7 Hidden Gems What Makes Elk Grove, Clovis, Redding, and Murrieta California’s Most Livable Travel Destinations

7 Hidden Gems What Makes Elk Grove, Clovis, Redding, and Murrieta California's Most Livable Travel Destinations - Mountain Biking Through Redding's Sacramento River Trail Network With Direct Southwest Flights From Denver

Redding's extensive trail network, centered around the Sacramento River Trail, is a magnet for mountain bikers of all abilities. The 17-mile Sacramento River Trail, stretching from the Sundial Bridge to Shasta Dam, is a prime example, providing a scenic journey along the river, Keswick Reservoir, and Shasta Lake. This trail is a focal point, connecting to Redding's larger trail system that boasts over 225 miles across various terrains and difficulty levels, catering to both leisurely rides and intense challenges.

The FB Trail offers a demanding 17-mile descent, ideal for those seeking a truly invigorating mountain biking experience. Redding further demonstrates its dedication to mountain biking with events such as the LaGrange Classic Mountain Bike Race, featuring a demanding course that highlights the region's challenging landscape.

Denver residents can conveniently access this diverse network of trails with the added ease of direct Southwest Airlines flights. This direct connection has opened up this destination for many mountain bikers who may have previously been deterred by less convenient travel arrangements. Whether your goal is to challenge yourself or simply enjoy a relaxing ride with stunning views, Redding's trail system ensures a fulfilling outdoor adventure.

Redding's Sacramento River Trail system offers a substantial network of over 36 miles, catering to diverse mountain biking preferences, from technically challenging sections to gentler paths. This variety makes it a suitable destination for riders of various skill levels.

Southwest Airlines' recent introduction of direct Denver to Redding flights is an interesting development, mirroring the broader trend of airlines connecting smaller, outdoor-centric areas with larger urban centers. This approach can drive competitive pricing, giving travelers a broader range of flight options.

The elevation changes across the Redding trail system inherently make for a demanding workout. Riders face an average incline of approximately 500 feet per mile, a significant challenge compared to the flatter terrains often found in urban biking locations.

The Redding region is not simply a staging ground for outdoor adventures. The city experiences an abundance of sunshine, averaging around 300 days per year, making it an attractive destination for year-round biking escapades.

Archaeological evidence reveals a long human presence in the Redding region—over 10,000 years—signifying a rich indigenous history and culture. This adds a dimension of exploration and learning beyond the purely recreational aspects of mountain biking.

The Sacramento River, a companion to the trail network, offers a diverse range of recreational possibilities, such as fishing and kayaking. This multifaceted outdoor appeal broadens the draw for Redding, making it a particularly compelling choice for families traveling together.

While Redding enjoys sunny weather, the summer months can be quite hot, with temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F. This necessitates thoughtful trip planning, with early morning or late afternoon rides being the optimal times to avoid the intense midday heat. The availability of convenient, direct flights provides travelers with flexibility in managing their daily schedules to optimize their riding experience.

Local bike shops in Redding provide bike rentals, allowing visitors to enjoy the trail system without needing to lug their own equipment on their travels. This convenience reduces logistical hurdles and makes exploring Redding's trails easier for many travelers.

The culinary landscape of Redding includes several farm-to-table dining options. Restaurants often source produce from farms that are located not far from the trail network. This creates opportunities for unique, satisfying meals, complementing an active day on the trails.

With a gradual increase in flight routes and the emergence of enhanced air travel services, many travelers are re-evaluating their travel choices. Smaller cities like Redding are becoming more appealing as more cost-effective alternatives to larger, more crowded destinations. This trend allows travelers to enjoy lower fares and less-congested travel conditions.

What else is in this post?

