We toured the Fresno County Blossom Trail the last weekend in February 2026, and the flowers were…read moreout in full force, and the agriculture along the trail was absolutely impressive. I saw somewhere that the trail is about a 2-hour drive. That pace seems to me to be at race speed, and way too fast to enjoy the sights. We took about five hours to drive the trail, and that was a comfortable speed. Given how much business and pride the Blossom Trail could drive to Fresno County, the trail appears to be a bit neglected. First, the Google Map download from the Fresno County website is practically useless for navigation using the Android Google Maps app. The app continuously tries to optimize the point-to-point travel, which too often takes one off the preferred and official route roadways for seeing the maximum number of blooms. Occasionally, there are Blossom Trail signs marking the route and turns, but some are either hard to spot or missing: more signs are needed to enhance route navigation for visitors, most of whom are not familiar with the area. Lastly, the map downloaded and printed from the Fresno County website is at such a small scale that it is very difficult to read, and if enlarged, gets blurry and even harder to read. Clearly, Fresno County has done a "government" job at the simple task of marking a route. Lastly, I would highly encourage Fresno County or the Farm Bureau to work with the landowner to put up signs that identity the type of orchard, vineyard, or crop. There used to be blue signs along the fences on I-5 that identified crops, and those were appreciated. The landowners and farmers benefit because the signs instill knowledge in the public and a public that knows about agriculture will support agriculture. Overall, despite the navigation challenges, the Fresno County Blossom Trail provides for a beautiful roadtrip.

The trail is all across Fresno. You'd have to have a car and find one of the "landmarks" on the map…read morethen pay close attention to the streets to know where to turn. The map is confusing and took a lot of time to comprehend. Throughout the trail, you may find orange blossoms, cherry blossoms, almond blossoms, and pear blossoms, however it really varies based on the season for its full blossom. The website recommended Mid February to Mid March. Additionally, some areas may look better than others. If you look at my photo, it looks fairly empty. BUT we did see some pretty full ones in other areas... a lot of them are fenced off. If you're able to find some that aren't blocked, you can easily pull over and take photos. So be prepared to do some searching.

I've lived in or near the Tower for almost half of my adult life and it seems odd to me that so…read moremany North of Shaw entitled narcissists like to diss my stomping grounds!!!I recently read just one review by someone who had a lot of negative things to say about the Tower District and my first impression was that they were a hater who was not only having a bad day but maybe even a bad year/life and came off as an overly intellectual self important dipwad. If you like checking out art galleries there are a few I'm sure!The Tower District has more appeal for iconoclasts and old school punkers like me (this for whoever it was that thinks there are too many tattoo parlors). In case you haven't noticed, all of Fresno has too many tattoo parlors and smoke shops! If you'd rather hang around in strip malls, there are plenty of those in Fresno, but there isn't any place else like the Tower! And for the person who complained about lack of shopping: What were you expecting to find? A Nordstrom's Rack? Dragon's Treasure! Ragin' Records! Plus Fresno's most iconic nightspots for alternative music! If you like cover bands keep going to The Bar in the strip mall @ 1st & Gettysburg or go hang out in Clovis! P.S. To the reviewer who complained about restaurants not being open at time he visited: Isn't that what Yelp is for; it posts hours of operation! I agree totally with poster who compared T.D. to Frisco without the panhandlers!

Although there is architectural charm in the Tower, the culture is largely dark, sideshow hollow…read moreand hellbent on a race to the absolute bottom. You see/hear it in some of the surroundings and it's loud, unapologetic and shallow over rewarding itself for 'expression/feelings' at the sake of high self-expectations, work and personal accomplishment. It gets some folks though the day, but largely thinks nothing about tomorrows... Moral and ethical decay abounds...a sense of foreboding beneath the veneer. There's some good here, too. Decent folks who are the opposite but still, it's highly dysfunctional. If there was a bright spot, it's some of the art galleries in the area! Studio 74 would be the most interesting place in that area where I've purchased a few works! Stimulating, interesting and wholesome, these are the worthwhile places to visit that go beyond the dreary sideshow aspects of Tower. -G

