Spooks – Pumpkins – Scavengers: OH MY!

In Downtown Pleasanton, strange things are happening … scarecrows are appearing all over town, spooks are coming out of hiding, and people are carving odd faces in unsuspecting pumpkins!  Has everyone gone mad?!  Are aliens invading Pleasanton?!

Don’t be afraid … the Fall Fest has come to town.  Since October 18, downtown businesses have been displaying a wide-range of scarecrows … some funny … some spooky … but all of them creative!  Through Friday, October 30, vote for your favorite scarecrow and receive a raffle ticket to bring to the Fall Fest on Saturday, October 31, for a chance to WIN your pick!  You can also purchase additional raffle tickets for $1 each at the Museum on Main or Studio 7, both in downtown Pleasanton.  Proceeds will benefit future Fall Fest events.

On October 31 (during the Farmer’s Market), the Fall Fest explodes into a family, fun-filled day at the Museum on Main:

• A carved pumpkin contest is a family-favorite event.  Bring YOUR pre-carved pumpkin between 9 AM – 10 AM to enter the contest.  There are three age categories and prizes:

Ages 10 and under

Ages 11 – 17

Ages 18 and up

Between 10 AM – 2 PM, the public will vote for the winners in each age group plus a “Best in Show” winner.  Winners receive merchant or downtown gift cards.

• The Scarecrows will be on full display at the Museum on Main from 10 AM –    2 PM, with the raffle following.
• The Fall Dessert Contest from 11 AM – 2 PM will have you licking your lips for days!  For a $5 ballot, you’ll be able to sample DELICIOUS desserts from some great downtown businesses … YUM!  Vote for your favorite baker.
• The FUN isn’t over!  A spooky scavenger hunt begins at 12 Noon at the Museum on Main.  Dress your kids in their favorite costume and then register them in the hunt.  The children will randomly draw a card revealing their starting point, figure out which is their first business, run to it, and get their next clue.  REGISTER EARLY – the first 150 registrants will win an awesome goody bag at the end!
• Additional activities will be sponsored by various businesses in their stores that you won’t want to miss!

AAA Transportation has been successfully serving both individuals and businesses in the Tri-Valley and Bay Areas since 2001.  Our fleet of sleek, late-model limousines, sedans, and vans provides luxury transportation for ALL of your personal and corporate events.  With excellence as our standard, you are guaranteed complete satisfaction.  Make your reservations TODAY by calling 866-558-0222 or online at www.aaa-trans.com.

Wine for A Cure Benefits A Good Cause

Would you be willing to help thousands of other people find a cure for a fatal, genetic disease that affects over 30,000 children and young adults in the United States?  NOW YOU CAN!

The disease is cystic fibrosis, and Zephyr Grill & Bar in Livermore is joining hands with The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Sunday, October 25, for the Second Annual Wine for a Cure.

The evening showcases premier wines from the Livermore Valley paired with exotic culinary dishes created by Head Chef, Nick Musser.

The VIP reception begins at 5 PM with select pourings from Picazo Estate Vineyards.

The main event begins at 6 PM with succulent wines from the Steven Kent Winery, La Rochelle Winery, and other spectacular Livermore Valley wineries.

The 14-acre Picazo Estate Vineyards produce dark, serious Merlots that are available by allocation only.  An almost perfect climate and loam soils combine to produce Merlots that are smooth and subtle, fruit-packed, and full-bodied.

Stephen Kent Winery specializes in premier Cabernets and Chardonnays.  Cabernets are almost always aged in oak for over a year, and then aged several more years in the bottle.  Steven Kent Winery also uniquely enhances both the flavor of the wines and the wine tasting experience with the “Trio of Treats” consisting of Marcona Almonds, Dried Cranberries, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

La Rochelle Winery is part of the Steven Kent Winery.  An impressive range of handcrafted wines are perfectly paired with cheeses, quince paste, and truffle mousse to create outstanding tasting delectables.

