Destination Vacaville

In this episode of Destination Vacaville, host Alyssa Pardini sits down with sculptor Martin Taylor to discuss his incredible journey into creating metal origami sculptures. Martin shares how his passion for industrial design evolved into an art career, starting with inflatable art pieces at Burning Man and leading to his latest work, "Touch the Sky." This beautiful sculpture now graces downtown Vacaville, where it resides on the scenic School Street Bridge. Tune in to hear the fascinating story behind "Touch the Sky" and how Martin's creative process brings his imagination into reality.Destination Vacaville? Let's go! 

In this episode, Visit Vacaville sits down with San Francisco-based artist Wendy Ackrell to discuss her stunning sculpture, the Labyrinthine Heart—a powerful tribute to compassion, community, and the unifying force of art. 

In this festive episode, we dive into Vacaville Fiesta Days, the city's biggest celebration of the year! Join us as we sit down with a special guest Karen Julif to uncover what visitors can expect—from delicious local eats and vibrant street food to live music, classic car shows, carnival rides, and community parades. Whether you're a longtime local or first-time visitor, you'll get the inside scoop on can't-miss attractions, family-friendly entertainment, and hidden gems throughout the weekend. Tune in for a lively preview of the sights, sounds, and flavors that make Fiesta Days a Vacaville tradition!

In this episode, Alyssa talks with Leslie Silver, the Director of the Downtown Business Improvement District, about Vacaville's thriving downtown. They discuss the return of the Farmer's Market, community events like car shows and music festivals, and how these gatherings introduce visitors to local businesses. Learn how these activities enhance community spirit and support local commerce. Whether you live in Vacaville or are just visiting, discover what makes Downtown Vacaville a vibrant place to explore.Destination Vacaville? Let's go! 

Debbie Eugidio, President of the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce, shares how the Chamber fuels local business growth through events like the Night of Champions Gala, the Cowtown Classic Golf Tournament, and Lemonade Day Vacaville. Learn about their mission of fostering a healthy business environment, the monthly mixers open to all, and the array of committees supporting young professionals and the Travis Air Force Base.Destination Vacaville? Let's go! 

Join us on this week's episode of "Destination Vacaville" as we delve into the details of the Farm to Table Dinner, happening on Friday, May 10th, 2024, at Andrews Park in Vacaville's Downtown. We'll chat with Melyssa Reeves, the visionary founder of the event, and Delany Holden, a key organizer, to learn about the inspirations behind this culinary celebration and what guests can expect. Tune in to discover how this event showcases local agriculture and crafts a unique dining experience under the stars. Don't miss out on the inside scoop for an unforgettable evening!Destination Vacaville? Let's go! 

For this episode, Alyssa chats with two special guests from the Vacaville PAL (Police Activities League): Rafael, the student PAL Teens President, and Andrea Gonzalez, a passionate Youth Development Senior Program Coordinator. Discover how PAL, serving Vacaville for over 28 years, offers many engaging activities for children and teens aged 7 to 18. From year-round programs to exciting summer activities and beyond, PAL fosters leadership, friendship, and personal growth while bridging the gap between youth and law enforcement. Don't miss out on this enriching community resource for families!Destination Vacaville? Let's go! 

Discover the vibrant world of Vacaville's art scene with Cristie Baron, Owner of Joyful Art Studio. As a seasoned participant in the community, Cristie brings creativity to life through her studio. From being selected for "Cows on Parade" to nurturing budding artists of all ages, Joyful Art Studio is a hub of inspiration. Join us as we explore how Cristie's passion ignites the artistic spirit in residents and tourists alike. With classes tailored for children, teens, and adults, including flexible schedules and exciting seasonal camps, Joyful Art Studio is more than a space—it's a celebration of creativity for everyone.Destination Vacaville? Let's go! 

