Guide - Sequoia Visitor Guide
Transcription
Guide - Sequoia Visitor Guide
SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | The Official Guide of Tulare County, CA 2 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 3 4 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 Kings River, Sequoia National Park YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE Publisher & Editorial Inquiries Sequoia Tourism Council discoverthesequoias.com (559) 691-4198 Contributing Photographers Peter Amend, City of Exeter, Robert Borba, Paul Breski, Bettina Birch, John Greening , Nancy Hamill, Taylor Johnson, Ryan Krauter, 4Creeks Creative, Gary Kunkel, Steve Farris, Shirley Kirkpatrick, Rondii Nieto, Jess Stryker, Shidan Tofiq, Sequoia High Sierra Camp Sequoia National History Association Tulare County Farm Bureau Tulare County Film Commission US Forest Service BeeGreen Farm Cover: Bergreen Photography Advertising Inquiries Contact: DMI Agency 801 W. Main Street Visalia, Calif. 93291 Phone: (559) 739-1747 Fax: (559) 738-0909 [email protected] Design & Layout DMI Agency Every effort has been made to ensure the information within this publication is complete and accurate at the time of publication. The Sequoia Tourism Council, and all parties associated with producing this publication do not warrant such accuracy or the claims of its advertisers. Reproduction or reuse of any photos and/or written material contained within this magazine is prohibited without the expressed written consent of the publisher. The Sequoia Visitor Guide is published annually. 50,000 copies are distributed by: The Sequoia Tourism Council SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com About the Sequoia Tourism Council The Sequoia Tourism Council is a collaborative effort designed to promote tourism within the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument, and the communities of Tulare County. The Council is funded primarily by the county and various cities, and includes representatives from Chambers of Commerce, visitor bureaus, government agencies, and tourism-focused community organizations. © 2016 The Sequoia Tourism Council. Come play in our backyard and you’ll discover the biggest trees, tallest mountains, and charming downtowns full of live entertainment, rich history, and stunning art. We can’t wait to show you! Home to magnificent mountains, spectacular Giant Sequoia trees, and dozens of festivals and events, Tulare County welcomes you with open arms. The region boasts abundant choices for camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, climbing, boating, mountain biking, and hundreds of other outdoor activities, all in our backyard. National Parks, National Monument, National Forest, state parks, county parks, and city parks provide a wide array of explorations for every adventure. From history to art, shopping, and entertainment, to some of the most thrilling adventures on your bucket list, you’ll have an experience that is distinctly yours, and distinctly California. We have dozens of ideas for your next getaway. In the next few pages, we’ll take you on a whirlwind tour—complete with mustsees, itinerary ideas, and a glimpse of the people and places that make the Sequoia Region a destination you just can’t miss! See more of our favorites online at SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com. INSIDE THIS ISSUE INTO THE SEQUOIAS . . . . . . . . . . . THE NORTHERN SEQUOIA REGION . . GETTING TO THE SEQUOIAS/MAPS . THE SOUTHERN SEQUOIA REGION . . EXPERIENCE TULARE COUNTY . . . . THE BREAD BASKET OF THE WORLD. BEAUTY OF THE VALLEY. . . . . . . . . HISTORY & HERITAGE . . . . . . . . . . ENTERTAINMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FEATURED EVENTS/ CALENDAR . . . EAT LOCAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SHOPPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LODGING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CONTACT US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 10 18 26 34 36 40 42 46 50 56 66 72 76 84 SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 5 INTO THE SEQUOIAS …The Land of Giants. Towering, majestic, and inarguably picturesque, you’ll find yourself gazing skyward, awestruck by the grandeur of beautiful Giant Sequoia trees. I n fact, we dare you: see if you can stare at the top branches without your jaw dropping to the floor. These stunning groves of national treasures have become the perfect playground in all seasons. Visitors enjoy biking, climbing, camping, swimming, kayaking, spelunking, and more, in the majestic Sierra Nevada. Home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia 6 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 National Monument, these venues offer outdoor adventure for everyone. Spectacular scenery, diverse terrain, and a nearly unlimited array of activities await. In Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, visitors will stand in awe of ancient Giant Sequoia trees, the largest of which rise hundreds of feet and are thousands of years old. Hike through the stunning Mineral King Valley, gaze “I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” —JOHN MUIR, CONSERVATIONIST thousands of feet down to the mighty Kings River, or visit in the winter for snow-play and cross-country skiing. Within the Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, there are 33 groves of Giant Sequoia trees, including the popular Trail of 100 Giants in the Long Meadow Grove. The Boole Tree, the largest Giant Sequoia in the United States National Forest system, grows in the Converse Basin Grove. With six wilderness areas, two wild and scenic rivers, a scenic byway, downhill snow area, and many other attractions, visitors will find themselves with a to-see list that’s miles long. Postcard-quality views are around nearly every switchback, so pack a camera and, trust us, you won’t set it down. But remember, the most important thing to do when visiting the Giant Sequoias is to stop, take a deep breath of crisp mountain air, and soak in the wonder of the Giant Forest. Take your time, there’s no need to rush; these trees have been around for thousands of years. Ponder their life, and admire how they have survived the test of time better than any other living thing on Earth. SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 7 SEASONS IN THE SEQUOIA W ithin the wilds of the Sequoias, the seasons are what determine the activities of the wildlife. Just as the mountains dictate the activities of wildlife, they also influence the activity of man. Most activities within the forest and parks are seasonal. During the fall and winter months, many roads and campgrounds close and areas become reachable only by some form of over snow travel. In the spring and early summer, the rivers and streams swell as the snow melts. Extreme caution should be used, as entering or falling into hazardous water is the leading cause of drowning in the parks and forest. Make sure you are prepared to enjoy your visit to the fullest and check the following sites before visiting: www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm and www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia Tunnel Tree, Mariposa Grove What’s the difference between a Park, Forest, and Monument? National Parks are intended to preserve the natural habitat in its purest form for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of future generations. Parks are barely altered and many activities are restricted, such as off highway vehicle (OHV) use, hunting, and most commercial endeavors. National Forests are established to manage the health, productivity, and diversity of forests and grasslands in order to meet the needs of current and future generations. National Forests are viewed as a resource, so more activities are permitted in designated areas within forest land. These activities include OHV use, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, and commercial logging. 8 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 National Monuments are established through the Antiquities Act by order of the President, as opposed to the Congressional approval needed for the creation of a National Park. Restrictions within National Monuments may differ from one to the next, however, monuments are intended to preserve the natural habitat, much like the National Parks. Off road/trail vehicle use is prohibited, and hunting and commercial activities are generally prohibited. A Wilderness is an area of undeveloped land that is protected to preserve its natural, primeval condition. Development or maintenance of roads and structures, use of motor or mechanical vehicles, commercial enterprise, and human habitation is generally prohibited. The only way to explore these wild areas is on foot or horseback, but it is well worth the effort. INTO THE SEQUOIAS 3 BEAUTIFUL HIKES IN THE SEQUOIAS Trail of 100 Giants The most popular hiking trail in the Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, this 1.3 mile, fully accessible trail is located within Long Meadow Grove. Stroll at your leisure on a self-guided tour with 20 interpretive stations. The trail is located on the Western Divide Highway. General Sherman Tree This half-mile trail (one way) descends upon some of the most magnificent trees in the National Park and culminates at the base of General Sherman Tree—the world’s largest living tree. Relax on benches that line the trail along the way. Moro Rock Spectacular views of the Great Western Divide and eastern half of the Park await you atop this giant granite dome. Trust us: the steep quartermile staircase to the summit is well worth the photo at the top (weather permitting). Cast a Line in Mineral King Go fishing in the Kaweah River or in one of the high alpine lakes in the Mineral King Valley, and you’ll discover one of the area’s best kept secrets. 4 BEST PLACES TO VIEW THE SEQUOIAS Belknap Grove Made of three smaller groves, Belknap Grove is accessible on the Nelson Trail from either Camp Nelson or the Quaking Aspen area. The Nelson Trail is a moderate 3.7 mile hike along the Tule River with an elevation change of 1,500 feet, making it perfect for an afternoon hike among the most giant of the giants. Fishing is available along most of the trail. Or, camp right in the grove. Balch Park & Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest Home to thousands of old growth and some of the most unique Giant Sequoias, Balch Park and Mountain Home offer some of the best spots for Sequoia National Park, Generals Hwy 3 BEST PLACES TO MAKE A SPLASH Trail to Tokopah Falls From its trailhead at the Lodgepole Campground, this 3.4 mile round-trip hike is an easy walk along the Kaweah River to the impressive granite cliffs and seasonal waterfall of Tokopah Canyon. Enjoy the cool river as it slides down its granite riverbed (NOT recommended when water currents are swift from snowmelt). Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking, & Flat Water Boating Feel your adrenaline rush on the Kaweah, Kern, and Kings rivers. Pick from a variety of river trips by commercial rafting companies operating under special use permits. Want some smooth water? No problem! Kayak, canoe, or swim at Hume Lake. Boat rentals are available. fishing, swimming, picnicking, scenic walks, hiking, horseback riding, backpacking, and camping in the region. Hike to Hidden Falls, marvel at the Oliver Twist Tree, or meander through the peaceful grove. Crescent Meadow & Tunnel Log Most impressive when the wildflowers are in bloom, this meadow in Sequoia National Park is home to wildlife and many other trails that weave through remote areas of the forest. Walk under Tunnel Log, a site noted as one of the last “novelty” sites in the Park. This tree, which fell in December of 1937, measures 21 feet in diameter at its base and stood about 275 feet tall! Marvel at Giants These Giant trees can tower more than 275 feet high and reach diameters of 40 feet. Wander along the 1.3 mile Trail of 100 Giants in the Giant Sequoia National Monument, or visit Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park. SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 9 THE NORTHERN SEQUOIA REGION Where adventure is in our nature. This region is comprised of Sequoia National Park, Sequoia National Forest, and Giant Sequoia National Monument. J ennie Lakes Wilderness and portions of Kings Canyon National Park rise between the Kings and Kaweah rivers and lay under the towering Kaweah Peaks Ridge and Great Western Divide. Starting in the foothills and stretching across the Great Western Divide, forty miles east to the Sierra escarpment, this diverse land promises to inspire with towering Giant Sequoias, plunging glacial canyons, deep river valleys, pristine alpine lakes, massive granite monoliths, and soaring mountain 10 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 peaks. A lifetime of adventure, exploration, and wonderment lies within this vast natural treasure. So let’s get started. POPULAR ATTRACTIONS Giant Forest Museum, Congress Trail, Crescent Meadow, Moro Rock, Crystal Cave, and Mineral King. Visit the Giant Forest Museum as the starting point for your exploration of the Giant Forest. Learn the story of the Giant Sequoias Moro Rock, Sequoia National Park “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” —JOHN MUIR, CONSERVATIONIST and the Giant Forest on a stroll around beautiful Round Meadow. Trailside exhibits help tell the story of the park on this one-mile, paved, wheelchair accessible, looped trail. The Congress Trail is a 2-mile loop, mostly paved trail that wanders through some of the most magnificent Giant Sequoia trees. After admiring the General Sherman Tree, hop on the Congress Trail and prepare to be humbled by the size and beauty of the Giant Sequoias, including the “The President” (3rd largest Giant Sequoia) and the House and Senate formations. Keep an eye out for deer and bear, as it seems they enjoy the Giant Forest as much as we do. Crescent Meadow was one of John Muir’s favorite meadows, and when you see it, you’ll understand why. The Crescent Meadow Trail is well maintained and not strenuous, so even your littlest ones can enjoy it. This serene meadow is surrounded by Giant Sequoias that stand watch over it, and provides some great photo opportunities. Take a short side trip to nearby Log Meadow. The trail will take you to Tharp Log where a pioneer once lived inside the trunk of a fallen Giant Sequoia. Visit at sunset and watch deer grazing in the meadow as the last light of the day illuminates the tops of the Giant Sequoias. Moro Rock is a giant granite dome located in the center of the park. It offers spectacular views of the Great Western Divide, Castle SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 11 NORTHERN REGION NAT I O NA L PA R K S E RV I C E 2016 ENTRANCE FEE FREE DAYS JAN 18 APR 16-24 JUN 4 JUN 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2 National Park Week 2 National Trails Day 1 Buffalo Soldiers Special Event 1 AUG 25-28 National Park Service 100th Birthday Weekend 2 SEP 24 National Public Lands Day 2 NOV 11 Veterans Day 2 DEC 11 Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree 1 1 2 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks only Nationwide only 12 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 Rocks, and the eastern half of Sequoia National Park. Climb to the summit of Moro Rock following a steep quarter-mile railed staircase, where you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Crystal Cave open May thru November (weather permitting) is formed of marble and decorated with curtains of icicle-like stalactites and mounds of stalagmites. This spectacular cave was first discovered by Sequoia National Park employees in 1918, and has been a visitor favorite since tours began in 1940. A variety of tours are offered throughout the season: the Family Tour, the Discovery Tour, and the Junior Caver Tour, where kids can leave the paved trail for an in-depth cave adventure. Crystal Cave can be reached by heading west from the Generals Highway along a narrow road, three miles south of General Sherman Tree. The cave entrance is a 20 minute hike NORTHERN REGION NATIONAL PARK WEEK APRIL 16-24 2016 nps.gov/seki down a steep path to the cave entrance. Make sure to bring a jacket or sweater as the cave is rather chilly. Tickets must be purchased at the Foothills & Lodgepole Visitor Centers. www.explorecrystalcave.com Mineral King is a gorgeous alpine valley, so gorgeous that Walt Disney once desired to build an alpine resort there. Mineral King provides some of the fastest access to Sierra high country anywhere in the area. There are numerous opportunities for day hikes to alpine lakes with great fishing, and towering mountain peaks, but be prepared for a hike as these mountains are steep and rugged. Looking for something a little easier? Just take a stroll up this magnificent alpine valley and turn around whenever you please. Two campgrounds are located along Mineral King Road, however, only tent camping is allowed. The road to Mineral King is very windy, so vehicle restrictions exist. SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 13 NORTHERN REGION The Camper If you are looking for a casual sightseeing trip, look no further, because you just found it. Whether it’s a weekend or a week, there is plenty to see and do for the whole family. Numerous campgrounds are available for RVs and tent campers in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and Sequoia National Forest. Lodgepole Campground is just minutes away from Giant Forest, and it is nestled at the mouth of a deep glacial valley. Lodgepole Campground is the trailhead for many great day hikes, including trails to Tokopah Falls and high glacial lakes. Bring