What to do in Northern California: February

Sunset, Feb, 2008

MT. SHASTA

Ride on the wild side

To fly over a groomed trail behind a team of foggy-breathed sled dogs, surging but surprisingly silent, is to experience barely restrained joy (theirs) and grin-inducing awe (yours). Cold wind in your face, childhood sledding memories in your mind, and a snowy wonderland of pine-shrouded backcountry accompany breathtaking views of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen, and Castle Crags. The ride is one more reason to love winter. It lasts about an hour (although you can schedule a two-hour ride). Post-ride, dole out snacks and love, preferably in that order, to your canine companions. Closed Feb 6-12; from $100 per passenger; reservations required; dogsledexpress.com or 530/467-3009.--KEN MCALPINE

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CALISTOGA

BLEND YOUR OWN WINE

Many experts will tell you that much of taste and preference is simply subjective when it comes to wine. Which is why Bennett Lane Winery's custom blending experience (for groups of six or more) is such a great idea. They set you up with beakers, pipettes, and glasses of Merlot, Cabernet, and Syrah--the three varietals in their signature Maximus blend--and let you experiment with combining them. A little more pepper? More Syrah. Liking those tannins? Up the Cab. Once you get your blend just right, you bottle it, cork it, label it, and take it home. The package also includes limo service to and from your lodging, and a wine-and-cheese pairing. $175 per person; reservations required; 3340 State 128; bennettlane.com or 707/942-6684.--SAMANTHA SCHOECH

LOS GATOS

SIP SMOOTH CHOCOLATE

Fleur de Cocoa's hot chocolate is so silky and intoxicating that on winter weekends, the six-table French patisserie sells up to 200 cups at $3.50 a serving. The uber-licious elixir is the brainchild of French-trained pastry chef and shop owner Pascal Janvier. While his assistants make parts of the recipe, which calls for fine French dark chocolate and cream, Janvier boasts, "No one knows how to make it but me." $; closed Mon; 39 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408/354-3574.--KATHY CHIN LEONG

SAN FRANCISCO

CELEBRATE THE SEA The San Francisco Ocean Film Festival welcomes old salts and landlubbers alike to its celluloid celebration of the sea at Fort Mason Center. Short films from around the world explore the oceans, from surfers and seals to sea-urchin divers, trans-Atlantic rowers, and endangered coral reefs. Run by volunteers who are positively passionate about the ocean, the nonprofit festival is sure to expand your horizons. Feb 1-3; festival pass $60, individual programs $10; oceanfilmfest.org or 415/345-7575.--S.S.

VACAVILLE

VISIT AN OLD FAVORITE

Making the schlep up I-80 from the Bay Area to Tahoe yet again? Make a detour at the Nut Tree, the once-popular 1920s-era rest stop, rebuilt and recently reopened after a 10-year closure. With restaurants, stores, and a small amusement park, travelers can eat, play, and shop for California-made products like hormone-free meats and organic cheeses, dried fruit, or olive oil. Stock up on local produce at the Capay Valley Farm Shop. Relax with a game of bocce ball ($10 per hour), or let the kids whirl on the carousel ($2.55). It's sweet enough to make you forget the traffic. 1681 E. Monte Vista Ave.; 888/448-6411.--JOANNA CORMAN

OAKLAND

Go beyond the melting pot

The Oakland Museum of California's exhibit Trading Traditions: California's New Cultures portrays the vibrant jumble of the state. Photographer Lonny Shavelson and author Fred Setterberg combed the Bay Area in their quest to capture the state's dynamic culture. The result is a provocative collection of images: an Indian-born lawyer teaching aerobics based on a Punjabi harvest dance; Latino students of Islam preparing carne asada; an African American teenager leading the Chinese lion dance in a St. Patrick's Day Parade. Through Apr 6; closed Mon-Tue; $8 general admission; 1000 Oak St.; museumca.org or 510/238-2200.--CHARITY FERREIRA

MAKE YOUR GETAWAY

FIND WEEKEND FUN NEAR YOU

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