DavidDJ

Fresno is 150 miles from San Jose (about a 3 hour drive).

Mike

Fresno is 3 1/2 to 4 hours from LA. Also just a couple of hours from the coast, San Luis Obispo, Cambria. Start following Fresno State football and basketball, you will be sure to find friends anywhere in the area.

Suzie

Lived in Fresno for about 7 years late 70s early 80s. Still look back fondly. I know lots of people hate the place but the friends we made are still our friends. Some parts of town are terrific, Like Fig Garden. Shaw Ave was busy back then and still is.

The Bulldog fans are insane and ever true to their team. Campus benfits from having such a "rabid" fan base.

Saw some of the best concerts in really small settings in Fresno because of the proximity to the bay area. Saw Huey Lewis wayyyyyy before he was big and standing next to Joe Montana at Candlestick. Saw Angel City put on an amazing performance, Saw Greg Khin Band and saw the Police before Sting left.

Saw many a dinner play at Roger Rocka's, Saw Casablanca on the big screen at at a double feature midnight movie. 2nd feature was Earaserhead which I still don't get.

Great Parks like Woodward that has a japanese garden and Roeding which used to and stil might have a zoo.

Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks are close by.

There are water parks and snow skiing close by.

If you can get past all the advertising here's awebsite that has many references.
http://www.fresnoweb.com/

I'm trying to be positive for a person who says they are moving there. There is plenty to do there if you put yourself out there.

Good Luck!!!

Suzie

Kal, just read your post. Thought we were the only ones who called it Motown. judging by the odd looks when we say it!!!!

Kal

Ha!
Remember we also have "Chi-town" about 90 miles north of us too!
Some of my better hangovers at Madison Bear Garden, The Grad and The "O".

Wildcat and Bulldog fans are all crazy!

I wonder if the Silver Dollar HofBrau on Shaw is still open in "Fresburg"?

I, too will have to keep the restaurant list for my next trip down.
Kal

Suzie

Yes the Hofbrau is still open. I drank gallons of beer there in my 20s. Yikes. That and Me n Eds pizza.

Almost had to use my brain too much to fugure out Chi-town except the bars you mentioned were also mentioned by a sister who prowled there for a period of 4 years.

Ah the memories. Yes GO DOGS. Now where's my red sweatshirt. I still have my joe cool snoopy CSUF t-shirt.

SEW

Pattysuericia,

Fresno is not the torture most think it is. It isn't a cultural mecca either.

Billj had good suggestions for food. There is also an italian place at the NW corner of Herndon & First but I can't remember the name. It is owned by one of the Diccico's family member, who run a chain of italian restaurant.

My favorite mexican is Sal's. Original in Selma, but a new location at Fresno & Alluvial.

I move about a year ago from there but have lived in the valley a great deal. The fog in the city isn't bad, but will be bad in the open areas. There are the best spring and fall seasons you can imagine.

Don't be discouraged. The one bad thing is that it is what I call airport purgatory. They have an airport, but not as many choices to direct flights. Although they are increasing. Just depends on if you fly.

Tower district has great restaurants and Fig Garden has some good ones too. I had lived near River Park, which is pretty much where all the chains are opening. At least there are choices.

I liked living there and it depends on what you are used to. The traffic is only bad at commute times, other than that, it was always pretty easy to get around. We had lived in the northeast side and rode our bikes through woodward park and near the bluffs, and really liked that area. The growth is amazing though, it's got sprawl just like everywhere else.

Hope you enjoy it.

pattysuericia

Thanks again everyone;thought Fresno was closer to San Jose. Great restaurant tips;will use them and go on the web site you mentioned.
To escape the smog,where is the best place to live ?