I’m looking forward to spring.  The flowers will be blooming, farmers will be planting crops, and the sky will be filled with puffy clouds.  A few thunderstorms will come through and hopefully there will be rainbows to chase.  There are lots of great things to do and here are a few of my favorite.

• Lunch on the Sacramento River – There are several restaurants located on the Sacramento River between Knights Landing and Chico. They include: StingRayz Marina in Knights Landing,  Meridian’s Lovey Landing, Roccos on the River in Colusa, and Scotty’s Landing located west of Chico.  I would recommend that you call first to find out if they are open as river people are independent and they just may go fishing.
• Go on a Picnic – Lot of great locations with big trees for shade including: Ellis Lake – Marysville, Bidwell Park – Chico, and Levee Scenic Park – Colusa. I usually pick up some tacos at one of the local taqueria or trucks and enjoy the moment.  Also most Sacramento Valley communities have parks where you have lunch and relax.

• Go to a Farmers’ Market – I go to year-round Farmers’ Markets in Sacramento, Davis and Chico. But markets in Arbuckle, Colusa, Yuba City, and other local locations will soon be opening.  Always great fresh produce and you get to watch the season progress as various crops become available.  Also a great place to visit with the growers and catch up on the local news.
• Play Golf – Every spring I get the idea that I will be a great golfer even though I have not swung a club all winter. There are three valley courses that I enjoy: Arbuckle Golf Club, Glenn Golf and Country Club in Willows, and Colusa Golf and Country Club. The great thing is that they are nine hole courses, so I just play around once and usually keep my score under 100. An added bonus is that Arbuckle Golf Club has a wonderful view of the Sutter Buttes and remember the greens on the course all break towards the Buttes.

• Look at the Wildflowers – There are many opportunities in the spring to view the wildflowers in the valley. The weather is a large factor in when and how many will show, but they are resilient and will make an appearance. The wild mustard is already blooming and soon other flowers will be out.  One of my favorite places to check out the flowers is Colusa County’s Bear Valley and also hope to get to Table Mountain Ecological Preserve this year. Please honor private property rights and do not trespass.
• Take a Ride – Sometimes you need to just get out of the house. A few of my favorite routes for a drive are State Route 45 from Knights Landing to Hamilton City, Around the Sutter Buttes or up to Stonyford, then through Elk Creek, Chrome and down to Orland.

List your favorite things to do in the spring in the comment section and let’s all get out and enjoy the beautiful Sacramento Valley.