Discover the heart of Vacaville's vibrant art scene in this episode as we explore the Vacaville Art League and Gallery. Join us as we chat with Barb Musial, Manager of the gallery, about how this space not only showcases the city's artistic talent but also serves as a lively hub for local creatives to connect and collaborate. Whether you're a resident seeking inspiration or a tourist craving a taste of Vacaville's creative scene, this episode unveils the hidden gem that brings the community together through art.Destination Vacaville? Let's go! 

The celebration of "I Love Vacaville Week" continues by shining a spotlight on My Friend's House, a youth shelter dedicated to equipping, empowering, and encouraging the youth in Vacaville. By meeting the immediate needs of homeless and at-risk youth aged 12-24, they strive to prevent them from falling victim to drugs, gangs, trafficking, incarceration, or homelessness. The programs offer comprehensive case management, mentorship, safe environments, and access to essential goods and services like food, clothing, and school supplies. What makes this initiative crucial for Vacaville is its holistic approach, creating a collaborative network of agencies and partners to seamlessly provide mental health care, employment services, education support, and more. This episode celebrates the impactful work of My Friend's House, highlighting their vital role in safeguarding the future of Vacaville's youth.Please call 707-44-1988 to volunteerFor people between the ages 18 years old to 24 years old seeking assistance, My Friend's House may be reached by calling or texting 707-685-9753For adolescent children between the ages of 12 years old to 18 years old seeking assistance, Youth Rising may be reached by calling or texting 707-898-3181

To celebrate "I Love Vacaville Week", we invited Dr. KP of the  Solano SPCA to chat about the shelter. Join us as Dr. KP shares the remarkable stories of animal adoptions and the dedicated volunteers making a difference in the lives of Vacaville residents and pets in need of new homes. From heartwarming tales of rehabilitation to vaccination clinics to the annual Paws for a Cause, discover how Solano SPCA is shaping a brighter future for both humans and their four-legged friends. So whether you're a resident seeking a new furry companion or a visitor eager to learn about Vacaville's caring spirit, this episode promises to touch your heart and inspire appreciation for everything  Solano SPCA does for Vacaville and Solano County.

Bundle up and lace up those skates, because the Winter Wonderland event at Vacaville Ice Sports is happening from December 15 to January 7!! Glide around the rink, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations that will have you feeling like you stepped into a holiday postcard. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just finding your ice skating legs, this event is the perfect blend of winter magic and laughter for families, couples, and individuals. Don't miss out on all the fun of Winter Wonderland!Destination Vacaville? Let's go! 

Destination Vacaville is brought to you by Visit Vacaville, the city's official destination marketing organization. Join Alyssa Pardini, President and CEO of Visit Vacaville, as she introduces listeners to the people and places that make visiting Vacaville such a unique travel experience, like seasonal adventures; agriculture tourism; family activities; culinary delights; wine country; and more!  Destination Vacacville? Let's Go!Destination Vacaville is brought to you by Visit Vacaville, the city's official destination marketing organization.

In this heartfelt and bittersweet episode, we bid farewell and safe travels to Melyssa Reeves, the CEO and President of Visit Vacaville.  Melyssa spent the past 16 years helping build community in Vacaville as well as championing the city as a tourism destination. Melyssa shares how her life's been forever changed by her work and why now is the perfect time to hand her role over to someone new. Everyone at Visit Vacaville wishes her the best of luck in her next adventure! Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or in search of the perfect contractor, the Solano County Home and Garden Show is your go-to event for all things home and garden. CEO Shawna Arzadon shares all of the fun and exciting events and exhibits that'll be on display at the Home and Garden Show. Be sure to grab your gardening gloves and plug in those power tools for an episode that's sure to leave you inspired and ready to tackle your next home project. The Solano County Home and Garden Show will be located at the Harbison Event Center, located at 1681 E Monte Vista Ave in Vacaville.Destination Vacaville? Let's go! 

