zulakaye

My husband and I are traveling to Fresno in September on business. The first two days of the trip we are going to explore the coastline on our own. We'll drive toward Monterey area. I would appreciate any suggestions on must see places and recommendations on places to stay. We will have the opportunity to visit Yosemite with a group tour at the end of our business meetings.

november_moon

Hi zulakaye - I would probably repost this with a different title - something about spending a couple days in Monterey. You'll get better responses that way, since your question really is about Monterey, not Fresno. Also, let people know your interests and budget so that we can give you better advice.

I only opened this thread because I wondered why the heck you were travelling to Fresno - LOL.

janisj

"I only opened this thread because I wondered why the heck you were travelling to Fresno - LOL.>"

Me too (and to ask how much you are being paid to stay in Fresno )

Budget is definitely important - and if this will be a weekend or weekdays. Many places along the coast require a 2 night minimum on weekends.

zulakaye

Thanks to the two responses. New at this. I will repost with hopefully a better opening line. Small midwest girl, thinks Fresno is the big city. Cows are bringing me to California. I guess we want to see if CA cows are happier than midwest cows.

sf7307

>>

then I'd suggest a drive down I-5 to Harris Ranch! (The Californians in the crowd will know what I mean )

sf7307

Thought you'd like a picture:

http://www.vegsource.com/pop_photo/11.htm

november_moon

Of course our cows are happier than midwest cows. It's all the sunshine

BillJ

Yup! This here is cattle country, pilgirm. Some of the biggest cattle ranches are in the foothills around Fresno and Madera Counties. Harris Ranch, located on the west side of the valley, one of the most famous. And the best steaks, IMO.

Also a huge dairy area, especially in Tulare County.

But, if you want a good fish restaurant while here in Fresno, try Pismo's. Excellent. Blackstone and Nees, in north Fresno.

(County Sheriff's and other law enforcement get just as inquisitive if you take pictures of things like court houses and banks these days, so don't get so paranoid, Mr Nelson.)

Couple of hours to Monterrey via Los Banos. Check a map. Pretty easy drive, actually. If you choose to do Yosemite on your own, plenty of posts here to guide you.

zulakaye

Thanksk to everyone. Very helpful. How will the weather be in September?

november_moon

It will be the tail end of summer, so in Fresno and the central valley, expect it to be warm - 80s and 90s. Along the coast, it will be cooler but should still be really nice. Probably high 60s and 70s. In Yosemite, because elevation is higher, it will also probably be cooler - 70s, but much cooler at night.

zulakaye

Sounds better than the 101 to 115 heat index we have been having.

ElendilPickle

I just spent a month in the area. Some friends took me to a place called George's, on Blackstone just south of Barstow. Fantastic Armenian/Mediterranean food - I'd definitely go there again.

Lee Ann

Suzie

Last year the first and last weeks in september it was in the 100s in Fresno. The rest of the month it was mostly in the 90s with a few days with lower temps. It's hot in September!


You'll be glad for those days on the coast to break things up.

janisj

"Last year the first and last weeks in september it was in the 100s in Fresno. The rest of the month it was mostly in the 90s with a few days with lower temps. It's hot in September!"

Usually . . . but so far this summer hasn't been 'normal' at all. So who the heck knows ???

Suzie

True. I lived in Fresno for 8 years. To me Sept was always hot. It has to do with the angle of the sun at that time of year and not just with the actual temp. So even when it's in the 90s the sun beats on you till you shrivel up like a Fresno raisin!

BillJ

Suzie, you are so tuff on dear ole Fresno. LOL
Yes, September can be in the 100's. Humidity 20-30%.
If it is, the coast will have morning and afternoon fog, usually clearing in mid-day. Many Fresnan's head for the coast because of that.
Also, that time of year, if it is that hot, expect afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains.

zulakaye

BillJ thanks for the info. It's a tough world out there. Thanks for watching out for this midwest girl.

Weather sounds wonderful. I'll take your humidity over ours.

BillJ

Zula: Yes, I've been in your Texas 100. Don't like it one bit. One August in Dallas at 5 PM, it read 101 at 5 PM on the time and temp sign, and it rained 2 inches in 3 hours. Not for this California kid.

Hope you enjoy your short time in CA. Come back here if you want restaurant rec's for Fresno. Though you'll only be here a short time. Sounds like a cattle seminar of some kind. Our local State College, Fresno State, (actually, California State College at Fresno) is a huge ag college.

janisj

BillJ: You are showing your age . . .>>(actually, California State University at Fresno)

BillJ

OOOOPs!!! Janisj, ya got me. It'll always be just plain Fresno State to me.