The Central Valley Feature

Down under: Forestiere Underground Gardens is not the flashiest tourist attraction in California, but it is one of the strangest—and oddly inspirational.

Grape escape: In the past two decades, Lodi's wineries have grown sufficiently in stature for the charming little town to become a must-sip destination.

Port with authority: Stockton has long been a hub for merchandise that is being transferred from roadway to waterway—or vice versa. Watch some of that commotion in commerce from the riverfront downtown area.

Go with the flow: White-water rafting will get your blood pumping, and maybe your clothes wet, on the Stanislaus River near Oakdale.

Hee haw!: Kick up your heels and break out your drawl at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, a city some believe is the heart of country music.