even though Cannery Row is a great place to eat and shop, save that for a sunny day. Check out the Monterey Mystery Maze & Laser Challenge and let the kids run around to blow off some steam.

4. Enjoy a great day trip to Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a beautiful historic castle built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst. Choose from a variety of tours which include the main castle, guest houses, indoor and outdoor pools, gardens, and Hearst’s personal horseback riding trails. Hearst Castle is truly one of the most mesmerizing historical sites in America.

5. Take a romantic getaway with the one you love to Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort in Avila Beach. The best part is you don’t have to stay there to enjoy the amenities. Aside from the luxurious accommodations, enjoy an array of massages, take a stroll through beautiful gardens, bathe in mineral spring tubs, take a yoga class, or take a drive down to Avila Beach.

6. Take a day trip to San Francisco! It’s only a few short hours away and there is so much to do.  Make sure to take the kids to the Exploratorium. They’ll have a blast while learning out of the classroom. The Exploratorium boasts interactive exhibits and hands-on learning fun!

7. Another place to stop by while your in San Francisco is the Walt Disney Family Museum.Who doesn’t love Disney? We’ve to the theme parks and seen the movies, but this tells the story of the man behind the magic! Take a journey through Walt Disney’s life as a truly accomplished and innovative American that brought tales to life.

8. If you don’t want to travel as far as San Fran, stop in San Jose for some thrills at the Winchester Mystery House and wander through the 160 rooms of the vast estate. Learn the tale of the mysterious Sarah Winchester and her mission to build a great house for the spirits that haunted her. The house is filled with turn of the century innovations and filled with historic collector’s pieces and artifacts, worth millions today.

9. We all use oil olive to cook with not only because it is a good a non stick agent but because we like the taste. Visit the California Olive Oil Council to see the variety of olive oil tasting rooms in your area.

10. Last, but not least, the Paraiso Tasting Room is a great place to come, drink and be merry!

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