Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles California, home to Hollywood, the Sunset Strip and Beverly Hills with famous Rodeo Drive. In summer, the beaches from Malibu, Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey to Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches south of LA become a refreshing playground. Venice Beach, always an adventure, is at the height of its circus like atmosphere. Concerts and events fill the Hollywood Bowl, Staples Center and Ford Amphitheater with premier summer concert tours. The Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County –the Music Center, is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Opera, and Master Chorale and the Center Theatre Group. Venues at the Music Center include the Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, former home of the Academy Awards. LA has lots of summer entertainment choices.

The Hollywood Arts Council hosts the 25th Annual Children’s Festival of the Arts August 8th, 2010. This free event is held at Paramount Pictures and is a perfect festival for families with younger children. Load the kids up so they can enjoy live performances and play with their favorite characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. You can make a nice getaway out of the trip by staying the weekend at Best Western Hotel near Paramount Pictures. The Best Western Sunset Plaza Hotel and the Best Western Hollywood Plaza in are convenient locations. See some of your favorite sites and relax in clean and comfortable accommodations before you head home the next day.

Remember MLB’s LA Dodgers are in full regular season play through October. Game day promotional events for the season include giveaways for beach towels, cooler bags, bobbleheads and blankets. Check the schedule for your favorite rival and head out to the ballpark. Sunday October 3rd is the last scheduled game against the Diamondbacks and is fan appreciation day. The Best Western Dragon Gate Inn is close to Dodger Stadium, and makes a nice overnight stop. Located in downtown Chinatown and near little Tokyo, there is plenty to see and do before and after the game.

The 2010 Los Angeles County Fair runs for 23 days and nights from Labor Day through October 3rd. Held at Fairplex in Pomona, it is a great event to extend summer fun. From the pig races to Jurassic Planet and A Pirates Life – there is entertainment for everyone. With over 600 vendors, there is plenty of shopping and food. From the latest kitchen and home gadgets to almost anything edible battered and fried, the fair is always a great time. Concert headliners include Rick Springfield, Darius Rucker and Selena Gomez and the Scene – some of the performers for the 19 nights of concerts.

The Best Western Pine Tree Motel and the Best Western Diamond Bar Hotel and Suites are conveniently located off of the Pomona Freeway close to Fairplex. Enjoy the LA County Fair until closing and retire nearby at the Best Western of your choice. Wake up to a complimentary breakfast and relax by the pool before heading home or back to the fair for more fun.

Disneyland - Anaheim, CA

Orange County in summer means beach, more beaches, and maybe a little shopping at the air conditioned South Coast Plaza. Huntington Beach hosts the largest surfing competition in the US, the US Open of Surfing, the beginning of August. You can get out on the open ocean for whale watching from the harbors at Newport Beach and Dana Point Tourists fill well-known Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure Park and Knott’s Berry Farm day and night. Many may recognize the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove because of its television broadcast of the Hour of Power. Visitors can tour the campus during the day or attend Sunday Services. Orange Country has endless summer fun.

The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce hosts the San Clemente Fiesta Street Festival the second Sunday in August. This is a fun family event that includes activities for all ages. There are arts and crafts booths, a classic car and Harley motorcycle show, and special activities for younger kids. There are three stages with live entertainment and a salsa contest. Fortunately the salsa contest is not dancing, but the popular competition for the best salsa recipe north of the border.

The Best Western Casablanca Inn is an ideal location for visitors to San Clemente. Located a short walk from North Beach the hotel is conveniently located for all San Clemente area sites. San Clemente Sea Fest 2010 will be held Sunday October 10th for another opportunity to visit the area.

The 22nd Annual Taste of Newport will be September 17th through 19th, 2010. Considered one of Southern California’s premier food festivals, there will be over 30 restaurants and 15 wineries showcasing their creations. Foodies will not want to miss the Taste of Newport will spectacular food, drinks and top name entertainment. Foreigner has been announced as one of the entertainment headliners.

