From Wikitravel

Fresno is in the San Joaquin Valley of California. The city proper has a population, as of 2010, estimated at 505,479 and around 1 million live in the county.

[edit] Understand

Many visitors find themselves stopping in Fresno on the way to Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, or other destinations in the Sierra. The Save Mart Center at California State University, Fresno ("Fresno State") has also played host to concerts featuring high-profile acts.

Winter weather typically features highs around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, often with morning fog and sometimes frost. Rain falls almost always in winter and early spring. Summer temperatures average in the mid-90s. Days with high temperatures 100 degrees or above are not uncommon. Humidity is only around 20% in the afternoon, though, making for a more bearable dry heat.

Fresno's most famous son is the writer William Saroyan, after whom is named a local theatre. The city has a large Hmong community.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Fresno/Yosemite International Airport (IATA: FAT) [1] (the IATA code comes from its former name, "Fresno Air Terminal"), served by carriers: Allegiant, American Airlines/American Eagle, Continental, Delta Airlines/Skywest, Horizon, Mexicana, US Airways and United/United Express. Non-stop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and even service to Guadalajara, Mexico. Flights to Los Angeles or San Francisco may seem overpriced, but if you are continuing your journey, you might find that the Fresno leg of the trip won't dramatically increase the cost of your ticket.

[edit] By train

Amtrak's San Joaquin [2] route serves Fresno with six trains a day, running south to Bakersfield and north to either Sacramento or the Bay Area.

[edit] By car

Almost everybody gets to Fresno by car. The drive to Fresno takes about 3 hours from San Francisco, 3.5 hours from Los Angeles, and 5.5 hours from San Diego. Coming from the southern Peninsula or South Bay, most people take U.S. Highway 101 to Gilroy, State Highway 152 over Pacheco Pass and through Los Banos, then State Highway 99 south to Fresno. From the northern Peninsula, one might take highway 92 over the San Mateo Bridge, to 880 North, then 580 East to 205 East to 5 North to 120 East to 99 South. From Los Angeles, take Interstate 5 north and State Highway 99 north. Fresno is accessible from the southern Central Coast by State Highway 41, usually used with State Highway 46. Fresno is the largest city in the United States without an Interstate highway running through it, but 99 provides much of that function and is slated to be upgraded to Interstate status.

[edit] By bus

Greyhound has a terminal in downtown Fresno. Exercise caution in this area at night.

[edit] Get around

As is typical in California Central Valley cities, a car is pretty much a necessity to get around. There is a modest bus system, Fresno Area Express (FAX), but a car would be advised. Traffic congestion in Fresno is not as bad as larger places in California, but Shaw and Herndon avenues can get quite crowded, especially since there is no east-west freeway through the north side. CA-99 runs along the west side of the city, becoming semi-rural before exiting Fresno County on the northwest side of Fresno. CA-41 runs down the middle of the city. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s these were the only freeways in Fresno, but a surge in growth has spurred the development of the CA-180 and CA-168 freeways.

[edit][add listing] See

• Forestiere Underground Gardens, 5021 West Shaw Avenue, ☎ +1-559-271-0734 (ahforest@hotmail.com), [3]. Summer Schedule: Wednesday through Sunday. Off-Season: Weekends (Weather Permitting). Call for times and reservations (required). The Forestiere Underground Gardens are a complex of underground gardens and rooms built by Sicilian immigrant Baldasare Forestiere between 1906 and his death in 1946. Seniors (59+) $8, Adults $9, Teens (13-17) $7.00, Children (4-12) $6.00.  edit

• Nonini Winery, 2640 N. Dickenson, ☎ +1-559-275-1936, [4]. Wine tasting and tours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is requested that you call ahead to schedule a tour.  edit

• Fresno Grizzlies, [5]. Minor league baseball team affiliated with the San Francisco Giants. Chukchansi Park (formerly called Grizzlies Stadium) is located downtown, built in 2002 specifically for the team.  edit

• Island Water Park, ☎ +1-559-277-6800, [6]. Water slide park open between June and mid-September.  edit

• Blackbeards Family Fun Center, 4055 N. Chestnut, ☎ +1-559-292-6386, [7]. Has batting cages, bumper boats, paintball, miniature golf, sprint cars, water slides and arcade games.  edit

