Premiere Luxury Vacation Rental
#1- Lake Solano Park
From sunrise to sunset and every minute each day Lake Solano provides unexpected "events" that can only happen once, each unique as these pictures demonstrate. What will your unique Lake Solano event be?
"Lake Solano Park is located at the base of coastal foothills west of the town of Winters and offers an array of recreational opportunities. A destination point for outdoor enthusiasts since its creation in 1973, Lake Solano Park caters especially to campers, picnickers, kayakers, canoers and anglers. The park has a Nature Center and trail opportunities for short day hikes, bird watching and wildlife photography. Owned by the Bureau of Reclamation, Lake Solano is managed for public recreation by Solano County. The lake is considered one of the best fly fishing spots in Northern California."
#2- The Farms
Golden Moments Estate-
"Beautiful Estate! Amazing property, with scenic views. Perfect location for a wedding or party! Would highly recommend this venue!" ~ Dustin
"This place is like a slice of Heaven!" ~Mara
"It's so ... peaceful here!" ~ Everyone who comes to visit
Golden Moments Estate is a hidden gem located in Northern Solano County just 4 miles west of Winters. Peaceful, often pin-drop quiet the estate has a certain ambience about it that is best experienced. It's beautiful! Everywhere you look the landscape is manicured with lawns and trees and floral planters. Its scenic backdrop is the Blue Mountains. The sunsets are stunning, the sunrise is glorious! Golden rays of sunlight splash across the lush landscape and the call of wild peacock echos across the estate, a soft gentle delta breeze is cooling on a warm summer's eve...
Golden Moments is also a farm with over 500 different varieties of fruit, nut and citrus trees. Nothing beats farm-fresh-off-the-tree fruit! Juicy, sweet deliciousness! Fruit is available for purchase when in season.
Visits to the Estate is by appointment. Call 707-246-4663 and schedule a visit! www.goldenmomentsestate.com
(They also own The Queen On Main!)
Morgans of California-
Morgan's of California is a fun outing! I especially enjoy picking blueberries on the hillside. Their orchards are wonderful to enjoy. They have been providing fresh fruit, dried fruit, candies, jams and nuts for over 70 years! Friendly people with good hearts, their web site expressed them well with "We want you to leave our store with a little feeling of home." Indeed their warm welcome and happy hearts will leave you with a smile.
Personal memory- Blueberry picking with my grandchildren was an adventure!
Park Winters-
The farm setting is exquisitely designed—from the dreamy flower farm and barn, to the rustic seed bank built of fruit drying trays. In their own words:
"Park Winters is a magical property surrounded by hundreds of acres of farmland with unobstructed views of the Blue Hills. We lovingly manicure and maintain the gardens which were originally planted in 1865.
Join us for a guided tour and enjoy the maturity of 150 year old trees. Our gardens take you back in time and give you a taste of what the original inhabitants enjoyed. We will also tour our Kitchen Garden where we grow organic produce and flowers for our Farm to Table experiences and private events.
Everyone’s experience is different, but you’ll be sure to take with you the memorable scents and scenes of the western Yolo County countryside."
They have events and floral design classes from time to time and fine dining.
Personal memory at Park Winters- Winters Historical Society held an event there one time. I love history and what better way to enjoy that than on a farm established in 1865?!
Park Winters
Golden Moments Estate
Golden Moments Estate
Morgans of California
#3- The Friendly People
I love the small town vibe of Winters. People smile and wave and actually do the eye to eye contact thing. People walk their dogs- in fact this is the most dog walking-est town I have ever seen! They stop and visit over the fence- complete strangers and they are always smiling. What is it about this town everyone smiles? Truly good-hearted people, the people of this town are kind, considerate, helpful, loving, supportive, caring. They get involved and enjoy serving.
