Located in the Central Valley of California, Westley is a rural, agricultural area in Stanislaus County with a friendly attitude, natural scenic beauty, and diverse recreational activities. Explore the San Joaquin Valley’s interesting attractions, festivals, historic sites, world-class wineries, championship golf courses, universities, research facilities and a wide range of shopping. In neighboring Patterson, you’ll find the famed Diablo Grande Golf Course and Winery, and the annual Apricot Fiesta celebration.

Attractions & Recreation

• Yosemite National Park – Coined “the most beautiful place on earth,” by Theodore Roosevelt, Yosemite National Park embraces nearly 1,200 square miles of scenic wild lands set aside in 1890 to preserve a portion of the central Sierra Nevada that stretches along California's eastern flank. The park ranges from 2,000 feet above sea level to more than 13,000 feet, and offers these major attractions: alpine wilderness, three groves of Giant Sequoias and the glacially carved Yosemite Valley with impressive waterfalls, cliffs and unusual rock formations. Walk, hike or wander through the magical mountain-and-valley scenery, wildlands, meadows, and forests. The 196 miles of roads and 840 miles of trails give access to natural treasures. Highlights of the park include Yosemite Valley with its high cliffs and waterfalls; Wawona's history center and historic hotel; the Mariposa Grove, which contains hundreds of ancient giant sequoias; Glacier Point's spectacular view of Yosemite Valley and the high country; Tuolumne Meadows, a large sub-alpine meadow surrounded by mountain peaks; and Hetch Hetchy, a reservoir in a valley considered a twin of Yosemite Valley. Entering Yosemite, the view ahead is simply stunning - towering rock walls line the sides of the narrow, forested, U-shaped canyon and tall waterfalls cascade from the heights. In the distance looms the eye-catching and aptly-named Half Dome - a gigantic, granite monolith sculptured by aeons of glacier erosion. The awesome, perpendicular face of Half Dome - one of America's renowned "Big Walls" – is an extreme challenge for technical climbers.

• Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton – Lick Observatory is a leading astronomical research observatory with a distinguished history. Since its founding in 1888, Lick has been part of the University of California and has contributed to the enormous advances in astronomy over the last century. Today, Lick continues as a world-class research institution, a leader in the development of new instruments and observing techniques, and an active center for teaching. Lick Observatory is located on 4200' Mt. Hamilton in the Diablo Range, east of San Jose, California. Largest among its nine research-grade telescopes is the Shane 3-meter Reflector, active since 1960. The 3-meter is in operation every clear night of the year, used by many different astronomers from within the UC system for a variety of projects ranging from observations of our solar system to distant galaxies. UC astronomers, using the telescopes on Mt. Hamilton have contributed to virtually every area of optical and infrared astronomy. Lick is part of the University of California Observatories/Lick Observatory (UCO/Lick), a Multi-Campus Research Unit (MRU) headquartered at UC Santa Cruz, which also houses an extensive technical facility for the development of astronomical instrumentation.

• Tracy Outlet Stores – Located an hour east of San Francisco, the Prime Outlets at Tracy offers a broad array of famous, high-quality brand name stores, including Gap, Levi’s, Liz Claiborne, and Bass that attract residents and visitors to the San Francisco area.

• Patterson “The Apricot Capitol of the World” – Patterson, California, located in Stanislaus County, is a rural town surrounded by agricultural land. Known as the “Apricot Capitol of the World,” Patterson yields about 95,000 tons of the fragrant, delicate fruit, California’s heaviest crop since 1998. Patterson apricots are well known because of their yield and flavor, and are more durable and easier to transport through the country. Late spring and early summer marks the time when apricots come from California farms to markets across America and beyond. Apricot trees thrive in the area’s warm climate and rich soils. With agriculture as its primary economic base, orchards of apricots, almonds and walnuts, as well as row crops of dry beans, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, peas and melons play an important role in Patterson’s history. The Patterson Apricot Fiesta, held annually in June, was launched in 1970 to provide an occasion for area residents to celebrate the area’s biggest crop. Apricot Fiesta events include the Queen Pageant, the Craft Faire on the downtown streets of Patterson, "Breakfast in the Park,” Firemen's Muster, the children's Petting Zoo, free entertainment, historical exhibits at the Patterson Historical Museum, and many exciting community events and tournaments. During the Fiesta a wide range of apricot products are available.
  
