HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA
This episode of Big Blend Radio aired live on Sept. 8, 2017 and focuses on San Benito County, gateway to Pinnacles National Park in Central California.
Founded in 1872, Hollister is the county seat of San Benito County in central California, and is an eastern gateway destination for Pinnacles National Park, and is a few minutes from the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historical Trail in nearby San Juan Bautista.
Hollister’s charming historic downtown district is within a few miles of the region’s award-winning wineries, and is surrounded by picturesque rolling hills, golf courses, sprawling ranches and organic orchards and farmlands. The downtown boasts a variety of specialty shops, galleries and boutiques, and a superb selection fo restaurants that range from bakeries and delies to farm-to-table cuisine and Mexican fare. The architecture is fascinating with historic styles ranging from Victorian to Frank Lloyd Wright. A stroll downtown and you will see vibrant murals depicting Hollister as ‘The Birthplace of the American Biker’. One of the best ways to explore Hollister’s downtown district is to talk one the Self-Guided Walking Tours that focus on the city’s art, architecture and geology. Lodging ranges from bed & breakfast inns to vacation rentals, hotels and motels. Hollister is a lively destination, and with a full calendar or festivals, parades and special events, there’s always something new to experience! Learn more at www.DiscoverSanBenitoCounty.com.
Local Highlights include: San Benito County Historical Society Museum, Ridgemark Golf Club & Resort, San Juan Oaks Golf Club, Bolado Park Event Center & San Benito County Fairgrounds, San Benito County Historical Park, Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area, San Juan Bautista State Historic Park & Mission San Juan Bautista.
Regional Highlights include: Fremont Peak State Park (approx. 20 miles), Pinnacles National Park (approx. 30 miles), San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area (approx. 35 miles), Yosemite National Park (approx. 150 miles), Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks (approx. 160 miles).
Nearby Cities include: Tres Pinos (approx. 7 miles), San Juan Bautista (approx. 10 miles), Paicines (approx. 11 miles), Gilroy (approx. 17 miles), Watsonville (approx. 25 miles), Salinas (approx. 30 miles), Morgan Hill (approx. 30 miles), Monterey (approx. 40 miles), San Jose (approx. 50 miles), Soledad (approx. 53 miles), King City (approx. 60 miles), San Francisco (approx. 95 miles), Coalinga (approx. 115 miles), Fresno (approx. 115 miles).
Nearby Airports: Hollister Municipal Airport (approx. 3 miles), Mineta San José International Airport (approx. 50 miles), and San Francisco International Airport (approx. 80 miles).