For a great Southern California getaway, book a night or two at the Best Western Newport Beach Inn and enjoy the Taste of Newport. Wake up to a complimentary continental breakfast, walk across the street to the sands of Newport Beach and enjoy a day in the surf and sand. A variety of rooms including ocean views and a premier room with a fireplace can make your stay even more special.

Corona del Mar hosts the 49th Annual Sandcastle Contest at Corona del Mar State Beach Sunday October 3rd. The 2010 competition promises to be more spectacular than ever. For anyone who has ever dug in the sand, the creations are amazing. Spend a great fall day at the beach and watch as the competitors work their artistry with the sand and water. The Best Western Newport Mesa Inn is centrally located to all of Orange County events and beaches. With a complimentary full breakfast to start your day and comfortable accommodations it is a great choice for an Orange County getaway.

Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco, the city by the bay, is ideal in summer, but bring a sweater – you will need it. Someone once said “ the coldest winter I ever spent was summer in San Francisco”. On the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, the city is surrounded on three sides by water. Well known for its hills, favorite visitor activities include descending Russian Hill via the winding curves of Lombard Street, or taking in the city views from Twin Peaks. The Golden Gate Bridge is always a popular sight spanning the peninsula with Marin County to the North.

Visitors to San Francisco consider CityPass San Francisco to maximize your vacation in the city. CityPass is a one price ticket that not only allows seven day use of public transportation including cable cars, but also entrance to six of San Francisco’s most popular attractions. CityPass is a great opportunity for first time visitors to see some of the city’s best for one reasonable price. CityPass can be purchased at the attractions which include the Blue and Gold Fleet Cruise, Aquarium of the Bay, and the California Academy of Sciences.

Remember Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants are playing at AT&T field in San Francisco through October. With San Francisco’s cool summer weather, a Giants game is an ideal summer activity. The last Sunday in August is Dog Days at AT&T Park – you can bring your dog to the game. The Giants host the Diamondbacks in an afternoon game where there will be a pregame parade and costume contest for the dogs. Remember The Best Western Americania and Best Western The Hotel California in downtown San Francisco are pet-friendly hotels, so you stay and enjoy a night on the town.

Marin County just over the Golden Gate Bridge is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Marin Civic Center. On Thursday and Sunday mornings you can support local farmers at the Civic Center Farmers Market. The farmers market is particularly nice in summer when there is plenty of fresh produce available. Antique shoppers take note; the Marin County Antique Show will be August 21st and 22nd. From paper and postcards to fine art, crystal and jewelry, this is a great show for collectors.

The Best Western Corte Madera Inn is located in the heart of Marin County. This is a great place to stay and enjoy the Antique Show and relax afterwards at the hotel’s junior Olympic size swimming pool and two Jacuzzis. There is even a professional putting green, so you can relax and stay put for the weekend.

San Diego's Coronado Island Bridge

San Diego is one of Southern California’s most popular destinations. The San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld and Belmont Park on Mission Beach are among the favorite attractions, in addition to the city's neighborhoods and beaches. From La Jolla and Torrey Pines to the north to Pacific, Mission and Ocean beaches on San Diego’s pacific coast, the white sand beaches are filled with residents and visitors enjoying summer fun in the sand and surf. Balboa Park, Old Town and Hillcrest neighborhoods draw tourists to enjoy a stroll, play in the park, browse at unique one of a kind shops and dine at wonderful restaurants. San Diego is an ideal place for a vacation.

Film lovers, the San Diego Film Festival is scheduled for September 26th through October 3rd. Featuring five days of films and events, it is a great opportunity to learn and network for those in the industry. For film-goers, over 85 films will be screened. A variety of films are selected to enlighten, entertain and enrich audiences, including many award winning productions. Special events and parties are held, including the celebrity ball, industry parties, receptions and award events. See cutting edge films and rub shoulders with industry insiders.

