Butte County, Temecula, San Diego County

Join host Soterios Johnson as he gets to know a Northern California region that has shown incredible resilience: Butte County. This corner of the Shasta Cascade region is recovering from last year’s Camp Fire—and your vacation dollars will play a huge role in helping it bounce back. Johnson talks with travel guide author and Butte County expert Tracy Salcedo, who suggests visiting Chico, home to the world-renowned Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Salcedo also recommends a variety of outdoor adventures, including hiking at Bidwell Park and birding in the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area.

After that, our host learns about Temecula from a local: Thom Curry, co-owner of the Temecula Olive Oil Co., reveals his favorite things to do and places to go in this Inland Empire mecca. Curry recommends places for dinner, wineries that are worth a visit, and an essential activity in the region: hot-air ballooning. The episode wraps up with San Diego magazine editor-in-chief Erin Glenny, who strongly encourages visitors to get outdoors, hit the beach, do some yoga, and enjoy the vibrant cultural scene in this southwest corner of the country.

Guests

• Tracy Salcedo, author of multiple Falcon guidebooks
• Thom Curry, co-founder of Temecula Olive Oil Co.
• Erin Glenny, editor in chief of San Diego Magazine

Resources

Tracy Salcedo delivers tips on exploring and hiking in Butte County, including the town of Chico.

• Chico
• California State University, Chico
• Bidwell Park
• Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
• Feather River
• Feather Falls Trail
• Oroville
• North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve
• Deer Creek Trail
• Gray Lodge Wildlife Area
• Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes
• Lassen Volcanic National Park

Thom Curry, co-founder of Temecula Olive Oil Co., offers his five favorite things to do in his home town of Temecula. 

• Temecula Valley
• Temecula Olive Oil Co.
• Old Town Temecula
• Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants
• The Goat & Vine
• E.A.T Marketplace
• Pechanga Resort
• Great Oak Steakhouse
• Journey at Pechanga
• Wine Country Trails by Horseback
• De Portola Wine Trail
• Leoness Cellars
• Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery
• Hart Family Winery
• California Dreamin’ Hot Air Balloons

Erin Glenny, editor in chief of San Diego magazine, details some the best spots in San Diego for beer lovers, nature fans, and families.

• San Diego
• NamaSteve Yoga
• La Jolla Shores
• Little Italy
• North Park
• Trust
• Herb & Wood
• Rubio’s
• Karl Strauss
• Ballast Point
• Stone Brewing
• Eppig Brewing
• Fall Brewing Co.
• Coronado Brewing Co.
• Bivouac Ciderworks
• Tahona
• Cutwater Spirits
• New Children’s Museum
• Birch Aquarium at Scripps
• San Diego Zoo
• Balboa Park Museums
• San Diego Model Railroad Museum
• San Diego Air & Space Museum
• Fleet Science Center

About the Host

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on radio station WNYC, moved from New York City to Davis, Calif., in 2016 and is getting to know his new surroundings. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson will use the California Now platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.