I can go down the list of people I know but I don't think that would be good- I might leave someone out and hurt feelings... or it might embarrass them or be an invasion of their privacy... I think it is fair to say the small business men and women of this town deserve our applause. They do it every day with a smile whether they are smiling inside or not. So in that sense I think they are fair game, lol-
Dillan Rivas and Mom, Becky, at Bella's Boutique comes to mind. Dillan is usually the one I see, he is always welcoming and friendly and helpful and he's good at what he does- truth be told I think hes genius and I am a big fan.
Gino Mediati at Pacific Hardware- always eager to be a help and always with a smile. In fact that whole staff there is amazing- Pacific Hardware is my go-to place.
Sandi Vickrey- Realty World- Camelot Realty. Sandi has always amazed me with her big heart and positive attitude. Eager to be a help, involved...
Then there's the owners of Custom Cleaners dry cleaners-Soon Sun is the most talented seamstress... She has been fixing things for me for over 30 years. She sewed rod pockets on two antique tapestries for me for The Queen On Main- I wouldn't trust anyone else with my antique textiles. She is such a sweetheart, kindly.
Cindy and Steve at Morgan's Of California- warm, smiley face- I always laugh when I go there...
Laurie at Berryessa Brewery- what a sweetheart! She truly cares about her clientele...
John and Johnnie Lorenzo of Lorenzo's Town and Country Market... I just ran into Johnnie yesterday at Pacific Hardware- It's just so nice to actually know the people you run into- he's always so friendly...
Lynda Hinds of Yolo365 Tours- What a delight. She's a fount of knowledge and information, that one, and you should book a tour with her- you wouldn't be disappointed.
For decades Linda was the former manager over at the Buckhorn. She is now over across the street at Berryessa Gap Winery Tasting Room where she is currently pouring vino. She is friendly, a fount of knowledge and interesting to talk to and she does an amazing job in making the tasting experience memorable... Big heart.
For the sake of brevity I will just leave it there - God once told me- almost audibly it was such a profound moment- "It's ALL about the people, Rhonda." And you know He's right (of course- He's God so He would be) ... but people are the most valuable thing on the planet- think about it. We just need to stop and smell the roses a bit more and realize the gift of people in our lives... maybe you already do... and always give someone a smile- it doesn't cost much and it can make such a difference!
Winters is the friendliest town I have ever experienced!
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#4 Have You Tried The Food?!
The restaurants in Winters are off the charts in my book. For me to be completely "happily ever after" I would need a Buckhorn Grill so I could have my favorite Spring Salad with chicken. (I could drink that dressing its so delicious) Maybe we can convince the originators of the Buckhorn Grill, John and Melanie Pickerel, to put their Spring Salad with chicken or tri tip on the menu at one of their restaurants in Winters (so I wouldnt have to drive to Vacaville- yes Buckhorn Grill is in Vacaville)- Putah Creek Cafe or The Buckhorn- It would be my lunch time go-to once a week because as I said that salad is my happy place... Speaking of lunch-
Putah Creek Cafe- Putah Creek Cafe is also where I can have my second happy-place-lunch - Mexican Corn Pie and chips. There really isn't a fail on Putah Creek Cafe's menu- at least not that I have experienced in the 30 years I have gone there. The breakfasts are terrific and the portions are like what Goldilocks found- not skimpy, not too much, just right. They are open for dinner as well- the variety is nice, I liked the fried chicken with mashed potatoes special I had a few times... They also had a really creative yummy chicken marguerita pizza special cooked in their really cool pizza oven.
Have you ever noticed when you go grocery shopping hungry everything appeals to you and you over buy? Thats me right about now... "I'll have one of that and one of that.. and one of that..." I could go on about Putah Creek Cafe but then this article would be way too long. Have you tried their cookies?! And bars? And the pies and cakes! And they have a full bar and serve wine and beer. Does it get any better!? Go there! There's a reason there is a line out the door.
The Buckhorn- For decades the Buckhorn has been the destination for that special dinner event for the region not just Winterites. I always have the Tri Tip. There is such creative variety you absolutely will find something and won't be disappointed. I can't remember a single time in 30 years where I was ever anything less than a rotunda when I left with a smile. They have a saloon where they serve up some creative deliciousness. I always ordered the tri tip nachos or the steak bites.