The San Diego Film Festival is held in the Gaslamp Quarter with films screened at the Gaslamp Theater. The Best Western Cabrillo Garden is conveniently located downtown near the Gaslamp district and near the 163 freeway. Guests enjoy a complimentary full breakfast before heading out for the days fun. The Best Western Suites Hotel Coronado Island is across the bridge from downtown San Diego and is also an ideal place to stay. Close to Coronado Island’s beaches, bike trails and golfing, it is perfect for outdoor activities.

Athletes, test your summer workout regime at the 80th Annual La Jolla Rough Water Swim, a popular summer tradition. The 2010 swim will be September 12th starting and finishing on the beach at La Jolla Cove. Events include a Junior 250 yard swim, men’s and women’s masters one mile swims and the Gatorman (both men and women) three mile course. Put your swimming skills to the test or come out to cheer on your favorite competitor.

La Jolla is a beautiful place to spend a weekend. The Best Western Inn by the Sea is just two blocks from the ocean in the picturesque village of La Jolla. Make a short getaway to La Jolla for the Rough Water Swim and stay to enjoy a calm day at the beach or shop along Prospect Street.

Oceanside, north of San Diego, hosts Harbor Days the first weekend in October. The 2010 event is free and sponsored by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce. This is a fun family oriented event with arts and crafts booths, Police, Fire and Military exhibits, and a new Pirates Cove Playground. There is plenty of food and drink to keep you fueled for the entire day. If you want to enjoy a full day and relax before driving home, the Best Western Oceanside Inn is just off Interstate 5. With an outdoor pool and hot tub, you may need a late check out!

The Sanford University Campus

Salinas, home of author John Steinbeck, and is featured in many of his award winning novels. The county seat of Monterey County, Salinas is less than ten miles from the Pacific Ocean and about the same to the mouth of the Salinas river. Historically an agricultural area, the climate is ideal for grape vineyards and flower growers. North on Highway 101 the next major city to the north is San Jose, the third largest city in California. Known as the center of Silicon Valley, San Jose's rapid growth and development is due to the areas booming technology industries.

The 30th Anniversary California International Airshow is held at the Salinas Municipal Airport October 2nd and 3rd, 2010. New this year, a B-1 will be making an appearance in Salinas – a great opportunity to get a close-up look and watch the B-1 perform. The weekend also includes the P-51 Aerobatic Team, the F-15 Strike Eagle Demo and the US Navy F-18C Demo – and that's just in the air. There will be Monster Trucks on the ground and the Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Car. An exciting event for airplane enthusiasts and families and a Salinas tradition.

The Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, just west of Salinas about 10 miles, will be hosting the inaugural Global Tuner Grand Prix. Top drivers in three classes of competition will be racing for top prizes. The 2010 event will be held near the end of October and includes the Pirelli Drivers Cup, car corrals, vendors, historic stock cars, and top motorsport vendors. Race car fans, this is a weekend not to miss at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

The Best Western Salinas Valley Inn and Suites and the Best Western Salinas Monterey Hotel are ideal locations for a getaway to the Salinas area. They are convenient to the raceway, the Steinbeck National Museum and a short drive to the coast. With affordable rates and outstanding amenities, book an extra night and enjoy all the area attractions.

Gilroy in the south of Santa Clara County, is home to the Best Western Forest Park Inn. With all the comforts of home, it is convenient and affordable as well. Gilroy is famous for the International Garlic Festival, which you will have to plan for in July of 2011. There is nothing like home made garlic ice cream on a warm summer day! Unfortunately the Hollister Motorcycle Rally a highlight for Gilroy and the surrounding area was cancelled for the second year in a row. Let's look forward to a comeback in 2011.

For a special holiday treat, the Radio City Rockettes will be bringing the Radio City Christmas Spectacular to the HP Pavilion in San Jose December 18th and 19th, 2010. A wonderful holiday tradition that you can now be see on the west coast. Make it a holiday getaway at the Best Western Lanai Garden Inn and Suites or the Best Western Airport Plaza in San Jose. Both hotels are convenient to the sites of San Jose and offer great value with outstanding hospitality.