1. 7 Hidden Gems What Makes Elk Grove, Clovis, Redding, and Murrieta California's Most Livable Travel Destinations - Mountain Biking Through Redding's Sacramento River Trail Network With Direct Southwest Flights From Denver
2. 7 Hidden Gems What Makes Elk Grove, Clovis, Redding, and Murrieta California's Most Livable Travel Destinations - Local Food Scene in Elk Grove French Quarter With New Restaurant Row Opening December 2024
3. 7 Hidden Gems What Makes Elk Grove, Clovis, Redding, and Murrieta California's Most Livable Travel Destinations - Clovis Botanical Garden Private Tours and California Native Plant Sales
4. 7 Hidden Gems What Makes Elk Grove, Clovis, Redding, and Murrieta California's Most Livable Travel Destinations - Murrieta Hot Springs Resort Reopening Under New Management Spring 2024
5. 7 Hidden Gems What Makes Elk Grove, Clovis, Redding, and Murrieta California's Most Livable Travel Destinations - Elk Grove Regional Park's Weekly Food Truck Festival and Night Market
6. 7 Hidden Gems What Makes Elk Grove, Clovis, Redding, and Murrieta California's Most Livable Travel Destinations - Redding's Winter Light Festival at Turtle Bay Exploration Park December 2024
7. 7 Hidden Gems What Makes Elk Grove, Clovis, Redding, and Murrieta California's Most Livable Travel Destinations - Old Town Clovis Friday Night Farmers Market and Craft Beer Garden

7 Hidden Gems What Makes Elk Grove, Clovis, Redding, and Murrieta California's Most Livable Travel Destinations - Local Food Scene in Elk Grove French Quarter With New Restaurant Row Opening December 2024

Elk Grove's French Quarter is poised for a culinary transformation with the arrival of a new restaurant row in December 2024. This exciting development is set to significantly elevate the area's already diverse food scene. Elk Grove has become known for its eclectic range of eateries, especially within the Asian cuisine sector, but newer additions like Slow and Low Smokehouse and Ember Korean BBQ are rapidly establishing themselves as local favorites.

The city's culinary landscape has matured in recent years, with establishments like Tule Coffeehouse bringing fresh concepts and locally inspired flavors to the table. Tule's unique name, a nod to the California tule elk, hints at the local focus woven into their offerings. As Elk Grove's profile rises as a desirable travel destination, the expanding restaurant scene will surely attract visitors seeking diverse dining experiences alongside its other attractions. It remains to be seen whether the new restaurant row will truly enhance the area or add to the already bustling yet sometimes predictable dining options in the region. The hope is that the new additions bring both local flair and innovative approaches to dining, giving the area a more unique and memorable culinary character.

Elk Grove's French Quarter is poised for a significant culinary transformation with the anticipated opening of a new restaurant row in December 2024. This development promises to inject a fresh wave of dining options into the area, expanding beyond Elk Grove's already established, but somewhat predictable, Asian-centric food scene. It'll be interesting to see if this new row can attract a diverse clientele, challenging the established local favorites.

The emergence of Tule Coffeehouse, named after the native tule elk, reflects the broader trend of eateries attempting to embed themselves within the local culture. While this approach might appeal to a certain segment of the population, it remains to be seen if it can successfully draw in a wide customer base. The opening of 30 new restaurants across the Sacramento area earlier this year demonstrated that the region is indeed open to trying new things.

However, questions remain about the long-term sustainability of this new row. Will the diverse cuisines, including the planned Texas-style barbecue restaurant, find a dedicated following in Elk Grove? The restaurant row's success hinges on attracting a consistent customer base beyond just novelty.

Yelp's data suggests that people are definitely open to trying new restaurants, with the popularity of Italian, Korean, and seafood spots hinting at a shift in local taste. But the true measure of this new dining scene's success will be determined by the continued patronage of new offerings after the initial hype fades. It will be fascinating to observe how the local food landscape adapts and if the French Quarter truly gains a reputation for innovative culinary experiences beyond the current established culinary staples.

This surge in new restaurants is a testament to the growing perception of Elk Grove as a desirable place to live and visit. Whether the new restaurant row contributes to strengthening the perception of Elk Grove as a truly dynamic destination, or just becomes another example of a small community hoping to become the next big food scene, will be a subject of observation. Will the culinary growth be truly diverse and vibrant, or just an addition to a familiar set of options? Time and data will be the judge in this case.

7 Hidden Gems What Makes Elk Grove, Clovis, Redding, and Murrieta California's Most Livable Travel Destinations - Clovis Botanical Garden Private Tours and California Native Plant Sales

Nestled within Clovis, California, the Clovis Botanical Garden provides a tranquil escape for anyone interested in California's native plants and sustainable gardening. Established on park land and expanding to three acres, the garden showcases a variety of water-wise plants perfectly suited for the Central Valley's climate. This focus on water conservation through thoughtful landscaping is a key aspect of the garden.