Celebrating their 3^rd Anniversary, Zephyr Grill & Bar offers these “must taste” culinary delights:

• Astounding Appetizers:  Such as salmon cakes and Bay Shrimp cocktails
• Exotic Entrees:  Filet mignon, steaks, seafood, pastas, pizza, sandwiches, and hamburgers
• Delectable Desserts:  Such as Texas Funeral Fudge Cake
• Wide range of Livermore wines:  Sparkling, dark, full-flavored Whites, Pinks, and Reds
• Sure to please Kid’s Menu
• Party Platters of your favorite hors d’ oeuvres
• Private Dining Options:  Lunch and Dinner buffets and group seatings

Gather your family and friends for a rousing good time at Zephyr’s daily Happy Hours from 3 PM – 6 PM and 9 PM – Closing.

Whenever you need superior transportation in the Tri-Valley and Bay Area, AAA Transportation is your finest choice.  Our fleet of sleek, late-model limousines, vans, and taxis are second-to-none.  Our highly trained chauffeurs have been safely and professionally escorting groups since 2001.  You may make your reservation by calling 866-558-0222, or going online at www.aaa-trans.com.

LOVE … FORE … YUM … and A Good Cause!

Would you enjoy making one charitable donation and attending THREE exciting events while surrounded by redwoods, green pastures, a walking bridge over a pristine lake, beautiful fountains, and elegant ducks?  Now’s your chance in ClubCorp’s Charity Classic 2009!

All three events are hosted by and held at the prestigious Crow Canyon Country Club in Danville.   The money benefits these worthy charities:  Hospice of the East Bay, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the Employee Partner Care Foundation.  Let’s see if you can guess the three events by these hints:

LOVE … FORE … YUM!

LOVE – Join your friends in the charity tennis matches on Saturday, October 17.  Crow Canyon features 13 lighted, cobalt blue and green tennis courts year round.  Crow Canyon Tennis is also host to the open level Bay Counties Tennis Tournament, the Contra Costa Junior Tennis Tournament and several USTA NorCal Junior Tournaments throughout the year.

FORE – What could be more exciting than these charity golf matches on Crow Canyon’s 18-hole, par 69, Ted Robinson designed golf course?!  Matches are held Friday, October 23.

YUM – Also on Friday, October 23, feast on succulent delectables, then place your highest bids  in ClubCorp’s Dining and Auction event.  Throughout the year, Crow Canyon offers fine dining, casual dining in bar & grill style, and six private dining rooms accommodating up to 350 people for private events.

Snuggled in the rolling foothills of Mt. Diablo in Danville, Crow Canyon is a premier gated community offering the finest in private country clubs.  In addition to tennis, golf, and fine dining - families can relax, play, and make memories in:

• Six lane, 25-yard junior Olympic Pool that is heated year-round
• First-class driving range
• Comprehensive fitness and aerobic center
• Safe, well-staffed child care center
• Certified Wedding Professionals with 26 years of success

Families are a priority at Crow Canyon as evidenced by:

• Junior Golf and Tennis Programs
• Kid’s Klub Social Events & Activities
• Pool Parties
• Etiquette Class
• Swim Team or Swim Lessons
• Other fun family events like Demo Nights, Team Tennis, Twilight Tennis, Singles Circuits, various round robins, and more.

AAA Transportation has been successfully serving both individuals and businesses in the Tri-Valley and Bay Area since 2001.  Our fleet of sleek, late-model limousines, sedans, and vans provides luxury transportation for ALL of your personal and corporate events.  With excellence as our standard, you are guaranteed complete satisfaction.  You may make your bookings by calling 866-558-0222 or online at www.aaa-trans.com.

Northern California Renaissance Faire

Doth thou long for ye olden days of brave knights, fair maidens, and chivalry?  Thou hast at long last found the place to satisfy thy deepest heart’s longings!  Come ye this weekend (October 10 & 11, 10 AM – 6 PM both days) to the Northern California Renaissance Faire at Casa de Fruta in Hollister, California!

Feel as if you’ve leaped centuries back in time and become immersed into the magical sounds, sights, and famous characters of the Elizabethan era in the fanciful town of Willingtown.  Meet Queen Elizabeth herself along with other well-known characters such as William Shakespeare and Sir Francis Drake.  Enjoy the sights and sounds as colorful peasants, master artisans, and a real jousting troupe create a weekend adventure like no other!

Would you also like to become fully immersed into this ancient time, including dressing the part?  GREAT NEWS!  Costumes are available for rent or purchase just outside the gates at the Belrose, Willington’s village costume shop.