your fi shing pole and catch some fresh trout for dinner, because this campground is right on the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. Other campgrounds in the area include Dorst Creek and Stony Creek, and at lower elevations, Buckeye Flat and Potwisha, as well as numerous campgrounds at Hume Lake. Feel like getting off the beaten path? Atwell Mill and Cold Springs campgrounds provide tent-only camping, and are located just minutes from the gorgeous Mineral King 14 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 Valley. Camp among the towering Giant Sequoias, and enjoy day hikes and fi shing at the lakes surrounding this pristine alpine valley. Visit these sites for more camping information: www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sequoia/recreation/ camping-cabins nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm FISHING For some, no camping trip is complete without fi shing. The Sequoias offer some of the best trout fi shing in California. Cast a line at Hume Lake, fly fi sh on the Kings or Kaweah rivers, just steps away from your campsite, or hike to more secluded alpine lakes in Mineral King, Jennie Lakes Wilderness, or the glacial Heather and Pear lakes out of Wolverton. NORTHERN REGION Discover the SEQUOIAS! Eric Coyne FILM COMMISSIONER office: 559-624-7187 cell: 559-786-5339 e-mail: [email protected] FilmTulareCounty.com SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 15 NORTHERN REGION Hamilton Lakes, Sequoia National Park The Adventurer So you need some blood-pumping fun to clear your mind and escape the daily grind? Well, how does some hiking, running, rock climbing, backpacking, trekking, horseback riding, cycling, kayaking, OHV riding, skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the Sequoias sound? HIKING & TRAIL RUNNING Looking for some fun away from basecamp? Here are a few trails you might be interested in for day hiking or trail running. Tokopah Falls Trail The Tokopah Falls Trail is a 3.4 mile out-andback trail that follows the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River up a deep glaciated canyon out of Lodgepole. Standing guard over this canyon is The Watchtower, a granite monolith rising almost 2,000 feet straight up from the canyon floor. Rising 700 feet in total, the trail is an easy yet scenic hike. Tokopah Falls is seasonal, so enjoy the dramatic falls in the spring as water plunges 1,300 feet in a little over a half a 16 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 mile. In the summer, enjoy the cliffs and take advantage of the slick granite playground along the river. The Lakes Trail The Lakes Trail is an 13-mile out-and-back trail that leads to the top of The Watchtower and on to four glacial lakes. With approximately 2,700 feet of altitude gain, you’ll be sure to break a sweat. Reach the Watchtower at mile 3.5, Heather Lake at 4.0, Aster and Emerald Lakes at 4.5, and Pear Lake at 6.5 miles. Turn around whenever you please, but that might be hard to do once you’re there. Some others to consider: Alta Peak Trail, Franklin Lakes Trail, and Twin Lakes Trail. NORTHERN REGION LOCAL EXPERT KEVIN ELLIOTT U. S. FOR EST SERV ICE , S E Q UOI A NAT IONA L FOREST & GIANT SEQUOIA NAT IONA L MON U M E N T K evin has been a forest supervisor for the past 14 years. His current assignments are at the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument. After three years as the forest supervisor, Kevin says he still comes to work every morning re-energized, knowing they have wonderful treasures to share and a welcoming community that passionately cares about the forest. BACKPACKING (“Trekking,” to our guests from across the pond) Hamilton Lakes Trail Hamilton Lakes Trail is a 31 mile out-and-back trail that leads you to some of the fi nest scenery and stunning lakes in Sequoia National Park. This trail takes you past stunning granite formations like Sugarbowl Dome, Angel Wings, and Valhalla Towers, and ends at pristine Hamilton Lake—a favorite backpack for locals—with excellent fi shing and memorable vistas. Plan ahead to enjoy hot showers, hearty meals, and the comfort of a tent cabin on the fi rst night at Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp. The High Sierra Trail The High Sierra Trail is a 61-mile point-to-point trail that traverses the Sierra Nevadas between the big trees at the Giant Forest and Mt. Whitney. The trail winds through some of the most inspiring terrain the Sierra Nevadas have to offer, including soaring peaks, glacial alpine lakes, and plunging canyons. You’ll need to arrange a shuttle from one side of the Sierras to the other, but the effort is well worth it. This is a week-long trek you’ll never forget. For more information visit: nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/things2do.htm www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sequoia/recreation/hiking “My greatest assets are the people that passionately care about the Forest, the Monument, and the communities they live in.” Kevin feels that he and his more than 400 Forest personnel are not just forest service employees, “We’re your neighbors, your co-workers, and your friends.” Kevin believes that our national forests are an irreplaceable part of American heritage, providing a wide variety of ecological, economic, and social benefits. “The Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument provide an immense array of resources and benefits that are highly prized by many Americans and international travelers alike.” SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 17 INTO THE SEQUOIAS Kings River, Sequoia National Park MAPS OF TULARE COUNTY AND THE SEQUOIAS GETTING TO THE SEQUOIAS: Just miles off of California’s Highway 99, you’ll escape the concrete jungles and enter a world of pristine beauty. S tunning agriculture rests along hillsides with a jawdropping backdrop of the majestic Sierra Nevadas. Tulare County is centrally located within 75 miles of three airports: Visalia, Fresno, and Bakersfield. A commuter airline serves the Visalia Airport, which also houses a number of air charter services and private airplanes. Amtrak and Greyhound are also great modes of transportation to the Sequoia Region, dropping and picking up at the Visalia Transit Center, right in the heart of Downtown Visalia. Relax aboard the Sequoia Shuttle from Downtown Visalia, Exeter, or Three Rivers for an unforgettable trek to Sequoia National Park, or take a hike into Sequoia National Forest just miles from Porterville’s and Springville’s city centers. MILEAGE CHART TO THE SEQUOIAS From YOSEMITE From LOS ANGELES From SAN FRANCISCO From LAS VEGAS 18 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 170 miles 205 miles 270 miles 380 miles 3 hours & 45 minutes 4 hours 4 hours & 45 minutes 6 hours & 30 minutes 180 395 180 MAP COURTESY OF Ge ne r al sH . wy General Sherman Tree 245 to Fresno Kingsburg Dinuba 201 Orosi SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON Cutler Elderwood Traver Bravo Botanical Gardens Woodlake NATIONAL PARKS Three Rivers Mine Kaweah Lake r al K ing R Mineral King d. Ivanhoe Lemon Cove Exeter 63 Farmersville 65 Yok o hl V all e Lindsay yR d. 65 Strathmore 99 Lake Success Corcoran Ba lc Balch Park Rd. 137 Tulare a hP rk Rd . Beer Creek R d . 190 Porterville Camp Nelson Ponderosa TULE RIVER INDIAN RESERVATION Eagle Mt. Casino 43 Alpaugh Allensworth Earlimart Colonel Allensworth St. Historic Park Map created by Tulare County Film Commission FilmTulareCounty.com s te rn D Reservation Rd. Ducor Johnsondale Sherma er P a r k s Rd . P as Fountain Springs Rd . SEQUOIA NATIONAL 56 55 California Hot Springs 65 65 M-99 FOREST Richgrove Delano to Bakersfield n P as s We Terra Bella Pixley NATIONAL MONUMENT Springville 190 Pixley Wildlife Preserve GIANT SEQUOIA MOUNTAIN HOME DEMONS TR ATION S TATE FORES T Balch Park w y. Visalia eH 198 i v id to Hanford Kaweah Oak Preserve Goshen 155 Kernville Lake Isabella NORTHERN REGION 180 CHICAGO STUMP HUME LAKE KINGS CANYON VISITOR CENTER 180 GRIZZLY FALLS BOYDEN CAVERN CEDAR GROVE GRANT GROVE HORSE CORRAL PACK STATION Ge BUCK ROCK LOOKOUT ne ra ls HORSE CAMP Hw y. BIG MEADOW STONY CREEK VISITOR CENTER DORST CREEK LODGEPOLE GENERAL SHERMAN TREE GIANT FOREST MUSEUM CRYSTAL CAVE 245 MORO ROCK HOSPITAL ROCK POTWISHA FOOTHILLS VISITOR CENTER ASH MT. Elderwood Three Rivers Silver City Mineral King Bridge 198 to Woodlake MINERAL KING to Visalia NORTHERN & SOUTHERN SEQUOIA REGION MAPS to Visalia Yok o hl V all e yR d. B h al c r Pa d. kR B e ar MOUNTAIN HOME DEMONSTRATION Creek STATE FOREST Rd . WISHON Balch Park Rd. Bear Creek Fire Station Springville HIDDEN FALLS BALCH PARK Camp Nelson 190 QUAKING ASPEN BELKNAP Springville Fire Station COY FLAT Lake Success BELKNAP GROVE COMPLEX PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH TREE Ponderosa LOWER PEPPERMINT INDIAN Reservation Rd. y. RESERVATION EAGLE MOUNTAIN CASINO DOME ROCK Divide Hw TULE RIVER TRAIL OF 100 GIANTS REDWOOD MEADOW L l o y d M e a d o w Rd . Western to Porterville HORSEBACK RIDING LONG MEADOW Sherman Pass Rd. Johnsondale HOLEY MEADOW Johnsondale Bridge Fountain Springs to Bakersfield 56 California Hot Springs MAP COURTESY OF WYNDHAM VISALIA M-99 to Kernville Explore the Sequoias in the saddle like a true pioneer. Enjoy single and multi-day guided rides offered by stables located at Big Meadow Corral in Sequoia National Forest, as well as Grant Grove and Cedar Grove within Kings Canyon National Park and at Balch Park, Tulare County. Horseback rides are also available for trips to Bearpaw High Sierra Camp. visitsequoia/horseback-riding Bringing your own horse? No problem! Bring them up and make your own adventure. Check with the Hume Lake Ranger District or the National Park Service for information on horsefriendly trails, as well as permit requirements. MOUNTAIN BIKING Mountain biking is allowed on all forest roads in Sequoia National Forest and on some designated trails. Every road and trail is different, and many within the forest may be quite technical due to terrain and rocks. Here are a couple areas you can turn your pedals: 20 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 The Hume Lake area has a number of biking opportunities and one of them is to bike Forest Service Road 13S05. Along this trail, you will travel through Giant Sequoia groves and encounter stunning views into Kings Canyon National Park. Follow 13S05 for around eight miles until the road fi zzles out. Turn around anytime and follow the same route back. Some portions of the road can be quite technical due to steep rocky terrain, but you can look forward to a dip in Hume Lake at the end of your ride. The Converse Basin is crisscrossed with unmaintained logging and mining roads that wind through a Giant Sequoia grove and offer some great vistas. Take Highway 180 towards Cedar Grove and follow the signs toward the Chicago Stump and Converse Basin. For more information on recreational activities, visit the following sites: www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/sequoia/recreation nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/things2do.htm NORTHERN REGION WATER ACTIVITIES There are plenty of opportunities for water recreation in the area, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. Whitewater opportunities are seasonal on the wild Kaweah and Kings rivers, as they are not dammed until lower elevations. Serious kayakers will fi nd these rivers technically challenging and rewarding. These runs are appropriate for experienced and expert kayakers only. Watercraft use is restricted within Kings Canyon National Park, but is permitted in Sequoia National Forest. Hume Lake is a fantastic place for all flat water activities, including kayaking, canoeing, stand up boards, and swimming. Kayaks and canoes can be rented at the lake. wade in a calm, wide pool. Call ahead for more information or stop at a park visitor center: scouting the river is not enough—you won’t be able to see dangerous currents. ROCK CLIMBING Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park have some of the best climbing in California. Much of the rock in the region is similar in quality to that found in Yosemite, but without the crowds and pressure. Most climbs require at least a day’s hike in, including Angel Wings, a majestic granite monolith with an 1800 ft. granite face, 18 miles down the High Sierra Trail. For more information on rock climbing, visit nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/ rockclimb.htm. Swimming can be enjoyed almost anywhere along the rivers, with plenty of opportunities to plunge into deep pools from the rocks above, slide down natural granite waterslides, or just SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 21 NORTHERN REGION Cabin at Sequoia High Sierra Camp Relaxation Want to put your feet up and enjoy the scenery with all the comforts of home? Or maybe you’ve had your fill of adventure and are ready for rest and recuperation? We’ve got you covered! Stay in a lodge or rent a rustic cabin, and you’ll probably want to bring a good book. SILVER CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT This true getaway is just minutes from Mineral King for those who want to unplug and unwind. This historic mountain settlement is off the grid and generates its own power for 10 hours a day. At 10 p.m. the lights go out and the lanterns are lit. A variety of chalets and family cabins with full kitchens are available to suit any need. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and a dinner, and a store is available for your convenience. Guided hikes and fly fi shing trips into Mineral King by local experts are also available. SilverCityResort.com JOHN MUIR LODGE Nestled in the midst of Grant Grove Village, surrounded by towering sequoias, and just a quick walk from the General Grant Tree, the lodge has provided an authentic Kings Canyon experience for two decades. But as of late 2014, even longtime loyalists can get a new perspective on the year-round destination, courtesy of a comprehensive renovation. The 22 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 36-room lodge has maintained its classically comfortable style through the $400,000+ update. Guests can now enjoy everything from new soft goods, like carpeting and bedding, to fresh furniture, like lounge chairs and headboards. In keeping with concessionaire Delaware North’s GreenPath philosophy, materials including furniture, carpeting, fabric, and blinds are sustainably sourced from materials like reclaimed wood and “green” textiles. VisitSequoia.com WUKSACHI LODGE Sequoia National Park’s newest and most modern hotel accommodation, this lodge has spacious rooms, a full service restaurant, and a retail and ski shop located in its impressive stone and cedar lodge. It is open year-round. VisitSequoia.com/lodging MONTECITO SEQUOIA LODGE Located off the General’s Scenic Highway, just minutes from the Giant Forest, the Montecito NORTHERN REGION Lodge at Sequoia High Sierra Camp Sequoia Lodge has cabins and lodge rooms available. Set on a private lake, enjoy swimming and paddling, or soak in a hot tub. Meals are provided, so you can just relax and enjoy the scenery. MontecitoSequoia.com CEDAR GROVE VILLAGE Located in the heart of Kings Canyon National Park at Cedar Grove Village, this lodge is the perfect basecamp for exploring the canyon. Nestled on the banks of the powerful Kings River, the lodge offers 21 cozy rooms, a snack bar, a general store, and laundry facilities to keep you spoiled with all the amenities of home, while you take in the grandeur of this deep glaciated canyon. Cedar Grove is a 35 mile drive through the Sequoia National Forest from Grant Grove Village. STONY CREEK LODGE Located in the Giant Sequoia National Monument between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Stony Creek is a great location for guests to explore the area. This small rustic lodge offers 11 rooms with private baths, and has a snack bar, market, and gas station on-site. SEQUOIA HIGH SIERRA CAMP This is the perfect place to get a taste of the backcountry without having to rough it. You will discover 32 luxurious tent cabins overlooking Kings Canyon after a short mile-long hike through stands of Red Fir and Lodgepole Pine. Wake up to a hearty breakfast buffet and get a picnic lunch to enjoy later whether you’re on a trail, fi shing a stream, or reading a book at camp. Enjoy a five course dinner prepared by the camp chef, and retire to a comfortable bed in your private tent cabin suite whenever you please. SequoiaHighSierraCamp.com BEARPAW HIGH SIERRA CAMP A rustic tent cabin camp located 11.5 miles down the High Sierra Trail, deep into the Sequoia National Park backcountry. Bearpaw offers six tent cabins perched atop a granite saddle overlooking the Great Western Divide. A generous home-style breakfast and dinner are served daily, so you’ll have all the energy you need to explore some of the fi nest alpine terrain in the Sierra Nevadas. VisitSequoia.com/bearpaw. CLOSER TO CIVILIZATION If you like to be a little closer to civilization, Three Rivers is just down the hill, and offers quiet, riverside getaways and lodging. An abundance of lodging and fi ne dining are also available in Exeter and Visalia, just under an hour drive from Sequoia National Park. SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 23 NORTHERN REGION 24 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 NORTHERN REGION Winter Recreation Explore some of the most gorgeous snowy terrain in the world, and be inspired by the majesty of snowcapped Giant Sequoias. