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Sunrise balloon rides, whale-watching expeditions, super-scenic drives, even a trip down a rabbit hole: we’ve taken a gold pan to the golden state and we’ve sieved to the surface our top ten Californian adventures. Put these activities on your bucket list.
Taste wine in Napa
Rows of vines gilded by sunshine, picnics on sun-dappled patios, the satisfying glug-glug of wine filling your glass, Napa Valley, around an hour’s drive north of San Francisco, is a place people dream of visiting and a place that keeps them coming back. Famous for robust Cabernets served in grand châteaux and labyrinthine caves lined with barrels, the valley is rich with experiences, and a sunrise balloon ride over the vine-striped landscape is high on the list. Winter – known as ‘Cabernet Season’ – is a particularly lovely time to visit. The weather is still mild and there’s no fighting for elbow room in the wineries.
Photo: All Images: Van Eaton Galleries
Do you love science fiction and/or Disney theme parks? Well, you may want to hold your breath. Next week in Los Angeles, there’s an auction of vintage Disneyland memorabilia.
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The auction is being put on by collector Richard Kraft in partnership with Van Eaton Galleries. The memorabilia, which spans 25 years, comes from Kraft’s personal collection and includes all manner of authentic props, knick-knacks, and collectibles from Disney history. We’re talking actual pieces of rides, park signs, artwork, and so much more. It’s likely to bring in millions.
Ahead of the sale, Kraft put his whole collection on display in an abandoned Sports Authority in Sherman Oaks, California and opened the doors for all to see. The public is free to come in and check out his collection every day leading up to the auction, which will be held Aug. 25 and 26.