Vacaville's vibrant outdoor music scene is flourishing in Downtown Vacaville.  Discover the unique venue, Vacaville's Town Square, where some of Northern California's favorite bands will be playing every Thursday night. The evening will be filled with palpable energy that transforms an ordinary night into an unforgettable musical experience. Vacaville's Town Square is located in the middle of the city's restaurant scene, making delicious food and drinks a perfect complement for a lovely Thursday evening filled with music. Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

High Noon is one busy band. High Noon recently released Swell, a six-song EP. The band played Napa's famous BottleRock Festival and along with several tour dates planned. Not only that, the band has a deep-rooted connection to Vacaville through Brandon Cherry, High Noon's drummer. Brandon delves into the captivating journey of High Noon, exploring their unique sound, described as a "high power, melody and rhythm focused rock band with strong 70's and 90's influences". Brandon shares how Vacaville's always been an amazing spot for creativity, artistic expression, and musical exploration.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Voice actor and sound designer, David W. Collins, takes us on a nostalgic journey to his roots in Vacaville, CA. David reveals how his passion for storytelling and sound design began to blossom during his formative years in this charming Californian town, eventually leading him to work on many Star Wars productions for LucasFilm and Skywalker Sound. We discover the local influences and experiences that shaped his career, from community theater productions to jamming with his high school band in his mom's garage. Additionally, David hosts his own podcast, The Soundtrack Show, which is "a weekly look at film scores and soundtracks for some of the most popular movies, TV shows, video games and theater pieces of all time."Destination Vacaville? Let's go! 

In today's episode, we're exploring the rich history and captivating exhibits of the Vacaville Museum with Sarah Olsen, Executive Director of the museum. Located in the heart of downtown Vacaville, the Vacaville Museum is a cultural landmark dedicated to preserving and celebrating the heritage of Vacaville and all of Solano County.The Vacaville Museum is curating some exciting events this summer, including a trivia night at Journey Downtown at The -Library, walking tours of historic Downtown Vacaville, a reading by Richard Rico, and a talk by NASA Ambassador Zach Amis on the transition from flight travel to space travel. Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Lisa Hilas, President of On Stage Vacaville, returns to Destination Vacaville (Episode 11, Season 1)! On Stage Vacaville's mission "is to advance Vacaville's cultural arts by engaging and cultivating a broad and diverse array of entertainment for all ages and interests, while supporting our local performance artists".  Lisa shares with Melyssa all of the exciting programming and performances On Stage Vacaville has planned for the Summer of 2023, updates on partnerships, and all of the ways OSV supports the artistic community of Vacaville, and how Vacaville can support OSV. Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Vacaville is home to some of the best restaurants in Northern California. One restaurant at the top of the list is Roline's Uniquely Filipino. The restaurant's namesake, Chef Roline Casper, is our guest for this week's episode. Chef Roline sits down with Melyssa to share stories of making food with her grandmother, what to order if you're new to Filipino cuisine, and why Kamayan (eating with your hands) is the best way to order food for multiple parties and events. Additionally, Chef Roline released a popular cookbook so loved by comic Jo Koy, he featured it in his movie Easter Sunday.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Mayor John Carli has served the community and City of Vacaville for over 30 years. His journey began as a police officer before eventually becoming Vacaville's Chief of Police . He retired but felt the call to continue serving his community. That lead to him successfully running to become Vacaville's next Mayor.Mayor Carli sits down with Melyssa inside Journey Coffee (Episode 28) for this episode of Destination Vacaville. The Mayor shares his ideas about present-day Vacaville, his hopes for Vacaville's future, and why the city is such a wonderful place to live and visit.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Vacaville is home to some of the best outdoor events in Northern California. Creewalk is a concert series that takes place every Friday from 6 PM to 9 PM from June to August. Not only is Creekwalk returning, but there will be a big 4th of July concert for visitors and residents of Vacaville!Kristin Milliken, Recreation Coordinator for the City of Vacaville, returns to give all of the details about the Creekwalk series, the 4th of July celebration, and a few of the other fun events happening in Vacaville. Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Brooke Fox returns to Destination Vacaville to talk about the Starbound Theatre and The Saturday Club of Vacaville. Starbound Theatre is an amazing learning and performing center for kids who want to be in the performing arts. Children from the ages of 4 to 17, no matter their skill level or goals, are welcome to attend Starbound Theatre. Founded in 1909, The Saturday Club of Vacaville's mission is to promote and champion the cultural arts in Vacaville and Solano County. Additionally, the organization has a multifaceted clubhouse close to Downtown Vacaville.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

