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DISCOVER THE WORLD’S MOST BIZARRE MANSION Eager for mystery? Come tour the beautiful but bizarre Winchester Mystery House, a 160-room, $5.5 million Victorian mansion that was owned, designed and built by Sarah Winchester, heir to the Winchester Rifle fortune. Some say the building oddities were devised to confuse the spirits of those killed by the Winchester rifle. It’s hard to explain the 10,000 windows, 2,000 doors, 47 fireplaces, 40 staircases, unused Grand Ballroom and endless spiritual symbols. Whatever the reason for its existence, the mansion is a mystery worth seeing. TRAVEL THE CALIFORNIA MISSIONS TRAIL Only in California can you drive the Historic Mission Trail and discover the 21 missions built by the Franciscans more than 200 years ago. The drive takes you from one historical and cultural landmark to another, roughly following El Camino Real (The Royal Road), which was named for the Spanish monarchy that financed the expedition to California. CREATE MUSIC ON LANCASTER’S MUSICAL ROAD If you’ve never heard the finale of Rossini's “William Tell Overture,” Lancaster's Musical Road will play it for you. Initially installed in 2008 as part of a noteworthy Honda Motor Company marketing campaign, the musical road now exists solely as a tourist-attraction, offering visitors the chance to “play” music as they drive along Avenue G. DISCOVER MOUNT DIABLO’S AMAZING VIEW If you love breathtaking views but can’t make the trip to Africa, California’s Mount Diablo is the next best thing. Geographers claim that hikers can see more of the Earth’s surface from the top of Mount Diablo than from any other peak in the world, with the exception of Africa’s legendary Mount Kilimanjaro. Come hike, Photo Credit Daniel di Palma of Forestiere’s vision. The gardens are a sight to behold, boasting multiple varieties of fruit-bearing plants throughout the three underground levels. bike or ride horseback through the mountain’s extensive trail system, while enjoying fascinating wildlife and distinctive rock formations. " After School Magazine Reader Claudia from Palm Desert sent us this fun family picture in front of the General Sherman tree in Sequoia National Park. Interesting fact: the General Sherman tree is the largest tree in the world by volume. TALK HE TO TORS EDIT!! ! TALK TO THE EDITORS Do you Read and Love After School Magazine? Help us to shape the magazine's future. Share story ideas, tips and fun parenting moments. Email editor@afterschoolmag.com www.afterschoolmag.com | AfterSchoolMagazine AFTER SCHOOL MAGAZINE | August 2015 43