Last week, I wrote about the incredible food and drink our group experienced in the Tri-Valley area of Northern California. Naturally, there are plenty of activities that you can enjoy if you visit here. I must admit, these places wouldn’t be something I would have imagined being here, but that’s what made this trip so memorable.

I realized I included so much in last week’s post with the food and drink. The wineries (3 Steves and Longevity) and the one craft brewery (Dust Bowl) probably should have been included here, but that was just my editorial decision. However, I would like to return to this area, especially to explore more wineries and tasting rooms, and perhaps return to some of the restaurants I previously mentioned.

If you are staying in the Bay Area, especially in the East Bay, I would recommend coming here to the Tri-Valley. It’s not well known, and while wine lovers would aim to explore its over three dozen tasting rooms, having other places to see makes a day trip worthwhile. Once again, I’d like to thank Robin and her team at Visit Tri-Valley for organizing this incredible press trip.

Pleasanton Marriott

This hotel is ideally located off Interstates 580 and 680, the main freeways of the Tri-Valley. That’s where our group stayed for our three-day trip, and while it was somewhat older, the rooms and facilities were clean with contemporary updates. I had a king-size bed that was comfortable enough to get a good night’s sleep, something that doesn’t come easily for me with hotel beds. There was also a couch with a matching ottoman, a large TV and an adequately sized bathroom.  I did miss having a tub, which sadly seems to be the trend nowadays.

At the beginning of our trip, we had a meetup where we sampled of the starters and craft cocktails, which were surprisingly good.  I also appreciated access to the M Club Lounge, which offers a continental breakfast, beverages, and a spacious seating area. For my stay, I also used the fitness center, which was equipped with two Peloton bikes that didn’t quite function properly in their fittings and their connections, but I managed to use them enough to get a workout.

(all of the above photos are courtesy of Pleasanton Marriott)

Sri Surabhi go Ksetra cow sanctuary

There are different forms of animal therapy, but I had never seen one that involved cows. The primary aim of this sanctuary is to foster respect for the environment and establish sustainable practices through raising cattle and maintaining soil fertility. But most visitors come here to participate in “cow cuddling,” which supports mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

The center’s director and co-founder, Sri Krishna Purusottama, served as our guide and helped us connect with the cows. The animals were predictably gigantic but gentle and mild-mannered. Once I began practicing, I felt calmer and more centered, as did my fellow group members. I appreciated that they hosted groups of all kinds and ages and that everyone can benefit from spending time with these fantastic creatures.

Blackhawk Museum

In 1982, local businessmen Ken Behring and Don Williams built a place to house Williams’ classic car collection. Six years later, they opened it to the public. Nearly 30 years after that, Behring significantly expanded the facility to include new galleries, starting with the Spirit of the Old West, then adding Art of Africa, Into China and World of Nature. What was incredible about each of these sections was the attention to detail and the comprehensive information provided.

During our visit, we viewed four of the five galleries (excluding Art of Africa due to time constraints). I was most impressed with the Spirit of the West and Into China. The first was, as our guide said, an honest historical depiction of the predominantly White settlers and indigenous peoples in the American West, with equal weight given to both sides. The art displayed in the second gallery was astonishing, featuring exquisite sculptures, replicas of the terracotta warriors, and a golden throne from the dynastic era. Before his passing, Behring said he wanted to “bring the world to others.” He truly succeeded with this museum.

Mind Body Flow

More than a yoga studio, this wellness center in Livermore offers sensory-deprivation tank sessions, infrared saunas, assisted stretching and bodywork, and sound-frequency healing and meditations. Former tech executive Jill Schaub sought a change from her high-demand career and founded Mind Body Flow in 2018. Our group participated in the last activity, where we stretched out on mats and could also have bolsters and cushions for comfort. Her colleague Santiago, an energetic and enthusiastic fellow, led us in the class.

The vessels used for sound were like Tibetan singing bowls, each with a different pitch and timbre.  Sometimes the sound was quite loud, which startled me somewhat. But once I trusted the process, I let my thoughts go and entered what I believe was an altered state of consciousness. Others in our group became emotional, while others fell asleep. Santiago said that anything we experienced was valid, and I appreciated the time we had to all feel something different.