Fresno/Clovis - Centre City Properties

Fresno/Clovis Destination Planning Guide

www.PlayFresno.org

When will you play?

Welcome At the base of three glorious national parks sits a travel destination waiting to be experienced. Fresno County and the surrounding greater metropolitan area is in the center of California and serves as the agriculture capital of the world. The beauty of the region’s natural landscape is worthy of a visit that will inspire an entire family. The land and, in fact, the entire area is preserved, thanks to some of the most innovative stewards in the world, and there is much to be learned in the San Joaquin Valley on our farms, in our factories, and from our local businesses. As one of the country’s leaders in green living, expect the Fresno area to hold its beauty for the long haul. Fresno and all of Central California is a unique place to visit and has a climate that provides opportunities for yearround entertainment. As the fifth largest city in the state,

Fresno is home to an international airport and world-class amenities from hotels, restaurants, spas, and other attractions that will cater to your traveling whim any time of year. Journey throughout the Valley, though, and meet a proud people from quaint small towns that reflect the rich cultural diversity for which the region is famous. In short, it won’t take long before any visitor becomes a part of the authentic spirit that exists in Fresno and understands why the county is known as California’s year-round playground. As president and chief executive officer of the Fresno City and County Convention and Visitors Bureau, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome visitors from around the world to our proud city and region. My team and I have the opportunity to ensure that your visit to our part of the world is full, safe, and memorable, any time of the year. We can provide you with accommodations and excursions that are good for a family, group, romantic getaway, or any travel reason imaginable. Whether you are an international visitor, a U.S.based traveler, or a lifelong resident looking for a weekend retreat, use our Visitor Planning Guide as a map to guide you through our year-round playground. In fact, come with me and let me be your guide on this seasonal tour of Fresno County and beyond.  – Jeff Eben, President and CEO, Fresno City and County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Forestiere Underground Gardens

When will you play? 04

DISCOVER

48

WINTER

16

PLAY

52

MAPS

20

SPRING

54

SURROUNDING TOWNS

24

PERUSE

56

YEAR-ROUND

26

SAVOR

58

FRESNO FACTS

29

SUMMER

59

CVB SERVICES

33

REST

60

CLASSIFIED

42

FALL

61

MEMBERS LIST

46

MOVE

68

INDEX

Discover When coming to the Fresno region along the foothills lining our fruitful Valley, roam freely and discover a land of rich history and worldclass attractions that will make your stay in California’s year-round playground one that will never be forgotten. Known as the world’s fruit basket, the Greater Fresno Metropolitan Area can entice any palate, whether it be learning about the region’s rich agriculture, visiting one of the 15 authentic American cities, or going on a journey through the miles of vineyards under the moonlit sky, you can satisfy the taste of anyone in your party. If you are not looking for the small town ease that our rural communities provide, then step into the heart of the region, the big city. With an abundant nightlife in our many unique neighborhoods and the opportunity to explore our diverse cultural heritage at one of our many art galleries or cultural festivals, Fresno has all of the big-city amenities that travelers are seeking to make their trip action-packed. Lose yourself in the endless oHOGV DQG WKH WRZHULQJ KLVWRULF EXLOGLQJV you discover Fresno, California’s year-round playground.

Agritourism Circle K Ranch Experience a tree fruit packing house, table grapes and raisin vineyards. Taste fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts and jumbo chocolate raisins. Ship beautiful baskets from the Circle K Ranch Country Store. Store Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.–6 p.m. 8640 E. Manning Ave., Selma, 559-834-1571. www.circlekranch. com.

Fresno State Farm Market & Winery All of the premium products sold through the Farm Market are produced on campus by students and faculty. The market features the largest selection of awardwinning Fresno State wines, ice cream, milk, cheese, seasonal fruits and vegetables, top-quality meat, raisins, nuts, plants and much more.

Take home a Taste of the Valley s JUMBO RAISINS s ALMONDS s PISTACHIOS

s DRIED FRUITS s CHOCOLATE–YOGURT ITEMS

Custom Gift Baskets U Packed Fresh Daily 559 834-1571 FAX 559 834-2258 View our online catalog at

www.circlekranch.com Visit our charming Country Store at: 8640 E. Manning Avenue, Selma, California 93662

4 | CALIFORNIA’S YEAR-ROUND PLAYGROUND v 2010

Located at Chestnut & Barstow. Farm Market, 559-278-4511, Winery, 559-278-4867, www. fresnostatefarmmarket.com. www. fresnostatewinery.com. Pizza Farm at Historic Cobb Ranch Historic Cobb Ranch is the place for family fun all year long. Visit the only farm in the San Joaquin Valley that actually grows pizza at the Pizza Farm in the spring and summer. Fall offers you a chance WRkJHWORVWyLQRXU&RUQoHOG Maze and pumpkins abound in our pumpkin patch. Kick off the winter holidays with a fresh Christmas tree or holiday wreath starting the day after Thanksgiving. We also offer birthday parties, family reunions and company picnics year-round. 8805 N. Hwy. 41 across from Children’s Hospital, 559-439-0606, www.cobbranch.com.

