Things to do in Fresno
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Forestiere Underground Gardens
If you see only one thing in Fresno, make it the Forestiere Underground Gardens, one block east of Hwy 99. The gardens are the singular result of Sicilian immigrant Baldasare Forestiere's creative obsession. Beginning in 1906, Forestiere - whose plans for citrus groves were foiled by the hardness of the soil - dug out some 70 acres beneath the hardpan soil, and, with a unique skylight system, created a beautiful subterranean space for commercial crops and his own living quarters.
The tunnel system includes bedrooms, a library, patios, grottos and a fish pond, and is now a historic landmark. This utterly fantastical accomplishment took Forestiere some 40 years to complete…
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Tower Theatre
Fresno's Tower District began as a shopping mecca during the 1920s, gaining its name after the Tower Theatre, a beautiful art deco movie house that opened in 1939. The theater is now used as a center for the performing arts. Surrounding it are bookstores, shops, high-end restaurants and coffeehouses that cater to Fresno's gay and alternative communities. This is the city's best neighborhood for browsing and kicking back with an iced latte.
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Fresno Metropolitan Museum
A favorite with children, the Fresno Metropolitan Museum has hands-on science exhibits, Native American crafts, a large collection of antique puzzles and a William Saroyan gallery. The museum's holdings also include a large collection of Ansel Adams photographs.
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Irene's Cafe
In the hip Tower District, Irene's is popular for its chicken-fried steaks (made with Angus beef), whopping 9oz burgers and veggie burgers. Its trendy atmosphere comes off as friendly rather than hip and the place does three meals a day.
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Echo
This lovely restaurant in the Tower District, serves dishes made with local, seasonal and often organic ingredients. The aqua-colored chairs, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, were salvaged from a funeral home in Delano.
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Club Fred
In addition to the glorious Tower Theatre, the Tower District has several favorite haunts. Among them are indie-rock hangout Club Fred, where live performances often begin during happy hour.
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Fresno Art Museum
The Fresno Art Museum, in Radio Park, has rotating exhibits of contemporary art - including work by local artists - that are among the most intriguing in the valley.
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Warnors Theatre
Downtown, Warnors Theatre is home to several more classic old theaters, including the stunning 1928 Warnors, which hosts concerts, musicals and other events.
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Grand Marie's Chicken Pie Shop
You can get tasty chicken potpies here, or you can order heaping breakfasts and other all-American fare. This Tower District haunt does three meals daily.
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Storyland
Adjacent to Roeding Park is Storyland, a kitschy children's fairy-tale world dating from 1962, and Playland, which has kiddie rides and games.
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Zapp's Park
Divey blues bar Zapp's Park; and Butterfield Brewing Company serve their own beer and have occasional live music.
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Chaffee Zoological Gardens
On Olive Ave just east of Hwy 99, large and shady Roeding Park is home to the small Chaffee Zoological Gardens.
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Butterfield Brewing Company
Butterfield Brewing Company serves its own beer and has occasional live music.
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