Things to do in Bakersfield
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Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
This venue, off Hwy 99 at the Rosedale Hwy exit, is a must-stop for country music fans. Looking like it belongs in Branson, Missouri, the flashy, Disney-esque joint is fun nonetheless. It regularly hosts touring country acts and Buck himself plays here every Friday and Saturday at 19:30 (around US$6, reserve in advance to assure seating). Memorabilia lines the hallways too. The overpriced food is OK but nothing special.
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Famoso Raceway
This being a town of good-ole boys, auto racing is really popular. The Famoso Raceway is a quarter-mile drag strip that hosts races most weekends and special vintage and custom events throughout the year. Bakersfield's raceways are in full swing from March to November, and weekend events, some with high-profile sponsors, draw people from all over the state. Smaller races get a local crowd and can be equally thrilling.
Ticket prices are generally between around US$9 and around US$12 (major events higher) and are usually available at the gate. The raceway is about 15 miles north of Bakersfield. As you head N on Hwy 99, take the Hwy 46 exit, turn right onto Famoso Rd and go…
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Bakersfield Speedway
This being a town of good-ole boys, auto racing is really popular. Bakersfield's raceways are in full swing from March to November, and weekend events, some with high-profile sponsors, draw people from all over the state. Smaller races get a local crowd and can be equally thrilling. Ticket prices are generally between around US$9 and around US$12 (major events higher) and are usually available at the gate. Bakersfield Speedway has a one-third-mile clay oval track and has been hosting races since 1946. Follow Chester Ave north through Oildale.
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Bakersfield Historic Preservation Commission
It's amazing how much history there is everywhere you turn. Old Town Kern, east of downtown around Baker and Sumner Sts, is a district that, while currently decaying, was once vibrant and bustling. The Bakersfield Historic Preservation Commission has put together walking tour brochures covering Old Town Kern as well as Bakersfield's historic downtown.
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Kern County Museum
The Kern County Museum, N of downtown, is a worthwhile stop for kids, history buffs and music fans. The pioneer village has over 50 restored and replicated buildings, including a hotel and a wooden oil derrick, spread over 16 shaded acres. An exhibit on the Bakersfield Sound highlights the local legends.
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Trout's
The legendary Trout's, in Oildale, is a scratchy but still bustling cowboy bar that has survived intact for half a century. Crowds pack the place and dance to the music of Bobby Durham and the great Red Simpson, both one-time Bakersfield Sound hit makers who play there each week.
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Bakersfield Museum of Art
Surrounded by a small park and lovely sculpture garden, the newly expanded Bakersfield Museum of Art has a strong, diverse schedule of permanent and rotating exhibits, highlighting regional artists but often tackling international issues and perspectives.
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Five and Dime
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 inside an original Woolworth's building.
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Ethel's Old Corral
On the outskirts of town, north of Hwy 178, Ethel's is a friendly joint that features live music Friday and Sunday nights. Country bands frequently take the stage.
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La Fonda
Cheaper still is La Fonda, across from Bakersfield High School, where tasty, fresh tacos are just around US$1 (get three or four, as they're small).
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Wool Growers
Bakersfield's oldest Basque restaurant is a simple eating hall loaded with character. A fried chicken dinner will leave you full for a week.
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Colima Mexican Restaurant
This restaurant serves fajitas, mole (a sweet, chocolaty chili sauce) dinners and other specialties in a lively downtown setting.
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24th Street Cafe
Trout and eggs is a local favorite at this popular café, though expect to wait for a table.
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