• Stanislaus County Fairgrounds – From a summer weekend in 1911 to a 10-day run, the Stanislaus County Fair has been a source of fun, entertainment and education for persons of all ages. Held annually at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock, California, the fair features hundreds of exhibits, motorsport and rodeo events, top musical entertainment, a broadcast horseracing at the Turlock Turf Club and wonderful food and beverages. A record 261,089 persons attended the 1989 Fair. The Stanislaus County Fair Arch Gate has been recognized as a California State Point of Historical Interest. A marker was unveiled during an opening night ceremony during the 1999 Fair and is on public view just inside the historic Arch Gate. Visit www.stancofair.com for more information.

• Stanislaus River Parks – The Stanislaus River offers as its centerpiece a 330-foot long historic covered bridge built in 1863. Additionally, nine beautifully developed parks are located along the river as it stretches from the Sierra Nevada foothills to its confluence with the San Joaquin River. The parks, developed after the completion of New Melones Dam, provide access to the river for white-water rafting, canoeing, hiking, and camping.

• Altamont Raceway Park – Altamont Raceway Park, located in Tracy, California, features ½-mile and ¼- mile paved oval tracks for competitive racing. Fans can enjoy world-class racing on Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday afternoons. For night racing, the gate opens at 5:30 pm, and racing starts at 7:30 pm. For afternoon racing, the gate opens at 10:00 am and racing starts at 1pm. Altamont runs a variety of series, including Super Stock, Modifieds, Midgets and Sprints. Altamont opened in the 1930s, and was brought into its current configuration in 1963. For more information, visit www.altamontraceway.com.

• San Luis Reservoir – Nestled in the grassy hills of the western San Joaquin Valley near historic Pacheco Pass, San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area a beautiful, multi-use recreation area for boating, board sailing, camping, hiking, horseback riding and picnicking. But it’s the anglers who find the reservoir’s three lakes most inviting. The area around San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay is often very windy, so watch the wind warning lights at the Basalt entrance station, Quien Sabe Point, and Romero Visitor Center. On the forebay, wind warning lights are located at the Medeiros boat ramp and above the South Beach picnic area at San Luis Creek. Summer temperatures average in the mid-90s and occasionally exceed 100° but evenings are usually cool and pleasant. In winter, temperatures seldom go below freezing, and tule fogs are frequent. In the spring, the golden-brown hills are coated with a fleeting green, highlighted by bursts of wildflowers colors. The San Luis Reservoir was constructed as a storage reservoir for the federal Central Valley Project and the California State Water Project. It stores runoff water from the Delta that would otherwise flow into the ocean. The water arrives through the California Aqueduct and the Delta-Mendota Canal, and is pumped from the O’Neil Forebay into the main reservoir during the winter and spring. The Los Banos Creek Reservoir was built to prevent storm runoff from flooding the canals. A visitor center at the Romero Overlook provides full information on the reservoirs and water projects through audio-visual and printed materials, and telescopes are available for viewing the area. Visit www.parks.ca.gov for more information and park hours.

• Lawrence Livermore Lab – Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory operated by the University of California. LLNL was founded in September 1952 as a second nuclear weapons design laboratory to promote innovation in the design of our nation's nuclear stockpile through creative science and engineering. Livermore has also become one of the world's premier scientific centers, where cutting-edge science and engineering in the interest of national security is used to break new ground in other areas of national importance, including energy, biomedicine, and environmental science. Surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, Lawrence Livermore is located in California's Tri-Valley region east of San Francisco. Near Interstate 580, the Laboratory is close to both the Central Valley and San Francisco Bay metropolitan area. Livermore offers a rural/suburban environment with easy access to cities, beaches, and mountains. The Valley is home to several world-famous wineries, community performing arts groups, public and private golf courses, parks, and a wide range of recreational activities just a few minutes from the Laboratory. www.llnl.gov.

• Modesto Farmers Market – The only certified Farmers Market in Modesto and Stanislaus County, California, the Modesto Farmers Market provides farm fresh California produce - direct from the farmers to you. Most produce is harvested the day it is brought to the market. Farmers can only sell what they grow. Also provided are organic, Asian and European produce. The Market is open every Saturday from May 5 until November 17 and every Thursday from May 10 until October 18. Hours: 7 am to 12:30 pm. Visit www.modestofarmersmarket.com.