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding can all be enjoyed within the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and Giant Sequoia National Monument. GRANT GROVE & WUKSACHI LODGE Grant Grove and Wuksachi Lodge include great snow play areas and also offer ski and shoe rentals. Free ranger-guided snowshoe tours are available (weather permitting). Wolverton Meadow is a fantastic area for sledding, and is also the winter trailhead for cross-country ski and snowshoe excursions to Pear Lake Ski Hut. PEAR LAKE WINTER HUT Pear Lake Ski Hut is reachable only by a steep six-mile trail. This advanced ski/snowshoe trail offers a chance to explore the pristine wilderness of the Sierra Nevadas during winter. The hut sleeps 10, and it is heated by a wood pellet stove. Reservations required. Snowmobilers will fi nd their paradise within the Sequoia National Forest at the Cherry Gap, Big Meadow, and Millwood winter trailheads. Plow through the snow among the Giant Sequoias, and savor the breathtaking scenery of the High Sierras in winter. Make sure to check regulations and stay on designated trails. Sorry, no boondocking allowed. For more information on winter recreation, visit: nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/things2do.htm SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 25 THE SOUTHERN SEQUOIA REGION “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike.” —JOHN MUIR, CONSERVATIONIST 26 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 Maggie Lakes, Sequoia National Park This area is comprised of the southern regions of the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument, and four wilderness areas, including Golden Trout Wilderness and Domeland Wilderness, which make this area one of the most geographically diverse and remote in the country. F rom rolling foothills in the west, into majestic Giant Sequoia groves, across high mountain peaks, steep river valleys and alpine lakes, and into high desert in the east, this area is a paradise for adventure, exploration, and gratification. POPULAR ATTRACTIONS The Trail of 100 Giants, Dome Rock, Bald Mountain Lookout, Balch Park and Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest The Trail of 100 Giants is a paved, fully accessible path that saunters through a noble stand of Giant Sequoias, some of which are up to 1,500 years old. Walk atop a fallen giant and gain a true appreciation for the size of these grand trees. Dome Rock - walk on top of this granite monolith and admire the view. It is accessible to all ages and just off the Western Divide Highway, but be careful on top, there is no railing and it’s a 400 foot drop to the valley below. Balch Park and Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest collectively make up some of the largest old growth Giant Sequoia groves in existence, containing more than 2,000 old growth trees. Hike, bike, fi sh, swim, and camp under the Giant Sequoias in these unique forested areas. Bald Mountain Lookout provides a stunning 360-degree view of the entire southern Sierra, with views of Mt. Whitney and the granite crags of the Domeland. This mountain is a unique botanical island boasting over 100 different species of plant life, including five species of pine trees, two fi r species, and the Western Juniper. The Camper Balch Park and Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest taken together, are a camper’s paradise. Camp in the shade of some of the fi nest giant trees on Earth, and make your trip complete with some excellent fi shing opportunities. Well stocked ponds and the Middle Fork of the Tule River are just steps away from your campsite. Numerous campgrounds are available on a fi rst-come basis. Located up Balch Park Road off of Hwy. 190. Belknap Campground is nestled within the Camp Nelson community on the banks of the South Middle Fork of the Tule River. Enjoy camping under the Giant Sequoias with some great fi shing and hiking at your fi ngertips. Just up the road from Belknap is Quaking Aspen Campground located just off the highway. Situated just minutes away from many attractions, this is an ideal basecamp for exploring the Sequoia National Forest. Camp in style and reserve one of the yurts located in the campground. Camping opportunities are almost limitless within the Sequoia National Forest. Many improved campgrounds are available and dispersed camping is widely permitted. For a complete list of campgrounds and camping regulations, visit: recreation.gov or fs.usda. gov/main/sequoia The Adventurer Lucky you! You have stumbled upon one of the most exciting natural playgrounds in the world, with over a million acres for fi shing, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, rock climbing, biking, whitewater, and OHV riding. HIKING & TRAIL RUNNING Dozens upon dozens of day hikes are possible in this vast wilderness, which contains hundreds of miles of trails. Here are a couple favorites: Freeman Creek Trail – saunter through one of the largest Giant Sequoia groves with more than 800 trees over 10 feet in diameter. Six miles round-trip. To reach this area, take Lloyd Meadow Road from Johnsondale. The Needles Lookout Trail is a five-mile hike out-and-back to Needles Ridge, a formation of impressive granite spires. The lookout burned down a few years ago, but the scenery is still there. Enjoy views of Mt. Whitney, the Golden Trout Wilderness, and the Kern River Valley. BACKPACKING & FISHING Maggie Lakes is a wonderful series of lakes nestled in the cirques of Maggie Mountain. Enjoy climbs to Maggie’s numerous peaks, great fi shing, and pristine water. Leave out of Summit Trailhead and follow the trail 9.3 miles through numerous meadows and some great vistas. The Golden Trout Wilderness is named after the elusive golden trout, native only to this area of the Sierras. Backpack or horseback ride into the Golden Trout Wilderness from numerous trailheads with the earliest access from Lloyd Meadows. Bring your fi shing pole and fi sh to your heart’s content (of course, a license is required and special restrictions apply to anglers). SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 27 SOUTHERN REGION The Domeland Wilderness is loaded with awe-inspiring domes, spires, and crags rising out of conifer forests. Domeland is perfect for those seeking a remote and crowdless getaway. Hike or ride horseback through shady forests of pine and fi r down into Manter Meadow, the largest meadow in the wilderness. Plus, with its lower elevations, this wilderness is a pretty safe bet in spring and fall, when snow still clings to the high-mountain locales. Great fi shing, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing are all available in this road-less-travelled beauty. HORSEBACK RIDING Tulare County and its public lands in the High Sierras and foothills offer an abundance of back country roads and scenic trails that are perfect for an hour, day, week, or month in the saddle. Riders can bring their own horses to explore the area, or they can choose from authorized outfitters who offer a variety of trips deep into the Sequoias. Facilities vary, so check with the National Forest for specific details. Many of these sites are located at or near trailheads leading into the many wilderness areas—where the only access is by riding or hiking. For more outfitter information, visit: goldentroutpacktrains.com or balchpark.com For permits and regulations, check out: www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia MOUNTAIN BIKING The Giant Sequoia National Monument is one of the only places in the world where you can bike along trails through groves of Giant Sequoias (and even ride through a tree). A network of trails near Quaking Aspen accommodates cyclists of all experience levels. Bike rentals and shuttle services are available out of Camp Nelson to take cyclists directly to the trailheads. SequoiaMountainAdventures.com WATER ACTIVITIES The Kern River is one of the best whitewater locations in California. Whitewater rafting and kayaking is popular along the numerous Class IV and V runs. Whitewater rafting outfitters are available out of Kernville. Experienced kayakers only. Swimming is popular among the numerous forks of the Tule River and in the Kern River, with plenty of opportunities to plunge into deep pools from the rocks above, slide down natural granite waterslides, or just wade in a calm, wide pool. Of course, extreme caution is recommended when entering 28 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 any river as they can be deadly, so be smart and make sure you know what you are getting into by scouting the section of river you plan on swimming and knowing your limitations. ROCK CLIMBING World class rock climbing can be found throughout the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument. The Needles, Dome Rock, and Elephant Knoll offer some of the best crack and face climbing in the Sierras, without the crowds and easily accessible. Check out Church Domes in the Domeland Wilderness for a series of domes and spires, and climb some well bolted routes. www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sequoia/recreation/ climbing OHV RIDING There is no fi ner location for off highway vehicle recreation in the Sierras than the Kern Plateau within the Sequoia National Forest. Riders of all levels are accommodated on this network of over 300 miles of trails ranging in elevation from 2500 –9900 feet. With easy access to numerous OHV trailheads, nearby OHV campgrounds, and excellent signage on trails, this is the playground you’ve been searching for. The Kern River Motor Vehicle Opportunity Guide is an excellent publication that outlines vehicle regulations and contains an excellent map of the area. Download a PDF version here: www.fs.usda.gov/main/sequoia/maps-pubs F IN D US AT: SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 29 SOUTHERN REGION Relaxation Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy nature’s symphony as the wind rushes through the trees and water trickles down a mountain stream. John Muir said it best, “Come to the woods, for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods…Sleep in forgetfulness of all ill. Of all the upness accessible to mortals, there is no upness comparable to the mountains.” WAIT NO LONGER, COME AND BE UPLIFTED. Fully outfitted cabins and rooms are available for rent in various mountain communities along Hwy. 190 and the Western Divide Highway, including Camp Nelson and Ponderosa. Located amid numerous trails and attractions with general stores nearby, don’t worry about having to rough it, you’ll enjoy all the comforts of home in the glory of this great forest. The Sequoia National Forest also has cabins available for rent at different locations throughout the forest. Some have electricity and are furnished, while others do not. Find out more at: www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sequoia/recreation/ camping-cabins Combine the best experiences of tent camping and cabin life; stay in a cozy yurt at Quaking Aspen Campgrounds or Redwood 30 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 Meadow. Modeled after the ancient shelters used by Central Asian nomads, these yurts will insulate you from the elements and contain a bunk bed and futon for comfy nights. Winter Recreation Break out the snow pants and insulated boots and head up the hill. Quaking Aspen and the Kern Plateau are fantastic areas for sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Quaking Aspen Meadow is a popular area for snow play, while a network of roads nearby offer great cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Over snow vehicles are required to stay on roads within the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Visit the following website for winter recreation maps: ponderosaca.com/snow/SnowMaps Kern Plateau is equally accommodating for snowmobiles as it is for off-highway vehicles. Over a dozen trails are open and well-marked for over snow vehicles, and hundreds of miles of trails and roads are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. For more information on winter recreation in the Kern Plateau, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sequoia/recreation/ wintersports DESTINATION WEDDINGS From the serenity of Zumwalt Meadow to the humbling Giant Sequoias of Lost Grove, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National park is a wedding destination that will simply take your breath away. With international airports in Fresno, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, and a multitude of accommodations and restaurants nearby, your loved ones will not want to miss your nuptials. Start creating your dream wedding by visiting. www.visitsequoia.com/weddings.aspx and www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/permits. SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 31 Hillsdale The Hercules Tree, Mountain Home Grove Tulare Conveniently located off HWY 99! Fairfield Inn & Suites 1225 Hillman Street 559.686.4700 Best Western Town & Country 1051 N. Blackstone St. 559.688.7537 Charter Inn & Suites 1016 E. Prosperity 559.685.9500 Comfort Suites 1021 N. Blackstone St. 559.687.1246 32 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 Quality Inn 1010 E. Prosperity Ave. 559.687.1246 La Quinta Inn & Suites 1500 Cherry Ct. 559.685.8900 Hampton Inn & Suites 1100 N. Cherry St. 559.686.8700 YOUR HOME FOR HEATHLAND GOLF IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA Located just 30 minutes south of Fresno surrounded by mountain vistas, orchards and vineyards is Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club, a premium daily fee course open to the public. This 18-hole, 7,482 yard championship golf course boasts one of the longest par five holes in California measuring out at a massive 653 yards. Our premium course also features one of the largest practice facilities west of the Rockies at 25 acres. Ridge Creek course uses 100% recyled water. Ridge Creek offers a full Clubhouse, Three Finger Jack’s with indoor and outdoor seating. 3018 Ridge Creek Drive Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 591-2254 golfridgecreek.com SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 33 EXPERIENCE TULARE COUNTY You came for the Sequoias, but our bounty might surprise you. When wandering the grocery store aisles, do you ever stop to think about how all this food is produced and placed with such ease at your fingertips? Well, chances are a lot of the produce, dairy, and meat products you have purchased were grown or raised right here in Tulare County. Tulare County is the top ag producing county in the world, providing more than 83 countries with the staples of a healthy diet. Home to the World Ag Expo and thought of as the agricultural capital of the world, come see how we make America possible. The industrious and hardworking people of this rich agricultural land invite you to experience the “Bread Basket of the World.” 34 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 “One shining morning, a landscape was displayed that after all my wanderings still appears as the most beautiful I have ever beheld. At my feet lay the Great Central Valley of California, level and flowery, like a lake of pure sunshine, forty or fifty miles wide, five hundred miles long, one rich furred garden of yellow Compositae. And from the eastern boundary of this vast golden flower-bed rose the mighty Sierra…” —JOHN MUIR, CONSERVATIONIST SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 35 EXPERIENCE THE BREAD BASKET OF THE WORLD As the heart of the most productive agricultural area in the nation, the Sequoia region harvests more than 120 different crops, and is the top dairy producer in the world. I n early spring, the countryside is alive and vibrant with blossoming fruit trees and wildflowers, while the sweet aroma of orange blossoms fi lls the air. The many processing, packing, and cold storage facilities supply markets around the world with fresh produce. Fall brings bright colors of yellow corn stalks, pumpkin patches, and gourd fields. Leaves on the fruit trees and vines turn variations of green, gold, orange, and red. Winter’s cool air helps produce the sweetest oranges in the world. Acres of ripe navel oranges on dark green trees appear to be decorated for the holidays. Rolling foothills, huge cattle ranches, and the majestic peaks of the snowcapped Sierra Nevadas form a spectacular background. Fruit stands dot the country roads from spring through fall, and farmers’ markets and taste tours are available throughout the Central Valley. The taste of just-picked local produce is deliciously unforgettable. 