Introducing Bakersfield
At the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley lies Bakersfield, one of the valley’s biggest towns and key agricultural centers. The region has seen its share of prosperity thanks not only to crops but also to oil. The Kern River oil field, developed in 1899, stretches from Oildale, just north of town, to Taft, some 30 miles west, and remains one of the biggest oil producers in the nation.
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Though some parts of town are rather shabby, downtown is a surprisingly upbeat mix of restored buildings, county offices, restaurants and antique shops, such as the Five and Dime (cnr 19th St & K St) inside an original Woolworth’s building. The 1930 Fox Theater hosts regular performances and the still impressive Padre Hotel is currently undergoing restoration. Near the freeway, Buck Owens’ multi-million-dollar Crystal Palace is a raging success.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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From S.F. to Vegas via US 50 and 395. Doable in April?
by Tomi_Finland 11 September 2011
Hi, first post here. I've already spent some time reading this awesome discussion board. I'd like to have a confirmation on this trip…
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RE: Los Angeles to Yosemite by Bus
by nutraxfornerves 18 August 2011
You can get to Yosemite from LA by [_AMTRAK_|http://www.amtrak.com/]--AMTRAK bus to Bakersfield, train to Merced, local bus to Yosemite.…
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RE: Touring small town USA (& Canada)
by nutraxfornerves 10 August 2011
I'm not sure if 2 months is going to be enough for you. I can think of several north-south roads in California that will take you throug…
