Shasta Sunset Dinner Train
There's still something special about riding the rails. And when you can combine history, scenery and great food …well, no wonder dinner trains are so popular. Mike Sanford found one in the little lumber town of McCloud that occasionally throws in a little mayhem and mystery as well!

For more information about the Shasta Sunset Dinner Train visit: www.shastasunset.com

Sierra Nevada Brewery
It uses no outside advertising but has grown its business through word of mouth-Chico-based Sierra Nevada Ales. Reporter Allison Lund says this homegrown brewery has become so popular that the biggest challenge is just keeping up with demand.

For more information about the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, visit their website at www.sierra-nevada.com.

Sundial Bridge
Redding's Sundial Bridge has been hugely popular since the day it opened. Our Mike Sanford says take a stroll across this amazing structure spanning the Sacramento River and you'll quickly see why.

For more information on the Sundial Bridge visit: turtlebay.org/sundial/sundial.shtml

Turtle Bay Aquarium
Just when you thought you knew all there was to know about Northern California, we find this great new place in Redding, the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. We introduce you to Turtle Bay president and CEO Judy Lalouche who gave us the inside look at what the new center has to offer!
It's an environmental and cultural center on the banks of the Sacramento River. We'll show you how the museum brings visitors closer to nature by teaching the history of upstate California, through exciting interactive exhibits. Visitors can poke their heads through an aquarium cubbyhole and see a re-creation of the Sacramento River. Walking through a limestone cave formation complete with dripping water and chirping bats is another must. The park also offers a mix of outdoors and nature activities.

For more information on Turtle Bay Exploration Park visit: www.turtlebay.org

Chico's New Housing
Home ownership is a basic American dream. But affording a home is becoming increasingly difficult for many people…and as our region grows, valuable farmland and nature areas are threatened. Jerry Blair says the dream's been revived in the town of Chico, thanks to some smart city leaders, developers and residents who've modified their vision of the ideal home.

For more information on the houses in this story visit: http://www.newurbanbuilders.com/doemill/

Season eight of "Central Valley Chronicles" is underwritten in part by Classic Living.