Napa Valley Vineyard

Northern California wine country opens up north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Sonoma and Napa Valleys, past Marin County, are the heart of California winemaking. Lake County and Mendocino, to the north, are also excellent northern California wine regions. Vineyards are set among charming and historic towns like Healdsburg, Napa, Santa Rosa and Sonoma, the oldest wine country town. The Russian River Valley is a spectacular drive or ideal spot for a bicycle ride, or you can relax on the river in a canoe or kayak. Farmers Markets are common, offering the best of local growers and artisans. California's wine country is the perfect place for a getaway.

The Napa Valley Tomato Festival and the Napa River Festival are two popular September events. The Tomato Festival features contests for the best tasting tomatoes and tomato based foods, live music and fun. The Napa River Festival celebrates the 18th Annual event in 2010. The Napa Valley Symphony will be featured along with Ray Manzarek of the Doors. A full day of music is topped off with a spectacular evening fireworks show. Both festivals feature the best local foods and wine along with great activities.

The Best Western Inn at the Vines and the Best Western Elm House Inn in Napa are ideal for lodging in the Napa Valley. Centrally located in quaint downtown Napa, close to local wineries, travelers have easy access to area attractions and activities. With affordable rates and quality amenities, you may want to stay longer and enjoy a local spa treatment.

Santa Rosa hosts the Sonoma County Harvest Fair at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. The 2010 fair will showcase the best of the seasons harvest along with activities, wine and brew tastings and cooking demonstrations. Ideal for serious wine enthusiasts, over 150 wineries will be hosting tastings and selling their products. Fun includes the World Championship Grape Stomp, special activities for kids, continuous live jazz and arts and crafts vendors. The Sonoma County Harvest Fair is October 1st through 3rd.

The Best Western Garden Inn in Santa Rosa features a beautifully landscaped garden for guests and is conveniently located minutes from the fairgrounds. The Best Western Inn in Rohnert Park, a bit south, is close to Sonoma State University. With comfortable rooms and reasonable rates, choose Best Western Hotels for your getaway.

The Wine Country Marathon and Half Marathon start and finish is in historic downtown Healdsburg. A wonderful course for runners and fans through downtown and the surrounding countryside, dotted with vineyards and wineries. The 2010 races are October 10th. The Best Western Dry Creek Inn is a beautiful Tuscan style hotel in Healdsburg, ideal for visitors. Accommodations include rooms with private balconies, fireplaces and jetted tubs, along with the fitness center and spa. Make your visit to Wine Country special, and stay at the Best Western Dry Creek Inn.

Sacramento Bridge Welcomes Visitors

Sacramento is the center of California’s capital region. Surrounding towns like Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Natomas and Rancho Cordova have grown up along with Sacramento’s economic and urban influence. The state capital, Sacramento, also hosts the California State Fair and Cal Expo, a popular summer event. Summers are also ideal to enjoy water recreation on the Sacramento and American rivers that join to feed the extensive California Central Valley. Sacramento’s gold rush legacy is honored in the preservation of Sutter’s Fort and Old Sacramento. ARCO Arena is home to the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and former WNBA Monarchs and now in the off season hosts concerts and family events for all tastes.

Gold Rush Days celebrates Sacramento’s legacy and heritage. The 2010 event is the 11th Annual and is hosted by the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau. Held over Labor Day weekend, this family friendly event takes you back in time on the streets of Sacramento’s historic district. The streets are covered with dirt, just like in days gone by. Visitors enjoy re-enactments of street dramas and Wild West gun fights and walk through the town much like it was during gold rush days. Enjoy live music, mouth watering barbecue and old western movies at the historic Eagle Theater.

Sacramento has two Best Western Hotels downtown that are ideal for visitors to Old Sacramento; The Best Western Sandman Hotel, just off Interstate 5 near the riverfront and the Best Western Sutter House centrally located downtown. Enjoy a weekend getaway with complimentary breakfasts, pools and comfortable accommodations. Close to historic Sacramento with Old Town, Sutter’s Fort and the California Railroad Museum.