Seven stages present exhilarating shows depicting the Elizabethan era:

The Tudor Arms Stage

• Features “Manly Men in Tights” full of laughter and steel swashbuckling fights.
• The Sinister Black King later challenges the White King in “The Living Chess Match” on the same stage.

The Main Royal Garden State

• Enjoy Renaissance Theatre coming to life as pranksters perform a captivating Italian comedy, “Commedia Volante”.
• “The Lord Mayors Show” demonstrates Sir Francis Drake bringing a young upstart, William Shakespeare, to the stage in preparation for the dramatic visit of Queen Elizabeth.
• Revel in “The Queen’s Royal Reception”.

The Fools Stage

• Gasp in awe at “MooNiE the Magnif’Cent’s” impossible magic show.
• Stare in amazement as “Sahara BRooN” swallows fire.

Amethyst Arbor Stage

Wet dirty wenches and good clean fun is presented three times daily.

Port o’ Call Stage

• Sing maritime music along with crusty sailors, “The Sea Dogs”.
• Enjoy Celtic music and dancing with “Siamsa La Cheile”.

Romany Camp Stage

• “The Unruly Fools” juggle anything from knives to bowling balls.
• “The Silk Road Caravan Dancers” present gypsy tribal dances in rare style.

Curtain Call Stage

• “Fowl Tales” feature Gypsy, the parrot, with his owner spinning tales of sea travel.
• The a cappella trio, “Blame It on Eve”, explain in song their views on life, beer, and men.  The gypsy family, “Odd’s Bodkins”, plays the mandolin and fiddle in unique comedic style.

Whenever you need superior transportation in the Tri-Valley and Bay Area, AAA Transportation is the finest choice.  Our fleet of sleek, late-model limousines, vans, and taxis are second-to-none.  Our highly trained chauffeurs have been escorting groups since 2001.  You may make your reservation by calling 866-558-0222, or going online at www.aaa-trans.com.

Fine Italian Cuisine and A Sport Called Bocce

How would you like to travel to Italy without ever leaving California?  “Impossible!”, you say?  Not with Campo di Bocce of Livermore!

In the heart of Livermore wine country, Campo di Bocce offers the ultimate Italian experience – combining fine Italian cuisine with the perfect sport for all groups and ages – family, friends, or co-workers – the sport called Bocce.

The originating Campo di Bocce opened in Los Gatos in February, 1997.  The family-owned Livermore location opened its doors in June, 2006 as the first dining and entertainment facility of its kind.

“What is Bocce?”, you ask.  Evolving from its earliest known origins, Egypt circa 5200 B.C., teams of one to six people attempt to get their large balls as close to the smaller target ball, the pallino, as possible.  Teams alternate attempts until one team either gets closest to the pallino or runs out of balls.  The team that reaches 12 or 15 points first, WINS!

Campo di Bocce offers 8 World Class, State-of-the-Art bocce courts with courtside benches for spectators.  Add a selection of appetizers, pizza, and your favorite beverages and you have the makings for “the time of everyone’s life”!

Monday nights feature the “Bocce and beverage” league – open to everyone.

Tuesday nights feature competition between the Bay area’s best Bocce players.

Wednesday nights feature competition between Livermore Valley wineries.

Saturday nights are “learn to play” events where you can meet players from all groups.

Bocce courts are open daily from 9:30 AM – Closing

Campo di Bocce also presents some of the finest Italian cuisine found in the country.  Indoor eating comes in two styles:

Family Style – Large platters and bowls of your food choices passed around the table – “just like home”.

Buffet Style – Meals served on a personalized buffet line.

If you prefer eating outdoors, Campo di Bocce provides several outdoor semi-private rooms overlooking beautiful vineyards.  Private meeting and dining rooms complete with audio/visual equipment are also available for those special business events.

Whether you choose to dine indoors, court-side, or overlooking the beautiful vineyards, everyone will be satisfied with three-course menus, picnic-style eating, pizzas, appetizers, desserts, and your favorite beverages.

Bocce’s fine restaurant is open from 11 AM – Closing

AAA Transportation is the Tri-Valley and Bay area’s choice of luxury transportation since 2001 for individuals and business alike.  We provide sleek, late-model limousines, vans, and taxis that elegantly accommodates up to 20 people in style!  Place your reservation by calling 1-866-558-0222 or visiting us at www.aaa-trans.com.