36 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 MCKELLAR FAMILY FARMS Nestled beneath the foothills, this citrus farm will really give you a feel for what it’s like to live in an agricultural oasis. This farm is surrounded by fragrant groves and has a story unlike anyone else’s. Schedule a farm tour and learn about irrigation, production, and grove maintenance, while enjoying freshly picked oranges. McKellar Family Farms is home to the nation’s ONLY Orange Grove Maze. It’s just like a corn maze, but with oranges! This 3.5 acre maze winding through the orange groves of McKellar Family Farms isn’t easy. Visitors will be given a map at check-in and the rest is up to them. The maze also includes a game to play along the way. Finish the game and successfully make your way out of the maze and receive a prize. Entrance is $3.00 per person and reservations are required in advance. The maze operates seasonally, March–October. Tours are scheduled by appointment only. Large groups are welcome. Please inquire for current pricing. MckellarFamilyFarms.com yourself. Purchase goodies in the Shoppe, and indulge in an ice cream treat. Call ahead to check the schedule for viewing the cheese-making, as these times do vary. BravoFarms.com BRAVO FARMS Visit Bravo Farms to taste the valley the way the locals do. Bravo Farms started as a small gas station and cafe, and over the years grew into a mini “Knott’s Berry Farm,” according to the LA Times. Watch professionals make hand-crafted cheese right in front of you and proceed through the tour to taste for NAYLOR FAMILY ORGANIC FARM The Naylor Family Organic Farm and Farm Stay add to the agricultural ambiance of the Central Valley. This unique getaway and ‘farm to fork’ experience is patterned after European- style farmstays where guests are invited into the host family’s home. Two spacious bedrooms complete with private baths are open for guests, and breakfast is prepared and served by the Naylor’s each morning. The couple has opened their farm to tours and direct sales of their delicious treeripened organic peaches and nectarines, as well as other varieties of stone fruit, while in season. Visitors will learn about organic farming, taste juicy fruit, and get to hear stories about the farm and area history. NaylorsOrganicFarmStay.com SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 37 AGRICULTURE LOCAL AG EXPERT JOHN ONETO N AT U R A L LY N U T S BATTLE MOUNTAIN VINEYARD Battle Mountain Vineyard grows on a historic ranch in the Sierra foothills, beneath towering granite peaks and Giant Sequoias, at the edge of the Tule River. It is watered by exceptionally pure spring water. The wine’s incomparable terroir is a result of organically cultured vines growing where nothing but oaks and meadow grasses have grown before. BattleMountainVineyard.com BARI OLIVE OIL A family owned farm and mill located near Dinuba, Bari has been producing award winning olive oils for over 75 years from locally grown olives. Taste the fi nest olive oil California has to offer at their on-site tasting room, which also offers olive oil soaps, books, and gift crates. Learn all about the history, production, and uses of olive oil from Bari’s knowledgeable staff on an educational tour of their olive oil mill. BariOliveOil.com J ohn and his family have been farming in the valley since the mid-1920s. Since he was a child, he loved farming and wanted to stay in the industry. Shortly after earning a degree in ag science from UC Davis, John branched out into the nut processing industry. John has now been processing nuts for more than 20 years, and he estimates he has processed over two billion pounds of nuts. He co-developed the pistachio roasting technique that is the industry standard today. Nineteen years ago, John opened Naturally Nuts, a retail store featuring an array of products from the area. “There is an agricultural abundance right here on a scale you can’t imagine,” John shares. “I opened the store so we could share this with others.” John is also passionate about educating visitors on just about “all things ag,” from holding demonstrations on nut butter production to coordinating “blossom trail” tours to different farms in the area, showcasing various crops. When asked what it is about this area he likes best, John states, “I love this valley. On a clear day, my view of the snowcapped Sierra Nevadas will make your heart soar.” 38 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 ROSA BROTHERS MILK COMPANY Rosa Brothers Milk Company is a family-owned creamery located in Tulare. You get to see the milk bottling and ice cream making process, and have the opportunity to purchase the freshest milk and ice cream in the Valley, as well as other local treats. RosaBrothers.com AGRICULTURE FARMERS MARKETS & STREET FAIRS OF TULARE COUNTY VISALIA: MAY-OCT, Thursdays at 5 p.m., corner of Church & Main in Downtown; yearround Saturdays at 8 a.m., corner of Caldwell & Mooney Sequoia Sightseeing Tours offers daily tours of the largest trees on earth & deepest canyon in the United States. LINDSAY: MAR-NOV, Fridays at 5:30 p.m., at Sweetbriar Plaza DINUBA: MAY-OCT, Mondays at 5 p.m., corner of South L & Ventura TULARE: MAY-AUG, Tuesdays 5-8 p.m., at Retherford Street. For more info, call Tulare Downtown Association at (559) 685-2350 WOODLAKE: MAY-NOV, Wednesdays at 5-9p.m., corner of Magnolia & Antelope Streets FARMERSVILLE: MAY-SEPT, Thursdays at 3 p.m., at 147 E. Front Street SPRINGVILLE: First Saturday at 8-11:30 a.m., at Springville Ranch THREE RIVERS: Thursdays & Fridays 12-6 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Mondays 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at Sage Roots, 41763 Sierra Drive at Unit A. Daily Departures from Three Rivers & Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park www.sequoiatours.com • 559.561.4189 SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 39 EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF THE VALLEY From the rolling, grassy foothills dotted with mighty oak trees to the fertile valley floor, there is plenty to see and do for every nature lover. perennial crops, an aquatic garden, a rock garden, and roses, roses, and more roses. CityOfWoodlake.com. KAWEAH OAKS PRESERVE BRAVO LAKE BOTANICAL GARDENS This 10-acre facility in Woodlake features an “agricultural theme” characteristic of the Central Valley’s farming region and heritage; the fi rst garden of its kind in California. With more than one mile of gardens to explore, visitors can stroll, bike, or wheelchair through the lavish gardens. Be sure to give yourself enough time, because you won’t want to miss the citrus, exotic fruits orchard, a nut orchard, several annual and This 322-acre preserve protects one of the last remaining Valley Oak riparian forests in California. Visitors can enter a timeless oasis that showcases what this region looked like more than 200 years ago when Valley Oaks carpeted the length of the Central Valley. Take a trail hike past Himalayan blackberries and rare native plant species, while being serenaded by dozens of local bird species and other wildlife. Feel adventurous? Perhaps you’ll spot a gray fox, a great horned owl, or even a Nuttall’s woodpecker. Four self-guided nature paths allow sightseers to explore a simpler time, and experience 40 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 the sights and sounds that greeted Native Americans and early settlers when they came to this area. SequoiaRiverlands.org MOONEY GROVE PARK Donned with enormous oak trees that Visalia has worked hard to preserve and protect, Mooney Grove Park is the perfect place for a family picnic or a game of disc golf. Surround yourself with nature and enjoy walking around the park grounds. Visit the lagoon, take a look at the historical statue, “End of the Trail,” or wander around the Tulare County Museum of Farm Labor and Agriculture. VisitVisalia.org. Open daily from fall and into spring, and weekends-only during the summer due to fi re danger. SequoiaRiverLands.org DRY CREEK PRESERVE The fi rst example of an ecologically-based aggregate mine reclamation in Tulare County, this fully restored 152-acre nature preserve, provides critical habitat for an increasing amount of resident and migratory birds, and supports native species such as the great blue heron, the bald eagle, and mule deer. When spring arrives, the preserve welcomes visitors with a stunning display of wildflowers. Located just outside of Lemon Cove a short distance off Hwy. 198, don’t miss a great opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. trail, lined with interpretive stations, or observe the sandhill cranes roosting in the wetlands from September to January, where more than 6,000 have been spotted at one time. fws.gov/kern/refuges/pixley LAKE KAWEAH PIXLEY WILDLIFE REFUGE As home to more than a dozen species of mammals and reptiles, and habitat for waterfowl and grassland bird species, this refuge is the perfect place to watch nature come alive. Take a relaxing walk along the 1.5 mile Lake Kaweah is located on the Kaweah River near Lemon Cove and the town of Three Rivers. At normal levels, it has a surface area of three square miles. It is in the foothills below Sequoia National Park and the Sierra Nevada range. High mountains provide a beautiful background for fi shing and boating at this popular recreation area, located on the main southern route into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. For more information, and camping reservations, visit Recreation.gov. SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 41 EXPERIENCE HISTORY & HERITAGE Tulare County is rich with history. When it was established in 1852, the early settlers found a wild and beautiful land with great potential. T he high country provided water, timber, and a place to escape the summer heat. The valley floor provided abundant game and rich soil for crops and cattle grazing; all the ingredients to start a new life. Since its beginning, the county has witnessed so much history, including the arrival of the railroad, mining of precious metals, discovery of the Giant Sequoia trees, and proliferation of irrigation canals; all coming together to create an amazing countywide history classroom. We invite you to visit our historic treasures, including: THARP LOG In 1858, Tulare County settler Hale Tharp visited the Giant Sequoias in what is now called Giant Forest within Sequoia National Park. In Log Meadow, you can see a fallen Giant Sequoia that was hollowed out and made into living quarters. The name “Tharp” can be seen carved into it. CHARTER OAK About seven miles east of Visalia stands a large Valley Oak tree that, according to legend, was used as shade for the fi rst voters in Tulare County. The election was held on July 10, 1852, and rather than vote in John Wood’s cabin, officials moved the polling place under this tree to escape the heat. TAILHOLT HOSPITAL ROCK The foothills of Tulare County are dotted with many sites containing Native American rock art. Hospital Rock is an overhanging boulder in Sequoia National Park that served as a hospital for some early area inhabitants. It contains nice examples of pictographs dating back thousands of years. 42 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 This old gold mining community is now a ghost town with little evidence to show for its active past. The gold mining camp, later called White River, began about 1856 and has two cemeteries—one called Boot Hill—where the remains of the community’s ruffians lie today. For more information, visit: ohp.parks. ca.gov/?page _ id=21533 KAWEAH POST OFFICE In 1910, a little post office was built in the Kaweah settlement near what is now Three Rivers. About 10’ by 12’ in total size, this rustic building is one of the smaller operating post offices in the Unites States. It continues to serve the community, and its beginning can be traced to the Kaweah colonists who lived in a utopian community nearby. COLONEL ALLENSWORTH STATE HISTORIC PARK In 1908, a group of African Americans, led by Colonel Allen Allensworth, founded a town that would combine pride of ownership, equality of opportunity, and high ideals. Today, the California Department of Parks & Recreation is committed annual rededication and Old Time Jubilee. Parks.ca.gov/?page _ id=583 PORTERVILLE HISTORICAL MUSEUM to the town’s renaissance as a living example of the American spirit. A modest but growing assemblage of restored and reconstructed buildings marks the location of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. A schoolhouse, a Baptist church, businesses, homes, a hotel, a library, and various other structures symbolize the rebirth of one man’s dream of an independent, democratic town where African Americans could live in control of their own destiny. Special events include an Housed in the old Southern Pacific depot, the museum is a historical walk through time, containing some of the region’s fi nest examples of Yokuts and other American Indian artifacts. These items were used by the fi rst pioneers and settlers to the region, and SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 43 HISTORY & HERITAGE snapshots of various time periods throughout the past 100 years. A large oil painting of a stagecoach by a Porterville High School student dominates the main room. The sizable collection of decorative arts and crafts include china, dolls, quilts, and more. PortervilleMuseum.org LINDSAY MUSEUM & GALLERY The Lindsay Museum & Gallery is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Lindsay’s rich cultural arts and history. You can view their Facebook or Twitter page to see current and upcoming exhibits and events. National Historical Registry of Old Houses and in the National Register of Historic Places. ci.porterville.ca.us TULARE HISTORICAL MUSEUM Founded in 1985, the Tulare Historical Museum has been preserving and showcasing the history of Tulare since its inception. As you stroll through the halls of the museum, you will fi nd pieces that convey the agricultural heritage – especially dairy – that built the community of Tulare. TulareHistoricalMuseum.org EXETER HISTORICAL MUSEUM From sports figures to outlaws, the Exeter Historical Museum, at the corner of Pine and B streets, draws history buffs to its inviting displays. The interactive museum, complete with flat screen televisions showing historic photographs and video, is staffed by volunteer docents every weekend, Sat., 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun., 12 p.m.4 p.m.. The museum invites the public to tour its varied exhibits highlighting the people, places, and events in Exeter, Lemon Cove, Yokohl Valley, and Mineral King. ExeterHistoricalMuseum.com ZALUD HOUSE A nostalgic glimpse into the past, the Zalud House was built in 1891 and is one of the few houses of that era that has not undergone remodeling. From the time the house was built, only the Zalud family lived in the home, and it’s now one of the few museums in the nation furnished entirely with the owner’s possessions. Visitors can also sign up for “paranormal” tours to get a unique account of this historic property. The Zalud House is listed in the VISALIA HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR Take this self-guided 45-minute stroll through old downtown Visalia for a history lesson and some good exercise. Along the way, you’ll discover old churches, the little white schoolhouse, early hotels, and the famous Fort Visalia. VisitVisalia.org ANTIQUE FARM EQUIPMENT MUSEUM This museum pays tribute to past generations of California farmers and dairymen, showing the tools and technology they used to create a garden from a desert. By today’s standards, the early settlers used fairly primitive equipment. Horsedrawn farm tools, fully- 44 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 restored antique tractors, steam-driven harvesters, oldfashioned milking machines, a collection of barbed wire, and homemaker’s tools are on display. There is even a restored 1920s crop duster airplane. The museum is easily accessible to all adults and children, and can be found at the International Agri-Center. Self-guided tours are as simple as reading the printed descriptions that tell the story of each piece on display. VisitVisalia.org HERITAGE SQUARE The White House is a 1912 Dinuba family home (which was later used to house teachers after WWII and the Depot Museum) and the Southern Pacific Railroad office built in 1888 (when the railroad extended its route from Fresno to Visalia and used by SPR until 1978) are two of the structures that house cultural and historic artifacts of the Alta District (northeast Tulare County). The Rutan Brothers Aviation Exhibit and Rose Ann Vuich’s parade car (California’s fi rst female Senator), are among the collections that tell the story of the Alta District by blending history, culture, and art. AltaDistrictHistoricalSociety. org THREE RIVERS HISTORICAL MUSEUM The Native American village is a permanent outdoor exhibit consisting of a summer home, a winter home, and an acorn granary on a raised platform. Built by Johnny Sartuche, his father, Eddie Sartuche, and his brother, Gary Sartuche, in 2011, the village is located adjacent to historic bedrock mortars and pestles, on the grounds of the Three Rivers Historical Museum. Inside, the museum displays Yokuts Indian artifacts, including an infant’s cradle, musical instruments, cooking implements, and decorative baskets. 