2012 Stockton Summer Bucket List: See A Parade

Nothing else screams summer more than a parade--the people, sounds, food, and fun all equal a perfect summer experience.  And you're in luck because there are a few parades coming up that give you just the chance to mark off your Stockton Summer Bucket List!

DeltaFusion Parade and Celebration. This Saturday, June 30, 2012 from 9:00am to 1:00pm at Victory Park don't miss a celebration of the diverse natural and cultural heritage of Stockton, California and the San Joaquin County Delta region.  Now in it's second year, DeltaFusion is a parade and celebration that uses giant puppets, masks, music, and pageantry to tell the story of our rich and diverse wildlife, culture, and community.  All of the puppets and costumes are made by local artists and volunteers!

Miracle Mile 4th of July Parade.  Show your American spirit this 4th of July at the Miracle Mile from 10:00am to 2:00pm.  Enjoy entertainment, food, and a fabulous parade organized by the Coalition of Stockton Veteran's Organization for the Miracle Mile Merchant.  There's nothing more American than enjoying a parade and supporting those who have served our country!  If you want to get even more in the spirit and participate in the parade, contact Bob Appler at (209) 817-6699.

2012 Stockton Summer Bucket List: Eat Ice Cream

I love ice cream. As a mid morning snack, as an afternoon pick me up, watching tv, as a midnight treat....anytime, anywhere, I am ready for ice cream. But for those of you who don't have quite as big of an obsession as I do, you still can't deny that on a hot summer day, ice cream is the perfect dessert to cool off with. And in Stockton, we know how to do ice cream! 

Gleason's Ice Cream. This homemade ice cream is churned into a thick fluffy consistency so decadent you would think you were eating cheesecake. It is home of the (unofficially) best banana split in Stockton and (officially) the Stockton Asparagus Festival Asparagus Ice Cream-though you can only get that at the Festival in April.

The Creamery. With plenty of food options, make sure to leave room for dessert here. Choose from one of 35 milkshake flavors made with their homemade ice cream. Named the Best of San Joaquin ice cream, this is a ice cream shop you don't want to miss. From the Elvis Presley Sunday (Vanilla ice cream with Hershey's Chocolate Syrup, Peanut Butter topping and sliced bananas) to their S'mores Sunday (Vanilla ice cream with Hershey's chocolate, marshmallow topping, graham crackers, and a cherry) we are sure you will find something to crave.

Yogurt My Way. So technically this is frozen yogurt, but it is just as rich, creamy and delicious as any soft serve ice cream, plus you make your own Sunday, so it is exactly what you are wanting! The flavors rotate so there are plenty of opportunities to try something new. The toppings bar has everything from marshmallow fluff, to dinosaur sprinkles, to brownie pieces. Pricing is by weight of your treat so this is a great place if you want just a little....or a lot! Yogurt My Way has a location in Lincoln Center and their Miracle Mile location has Children's Time every Tuesday and Thursday at 2pm making it a great place to take the kids for some frozen yogurt and entertainment!

With many of us having extra free time during the summer, we thought you might like some recipes to make your own ice cream! With months to go until the Asparagus Festival, you might want to try your own version of Asparagus Ice Cream....White Asparagus Dark Chocolate. Yum!

And for those of you who want something a little healthier (it is swimsuit whether after all!) we have a little known fact...you can make ice cream out of nothing but bananas! Frozen bananas whipped in a blender or food processor for a long time come out the consistency of ice cream. Add peanut butter, Nutella, almond extract, or just about anything else if you want to dress it up a bit!

So to wrap it up....relax and have some dessert! 

2012 Stockton Summer Bucket List: See an Outdoor Concert

Very few things top being outside on a summer evening enjoying the great weather and good music. Right now, Stockton summer concerts are in full swing and there is something for everyone! 

Concerts in the Park at Victory Park has been bringing Stockton live music for 61 years! Every Wednesday from June 6-August 22 at 6 pm, pack your picnic and grab your blanket. With Swing, Big Band, Rock and even an ABBA tribute band, everyone can find something they will enjoy. Tomorrows band, RB/X will be playing 50's and 60's tunes. Plus, this family friendly event is free!

Victory Park is also home of the Haggin Museum, so if you want to make a day of it, spend your afternoon learning about Stockton's history and enjoying their beautiful works of art. 

Groovin' at the Grove summer concert series at Jessie's Grove Winery is just a short drive from Stockton. Spend the evening with live music from bands like Whiskey Dawn while sipping on some of California's premier wines. 

LIVE! At Lincoln Center gives you even more than an outdoor concert. Their Re-Cycle Family Bike Night & Go Green Fair on July 20 features raffles, eco-friendly products, face painting, and, of course, live music! The Summit Band will be entertaining while you enjoy the shopping, eating and activities of Lincoln Center. They will also have a 30 foot Fun Slide reminiscent of the Astro Slide of Lincoln Center in the 1950's. 

Hutchins Street Square in Lodi is an excellent venue just 20 minutes north of Stockton. They have concerts going on all summer! From their Celebrate America event, to their summer long concert series, to Divertimento Sting Quartet, a trip to Hutchins Street Square should definitely be on your summer agenda. 

No matter what your age, music on a warm summer evening just can't be beat! 

