Now more than ever, it’s important to prioritize having some fun. You want to escape the stress of work and home and go somewhere relaxing. You also want a destination that isn’t overly crowded, stuffy, or expensive. More than anything, you just want to go somewhere where you can just be yourself.

You want Lodi, California.

Lodi is one of Northern California wine country’s best-kept secrets. A scenic masterpiece, it’s located at the point where the San Francisco Bay Area transitions into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Lodi is widely known as the Zinfandel Capital of the world, famous for producing the grapes that make up a portfolio of more than 125 award-winning varietals. But there is so much more to this place than wine.

Whether its eating at one the award-winning eateries, paddle-boarding, hiking, or just wrapping yourself in the luxury of a resort hotel, Lodi has something for everyone who is looking to get away, unplug from the workaday world, and destress for a few days.

Lodi isn’t just about the wine–but if, to you, unwinding doesn’t happen without a glass of bliss, there is no better wine destination on the globe. Lodi has more than 85 boutique wineries, some of which are run by 5th-generation winemakers. Zinfandel is a staple, but Lodi also leads other California wine grape growing in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, Lodi has 110,000 acres for wine growing, with 23,850 of those as Certified Green Acres under the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA) for sustainable wine growing.

You can always find a friendly Lodi vintner ready to line up bottles for a personal tasting or lead you through a tour of the vineyard and production facilities. On most weekends, there’s at least one winery holding a unique event for connoisseurs and casual sippers alike.

Who can relax on an empty stomach? Lodi has you more covered there, too. No matter what you’re craving, from American comfort food, farm-to-table fare, or fine dining, you can find it fixed up by some of the best chefs in the country.

For instance, Steve Ding’s Woodbridge Crossing features fine dining in a beautifully restored 19th-century brick building in downtown Woodbridge. The eatery is famous for its prime rib, but you can also find bottomless champagne brunch on Sundays. And of course, it features a full assortment of Lodi wines.

If your taste buds are calling from something more international, there’s Pietro’s Trattoria, a farm-to-fork Italian eatery that specializes in pasta, chicken parm, and homemade gnocchi. There’s also Thai Kitchen, a quaint hole in the wall where you can find big and authentic Thai flavor. (Try the green papaya salad, a perfect marriage of spicy and sweet with a unique peanut crunch.) Or for sushi, look no further than Sushi Komachi for the freshest Japanese delicacies infused with a California flourish.

There are also hours of outdoor recreation for the adventurer in you. Scenic trails, both short and long, abound around the Lodi Lake Wilderness Area, home to millions of migratory birds and lush vegetation. Lodi Lake Park is also ideal for family kayaking, paddle boarding, rafting, tubing, canoeing, and fishing.

After a day filled with wine, food, and fun, you want to relax. Lodi has accommodations for every comfort level and budget. And if you grow to love Lodi as much as many visitors do, there are also vacation houses for rent that will make this destination and its people your home away from home.

For more information or to plan your visit, head to www.visitlodi.com.

The post 85+ Award Winning Wineries In Lodi, California appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Welcome to Burnsville, NC, where the air is fresh, the temperature is ideal, and the people are friendly. Established in 1834, Burnsville is the perfect small-town mountain getaway, just 40 minutes northeast of Asheville. Burnsville is home to expansive mountain views, a walkable Main Street, colorful street murals, and quaint art galleries. Our friendly, locally-owned brewery, eateries, and restaurants bring quality, one-of-a-kind dining experiences to locals and visitors. Wander historic downtown for the perfect gift, antique, fashion accessory, or the latest in home décor, jewelry, and more. No matter where you go in Yancey County, you’ll feel our warm hospitality.

Burnsville is home to Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet. Mount Mitchell State Park, one of the country’s first state parks, has an easily-accessible observation deck, concessions, a museum, camping facilities, and hiking trails that allow visitors to explore short hikes near the summit and challenging treks to adjacent wilderness areas. Access Mount Mitchell State Park’s unmatched views via the Blue Ridge Parkway, “America’s Favorite Drive” at milepost 355.4 in Yancey County.

With nearly 100 miles of hiking trails, there’s no better place to explore than in Yancey County. Chart your own course or partner with a local outfitter to explore the great outdoors. Find pristine forests, clean rivers, dramatic views, and cool waterfalls, including Crabtree Falls, Roaring Fork Falls, and Setrock Creek Falls. Discover endless opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, tubing, and cycling.

After an awe-inspiring day in the outdoors, come back into town to stay at one of our cozy cabins or local inns. Unwind at Mount Mitchell EcoRetreat, a former dude ranch turned mountain escape, or find yourself immersed in history at the newly restored Nu Wray Hotel, reopening in 2023. With high-speed internet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, catching up on work or disconnecting entirely while on your stay are both easily accessible.

Start your morning with an Appalachian-inspired breakfast at Pig & Grits, a local favorite, or grab a coffee at Appalachian Java. Be sure to save your appetite in the evening for a beer at Homeplace Beer Co., followed by dinner at Cast Iron Kitchen, where Chef Chris Hall insists on using only fresh ingredients to create a culinary experience.

Spend the day exploring town at local shops and galleries. Burnsville is home to hundreds of artists and crafters making unique, original objects in clay, glass, wood, metal, and fiber, as well as furniture and musical instruments. The annual Toe River Arts Studio Tour is a free, self-guided tour of artists’ studios and an opportunity to view their work, processes, and studio spaces. Be sure to check out the variety of other stores on Main Street, including Monkey Business, a local toy store that will make you feel like a kid again, no matter your age.

Peer into the night sky at Bare Dark Sky Observatory through the Southeast’s largest telescope dedicated to public use. View wonders of our galaxy and beyond at this certified International Dark Sky Park. Each two-hour stargazing session offers visitors a chance to soak up 360-degree views of the moon, planets, and stars. Take your stargazing adventure indoors at the newly opened Arthur Planetarium, connected to the observatory. View the world’s skies, experience places around the globe, and enjoy laser light shows in the 60-seat planetarium with a 36′ projection dome.

While honoring its deep roots in Appalachia, Burnsville’s pioneering spirit lives on through its diverse variety of experiences for visitors to enjoy.

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