3RMuseum.org HISTORY & HERITAGE THE TULARE COUNTY MUSEUM Nestled in the oak preserve at Mooney Grove Park in Visalia, the museum houses the largest Native American basket collection in California, as well as artifacts of the pioneer era, agriculture equipment, and many other treasures that tell the history of Tulare County. The newest addition to the museum is the Farm Labor and Agriculture Museum, which recognizes the contributions of Tulare County’s diverse array of cultural groups to the agricultural industry. tularecountyhistoricalsociety. org THE TULE RIVER HISTORICAL MUSEUM The Tule River Historical Museum houses the fi rst residence to be built in Springville, the Murphy House, along with early farming, mining, and logging equipment, photographs, diaries, and early recordings. The Murphy House was disassembled and stored for years until a site was created for the Museum. Then it was reassembled on the Museum grounds and appointed with authentic old-time furnishings, including linens and dishes. On the fi rst Sunday in December, the Tule River Historical Society holds an open house where visitors are treated to old time craft demonstrations like weaving, forging, dutch oven cooking, and guided tours of the Museum. The Museum is located just south of Springville and is entered through the Rodeo Grounds. Interested in learning more about the treasures of Tulare County? There are dozens of intriguing places, including natural lands, farms, ranches, buildings, cultural and historical sites, and markers of significant locations in Tulare County, that are officially conserved—or ought to be—and are open to the public, at least some of the time. We invite you to discover, explore, and celebrate Tulare County’s unique and enduring legacy of land and people at: TulareCountyTreasures.org. * PHOTO: JOHN GREENING SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 45 FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Entertainment, no matter what you fancy. Athletic venues, rodeos, gaming, fairgrounds, golf, and baseball. MCDERMONT FIELD HOUSE McDermont Field House is a renovated sports facility that was originally an abandoned orange packinghouse. The entire facility houses 172,000 sq. feet of extreme fun, sports, and family entertainment. The facility offers two basketball courts, two indoor soccer fields, fitness center, an indoor skate park, a 50-foot high rock climbing wall, indoor surfi ng, arcades, and the world’s largest laser tag basement. McDermont Field House is also equipped to host musical acts and concerts. As a venue, McDermont Field House is able to support car shows, dances, and other exhibitions. Come experience the Central Valley’s state-of-the-art sport and recreation facility. McDermontFieldhouse.com EAGLE MOUNTAIN CASINO Eagle Mountain Casino is a full service casino that offers nearly 1,300 of the newest slots, table games, poker, great dining, and top name entertainment. Enjoy excellent dining in the Forest Buffet, offering home style food and desserts baked fresh daily. Plus, enjoy succulent steak, chicken, and fi sh dishes in The River Steakhouse. For top name entertainment, Eagle Mountain Casino is your choice all year round. See the best in country music, rock, and comedy, with names 46 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 like LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan, and Carlos Mencia. Eagle Mountain Casino is always your best bet. EagleMtnCasino.com PORTERVILLE FAIRGROUNDS Constructed in 2011, the new Porterville Fairgrounds boast one of the largest covered arenas in California and largest indoor party venues in the area. The fair runs five days, opening the Wednesday following Mother’s Day each year. Free entertainment, livestock, great food, and amusements makes the annual Fair one of the best ways to get acquainted with the true American way of life. PortervilleFair.com SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 47 ENTERTAINMENT TULARE FAIRGROUNDS The Tulare County Fairgrounds is one of the premier event destinations in the California Central Valley, hosting well over 300 events annually. With 68 acres of beautiful multi-purpose space, including both indoor and outdoor settings, the fairgrounds is a perfect spot for gathering, fun, and celebration. Watch the facility come alive during the annual Tulare County Fair in September. TCFair.org WORLD CLASS RODEOS Saddle up for these events that bring out the cowboy in all of us. There are quite a few rodeos held every year in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. From Springville’s rodeo on the 4th weekend in April, to Woodlake’s Mother’s Day weekend in May, to Tule River Tribe’s in mid-June. Along with various other equestrian events throughout the year, you’re sure to fi nd the perfect event to see the Best in the West. RAWHIDE RECREATION PARK Rawhide baseball is the perfect opportunity to experience “America’s Greatest Pastime.” Visalia is home to Visalia Rawhide, a minor league team, and you’ll love watching one of their games. Head over to Recreation Ballpark, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and settle yourself into a seat. A night with Visalia Rawhide is a defi nite crowd pleaser. RawhideBaseball.com 48 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 ENTERTAINMENT GOLF A couple of our courses merit honorable mention. Ridge Creek in Dinuba features one of the largest driving ranges west of the Rockies on their beautiful heathland golf course that will make our friends from across the pond feel right at home. If you’re looking for a game with a view, River Island Country Club is nestled in the foothills right below the entrance to Sequoia National Forest. At Valley Oaks Golf Course in Visalia, you can not only enjoy a quiet game on a beautiful course, but you can also try out FootGolf – a fusion of golf and soccer (or “football”). In this fun twist, players use soccer balls on a traditional golf course with 21-inch diameter cups. SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 49 EXPERIENCE THE ARTS From murals and art galleries, to the performing arts, and a well-established symphony, Tulare County is home to an evergrowing fine arts community that appeals to all walks of life and contributes to its unique culture. MURALS Following the citrus freeze of 1990, Exeter’s downtown began to look more like a ghost town. Things seemed to get worse when one of the downtown’s most recognizable and historic buildings, the old Mixter Pharmacy, burned down in 1991. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, Exeter decided to reinvest in itself and reinvent its downtown in 1996. Inspired by a small town in Canada that used murals to promote tourism after the lumber industry left town, Exeter decided to convert the burned out lot to a downtown Mixter Park (named after the historic building) and painted a mural paying homage to Exeter’s citrus industry. Today, Exeter’s downtown is thriving again thanks to the ongoing mural program. 50 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 Exeter’s 31 murals create an outdoor art gallery that displays the pioneering businesses, Native American heritage, and scenes of local life of years gone by. ExeterMurals.com You can also see murals throughout Tulare County, as most of the communities boast beautiful murals featuring local and nationally known artists. SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 51 THE ARTS COURTHOUSE GALLERY OF THE ARTS Stepping into Exeter’s Courthouse Gallery of the Arts, visitors are welcomed warmly by docents and ushered into one of the most respected art galleries in the county. With exhibits changing every three months, hang space at the gallery has become coveted real estate. Artists throughout the San Joaquin Valley and the state have exhibited in the facility’s eight year history, representing a myriad of art forms, such as painting, sculpture, fi ber arts, and photography. The Courthouse Gallery is open Saturday interactive scientific, cultural, and educational exhibits for children and the whole family. ImagineU also organizes and hosts a wide variety of children’s events, crafts, camps and group visits. ImagineUMuseum.org FOX THEATER 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.. ExeterHistoricalMuseum.com IMAGINEU This multicultural learning center provides a safe and fun environment fi lled with 52 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 Enjoy a night of entertainment at Visalia’s Fox Theater. The theater’s downtown location is perfect if you’re looking for a night of dinner and entertainment. After enjoying a nice dinner at one of the numerous restaurants within walking distance, head over to the Fox Theater for some live entertainment and fun. FoxVisalia.org THE ARTS BARN THEATER At over 60 years of existence, the Barn Theater is California’s longest running community theater. Each season includes a variety of shows providing live, on-stage theater entertainment. BarnTheater.Porterville.com ENCORE THEATRE Encore Theatre Company is celebrating 36 years of community theater in Tulare, California. With performances of comedies, melodramas, and satires, Encore Theatre appeals to the young and old alike. TulareEncoreTheatre.org ICE HOUSE THEATRE The Visalia Community Players have been performing for over 56 years, with the past 36 years at the Ice House Theatre. Each season, the all-volunteer Players present a mix of plays and musicals for the local community. VisaliaPlayers.org TULARE COUNTY SYMPHONY The Tulare County Symphony was founded in 1959 in the backyard of Tulare resident, Pat Hillman. Their fi rst music director, Robert Cole, was then teaching at Tulare Union High School. For the past 55 seasons, it has been the mission of the Tulare County Symphony to provide a symphony orchestra to Tulare County to promote and foster appreciation of symphonic music, to further adult participation in creative music activity, and to promote the education and development of young musicians. The current orchestra is composed of seventy or so local musicians. Under current Music Director, Dr. Bruce Kiesling, who is also Conductor of the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles and a composer of music for fi lms, the symphony performs at the beautifully restored Visalia Fox Theater. TulareCountySymphony.com SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 53 THE ARTS ARTS CONSORTIUM The destination for all things “art” in Tulare County. The Arts Consortium brings together artists, organizations, and art enthusiasts to advocate, promote, and provide opportunities to create and celebrate the arts for all Tulare County residents and visitors. TasteTheArts.net THE PORTERVILLE ART WALK Working as its own art collective group, the Porterville Art Walk is an arts and culture-focused event, fueled by passion and interest in the arts in southeastern Tulare County. Art lovers from all walks of life flock to downtown Porterville to meet the artists, enjoy an art reception, and listen to music. With 15-20 (or more) participating venues, guests enjoy artwork, listen to musicians and poets, and relish the receptions and beverages. Art Walk opens an artistic avenue for professional, novice, local, and up-and-coming artsists to exhibit their art or craft to the community, expanding the stage for artistic liberty. Porterville Art Walk takes place the fi rst Friday of every month, September through June. This free event runs from 5-8 p.m. ThePortervilleArtWalk.org use the provided chairs and benches or bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, and refreshments for personal comfort. There is no cost to attend. Centennial Park is located at the corner of Main Street and Cleveland Avenue directly across from City Hall. PortervilleChamber.org ARTS VISALIA Arts Visalia has established itself as the premiere visual arts venue in the community. Their diverse MUSIC ON MAIN STREET Porterville’s quaint downtown Centennial Park is the venue for weekly Friday evening concerts, offering a wide array of musical performances. The series opens the fi rst Friday in April and concludes the last Friday in June. Blues, jazz, country western, mariachi, Native American, rock & roll, big band, and soft rock music groups “wow” the crowds weekly. Attendees are welcome to 54 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 exhibition schedule features the work of regional, national, and internationally recognized artists, with an emphasis on local talent. Their goal is to provide opportunities for artists at different levels of experience to show and see their work. Arts Visalia also offers children and adult art classes; truly a place where community members of all ages come together to express their creativity and be inspired by others. ArtsVisalia.org THE ARTS SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 55 FEATURED EVENTS Annual festivals and events have shaped the Sequoia region into a vibrant destination. You’ll discover unlimited opportunities to experience art, culture, and history, taste fresh farm-to-fork cuisine, and enjoy live entertainment amongst unrivaled and dynamic natural beauty. CENTENNIAL SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NAT I O NA L PA R K S Come celebrate the Centennial of the National Park Service at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. www.nps.gov/seki breath-taking scenery at the base of the Sierra Nevadas make for a memorable experience. 2016 marks Jazzaffair’s 43nd year. Bring your children (13 yrs. to 90 JAZZAFFAIR THREE RIVERS A three-day event, April 8-10, Jazzaffair features 12 bands from all over the United States, including the world-famous High Sierra Jazz Band from Three Rivers. With four venues, on-site motorhome parking, and free Jazz shuttles, enjoying world-class jazz couldn’t be better. Great food and WOODLAKE LIONS RODEO WOODLAKE Taking place for over 60 years on Mother’s Day weekend - it’s not just about the rodeo! There is a whole week of events planned. The parade will take place on May 7th at 10 a.m. in downtown Woodlake. The rodeo itself takes place May 7-8, starting at 1 p.m., at the Woodlake Rodeo Grounds. WoodlakeLionsRodeo.org yrs.) and get their ticket for 1⁄2 price. You won’t want to miss this longest, continually offered jazz festival in the western United States. JazzAffair.info 56 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 TASTE THE ARTS VISALIA In mid-October, arts and culture invade the streets of downtown Visalia as we EVENTS CALENDAR celebrate the many vibrant forms of art that have been grown and cultivated in the Valley. Visitors will experience a weekend of cultural and artistic immersion at the annual Taste the Arts Festival. The party starts with the Waiters Race and Farmers Market on Thursday, and continues throughout the weekend with performances by the Tulare County Symphony, Visalia Opera Company, and local dance teams and musicians. Saturday’s street fair is fi lled with dozens of art and vendor booths, and art demonstrations that range from graffiti and urban art to chainsaw wood carving. ArtsConsortium.org TULE RIVER POW WOW PORTERVILLE Every September, the Tule River Pow Wow brings Native Americans from throughout North America to compete in various tribal dances and drumming. In addition to the dancing, visitors can enjoy demonstrations in flint knapping, basketweaving, and language. Many vendors display clothing, jewelry, and other unique items. TuleRiverTribe-nsn.gov DARK SKY FESTIVAL delight, includes meeting astronomers, using large telescopes for deep-sky viewing, making solar observations, and more. SequoiaHistory.org WORLD AG EXPO TULARE One of the world’s largest agricultural expositions, held annually the second week of February. Explore 1,600 exhibitors displaying the latest in farm equipment, chemicals, communications, and technology on 2.5 million sq. feet of exhibit space. WorldAgExpo.com SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NAT I O NA L PA R K S Seeing millions of stars wheeling in a sky free of unnatural light, stands as one of the great experiences in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. A weekend of events (August 5-7) designed to inform and SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 57 EVENTS CALENDAR JANUARY Tulare County Symphony Orchestra VISALIA For more than 56 seasons, the Orchestra has brought delightful music to the ears of residents and visitors, alike. Catch one of their shows while in town. TulareCountySymphony.org First Fridays: Visalia A multi-sensory art and entertainment crawl in downtown Visalia brings musicians, performers, photographers, poets, sculptors, vendors, and shop owners together on the fi rst Friday of each month to showcase the wide array of talents and diversity among our community. It’s a familyfriendly community event, and it’s free. FirstFridayVisalia.com Picnic with Bathtub Race Blues, Brews & BBQ L A K E K AW E A H Celebrate the blues and enjoy great BBQ on selected Fridays (6–10 p.m.) from April through September in Visalia’s Garden Street Plaza. DowntownVisalia.com On March 26, pack a lunch, bring the kids, and come early to watch the boat-building, as teams turn cast-iron bathtubs into floatable, steerable vessels with only the materials provided, before racing across a shallow lagoon in Lake Kaweah for their favorite charity. Hosted by the Sequoia Foothills Chamber of Commerce as part of Hero Appreciation Months. ThreeRivers.com Thunderbowl Races TULARE Taking place from March through July at the Tulare County Fairgrounds, where you can enjoy exciting sprint car racing at their “Lightning Fast” 1/3 mile clay oval. ThunderBowlRaceway.com Polar Dip THREE RIVERS A New Year’s Day tradition. Thrill seekers jump into the ice-cold Kaweah River; jump in yourself or stand on the sidelines and enjoy the sights. At the Gateway Restaurant. Gateway-Sequoia.com VISALIA Jackass Mail Run SPRINGVILLE On the third Saturday in April, in a whimsical tribute to Tulare County’s rough-andtumble Gold Rush-era pioneer days, enthusiasts exuberantly celebrate with the Jackass Mail Run—an annual delivery of specially-stamped mail delivered from Porterville to Springville by mule-drawn wagon. The Wagonmaster is accompanied by folks on horseback from all over the Western United States, drawn by the opportunity to participate in this unique, nostalgic event. The run starts in downtown Porterville in the morning and usually arrives at the Springville Post Office around 4 p.m., if the mail wagon isn’t waylaid by bandits! Now celebrating its 53rd year, the Jackass Mail Run is not to be missed. JackassMailRun.com Cars at the Park TULARE FEBRUARY World Ag Expo TULARE Please see page 55 for complete event details. WorldAgExpo.com MARCH St. Patrick’s Day Parade VISALIA A celebration of all Central Valley cultures. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a parade, live music, food, and vendor booths. EventsVisalia.org APRIL Iris Festival PORTERVILLE This annual festival is in its 17th year, and is presented by the Porterville Chamber of Commerce. The community has seen the Iris Festival grow from a small local event, to over 240 vendors and over 10,000 visitors from throughout California and the Western United States. This year’s event is on Saturday, April 30th and, in addition to food and craft booths, will offer free entertainment on two stages and a Kid Zone. Enjoy sampling the yummy treats throughout the festival, and root for your favorite in the famous Chili Cook-Off. PortervilleChamber.org 58 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 Put on annually by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, this event brings out the fi nest hot rods, tricked-out cars, trucks, and bikes in the area. This year, the event will be held on April 2nd at Zumwalt Park in Tulare, located at M Street and Tulare Avenue. TulareChamber.org Springville Rodeo SPRINGVILLE Wonderful entertainment, fantastic food, and thrills-andspills world class rodeo action are in store for those who “cowboy up” in the Gateway to the Sequoias. Taking place April 22-24. SpringvilleRodeo. com Renaissance Festival VISALIA An Elizabethan Faire, featuring renaissance guilds, merchants, stage shows, EVENTS CALENDAR battle reenactments, jousting, and the splendid atmosphere of England under the rule of Queen Elizabeth I. Fun for the whole family. StMortimer.org ACTRA Team Roping THREE RIVERS On April 21-24, this fourday official ACTRA event (American Cowboys Team Roping Association) is perfect for adults and children. The event includes roping, branding, barrel racing, and a pig scramble—a program of Three Rivers Lions Club that takes place at the Three Rivers Lions Roping Arena. ACTRA.org SCICON Barbecue & Wildflower Festival friendly. The concerts take place on Wednesday evenings May-July. SPRINGVILLE On Sunday, April 17th, the Friends of SCICON will be hosting the 56th annual SCICON Barbecue & Wildflower Festival. SCICON staff will be on hand to lead wildflower, bird watching, and nature hikes. The museum, planetarium, observatory, and Tree Nursery will be open all day. Musical groups from local schools will provide live entertainment. TCOE.org/SCICON/News.shtm JazzAffair THREE RIVERS Please see page 54 for complete event details. JazzAffair.info Orange Blossom Festival & Parade Best of the Valley Quilt Show L I N D S AY For more than 20 years running, quilters from across the San Joaquin Valley gather and display their magnificent hand-crafted quilts at McDermont Field House in Lindsay. Taking place April 8-10, the show shares the “Best of the Valley” and will inspire all who visit. BOTVQuilts.com Antique Farm Equipment Show TULARE The 23nd annual show will feature antique trucks and will showcase the agriculture industry’s heritage. Visitors of the show will enjoy viewing more than 900 antique trucks, tractors, and farm equipment exhibits from throughout California and the United States. April 15-17. AntiqueFarmShow.org WOODLAKE Please see page 54 for complete event details. WoodlakeLionsRodeo.org Arts Festival DINUBA Dinuba schools and community celebrate the arts on the second Saturday in May at Alta District Historical Society’s Cultural Center, Heritage Square, and the Entertainment Plaza. Enjoy live performances and demos, local artist and student exhibits, hands on miniworkshops for budding artists, and music lovers, sidewalk chalk art competition, vendors, and much more. Let your inner artist out. DinubaChamber.com Great Western Fan Festival L I N D S AY Held on the third Saturday in April, this event includes a carnival, parade, tours, bike ride, walks, and exhibits. LindsayOrangeBlossom.org Woodlake Rodeo & Parade Wine & Cheese Walk VISALIA VISALIA Downtown Visalia opens its doors for another exciting and delicious event. Grab your wine glass and make your way through Main Street to sample some of the best wines and cheeses around. Let the wineries come to you and enjoy the vineyards from Main Street. DowntownVisalia.com MAY Redbud Arts & Crafts Festival THREE RIVERS On May 7-8, Redbud Arts and Crafts is a program of Three Rivers Arts Alliance at the Three Rivers Memorial Building. ArtsAllianceThreeRivers.org/ Redbud-Festival Concert in the Park TULARE Tulare Recreation Department will host the Concert in the Park series at Zumwalt Park, located at M Street and Tulare Avenue. Fun, free, and family- A delight for the lover of Southern Gospel Music. The Fan Festival packs a schedule full of entertainment for event goers. FanFestivals.com Full Bloom Garden Walk EXETER The 13th annual Full Bloom Garden Walk is presented by Exeter Chamber of Commerce, Saturday, May 7th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the most beautiful and unique private gardens in the Exeter area. Take time to enjoy some refreshments hosted by Exeter’s 2012 Business of the Year, By the Water Tower Antiques, relax in the ambiance of their lovely Victorian garden at 141 South B Street. Tickets will be available at the Exeter Chamber of Commerce and at By the Water Tower Antiques in advance. On the day of the event, tickets will only be available at By the Water Tower Antiques. For more information, call (559) 592-2919 or visit: ExeterChamber.com SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 59 EVENTS CALENDAR Allensworth Old Time Jubilee ALLENSWORTH Every year, following the harvest, the town of Allensworth threw a big party – this is when the carnival came to town. The Old Time Jubilee recreates this festive atmosphere with entertainment, free self-paced tours of historic buildings, and the opportunity to talk to pioneers and their heirs. This family event also includes an arts and crafts market, and some of the best ethnic food in the country. FriendsOfAllensworth.com Summer Night Lights JUNE Cruise Night Concert and Car Show DINUBA A two-day family event fi lled with great cars, live music and street vendors, held in Downtown Dinuba on the fi rst Friday and Saturday in June. DinubaCarShow.com Woodlake Car Show TULARE Cinco de Mayo Festival DINUBA Leadership Northern Tulare County celebrates this two-day cultural event fi lled with fun, food, vendors, entertainment, and carnival rides at Rose Ann Vuich Park on the fi rst Friday and Saturday in May. Don’t miss the parade in Downtown Dinuba on Saturday morning. Porterville Fair & Junior Livestock Show PORTERVILLE The Porterville Fair, a true hometown community fair, operates five days in May opening on the Wednesday following Mother’s Day. Free entertainment, livestock exhibits, great food, photography displays, vendor booths, and amusement rides make the annual Fair a great family event. PortervilleFair.com If you are in the Dinuba area on a Friday night, check out the fun at the Entertainment Plaza starting mid-June and running until end of August. The City of Dinuba invites you to Summer Night Lights, a free, gratifying family event. Bring your blanket or chair, sit under the stars, and enjoy the gentle summer breeze. Be entertained by live bands, shop at the vendors, or join the kids in some fun activities and games. JULY Cinco de Mayo Kick-off the summer on the fi rst Saturday of May with this annual celebration in Zumwalt Park. Lots of vendors with food, toys, apparel, and more. Live music with multiple bands and stage acts, contests, bounce houses, etc. Dancing after dark. DINUBA WOODLAKE A showcase of cars on display the last weekend of July. Blast Fireworks WOODLAKE Center Stage Strings Music Festival THREE RIVERS Provides Three Rivers with a week-long Music Festival, including the amazing faculty, the top students from Los Angeles’ prestigious Colburn Conservatory of Music, and young virtuosos from around the country. CenterStageStrings.com Youth Pow Wow PORTERVILLE Tribal youth from throughout the state gather at the Tule River Indian Reservation for the annual Youth Pow Wow each June. This unique Saturday-Sunday event celebrates the rich history and culture of Native Americans. Cultural crafts, dancing, drumming, the grand entry, storytelling, sweat ceremonies, and food vendors are all part of this weekend experience. The event is coordinated by the Tule River Tribe Recreation Department, (559) 782-5554. July 3rd, Miller Brown Park in Woodlake; hosted by the Woodlake Kiwanis Club. Admission is free. Before the fi reworks show the crowd can enjoy food from area vendors and booths providing items to purchase and information. There is a free kid’s area, live music and a horseshoe tournament sponsored by the Homegrown Boys. WoodlakeKiwanis.com Dinuba Independence Day Celebration DINUBA Bring your lawn chair, sit back, and relax on July 1st. Enjoy live bands, great food, and let the kids enjoy their freedom as they play in the Entertainment Plaza in Downtown Dinuba. At dusk, enjoy a musically choreographed aerial fi reworks show celebrating our freedom and this great Nation. 4th of July Celebration EXETER Come and experience Exeter’s “Small Town Charm” as we celebrate Fourth of July in the Exeter City Park. The annual festivities include a pancake 60 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 61 EVENTS CALENDAR breakfast, 10K run, horseshoe tournament. ExeterChamber.com No Fourth of July would be complete without fi reworks! The Exeter Lion’s Club invites you to come and enjoy their spectacular FREE fi reworks show, beginning at dusk at Lions Stadium. ExeterLionsClub.wordpress.org Freedom Fest PORTERVILLE This annual Independence Day celebration welcomes residents and visitors for a family festival at the Sports Complex. It showcases a live band, kid’s zone, an array of local vendors, a beer garden, and more. The fi nale is a spectacular display of fi reworks honoring America’s patriotic heritage. ci.Porterville.ca.us/depts/ParksAndLeisure/FreedomFest AUGUST Dark Sky Festival SEQUIOA & KINGS CANYON NAT I O NA L PA R K Please see page 55 for complete event details. ExploreSequoiaKingsCanyon. com Hot Summer Night Cruise & Concert in the Park DINUBA Firefighter’s Association presents the 6th annual Porterville Firehouse Chili Cook-off Challenge, happening in downtown Porterville on Main Street. The event offers a variety of activities for families and businesses. A kids’ zone, food and vendor booths, musical entertainment, fi re truck displays, antique fi re truck rides, and chili tasting will make for a fun-fi lled day as teams compete for the winning title. PortervilleEvents.com Raisin Harvest Festival DINUBA Come celebrate more than 100 years of harvests in Dinuba’s week-long festival, the last full weekend in September. On Wednesday, the festival is kicked off with inspiring messages at the women’s luncheon and prayer and outreach at Ministerial Night at the Park. Thursday’s Youth Night and Strong Man Competition start off the nonstop entertainment line-up that runs through Saturday evening. On Saturday morning, there is the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast and Dinuba Rotary Club’s Parade. Then head on over to the park for a sampling of delicious multicultural foods, crafts, carnival rides, and family fun. DinubaChamber.com Car enthusiasts, music lovers and families come celebrate summer: dance, dine, and play under the stars during the last Friday in August DinubaChamber.com California State Equestrian Drill Team Championships PORTERVILLE The Porterville City VISALIA Celebrate the fall season, enjoy great live entertainment, sample local cuisine, wine, and beer. Sponsored by the Visalia Chamber of Commerce in October at Vossler Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze at 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. VisaliaChamber.org Springville Apple Festival SPRINGVILLE Springville is celebrating its 35th annual Springville Apple Festival. An event traditionally held the third weekend in October, the Apple Festival attracts more than 20,000 people to a two-day celebration of food, crafts, and family-oriented fun activities. Work off all that apple pie, strudel, and other tasty treats at the Apple Run, or take part in the annual Fat Tire Classic Mountain Bike Race. Springville.ca.us/AppleFest Taste of Downtown Visalia VISALIA Known as the epicenter, downtown Visalia restaurants open their doors to event ticket holders, and offer up tastes of their most popular menu items. Event goers are treated to wine and beer sampling, and spend the evening strolling through downtown, enjoying these tasty experiences. DowntownVisalia.com VISALIA Held at the Tulare County Fairgrounds, with equestrian performances by some of the best in the West. wsedta.org 5th Annual Porterville Firehouse Chili Cookoff Challenge Oktoberfest 2016 Visalia Waiter’s Race TULARE SEPTEMBER OCTOBER Tulare County Fair TULARE Enjoy all of the sights and delights of a county fair: fun, food, carnival, livestock, concerts, and motorsport events. TulareFair.org 62 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 Waiters from across the Central Valley flock to downtown Visalia to test their skills of speed and agility as they run a quarter-mile loop with a full tray in hand, vying for the chance to win more than $7,000 in cash prizes! Food booths and a concert enhance your enjoyment of this fun event. EventsVisalia.org DINUBA C A L I F O R N I A “It’s where you want to be.” DINUBA The heart of the Valley Located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, Dinuba is your “gateway to the Sierras.” Its fertile farmlands and diverse culture makes Dinuba the perfect location to enjoy amazing farm to table cuisine, quaint downtown award winning Valley wines, and pristine views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. With easy access to the National Parks, Dinuba is the perfect location to relax before a long day of hiking, camping, and fishing. For more information, visit: Dinuba.org DinubaChamber.com SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 63 EVENTS CALENDAR Taste the Arts VISALIA Please see page 54 for complete event details. ArtsConsortium.net Tule River Pow Wow PORTERVILLE Please see page 55 for complete event details. TuleRiverTribe-nsn.gov Exeter Fall Festival & Car Show EXETER What better way to welcome the change of seasons than a festival, complete with a downtown parade and live entertainment? Stroll through our tree-lined city park and browse the many unique arts and crafts and wonderful food available. The Car & Bike Show features a variety of custom vehicles, classic cars, hot rods, and bikes. ExeterChamber.com organizations will line the charming streets of Exeter with artistic, creative, and lively scarecrows that are sure to delight locals and visitors alike. ExeterChamber.com Tulare Ag-Fest TULARE Each year, Ag-Fest looks to raise awareness of agriculture in a free and fun-fi lled environment. Families and visitors enjoy activities and events throughout the day, including a 5K and a familyfun run, making butter and fresh-squeezed orange juice, a petting farm, and even a scarecrow-making contest. Visitors will learn about the role agriculture plays locally, nationally, and globally in this fun and educational experience. InternationalAgriCenter.com Dinuba Dog Days & Bark For Life DinubaChamber.com Allensworth Rededication ALLENSWORTH Please see page 41 for complete event details. FriendsOfAllensworth.com Chili Cook-off L I N D S AY Held the fi rst Saturday of October. Enjoy food booths, craft booths, live international entertainment, best salsa contest, family fun activities, best costume, pie eating contest, and jalapeño eating contest. TheLindsayChamber.com Scarecrows are Returning to Exeter TULARE A mid-October celebration at VIP Pizza in Downtown Tulare. Live music, food, and drink. Downtown Tulare “K” Street and San Joaquin Ave. from 6-9 p.m. Pioneer Days & Rib Cook-off PORTERVILLE Downtown Porterville is transformed into a vision from the Old West, complete with a live shoot out, interactive cowboy encampment, gold panning, saloon, historical displays and re-enactments. Grilling fanatics showcase their skills in the rib cook-off and competition heats up in the battle to be crowned in the Pioneer Days Pageant. There is also live music, food and craft vendors, kid’s activities and more. This free event happens from 11 a.m. 3 p.m. ci.Porterville.ca.us NOVEMBER DINUBA Join us for a spectacular Pet Parade Carnival. Enjoy a fun-fi lled day for you and your dog at the Jimmie Low Community Dog Park at Nebraska Park. Dog contests, prizes, raffles, vendors, vaccination/licensing clinic, and more. Oktoberfest Winter Chamber Music Series THREE RIVERS Enjoy a delightful mix of concerts during the winter season. ThreeRiversPerformingArts.org The Raven Festival Rib Cook-off THREE RIVERS L I N D S AY 1st Saturday Three Rivers has designated the entire month of October as one big “Raven Festival,” where they celebrate the river’s namesake (Kaweah or Gaweah means “raven” in the local Yokuts language) and also “rave” about Three Rivers in general. The Festival includes art and writing contests, poetry readings, a “Rave’n Run” at Lake Kaweah, a Raven Masquerade Dinner, our annual old-fashioned Halloween Carnival at Three Rivers Union School, and more. Call, (559) 561-4373 or go to the blogsite for 1st Saturday Three Rivers, which is updated monthly. 