Come back for more fun after Mountain Festival weekend

The Mountain Festival is definitely one of the highlights in Tehachapi every year. It offers local fun and entertainment for the entire family, residents and non-residents alike.

But after the final band has performed and artists begin to pack up their one-of-a-kind merchandise, there is plenty more to experience here in Tehachapi.

Year-Round Fun:

Museums – The Tehachapi Museum, Errea House and the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum will all be open during Mountain Festival. They are easily walkable from the venue as well. If you're in town visiting for the weekend, they are definitely worth a visit. And if you're a regular, why not stop in again? There is always something new you can learn from our local historians.

Alpacas – Another Tehachapi site that is worth visiting again and again is the Adorable Alpacas in Cummings Valley. Just a short drive from the Mountain Fest activities, Adorable Alpacas is an eco-conscious boutique that focuses on growing their alpaca herd for the fibers used in knitting and spinning. They are open most Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., but be sure to call ahead for tour times. (661) 805-3895.

Wineries – When you're done visiting the alpacas, how about some wine? Just down the road in Cummings Valley is both Triassic Vineyards and Tehachapi Wine & Cattle Company. They offer tastings every weekend. Tehachapi Wine & Cattle is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Triassic opens their doors from noon to 6 p.m. Three more tasting rooms are in the works as well. Come back and visit when Rancho de los Viajeros, Dorner Family Vineyards and Stray Leaves open their tasting rooms.

Skylark North – Whether you want to take to the skies or simply watch a graceful glider from the Raven's Nest Coffee House, Skylark North is a fun and unique venue in Tehachapi. I've been there many times and it's always an idea I pitch to convince my out-of-town city friends to visit the mountains.

Once a Year Specials:

GranFondo – Tehachapi's two-day GranFondo event has grown in popularity each year. Whether you're an avid cyclist, a newbie to the sport or just looking to celebrate with the community, this is an exciting event. The festival takes place Friday, Sept. 13 from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Centennial Plaza. The festival includes food and alcohol vendors, activities for kids and exhibits from the cycling industry. Saturday, Sept. 14 is the riding event with courses that range from 18 to 104-miles. Register today online at http://www.tehachapigranfondo.com.

Apple Festival – Everything apples! Apple pie contests, pie eating contest, apple-themed items and food, a car show and kid zone. Bring the whole family on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission to this event on Green Street in downtown Tehachapi. Last year, this event welcomed approximately 15,000 visitors. Don't miss out on the fun this year.

Halloween in the mountains – The small town atmosphere of Tehachapi makes holidays a lot of fun. Especially Halloween. The annual Trunk-or-Treat in downtown Tehachapi is a fun and safe way to take your kids Trick-or-Treating. You get tons of candy and it's a nice way to meet new people and see some familiar, yet spooky decked out faces. And be sure to check our beautiful BeeKay Theatre when it transforms for the BooKay Halloween Concert.

If you're reading this as a resident, aren't you lucky to live in this beautiful mountain town, filled with special activities and venues. And if you're just a visitor for Mountain Fest weekend, we hope you come back to experience more of Tehachapi's unique events.