Good Morning Tri-Valley! Let’s Start Exploring!

• Under the Radar Summer Day Trips - The Central Valley May Surprise You!

• Alameda County Fair Starts Soon! 🎡

• New Burger Joint in Livermore Opens to BIG RAVES! 🍔

• The 925 Lowdown: New Restaurants, Ponzi Schemes, Local Golf News and more!

• Summer Poll Results

_{In Partnership with CabFranc-A-Palooza}
Less Than 30 Tickets Available for CabFranc-A-Palooza!

CabFranc-A-Palooza is Almost Here – And We’re Proud to Sponsor It!

If you love wine, you already know: Cabernet Franc is having a moment, and the Livermore Valley is leading the charge. It’s the “it” grape right now—winemakers can’t get enough of it, and it’s one of the most food-friendly wines out there.

Join us for the Grand Tasting on June 8—it’s going to be a day to remember:
🍷 50 wineries from Livermore, Napa, Paso, Oregon, Italy, France & more
🎶 Live music from Bay Area legend Dan Durkin
🍔 Food trucks
🎁 Giveaways - Wine, Gift Cards, and a very cool Land Rover Experience!

⚠️ Less than 30 tickets left—and prices go up to $99 on June 1! Early Bird General Admission is still just $79. Don’t wait—grab your ticket now!

Under-the-Radar Summer Day Trips to the…Central Valley?? YES!

When it comes to day trips from the Tri-Valley, most people think of the coast or the big city—but what about heading east for a change? The Central Valley is a hidden gem, packed with cool spots that offer everything from wine country vibes to quirky Americana and farm-fresh eats.

Here are some day trips to the Central Valley that deserve a spot on your radar:

🍷 Lodi Wine Country

Lodi! It’s the Zinfandel capital of the world and just an hour and a half from us. You’ll find charming, low-key tasting rooms, family-owned vineyards, and a laid-back vibe that’s all about having a great time. Don’t miss Harney Lane Winery, Bokisch Vineyards (hello, Spanish varietals), and the adorable Downtown Lodi with shops and cafes.

🛍️ Downtown Modesto + Graffiti Cruise Route

Modesto’s got a retro-cool vibe thanks to its connection to American Graffiti. Cruise down McHenry Avenue, hit up the Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum, and wander Downtown Modesto for local boutiques, coffee shops, and murals. Pro tip: Modesto’s Farmers Market (Saturdays) is a must for fresh Central Valley produce.

🌻 The Sunflower Trail – Dixon

Late spring and summer mean sunflower season, and Dixon (near Davis) is home to endless fields of golden blooms. Take your camera, stop for a farmstand snack, and soak up those country vibes.

🐎 Horseback Riding in Knights Ferry + Covered Bridge

Tiny Knights Ferry is home to the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi—and it’s the perfect starting point for a trail ride through rolling hills with Equestrian Centers nearby. Pack a picnic, take a walk along the river, and soak up the small-town charm.

🍑 The Fruit Trail – Fresno County

If you love a good farm stand, the Fresno County Fruit Trail is your summer day trip jackpot. Peaches, plums, nectarines, and all the jams, pies, and ciders you can carry. Check gofruittrail.com for a map and seasonal updates.

🎨 Turlock’s Downtown Art & Eats Scene

Turlock is having a moment! Check out the Turlock Historical Society Museum, explore murals and public art, and grab lunch at local favorites like Dust Bowl Brewing or Memo’s Cocina. It’s a little slice of local culture that’s off the beaten path.

🚂 Railtown 1897 State Historic Park – Jamestown

Step into the wild west at this “movie railroad” where classic films like Back to the Future and High Noon were shot. Tour old trains, take a guided ride through the Sierra foothills, and feel like you’re in a Hollywood set—because you are!

🥩 Harris Ranch – Coalinga

Yes, it’s a steakhouse—but it’s also a destination. Road trip down I-5, have an incredible farm-to-fork meal, browse the gourmet gift shop, and (if you’re feeling fancy) even stay the night.  My family and I have stopped here numerous times on our way from the Bay to L.A. – and the Harris Ranch Inn has a beautiful old-school California vibe.