Oceans- Some of the best Chinese is cooked up right here under our noses. Family run they do a fantastic job. The portions are generous. Lots of options- again it ends up being "I'll have that, and that, and one of those and that..." If you like Chinese go there!
Chueys- They serve real Mexican food with good variety. They catered an event I went to last year- they knew what they were doing- the food was delicious and people kept coming back for more. Thats always a good sign.
Then there's everyone's favorite over by Mariani's parking lot- El Verduzco's food truck. The tacos are freshly made, the burritos are huge. It's just a food truck but oh my gosh is it ever good! I looked up the meaning of Verduzco. It means dark green. And they are making green happen there- its worth the money. (get it? Green, money? Nevermind)
El Pueblo Meat Market and Taqueria- They serve up some authentic Mexican food here plus you can buy meat! Its great! Locals say they have great hamburgers too.
Pizza Factory- Did someone say pizza? I have always enjoyed the pizza here. I also like a good salad and their salad bar offers a variety that includes everything one would want on a salad. They offer other delicious options as well. They serve beer and wine.
Round Table- Round table... who isn't familiar with Round table? Variety, a salad bar, beer, wine... They always do a great job.
Carboni's Ristorante- "Carboni's was carefully crafted to deliver lasting culinary memories that will inspire you to return time and time again." The atmosphere is contemporary and I think it is elegant. If there was room in this post I would include a gif with kissing the fingers and saying "Mama mia!"
Preserve- Plagerizing from their web site that says it best- "Surrounded by some of the richest agricultural land in existence, Winters is also uniquely rich in culture, history, family and community. We aim to showcase this abundance while we continue our path forward here at Preserve." Creativity is abounding here. From the fantastic decor to the creative drinks at the full bar to the off the chart food... and then add smiley faces and friendly people.
Green River Brewing & Taproom- For a unique, fun experience go here. Green River Brewing & Taproom is a self-serve taproom and restaurant. They have a Beer Wall that hosts 25 beers on tap you can sample and refill yourself. Their Chef prepares unique, chef-crafted meals using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Seasonal weekly live music in their "park" along Putah Creek on the outdoor stage, and inside the restaurant lounge, are popular events that people come from all over to enjoy.
Hooby's- I am impressed by the owners... commitment and creativity, they have done a terrific job in a comfortable place to sit and enjoy a variety of brews and wine along with some think-outside-of-the-box-deliciousness-food. I especially enjoy the Caesar salad. The special pickled red onions is thinking outside of the box and is a fantastic flavor explosion in your mouth- do that. Take a seat at the sidewalk seating and enjoy the "scenery" or on the patio. Relax. Enjoy.
Ficelle- In their own words- "Ficelle" (pronounced fee-sell, there's no "s" at the end) opened in 2005.
Inspired by our mother (and her friends), grandmother, and friends' mothers’ way of enjoying life and people, we opened Ficelle with the idea of recapturing that feeling of hospitality and community...and we are constantly evolving in that effort.
Though we serve tapas (or small plates), and tapas originated in Spain, our menu is not limited to one type or style of cuisine. We incorporate food from our Spanish heritage, the Mexican & California cuisines prevalent in Winters, and any other type food that seems interesting that crosses our paths."
Its a good experience you will be glad to have enjoyed. The Sangria. Do that.
Steady Eddy's- Every small town has a local hang out- this is it. Need a quick cup of brewed crafted coffee? Here ya go, dis is da place. (My Italian impersonation) Whether you’re just starting off your day or you need a quick pick-me-up, come on in to your local coffee shop. Enjoy a gourmet sandwich, sweet pastry, or a blended treat today. Locals enjoy it- thats always a good sign.
Ok, I think that's a wrap- oh wait... have you been up to Capay's, Road Trip Bar and Grill- they're killing it with fantastic food! They really do a killer of a job with their delicious food and from Winters it is a nice little jaunt/destination place. The service is spot on and I always smile when I go there. Everywhere you look is a funny sign. Positive vibe.