1stSaturdayTR.com Takes place the fi rst Saturday of November. Enjoy yummy food at this annual rib cookoff competition. TheLindsayChamber.com For the entire month of October, businesses and 64 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 Best of Colburn THREE RIVERS Three Rivers Performing Arts Institute presents “Best of Colburn,” inviting you to hear some of the top young musicians in the country, from Los Angeles’ prestigious Colburn Conservatory of Music. Performance at 7 p.m., at Community Presbyterian Church in Three Rivers. EVENTS CALENDAR Veterans Day Parade & Band-A-Rama PORTERVILLE Porterville is home to one of California’s largest celebrations honoring veterans. The annual Veterans Day Parade is a truly patriotic event, welcoming 170 military, band, and other entrants. More than 20,000 residents and visitors line Main Street where a moment of silence is held and flyovers often accompany the parade. It is followed by the Band-a-Rama, which welcomes bands for patriotic performances and friendly competition. Trek to our Nation’s Christmas Tree High Sierra Jazz Band in Concert KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK THREE RIVERS Visitors and locals have been making the trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree in Kings Canyon National Park every December since 1925, and now it’s your turn to join them. The ceremony will be delivered on the second Sunday of December at the base of the General Grant Tree. The internationallyacclaimed High Sierra Jazz Band performs at their annual Holiday Concert with Christmas Party midDecember at the Three Rivers Memorial Building. ThreeRivers.com Sanger.org Gabriel Sears’ 2nd Street Brass THREE RIVERS Gabriel Sears is one of the fi nest tuba players on the planet. It has been said of him that he is doing for tuba what Edgar Myer did for double bass. It’s profound, and it’s fun. ThreeRiversPerformingArts.org Other Holiday Events If you’re visiting during the months of November and December, you are sure to fi nd holiday cheer scattered throughout the Sequoia region. Contact some of our local communities to fi nd out more about: • Christmas Parades • Tree Lightings • Community Holiday Gatherings • Holiday Shopping & Open Houses • Holiday Home Tours Three Rivers Western Film Festival THREE RIVERS A one-day festival featuring not only the fi lms themselves, but also expert panels on fi lm lore, production, and stunts. Add wagon rides, equestrian events, mounted shooting demonstrations, food, cowboy music, and more, making this is a day not to be missed. Takes place at the Lions Roping Arena. ThreeRivers.com DECEMBER Candy Cane Lane Parade VISALIA Decked out for the holidays, thousands of visitors come out for this Visalia tradition. Enjoy decorated floats, vehicles, farm equipment, and the sounds of high school bands. Everyone waits for the end as Santa Claus makes his debut for the holiday. Parade is held the fi rst Monday following Thanksgiving. DowntownVisalia.com SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 65 EAT LOCAL A foodie’s paradise, the Sequoia region is a hotspot for fresh, farm-to-fork cuisine. From local favorites to sweet treats, creative recipes, and concoctions that will literally make your head spin, you’ll never find a destination more ready to dish it up. And don’t be shy… we always ask for seconds here. Pho Saigon Gardens DINUBA Bennani’s Fine Italian Restaurant 1401 W. El Monte Way Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 591-5013 The Safari EXETER Cafe Lafayette 161 S. L St. Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 590-1111 337 W. Tulare St. Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 591-8616 151 S. E St., Ste. A Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-9463 LafayetteExeter.com Dinuba Port of Subs Sakura Japanese Restaurant Cappella Coffee House 133 E. Tulare St. Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 591-0807 132 N. E St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-6300 CappellaCoffeeHouse.com Three Finger Jack’s East Meet West 870 W. El Monte Way Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 591-3054 Dinuba Restaurant 189 S. L St. Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 591-2032 J’s Sports Bar & Grill 100 N. L St. Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 591-4400 Las Cananas Mexican Restaurant 820 N. Alta Ave., Ste. M Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 591-6877 La Langosta Restaurant 119 N. Urapan Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 596-0762 3018 Ridgecreek Dr. Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 591-7064 ThreeFingerJacks.com 224 N. Kaweah Ave. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 594-9401 El Nuevo Mexicali DUCOR 101 E. Pine St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-6514 The Dutch Frontier Exeter Whistle Stop (Reservations Only) 23543 Ave. 56 Ducor, CA 93218 (559) 534-2293 DutchFrontier.com 66 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 401B E. Pine St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-1100 Fortune Cookie Chinese Restaurant 1110 W. Visalia Rd. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-2200 RESTAURANTS Hometown Emporium 145 E. Pine St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-1250 HometownEmporiumExeter.com Just Sprouted Juice Bar & Healthy Cafe 114 N. E St. Exeter CA 93221 (559) 936-7056 Vallarta Mexican Restaurant El Mocajete Restaurant 322 E. Honolulu St. Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-9838 139 E. Pine St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-5207 VallartaExeter.com Fat Boyz Sports Bar & Grill Wildflower Café 222 N. Elmwood Ave. Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-2911 121 S. E St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-2656 La Cosecha Kirkman’s VIP Pizza 180 E. Pine St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-5170 KirkmansVipPizza.com Lunch Box Pizzeria 119 N. E St. Exeter, CA 93221 LunchBoxCateringCompany.com Mandarin House 163 E. Pine St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-4450 Monet’s 120 S. E St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-9453 The Ranch Hand Cafe 141 S Filbert Rd. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 202-1056 338 W. Honolulu St. Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-0106 LINDSAY Maximo’s Market & Taqueria Bob’s Frosty King 125 W. Hermosa St. Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-3330 China’s Alley Restaurant 170 N. Sweetbriar Ave. Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-4899 Chito’s Asadero 380B W. Hermosa St. Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-2201 El Trigal Bakery 180 E. Honolulu St. Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-1469 408 S. Mirage St. Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-9377 Mei Wah 138 E. Samoa St. Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-6162 Mexico Lindo Restaurant 342 W. Hermosa St. Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-3272 Restaurante El Palmer 133 W. Honolulu St. Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-1602 SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 67 RESTAURANTS LOCAL EXPERT JAMES JESSEN J E S S E N R E S TAU R A N T GROUP Robles Restaurant & Bakery 185 N. Elmwood Ave. Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-3507 Taqueria Michoacana 245 S. Elmwood Ave. Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-9553 Tony’s Pizza 380 W. Hermosa St. Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-6000 Randy’s Bistro 1549 W. Olive Ave. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 789-9043 The Bridge 178 N. Main St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 793-2583 The Oak Pit 615 N. Main St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 784-2136 theoakpit.com PORTERVILLE Asia Garden 895 W. Henderson Ave. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 781-1669 S ince 2000, Chef James Jessen has been pouring his heart into Downtown Visalia’s food and beverage scene. His flagship restaurant, Tazzaria, started out as a coffee house that evolved into a full restaurant where ingredients are local and food is made from scratch. James also owns Pizanos Wood Fired Pizza, Public House Downstairs, Glick’s Meat Market and 80/20 Burgers. One of the Jessen Restaurant Group’s primary distinctions is James’ passion for sustainably fresh dishes. “My philosophy is to use only the freshest ingredients and serve simple foods done well.” Originally from Salt Lake City, James came to California in 1987 and made his way to Visalia, where he fell in love with the lively downtown culture. In 2000, he opened the doors to Tazzaria, which quickly became a Visalia favorite for both locals and visitors. “People coming here from out of town are definitely surprised at the food and the quality of the food,” said James. “Many think we’re a sleepy little town on the way to the Sequoias, then they discover all of the great restaurants downtown.” 68 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 Don Vino’s Italian Restaurant 247 N. Main St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 784-8466 The Cellar 244 N. Main St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 784-4235 Dickey’s Barbeque Pit 73 N. Main St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 783-2227 The River Steakhouse at Eagle Mtn. Casino 681 S. Reservation Rd. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 788-1816 eaglemtncasino.com/the-riversteakhouse SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK The Peaks Restaurant 64740 Wuksachi Way Sequoia National Park, CA 93262 (559) 565-4070 El Tapatio Restaurant 134 E. Orange St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 781-2115 eltapatioporterville.com Giovanni’s Pizzeria & Arcade 45 N. Second St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 781-8110 giovannispizzeria.net Hoagie’s Heroes SPRINGVILLE Cowpuncher’s Cafe 35585 Hwy. 190 Springville, CA 93265 (559) 539-5345 cowpuncherscafe.com El Nuevo Mexicali 35258 Hwy. 190 Springville, CA 93265 (559) 539-2379 298 N. Main St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 784-7950 hoagiesheroes.com El Tapatio La Fuente Mexican Restaurant The Hamburger Stand 29 N. Main St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 781-2588 35498 Hwy. 190 Springville, CA 93265 (559) 539-5261 35684 Hwy. 190 Springville, CA 93265 (559) 539-2943 RESTAURANTS Fugazzis California Grill THREE RIVERS TULARE Anne Lang’s Emporium Apple Annie’s Antoinette’s Coffee & Goodies Black Bear Diner 41651 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4937 41727 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-2253 antoinettescoffeeandgoodies.com 1441 E. Prosperity Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 687-1454 FugazzisBistro.com/CaliforniaGrill.html 1165 N. Blackstone Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 686-3411 AppleAnniesTulare.com 1161 E. Tulare Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 684-9152 Bravo Farms Restaurant & Cheese Shop 1691 Retherford Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 684-1600 BravoTulare.com Cool Hand Luke’s Steakhouse Hazel’s Kitchen 1470 N. Cherry Ct. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 686-0825 CoolHandLukes.com 237 N. L St. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 685-0455 TheHazelsKitchen.com Figaro’s Mexican Southwestern Grill Casa Mendoza 40869 Sierra Dr., Unit C Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-7283 Jeb’s Blueberry Hill Restaurant 1348 E. Prosperity Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 685-0366 FigarosMexicanGrill.com 2147 E Prosperity Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 686-6899 The Gateway Restaurant 45978 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4133 gateway-sequoia.com/restaurant Ol’ Buckaroo 41695 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 799-3665 TheOlBuckaroo.com The Pizza Factory 40915 Sierra Dr. #B Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-1018 PizzaFactory.com/locations/ three-rivers River View Restaurant & Lounge 42323 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559 561-2211 Sequoia Cider Mill Restaurant 40311 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4157 SequoiaCiderMill.com Sierra Subs & Salads 41717 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4810 SierraSubsAndSalads.com Three Rivers Village Market BBQ 40869 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4441 A FAMILY OF RESTAURANTS The PhD FINE GRUB & TASTY LIQUID 208 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 80/20 CLASSIC BURGERS 604 W. Murray Ave Visalia, CA 93291 Tazzaria CRAFT & QUALITY 208 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 Pi Zanos WOOD FIRED PIZZA 129 E. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 WWW.GLICKSANDCO.COM SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 69 RESTAURANTS La Piazza 1600 E. Tulare Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 687-9833 LaPiazzaItaliano.com Café 225 225 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 733-2967 Cafe225.com Mikey V’s Café Café California Richard’s Lunchbox BBQ Restaurant Canton Chinese Restaurant Vejar’s Mexican Restaurant Charcuterie 209 E. Tulare Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 688-8998 240 N. L St. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 685-1500 1293 S. K St. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 688-0355 Vejarsonk.com Wimpy’s Hamburgers 1417 E. Tulare Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 688-2527 419 E. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-5716 211 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 733-7902 Corner Café 1718 E. Mineral King Ave. Visalia, CA 93292 (559) 734-4267 Crawdaddy’s 333 E. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 625-5300 CrawdaddysVisalia.com 207 E. Oak Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8611 DepotVisalia.com Double LL Steakhouse 401 E. Center Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 627-1126 Downtown Rookies Bar & Grill 210 Café 210 W. Center Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 739-9009 210Life.com 80/20 Burgers 604 W. Murray Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 559-732-6439 Alejandra’s Mexican Food 314 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 636-3215 AlejandrasOnMain1.com 123 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 741-7060 henrysalazars.net 9000 W. Airport Dr. Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 651-5000 Southern Pacific Depot VISALIA Henry Salazar’s Fresh Mex Grill 215 E. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-1200 DowntownRookies.com The Lunch Box 112 N. Court St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 635-8624 Fugazzis Bistro 127 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 625-0496 FugazzisBistro.com Gozen Japanese 1115 W. Caldwell Ave. #A Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 622-8988 GozenJapaneseRestaurant.com Brewbakers Brewing Company 219 E. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 627-2739 BrewbakersBrewingCo.com Black Bear Diner 900 S. Mooney Blvd. Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 635-1260 70 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 India Curry House 211 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 739-1039 IndiaCurryHouseVisalia.com Jack & Charlie’s 204 E. Oak Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 738-5752 JackAndCharlies.com Lamp Liter Grille 3300 W. Mineral King Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-4511 LampLiter.net The PhD 208 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 802-3469 Pi Zanos Wood Fired Pizza 129 E. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-6333 WoodFiredPi.com Ryan’s Resturant 3103 S. Mooney Blvd. Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 734-8394 The Planing Mill Artisan Pizzeria 514 E. Center St. Visalia, CA 93292 (559) 713-0818 PlaningMillPizza.com Taylor Brothers Hot Dogs 206 N. Encina St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-2781 Tazzaria Coffee & Tea 208 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 636-1618 Tazzaria.com RESTAURANTS Thai Basil Restaurant 1423 E. Noble Ave. Visalia, CA 93292 (559) 732-8881 VisaliaThaiBasil.com Vintage Press Roma’s Italian Restoranti 216 N. Willis St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 733-3033 TheVintagePress.com 250 Antelope Ave. Woodlake, CA 93286 (559) 786-5150 Runway Café Tommy’s Restaurant 130 N. Encina Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 627-6077 TommysDowntown.com 595 S. Valencia Blvd. Woodlake, CA 93286 (559) 564-3986 WOODLAKE Dora’s 148 E. Antelope Ave. Woodlake, CA 93286 (559) 564-2606 El Charro 136 S. Valencia Blvd. Woodlake, CA 93286 (559) 564-8497 Las Espuelas 133 N. Valencia Ave. Woodlake, CA 93286 (559) 564-8206 Subway 159 E. Antelope Ave. Woodlake, CA 93286 (559) 564-8058 New China 250 E. Antelope Ave. Woodlake, CA 93286 (559) 564-8552 Pizza Factory Valhalla Restaurant 314 W. Center Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 627-2113 Super Taco 250 E. Antelope Ave. Woodlake, CA 93286 (559) 564-3348 PizzaFactory.com/Locations/ Woodlake 148 E. Antelope Ave. Woodlake, CA 93286 (559) 564-3235 Woodlake Drive-In 222 N. Valencia Blvd. Woodlake, CA 93286 (559) 564-8439 9000 W. Airport Drive • Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 651-5000 wyndhamvisalia.com • Cafe California introducing the fine art of dining. • Come experience the difference. • Conveniently located in Wyndham Visalia. We offer a full breakfast menu, dinner specials, and room service. SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 71 SHOPPING Whether you’re looking for fabulous family-owned boutiques, grandma’s antique treasures, popular retailers, or the best deals at an expansive outlet center, Tulare County is a shopper’s paradise! VISALIA Brown’s Shoe Fit Company 201 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 734-4152 brownsshoeco.com Chelsea Street Boutique 114 E. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 734-7467 chelseastreetboutique.com Essentials Boutique 110 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 738-8444 essentialsvisalia.com Embelish and Restore 115 N. West St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 804-7411 PS I Love You Too 119 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 734-9647 Janeen’s Furniture Gallery 220 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 625-8884 janeensfurniture.com Pacific Treasures & Gourmet 219 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 733-0213 pacifictreasuresgourmetca.com Lamplighter Mercantile & Antiques 521 E. Main St. Visalia, CA 93292 (559) 733-7120 For Such A Time Boutique 112 E. