Friday, August 22, 2008

Benicia by the Bay



Hosting a guest in the Bay Area near San Francisco? No worries, Benicia is close by. Some people do come just to see the glass studios, of course, but there are many more fun attractions in this small town just north of the metropolitan areas of Berkeley, Oakland and Walnut Creek, California.

If boating or the waterfront activities are your thing, you will be pleasantly suprised to find that Benicia has a marina with many tall masted ships and many attractive parks along the Carquinez Straight. The end of First Street ( so convenient for those in your party that want to shop) has a new fishing pier and restrooms. The locals like to hang out there. The fishing season for Steelhead and Salmon is fast approaching. Mid-September is crunch time there for lucrative spots that yield trophy fish just a short throw away. Locate your bait at the Benicia Bait Shop on the "Y" at 6th and "J" St.

Spas, restaurants, and kid's parks (Playground of Dreams at First and Military) abound. For more information call the Benicia Chamber at 707-745-2120. Benicia is a Main Street city. The offices of the Main Street program are in the old Depot at the old terminius of the Southern Pacific Railroad, across from the pier.

Nourot Glass recomends the food at either Captain Blyther's at the foot of First, or Matsuri Sushi in the Olson Building--look for the St. Paul's garden at the corner of J and First.

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