My gosh, Winters! Do we rock 'n roll at food in this town or what!!
Thank you to those brave souls who own these restaurants. Good job!
#5 The Wineries:
Berryessa Gap has a legacy of historic family farming and viticulture. Their wines are impressive. The have two locations to enjoy wine tasting- The first is located in the middle of the downtown block at 15 Main Street. The elegant contemporary decor of this tasting room offers a great daytime setting for wine tasting and an elegant evening environment to enjoy award-winning wine. There is outdoor seating available. The second location is situated at 27260 Highway 128. Memorable, low key and picturesque, their winery production facility and tasting room is a wonderful setting for patio wine tasting enjoyment.
My personal favorite is Fenix. In the winery's own words: "This classic Rioja blend of Coble Ranch Tempranillo and coveted Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to our Spanish heritage. Fénix - Spanish for phoenix - is named in honor of Tempranillo's early ripening, giving rise to a new harvest season.
90 POINTS - Wine Enthusiast "This big, full-bodied but smooth wine is based on Tempranillo, wrapping velvety tannins around very rip, luscious blackberry-jam and black-cherry flavors." - Jim Gordon
TASTING NOTES
This classic Rioja blend has vibrant aromas of black cherry and cranberries, complimented by earthy notes. Silky in texture, flavors of cranberry and cherry stand out as the fine, grained tannins build on the palate. This bold, age-worthy wine finishes with a savory red apple punch and subtle spice.
PRODUCTION NOTES
Our Tempranillo is located at the highest elevation on the Coble Ranch Vineyard. The Tempranillo bock consists of two different soil series, allowing for minerality and richness to be characterized in the finished wine. It was harvested in three lots and fermented in bins before being pressed in our traditional basket press. Once pressed, we aged the Tempranillo in twice used French oak barrels for 19 months.
Our winemaker selected her favorite three barrels to blend with one barrel of coveted Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon sourced for our Highway 128 Wine Collection™.
This wine is 75% Tempranillo and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon." ...
From Sauvignon Blanc to Zinfandel, there isn't a wine that I don't like from their production list.
Meet the winemaker- Nicole Salengo, Winemaker of Berryessa Gap Vineyards and Co-Owner of L'Apero les Trois (Also of Winters):
Winemaker at Berryessa Gap, Nicole Salengo, "brings over a decade of experience and passion spanning two hemispheres and a wide variety of wineries to Winters, CA where she has resided since 2009. Originally from New England, she moved to Davis after college, and earned her winemaker's certificate from the UC Davis department of Viticulture and Enology to compliment her undergraduate study of Geology, she approaches her wines with a wealth of knowledge and artistry that starts with the land and ends in the bottle."
I would definitely say if you enjoy wine to put this winery at the top of your list!
It is amazing that we have two fantastic wineries in Winters.
"Turkovich Family Wines produces quality small-lot wines from the best vineyards in Western Yolo County. Winemaker and third-generation farmer Christopher Turkovich returned to his hometown after traveling the world making wine. He jumped at the chance to return to his hometown and to make wine in Yolo County — an area still slightly undiscovered but with the potential of producing world-class wines.
In 2007, Chris started Turkovich Family Wines and planted Button & Turkovich Vineyard. Located in Winters, Ca, less than five miles from Napa County, the site proved to be a hidden gem for growing quality wine grapes.
Expanses of golden rolling hills are dotted with patches of green — oak trees and vineyards — and are tucked in against the Vaca Mountains. The great gravelly-clay-loam soils, along with warm days and temperate nights, allow the vines to produce excellent grapes. The Winters area features a unique convergence: where the delta breezes cease, they are met by cool winds sweeping down off Lake Berryessa, allowing for a long, mild growing season.
The vineyard’s ideal conditions make for rich fruit exhibiting bright, flavorful characteristics in the resulting wines."