If you're a golfer visiting California or you call the Golden State home, Northern California is a golfer's paradise. Now Vacaville is taking golfing into the 21st century with PaylorMade Golf Academy! PaylorMade Golf Academy has one the most advanced virtual golf experiences in all of Northern California, and it's in Vacaville. So now it won't matter if it is too hot, raining, or if bad weather is on the horizon, you can still play golf.Elliott Paylor, Founder and Owner of PaylorMade Golf Academy, sits down with Melyssa in this episode to share his story. He shares his golfing experience/obsession (over 25 years), why he opened PaylorMade Golf Academy, and what the future of golfing looks like for Vacaville.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Downtown Vacaville just keeps getting better! The Main Grape, a wine bar with a large and diverse wine collection, opened in 2023. Tonya Dretzka is Co-Owner of The Main Grape, along with her son Blake Dretzka.Tonya sits down with Melyssa to chat about what inspired Tonya and Blake to open The Main Grape, future plans for the wine bar (a giant patio), and their very popular wine club (that is filling up very fast). Additionally, The Main Grape has a full beer menu and a growing food menu. The Main Grape is a welcomed addition to Vacaville's vibrant downtown scene.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Vacaville and Vacaville's Downtown are going through a renaissance. One of the people who will help lead the way is Taylor McDonald, the new Executive Director of Downtown Business Improvement District.Join Melyssa as she learns about Taylor's plans for Downtown Vacaville, his journey to becoming the Executive Director, and why he's so happy to be part of the Vacaville community.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

We're kicking off the first episode of 2023 with Don Burrus, the City of Vacaville's Director of Economic Development Services. Don was the first guest on the podcast back in 2021.Join Melyssa and Don as they chat about the amazing developments and businesses coming to Vacaville.  Biotech firms are setting up in Vacaville, creating new jobs and other opportunities for residents. There's also new upscale shopping (like Elm West) and hotels opening in Vacaville. Don's even got an update about Trader Joe's! Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

With Visit Vacaville's staff taking a short break for the holidays, Melyssa wanted to wish you all Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year on behalf of everyone at Visit Vacaville!

Alli Harris is the go-to person for cookies in Vacaville and Solano County. Alli's passion for baking started with her helping her grandmother bake when she was a little girl. Now she's a licensed home baker with a business in Downtown Vacaville called Because Carbs. That's not all! Alli recently beat out 10,000 applicants to participate in the Super Bowl of cookie baking and decorating: Food Network's Christmas Cookie Challenge! Alli chats with Melyssa about the popularity of Because Carbs, what it meant to compete in the Super Bowl of Baking, and the secret to a perfect sugar cookie.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Solano County residents and tourists have come to love Journey Coffee Co. With locations in Vacaville, Fairfield, One Lake, and Downtown Vacaville, Journey Coffee continues to grow. They recently opened two new venues, Journey Downtown and The Library. Journey Downtown is a performance venue where all people are welcome. The Library is a wine and whiskey bar located next door to Journey Downtown. Morne Van Staden, who owns Journey Coffee Co. with his wife Nicole, chats with Melyssa about how they started their business, their future plans for Journey Coffee, and why community is at the core of what they do.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

