With annual lows dipping only into the low 40s, plenty of indoor attractions, and a few surprises, Vacaville has something for everyone, even during the winter months. Whether you’re a resident looking to relieve a bout of cabin fever or you’re here visiting, you’re sure to find something to entertain yourself.
The Nut Tree
Known as “California’s Legendary Road Stop,” the Nut Tree is a 71-acre outdoor shopping center located near a heavily traveled corridor of Interstate 80 between San Francisco and Sacramento. For nearly a century, it’s been one of the premier entertainment venues in the area, offering shopping, an amusement park, a carousel, a children’s train, a life-size chess board, and more. The Nut Tree is famous enough to have welcomed Queen Elizabeth II, Ronald Reagan, Bing Crosby, and Richard Nixon over the years. If the Nut Tree is good enough for them, chances are you’ll find something worth seeing or doing.
The Nut Tree is located at 1661 E. Monte Vista Ave. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Jelly Belly Jelly Bean Factory Tour
If you can’t get enough chewy beans of sugar in hundreds of different flavors, the Jelly Belly jelly bean factory tour is a dream come true. Located 15 minutes south of Vacaville, the factory allows visitors to take a 40-minute self-guided tour that highlights the jelly bean manufacturing process. High definition videos highlight how the beans are made and how flavors are selected, while an elevated walkway gives you a birdseye view of the operation. And of course, there are plenty of free samples at the end.
To get to the Jelly Belly factory, head southwest on I-80 to 1 Jelly Belly Ln. in Fairfield. The visitor center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily with tours running from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Vacaville Museum
Want to learn about the history of the Vacaville area? There’s no better place than the Vacaville Museum. Dedicated to preserving local history, artifacts, and culture, the museum has several permanent and rotating exhibits. These interesting displays cover everything from the Nut Tree to the natives who called the area home hundreds of years ago. The gallery is open from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $3 for adults and $2 for students and seniors.
The Weather
If you’re feeling chilly at home, head to Vacaville for a thaw. From December through March, the temperature hovers between 40 and 55 degrees with highs that can reach upward of 60 degrees. Not only will the sun’s rays feel good on your skin, but you can also head outside and check out Vacaville’s world-class hiking and biking trails.
With beautiful weather and some of northern California’s top attractions, Vacaville is a surprising winter oasis. Stop by one of these locations to see what makes it an excellent stop on your trip or itinerary.
Image via Flickr by Urban_Integration licensed under CC BY 2.0
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