Tour the Wineries of the Southern Coast
November means slightly cooler weather and seasoned grapes. Along the southern coast of California there are more than 160 wineries, vineyards and wine cellars, according to Weekendwinery.com. Spend a day, weekend or an entire week tasting wine in towns known for their wine, including Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande, Templeton, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Solvang and San Luis Obispo. Take the Wine Country Shuttle or the Grapeline Wine Shuttle for an all-day tour through this area if you don't want to worry about tasting and driving. Call Wine Country Tasting Tours at 888-894-6379, or email at tours@gogrape.com.
Run the Turkey Trot
Take part in the annual Turkey Trot run on Thanksgiving Day. This is California's biggest Thanksgiving running event and it is quite a scenic path. The course runs through Orange County's Dana Point, along beach coves and seaside cliffs, through Doheny State Park and past the historic tall ship called Pilgrim, which is moored in Dana Point Harbor. The cool November breeze makes this California run more comfortable than some of the state's summer runs. Runners of all levels and ages are welcome to participate. Register online at www.turkeytrot.com or call the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-290-DANA.
Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Art Festival
The Sawdust Art Festival is a nonprofit organization devoted to showcasing local art from more than 170 Laguna Beach artists. Though the Sawdust Art Festival is well known for its summer exhibition, there is also a winter show called Winter Fantasy. This is open weekends only during the last two weekends in November and the first two weekends of December from 10 am to 6 pm no matter the weather. More than 60 Winter Series art classes take place as well as demonstrations such as glass blowing and holiday entertainment (including visits with Santa). The Sawdust Art Festival is located at 935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA. 92651. Call 949-494-3030 for more information.