🛶 Stanislaus River Rafting – Knights Ferry or Oakdale

Float the day away on a gentle rafting trip down the Stanislaus. It’s an easy, family-friendly adventure (think wine-in-a-cupholder level chill) with scenic views and plenty of swimming spots. Great for a hot summer day! However, if you want something more adventurous, there are world-class whitewater rafting options as well!

🌭Lockeford Sausage

Tucked away in the small town of Lockeford, this tiny butcher shop is world famous for its smoked bratwursts and sausages—and the hype is real. Show up on a holiday weekend Friday, and you’ll likely see a line wrapped around the block. But trust us: It’s worth it. Beyond the brats, you’ll find Italian sausage, hot beer links, Polish sausage, and even bacon breakfast sausage.

Pro tip: Sausages freeze like a dream, so stock up!

 🏞️ Bonus Day Trip: Yosemite National Park

Ok, it’s not technically in the Central Valley, but Yosemite is practically in our backyard—it’s a quick trip into some of the most jaw-dropping scenery California has to offer. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking Half Dome, or just enjoying a picnic in the valley, Yosemite is a must-visit at least once a year.

So next time you’re looking for a new adventure, skip the bridge traffic and head east—Central Valley style. Have a favorite spot we should add to the list? Hit me up! [email protected]

There’s a New Burger Place in Town and it’s 100% Legit!

New in Town: MOOYAH is Flippin’ Delicious!

My kids knew about MOOYAH before I did—and I’m so glad they did! This small-but-mighty burger chain has been making waves across the country with over-the-top burgers, crave-worthy shakes, and a surprisingly solid paleo-friendly menu.

So, of course… we had to check it out!

The burgers? Pure 🔥—singles, doubles, and all the toppings your heart desires. Skipping carbs? No problem—wrap it in lettuce! And the milkshakes? Oh yes, they have them. We tried the Oreo and Strawberry—both were fabulous.

Highly recommend MOOYAH—it’s absolutely worth the drive from Pleasanton or Dublin! Located in the Target Shopping Center in Livermore, take the First street exit on 580.

_{In Partnership with Alameda County Fair}
Monster Trucks, Stunt Shows, Rodeos, and more at the Alameda County Fair!

Alameda County Fair returns June 13-July 6. Give back and receive free Fair admission. Donate to the Food Drive on Wednesday, June 18 or the Pet Food Drive on Wednesday, June 25. Bring a qualifying donation before 5pm and receive one FREE same-day admission ticket. Purchase online by June 12 to save on all things Fair, alamedacountyfair.com!

ENTER TO WIN 2 FREE Fair admission tickets PLUS 2 reserved seats to Sawyer Brown!

The 925 Lowdown - Your Weekly Pulse on News Around Town!

• Seems like a new restaurant is opening every week in Dublin! With a couple of hugely popular locations in San Leandro, Joe’s Pho is bringing their tasty pho and Vietnamese food to Dublin! Check them out in the Hacienda Crossings Shopping Center!

• Raves all around for Alora Social in San Ramon’s City Center Bishop Ranch.

• Alamo’s Farmer Market is BACK! Every Sunday you can get fresh produce and all sorts of goodies from 9am-2pm at 120 Alamo Plaza.

• Are you ready for something new and tasty? The restaurant team behind Elia, The Duchess, and Sultan’s Kebab is opening a Turkish restaurant in Dublin. Opening date TBD. Can’t wait to check out Bodrum!

• Pleasanton businessman charged in Ponzi scheme? Read more at the Pleasanton Weekly!

• Danville Brewing Company looks to be setting up something BIG in Pleasanton!

• Poppy Ridge Golf Course is ready to launch their new 18 hole championship golf course!

Did I miss any breaking news? Is there something you’d like me to cover? Send me an email! [email protected]

Last Week’s Poll Results!

What’s your family’s favorite way to spend Summer?

• Big Family Vacation: 53%

• Relaxing at home: 7%

• No relaxing - kids’ sports rule the summer: 9%

• Camping trips under the stars: 20%

• Local events & festivals: 11%