The Top 10 Ways To Live More In Livermore

Having celebrated its 25th anniversary in the spring of 2016, the Livermore Wine Country Downtown Street Fest is one of the largest arts and wine festivals in the East Bay. Spanning the entirety of downtown Livermore, the festival boasts award-winning wine vendors from local wineries, delicacies from local restaurants, and artisan craftsmen from all over the country. The festival is held once a year during spring for two days only. Enjoy a glass of wine in the cool spring air while leisurely strolling through rows of booths filled with custom-made works of art.

Considered by most to be the crown jewel of the Livermore Wine Country, Wente Vineyards is a 130-year-old legacy in the making. Nestled in the lush, green hills of the Livermore Valley, this winery stretches over 200 acres and produces award-winning vines that have been carefully cultivated since the vineyard’s opening. Walking onto the vineyard grounds is like being transported back in time, the classic early California architecture seemingly untouched by the past century. Whether you want to try their world famous Chardonnay or the masterfully blended Merlot, the dedicated staff will help pick the right wine for you. With an award-winning restaurant, an 18-hole golf course, and over 1000 selections of fine wine, it’s no wonder that Wente Vineyards is a destination for weddings, reunions, and get-togethers of all sorts year-round. Daily tours and tastings make visiting this winery a must.

The Arroyo Mocho Trail is one of the many nature trails that intersect the Tri-Valley area. This trail, in particular, is famous for its detours around many of the different Livermore wineries, including the Concannon Winery. The trail also connects Livermore to Pleasanton, its sister city. The semi-paved nature of the trail makes it ideal for long bike rides through the wilderness of the Livermore Valley. Multiple trail endpoints provide access to multiple neighborhoods, parks, and business centers all the while winding around the beautiful arroyo.

Since opening in 2007, the Bankhead Theater has been the pioneer venue for performing arts in the Tri-Valley area. The modern architecture, styled specifically to achieve the perfect acoustic resonance, guarantees that no seat is a bad seat. The theater hosts over 40 different performance events throughout the year. These events range from orchestras to jazz to indie rock to ballet and comedy shows. No matter what, you can always find something that suits your sensibilities.

Looking for a more relaxed setting to kick back and listen to music? Perhaps while sipping on a chilled glass of sparkling white wine? Located at Tesla Vintners, The Singing Winemaker is more than just a label on a bottle. Steve Powell, the man himself, not only operates the winery but also takes it upon himself to perform for guests visiting his tasting rooms. Steve’s wife, Karen, who manages the tasting room, will tell you that Steve’s philosophy is to have an option for every palate. So while visiting, why not try a glass of his sweet Cabernet Sauvignon while being serenaded by the man and his guitar.

An often overlooked gem, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is a must-see for any science buff. Involved in nuclear, biomedical, and atmospheric sciences, to name a few, the laboratory is a premiere facility for pioneering research. Touring the main site will include stops at the National Ignition Facility, the world’s largest laser, and the Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, a research facility used for research in biomedical, nuclear physics, and a slew of other applications. Touring what they call Site 300 will take you all around a 7,000-acre field used for non-nuclear explosions tests. Tours are always free and open to the public, so be sure to check their website for availability!

This western standard comes to town every second weekend in June, and if you’re looking for a place to drink beer, eat bar-b-que, and dress like a cowboy, then this is the place for you. While the main show starts in the late afternoon each day, the rodeo itself is chock-full of vendors. The Livermore Rodeo boasts authentic western attire, one-of-a-kind artwork, and some of the best fried food in California. Events take place throughout the day including barrel racing, bull riding, and wild cow milking. Be sure to test your mettle on the mechanical bull, a rite of passage for anyone attending the rodeo.

Breakfast served all day. Whether you want rich, creamy eggs benedict or the enormous, sticky cinnamon rolls, Denica’s has you covered. Originally opened in 1999, Denica and James Freitas now own and operate four locations across the East Bay. Staffed with friendly, helpful individuals who want nothing more than to make your dining experience memorable, and offering a menu for all appetites, Denica’s is American comfort food within a family atmosphere. If you do want their giant cinnamon rolls, you better get there early! They sell out quick!

Experience the simplicity of pastoral life at the Livermore Farmer’s Market. You can find all the freshest fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers. The farmer’s market is held in Carnegie Park, the proverbial center of Livermore, every Thursday, April through October. Enjoy live music while biting into succulent apricots, tart strawberries, and juice-filled blackberries. Stationed around the perimeter of the park are food trucks from around the East Bay, giving you a sample of the unique tastes of the area.

Located in the Livermore hills is Del Valle Park, a protected park with over 4,000 acres of land. The heart of the park is Lake Del Valle, a five-mile stretch of water perfect for swimming, boating, and windsurfing. On land, you can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, and nature walks. Camping is allowed, and campsites tend to fill up fast. Be sure to reserve your spot early! The park also acts as the eastern trailhead for the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, a 28-mile trail of scenic California country.