What to do in Northern California July

SAN JOSE

Cheer for speedy drivers

Let rip a raucous yeehaw as you watch dozens of Indy 500-style Champ Cars race in the San Jose Grand Prix at Redback Raceway. Organizers take over downtown in the week leading up to Sunday afternoon's main event, even welding down manhole covers along Almaden Boulevard to make the street course feel as smooth as possible at 180 mph. Our advice: Buy a ticket with access to the Champ Car paddock area, where you can grab autographs and watch team mechanics perform last-minute tweaks on the cars just before they're towed out to the track. Jul 27-29; from $45 for race-day admission; www.sjgp.com or 408/277-9470.--ABIGAIL PETERSON

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GOLD RIVER

COOL OFF AT THE LAKE

Water sports are the best antidote to a Central Valley summer. When you've wearied of the public pool, try hitting the Sacramento State Aquatic Center. Although it's not well known, this prime spot on Lake Natoma is open to the public, with a manicured beach, equipment rentals, and youth and adult programs. Classes and activities this month include basic sailing, wakeboarding, and a "sunset paddle" in kayaks as the full moon rises over the water. Admission free; class and event prices vary; 1901 Hazel Ave.; www.sacstateaquaticcenter.com or 916/278-2842.--KATE WASHINGTON

OCCIDENTAL

NOSH ON PAELLA Any farmers' market offers produce, but how many also offer hot-from-the grill paella (made with flair by Occidentalite Gerard Nebesky), local peaches, berries, and Asian pears, plus live music and a genuine sense of community? If you're in the Russian River area on a Friday, don't miss the small but enchanting Occidental Bohemian Farmers Market downtown. "The market has become a social hub for the town," says market manager Kim Dow. The town's warmth spills over to embrace visitors too. 4 p.m.--dusk Fri through late Oct; 707/793-2159.--K.W.

PALO ALTO & SAN JOSE

CUSTOMIZE YOUR MEAL Have it your way at burger spot the Counter, which just opened its newest outpost in San Jose last month. You choose your burger--Angus beef, turkey, grilled chicken, or veggie--then mix and match toppings that range from familiar standards to inventive additions like Greek feta, grilled pineapple, and ginger soy glaze. Be sure to order the not-on-the-menu sampler of sweet potato fries, onion strings, and french fries; dipping sides are horseradish mayo, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing. Wash it down with a shake or something more potent from the full bar. $. Palo Alto: 369 California St.; 650/321-3900. San Jose: in Santana Row, 3055 Olin Ave.; 408/423-9200.--JULIE CHAI

PLEASANTON

TASTE INDIAN SUMMER Get your licks at Bombay Ice Cream. The family-run shop serves up the sweet dessert Indian-style, with flavors that are hard to come by this far from Bollywood, such as saffron, gulkand (made with rose petals), and chikoo (a tropical fruit). Co-owner Bharti Parmar grew up around her uncle's ice cream shop in India and wanted to bring the flavors of home to Northern Californians. Savor our favorite, cardamom-rose, or dive into a falooda, ice cream and milk sprinkled with delicate rice noodles and plump basil seeds, then drizzled with rose syrup. As you'd say in Hindi, it's delectably swadisht! 4307 Valley Ave., Ste. D; www.bombayicecream.com or 925/484-5895.--MEGAN A. WONG

SACRAMENTO

GRAB A FRESH SLICE

Seasonal fruit and flaky all-butter crusts create the perfect pastry at the Real Pie Company, opened four months ago. Owner Kira O'Donnell uses local, bursting-ripe stone fruit to make the pies delicious. The menu changes according to what's in season, but you'll find savory potpies and quiches, yummy breakfast pastries, and--in both full-size and adorable individual versions--pies, tarts, and galettes. 10-6 Wed--Fri, 10-5 Sat; 1201 F St.; www.realpiecompany.com or 916/446-2885.--K.W.

SAN GREGORIO

BOP AND SHOP BY THE BEACH Next time you're cruising home after a day at any beach between Ano Nuevo State Reserve and Half Moon Bay, take a quick 1-mile detour to the San Gregorio General Store--a real locals crossroads in the middle of cow country. And it's not your typical tourist trap: Among aisles of cowboy gear and hurricane lamps, nature books, and toothy stuffed sharks stands a full-on saloon serving Bloodys and bottles of beer--and a live bluegrass, Irish, or R&B band blowing the roof off the historic place. Join the surfers, silver-haired hippies, and surprisingly good dancers who pour in every Saturday and Sunday afternoon for a twirl on the wood-plank floor. State 84 at Stage Rd.; www.sangregoriostore.com or 650/726-0565.--RACHEL LEVIN

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