CAPTIVATING DISTRICTS CALIFORNIA

• BY ARIA WOZNIAK

California has a rich cultural history with 14 state-designated cultural districts established in 2017. Here are seven districts that highlight the creativity and beauty of California culture.

This arts scene will have people exclaiming, “Eureka!” Amid the magnificent redwood curtain lies the Eureka Cultural Arts District. The district features a vibrant arts scene and a charming old town area that features late Victorian and Greek revival architecture styles. Art galleries, street art, live music and dance keep tourists busy for the day. Visitors can view the cafes, breweries, galleries and museums on foot or bike. First Saturday Night Arts Alive! – a fun art walk – takes place each month. The event includes remarkable art, music, dining and shopping in Downtown and Old Town Eureka, where more than 75 businesses participate in the walk.

Surrounded by the Trinity Alps, Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen mountains and residing next to the Sacramento River, the Redding cultural district’s most alluring draw is mother nature. Visitors can explore the Turtle Bay Exploration Park which exhibits a museum, botanical gardens, and an animal sanctuary. Sundial Bridge is a must – the iconic glass art walkway is one of the biggest working sundials in the world. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava in 2004, the bridge reaches across the picturesque Sacramento River.

Postcard perfect small towns, Grass Valley and Nevada City share a cultural district, known for its history in goldmining, and its current wineries, tasting rooms and vineyards. The art scene includes several events, festivals and street fairs throughout the year. While there are thousands of events, the most highly rated one would be the California WorldFest,