Fairfield
Responses provided by Anand Patel of the Fairfield CVB
Why is Fairfield such a great place?
Fairfield is an ideal location for groups because of our proximity to major destinations such as Napa, San Francisco and Sonoma—all within a short distance—to go with the wonderful attractions right here in Fairfield.
What are three popular local attractions?
Jelly Belly Candy Company, Anheuser-Busch Brewery and the Suisun Valley wine region
What is a must-do culinary experience in your area?
Fairfield is home to several great culinary experiences. Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company is an award-winning olive oil producer with a tasting room and professional kitchen that offers cooking classes.
What advice would you give a tour operator regarding packaging your area?
Ideally, three to five days would be perfect for a stay here. That’d allow visitors to explore surrounding destinations and visit Fairfield’s many attractions.
To learn more email Patel or go to visitfairfieldca.com.
Gilroy
Responses provided by Jane Howard of Visit Gilroy
Tell us why GIlroy is such a great destination.
Gilroy is a great area for groups, in part because we are located just 30 miles from San Jose International Airport and close to Silicon Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area and the Monterey Peninsula.
If I have friends visiting from out of town, I always take them …
Shopping at the Gilroy Premium Outlets. Another must-do is Gilroy Gardens.
What are a couple of your top annual festivals?
The Gilroy Garlic Festival (late July) and Wineries of Santa Clara Valley Passport Weekend (mid-March)
What advice would you give a tour operator regarding packaging your area?
Gilroy’s central location at the crossroads of Northern California means you can settle down here for a few days, enjoy a budget friendly hotel room and easily explore other regional attractions.
To learn more email Howard or go to visitgilroy.com.
Mammoth Lakes
Responses provided by Michael Vanderhurst of Mammoth Lakes Tourism
What makes Mammoth Lakes a great destination?
Folks can experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, stay in luxury at a fine mountain lodge and enjoy fantastic meals.
What are some of your top nature-based experiences?
Hiking in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, spotting the rainbows that make up Rainbow Falls and catching the best fall colors in California.
If I have friends visiting from out of town, I always take them to …
The Top of California via the scenic gondola. It is any easy 10-minute ride up, and the views are out of this world.
What advice would you give a tour operator regarding packaging your area?
Fall is the best time of year to visit, as lodging rates are low, restaurants are quiet and the colors are just amazing. Mammoth Lakes is also an ideal base to explore Yosemite National Park.
To learn more email Vanderhurst or go to visitmammoth.com.
Simi Valley
Responses provided by Layma Askarzoi of the Simi Valley Chamber Tourism Alliance
Why is Simi Valley such a great destination?
Simi Valley has the charm of a small town—yet benefits from the sophisticated influence of being located just a short drive from Southern California’s most famous cities and attractions such as Hollywood and Los Angeles.
What are three popular local attractions?
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Strathearan Historical Park and Museum, and the Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum.
What is one can’t-miss local culinary experience?
Green Acres Market. Family owned and operated since 1968, the market blends an old-fashioned atmosphere with an upscale, modern twist and many gourmet items.
What advice would you give a tour operator regarding packaging your area?
Simi Valley is a great option for places to stay for a Los Angeles visit. It is home to over 20 hotels and meeting facilities and also offers nearly 50 ethnic restaurants and a variety of attractions.
To learn more email Askarzoi or go to visitsimivalley.com.
Solvang
Responses provided by Greg Corso of the Solvang CVB
Why is Solvang such a great place?
Solvang, which was recently named by USA Today readers as one of America’s 10 Best Historic Small Towns, is a walkable village that welcomes groups with unique Danish culture and experiences, all in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country.
What are the must-dos around Solvang?
Visiting Cachuma Lake Recreation Area for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and guided nature cruises. Also the Museum of History & Art, horse-drawn trolley tours, our five authentic Danish bakeries and the self-guided Solvang Heritage Walk Audio Tour.
What advice would you give a tour operator regarding packaging your area?
We are close to Santa Barbara, but we give groups access to lower midweek rates. You can combine a two-night stay in Solvang with team-building options, wine-blending workshops, painting in a vineyard or learning how to bake like the pros.
To learn more email Corso or go to solvangusa.com.
Temecula Valley
Responses provided by Annette Brown of Visit Temecula Valley
What makes Temecula such a great place?
Temecula Valley is an ideal destination for groups looking for experiential activities, ranging from cooking classes, behind-the-scenes winery and microbrewery tours, and grape stomping to hot air balloon flights, bicycling and horseback riding through wine country.
What are some of your area’s can’t-miss attractions?
Our historical Old Town features specialty shops, museums, art galleries, a theater, tasting rooms, nightclubs and great dining options. Other options include Pechanga Resort & Casino, the largest casino on the West Coast; olive oil tastings with Temecula Olive Oil; and hiking and bird-watching at Santa Rosa Plateau.
What advice would you give a tour operator regarding packaging your area?
Everything there is to do and see in Southern California is just about an hour away, which makes the Temecula Valley a great hub for day trips to San Diego, Orange County, Palm Springs and Los Angeles.
To learn more email Brown or go to visittemeculavalley.com.
Top photo by Mammoth Lakes Tourism