2012 Stockton Summer Bucket List: Make Lemonade

That's right folks, time to tackle a classic summer activity-making lemonade. But being in Stockton, we have the excellent luck of having a huge number of farmers' markets, roadside fruit stands, and all around phenomenal produce at our fingertips. And so here are a few recipes for that summer staple made with an extra special Stockton twist...

Lavender Lemonade with lavender from Lavender Hollow Farm. Open Friday-Saturday from 10am-4pm, you can stop by and enjoy any number of activities while you pick up one of their 40 varieties of lavender.

Peach Lemonade with one of 55 varieties of peaches from the Fruit Bowl. We have said it once and will say it again, the Fruit Bowl is a wonderful place to pick up fresh fruit-you can see them bringing it in right off the trees! Closed Christmas through March, this is one thing that can definitely only be experienced during your summer.

Strawberry Lemonade with fresh strawberries from one of Stockton's many Farmers' Markets. Being at the center of so much agriculture has its perks, one of which being farmers' markets. Sweet ripe strawberries to make this delicious treat are always an easy find at markets. From the Downtown Certified Farmers' Market on Fridays to the Vintage Certified Farmers' Market on Saturdays, you are sure to find the perfect addition to your summer lemonade.

It may seem simple, but a Lemonade Stand can make a huge difference. Kids for Cure held their 5th Annual Kids for a Cure Lemonade Stand last October. Their mission says "We strive to help those in our community diagnosed with breast cancer, as our loved ones have been. With just little things, like lemonade and some baked goods, we can all change the world." Their lemonade stand made enough to donate over $14k to the St. Joseph's Foundation for use in the Cancer Center Patient Navigator Program.

Nice motto for summer...with just the little things, we can all change the world. Now get making that lemonade, Stockton!

2012 Stockton Summer Bucket List: Go Camping

Time to put that first check on our bucket list, going camping this weekend! Camping brings the fun of s'mores, campfire ghost stories, sleeping out under the stars, and the joy of nature. There are tons of excellent parks around Stockton to go camping in, or you can head to Stockton REI's Great American Backyard Campout.  This planned campout  is meant to connect kids with nature for their health and happiness. Head out Saturday, June 23 to Oak Grove Regional Park for tons of camping activities....for free! Sign up quick though, spaces go quickly!

For those of us who don't want to leave the amenities of home for the Great American Backyard Campout (or missed the deadline to sign up!), the event encourages you to pitch a tent in your yard, on an apartment balcony, or even in the living room! Really, who didn't love making tents in your living room as a kid?! Need a little inspiration? Check out this blog post we found for 5 Tips for Indoor Camping....even indoor s'mores! We will let you know soon how our Camping adventure went!

Father's Day in Stockton

Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday, June 17. Time to think of that perfect day to celebrate Dad! Here is a list of things happening around Stockton that might do the trick! 

Dad’s BBQ Cookoff 

Is your dad a BBQ master? Here is your chance to prove once and for all that he cooks the best ribs in town! If Dad wants to participate in the cook off, you need to plan ahead as spaces for cooks are limited. Otherwise you can come together and enjoy prizes, music, games, food and entertainment. 

Take Dad out to the Ballgame 

The Stockton Ports are at home at Banner Island Ballpark for 7:05 games tonight through Saturday. Catch up on some quality time while relaxing in the stands with classic baseball eats like beer, hotdogs and fries, or a new stadium treat, fried peanut butter and jelly! Friday’s promotions include Presidential Seat Cushion Giveaway & Post-Game Fireworks and Saturdays game will have an appearance by Jose Canseco & A's Jersey Auction presented by Humana.

Start your Engine 

Want to have an action packed night? Take dad to “NASCAR Whelen All American Series" Whelen Night at Stockton 99 Speedway! Sit in the front rows to get right up in the action, or enjoy the no drinking, no smoking family section. Grandstand opens at 4 pm and the green flag drops at 6. Races usually last until around 10 so you can take your Dad out for 4 hours of entertainment for just $15 a person!

BBQ, Cigars and Wine 

Stockton’s very own Sorelle Winery Presents Flip Flopping BBQ Fun, Live Music and Cigars. With live music, appetizers, BBQ, wine and premium cigars, this event is sure to hit the spot with many of your family members! Sorelle, meaning sisters in Italian, has a great history and the servers in the tasting room are very happy to chat and share with you during your visit. You do need to RSVP for the event. If you can’t make this event, you can always stop by for a tasting Friday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm & Saturday - Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm or by appointment.

The Man in Black 

Just a short drive from Stockton is Wine and Roses in Lodi. They will be hosting a Father’s Day BBQ with Barbecue, Draft Beer Tastings, Kids Games, Tropical Birds on Display and a Johnny Cash Tribute Show featuring James Garner. Again, this event requires a little advanced prep work as reservations are required. If you want to have your own lunch with Dad, tickets for just the tribute show are available.

#100 of 100 Reasons to Smile in Stockton, California

It may be cheesy, but our #100 reason to smile in Stockton, California is YOU.  Yes, you.  It's the people and community of Stockton that are worth celebrating.  It's your spirit, dedication, humor, strength, and sense of fun that make living and playing in Stockton truly sweet.  Keep working hard and playing hard, Stockton!

Take a look back at all the 100 Reasons to Smile in Stockton, California!  Can you think of any that we missed?