Hopland's Solar Living Institute packs a powerful--and fun--environmental message.

In a region known for its progressive views and focus on the environment, the Solar Living Institute is right at home in Hopland, California (about 90 miles north of San Francisco). The sprawling complex focuses on all things sustainable, and how we can incorporate them into our homes and lives. The institute includes the Solar Living Center, a large solar array, an organic farm, and a biodiesel fueling station. Tour the lovely Solar Living Center, and you’ll see and experience many different kinds of sustainable architecture and alternative energy generation technologies at work. Be forewarned, though: you may want to move in! Admission is free; donations are encouraged. Sign up in advance for one of the popular hands-on workshops, or time your visit in August to catch the annual SolFest celebration.

FNL is a summer-long, outdoor concert series in partnership with the Cloverdale Certified Farmers Market. Each Friday a different known band is featured; from funk, soul, afrobeat, blues to Latin music. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes to downtown Cloverdale as you will not be able to stay in your seat. During FNL local restaurants offer early bird and late night specials.