How to resolve AdBlock issue? West skits and much more.
The 16th-annual Wild West Day, held in downtown Upper Lake on June 6, is a Western-themed street festival and wearing costume is encouraged. With Old West skits, a parade, pancake breakfast, tri-tip barbecue, wagon rides, and country music, Wild West Day is a family-friendly event and all ages can enter and enjoy the contests for best beard, bonnet, and costume.
Established in 1854, the town of Upper Lake is home to a former stagecoach stop along the route from Sacramento to Mendocino, which now includes the restored Tallman Hotel, which is listed on the California Register of Historic Resources as a Point of Historical Interest, as well as a re-created Blue Wing Saloon & Café next door, and a former livery, is now home to an antique plumbing business.
Also along Upper Lake’s Main Street, visitors will find a local wine tasting bar, antiques and collectibles from all over the world, local crafts, and fine art from throughout Northern California, as well as household necessities, pet care items, gifts, and home décor.
On June 19, 20 and 21, Middletown Days, a nearly half-century tradition for 48 years, returns for three days of family fun and features a ranch rodeo, live music, craft and food booths, children’s activities and more. Saturday begins with a parade at 10 a.m. and ends with a dance, which starts at 8:30 p.m. Sunday features the gymkhana.
Established in 1870, Middletown, midway between Lower Lake and Calistoga, is surrounded by outlying ranches, vineyards, and The Geysers, the largest geothermal energy source in the world. Middletown balances Old West charm and forward-thinking businesses with a vision for a sustainable world, including Harbin Hot Springs, one of the oldest operating hot springs resorts in California, Hardester’s Market and Boar’s Breath Restaurant, and more.
For a blend of Old and New West, a multi-day stay at Cowboy Hideaway Ranch gives visitors a true “horseshoes and corkscrews” experience on the Wine County Trail Ride. Cowboy Hideaway Ranch is a 750-acre ranch studded with woods, vineyards, wildlife, and exceptional views of Clear Lake from a newly built log cabin lodge.
On three- to six-day guided tours, guests ride gaited Rocky Mountain horses through the dramatic scenery of Lake County including vineyards, along shorelines, through back country, much more. Guests enjoy local and regional cuisine, including private tours and tastings of award-winning wines in Lake, Sonoma and Mendocino counties.
Wild West Day in Upper Lake is sponsored by the Upper Lake Community Council for community projects and the Northshore Fire Protection District. Admission is free. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Main Street; 707-275-2000, www.upperlakeca.org .
Middletown Days is held at Middletown Central Park, Central Park Road. Admission is free; small fee for dance on Saturday night. Steer Ropin’ on Friday begins at 5 p.m., parade on Saturday begins at 10 a.m., and gymkhana at 900 a.m. on Sunday; 707-994-1954.
Reservations are required for a three- to six-day stay at Cowboy Hideaway Ranch; 707-295-7110, www.cowboyhideawayranch.com .
For information about guided trail rides, the 80th-annual Lake County Rodeo on July 10 and 11, and other equestrian activities, contact the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743 or www.lakecounty.com .
