Water, Water Everywhere at Castaic Lake

Castiac Lake is the largest state water project reservoir in the Southern California area, with over 11,000 acres of land under its umbrella. The lake is famous for sport fishing, with a sizable number of world record fish coming from its depths, including a 47-pound channel catfish. If you’re not an angler, the lake offers many other activities—in the summer months, the lower lagoon is open for swimming and non-powered boating, with 197 acres of shallow water to dive, inner tube, or just explore. Adjacent campgrounds can accommodate up to 60 sites, with RV access available. Lifeguards are always on duty as well. The upper lake is where motorized boats are allowed, and where the majority of the fishing happens. There is an $11 vehicle entry fee, and a $20 per day fee per campsite, which is quite reasonable.

Castaic Lake
32132 Castaic Lake Dr
Castaic, CA 91384
(661) 257-4050
www.castaiclake.com

Strap On Your Skates at Ice Station

Yes, even though California is a summer fun wonderland with sunny days as far as the eye can see, there’s still room for some good old-fashioned ice skating. Valencia’s Ice Station is the home rink of the Valencia Flyers hockey team, so fans of semi-pro hockey can get their fill of smashmouth action in season. The facility is fantastic and incredibly well kept, boasting three separate rinks—a small rink called “The Pond” for younger skaters, an adult rink, and then the pro rink where games are played. If your skills are rusty, students rave about the Skating Academy program, where excellent teachers work with all levels of skaters to improve their balance, speed, and form. Ice Station offers a number of other fun activities, including hilarious bumper cars on ice for kids, which is unique in California. A large observation area is also provided so the ice-phobic can enjoy the show.

Ice Station
27745 Smyth Drive
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 775-8686
www.icestation.com

Find a Whole New Kind of Miniature Golf at Fin’s GlowZone

So you think you’ve seen it all in the world of miniature golf, huh? You’ve putted through windmills and Abraham Lincoln’s head and the jaws of a dinosaur and you’re about ready to hang up your clubs. Well belay that, matey, because Fin’s GlowZone has a new trick up its sleeve: black light. Yes indeed, Valencia’s GlowZone is one of the world’s only 18-hole miniature golf courses illuminated only by black lights, or UV lights. It’s like you’re playing mini golf in Tron! Unfortunately, due to the size of the building, most holes are a par 2 and don’t involve a large amount of challenge. If you’re not a golfer, there are plenty of other things to amuse you, including a video arcade, a black light illluminated dance floor playing the day’s hottest tunes, and even black light bumper cars. Fin’s also offers a variety of specials, including unlimited golf on Wednesday nights and a student discount on Tuesdays. The GlowZone is also available for private parties.

Fin’s GlowZone
23460 Cinema Drive
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 284-2489
www.finsglowzone.com

William S. Hart Park & Museum: Explore the Home and Legacy of a Silent Movie Star

Less than an hour’s drive from metropolitan Los Angeles lies one of the oddest of LA County’s Natural History museums. The former residence of silent movie star William S. Hart, a Spanish colonial mansion atop a hill has been turned over to the county to serve as both a museum and a park that has its own herd of bison. Hart made 65 silent movies, starting his acting career at the age of 49, and when he died he deeded the property to the County on the provision that it be set aside for public use at no charge. The ranch now boasts a number of hiking trails that lead visitors through the dramatic terrain, a barnyard with farm animals, and the aforementioned bison, which were a gift from Walt Disney. The house itself acts as a museum of the silent film era, the American West and Native American art.

William S. Hart Park & Museum
24151 Newhall Avenue
Newhall, CA 91321
(616) 254-4584
www.friendsofhartpark.org

Ride the Rails With Fillmore & Western Railway Co.

A good portion of America’s history is the history of the railroad—the great train lines that criss-cross our nation, making it possible to run the engine of commerce that makes America great. Those trains were also immortalized in film, and the Fillmore & Western Railway Co. has made it their mission to preserve and restore famous movie trains from the great studios and get them rolling again. Bucolic Fillmore is your starting point, but the trains travel to a number of destinations, from a rustic pumpkin patch around Halloween to a variety of other places. While you could just sit and admire the scenery, Fillmore & Western Railway Co. tries to jazz things up with themed trips, including a hilarious live-action murder mystery that will have you feeling like Sherlock Holmes. The one complaint people have with the line is that the on-board food isn’t great, so eat before you go.

Fillmore & Western Railway Co.
351 Santa Clara Street (Main Office)
Fillmore, CA 93015
(805) 524-2546
www.fwry.com

More Than Just Award-Winning Microbrews: Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Company

It’s a rare occurrence when hobby homebrewing becomes something more, but for Rob & Laina McFerren, their pipe dream became a reality. After Rob got bitten by the brewing bug, he turned his attentions to finding a way to do it on a larger scale, and in 1997 Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Company was born. With help from friends and family, they built their first brewery and bistro, and it wasn’t long before locals were flocking to their door for great beer and food. At any given time Wolf Creek offers over 10 beers on tap, including award-winning brews like the Golden Eagle Ale and Howlin' Hefeweizen. If you're new to their brews, opt for the sampler, which includes six four-ounce glasses that provide a range of the brewery's offerings.

On the food side, regulars recommend the spectacular olive tapenade, which overflows with robust flavor when you spread it on fresh-baked crusty bread. If you’re a little hungrier, many say that Wolf Creek’s fish & chips are the best in the area. The steaks are also delicious, with the tri tip sandwich being a popular choice. An expected secret about Wolf Creek: their desserts are heavenly, with luscious treats like chocolate layer cake, carrot cake, and banana pecan caramel upside down cake homemade each day by the on-site pastry chef.

Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Company
27746 McBean Parkway
Valencia, CA 91354
(661) 263-9653
www.wolfcreekbrewingco.com

Get fit!

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can help:

  • Control your weight
  • Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
  • Reduce your risk of some cancers
  • Strengthen your bones and muscles
  • Improve your mental health and mood
  • Improve your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls, if you’re an older adult
  • Increase your chances of living longer

With all those benefits, why not get moving? All it takes to get started is to put on some sneaks and visit our fitness center that’s conveniently located right here.