Lake County is
California's family recreation and getaway destination. In Lake County
you'll find friendly communities,
attractions, outdoor
recreation, activities,
beautiful rural
scenery, and the best air quality in the state (as determined by the
California Air Resources Board).
Lake County is home to
Clear Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake within California and
possibly the oldest lake in North America. Blue Lakes, Lake Pillsbury,
and Indian Valley Reservoir are the county's other major
bodies of water. The region is rich with historical and cultural
resources, as well as recreational opportunities.
Within Lake County are
two incorporated cities, the county seat of Lakeport and Clearlake, the
largest city, and the communities
of Blue Lakes, Clearlake Oaks, Clearlake Park, Cobb, Finley, Glenhaven,
Hidden Valley Lake, Kelseyville, Loch Lomond, Lower Lake, Lucerne,
Middletown, Nice, Spring Valley, Upper Lake, and Witter Springs.
Fun for all ages is found
in annual community events, festivals and fairs. In addition, visitors
may enjoy concerts,
sporting events, car shows, casinos,
farmers' markets, special presentations, and exhibits.
Adventurous
visitors will enjoy Lake County's national forests and other public
lands with trails for hiking,
dirt biking, off-highway vehicle riding, rock
and stone collecting, and bird
watching, plus areas for hang gliding, fishing,
and hunting. Local parks and two state parks offer trails for hiking.
Exhibits and programs about the region's culture and history are
maintained and presented by rangers and docents at Clear Lake State Park
and at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.
History and genealogy
buffs will find several "treasures" at the two county museums,
the Lake County Museum in Lakeport and the Lower Lake Historical
Schoolhouse Museum in Lower Lake. There are also numerous state and
local historical landmarks identified throughout the county.
Art
lovers will find the work of local artists displayed in many places
including galleries, civic buildings, restaurants, banks, and other
businesses. Arts and crafts exhibits are featured at many of the
community events held through the year. There is also a number of antique
shops throughout Lake County.
Area wineries
with tasting rooms include Guenoc and Langtry Estate Vineyards and
Winery, Ployez Winery, Steele Wines, and Wildhurst Vineyards. Winery
events often feature wine tasting, art, and music.
Stargazers and
astronomers will enjoy a trip to the Taylor
Planetarium & Observatory in Kelseyville. Operated by the Lake
County Office of Education, the observatory presents lecture and slide
programs, and visitors may participate in telescope viewing of the stars
and planets.
Outdoor recreation
include the many watersports
enjoyed at the county's lakes and streams, plus hiking, soaring,
skydiving, and bicycling.
Five golf courses,
including one championship 18-hole course, are located in the county. A
water park and fun center in the city of Clearlake offers water slides
during the summer months, an arcade, Grand Prix race cars, and other
attractions.
With over 100 miles of
shoreline, Clear Lake is a popular spot for watersports
enthusiasts. Visitors enjoy fishing,
swimming, sailing, wind surfing, parasailing, waterskiing, boating, and
riding jet skis. There are 11 free boat launch ramps around the lake
that are open to the public. Individuals may rent boats and personal
watercraft from many businesses around the lake.
Aboard the Clear Lake
Queen, a three-story replica of a paddlewheel steamboat, visitors
may enjoy leisurely sightseeing tours and dinner cruises on Clear Lake.
Anglers will enjoy
testing their luck on Clear Lake, known as the "Bass Capital of the
West." Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and rainbow
trout can be found in the county's lakes. Fishing boats can be rented,
and many stores and facilities around the lake specialize in fishing
equipment. Numerous fishing tournaments and derbies are held through the
year.
Car racing fans
can enjoy competition between winged midgets, modified, street and
mini-stocks when the Northern California Racing Association presents
races every Saturday night, beginning in April and continuing into
October, at the Lakeport Speedway at the county fairgrounds.
Visitors looking to spend
a couple of nights or longer vacation can choose from ample accommodations
ranging from basic camping facilities to cozy bed-and-breakfast inns and
full-scale hotels. Several resorts around Clear Lake, on Cobb Mountain,
and at Blue Lakes feature self-contained cabins and cottages.
Story reprinted from: www.LakeCounty.com
website
