From its storied coastline to its mountain peaks, California is peppered with gorgeous small towns . But one corner of the Golden State seems to be chronically overlooked by travelers: the Central Valley. I recently visited Modesto, California, one of the largest cities in the Central Valley in mid-March to take part in the " Almond Blossom Cruise . The area is home to the largest pollination event in the world, when billions of honeybees spend a month among the almond blossoms. The Almond Blossom Cruise involves driving among flowering almond orchards covered with white and pale pink blossoms—a breathtaking sight, I’m told. This year, however, the blossoms and the bees got a head start, so both were gone by the time I arrived. Note to self: Get there earlier next year. Nonetheless, the trip was still wonderful, and the “cruise” itinerary covers more than almond orchards.…