That is putting it humbly and modestly- their wines are unique and wonderful.
I've tried them all and truthfully there isn't a one I wouldn't choose to serve.
"Rhone varieties Syrah and Viognier have proven themselves to be the stars of the show, along with the Spanish varietal Tempranillo and California’s workhorse, Petite Sirah. Grenache and Mourvedre are also showing immense potential."
The downtown tasting room is enjoyable. Relax outside in the sidewalk lounge. Turkovich Winery also has two locations. The second is located on Buckeye Rd. just outside of Historic Winters. This winery offers beautiful views of the Vaca Mountains and is surrounded by rich farm lands. (Reservations only here)
That's a wrap on #5... Salute! Cin-Cin!
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#6 The Churches
Today is Sunday so my thoughts about what I especially appreciate about Winters is more spiritual in nature... to be succinct- The Churches. Now, I realize this is controversial for some. We all have choice, but if you are inclined towards God then it should be mentioned that we have some wonderful places to experience that. No one ever talks about that- "it's politically incorrect" or "who wants to hear that!?" but don't you just love it that we have that freedom to choose?! I do.
Topping my list, because I have experienced it first hand, is a group of incredibly loving people who give and give and give some more to their community around them. It touches my heart to see such selfless love demonstrated... The music comes to mind... Off the charts professional! And to complete the package and the real reason I go is the teaching! Spot on, profound, life changing for good. It isn't located in Winters though... but it is in the vicinity - The Father's House. When you arrive there are smiling faces that direct you to where you can find parking. As you walk up to the buildings there are more smiling, friendly, truly warm and joyful people holding signs that say "We're glad that you are here! Welcome!". When you get inside there is a coffee bar with pastries. As you enter the sanctuary there is music playing. There is a wonderful air of expectation for something amazing to begin... Then there is live music and a welcome and afterwards a sermon that is geared more like a conversation with you... The teaching is easy to stay connected to with expounding explanation that causes one to really think more deeply... Its genuine. And that's what I love about The Father's House... They are located in Vacaville just off of Highway 505 at 3333 Vaca Valley Pkwy, Ste 800, Vacaville, CA 95688
(707) 455-7790, Tue–Fri: 9:30am - 4:30pm, Sundays- 9 a.m. & 11 a.m..
First Baptist Church of Winters- My personal experience has been limited but I can tell you that I know people who attend and isn't a church really about the people? The people I have met and know that attend there are some of Winter's finest... truly. Kind. Caring. Giving. Loving. How fortunate to have that right here! This is their heart: Prayer- "Prayer cannot be overestimated. Prayer moves the hand of God. Our Church is a body of believers dependent upon prayer and committed to God’s sovereignty. We have weekly prayer service each Wednesday night at 7:00 PM. Throughout the week, volunteers from our Prayer teams pray for their pastor, a list of church members, any special requests, and missionary prayer needs." Service- " Jesus told us, his disciples, to make disciples of all nations. One of the most important values of this church is our mission to the world. It begins in our own community, and spreads overseas to every nation. Church members are involved in a variety of ministries from things as simple as pushing shopping carts to help feed the hungry, to arranging fresh flowers for Sunday morning services to maintaining the church buildings & grounds." Teaching- "Pastor James Allen is a graduate of the Gold Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in Mill Valley, and is continuing his work towards completing his doctorate of ministry, with a focus on pastoral counseling and theology.
Allen says his vision as a pastor is to “have a relevant church with a Great Commission vision” which he says will “empower people to communicate Christ through a significant relationship with God, other believers and non-believers.” Furthermore, he states that his dream is to “raise up a community church which reaches out to an unchurched community.”
“It’s my dream that we have a place where the hurting, the depressed, the frustrated and the confused can find love, acceptance, help, hope, forgiveness, guidance and encouragement,” says Allen. “In essence, if we concentrate on building people, God will build the church.”