• Riverpark Shopping Center, Corner of Blackstone Ave. and Nees Ave.. The most popular shopping center and hangout in the city of Fresno. Contains Edwards Movie Theatres, the famous Dai-Bai-Dang Chinese restaurant, Lowes, Sam's Club, Barnes & Noble, Pier 1 Imports, Target, and many more stores.  edit
• Back Country Off Road Tours, 37604 Cardinal Ln. Squaw Valley, Ca. 93675, ☎ 559-470-8086. Back Country tours of Eastern Fresno County With Ken Gentry Are you up for some Back Country/Off Highway fun then we have the tour and the Guide for you. See the Park and surrounding Forest areas with a local who has been working and guiding folks into the Sierra Nevada’s for over 30 years. His knowledge of local history, Flora and Fauna are remarkable. His backcountry skills are legendary, matched only by his patience and willingness to teach anyone he meets all he has learned. Wind around the mountains in his classic “76” International Scout Traveler and get out of the Van for a day. Tours include {But are not limited to} Historical Logging operations: See where the Famous 54 mile flume meandered it’s way through the forest. Where the Mills, Camps, Towns and Railroad Lines that sprang up over night were located. Learn about the characters that it took to accomplish this task and what they were made of. Learn about John Sontag and Chris Evans “The last Great Train robbers” and see where they’re Hideouts were. World Famous Redwood Groves, see many of the worlds largest tree’s Both in and out of the Park, how they were irresponsibly harvested and the great efforts that have been enacted to protect them in all there splendor. See the Meadows, Trails, Waterfalls and Camping areas that only the locals know about. Are you an out of Towner who wants to just go fishing for the day, Ken’s always ready with plenty of gear for you and your family {and knows more than a few hot spots}. A little bored with Hotels and Busses and want to go camping for the night. Again he’s got plenty of camping gear and would love to take you and your family or friends out for a great night around the campfire swapping tales and can easily be talked into bringing his guitar along for a few old standards. All tours include the beautiful Vistas, Canyons, History and Stories that come from a lifetime of loving and living in this beautiful area of California. {Oh and Lunch} Tours can be tailored to areas of specific interest. Departure and Arrival times are flexible as well. In Ken’s words “I am yours for the Day”.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

• Rogue Festival, [8]. March. Modeled on the Canadian and North American Fringe Festivals, the Rogue showcases both local and national artists, with dance, music, comedy, film, art, and theatre at venues around the Tower District. Performers come from around the state, and even as far as as Vancouver and London.  edit

• Shakespeare in the Park, [9].  edit

• Tower District Mardi Gras Parade, [10]. Sunday, February 18, 2007  edit
• Reel Pride, [11]. The sixth oldest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in the country takes place every year in Fresno's Tower District.  edit

[edit] Learn

Fresno State University is noted for its agricultural programs, and many Fresno State students and faculty travel to developing nations on agricultural assistance programs.

Fresno also has three school districts: Fresno Unified, Clovis Unified, and Central Unified.

[edit][add listing] Buy

As long as you're right in the middle of California's agricultural heartland, try the local produce. Fresno State's Farm Market [12], at the corner of Chestnut and Barstow, sells the produce grown by the university's agriculture department, plus fresh cheese, ice cream and wine. If you're looking for a souvenir of the San Joaquin Valley, try the Sierra Nut House [13], for dried fruit, nuts, jams & jellies, and coffees & teas.

The Vineyard Farmer's Market [14] at Shaw and Blackstone (Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons) is the largest and most extensive of the farmer's markets in the area. Open Year Round Twice a week on Wednesday afternoons from 3-6PM and Saturdays 7Am till noon. During summer, there is also one in Old Town Clovis every Friday evening.

• About Town Taste walking adventures. F 6p/ SAT 10a. Unique walks of discovery into local neighborhoods experiencing art, architecture & food woven with stories of local history. Advance reservations needed via info@AboutTownTaste.com Select one of four neighborhoods: Downtown Art & Architecture/ Art Born of Graffiti: Murals/ Art & Antiques: Old Town Clovis/ Tower Art Taste $25pp.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

The River Park Plaza has plenty to offer when it comes to food. You have the Macaroni Grill [15], The Elephant Bar, Tony Roma's, Logans Steak House, Yoshino's Sushi House, and all your typical fast food restaurants including In-N-Out Burger and Hooters.

If, however, you want unique food, not the predictable chains, there are many delightful choices, including:

