Wrap up summer with an unforgettable adventure in California's Sequoia Country, home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, the Giant Sequoia National Monument, and the welcoming communities of Tulare County.

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's California Sequoia Country Show. Host Lisa sat down with the Sequoia Tourism Council — Suzanne Bianco (Visit Visalia), Holly Streit (Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks), and Shannon Schroth (Exeter Chamber of Commerce)— to hear about family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, seasonal produce, and exciting community events that make late summer one of the best times to visit. Learn about the National Park Service's 110th anniversary celebration, Junior Ranger Day, the upcoming Dark Sky Festival, scenic shuttle services, Crystal Cave, Mineral King, farmers markets, golf, museums, and local dining experiences.

Whether you're planning one last summer getaway or looking ahead to a quieter fall escape, this episode shares travel tips, park highlights, and local experiences for visitors of all ages.

Watch the Podcast Episode Below or Download/Listen on Podbean.

Here are the top episode highlights, local recommendations, and practical travel tips from their conversation, organized by theme to help you plan your perfect trip.

August serves as American Adventures Month, and there is no grander backdrop for an outdoor getaway than the towering giants of California's Sequoia Country. This year marks a monumental milestone as the National Park Service celebrates its 110th birthday. To honor the legacy, National Park Week will run from August 22nd through August 30th, featuring a completely fee-free entrance day on August 25th. Families traveling with children can also look forward to Junior Ranger Day on August 30th, where kids can complete activity books to earn their official badges.

As the sun sets over the mountains, the adventure shifts to the night sky. The region’s pristine celestial views take center stage during the annual Dark Sky Festival, returning this September 11th–13th. Hosted by the Sequoia Parks Conservancy, the event brings in guest speakers and astronomy volunteers armed with super-powered telescopes for public star parties. Scheduled during a new moon for prime Milky Way viewing, dark sky programming will stretch across the giant forests, the Potwisha campground, and neighboring Lake Kaweah.

For those looking to anchor their trip in the valley, Visalia serves as a vibrant, family-friendly hub. In tandem with the stargazing festivities, the local planetarium will host a kid-friendly Solar System Adventure on Friday night, September 11th.

Visalia and the surrounding county boast incredible hands-on educational stops, including the ImagineU Children's Museum and the agricultural learning centers at the International Agri Center. If your family is craving high-energy activities, Boomers entertainment complex offers mini-golf (complete with a miniature sequoia tree hole), bumper boats, go-carts, and the seasonal Sequoia Springs water park.

For a truly unique alpine experience, travelers can head up to the pristine meadows of Mineral King during the second weekend in August. The Mineral King Preservation Society is hosting a special "Music in the Mountains" outdoor concert at the end of the old road—offering the perfect evening of live music, sandwiches, and local history under the stars.

Just a short drive from the park gates lies the gateway community of Exeter, a town rich with artistic charm and seasonal flavor. Visitors can stroll the streets to view the city's famous historic murals, with a brand-new artwork currently being sworn to secrecy and created at the local police station.

Foodies and park picnickers will love dropping by the Exeter Cheese Company for fresh sandwiches and salads, or pulling up a booth at the iconic Whistle Stop Cafe. Perfect for kids, the cafe features an overhead model train track that circles the ceiling with realistic whistles and sounds at the owner's command.

If you are visiting on a Wednesday evening, stop by Mixter Park for the Exeter Farmers Market, which runs weekly through November. Because Tulare County sits as the agricultural breadbasket of the world, summer visitors will get to experience peak harvest season filled with fresh peaches, plums, citrus, and famous local dairy treats.

August also marks National Golf Month, and Tulare County has plenty of options to practice your swing. Visalia features 27 holes of pristine golf out at Valley Oak Golf Course, right next to the Plaza Park racetrack and dog park. If the summer valley heat gets a bit too high, golfers can head to Mulligan's in downtown Visalia for an immersive indoor digital golf simulator experience. Other excellent regional greens include the Exeter Public Golf Course, River Island outside Porterville, and the Audubon-certified Ridge Creek course in Dinuba.