This is a cute little town. They have many little cute gift stores, yummy restaurants, and great…read moreevents. They have an event called The Enchanted Night. The stores and restaurants are open late and almost all of them offers hot cocoa or apple cider. There also have a carriage that travels around the Main Streets. People make long line to go in it. It's full of lights and pretty decorated. They have singer different genre. They entertain along the streets. Some sing just regular music and some Christmas songs. We always find a place to have diner and then walk around and enjoy the music. We visit the different thrift stores. We always find something nice to buy. It has become a tradition for us to attend this event every year. Highly recommended. It is the official start of the Holidays for us. It's almost like a magical night.

In 2019 I have never been to OTC so much in my life. My dude and I literally live one block away…read morefrom OTC so we frequent it so often. There are always so many events going on in OTC which I am loving the community events. I have gone to over 4. The ones I remember are: Antique Fair Food Festival Fairytale nights Farmers Market My dude and I have enjoyed so much festives here we are always seeing when the next events are. Everyone is very friendly and the respectful. The older folks tell my dude how did he scored his beautiful woman (me), which we always find hilarious as it is usually an older white retired couple. Anywho, if you would have told me I would be living in Clovis like 5 years ago, I would bet my life savings you are wrong but I do and surprisingly it's not that bad. There is always something to explore in OTC, from businesses to people. I love the events that they have which at least I feel like there's something going on every two weeks. The dude and I have gone to several restaurants and Roll Me Some is in OTC, BOA, EECU, and so much more. I am never disappointed when I come to OTC and wish Fresno put on more events like Clovis. There is always something to do here. They have the annual Christmas Parades, Big Hat Days, Veteran Parades and spring much more. I highly recommend to come down and check it out.

After the blossoms comes the fruit. Fresno and the surrounding area is a mecca for peaches,…read moreapricots, cherries, nectarines, nuts, citrus, etc, about as sweet and fresh off the tree as you can get. June through September is a good time to roam. Check out the Fruit Trail website and request a brochure for enlightenment. Just a word of warning.... the map on the brochure is deceivingly bad. I highly recommend a back up map or GPS to find some of their fruit stands and other points of interest. But at least it will give you addresses and descriptions. Honestly, you can drive up and down the country roads that intersect all the groves, from one small town to another, and find your own fruit stands. And then there are the locals who put out their backyard fruit for sale on tiny stands at roadside. They operate on the honor system. You just drop your dollars into a slot and grab a bag. Regardless, it makes for an interesting day trip for the family, with rewards of succulent fruit treats,and punctuated by interesting little old Central Valley towns. They'll feed you heartily and maybe you'll find that next antique you never knew you while exploring one of their cute nostalgic Main Streets.

Just amazing to see what life was like back then during the Civil War how they lived , cooked what…read morepeople wore as clothing fun to hear the cannons go off