• Campagnia 1185 E. Champlain Drive, 559-433-3300. Upscale dining with great food and a nice bar.
• Dai Bai Dang 7736 N. Blackstone Ave, 559-448-8894. Great Chinese cuisine.
• George's Shish Kebab 3045 W. Bullard Ave, 559-449-0100. Armenian and Middle Eastern cuisine.
• Giulia's 3050 W Shaw Ave, 559-276-3573. Slightly more "upscale" Italian eatery.
• Irene's Cafe 747 E Olive Avenue (Tower District) 559-237-9919. An old-fashioned coffee shop, known for its breakfasts.
• The Landmark 644 E. Olive, 559-233-6505. An upscale dining place. Has a great bar inside, and has great New Year's Specials.
• Luby 1075 E Bullard Ave, 559-439-8357. Chinese food. Only has a few tables.
• Max's Bistro & Bakery 1784 W Bullard, 559-439-6900. French-inspired California cuisine. [16]
• Mone`s International Market & Deli 7975 North Cedar Avenue, 559-438-8975. Great Armenian, Russian, and Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as some very interesting international products.
• Parma Herndon & Marks, 559-432-3389. Italian food, with homemade pastas.
• Senses World Cuisine 1110 N. Van Ness, 559-445-1957. Features tapas, organic foods and many vegetarian selections. [17]
• Slates 7455 N. Fresno St, 559-256-4141. One of Fresno chef Roy Harland's creations, featuring contemporary American cuisine.
• Tahoe Joe's 7006 N. Cedar, 559-299-9740 and 2700 W. Shaw, 559-277-8028. Steakhouse that now has multiple locations in the state, but started in Fresno. Website at tahoejoesdotcom
• Taqueria Don Pepe 4582 N. Blackstone, 559-224-1431. Look for the old style of KFC building. Fast food (but good) style Mexican fare.
• Thai House 1069 E Shaw, 559-221-7245. Thai food.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Night life in Fresno is great (if you're in the right areas) head to The Bar or the The Other bar at or Landmark or Elbow Room or On the Rocks.

• Dirty Olive, 9455 North Fort Washington Road # 104, +1 559 434-3077.

• Elephant Bar, 7965 N. Blackstone Avenue, (559) 261-0325, +1 559 226-2110, [18].

• Five, 1110 E Champlain Dr, +1 559 434-5553.

• Last Call @ Zapp's Park, Blackstone & Olive.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Courtyard Fresno, 140 East Shaw Avenue, ☎ 5592216000, [19]. Near Bass, Shaver & Huntington Lakes for fishing, boating & hiking and also convenient to CSUF, Fresno Metropolitan Museum, Wildwater Adventures and the Muex Home Museum. $174-$199.  edit

• Four Points Sheraton 3737 N. Blackstone, +1 559 226-2200, [20]

• Homewood Suites, 6820 North Fresno Street, ☎ 559-440-0801, [21]. checkin: 3pm; checkout: 12pm. Suites with full kitchens, large work desk, free internet, flat screen TV. Guests have access to free hot breakfast, pool and fitness center. $95+.  edit

• La Quinta Inn & Suites Fresno Hotel California, 330 E. Fir Avenue, ☎ 559-449-0928, [22]. Free Wi-Fi and breakfast.  edit

• Piccadilly Inn University, 4961 N. Cedar, +1 559 224-4200, [23]

• Piccadilly Inn West Shaw, 2305 W. Shaw, +1 559 226-3850, [24]

• Quality Inn, 4278 W. Ashlan, +1 559 275-2727, [25].

• Residence Inn Fresno, 5322 N Diana Avenue, +1 559 222-8900, Fax: +1 559 222-9089, [26].

• SpringHill Suites, 6844 North Fresno St, ☎ 559-431-0004, [27]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: noon. Suites with microwave, mini-fridge, free internet, flat screen TV. Guests have access to free parking, free hot breakfast, business center, pool and fitness center. $130.  edit

• Benson's Lakeside Resort, 32451 E. Trimmer Springs Rd., Sanger, 888-328-9588, [28].
• Comfort Suites (Herndon Ave between Blackstone Ave and Freeway 41), 102 East Herndon Ave, ☎ 559-435-5650, [29]. checkin: 3pm; checkout: noon. All suites include micro/fridge, coffee/tea maker, free Wi-Fi,desk, two phone lines and sofa sleepers. Free hot breakfast served every morning, fitness room, indoor pool and hot tub. 99.00.  edit
• The Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 2233 Ventura Street, ☎ 559-268-1000, [30]. 321 guestrooms with Sleep Number™ beds, beauty salon, Pizza Hut, Java Stop, gift shop, airport shuttle, and dry cleaning service.  edit

[edit] Contact

[edit] Cope

• The Fresno County Public Library has its main branch downtown, at 2420 Mariposa Street.

• Woodward Park is a large grassy park on the north side of Fresno, on Friant Road. There is an entry fee of $3 per car,but if you get there early enough (usually before 7am) there is no charge.
• Roeding Park is another large park in southwest Fresno. It contains the Chaffee Zoo [31] and small amusement parks Storyland and Playland.

[edit] Consulates

• Mexico, 2409 Merced St.  edit

[edit] Get out

The adjacent town of Clovis has a small "old town" with numerous antique stores. The last weekend of April the town hosts the Clovis Rodeo.

Millerton Lake is about 20 miles northeast of Fresno on Friant Road. It's a popular site for fishing and waterskiing.

Many locals escape the summer heat at the lakes in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. These lakes have recreation areas, campgrounds, and bed and breakfasts:

• Shaver Lake (with nearby Sierra Summit ski resort)
• Huntington Lake
• Bass Lake
• Pine Flat Lake

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!