One notable section is the Mediterranean Garden, highlighting plants from similar climates around the globe. The garden frequently has knowledgeable staff or volunteers present who are ready to discuss the best plant choices for water efficiency in gardens. Notably, the Clovis Botanical Garden hosts an annual Fall Plant Sale, centered on native California plants, providing an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to participate in promoting sustainable gardening practices.

Clovis itself, as well as the surrounding region, is lauded for its natural beauty, making the garden a perfect complement for anyone seeking outdoor activities. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply appreciate the tranquility of nature, a visit to the Clovis Botanical Garden is an excellent way to connect with the local environment and gain appreciation for its unique plant life. However, one might find that the size of the garden is a bit small compared to other botanical gardens in the state. One can only hope that they will be able to expand their footprint in the coming years.

The Clovis Botanical Garden, established in 1993 after a proposal to the Clovis City Council, has grown from a one-acre plot to a three-acre space showcasing the diverse plant life of California's Central Valley. It operates as a non-profit entity, demonstrating how a community can rally around a shared interest in nature. The garden functions as a practical example of water-wise landscaping, showcasing plants perfectly adapted to the region's hot summers and mild winters. This emphasis on water conservation through landscaping techniques and exhibits underscores the crucial role gardens can play in resource management, particularly in drier climates.

A key aspect of the garden is its Mediterranean Garden, a curated collection of plants from various Mediterranean ecosystems around the globe. It allows visitors to understand the similarities and differences between plants that have evolved under similar climate conditions, creating an interesting contrast. Adding to its educational value, the garden holds an annual Fall Plant Sale in October, where visitors can purchase California native plants. This provides a direct way for visitors to connect with and contribute to local biodiversity by incorporating these drought-tolerant plants into their own landscaping.

The presence of docents and Master Gardeners enhances the visitor experience by providing insights into the garden's various plant species. They not only impart knowledge about water-efficient plant choices but also highlight the importance of plant identification and the various roles plants play in their environments. It's fascinating to consider the symbiotic relationships between plant and insect life, and how plant life can affect soil quality. The Clovis Botanical Garden effectively showcases how a well-planned landscape benefits the environment and can help create an aesthetically pleasing and ecologically healthy outdoor space.

Clovis, with its appealing natural beauty and proximity to outdoor recreational spaces like the Sierra National Forest, attracts nature enthusiasts. The botanical garden itself, conveniently situated at 945 N Clovis Ave, offers a peaceful retreat from the surrounding urban environment. While this might seem like a common attraction for communities, it can act as a crucial learning center in a world increasingly focused on urban development. Clovis and the surrounding area provide a natural laboratory to study resilience and adaptation in a changing climate. It's worth pondering how this small garden can create a positive ripple effect on the local community and beyond. Understanding and appreciating our natural environment, even in a seemingly mundane environment, becomes more important as human activity continues to shape and impact landscapes worldwide.

7 Hidden Gems What Makes Elk Grove, Clovis, Redding, and Murrieta California's Most Livable Travel Destinations - Murrieta Hot Springs Resort Reopening Under New Management Spring 2024

After nearly three decades of closure, the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is set to reopen its doors on February 1, 2024. This historic resort, dating back to 1902, has been acquired by a new management team who have invested heavily in renovations and revitalization. Spread across 46 acres, the resort boasts a remarkable array of over 50 pools and water features.

The new owners have ambitious goals of establishing the resort as a haven for wellness and rejuvenation. Along with the extensive soaking facilities, they plan to introduce spa services and various wellness programs, designed to help guests restore their mind and body. Overnight guests can expect to enjoy a range of complimentary wellness activities and 24/7 access to the soaking pools.

While the renovations strive to offer modern amenities, the resort is careful to preserve its historical elements, many of which date back to the early 20th century. This blending of the old and new should contribute to a unique ambiance, which might appeal to those seeking a more authentic California experience. Whether or not it will become a truly appealing wellness destination remains to be seen, but the resort's location and historical significance add a special layer to Murrieta as a hidden gem among California’s most enjoyable travel destinations.

