Liam Mayclem Spends A Day In Alameda
ALAMEDA (CBS 5) -- Alameda Naval Station on the East shore of San Francisco Bay once thrived.
But, it's been rather quiet since the Navy departed in 1997. However, some important history remains on the site.
The USS Hornet, an aircraft carrier that served in World War II, the Korean, and Vietnam Wars is now a museum.
The boat was decommissioned in 1970 and has been a floating museum at the base since 1998.
This mini city of steel has some NASA history as well. Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were brought aboard the ship in 1969 after walking on the moon.
They were quarantined on USS Hornet in a NASA airstream for three weeks.
Visitors can enjoy this NASA history, and much more on daily USS Hornet tours. Overnight tours and sleepovers are part of the education programs.
At Halloween these tours are particularly popular as curious ghost hunters come aboard to see if all the haunted tales are really true.
On July 21st meet astronaut Jose Hernandez as part of "Living Ship Day"
An injection of new city money has encouraged new business on the Island, and given visitors many more reasons to explore.
Some of America's most prized artisan spirits are created at St.George Spirits. Hanger 1 vodka and St.George Gin are just a few made at St. George.
You can drop in for a tasting experience, Wednesday to Sunday from 11am – 7pm. There are also distillery tours on Saturdays and Sundays.
If you love wine consider a tasting at Rock Wall Winery. They serve a taste of Northern California wine, Napa cabernets and Sonoma Zins and so much more.
The tasting room is open Wednesday to Sunday from Noon until 6pm.
One of the regions largest Auction houses, Michaan's Auctions also has a home in Alameda. Monthly appraisals and a hanger full of undiscovered gems from family estates are reason enough to make the trip.
If you just take the time to venture beyond the Naval station entry gates you will discover a world of treasures, not to mention breathtaking Bay views.
