By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
5 ways to celebrate spring
in the 209
Spring-5.png
Wildlife.png
SMELL THE WILDFLOWERS

The wildflowers that bloom all around the 209 region are one of the true signs of spring. 

The fields of golden poppies, mustard cover, lupines and bellflowers make for stunning vistas. One place to take in the springtime beauty is at the San Luis Reservoir, which is currently open for day use. The grassy, green hills around the reservoir are the perfect backdrop for bursts of color from swaths of wildflowers. For more information on park hours and accessibility points, visit bit.ly/smellthewildflowers.

Columbia.png
STEP BACK INTO TIME AT COLUMBIA STATE PARK

Columbia State Historic Park likes to go all out for Easter Sunday with a Victorian Era promenade on Main Street and Easter egg hunts. The festivities include prizes for the fanciest Victorian hat, best dressed couple, lasses, lads, groups and pets. The event is currently scheduled for April 4, though it may change depending on COVID-19 restrictions.

Even if the park is not able to host the Easter festivities, there’s still plenty of family-fun to be had in the spring. Columbia State Historic Park is now open seven days a week, and most of the concessions are also open including retail shops, restaurants, gold panning, candle dipping, the blacksmith shop, and stage coach rides.

For more information visit, bit.ly/columbiashp

Bike-path.png
GO FOR A BIKE RIDE

The blue skies and the pleasant weather that visit the 209 in the spring practically beckon people to get outside and take it all in. A great way is to go for a bike ride on one of the many trails that can be found throughout the 209 region for bicyclists of all skill levels.

One option for a bike ride without any climbs is the Manteca Tidewater Bikeway. It is a multi-use trail that runs north to south. The main trail is 3.4 miles long with extensions that make for a longer ride. The asphalt trail connects to several community parks, downtown Manteca, the library, and Spreckels BMX Park. Trail end points are at East Lathrop Road and East Atherton Drive. 

taste-spring.png
TASTE SPRING

One of the best aspects of the 209 region is the usually pleasant weather in spring time, which usually brings forth a bounty of early spring produce. The farmers’ markets located all over the 209 region start offering up their crops in spring with offerings of greens, onions, asparagus, peas, and strawberries among others.

One farmers’ market promising to have a bevy of selections starting in April in the Market on the Mile in Stockton. The outdoor market opens on April 7 and continues each Wednesday night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. through the spring and summer. There will be local farms with fresh produce, artisan foods, vendors with handmade wares and gifts and entertainment.

The market has free admission. The entry point is at 1926 Pacific Avenue in Stockton.

Attendees are asked to practice social distancing and wear face masks.

For more information call (209) 466-2823.

Mom.png
CELEBRATE MOM

Mother’s Day is on May 9 and traditional celebrations might include a brunch or a nice outing. But for mothers who want to be a little more adventurous, there’s the ‘Lil Mud Runner Kids and Family Mud Run event on May 8 and 9.

From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. families can test their athletic prowess by running, climbing, ducking and crawling through a one-mile muddy obstacle course. And there’s no need to limit just to one time - participants can go through the obstacle course numerous times and get as muddy as they please.

All participants get a racing bib, finishers medal and goody bag. T-shirts will also be available for purchase.

After the run, participants can move down to the beach at Eagal Lake and enjoy tube rides on the lake and the different menu options from food truck vendors. There also will be cocktails at the Barefoot Bar. Tickets start at $30 and family packs are available. The event will be at Eagal Lake Resort in Tracy at 12 W. Lorenzen Road. For more information or tickets email support@eagallakes.com or call (209) 640-4252.