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 627-1825 Naturally Nuts 1830 W. Caldwell Ave. #G Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 735-9121 naturallynuts.com Visalia Harley-Davidson 30681 Hwy. 99 Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 733-4647 visaliaharley.com 72 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 SHOPPING Visalia Mall 2031 S. Mooney Blvd. Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 636-0629 visaliamall.com PORTERVILLE Calico Mermaid 122 N. Main St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 793-2510 calicomermaid.com Fashion Network 162 N. Main St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 784-8144 Main Street Exeter 145 N. E St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-5578 EXETER A La Mode Fashion Lounge 196 E. Pine St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-6750 Pine Street Relics 201 E. Pine St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-4170 Blues, House of Vintage 134 S. C St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-1800 Rose Petals & Rust 158 E. Pine St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-3960 rosepetalsandrust.com By The Water Tower Antiques 141 S. B St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 594-4060 Rosemary & Thyme 121 ½ S. E St. & 236 E. Pine St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-1956 Rohrbach’s Gifts & Baby News 76 N. D St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 781-4757 Hollyhock GIfts & Vintage Finds 116 N. E St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 594-4030 Special Occasions & Gifts 183 N. Main St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 781-2575 lovelygifts.com Wish List Boutique 121 E. Pine St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-9474 When Pigs Fly Antiques 228 N. Kaweah Ave. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 594-5155 Born 2 Shop Children’s Boutique 1482 W. Olive Ave. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 784-4427 Earth Angel 207 N. Main St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 781-1144 Country Pleasures 177 N. Main St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 784-6451 Stafford’s Famous Chocolates 882 W. Henderson Ave. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 784-6640 staffordsfamouschocolates.com Plano Jerky 697 S. Plano St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 781-3487 planojerky.com SPRINGVILLE Giant Sequoia Mercantile 35627 Hwy. 190 Springville, CA 93265 (559) 539-3004 etc. 109 N. E St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-1516 Exeter Hobbies 130 E. Maple St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-4883 exeterhobbies.com Gifford’s 35637 Hwy. 190 Springville, CA 93265 (559) 539-2637 Patton House 35559 Hwy. 190 Springville, CA 93265 (559) 539-5626 Exeter Mercantile Co. 258 E. Pine St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-2122 exetermercantile.com Exeter Mural Gallery & Gift Shop 119 S. E St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-3160 Joshua Tree 124 S. E St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 786-7866 TULARE Posh – A World Class Boutique 1445 E. Prosperity Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 688-7674 SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 73 SHOPPING A Creative Eye 221 E. Tulare Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 688-0482 Heart’s Desire 42249 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4401 Hedgerow House 321 N. L St. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 686-5068 Kaweah River Trading Co. 41891 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4095 Tulare Outlet Center 1407 Retherford St. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 684-9091 tulareoutletcenter.com The Gardens at Cal Turf 950 N. J St. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 688-2084 thegardensatcalturf.com THREE RIVERS A-1 Totem Market & Gifts 45186 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4463 Main Fork & Co. 41763-B Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 Spirit Hill Art Studio & Gallery 43641 Skyline Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 The Thingerie 40915 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4883 Three Rivers Drug & Gifts 40893 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4217 Reimer’s Candies & Gifts 42375 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4576 reimerscandies.com River’s Edge Boutique 41667 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4290 74 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 GGVM9014-01 Visalia Mall 4.5x3.625.indd 1 Sayler Saddlery 41891-B Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4545 saylersaddlery.com Three Rivers Mercantile 41152 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-2378 threermercantile.doitbest.com Village Antiques 41665 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-3769 10/13/14 1:40 PM SHOPPING Savings in Every Style. Save 25%– 65% Every Day at Over 50 Brand Name Stores including: Aéropostale • Banana Republic Factory Store • Calvin Klein • Carter’s Childrenswear Coach Outlet • Daniel’s Jewelers • dressbarn • Eddie Bauer Outlet Express Factory Outlet • Famous Footwear Outlet • Forever 21 Gap Outlet • Gymboree Outlet • Justice • Lane Bryant Outlet • Levi’s Outlet Store LOFT Outlet • Nike Factory Store • O’Neill • OshKosh B’gosh • PacSun Rack Room Shoes • rue21 • Skechers • Styles for Less • Sunglass Hut Outlet Tommy Hilfiger • Van Heusen • Vans Outlet • Volcom Outlet Zales Outlet The Diamond Store • Zumiez • And many more... TulareOutletCenter.com 1407 Retherford Street, Tulare, CA 93274 559-684-9091 SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 75 EAT. REST. STAY. Whether it’s a high-end hotel, a cozy B&B, a secluded cabin, or a peaceful farm, we have the perfect place for you to hang your hat and call “home” during your stay. 76 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 LODGING CAMP NELSON LEMON COVE Camp Nelson Lodge 1699 Nelson Dr. Camp Nelson, CA 93208 (559) 542-0904 campnelsonlodge.com Plantation Bed & Breakfast 33038 Sierra Dr. Lemon Cove, CA 93244 (559) 597-2555 theplantation.net Pierpoint Springs, LLC 801 Hwy. 190 Camp Nelson, CA 93208 (559) 542-2423 pierpointspringsresort.com DINUBA Holiday Inn Express 375 S. Alta Ave. Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 595-1500 hiexpress.com Best Western Americana 1450 S. Alta Ave. Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 595-8401 bestwestern.com/americana Naylor Organic Farm Stay 38918 Rd. 64 Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 591-6051 naylororganicfarmstay.com SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NAT’L PARKS/ SEQUOIA NAT’L FOREST Bear Paw High Sierra Camp (866) 807-3598 visitsequoia.com LINDSAY Cedar Grove Lodge (877) 436-9615 visitsequoia.com Super 8 Lindsay Olive Tree 390 Hwy. 65 Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-5188 Grant Grove Cabins (877) 436-9615 visitsequoia.com PORTERVILLE Best Western Porterville Inn 350 W. Montgomery Ave. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 781-7411 bestwesternporterville.com Holiday Inn Express 840 S. Jaye St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 782-1200 holidayinnexpress.com John Muir Lodge (877) 436-9615 visitsequoia.com Montecito Sequoia Lodge (800) 227-9900 – Reservations (559) 565-3388 – Front Desk mslodge.com Sequoia High Sierra Camp in Giant Sequoia National Monument (866) 654-2877 sequoiahighsierracamp.com Motel 6 935 W. Morton Ave. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 781-7600 motel6.com Stony Creek Lodge (877) 828-1440 sequoia-kingscanyon.com PONDEROSA Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia Nat’l Park (888) 252-5757 visitsequoia.com EXETER Best Western Exeter Inn & Suites 805 S. Kaweah Ave. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-8118 or (800) 205-6351 bwexeterinn.com Kaweah Motel 319 S. Kaweah Ave. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-2961 Brewers Ponderosa Lodge 56692 Aspen Dr. Springville, CA 93265 (559) 542-2579 brewersponderosalodge.com THREE RIVERS Buckeye Tree Lodge 46000 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-5900 buckeyetree.com SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 77 LODGING Comfort Inn & Suites 40820 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-9000 [email protected] Cort Cottage P.O. Box 245 Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4671 cortcottage.com Gateway Lodge & Restaurant 45978 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4133 gateway-sequoia.com Kaweah River Horse & Guest Ranch 40443 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 736-2187 kaweahriverhorseandguestranch.com Lazy J Ranch Motel 39625 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4449 [email protected] Log House Lodge 42182 Myantt Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-3017 loghouselodge.com Rio Sierra Riverhouse 41997 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4720 rio-sierra.com Sequoia Motel 43000 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4453 sequoiamotel.com Sequoia River Dance Bed & Breakfast 40534 Cherokee Oaks Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4411 sequoiariverdance.com Sequoia Village Inn 45971 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 sequoiavillageinn.com Sierra Lodge 43175 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-3681 sierra-lodge.com The River Jewel Suites 43325 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 799-8201 theriverjewel.com Three Rivers Bed & Breakfast 42490 Kaweah River Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4270 threeriversbedandbreakfast. com Western Holiday Lodge 40105 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (888) 523-9291 westernholidaylodge.net TULARE Best Western Plus Town & Country Lodge 1051 N. Blackstone St. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 688-7537 bestwestern.com Charter Inn & Suites 1016 E. Prosperity Tulare, CA 93274 (866) 638-9040 charterinnandsuites.com 78 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 Comfort Suites 1021 N. Blackstone St. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 687-1246 comfortsuites.com La Quinta Inn & Suites 1500 Cherry Ct. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 685-8900 laquintatulareca.com Hampton Inn & Suites 1100 N. Cherry St. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 686-8700 hamptoninn.hilton.com/ Tulare Fairfield Inn & Suites 1225 Hillman St. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 686-4700 marriott.com/hotels/travel/ visit-fairfield-inn-and-suitesvisalia-tulare Motel 99 Inn & Suites 26442 N. Hwy 99 Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 688-0501 motel-99.com VISALIA Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center 300 S. Court St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 636-1111 marriott.com/vismc Comfort Suites Downtown 210 E. Acequia Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 738-1700 visalialodging.com LODGING SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 79 LODGING Comfort Inn & Suites 9300 W. Airport Dr. Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 651-3700 comfortinn.com/hotelvisalia-california-CAA78 Wyndham Visalia 9000 W. Airport Dr. Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 651-5000 wyndham.com/hotels Hampton Inn & Suites 4747 W. Noble Ave. Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 732-3900 visalia.hamptoninn.com La Quinta Inn & Suites Visalia/Sequoia Gateway 5438 W. Cypress Ave. Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 739-9800 laquintavisaliasequoiagate way.com Motel 6 4545 W. Noble Ave. Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 732-5611 motel6.com WOODLAKE Wicky Up Ranch Bed & Breakfast 22702 Ave. 344 Woodlake, CA 93286 (559) 564-8898 wickyup.com VACATION RENTALS Hummingbird Cottage at Seven Sycamores Ranch 32985 Rd. 164 Ivanhoe, CA 93235 (559) 798-0557 sevensycamoresranch.com/ hummingbird-cottage Sequoia Vacation Rentals Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 302-7041 sequoiavacationrentals.com Lamp Liter Inn 3300 W. Mineral King Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-4511 lampliter.net Econo Lodge 1400 S. Mooney Blvd. Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 732-6641 econolodge.com/hotelvisalia-california-CA287 Fairfield by Marriott 140 S. Akers St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 636-7600 marriott.com/hotels/travel/ visfi-fairfield-inn-visalia Sequoia Mountain Rentals 298 Linder Dr. #3 Camp Nelson, CA 93208 (559) 542-0812 sequoiamountainrentals.com Kaweah Park Resort 40457 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4424 kaweahparkresort.com Sequoia Park View House 44255 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (310) 838-5855 80 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 Southern Sierra Real Estate Cabins 1734 James Dr. Camp Nelson, CA 93208 (559) 542-1500 southernsierrarealestate.com Skyline Mountain Escape 43627 Skyline Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 786-2701 [email protected] RV PARKS / CAMPGROUND Sequoia RV Ranch 43490 North Fork Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4333 sequoiarvranch.com Three Rivers Hideaway 43365 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4413 threerivershideaway.com Visalia / Sequoia National Park KOA 7480 Ave. 308 Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 651-0544 koa.com/campgrounds/ visalia Deer Creek RV Park 10679 S. Main St. Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 781-3337 Quail Valley RV Park 40587 Hot Springs Rd. CA Hot Springs, CA 93207 (661) 548-6299 quailvalleyrv.com Friends RV Park 9849 Rd. 232 #22 Terra Bella, CA 93270 (559) 535-0144 Lemon Cove/ Sequoia Campground & RV Park 32075 Sierra Dr. Lemon Cove, CA 93244 (559) 597-2346 Kaweah Park Resort 40457 Sierra Dr. P.O. Box 1092 Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 561-4424 kaweahparkresort.com LODGING Business, Leisure Inviting… 256 Guest Rooms & Suites Restaurant, Lounge, Room Service Fitness Center 24/7 Business Center 24/7 Free Wi-Fi DaySpa Amenities 100% Smoke Free Hotel Ample Free Parking Heated Indoor Pool & Whirlpool Seasonal Outdoor Pool 9000 W Airport Drive, Visalia, CA 93277 P: 559-651-5000 | F: 559-651-2036 wyndhamvisalia.com SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 81 LODGING Sun & Fun RV Park 1000 E. Rankin Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 686–5779 Club Royal Oak RV Resort 39700 Rd. 28 Kingsburg, CA 93631 (559) 897-0351 clubroyaloak.com FARM STAYS Naylor Organic Family Farm Stay 38918 Rd. 64 Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 591-6051 naylorsorganicfarmstay.com Paternoster Farms Vacation Cottages 26689 Ave. 96 Terra Bella, CA 93270 (559) 535-4277 paternosterfarms.com BeeGreen Farm Certified Organic Farm & Farm Stay 41849 North Fork Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271 (559) 804-6448 beegreenfarm.com 82 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 LODGING SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 83 CONTACT US OUTFITTERS & EQUIPMENT Alta Market & Ski Shop at Wuksachi Lodge 64740 Wuksachi Way Sequoia National Park (866) 807-3598 Brewer’s Ponderosa Lodge 56692 Aspen Dr. Springville, CA 93265 (559) 542-2579 brewersponderosalodge.com Sequoia Foothills Chamber of Commerce (877) 530-3300 threerivers.com Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (559) 565-3341 nps.gov/seki Sequoia National Forest & Giant Sequoia National Monument (559) 781-1500 www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia Grant Grove Market at Grant Grove Village Springville Chamber of Commerce Kings Canyon National Park (559) 335-5500 x0 visitsequoia.com/GrantGrove-Market Tulare Chamber of Commerce Montecito Sequoia Lodge Ski Shop (559) 539-0100 springville.ca.us (559) 686-1547 tularechamber.org (559) 565-3388 x208 Tulare County Tourism & Film Commission Sport Chalet 4145 S. Mooney Blvd. Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 625-3434 sportchalet.com COMMUNITY PARTNERS City of Lindsay (559) 562-7103 lindsay.ca.us City of Woodlake (559) 564-8055 cityofwoodlake.com Dinuba Chamber of Commerce (559) 591-2707 dinubachamber.com Exeter Chamber of Commerce (559) 592-2919 exeterchamber.com Porterville Chamber of Commerce (559) 784-7502 portervillechamber.org (559) 624-7187 tularecountyemap.com Lake Kaweah (559) 597-2005 corpslakes.usace.army.mil Mooney Grove Park (559) 624-7227 co.tulare.ca.us/government/ parks Pixley Wildlife National Refuge fws.gov/kern/refuges/pixley Sequoia Parks Conservancy (559) 565-3759 sequoiaparksconservancy.org Sequoia Recreation California Land Management (650) 322-1181 clm-services.com Three Rivers Historical Museum (559) 561-2707 3rmuseum.org Tule River Historical Society (559) 539-2720 springville.ca.us Tulare County Treasures Visalia Convention & Visitors Bureau tularecountytreasures.org (559) 334-0141 visitvisalia.org TRANSPORT Visalia Chamber of Commerce AMTRAK (559) 734-5876 visaliachamber.org Seaport Airlines HELPFUL INFORMATION Arts Consortium (559) 713-4324 artsconsortium.org Colonel Allensworth State Park (661) 849-3433 parks.ca.gov/allensworth Kaweah Oaks Preserve (559) 738-0211 sequoiariverlands.org/naturepreserve-kaweah-oaks.html 84 | The Sequoia Visitor 2016 amtrak.com (888) 573-2767 seaportair.com Sequoia Shuttle (877) 404-6473 sequoiashuttle.com V-LINE Visalia-Fresno Shuttle (877) 404-6473 ridevline.com SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 85 circ um fer ence 102 ft. 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