Back in 1947, a hell-raising group of bikers descended on Hollister city, California, USA, 90 miles south of San Francisco, for a 3-day rally over the Fourth of July holiday. The notorious events of that weekend are said to have inspired the 1953 Hollywood cult classic, biker film, starring Marlon Brando.
Hollister became known as the "Birthplace of the American Biker" and each year since then, played host to an annual Fourth of July rally where bikers were reckoned to spend an incredible eight million dollars, but times have changed. I came across this
letter by Charlie Scott, a Hollister local, about the imminent demise of the famous motorcycle rally.
He relates how in recent years, there has been almost a doubling of policing and related costs, together with a perception that certain people in authority have a dislike of bikers and just don't want a rally in their community.
Charlie goes on to write,"People from all over the world recognize the name of Hollister, California, due to the rally and come from all parts to enjoy and participate. There have been fewer and fewer coming in the last 3 years and hardly any staying the 2 or 3 days."
His letter has prompted some thoughtful comments and background on the rally, which might provide some useful information for anyone thinking of attending this iconic event.
Labels: 1947, 2008, biker, California, Hollister, motorcycles, rally, U.S.A.
It seems that California and New York remain the destination of choice for U.S. tourists seeking food and wine related travel themes.
Culinary activities participated in while traveling include cooking classes, dining out for a unique and memorable experience, visiting farmers markets, gourmet food shopping and attending food festivals. Wine activities included participating in winery tours, driving a wine trail, tasting locally made wines and attending wine festivals. Within the past three years, 17% of American leisure travelers (27 million travelers), engaged in culinary or wine-related activities while traveling; based on a new report from the Travel Industry Association (TIA), in partnership with Gourmet and the International Culinary Tourism Association.
The top 3 destinations for food-related travel were California (14%), Florida (10%) and New York (7%). While Florida barely makes a showing in the poll for wine-related travel, the top 2 destinations are again California out in front with 31% followed by New York with 10%. However, I bet Florida would fair better in a comparison of wine consumption!
Labels: California, culinary, Florida, food, New York, tours, travel, USA, vacations, wine
