Thinking Out Loud

OK, I already know what you’re thinking: Keryn, why would you write a city guide for Fresno? I was driving all over town today, running errands and stopped by my favorite local coffee shop and thought…we’re getting some pretty sweet spots here in F-town.

Sure, it’s still nothing compared to other thriving metropolis’s and city hubs but I think we’re going to see some major expansion in Fresno within the next ten years. Some of these spots you may already know and if you don’t or find yourself stuck here for a few days, here’s a list of my top five favorite local valley joints.

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  For your caffeine fix: Café Corazon is located at 1306 N. Wishon Ave in the Tower District. The owner roasts his own beans on site and always has really solid roasts. Try the Tweaker Roast or if you want something a little sweeter and less intense try the Café Con Leche.

  
  


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  For your noodle fix: So this one is a little difficult to narrow down to one so I’m not going to try. If you love a hot steaming bowl of soup during these winter months, try Pho 777 at 1365 N. Willow Ave in Clovis and ask for Summit — he’ll hook you up with some amazing suggestions. If you are looking for a more traditional noodle dish, try the Pad Thai or for a rice dish, the coconut green curry at Thai Royal Orchid at 6735 N. First St.

  
  


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  For your vintage fix: If you like searching for one of a kind treasures at a reasonable price, check out Misc. Trading Co. in downtown Fresno across from the Fulton Mall at 2017 Tuolomne St. While you’re there, step right next door (literally) and sip a one-of-a-kind handpicked tea blend at Raizana Tea Co.

  
  


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  For your physical fix: There aren’t many trail systems in Fresno or Clovis compared to many other large California cities (although this is supposedly being remedied in the near future with expansion grants). One of my favorite places to run or cycle is down the Clovis Trail. If you start at Railroad Park and head north on the paved trail for about a mile, you’ll come to a small turnoff by a water fountain called Dry Creek Park. Take a left and run parallel to a nice creek and shady route. If you don’t turn down dry creek and continue down the trail you’ll run into Old Town Clovis where you’ll HAVE to stop into Kuppa Joy Coffee House at 518 Clovis Ave (best coffee shop in Clovis and soon-to-be Fresno).

  
  


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  For your cultural fix: There are two historical theaters in Fresno worth checking out if you haven’t already; Warner’s Theatre at 1400 Fulton St. and the Tower Theatre at 815 E Olive Ave. Check out the Tower Theatre’s Facebook page or website for upcoming shows, performances and events. This holiday season the Tower Theater hosted the California Ballet’s rendition of Swan Lake and will soon show the 2015 Oscar-nominated short films. There are also musical performances and many other worthwhile events that warrant a night out.

  
  

With the announcement of the new Fulton Mall expansion and the California High-Speed Rail coming to Fresno, it won’t be long till everyone has valley fever.