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, a location known for its geothermal properties since the late 1800s, is set to reopen in the spring of 2024 under new ownership. It's been a long 30 years since the resort was in operation, but the promise of a revamped experience has captured the attention of many. The property, originally established in 1902, has been purchased by Olympus Real Estate Group for about 50 million dollars, with a focus on renovations that maintain its historic character while incorporating modern amenities.

The resort's 46 acres feature over 50 pools and water features, with the core idea being to position the resort as a destination for wellness and relaxation. You can expect a full range of spa services and programs focused on leveraging the natural mineral content of the springs. The bathhouse will be open seven days a week from 9 AM to 10 PM, while the spa will be available from 9 AM to 9 PM. Overnight stays come with wellness activities and 24-hour access to the pools, creating a compelling incentive to spend an extended time at the resort.

There are signs that the resort is aiming to adopt a cutting-edge approach, incorporating innovative technologies and therapies within the historical framework. Whether these efforts truly translate to a compelling visitor experience will have to be seen. They are likely to explore partnerships with local farms to promote sustainable dining and build on the growing wellness travel market that increasingly prioritizes sourcing local ingredients.

One point of interest is the location of the resort. Murrieta is relatively close to larger Southern California airports like Los Angeles and San Diego, offering accessibility to visitors. This could create opportunities for shorter stays and weekend trips, a pattern that's becoming more popular as more people prioritize flexibility and quick escapes from urban environments.

Whether this investment in a rejuvenated resort will lead to a larger boost for local tourism and economic development in Murrieta remains to be seen. The resort's managers are keen to position the property as a getaway destination for wellness and relaxation, capitalizing on current trends in the industry. However, it's important to remember that even with careful planning and restoration, introducing a new experience in a relatively established location often carries a degree of uncertainty. How successfully they can balance the appeal to wellness-focused travelers, with the legacy of the resort's historical presence, will determine its long-term success.

7 Hidden Gems What Makes Elk Grove, Clovis, Redding, and Murrieta California's Most Livable Travel Destinations - Elk Grove Regional Park's Weekly Food Truck Festival and Night Market

Elk Grove Regional Park hosts a weekly Food Truck Festival, known as "Food Truck Mania," which takes place on the first Wednesday of each month from May through December. This event has brought a new dimension of culinary experience to Elk Grove, attracting both residents and visitors who enjoy exploring diverse food truck offerings. From the popular Tequileros Taqueria serving authentic tacos to Cousins Maine Lobster tempting visitors with gourmet lobster rolls, there is a wide selection of cuisine available.

The festival is perfectly integrated within Elk Grove Regional Park's extensive 122-acre expanse. With its playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic spots, the park offers a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, creating an ideal setting to enjoy the festival's vibrant food scene. Elk Grove appears to be actively embracing its food truck culture. This festival is not just a culinary experience, but also serves as a community gathering spot that showcases local culinary talent and fosters a vibrant sense of community in Elk Grove. If you are exploring this hidden gem in California, adding the weekly Food Truck Festival to your itinerary could be a rewarding experience.

Elk Grove Regional Park hosts a weekly food truck festival and night market, drawing significant crowds, especially during the warmer months. Spanning over 125 acres, the park offers a considerable space for such events, providing a venue for a broad range of recreational activities alongside the culinary offerings. The sheer number of attendees, often exceeding 3,000 people, underscores a trend towards casual outdoor dining in this region, suggesting a shift in preference away from traditional sit-down restaurants, at least for some segments of the population.

The food truck festival presents a diverse range of cuisines, with over 20 different food types available. This variety is a clear indicator of a desire for global flavors within the community, presenting opportunities for both established and budding culinary entrepreneurs. However, this breadth of options can lead to the question: does it become too much, or is this just the new standard for food festivals? It is notable that the festival has an estimated yearly economic impact of around $500,000. This figure highlights the potential that such events have to foster local economic growth, particularly for small businesses, while also strengthening community engagement.

However, the festival's seasonal nature prompts consideration of weather's effect on consumer preferences for outdoor activities. While the organizers attempt to accommodate diverse weather conditions with heaters and canopies, it begs the question of how attendance would change with a shift towards more moderate weather throughout the year. The efforts to incorporate elements of sustainability, like encouraging the use of compostable serving materials, aligns with broader concerns about environmental responsibility, suggesting that consumers may increasingly choose vendors based on sustainable practices.

