2019 Convention - Getting There, part 1
By Dave and Shelia Nickerson
July 17-20, 2019, Reno Nevada
As cut glass collectors and members of the ACGA, we love attending the annual convention and look forward to it each year. Every convention holds a unique set of memories and stories made special by being hosted across this wonderful country of ours. When we can, we like to expand the convention experience by extending our vacation either before or after the event. The 2019 convention in Reno will be a fantastic opportunity to plan an unforgettable trip, no matter how you travel.
Should you choose to fly directly to Reno, you will miss some of the most spectacular scenery and interesting sights our country has to offer. You might consider flying in to one of the three major airports in the San Francisco Bay Area. Reno is a 3 1/2 hour drive away. A more central jumping-off point would be Sacramento’s very convenient airport, SMF. The drive to Reno takes only two hours. You could also enjoy a more leisurely trip by train from either city through the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains. First Class travel is very affordable.
For all its eccentricity, San Francisco is an amazing place to visit. Plan to do as much or as little as you want. From the Golden Gate Bridge, multiple museums, and cultural centers like Chinatown or Fisherman’s Wharf to riding the world famous cable cars, the toughest part will be choosing what not to do. You might even catch a Giants baseball game at the ballpark located downtown. For more information, contact a travel agency or plan your trip with the help of one of the many travel web sites. One suggestion is https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/spend-three-days-touring-san-francisco/
San Francisco can also be a launching point to many national and state parks. Muir Woods and the costal parks along scenic Highway 1 are stunning and just north of the city. To the south are Monterey Bay and its famous aquarium, Pebble Beach, Big Sur, Carmel, and the seventeen-mile drive along the most magnificent coastline you can imagine.
Many will want to add a day or two and visit Yosemite National Park, one of California's jewels and a national treasure. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, Yosemite is four hours from San Francisco by car. This incredible park offers magnificent vistas on a scale that photos fail to capture.
Drive an hour north and you will find Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley with offerings of wine tastings and tours. There are hundreds of wineries to visit, along with numerous spas and retreats offering the ultimate in pampering and relaxation.
We have but skimmed the surface to whet your travel appetite. Start investigating the possibilities today! California is a wonderful place to visit, and we will love to hear of your adventures.