Pioneer Chruch- I have attended here many times and have attended a Women's Bible Study here for a time as well. True Winterites, kind hearted friendly people. "Pioneer Church is an independent, nondenominational church with a rich 146 year history serving the Winters community. The worship is a blend of traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs, the teaching is gospel centered, and the atmosphere is loving and welcoming. Jesus is our passion. His life, His love, His teachings, His way of life, His atoning sacrifice."
St. Anthony Parish Catholic Church- I attended a service once in honor of a friend who had passed. I was truly touched by the love of Christ here. I came away with a unique peace. " We are brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ. We come together to provide a welcoming community, in order to learn, to practice, to share, and to grow in our Catholic faith. Using our time, talent, and treasure, we serve our Lord and our community through worship, by promoting gospel values, and through ministries that positively impact our parish and our greater community."
Winters has more congregations of faith that meet. This is my personal experience and I have to say they have been a positive experience.
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#7 The Breweries
Berryessa Brewing Company
"Berryessa Brewing Co. is a 20 barrel craft brewery located just outside historic Winters, California. We take pride in producing fresh quality beer available for wholesale or to enjoy at our taproom.
The tap room is located at the brewery, a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere in a country setting. There we have indoor seating, scenic outdoor seating, food trucks, live music, good company and most importantly, excellent fresh beer. We offer full pints, half pints, and sample trays. More often than not, you will find cask conditioned and barrel aged beers drawn off a cask engine exclusively at the tap room. You can also purchase 64 oz. growlers to go of any of our six rotating taps filled with a counter pressure growler filler.
Chris Miller, our award winning brew master takes his craft seriously. His passion is apparent in the beers he brews. Chris is said to “introduce a brewing style that strikes a balance between the new, the experimental, and the familiar” -James Schwab, North Cal Brew Blog.
Make an afternoon of it, bring the family, come visit the brewery and see what we have to offer. You can also enjoy Berryessa Brewing Co. beers at several fine establishments. Check us out on Facebook to get the day to day happenings and what’s on tap."
For locals this is the place to hang out and drink beer, grab some food from the delicious food trucks and enjoy the scenery or the beautiful Blue Mountains. From time to time there's some live entertaining music and always vinyl! Owner Laurie is a sweetheart and is the happy host, always with a smile. Check out their Calendar of events here: https://www.berryessabrewingco.com/calendar
Hours of operation are 3:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hooby's Brewing
Hooby's has a farm and a location in town. (Just across the crosswalk from The Queen On Main) They serve up some interesting food at the location in town and have nice outside seating from which to people watch. I especially like the Caesar Salad. They also have cornhole from what I understand and of course serve beer and wine. The farm sometimes has live music and offers food truck dining.
The Farm-
Hooby's Farm: 24830 County Road 95, Davis
Saturdays: 2-8pm
Sundays: 2-7pm
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- The farm is family friendly, so bring the whole gang!
- It’s a farm with dirt and potholes; dress accordingly.
- No outside alcohol allowed. The only alcohol permitted on-site is our Hooby’s Brewing beer. Unlike our taproom, there will be no wine available. We will have water and sodas for non-alcoholic options.
- We have food trucks booked throughout the season, so when they are at the farm, we ask that you support them and leave your lunches/dinners at home. If no food truck is scheduled on a day we are open, feel free to bring your own picnic!
- Please be mindful that this is a working farm with farm animals! We have sheep, goats, chickens, and a pig. Dogs will be allowed but they must always be on a leash.
- Our farmer, Mike, can usually be found tending to the farm, but please be respectful of his time and his impressive rows and rows of veggies and please do not pick from the garden.
- We want you to be able to roam the 40 acres freely, but please note that we have put countless hours of blood, sweat, and beers into this place and hope you treat it as you would your own backyard!
