Should I go? Bakersfield-Modesto
 

My husband has invited me on a business trip. He has to work in Bakerfield and then Modesto at the end of January/first of Feb. I had read some reviews here that there is nothing to do...particularly between Fresno/Bakersfield. Any input. What about Sequoia NP at this time of year? any other things to see--I love to shop at Factory Outlets, but have come up with none of those between Bakersfiel/Modesto. I have relied on you travelers via reading replies. Now I have a need....HELP

Sequoia National Park would be a nice stop. What hotels are you staying at? There are basic chain restaurants all over Modesto and Bakersfield and I'm sure some malls. Visalia has the Vintage Press which is a very nice fine dining restaurant and the Cafe 434 which has very good food.

There is a factory outlet in Tulare that is fun. Ralph Lauren, Gap, etc. You could stop there and play for a few hours!!

In Fresno there is the River Park, a very nice shopping center with lots of good places to eat. Johnny Rockets, Fuzio's, Dai Bai Dang, Mimi's Cafe and a new Red Robin across the street. There is also a very nice movie theatre called The Edward's if you want to catch a movie!!

In Clovis, there are lots of antique shops and nice places to eat. La Posada, Kam Pai, Corner Cafe and our favorite fine-dining place called Trielo's. Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake are just a little over an hour's drive from Clovis. www.shaverlake.com and Bass Lake is only an hour away. www.basslake.com

Oakhurst is a cute little mountain town with a five-star restaurant, The Elderberry House, www.elderberryhouse.com if you want to treat yourself to an excellent dinner. There area treasures out there, you just have to dig for them!! Any other questions, I'd be glad to answer them for you!! Fresno also has the Metropolitan Museum that always has interesting things going on. The Chaffee Zoo is also very nice, I havent' been there in a few years, tho.

The Tower District has good shopping and I would recommend The Daily Planet or Echo for meals in that area. This is our "theatre" district. Second Space and the Roger Rocka (he recently moved to Astoria, OR to promote theatre there) Playhouse have good entertainment. Let us know what you decide!! Not a destination place, but you could have fun and it's always nice relaxing at the hotels and just getting away from the routine for a few days!! ***kim*** :)

everything kimaom says is good advice. But do remember that there is a good chance in jan/feb that getting to either town could be a problem. The San Joaquin Valley can be totally socked in w/ fog making flying impossible and driving very, VERY hazardous. Huge, multiple car wrecks happen every winter on Hwy 99 and I5

I used to have to travel fairly regularly to visit branch offices in Fresno and B'field. More times than I care to recall, my flight was diverted to LAX or Ontario and then after a lengthly delay either flew into B'field, rented a car and drove up, or ended up flying back to Sacramento w/o ever stepping foot in either office.

You can't tell ahead of time if you will be there during a foggy period - but the conditions often last several day or more than a week at a time.

Just so you have a Plan B . . . . . .

Nice point, Janis, our foggy weather was in full swing this am when I woke up. How I remember all those mornings checking the foggy day schedules for the school bus!! Makes you want to sit by the fire with a nice cup of tea and read all day!! Also good days for cleaning drawers and closets! LOL ***kim***

Are you used to mountain driving? If no, make sure you have a lot of reading, knitting, or needle work with you.

Thanks for all the input, Kimamom and janis. Just where can you check the fog report? I am glad you mentioned this because delays would make a difference in my husband's schedule. We haven't picked out hotels yet, so I guess we should be flexible.

Mountain driving? Would you be able to get the Sequoia in Jan/Feb?
Thanks again

Yes, you should be able to get to Sequoia at this time. Visalia would be a nice place to stay for the night, have dinner at The Vintage Press and those outlets you like are only about ten minutes away! Google up Sequoia National Park and you will; find a wealth of info there! Let us know how it goes! ***kim*** :)

There is nothing to do in Bakersfield/Modesto area. If my husband asked me, I'd say forget it. It's flat, ugly & boring. I've been many times and avoid it as much as possible. Have fun staying home & reading a good book. It's more comfortable than a lousy hotel with nothing but fast food to eat!

Vols Traveler, I just checked out the Modesto Red Lion Inn for you. It actually has an indoor swimming pool with a tropical atrium and is walking distance to many restaurants and the mall. It actually looks like a very nice place!!

I think it would be fun to just sit by the pool, swim and read and then walk over to those shops and browse around for awhile. In the evening, when your husband's business is over, he can join you for a swim and a spa and a nice meal somewhere. Go for it!! ***kim*** A change of scenery is always nice, IMO! :)

TTT

<font color="red"><b>WARNING!</b> </font> Orginal post was written in Jan. 2004!
#-o

Utahtea