The mountains around Bear Valley will be alive for two weeks, July 25-Aug. 9, with the sound of jazz, pops, Broadway, world, classical, opera, and more. The annual Bear Valley Music Festival, celebrating its 41st summer, is the perfect excuse to head up scenic Highway 4 and enjoy evenings of listening to artistry of a first-rate orchestra and talented soloists after days of climbing, biking, or boating and fishing on tiny, picture-perfect Lake Alpine. You can take advantage of Bear Valley Lodge's summer lodging special at the same time If you come midweek.

The Lodge's Stay & Play package, available Sundays-Thursdays, non-holiday periods, through Oct. 31, starts at $55 per person per night based on double occupancy. It includes one night's lodging in Bear Valley Lodge, plus your choice per each night booked of two bike rentals, the use of two kayaks or one double kayak, or tennis court access for two. This package is available only through advance phone reservations at 209-753-2327.

The Bear Valley Music Festival opens with Super Diamond, the Neil Diamond cover band, Saturday, July 25, and closes Sunday afternoon, Aug. 9, with a Family Pops Concert. In between, attendees can listen to Van Cliburn competition finalist Di Wu play Beethoven's Piano Concerto #2, enjoy a "Night in Old Vienna," hear Broadway tunes, sip wine and listen to chamber music, hear ragtime piano while watching a silent film, attend an opera master class, and enjoy a morning children's concert with the kids. Single bleacher tickets start at $20, single orchestra seats are $20-$50. Children's tickets (ages 5-12) are $10 each when purchased with an adult ticket.

More information: Bear Valley Lodge; Bear Valley Music Festival.  Call 209-753-2327 to book a Bear Valley Lodge Stay & Play package.