The Tap Room-
LOCATION:
Hooby’s Brewing
9 E Main Street, Suite J
Winters, CA 95694
(530) 794-6118
HOURS:
Wednesday - Thursday: 4-9PM
Friday: 4-10PM
Saturday: 12-10pm
Sunday: 12-6pm
WHAT TO EXPECT:
"Our taproom is family friendly, so bring the whole gang! We also love to see your friendly puppies (on a leash) hanging out on our patio! We serve our own Hooby’s Beer, along with, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and juice boxes. We also have a full kitchen, so come hungry and enjoy our delicious sandwiches, salads, and shareables (kitchen closes about an hour before closing time)!
We have Happy Hour every Wednesday & Thursday from 4-6pm and offer $5 Micheladas on Sundays!
There are cold 4-packs of most of our brews ready to take home and we offer growler fills as well!
We host weekly cornhole tournaments and often times have live music on the weekends!
We also offer rental packages if you’re looking to host your own party at our taproom! Email us for additional info.
See you soon! Cheers!"
https://www.hoobysbrew.com/winters-taproom
Green River Brewing and Taproom
"Green River" is a song by American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was written by John Fogerty and released as a single in July 1969, one month before the album of the same name was released. "Green River" peaked at number two for one week, behind "Sugar, Sugar" by The Archies, and was ranked by Billboard as the No. 31 song of 1969.
The song Green River is about Putah Creek and Green River Taproom sits on the banks of Putah Creek.
The song was based on a childhood vacation spot of John Fogerty's. In an interview Fogerty gave to Rolling Stone in 2012, Fogerty stated:
"What really happened is that I used a setting like New Orleans, but I would actually be talking about thing from my own life. Certainly a song like "Green River" – which you may think would fit seamlessly into the Bayou vibe, but it's actually about the Green River, as I named it – it was actually called Putah Creek by Winters, California. It wasn't called Green River, but in my mind I always sort of called it Green River. All those little anecdotes are part of my childhood, those are things that happened to me actually, I just wrote about them and the audience shifted at the time and place."
Although the song seems to be mostly about idyllic memories, in the last verse a character named Old Cody Junior warns the singer that he's going to find the world smoldering but can always come back to Green River. The name Old Cody Junior was a reference to the fact that Buffalo Bill Cody had owned the cabin by the creek that inspired the song.
A little bit of folklore history there...
Green River (as the locals call it now) is a happening place. The concerts are well attended. Here's what they say about themselves: "Green River Brewing & Taproom is a family owned business that is committed to delivering a unique and fun-filled location to the town of Winters and its surrounding communities. The owners, John Neil & Karen Benson-Neil, and their children Brock & Ashlynne Neil, recently became the soul owners of the taproom. Between their history in the “Winters Community” along with their passion to giveback to their hometown they have a huge desire to create a safe, fun “family friendly environment,” that is also leashed pet friendly.
Green River Brewing & Taproom is a self-serve taproom and restaurant. Our Beer Wall hosts 25 beers on tap you can sample and refill yourself. Our Executive Chef prepares unique, chef-crafted meals using seasonal, locally sourced.
Join us for weekly events, live music and more both in our Park on the outdoor stage and inside our restaurant lounge.
With a pay by the ounce system you have the freedom to sample your choice of beers and cider on tap. Check in with our staff to get your Pour Card, then make your way over to the Beer Wall and choose a tap. Scan your card on the screen above the tap, tilt your glass and pour your beer. Our Beer Wall selection changes so you can enjoy a variety of beers."
Hours of operation:
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Mon- 11:00 AM- 10:00 PM
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Tue- 11:00 AM- 10:00 PM
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Wed- 11:00 AM-10:00 PM
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Thu- 11:00 AM- 10:00 PM
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Fri- 11:00 AM- 12:00 AM
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Sat- 10:00 AM- 12:00 AM
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Sun- 10:00 AM- 10:00 PM
https://greenrivertaproom.net/ Phone:(530) 441-2337
#8 Lake Berryessa
Locals know Lake Berryessa for it's fishing and water sports. It great for kayaking with all it's coves to explore. It's a large lake, the largest lake in Napa County, California. It's a beautiful lake with coves for picnicking. There is foot access and parking along highway 128.
