Once a dry desert, Fresno, and a million acres
surrounding it, are now lush with vineyards, orange groves, and plantings of
cotton and other crops. In fact, Fresno County is one of the
nation’s agricultural leaders. Conveniently located in the central
San Joaquin Valley, this is one California city not to be missed. Just
to the west it is predominantly flat, with the land devoted to agriculture.
To the east, the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains rise out of the low
foothills.
Blossom
trail is a scenic, 63 mile self-guided tour encompassing vineyards,
orchards, and historical points of interest. It serves as an
orientation to the area. The trail passes almond, peach,
apricot, plum, and nectarine trees in blossom from late February through
March.
With
four very moderate seasons, Fresno’s weather is generally mild throughout
the year. Summers are dry and warm; winters are cool and sometimes a little
misty. The scenic mountain elevations above 5000 feet are sprinkled
with snow in late fall and winter, adding to the beauty of the area.
The
first European settlement of the Fresno region was by the Spaniards as they
searched for suitable mission sites. It was declared to be the
property of the United States in 1846 following the Mexican War. Today
the city and the entire county play host to thousands of visitors who come
to enjoy including the nearby National Parks.
Fresno
is the only city in the United States with three National Parks within an
hour and a half drive. Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia are three
spectacular sites. One of the most popular is Yosemite National Park.,
renowned for its magnificent valley, great granite domes and peaks,
waterfalls, giant sequoia, and spectacular high country. Sequoia
National Park is an unspoiled treasure of some of the most striking scenery
in the world. Its towering giant sequoia trees and soaring mountain peaks,
its cascading creeks, flowering meadows and star studded evening skies adorn
this masterpiece of nature. Spring and summer offer sensational
hiking, horseback riding, fishing and cave tours. Winter boasts
cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding in the Sierras. Kings
Canyon’s 461,901 acres are largely wilderness. The park
features summits of the High Sierras and two huge canyons on the Kings
River. Kings Canyon was established as a national park in 1940 and adjoins
Sequoia. They are administered as one unit.
In
addition to visiting the nearby National Parks, there is much to see and do
within the city. The Chaffee Zoo offers visitors the opportunity to
experience a diversity of animal and plant life. This unique zoo
focuses on our good fortune in having such diversity of life on our planet
At the Downing Planetarium, visitors have the opportunity of gazing into the
stars. With a 74 seat theater and a 30-foot dome, the planetarium
allows visitors to experience the heavens without even going outside.
For those who just want to splash around and have some fun, the Fresno
Island Water Park is a must visit attraction. With over 20 water
slides and rides, a huge arcade, as well as an amusement park and miniature
golf, it’s fun for the whole family.
The
Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art, History, and Science is fascinating for
all ages. It displays memorabilia from author William Saroyan, a
native of Fresno. A science gallery has more than 40 interactive
stations with exhibits geared toward children. Forestiere Underground
Gardens is an amazing underground retreat designed and created by hand to
resemble the Roman catacombs by Sicilian immigrant Baldasare Forestiere in
the early 1900s. Under the earth are extensive rooms, passageways,
gardens, patios, and courtyards filled with exotic plants. The rooms
are lit by skylights. Another favorite site is Roeding Park
which features Rotary Playland with a carousel, rides, a miniature railway
and the Japanese War Memorial.
Whatever
the reason for visiting, whether business or pleasure, Fresno leaves its
visitors breathless from its unparalleled beauty and eager to return for
another visit.
|