Get Out and Find Benicia

Many upcoming events keep residents and visitors busy this summer in historic Benicia.

Benicia, California (PRWEB) June 14, 2007 -- Sunny days encourage visitors to make a day trip to Benicia. Nestled on the water between San Francisco and Sacramento, one of the oldest cities in California has much to entertain from historic buildings to unique stores, fine dining with live music to an abundance of outdoor activities. There is plenty to make any day trip a memorable one.

If events are of interest, there are plenty to keep any visitor busy. Strolling Benicia's historic downtown is even more fun on First Fridays on First Street. During the evening of the first Friday of the month, First Street is busy with late night shopping in Benicia's unique stores. Shoppers can enjoy a bite at one of First Street's thirty eating establishments, from fine dining to a quick snack and enjoy live music at many locations along First Street's eleven blocks. A classic movie under the stars on the lawn of the State Capitol completes 'date night' for many couples. Movies at the Capitol play July 6th, August 3rd, September 7th, and October 5th.

Just in time to stock up for the weekend, Benicia's Certified Farmers Market is held every Thursday evening, April through October, from 4 pm - 8 pm at First and D Street. The Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, gourmet food, delicious hot foods, arts and crafts, live music, and face painting.

Several times during the summer, the City hosts Outdoor Movie Night. More than 300 people bring blankets and lawn chairs up to the City Park to watch family-friendly movies and munch on free popcorn. Outdoor Movie Nights are scheduled for June 22nd, July 20th, and August 17th.

Fourth of July festivities start on the 3rd with the Torchlight Parade. Anticipation runs high, starting before 9:00 am when residents begin putting out their blankets in City Park and lining both sides of First Street with their chairs. In true Mayberry style, the blankets and chairs are still there when parade goers return in the evening to claim the spot they reserved. The Torchlight Parade begins at 6:30 pm and includes music, dancing, floats, horses, clowns, and live entertainment. A street dance with live entertainment is held after the parade on First Street.

All day on July 4th, Benicia's City Park is filled with arts and crafts, delicious hot food, live entertainment, and children's activities. The day is topped off with a fireworks display over the water at the foot of First Street. The display is visible from many locations in Benicia, along with the displays of neighboring cities.

Benicia is known for its artist community. Arts Benicia will be hosting the sixth annual curated exhibit surfacing new talent emerging from regional graduate arts programs. 'Cream - from the top' runs from July 14th-August 26th at Arts Benicia in the historic Arsenal.

Since 1963, people have been coming to Benicia on the second Saturday in August for the Peddler's Fair. The 11 blocks of First Street host 20,000+ fans of the 300 select antique and collectible dealers from all over the country. Get there early on August 11th to find treasures.

The Peddler's Fair is followed by the Handicraft & Fine Arts Fair on September 15th. This is the place to come to start shopping for unique gifts for the holiday.

If history is of interest, Benicia is one of the oldest cities in California and is steeped in California history. Benicia was the third State Capitol and is home to the only capitol building still standing outside of Sacramento. It is now a state park and is open to visitors along with the historic Fischer-Hanlon house and gardens where century-old native plants grow.

The Benicia Arsenal is the oldest military facilities on the west coast. Although, decommissioned in 1960, many historic buildings still stand. Visit the Guard House where Ulysses S. Grant spent a night in lockup. Author and poet Stephen Vincent Benét was raised in the Commandant's Residence, right across from the Clocktower, which overlooks the Port of Benicia. Or spend some time at the Benicia Historical Museum located in the Camel Barns, built to house camels for a very short experiment in Army transportation.

Benicians spend a lot of time outdoors bicycling, swimming, enjoying Benicia's twenty-two parks and the town's new favorite activity, bocce ball. The Benicia State Recreation Area is where marsh, grassy hillsides and rocky beaches meet along the narrowest portion of the Carquinez Strait. Cyclists, runners, walkers, equestrians, and roller skaters enjoy the park's 2 ½ miles of roads and bike paths. Picnicking, kayaking, bird watching and fishing are also attractions along Benicia's miles of coastline. Much of Benicia's waterfront is accessible for the public to enjoy as part of the Bay Trail.

Planning a day trip to Benicia is easy. Doing it all in one day is another thing. Plan on staying the weekend.

Contacts:
Amalia Lorentz or Teri Davena
City of Benicia Economic Development Division
707 746-4202

www.BeniciaMainStreet.org
www.VisitBenicia.com
Photos available upon request.

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