Heading east on Interstate 80 towards Truckee and the Lake Tahoe area, there is plenty to see and enjoy along the way. Golfland Sunsplash Amusement Park is less than 14 miles from Sacramento in Roseville. The Best Western Roseville Inn is convenient for travelers to Golfland Sunsplash and McClellan Air Force Base. With an outdoor swimming pool, it is perfect for families with children.

Foresthill, east of Auburn up the mountain, hosts the 2010 Foresthill Divide Heritage Celebration Saturday and Sunday September 4th and 5th. A fun and exciting family event featuring logging contests and the California State Gold Panning championships. A chili cook-off and a pig roast are on the schedule, so you won’t go hungry. Stay at the Best Western Golden Key in Auburn and enjoy a complimentary breakfast before attending the heritage celebration Sunday morning revival service.

The 2010 Tahoe Big Blue Adventure Races are held September 18th. Outdoor and fitness enthusiasts enjoy a variety of events geared for beginners to experts. Races include mountain biking, kayaking and trail running in the beautiful north Tahoe area. Head to Truckee for the weekend and make the Best Western Truckee Tahoe Lodge your home for the weekend. Set in the beautiful Sierra Nevada’s, you can race and return to relax and enjoy the ideal Indian summer season in the Tahoe area.

San Simion Pier

The Central Coast of California runs over 300 miles along the Pacific Ocean between Los Angeles and San Francisco. From Santa Clara County south of San Francisco to Ventura County north of LA travelers enjoy pristine beaches, unparalleled vistas and exciting events. Santa Cruz on the north side of Monterey Bay is one of the world's premier surfing destinations. The city of Monterey is home to the highly regarded Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row. Historic San Luis Obispo is a gateway to classic Pismo Beach, Morro Bay and Hearst Castle. Traveling south visitors are treated to Santa Barbara which boasts the title of America's Riviera and Ventura with the Channel Islands off its coast.

Not to be overlooked, the central coast of California is filled with delightful destinations and activities for every taste. The Big Kahuna Triathlon, with a course along the Santa Cruz coastline, is ideal for runners - look for it mid-September. The event ends with a Luau at the boardwalk to top off a big day. If one Triathlon is not enough the 28th annual Santa Cruz Triathlon is the end of September.

Watsonville hosts the 115th Santa Cruz County Fair for six days in September. The fair includes top-names performing concerts and a large carnival. October brings the 2010 Harbor Festival to Morro Bay. The first weekend of October, visit and enjoy arts, crafts, live entertainment along with the best local and regional wine and seafood. The festival is held on the main fishing pier and waterfront – come enjoy the wine and seafood tasting and see the amazing sand sculptures. The annual Lighted Boat Parade is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. The Marinas in Morro Bay host a full day of live music and shopping before the evening boat parade featuring local boats decked out with thousands of holiday lights.

Make your visit to the central coast a short getaway and stay at your favorite Best Western Hotel. You can begin with the Best Western All Suite Inn or the Best Western Inn in Santa Cruz or Monterey offers a choice of six Best Western Hotels around the city. The Best Western Carmel's Town House Lodge and the Best Western Carmel Bay View Inn offer great accommodations in Carmel.

In the south of the Central Coast, Ventura hosts a variety of great activities for friends and families. The Ventura Hillsides Music Festival is held at Arroyo Verde Park in September. October brings the Seaside Highland Games to the Ventura County Fairgrounds – a full weekend of Celtic music, dance and competitions. The Ventura Art Festival is also in October, timed with the Harvest Art Walk Weekend and the Harvest Arts and Crafts Festival.

The Best Western Inn of Ventura is located in the heart of Ventura for convenient accommodations. If you are traveling, the Best Western Carpinteria Inn or the Best Western Beachside Inn in Santa Barbara a bit north are great options.

