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.

This celebration of locally grown olives will introduce guests to the olive oil and olive products produced from Lake County olives. Hosted by Rosa D'Oro Vineyards and Chacewater Wine Company & Olive Mill, which is located on a 10-acre olive orchard (formerly the St. Gregory Olive Farm) with 3,000 olive trees. This family-friendly event also features an olive pit spitting contest, as well as olive oil tasting workshops by a certified olive oil taster, food demonstrations, and wine tasting. Benefit for the programs of Lake Family Resource Center. Admission is free, $10 for wine tasting.