Simonian Farms This family farm grows more than 158 varieties of fruits and vegetables. The farm is a satellite visitor information center for the Fresno City and County Convention and Visitors Bureau. One of the largest antique farm equipment and memorabilia displays in the Valley is housed here. You can DOVRoQGXVDWWKH&ORYLV)DUPHU V Market. Open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2629 S. Clovis Ave., Fresno, 559-237-2294, www.simonianfarms. com. Sun Empire Foods Watch the fascinating process of candy making here. There is no admission fee and a gift shop is on- site. 1220 S. Madera Ave., Kerman, 559846-8208 or 800-252-4786, www. sunempirefoods.com. Sun-Maid Raisins Visit the Sun-Maid store at the world’s largest raisin plant. Enjoy a wide array of raisins and other dried fruit products and a full selection of gifts. The plant is also home to the world’s largest raisin box, providing a perfect photo opportunity. 13525 S. Bethel, Kingsburg, take Mountain View exit from Hwy. 99, one mile east, 559-896-8000, www.sunmaid.com.

DISCOVER

Sierra Nut House Let Sierra Nut House show you the wealth of agriculture products California has to offer. :HVSHFLDOL]HLQWKHoQHVWTXDOLW\ nuts, dried fruits, candies, coffees, wines and many gourmet items. We welcome groups and offer demonstrations and lectures on various topics of interest. To inquire about group tours, please contact us at 800-397-NUTS. Whether you are seeking to attend a demonstration, or would just like WKHRSSRUWXQLW\WRVKRSDQGoQG delicious gifts to take back home, in the San Joaquin Valley you are always welcome at the Sierra Nut House. Two locations in Fresno: Sierra & Chestnut Store at 3034 E. Sierra Ave., Fresno, 559-299-3052, and Villaggio Center Store at 7901 N. Blackstone, Fresno, 559-432-4023, www.sierranuthouse.com.

Kings River

Tours and Trails Fresno County Blossom Trail A 62-mile self-guided motor tour featuring blossoming stone fruit orchards, citrus groves, vineyards and historical points of interest. Peak season is late February through mid-March. For more information, visit www. gofresnocounty.com. Fresno County Fruit Trail This self-guided tour through California’s agricultural heartland FHOHEUDWHVWKHEHDXW\pDYRU and culture of this region. Enjoy orchards full of ripe fruit and visit local fruit stands, farmers markets DQGUHODWHGDWWUDFWLRQVWRoQG the freshest of fruit and other delectable produce. Fruit Trail season is May through September each year. 888-549-4900. Kings River Country Tour The Kings River Country tour provides historical and educational stops against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada foothills just below Sequoia/Kings Canyon national parks. Sites that may be included in this tour are the Sierra Endangered Cat Haven, Squaw Valley Herb Garden, Sequoia View Vineyards, historic Reedley Opera House, Mennonite Quilting Center and specialty shopping in Reedley and Clovis. Individual and group accommodations can be provided at Wonder Valley Ranch Resort. 800-821-2801, www.wondervalley. com. Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway The 70-mile-long Scenic Byway proceeds along Highway 168 from Old Town Clovis and continues up Forest Route 80 to

Kaiser Meadows. View foothills, ZLOGpRZHUVJUD]LQJFDWWOHZRRG cutting and logging. Visitors may stop along the route at the many shopping areas, historical sites and FDPSVLWHVDVZHOODVHQMR\oVKLQJ horseback riding, backpacking, hunting and off-highway vehicle driving. 559-299-7363, www. clovischamber.com. Squaw Valley Herb Gardens Refresh your senses. Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty and aromas. Discover creative landscapes of herbs and a hillside of lavender at the private home and gardens of artists Rosemary Nightingale and Tim Friesen. Established in 1984. Rustic, outdoor living as seen on PBS’ ‘California Heartland” and “Gardening by the Yard.” Gift shop & seasonal nursery. 559332-2909, 800-579-8043, www. squawvalleyherbgardens.com * Tours offered by Squaw Valley Herb Gardens * Saturday Tour An herb garden favorite. Learn fascinating plant history and folklore on a guided garden walk. Seated, enjoy garden theater with demonstrations of recipes and remedies. Then savor a light herbal lunch. March through September $20 per person. * Everything Lavender Tour Celebrate a legend. Learn how to grow, harvest and use lavender in culinary, medicinal and household recipes and remedies. Make two gifts to take home. Enjoy a light lavender-inspired breakfast offered Saturdays, June, July & August $20 per person. v&$/,)251,$ 6