{"id":106942,"date":"2024-05-31T14:59:33","date_gmt":"2024-05-31T18:59:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/?p=106942"},"modified":"2024-05-31T16:10:30","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T20:10:30","slug":"11-reasons-redding-rocks-the-hidden-treasure-of-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/11-reasons-redding-rocks-the-hidden-treasure-of-california\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Reasons Redding Rocks \u2013 the Hidden Treasure of California"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This moderately-sized city in Northern California is brimming with superlative attractions<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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May 31, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I just returned from a press trip to Redding and couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised. While I’m not a big fan of “listicles” (when writers list 10 reasons why X or Y is a “must buy” or “must visit”), however, there are just so many cool things about Redding that I’ve got to start with 11 (or more) of my favorite reasons to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PERFECTLY CENTERED ON THE WEST COAST<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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About midway down Interstate 5, equidistant from Seattle, WA and San Diego, CA, it’s also about the same distance east to Salt Lake City, UT. Driving to Redding is a treat, with forested roads and snow-covered peaks like Mount Shasta <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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and Mount Lassen Volcanic National Park to delight the eyes as you drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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With its own regional airport, you can connect to major cities via United Airlines (direct to San Francisco and Los Angeles), Alaska Airlines (direct to Seattle), and Avelo Airlines (direct to Burbank).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Redding Regional Airport (RDD)<\/a> is one of those smaller airports that actually makes flying fun again. There are no long security lines or half-mile walks to Gate E33. Everything is within about one city block-long walk. Avis, Hertz and Budget have cars available immediately outside the airport doors. Couldn’t be more convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you arrive hungry, you won’t be for long. Go upstairs above the airport concourse and enjoy a fabulous meal at Peter Chu’s Skyroom<\/a>, serving Asian and Chinese lunch and dinner. We sampled a half-dozen entrees and each was a star-studded attraction in its own right. You won’t be disappointed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’ve even more time to spend, consider walking next door to Air Shasta and AV8<\/a>, where you can book a charter helicopter tour of the region. Our AV8 pilot, Nathan, took us up for a tour over the Shasta Bally , the highest peak in the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National recreation area, over the Shasta Dam,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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and over the Sundial Bridge at sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you’ve never taken helicopter tours before, they are a blast. I highly recommend them. <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

PICK YOUR PLACE TO STAY<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Motels, hotels, B&Bs, campgrounds, RV parks \u2013 you name it, you’ll have a choice within minutes of Redding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I stayed first at Oxford Suites Redding<\/a> (#1 Rated Best Value of 27 Redding hotels on TripAdvisor). It is very convenient to shopping, dining, and the freeway exits from both I-5 and CA-44. Their breakfasts were excellent, with fresh-cooked entrees and lots of standard breakfast staples. Menu items change daily. Drinks at happy hour were delightful as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The room was spacious, with a super-comfortable bed and plenty of desk space for me to hook up my computer, download photos, and recharge batteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Later, I joined our group, staying at the Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you don’t have a car, there are so many things to do within walking distance that this might be a great place to stay. Attached to the hotel are two dining delights \u2013 the Mosaic Restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and the Branch House Riverfront Bistro coffee house \u2013 perfect for snacks, cold drinks and coffee or tea \u2013 with indoor and outdoor dining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within walking distance of the Sheraton, is the site of the annual Redding Rodeo. This year celebrates their 76th year. And they put on quite a show, with sellout attendance each evening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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