After experiencing this really exciting, beautifully organized and macabre "Civil War Reenactment…read moreevent" I cant help but whisper to god and thanked the heavens for not bring me to life in the 1800's and in America" because I would have shit in my pants like literally if I was alive during those dark times. It wasn't just a step back into time when you attend this civil war reenactment, it was literally like I jumped into a "back to the future car" and went way back in time during the scary and violent civil war era. Everything felt so real and authentic: the dressing, the music, the horse poop, the shootings, the gory sights, the tent housing and even the style of speech. The best part of course was the reliving the great battle acting, which was a burst of loud cannons, guns and smoke, and of course the believable death casualty of war. It was the ultimate sweet dreams for a gun loving republican. Remember to bring ear plugs, because the war reenactment is very loud. While bringing your own chair to sit would be helpful or maybe a blanket to sit down. For $25 which I paid in advance via online, I got parking, catered food, and also entrance to the event- quite a good deal in my opinion. I really enjoyed myself and I truly felt assimilated into the american culture. Ive always seen western american people or white people travel to my country and engulf into my culture enjoying it and being awed and fascinated- oh how I always wanted that same experience, well now I got to do the same exact thing with their culture. The experience felt real ! People were not only dressed with such minute details, but they were also acting as if they were part of that era- people lived in cloth tents, with whole families- women, kids, men all dressed up and lived in small tents. The way they ate, talked, and lived was eerily similar to the civil war era, even the civil war casualty hospital had the sights of gory war casualties of blood and guts. Question could be asked to the actors, and they would educate you with the finest details. These people were highly passionate about the civil war. Even Abraham Lincoln came back to life and made an appearance for this 2 day event once a year event- Sat and Sunday. The parking was fantastic, very organized and they even had parking attendants to guide me. There were numerous stores that sold authentic drinks such as sarsaparilla for $11, brick oven pizza, cattle corn and etc. The meal plan I bought was a perfect combo of trip sandwich, biscuits, beans, and coleslaw. It was delicious and well worth every penny. Plenty of memorabilia and souvenirs could be purchased on these grounds. They were highly affordable and authentic to the market sale of the civil war period. They sold civil war clothing and accessories, toys, and even macabre home decor such as crocodile head. Overall an amazing civil war reenactment that can't be missed, because its simply unique and a great american cultural experience especially for tourist. Make sure to dress comfortably, bring water, and also wear comfy shoes. Don't forget to bring ear plugs for the loud war noise, and also a foldable chair or blanket to sit. Ideal time to visit would be as early as possible since the weather is cooler. Getting here is easy, just input the GPS to Kearny park, there will be plenty of direction posted which would lead to the free parking zone. I would however check the day itinerary before coming, so that I would be in time for the reenactment (which happens only twice a day) and other events.

This place is incredible! Not only is the staff incredible, but the different chocolates are…read moreincredible! This is a cute little store front that is really a place to just grab what you want and go. But they always have it super clean and organized. I got two types of gelato: cookies and cream and matcha. The cookies and cream was rich yet super well balanced. Good cookie to cream ratio. The match was incredible. The base for their ice cream was super rich and they obviously put a lot of matcha in it to get that strong of a flavor. I was super happy and devoured it. All in all, if your haven't been here, please try it, it's worth it.

It has been years since I last reviewed this local gem, so I wanted to add an update to say that…read morewhile I still stand by my original review, I am grateful to watch Raphio Chocolate maintain their quality and charm while growing as a business to offer more (chocolate cafe drinks, teas, etc.) options. This year, with the mass black-out, Raphio Chocolate has made it easy for me to skip the big box and chain stores and really get some nice treats to share with the people I love, and the people who deserve gratitude. Decadent gourmet chocolate bars including a sugar free option (and yes--they have the Dubai Chocolate too!). I picked up a DARK Milk chocolate bar for myself to try...If you can't decide if you like dark or milk chocolate better, why pick when you can have both in one? They also have these adorable vials of hot cocoa mix for 2...perfect stocking stuffers or stand-alone gifts. I am really glad that Raphio made it through the pandemic and hopefully is doing well. On the southwest corner of Barstow and First Streets in Fresno, California and with an online store available if you're not in the area, you can't go wrong with supporting a local business that makes their chocolate from SCRATCH (they roast and process their own beans!), and they do an amazing job of it! 10 stars if Yelp would let me!

Very underrated holiday/Christmas lights in the Fresno/Clovis. This is a one house show, but if…read morethere was ever an example of quality over quantity (of homes) then this is it right here. We were on our way to Santa Claus Lane and I remember from last year (when it was too late) that there was a sole performer around Sunnyside/Locan area in Fresno. I google and found their website. The website itself is already foreshadowing quality as the site itself is superior than the other bigger/major light show neighborhoods in the area. I get to the house and I was in for a treat---we were the only car there to spectate. The entire house is covered with lights and the lights are dancing with a song. You tune in to the radio station and just enjoy the show. This isnt a cheap animated light show. The way everything is synced and setup is top notch. This is really some pro-grade stuff here. The detail and time put in to executing this I can only imagine but myself and my family greatly appreciated. It was highly enjoyable and the BEST lights and light show in the Fresno/Clovis area (remember thats a combined population of 700,000 people. The other attractions--sure they bring dense quantity of homes that are lit up and decorated, but this one house by itself is amazing by itself.