Adding to the overall experience, live entertainment and family-oriented activities often complement the food trucks. These elements contribute to the festival's appeal, generating a lively, festive atmosphere. This focus on family-friendly components underscores the festival's potential as a social gathering point, where families can easily enjoy a range of activities together, contributing to the sense of a connected community.

Furthermore, the event serves as a platform for aspiring food entrepreneurs to connect with potential clientele. This avenue can be beneficial for smaller operations to test the waters before investing heavily in brick-and-mortar locations. At the same time, the organizers implement strict health and safety regulations to ensure the quality and safety of the food offered. This attention to safety adds an important layer of assurance to those attending, promoting confidence in the food vendors.


Ultimately, Elk Grove's weekly food truck festival represents a multifaceted phenomenon that is reflective of wider trends in modern society. It is interesting to evaluate how the event may continue to evolve in response to changing societal preferences and weather patterns. It remains to be seen if this model of community event can serve as a model for other similar communities looking to invigorate their local economies and foster more lively public spaces.

7 Hidden Gems What Makes Elk Grove, Clovis, Redding, and Murrieta California's Most Livable Travel Destinations - Redding's Winter Light Festival at Turtle Bay Exploration Park December 2024

Redding's Winter Light Festival at Turtle Bay Exploration Park, slated for December 2024, is a festive event that transforms the McConnell Botanical Gardens into a dazzling winter wonderland. Stretching across ten acres, the festival is a visual spectacle, showcasing over a million twinkling lights designed to create a magical holiday experience. If you're looking for a unique way to enjoy the holiday season, consider reserving one of the private igloos offered this year. They accommodate up to eight people and come with bundled packages that include food, beverages, and souvenirs, making it an attractive option for families or groups of friends seeking a special experience.


The festival isn't just a dazzling light show, it also offers a way to support environmental education and wildlife conservation efforts at Turtle Bay through the purchase of tickets. The festival thoughtfully incorporates themed displays and winding paths that create an immersive holiday experience. In addition, while enjoying the lights of the Turtle Bay festival, it might be worth your time to also consider visiting the nearby Shasta State Historic Park, where the Annual Old Time Holiday Celebration offers a unique opportunity to partake in traditional holiday activities and local craft demonstrations. However, note that the festival will be closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. It remains to be seen if the New Year's Eve festivities will be able to attract significant visitor numbers, but there are plans for a ticketed event for the evening, with information to be released at a later date. While the festival clearly has the potential to be a wonderful winter event, it's always a gamble if these elaborate displays manage to attract enough visitors to truly make them a major local success.

### Redding's Winter Light Festival at Turtle Bay Exploration Park - December 2024


The Redding Garden of Lights at Turtle Bay Exploration Park, scheduled from November 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025, is a captivating display spanning ten acres of the McConnell Botanical Gardens. Over a million colorful lights transform the landscape into an immersive holiday experience, with winding paths leading visitors through artfully illuminated scenes. The organizers have clearly put effort into crafting a festive atmosphere, using a blend of unique colors, sounds, and scents to evoke the winter spirit.

The festival offers a novel option for visitors: private igloos that can comfortably accommodate up to eight people. These igloos come complete with food, drinks, and souvenirs, making them a unique, although likely somewhat expensive, way to enjoy the festival. It's interesting to see how this kind of immersive experience, which is starting to become common in some urban environments, finds its place in Redding.

Parking is available at the Sundial Bridge Parking Lot, with overflow at the Redding Civic Auditorium. It's worth noting that the festival will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. A special ticketed event for New Year's Eve is planned, with details to be released closer to the date.

Turtle Bay Exploration Park has also thoughtfully incorporated the event into a broader wildlife conservation and education initiative, making purchasing a ticket a way to support these important local efforts. While the focus might be on the light display, it's intriguing that this event supports a much larger mission.

The festival's proximity to Shasta State Historic Park, six miles west of Redding, provides visitors with another layer of potential exploration. The park is hosting its Annual Old Time Holiday Celebration with art and craft displays and demonstrations. This kind of complementary programming might be a good way to capture more visitors for the region, but it remains to be seen how many people will explore both.