Enjoy Palm Springs Golf Courses

Palm Springs, Palm Desert and other desert communities like Indio don’t let a little desert heat get in their way. At the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains, close to the San Bernardino National Forest and the Salton Sea, there are plenty of diversions. Travelers on Interstate 10, from the deserts of Arizona, just might find the California desert region an oasis. North of Palm Springs past Joshua Tree National Park and the Little San Bernardino Mountains travelers will find Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms. Set along California State Route 62, the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms is the largest US Marine base.

The 5th Annual Joshua Tree Roots Music Festival is October 9th and 10th, 2010. The fall desert temperatures are ideal for this outdoor concert held at the Joshua Tree Lake Campground. The music features a diverse line-up of rootsicana-newgrassy-folkadelic performances for a unique and fun weekend. Additional shade cloth will be added this year along with free drinking water and special activities for kids. Don't think you like to dance? We'll see after you attend the Joshua Tree Roots Music Festival!

The two Best Western Hotels in the area are ideal for visitors. The Best Western Yucca Valley Hotel and Suites, less than ten miles from Joshua Tree, has both standard rooms and suites with kitchens. The Best Western Garden Inn and Suites in Twentynine Palms is just off Highway 62. Start your day with a complimentary hot breakfast and come back to comfortable accommodations after a full day of music and dancing in the desert.

Palm Springs celebrates the 24th Anniversary of Greater Palm Springs Pride the weekend of November 6th and 7th. The 2010 event is held at the Palm Springs Baseball Stadium in the delightful weather of fall in the desert. The Palm Springs pride celebration features a parade with over 125 entries with the two day festival with music, dancing, food and over 100 exhibitors. This is a fun late season pride event and great for a fall long weekend getaway. The Best Western Las Brisas Hotel in Palm Springs and the Best Western Inn at Palm Springs are ideal locations for pride visitors. Centrally located, with complimentary breakfasts and comfortable rooms - make Best Western your choice for accommodations.

Indio, east of Palm Springs, celebrates the beginning of the holiday season with the Tamale Festival. The 2010 Festival is December 4th and 5th in the streets of downtown Indio. Recently rated one of the top 10 all-American food festivals, this is a great start to get into the holiday spirit. In addition to mouth watering tamales, there are four stages featuring live entertainment, carnival rides and games, and special activities for the kids. A fun family event, put this on your holiday calendar.

The Best Western Date Tree Hotel is conveniently located in Indio. With an Olympic-sized pool, suites and kitchenettes available, this is an ideal place to stay. The Best Western Palm Desert Resort is also close-by in Palm Desert. With a complimentary cooked to order hot breakfast and tennis courts, this hotel is also a great choice.

Yosemite National Park

The Central Valley of California with the Sacramento Valley in the north and the southern San Joaquin Valley is California's most productive agricultural region. The Central Valley is fed by the Sacramento River flowing south more than 400 miles and the San Joaquin River coursing over 300 miles to the northwest. With beginnings in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the rivers eventually merge to form the second largest river flow into the Pacific Ocean through the San Francisco Bay. Travelers through the Central Valley use Interstate 5 and State Highway 99 north and south, and Interstate 80 to cross diagonally east to west. A fertile expanse that all America relies upon for produce.

Late summer and fall in the Central Valley sees a variety of fantastic events and activities. Kingsburg celebrates its Swedish heritage at the September Crayfish and Jazz Festival. Just as in Sweden, enjoy end of summer crayfish cuisine. On top of the mouthwatering food, enjoy jazz music all set in the quaint and historic Kingsburg downtown. Bring the kids, there will be a special children's area with activities, rides and games.

Enjoy a full weekend in the area and stay at a nearby Best Western Hotel. The Best Western Hanford Inn, the Best Western Inn and Suites Lemoore, the Best Western Americana in Dinuba and the Best Western Colonial Inn in Selma are great choices. Close to Kingsburg and other area attractions, enjoy the weekend with convenient and comfortable lodging at a Best Western Hotel.