Amazing light show. My kiddos has a blast dancing and singing. We stayed for most of it. People…read morearound were respectful and courteous.

All the times I've visited Kingsburg, and only this year did I stumble upon the Historic Kingsburg…read moreJail! I was wandering down the main street, Draper Street, which has many alleys that cut through mid-block, some of which are being turned into dining areas or covered walkways where one can just sit for a moment. In one of the alleys, George Boyle Way, there was an informational sign which led me to the other end of the short alley. This opened up onto an area where I found the base of the Coffee Pot Water Tower, a large public park and the back of the fire department. And, the Historic Kingsburg Jail! A small white block building, with a delightful and well done painting of an escape in progress, I found a building that's a small museum of local law enforcement in the early 1900s. The building is open apparently 24 hours a day, and is video monitored for security - but it is the original jail, and is as hard-looking to break INTO as it was to break out of, mural notwithstanding . . . The building consists of a whole 2 jail cells and a small office, all off a small hallway heated by an old fashioned stove. Thick - VERY thick! - walls give a cool environment when sunny out - probably as cold in the winter?! The cells and office have been turned into dioramas by volunteers, and the effects are cool! A few articles posted around the walls flesh out the early history of the jail and a few of the local law enforcement men who kept Kingsburg safe in those early years - two of whom lost their lives in such service. Overall, the Kingsburg Historical Society has done a great job of keeping a small, out of the way building from simply being closed up and left to decay. Their efforts are worth a quick side trip, and I'm glad I stumbled upon this hidden gem of history!

This historic jail is right beneath the water tower that looks like a coffee pot and behind the…read morefire station. I think the jail is open 24/7. There appears to be a security camera that must be connected with the fire station. It's an adorable little place with period specific furnishings.

I am shocked I've never left a review here because we love the pizza and wings here! It's not a big…read morespot, nothing fancy inside but we've eaten in multiple times because they offer pitchers of beer and often have Tioga's General Sherman. On Thursdays pitchers are only $10 - in this economy?!?! Every time we've come in the wait staff are teenagers. In our experience, they've been well trained but every once in a while there's a hiccup. We've ordered pep pizza here before but it is a must that I get the butter chicken pizza. The chicken is always tender, the sauce consistently good and that crust - chef's kiss. It's on the thinner side but not that cracker type thin crust popular on Fresno. It's also not thick leaving that FULL feeling haha. The wings are also consistently good, meaty not fatty with good flavors. They have squeeze bottles of ranch for dining in and it is genius; everyone should do this! I hope Curry Pizza never loses its consistency and continues to grow because everyone should be enjoying their food

I've been to Curry Pizza a few times, and overall, it's been a solid experience. The pizzas come…read moreloaded with toppings, definitely not skimpy on the ingredients, which I appreciate. The flavors are unique and delicious, blending curry with classic pizza toppings in a way that works really well. My only gripe is the price. It's a little on the expensive side for what you get, considering other pizza places in the area offer similar (though more traditional) options for less. Still, if you're in the mood for something different and are willing to splurge a little, it's worth a visit. Great pizza, just wish it wasn't quite so pricey!

I wasn't able to go inside the temple itself, but I still had a surprisingly lovely experience…read morethanks to their unofficial greetera very friendly temple cat! This sweet kitty kept me company outside and made the visit memorable in its own way. While I can't say much about the interior, the peaceful grounds and warm welcome from the furry host definitely left me with a smile.

I love going to the temple. This temple is gorgeous inside and out. I feel so much peace every time…read moreI go and the temple workers are always so kind and welcoming.