Things to do in San Joaquin Valley
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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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Vintage Press
A cherished Visalia institution since 1966, Vintage Press is elegant, festive and upscale. Have a cocktail while you wait for excellent rack of lamb or filet mignon.
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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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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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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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Kaweah Oak Reserve
About 7 miles east of Visalia is Kaweah Oak Reserve, home to 324 acres of valley oak trees, which once stretched from the Sierra to (long-gone) Tulare Lake in the valley. Nice for a short hike, it's also a rare glimpse into the valley's past before the orchards and vineyards took over. From Hwy 198, turn north onto Road 182; the park is about a half-mile along on your left.
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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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Castle Air Museum
The is the Castle Air Museum is a big attraction in Atwater, about 6 miles northwest of Merced. Arranged across a huge field is a vast collection of restored military aircraft from WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Even if you're a conscientious objector you'll be impressed by the designs of some of these old streamlined beauties.
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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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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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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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Branding Iron
This old roadhouse has been spruced up a bit for the tour buses, but folks still love the place for its hearty steak platters and Western atmosphere. Presiding over the dining room is 'Old Blue,' a massive stuffed bull's head from a local dairy farm.
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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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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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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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Merced County Courthouse
Surrounded by a green, serene square, the 1875 Merced County Courthouse is Merced's architectural patriarch, the last still standing of eight county courthouses designed by Albert A Bennett.
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Mearle's Drive-In
The Taj Mahal of classic drive-ins, Mearle's neon sign is flat out lovely to behold at sunset. Cheeseburgers, fries, shakes and other grease-pit fare are what you'll get here.
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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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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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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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Tulare County Museum
South of downtown on Hwy 63 (Mooney Blvd), shaded Mooney Grove Park is home to the Tulare County Museum, which has pioneer and Native American memorabilia.
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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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