The Vacaville Ballet Company's mission is to not only delight audiences with amazing performances, but to teach ballet to both children and adults. Join Meghann Rust, Board President of the Vacaville Ballet Company, and Melyssa as they chat about the many ways the dance company contributes to the culture of Vacaville.  Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Melyssa chats with Eric Dakin, Dakin & Dakin's Managing Broker, about new projects and retailers coming to the City of Vacaville. Vacaville is a destination point for shoppers coming from the Bay Area, Sacramento, and the rest of California. It's home to Restoration Hardware, Williams-Sonoma Home, West Elm, and Crate and Barrel. Joining that impressive list of stores is Serena & Lily. Find out what it takes to get new retailers to set up shop, the work Dakin & Dakin is doing to make that happen, and what is the purpose of that new tower.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Vacaville is home to the oldest standing structure built in Solano County, the historic Peña Adobe. Cricket Kanouff, President of the Peña Adobe Historical Society, joins Melyssa in this episode of Destination Vacaville. They chat about the history of Peña Adobe, fun the entire family can experience at the historical site, and upcoming events planned for the Fall.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Vacaville is one of the premiere agritourism destinations in California. So when you visit the area, make sure to stop by the family-owned Soul Food Farm. Melyssa sits down to chat with Alexis Koefoed, part of the wife & husband duo that founded Soul Food Farm 20 years ago.Alexis shares the farm's history, the relaxing environment for visitors to sit and relax (while enjoying a cup of coffee), and why it is important for Soul Food Farm to sell other farmers' produce from the farm's store.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Vacaville is getting a new park and playground that will be for everyone! Play 4 All Park will be all-inclusive for children and adults of all abilities. It's the first of its kind in Northern California. Our host Melyssa chats with Tom Phillippi, of Phillippi Engineering, about how the park is intentionally designed for anyone of any ability to use, what it took to get it built, and how the community can help with the final push to complete the park. Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Destination Vacaville is back with a new season of the podcast! We kick off the second season with Comedian Ben Rice. Ben is the host of Beer 40 Community Tap House's Comedy Night, which is every 3rd Thursday of the month. Ben chats with Melyssa about curating the show, how he got into comedy, and what to expect when you attend Vacaville's premier comedy night. Ben also hosts his own podcast, Barley and Me, where chats with beer makers and creatives. Be sure to check it out if you love beer and the beer community.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Destination Vacaville returns with a new season in August! Executive Director and Host Melyssa Reeves gives a quick update for the upcoming season of the podcast. Thanks for listening and we look forward to bringing you a new season of the podcast next month.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Vacaville is proudly celebrating Pride Month! In celebration of Vacaville's LGBQTIA+ community, DJ Pocket stopped by to chat with Melyssa about community, how to support LGBQTIA+ folks, and information about Pride Ball 2022. It takes place Saturday, June 25 at the Hide-a-Way Lounge & Grill in Vacaville. It's free to attend for anyone 21 and over! Some of California's best Drag Entertainers will be performing at this special event!Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Fire Chief Kris Concepcion sits down with Melyssa to enlighten both residents of Vacaville and tourists visiting the city about ways to stay safe during fire season. Chief Concepcion lets us know how to reduce fire risks for residential homes, what to do in the event of a fire emergency, and how to stay informed via the Nixle app system. The Nixle system works for both residents and tourists of Vacaville. The Chief also shares where to safely enjoy the 4th of July holiday in Vacaville with friends, family, and neighbors. Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Fiesta Days is one of Vacaville's oldest celebrations. Its roots go back to the late 19th Century! Karen Juilfs, the General Chairperson for Fiesta Days, joins Melyssa to share what is happening at this year's event. This year the festival runs from Friday, May 27 to Monday, May 30. There will be live music, lots of delicious foods, beverages, a car show, and plenty of fun for families, kids, and adults. Sunday also sees the celebration of Hispanic Day! Visit VacavilleFeistaDays.org for more information.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Visit Vacaville is happy to announce the return of the beloved Creewalk! Join our host Melyssa as she chats with Kristin Milliken, Recreation Coordinator at City of Vacaville. Kristin updates listeners with summer events at Creekwalk, including concerts dates, entry fees (only $3!, free for kids 12 and under), and fun, cultural events the City of Vacaville has planned for Fall 2022. Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Visit Vacaville Chairman Dave McCallum is the guest on this episode Destination Vacaville! Chairman McCallum has called Vacaville home since moving there as a child.  In addition to being the Chairman of Visit Vacaville, he works at KUIC Radio 95.3 (both on and off the air). First, Melyssa and Dave chat about tourism in Vacaville. Next, they let us in on the many ways the tourism industry supports local economies. Then they share how tourism is rebounding from the pandemic. Finally, they talk about the return of Visit Vacaville's Annual Tourism Breakfast on May 04, 2022, the kickoff celebration for National Travel & Tourism week!Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Chief Schmutzler is a 22-year veteran of the Vacaville Police Department and a Northern California native. Chief Schmutzler became Chief of Police in late 2021. Chief Schmutzler and host Melyssa chat about the steps Vacaville Police Department takes to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists, the police department's success with keeping crime stats down, and how the police department is working with community groups to help unhoused citizens. Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Paul Mirich, the General Manager of The Rowland Freedom Center, is this week's guest on Destination Vacaville. The Rowland Freedom Center is a museum honoring America's history (and future) in aviation. Join Melyssa and Paul as they discuss the museum's history, Paul's journey to become the General Manager of the museum, and exciting displays for guests to see.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Chris Rico, the new President and CEO of Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC), sits down with Melyssa for this week's episode of the podcast. Solano EDC helps strengthen Solano County's economy by attracting new jobs, investments, and helping established businesses (and new businesses) stay competitive. Chris chats about his goals for his new role, his insights into helping supports EDC's goals (which also supports Solano County's communities), and what he likes to do in Vacaville and Solano County in his free time. Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