The event represents an interesting case study on how small cities like Redding can successfully organize and promote seasonal festivals. It's worth watching how successful this is in attracting visitors and whether this can serve as a model for other similar areas looking to increase tourism. It'll be interesting to see whether Redding can capitalize on this kind of temporary event to attract more visitors long-term and help drive economic activity during the typically slower winter months. While the light displays are impressive, the long-term sustainability of such events may also be an issue that Redding needs to be thinking about.

7 Hidden Gems What Makes Elk Grove, Clovis, Redding, and Murrieta California's Most Livable Travel Destinations - Old Town Clovis Friday Night Farmers Market and Craft Beer Garden

Old Town Clovis's Friday Night Farmers Market and Craft Beer Garden, held every Friday evening from May 3rd to October 25th, 2024, breathes life into Pollasky Avenue. This weekly event showcases local farmers and craft producers, fostering a strong sense of community. It's noteworthy that the market also partners with the NOSH Program, a valuable initiative focused on delivering fresh produce to those in need within the Clovis community.

Beyond the shopping experience, the market offers a lively and welcoming ambiance, with live music and various entertainment options. This vibrant atmosphere makes it a popular choice for both Clovis residents and visitors looking for a fun evening out. The farmers market is just one of the events that highlight the charm of Old Town Clovis. Wine Walks and Beer Crawls are just a few of the other attractions that contribute to the district's lively dining and shopping experience, underscoring its reputation as a picturesque and culturally rich destination.


While the market delivers a delightful culinary and community-focused experience, it's worth considering the long-term impact of these growing events on the town. It'll be interesting to see how this thriving scene continues to evolve and balance its growth with the surrounding area's environment.

### Old Town Clovis Friday Night Farmers Market and Craft Beer Garden: A Closer Look

The Old Town Clovis Friday Night Farmers Market, held every Friday evening from May through October, is a testament to the agricultural heritage of the region. Located in the heart of Old Town Clovis on Pollasky Avenue, between 3rd and 5th Streets, it's a revival of the late 1800s when local growers sold their bounty directly to the community. Today, it continues this legacy, showcasing local certified producers and supporting the NOSH program, which distributes fresh produce to families in need through local pantries.

Interestingly, the market incorporates a craft beer garden, a feature not commonly seen in traditional farmers markets. This fusion provides visitors with a unique experience, combining fresh local produce with local craft beers. Whether this fusion is truly successful and a viable concept or simply a fad remains to be seen, but it certainly attracts a diverse crowd of residents and visitors alike.

Beyond the sheer volume of fresh produce, the market offers a variety of food choices from various vendors, illustrating the culinary diversity that's growing in the region. This provides a significant boost to the local economy, allowing vendors to directly sell and connect with consumers, a pattern many have seen across California. It's intriguing to consider if there's a quantitative correlation between this kind of market and increased food sales.

The Friday night atmosphere is particularly vibrant, with live music and family-friendly entertainment, often drawing over 5,000 people, contributing to a sense of community. While the primary focus is on local produce, the market also includes a range of culinary offerings that cater to diverse tastes. It seems that the organizers are focused on offering entertainment, community events, and educational experiences, possibly to attract broader segments of the community, rather than focusing strictly on traditional farmers market activities.

The surrounding Old Town Clovis district also contributes to the allure, with its historical charm and a growing number of shops and restaurants. The district hosts events like Wine Walks, Beer Crawls, and Vintage Markets in addition to the farmers market, suggesting that the city is attempting to develop an ongoing entertainment calendar that fosters a vibrant community atmosphere. Local artists contribute to the entertainment aspect, with musicians like John performing throughout the season.

While the market primarily showcases local crops, it's noteworthy that there's a focus on creating a community-driven experience. This combination of local food, craft beverages, live music, and entertainment underscores the importance of fostering a sense of place and shared experience in the community. The long-term viability of this kind of market, beyond the initial period of popularity, will depend on its continued ability to attract and cater to a growing, and increasingly sophisticated, local market. Whether it can become a true fixture of community life and tourism will be revealed with time and deeper analysis.