• McHenry Mansion and Museum – Built in 1883 by Robert McHenry, a prominent local rancher and banker, McHenry Mansion in Modesto is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a beautiful example of the Victorian Italianate style of architecture. In 1976, the Julio R. Gallo Foundation purchased it and donated it to the City of Modesto for restoration and community use. The Mansion is decorated and furnished with period antiques. The Mansion and gift shop hours: Tuesday – Thursday, Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays, Noon to 3 p.m. Admission is free and donations are appreciated. Located a block away from the McHenry Mansion, this historic museum is dedicated to preserving a picture of the early life and culture of Modesto and Stanislaus County from pioneer days through the mid-20th century. Built as a library in 1912, a 1928 addition doubled it to its present size. After a new library opened, the building was restored and reopened as the McHenry Museum in 1972. Housed downstairs, the Central California Art League Gallery supports the visual arts in Modesto by offering paintings, sculpture, graphics and selected crafts of local artists.

• Disney Land – Who could visit sunny Southern California and not go to Disneyland Resort? Meet those lovable Disney characters – Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and more. Choose between Disneyland Park or Disney's California Adventure for your days of fun and excitement. At Disneyland Park, you’ll experience over 60 attractions. Zoom through doom on their biggest ride in 40 years, the Indiana Jones Adventure - the most high-tech, adrenaline-pumping thrill on wheels. Behold undying love in the new stage show, The Spirit of Pocahontas. Embark on a journey through the Happiest Place on Earth, with thrilling rides like the Matterhorn, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Disney's California Adventure is the new 55-acre theme park located right next door to Disneyland. Enjoy five themed lands, including Sunshine Plaza, Paradise Pier, Hollywood Backlot Pictures, Golden State and A Bugs Land where you can learn all about bugs in the "It's Tough to be a Bug! 3D movie. Get ready for "California Screamin', a looping rollercoaster with air-time, and "Soarin' over California", where you feel like you're flying over California’s great landmarks. Don't miss Downtown Disney, an entertainment, shopping and dining complex right in the heart of it all. with 21 unique shops, live entertainment and an array of fine restaurants including the House of Blues. The magic is waiting for you at the Disneyland!   [Top]

Central Valley Vineyards

• Diablo Grande Vineyards – The Diablo Grande Vineyards consist of approximately 36 acres of winegrapes sculpted into the rolling hillsides of the Diablo Range on the western slope of California’s San Joaquin Valley. These vineyards are located adjacent to Diablo Grande’s Ranch and Legends West Golf Courses at approximately 1,100-foot elevation. These vineyards include between 2 and 5 acres each of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon plus about 1 to 2 acres each of Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Petite Syrah, Malbec, Viognier and Riesling. Because of Diablo Grande’s specific combination of climate, soil, topography, and other vegetation, its grapes and resulting wines have flavors and characteristics which distinguish them from those produced in the Central Valley and other winegrowing regions of California. In June 1998, Diablo Grande was approved by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms as California’s 78th and the country’s 101st American Viticultural Area. This approval certifies Diablo Grande as a separate and unique grape-growing region and allows them to offer “Estate Bottled” wines from this singular and distinctive area. Since 1997, Diablo Grande Wines have been produced and bottled by Isom Ranch Winery, a private enterprise located within the Diablo Grande Viticultural Area. Winemaker Fran Lightly started making wines from Diablo Grande grapes in1993 while attending graduate school at California State University, Fresno. These wines were first released to the public in May of 2000.

• Delicato Vineyards – For more than 75 years, the Indelicato family has been crafting fine wines while assembling a portfolio of world-class estate vineyards. Today, Delicato harvests more than 10,000 acres of vineyards across the top grape-growing regions of California. These range from the coastal cool of the legendary San Bernabe Vineyard in Monterey to the rolling foothills of Lodi. A celebrated team of highly experienced winemakers has brought decades of expertise to bear on these remarkable grapes, to create Delicato wines of distinctive character, memorable quality and exceptional value. Their tasting room, open daily in Manteca, California, not far from the San Francisco Bay Area, features wines from Delicato Family Vineyards, Clay Station, Monterra, Encore and Delicato Monterey Vine Select, as well as limited release wines unavailable elsewhere. A wide array of wines is complemented by an excellent selection of gift and gourmet items - from personalized gift baskets to that perfect set of wine glasses. They also host special events throughout the year at the winery, such as the well-known Juried Art Show in January, the 3-D Art Show in March, and the Juice Days for Home Winemakers in September and October.