This week Destination Vacaville highlights Ben Lyons, otherwise known as Farmer Ben. Farmer Ben founded his farm, Lockewood Acres, after finding inspiration in a 1954 publication that championed self-sustenance. Lockewood Farms supplies many of the fresh farm-to-fork fruits and vegetables served in many of Vacaville's fine dining establishments. In addition to the fruits and vegetables grown on the farm, Lockewood Farms is home to goats, sheep, pigs, and Stevie, the famous Lockewood Farms' dog.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Hello! Destination Vacaville returns with none other than the City of Vacaville's very own Mayor Ron Rowlett. Mayor Ron Rowlett and Melyssa Reeves chat about Vacaville surviving the Great Recession and growing during the pandemic. Next, Mayor Rowlett shares why Vacaville is quickly becoming the center of bio-manufacturing in California. The industry is spurring a growth in tourism, income, and housing for the residents of Vacaville.  Melyssa and Mayor Rowlett also discuss the ways Downtown Vacaville will change. Finally, they chat about Play4All Park, Vacaville's "free, safe and accessible place for families to go for fun, sports, picnics, entertainment and relaxation."Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Melyssa Reeves chats with Lisa Hilas, President of On Stage Vacaville, in this episode the podcast. On Stage Vacaville helps promote the arts and culturally diverse programming for Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre (Melyssa spoke with Theatre Manager Rachel Morgan in Episode 8).  Melyssa and Lisa dive into all that On Stage Vacaville does to help support community arts for Vacaville and how the community can help support On Stage Vacaville. They also chat about Lisa's other project that is very close to her heart, Saving Gracie, which is an angel fund for pets and their owners.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Our host Melyssa Reeves chats with Mark Mazzaferro, Founder of NV Confections. They chat about Mark's leap from working for the City of Vacaville to becoming the maker of a much-in-demand brittle candy. Additionally, they delve in how Mark came up with the name NV Confections (contrary to rumors, it has nothing to do with Napa Valley). NV Confections is available for purchase online, at farmers markets in Vacaville and surrounding areas, and at the offices of Visit Vacaville.  Get your NV Confections before they sell out for the holidays!Destination Vacaville? Let's go!

Colleen Berumen is the guest for this episode Destination Vacaville. Berumen is the Executive Director of Vacaville Solano Services Corporation, which oversees the Opportunity House. Opportunity House is a drug-free shelter providing safe and secure housing along with life-skills training.  Our host Melyssa Reeves sits down with Colleen to learn more about Opportunity House and upcoming fundraising events that benefit Opportunity House, like the Festival of Trees Gala, Cookies for a Cause, and the Opportunity House Thrift Stores in Vacaville and Fairfield.Destination Vacaville? Let's go!