Redding has a population of 93,448 and is the county seat of Shasta County, California, USA, located on the Sacramento River and on Interstate 5 south of Shasta Lake. It is the state's largest city north of Sacramento, as well as the northernmost designated metropolitan area and city with over 100,000 people in California. It is the fourth largest city in the Sacramento Valley and the northernmost in the Great Central Valley. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 80,865. As of the most recent annexations, the population is approximately 107,741.

Time flies when you're having fun; and, especially when you actually have the time to have fun. That's how the old adage would read if it was meant to reflect the uncanny ability the summer months posses to speed by.

As vacationers, we can make headway over this summer time warp by understanding the importance of taking advantage of any opportunity branded with a "summer only" time frame.

Local opportunities abound. For instance, Turtle Bay Exploration Park has two exhibits running only until September, each with educational and experiential value.

The Bodies Revealed exhibition, on show at Turtle Bay until September 14^th, showcases real human bodies which have been dissected and preserved, allowing visitors to see the intricacies and mechanics of the human body. Visitors claim that seeing the exhibition has changed the way they think about their own bodies and their personal habits.

On the lighter side-literally-the Wings of Summer: Birds! and Butterflies! exhibits are at Turtle Bay until September 28^th. Admire exotic birds in the walk through aviary; visitors are even allowed to feed the birds by hand. The Butterflies! walk-through garden exhibit offers up-close sightings of numerous species of butterflies; visitors may even experience a butterfly landing on their clothing.

Other near by attractions geared towards sunny summer weather include segway and bike tours of the Sacramento River Trails and Sundial Bridge offered by Shasta Glide ‘n Ride at Turtle Bay, WaterWorksPark, the tropical themed water amusement park, and the swimming pools and 168 ft. waterslide at Redding Aquatic Center.

With all these summer-time opportunities at hand, be sure to take advantage of this last month and a half before the September Schoolmarm turns the season in Northern California.

Just over 100 years ago, humanity was given a gift: a new perspective. By gaining knowledge enough to build our own wings-our beloved flying machines-we gained access to the world previously available only to birds and clouds. With these new modes of transportation, the possibilities of exploration expanded over the horizon for all of humanity.

Redding Air Service continues to expand the possibilities for photographers, film makers, pilots, and travelers. The Aerial Limousine Services accommodate groups of all sizes and are able to customize flights to traveler's needs. Imagine opting out of a long car trip and instead enjoying a scenic view of Northern California as you quickly reach your destination. It beats the sights and smells you'd find at the gas station any day! They are also involved in aiding the USDA Forest Service combat some of the largest fires all over the state as well as providing advanced training for professional pilots.

Redding Air Service is really a catch all company when it comes to finding options for helicopter services. Whether you are looking for service for a professional project or for a new perspective on familiar horizons, the staff at Redding Air Service has the technical skill and know how to help you reach higher heights.

Shasta Glide 'n Ride has something unique that no one in the Shasta Cascade has thought to do, guided segway personal transporter tours. You don't have to be rich to be able to experience a ride on a segway. Your tour will include a 15-20 minute training session to make sure you know the ins and outs of your personal segway. Tours include a Sundial Bridge glide, an arboretum glide, a river glide, or a garden glide. They also have bike rentals if you've come all this way and forgot your bike. So the only question is, will you choose to glide, or ride? Come experience the fun today at Shasta Glide 'n Ride! For more information call: 530-242-1150

Redding's only water-adventure park is truly the place to be this summer. For one price you are allowed unlimited use to all the rides in the entire park! Their rides include the Avalanche, Raging River Tube Ride, Corkscrew Flash Flood Slide, Bucking Bronco Slide, Whipper Snapper Flash Flood Slide, and the newly installed Cyclone Ride. There is so much to do at Water Works. If you get worn out from riding all their adventurous rides, you can take a nap in the sun and get a tan while lounging in one of the incredibly comfy chairs they have disbursed throughout the park. If you get hungry, not to worry, they have a full snack bar packed with delicious food, ranging from hamburgers and fries to delectable desserts. The park is open from 10 am to 6 pm, get there early because WaterWorks Park is rather popular with the locals, we'll see you there! For more information call: 530-246-9550

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be in space? Well now you can actually see what the astronauts see at the Schreder Planetarium! You can see the many wonders of space through the eyes of the Hubble Telescope and travel back billions of years in time to witness the birth of the universe. Explore new horizons from breathtaking landscapes to violent volcanic eruptions to the sheer beauty of Saturn's rings, take a majestic journey through the universe and experience the power of the Sun. For an educational and exciting adventure, make sure to stop by the Schreder Planetarium! For more information call: 530-225-0200

For the ultimate rush you should visit Need 2 Speed Indoor Kart Racing! These "karts" are battery powered for a quiet ride, have high torque for rapid acceleration, and can reach speeds of over 45 miles per hour! The need to speed facility is complete with 57,000 climate controlled square feet, over a half mile of European Style Road, and three different track styles. Need 2 Speed is open seven days a week so make sure you stop and experience this unique yet adventurous activity! For more information call: 530-246-RACE

Redding Best Western

With the slogan, "Enjoy the Luxury, Taste the Passion," who could resist an evening spent at the Best Western of Redding?! Offering their guests amenities such as newly renovated guest rooms, cable TV, a heated pool and spa, complimentary high-speed internet, in-room coffee, hairdryer, ironing board, and it is home to one of the most lavish restaurants in all of Redding, CR Gibbs. On top of all the great services they have to offer, you can stop in at the California Welcome Center in Anderson to pick up a coupon for $10.00 off your stay and a free FULL breakfast! Children under sixteen get to stay for free! You just can not say no to such a luxurious and low-priced offer! Come experience the comfort today! For more information call: 530-221-6100

Holiday Inn

At the Holiday Inn, every day is a holiday! The staff will treat you as if you are royalty, now serving 126 rooms on two floors, features include a fax and copy service, room service, a swimming pool, spa and exercise room, valet service, and guest laundry facility. The Holiday Inn also offers three large convention rooms that open into over 8,000 square feet of contiguous space with complete state of the art AV equiptment including digital video cameras. The convention center can even seat up to 1,200 people! The Holiday Inn's full-service, in-house caterer will be glad to create catering magic for your event. For all your hotel and convention facility needs, call: 530-221-7500