• Lodi Appellation – Nestled between the San Francisco Bay Area and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the Lodi Appellation is truly a unique wine region. Since the Gold Rush days, the tradition of family-owned vineyards remains strong and the roots run deep. The areas pleasant Mediterranean climate with long warm days and cooling Delta breezes combine with rich, sandy loam soils for the perfect conditions for growing premium wine grapes. Exceptional wines are produced from 16 distinctive vineyards in the Lodi Appellation. The Winter Wine Wander features wine tasting, gourmet food items, recipes and unique gifts. Relax, shop, sip award-winning wines, and enjoy the unique tasting rooms of the Lodi Appellation.   [Top]

Golf Courses

• Diablo Grande Golf Course – Diablo Grande is located in the foothill of the Diablo Mountains, six miles west of I-5 in Patterson, an area that combines scenic natural beauty and perfect golf weather. From the old-world service you receive the moment you arrive to the way the tournament-quality courses complement the creeks, Diablo Grande is serious about its golf. With natural terrain and unique golf holes, Diablo Grande currently features two award winning courses - The Ranch Course, designed to play to 7,200 yards, and The Legends West Course, a 7,100 yard course, that was rated among Top 100 Greatest Public Course in the United States by Golf Digest. The members of the Northern California PGA were impressed enough with the playability and versatility of both courses to ask Diablo Grande to host the North Cal Open, a prestigious tournament that began in 1920. The Legends West Course is a respectful tribute to the classic courses and elegant lifestyle of an era gone by. Co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and Gene Sarazen, two champions of the game, a round at this classic par 72 is fun for those who love to be challenged, as well as those who love to get out and enjoy a good walk. Situated among existing vineyards and rolling hills, Diablo Grande is a marvelous golf course setting. www.diablogrande.com.

• Savannah Course at Stevinson Ranch – The Savannah Course at Stevinson Ranch, site of the 1996 and 1997 U. S. Open Qualifying, is one of the best golf courses in California. Golf Digest rated the course the "Best New Upscale Public Course in California" for 1996 and "Top 25" of all California courses in 1997. Most recently the readers of Golf Digest awarded it 4 1/2 Stars out of a possible five for the overall golf experience. The Savannah Course is the first course in California to attain "Signature" status with Audubon International for it's dedication to environmental excellence, and was presented with the coveted Squaw Creek award by the California Golf Writers Association. The Savannah Course is a throwback to the early days of golf architecture in America, importing the character and traditions of the great Scottish Links courses. Many acres of existing wetlands have been preserved and utilized as natural hazards, blending the natural terrain and native grasses with a links touch. There are various ways to play each hole in adherence to the risk-reward theory of design. Sand, water, hollows and native grasses securely guard each green. A state-of-the-art practice area, a full service clubhouse that includes a golf shop, restaurant and saloon; and a pavilion for outside barbecues and parties all provide the atmosphere you are looking for at Stevinson Ranch. Visit www.stevinsonranch.com.  [Top]

Universities

• University of the Pacific – University of the Pacific is an independent university offering a personalized education, small class sizes and an extensive selection of undergraduate and graduate/professional programs. With 11 schools and colleges and more than 80 majors and programs of study, Pacific has that rare combination of small-university friendliness and programs found at much larger universities. At Pacific professors know students by name and learning is enhanced through real-world experience. Visit www.uop.edu for more information and admissions.

• California State University Stanislaus – Among the 23 campuses in the California State University system, CSU Stanislaus is distinguished by its focus on educational excellence, affordability, and access. Small classes offered on the main campus in Turlock, at CSU Stanislaus-Stockton, and via distance learning enable undergraduate, graduate, and credential students to maintain direct and personal contact with outstanding faculty. For those who prefer specialized instruction, there are numerous classes that can be taken through Extended Education. CSU Stanislaus has adopted a learning-centered philosophy to guide its Master Academic Planning (MAP), and is dedicated to instilling a passion among all members of the University community for lifelong learning. While the University is a leading institution in the northern San Joaquin Valley and Central Sierra Foothills, it has a student body from nations throughout the world and a focus that is truly global in scope. CSU Stanislaus is a public institution of higher learning that is committed to collaboration and partnerships with public and private agencies, public and private schools, non-profit organizations, and corporations. Through these partnerships, the University is fully prepared to meet the educational challenges of the next century. www.csustan.edu.  [Top]