Earth Day is on Sunday, April 22nd this year, and I've found a few events around the area that you may enjoy.
Wente Vineyards is having a really cool celebration, with family friendly activities. There will be presentations on sustainability at Wente, tours around the gardens and sanctuary at the golf course, activity booths for kids and adults, and of course, wine tasting. Most activities are free, but you'll have to pay for wine tastings and food purchases. The event takes place from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and more information can be found here: http://www.wentevineyards.com/news/event_list/earth_day_celebration/
And if you want to take a little drive, Stockton is holding their Annual Earth Day Festival, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with entertainment, booths and exhibits, a Family Fun Bike Ride, as well as food and clothing drives. You can get more information on the free event here: http://livegreensanjoaquin.org/index.htm
Concannon Vineyard is also celebrating Earth Day with special tours and tastings, although this one seems like it's more for the adults. I can't really tell when these events are available - just on Earth Day or on any other day, as well. This information is mostly courtesy of PR Web, supposedly from a press release by Concannon, but it's difficult to find the same exact information on their website. Here's the link to the article on PR Web. And you can go to their website here: http://www.ConcannonVineyard.com
For the next four days, LocalGruv is offering a voucher for 2 hours of studio time, a 12" by 12" canvas and all the paint and supplies you'll need to create a beautiful painting at Sharaku Paintertainment in Pleasanton. (Although in my experience, I usually start out feeling like I'm going to paint like Van Gogh, but end up with something that looks like an elephant painted it. But most people are much more artistic than I am.) And at $11 you might as well give it a shot, since you couldn't even purchase the supplies you'd need to create a painted canvas for that price, so it's totally worth it.
Go here to purchase your voucher and see the details of the offer.
And what's even better, a portion of the proceeds go to The Taylor Family Foundation.
Yelp is having an event called, Yelp's Field Trip and they're offering free classes and experiences throughout the Bay Area. Unfortunately it's mostly over, but I found this one that sounds really fun: A World of Chocolate at Nuubia Chocolat. Nuubia Chocolate is located in Pleasanton, and in this free class you'll learn about how Chef du Chocolat, Lionel Clement creates beautiful and delicious chocolate confections with environmentally sensitive ingredients. And hopefully you'll get to taste some of the delicious treats.
Classes are:
Friday, March 16th at 4:00 PM: click here to RSVP for this class.
Sunday, March 18th at 3:00 PM: click here to RSVP for this class.
Have fun!
We're almost done with my step-daughter's basketball class, Just 4 Hoops, through the City of Tracy. She is having a great time learning skills in a non-competitive environment. For us, this was a good alternative for a kid who says she wants to join a team, but would probably be over it in about 2 weeks, once she found out how much work and dedication it really takes. So, this was our test run, so that she could learn and practice the game, before making that commitment.
And I have to say, I'm really impressed. The coach, just a young guy, really knows what he's doing, and is so good with the kids. I am so glad that we signed her up for the class. And she's really looking forward to her Just 4 Kicks soccer class, starting in a few weeks.
Just 4 Hoops and Just 4 Kicks have classes for a wide range of ages, and I really recommend it for kids who are interested in sports, but need a little help with their skills. And the City of Tracy Activity Guide really has something for everyone, and generally, at reasonable prices, especially compared with a private institution. (Note: Mountain House residents don't qualify for the Tracy resident prices.)
Check out the Winter/Spring Activity Guide here.
My sister is a horse person, so I practically grew up around horses, and I was lucky enough to be able to ride when I wanted. So, it always surprises me when I meet adults that have always wanted to but have never ridden a horse.
Right now, Groupon has the opportunity to do that for a great price, right here in Livermore. Airdance Farm is offering 3 different packages, starting at $25 for a lesson, $89 for 4 lessons and $49 for an introduction to horses (which includes a lesson).
It sounds like this is a great chance to fulfil those life-long dreams. Or better yet, make your little one's dream come true before they grow up.
Check out the deal here.
I love this idea because I feel like all kids should be able to spend time with a dog. There are countless stories and studies that show that dogs can elevate your mood and your life.
On Saturdays in Feb, from 2:00 to 4:00, little ones can come and read a story to a trained therapy dog (meaning they'll be on their best behavior). So, this is a great chance for kids to practice reading and have a meaningful connection with a dog, especially if they don't have one of their own.
Here's the link from the Mountain House Forum.
And you can visit the Stockton-San Joaquin Library site here: http://www.stockton.lib.ca.us
On Thursday, February 9th at 4:30 PM, kids aged 10 and up can head to the Mountain House Library to make Valentine's Day cards and crafts for their friends and family. Supplies will be provided.
Check out the post on the Mountain House Forum.
And you can also visit the Stockton-San Joaquin Library website: http://www.stockton.lib.ca.us
This February 14th will be our third Valentines Day in Mountain House. I honestly can't remember the first, and I only remember last year because of a really bad dining experience. I won't mention the restaurant here, but it was a place in downtown Tracy, and I'm sure if you're really keen, you can find my Yelp review of the place.
So, because of that, I wanted this year to be nice. Nothing too over the top, but still a great time. We've decided to try out a new "gourmet Mexican" restaurant in Livermore, El Sacromonte. It's gotten good reviews on Yelp. So, even though I'm a food wimp and a little scared of trying something so different (check out their menu - this is no taqueria), I'm going to have an open mind.
What are your favorite places nearby for a nice dinner out? Please post your responses in the comments below. Thanks!
When I heard about House of Air in San Francisco, I really wanted to go, but it seemed so far to travel to just jump on some trampolines. But guess what! There's a trampoline park in Dublin, called Rockin' Jump.
http://www.rockinjump.com/
Check out the calendar for different events. For the grown ups, it looks like Rockin' Saturdays is the best deal. From 9:00 PM to Midnight, you can jump for $15, and they'll give you a free slice of pizza and a water bottle. Sounds like a good time to me!
Also for the grown ups, their adult dodge ball league starts February 13th.
Of course, just about every day, they have times for all ages to jump. But they also have a special time dedicated to tots and parents on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00 AM.
Definitely go to their website for more info. You'll have to sign waivers, and possibly make reservations.