Fall means harvest time and the Big Fresno Fair is California's biggest harvest celebration. The 2010 October harvest fair has honored the area's agricultural heritage for over 125 years. Enjoy a mind boggling diversity of exhibits, carnival rides, the midway and top names in entertainment at the concerts. A great fall event for the family, full of energy and fun.

Fresno's Zoo Boo is another fun family event the weekend before Halloween. Zoo Boo is a family-oriented event with three nights to choose from. The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is decorated for Halloween with trick-or-treating throughout the grounds. Come and enjoy live entertainment, carnival games and a lot of fun at the zoo.

Bring in the holiday season in Clovis, north of Fresno. One Enchanted Evening is Clovis' November celebration marking the beginning of the holidays. Old Town Clovis with its cobbled sidewalks, quaint shops and eateries is lit with old-fashioned street lamps and is cheerfully decorated. Take a step back in time and enjoy carolers and other entertainment, horse-drawn trolley rides with fun and food. A nice way to begin the hectic holiday season.

Fresno is home to two Best Western Hotels; The Best Western Village Inn and the Best Western Fresno Inn. Enjoy the small town atmosphere of Clovis at the Best Western Clovis Cole or a short drive away off the 99 Freeway Selma's Best Western Colonial Inn is ready for your visit. Relax and enjoy a getaway in California's Central Valley at an affordable and comfortable Best Western Hotel.

California's Coastal Rain Forest

Northern California, where the ancient redwoods meet the ocean. Pristine forests, beaches, lakes and rivers awaiting discovery by travelers to California's northern costal region. Del Norte County, furthest from the sun and fun of southern California, draws outdoor enthusiasts to the wilds of the Klamath and Smith Rivers and surrounding forests. Crescent City, the only incorporated city in the county, is headquarters for Redwood National Park. Heading south the 31 mile Avenue of the Giants roadway passes the most significant example of giant redwoods in the state, including the Big Tree Drive-Thru. Further south you need to slow down and enjoy Mendocino and Sonoma Counties where award winning vineyards dot the countryside.

Fort Bragg, in Mendocino County, hosts the inaugural Wild and Scenic Film Festival the beginning of October. A spin-off of South Yuba River Citizen's League's film festival that originates in Nevada City, Ca, the festival screens cutting-edge adventure films, documentaries and local films. There will be a special animated  screening Saturday morning. The Best Western Vista Manor Lodge is ideal for weekend accommodations. Set north of Ft Bragg, you can enjoy amazing ocean-view rooms set on six acres of beautiful Northern California landscape.

The Ukiah Saturday Farmers Market is a must see when you are in the area. Now year-round, fall is prime growing season providing the biggest variety of produce. Live music and locally produced crafts and goods are a staple at the market making it a worthwhile Saturday morning activity anytime. Visit for a weekend and stay at the Best Western Orchard Inn in Ukiah, conveniently located to enjoy downtown Ukiah as well as the beautiful surroundings.

Runners mark mid-October on your calendars for the 2010 Humboldt Redwoods Marathon. Events include the Marathon, Half Marathon and a 5K. The 32nd year for the event, sponsored by the Six Rivers Running Club, features a course along the Avenue of the Giants highway, with the start on Dyerville Bridge. This is one of the most scenic runs you can make. Traveler's from the north look for the Best Western Country Inn in Fortuna for affordable and comfortable lodging. The Best Western Humboldt House Inn, in Garberville south of Humboldt Redwoods State Park, offers well-appointed rooms for travelers to the area.

Eureka hosts a must see holiday parade. For over 20 years, the second Saturday of December has featured the Eureka Truckers Parade. Not like any holiday parade you have seen, there are tractors, wagons and the big rigs (18 wheelers) decked out with lights. This convoy is a spectacular and unique way to celebrate the season you will not soon forget. Make a visit to Eureka for the 2010 Truckers Parade December 11th. The Best Western Bayshore Inn and the Best Western Humboldt Bay Inn, both in Eureka have clean, comfortable and affordable accommodations. Make it a weekend getaway with the family to Eureka.