THEY'RE TRADING pear trees for grapevines in Big Valley, as downtown Kelseyville adds tasting rooms, art galleries and quaint eating establishments along its Main Street.

     Encircling Mount Konocti, the area that is Greater Kelseyville, runs along the shores of Clear Lake from Clear Lake State Park through Soda Bay, Riviera Heights, Buckingham, Riviera West, Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa, Konocti Bay, and Clear Lake Riviera. The sprawling area also includes Highland Springs Reservoir and Recreation Area, Taylor Planetarium and Observatory, and, of course, "historic downtown Kelseyville." To this vast area of natural and man-made wonders with its rich, red volcanic soil, are flocking vintners, developers, entrepreneurs, tourists and second-home owners in ever-growing numbers. They come for the big-name-recording-artist concerts, the casino-style gaming, the golf, the shopping and dining, the fishing and boating, the stargazing, the bird watching, the cycling, and, yes, the laid-back, let-your-hair-down-and-relax lifestyle.

     Lakeside Park, an excellent facility for family outings, is located on Park Drive (off Soda Bay Road). You'll find boat launching and docks, athletic fields, picnic grounds, a children's playground, and public restrooms. And there's a great area set aside for swimming, too.

CLEAR LAKE STATE PARK

     A popular stopover for tent campers and RV travelers alike, Clear Lake State Park offers 149 campsites in four developed campgrounds, with reservations available through the state park system (call 800 444-7275). The park's unique docking facilities make this a popular spot among boating and fishing enthusiasts. A visitor center showcases the area's natural and cultural heritage, offering  vignettes and dioramas illustrating lakeside, woodland, cave and pre-contact Pomo village scenes (279-4293). The park welcomes more than 120,000 visitors each year. Hiking, fishing, swimming, boating and cycling are among the available recreational pursuits. The park offers a good variety of hiking trails, several with panoramic lake and valley views, as well as a swim beach with accessible picnic tables. Day use visitors are welcome anytime. However, for overnight camping, reservations are a must.

SODA BAY

     Home to a number of family-oriented lakeside tourist parks, a small store, and some quality restaurants, the community of Soda Bay offers excellent access to Clear Lake and some outstanding views of both the lake and Mount Konocti. Close proximity to Clear Lake State Park, Buckingham Golf and Country Club, Konocti Vista Casino, and Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa makes this a popular vacation spot.

KONOCTI HARBOR RESORT & SPA — Whether you're looking for exciting big-name entertainment, water sports, fitness and exercise, family fun, or just plain rest and relaxation, Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa fills the bill. The biggest names in entertainment appear regularly in the indoor Joe Mazzola Classic Concert Showroom and in the outdoor Konocti Field Amphitheater. And there's always lots more for everyone. 800 660-5253

HIGHLAND SPRINGS — Here's an out-of-the-way warm water fishing hole where you and the family can get away from it all. Great spot for swimming, boating or a picnic. And, there's a disc golf course, public restrooms, a basketball court and horseshoe pits. From Highway 29, turn west on Highland Springs Road and continue to the reservoir.

TAYLOR PLANETARIUM — The public is invited to view the heavens on a pre-arranged basis at Taylor Planetarium and Observatory 5725 Oak Hill Road, off Konocti Road. Call 279-8372.

INDIAN GAMING — Konocti Vista Casino, Resort, Marina & RV Park on Mission Rancheria Drive off Soda Bay Road offers Nevada-style table games and slot machine action 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 262-1900 (page 55). In addition to the casino, Konocti Vista offers a 74-space RV park and an 80-room motel. They also boast a modern marina on Clear Lake, making this Lake County's only gaming casino with waterfront facilities.

TASTING ROOMS

     Located in downtown Kelseyville, Wildhurst Wines tasting room offers an excellent assortment of local art, wine related serving and decorating items, tasteful souvenirs, and much more - designed to please the most discriminating. 279-4302.

     A little further along and across the street is Focused on Wine, a new tasting room offering imported, domestic and local wines, plus cheeses and fine wines. "Try our wine flights," says owner/sommelier Stephanie Cruz-Green. 279-2112

     Alongside Hwy 29 between Kelseyville and Lakeport you'll find Steele Wines, offering wine tasting and gifts. The winery sponsors a Farmers market each Saturday from Memorial Day through Halloween. And, Lake County's major autumn celebration, Harvest Festival, has its home on Steele Wine's grounds each October in celebration of the County's growing wine industry. 279-9475

     Speaking of festivals, Kelseyville's Pear Festival may be Lake County's most popular annual event. Set for Saturday Sept 27 this year, it will be a good time. 279-9022

WHERE TO SHOP

     Here for the Holidays in Clear Lake Riviera Shopping Center has a remarkable collection of home decorations and gifts for every holiday occasion (and in between, too). 277-0967

WHERE TO STAY

     The Kelseyville Motel in historic downtown Kelseyville offers excellent room accommodations and a location near shops and restaurants. Easy access to Hwy 29. 800 KVMOTEL

     Edgewater Resort offers tent and RV sites and cabins, too. All the on-site waterfront facilities you expect, plus a clubhouse and pool. Near wineries, golf, a casino, restaurants and shops. Pets and groups are welcome. For reservations, call 800 396-6224

     Ferndale Resort & Marina in Soda Bay has rooms (with and without kitchens) and, for your convenience there's a store and a restaurant. Of course, they also offer a complete assortment of waterfront facilities for your enjoyment. 279-486

     Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive resort offering modern room accommodations and all the entertainment, relaxation and activity you could possibly want. 279-4281

     You might also consider a vacation rental. For information about homes throughout Lake County, call Lake Vacation Rentals, 866 587-LAKE

WHERE TO EAT

     The newest entry in the Soda Bay area dining scene is Zino's Ristorante & Inn, featuring Italian and French cuisine. You may know Zino from his years in Sonoma where his offerings were among the best. 279-1620

     Another new dining experience may be had at Watercolor Restaurant at Ferndale Resort in Soda Bay. Wonderful delicacies (including sushi on Sunday nights)! The food here is absolutely to die for. 279-8254

     Not exactly new, but not the same either, is Riviera Hills Restaurant & Lounge in Clear Lake Riviera where you'll enjoy one of the world's great views. The owner is new, and so is the menu. Give it a try. 277-7575

     At Saw Shop Gallery Bistro on Main Street in downtown Kelseyville, you'll find a varied menu featuring distinctive wine country cuisine. For reservations, call 279-0129

     Let your hair down, put on your jeans and enjoy a meal on the deck overlooking Clear Lake at Richmond Park, off Soda Bay Road between Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa and Clear Lake Riviera shopping center. They're open all year long, and Friday nights during the summer you can cook your own steak on the deck! There's always great food for lunch and dinner, and on the weekends you can come for breakfast, too! 277-7535

     The Classic Rock Cafe off the lobby of the main building at Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. For reservations, 279-4281

     Pogo's Pizza in the Clear Lake Riviera is a great place for a quick solution to that urge for comfort food. Besides the pizza there are sandwiches, salads, and "go withs." 277-7777