The Lake Berryessa Seaplane Base is located on the lake's surface, and an estimated 200 seaplane operations were reported between September 2011 and September 2012. It is used for seaplane landings and splash-ins.
Lake Berryessa is a swimming and water skiing site for enthusiasts. The narrow portion of the reservoir, nearest to the Monticello Dam, is referred to as the "Narrows," and is sometimes busy with boaters on holidays and weekends.
There are several resorts with marinas at the lake, as well as nearby Lake Solano County Park located west of Winters, California. Day use areas include Oak Shores and Smittle Creek. There are swimming areas closed to boats and other watercraft, as well as several hiking trails.
Lakeshore lands, facilities, and concessions in Napa County are managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. However, five of the seven resort concessions that expired in 2009 have not yet become fully operational. Based on rules against exclusive occupancy of federal recreation lands, about 1,300 long-term resident trailers were removed from the resorts when the 50-year concession contracts expired. In the following years, public usage of the lake dwindled due to government delays in formulating a future plan.
Fishing
Fishing at Lake Berryessa can be successful year-round as the lake is home to both warm-water and cold-water fish species. Lake Berryessa offers a variety of fish from sunfish to landlocked salmon. Because fish species are plentiful, fishing can be done in a variety of ways; from finesse techniques, bait fishing, and to trolling in the deep. Fish species at Lake Berryessa include; largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomeiu), spotted bass, channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), bullhead catfish (Ictalurus dolomeiu), white catfish (Ameiurus catus), carp (Cyprinus carpio), Sacramento pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus grandis), crappie, bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss), brown and brook trout, Kokanee, and also Chinook salmon (Onchorhynchus tschawytscha). The rainbow trout species is native to the region while many other species were introduced. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass were both introduced into the lake in the late 1950s and spotted bass followed in the 1980s. Bass and salmon are mostly noted as sport fishing species, bluegill, black and white crappie, and catfish are more of a recreational and beginners type of fish and carp and pikeminnow are usually not favored among anglers. The introduced species of carp is also present and feeds on organic matter, water snails, bloodworm, fresh water mussels as well as their own eggs.
Besides the Sacramento pikeminnow, Lake Berryessa also has the golden shiner and threadfin shad which are usually baitfish to the other species of fish. Aside from the fish Lake Berryessa also supports other aquatic organisms such as crawfish, clams, and otters. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has issued a safe eating advisory for any fish caught in Lake Berryessa due to elevated levels of mercury. A copy of these guidelines can also be found at Lake Berryessa's Visitor Center. Mercury levels at Lake Berryessa are on the rise and there are no fish that OEHHA recommend to eat more than three times a week. In context of mercury, trouts are the best option for Berryessa at this time. Fishing regulations accord with standard California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations. There are tournaments scheduled throughout nine of the twelve months out of the year for bass.
Here's some history: This reservoir in the Vaca Mountains was formed following the construction of the Monticello Dam on Putah Creek in the 1950s. Since the early 1960s, this reservoir has provided water and hydroelectricity to the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The reservoir was named after the first European settlers in the Berryessa Valley, José Jesús and Sexto "Sisto" Berrelleza (a Basque surname, Anglicized to "Berreyesa", then later respelled "Berryessa"), who were granted Rancho Las Putas in 1843.
The lake is over 20,000 acres (8,100 ha) when full. It is approximately 16 mi (25 km) long and 3.1 mi (5 km) wide. It has approximately 165 mi (265 km) miles of shoreline.
Near the dam on the southeast side of the reservoir is an open bell-mouth spillway, 72 feet (22 m) in diameter, which is known as the Glory Hole. The pipe has a straight drop of 200 feet (61 m),[3] and the diameter shrinks down to about 28 feet (8.5 m). The spillway has a maximum capacity of 48,000 cfs (1360 m³/s). The spillway operates when there is excess water in the reservoir; in 2017 after heavy rains it started flowing, for the first time since 2006. It started flowing again in 2019 after heavy rains.
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