Attractions


Fresno Fairgrounds
1121 Chance Avenue; 559/650-3247
The fairgrounds are home of the annual Big Fresno Fair each October, but it offers more than just that event: others include live and satellite horseracing, the AgFRESNO agricultural show in November, and home and garden shows in spring and summer.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia National Park (Foothills Visitor Center; 559/565-3341) is famous for its large stands of trees. Four of the five largest thrive in Giant Forest; most of these Methuselahs are between 1,800 and 2,700 years old, about 250 feet tall, and close to 100 feet in circumference. Continuing on to adjacent Kings Canyon National Park (Cedar Grove Visitor Center; 559/565-3793), you pass through Grant Grove, site of the "Nation's Christmas Tree" (General Grant Tree). Keep in mind that an automobile traveler gets only a small taste of these parks. If you have the time and inclination, get into the backcountry.

Museums
History buffs can tour the elegant homes of several of Fresno's founders. Two particularly good examples include the Kearney Mansion Museum (7160 W Kearney Boulevard; 559/441-0862) and the Meux Home Museum (1007 R Street; 559/233-8007).

Tower District
The restored 1939 Art Deco Tower Theater (815 E Olive; 559/485-9050), with its Carvarts glass etchings and Italian terrazzo foyer, hosts concerts by performers like George Winston and Diana Krall. Other theater options in the Tower District include Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater (1226 N Wishon Avenue; 559/266-9494) and the Second Space Theater (928 E Olive Avenue; 559/266-0660). Lively watering holes include Avalon Billiard Club (1064 N Fulton Avenue; 559/495-0852).

Chaffe Zoological Gardens/Roeding Park
894 W Belmont Avenue; 559/498-2671
With more than 600 mammals, birds, and reptiles, this local zoo boasts a tropical rain forest exhibit and reptile house. The park offers picnic areas, lakes, tennis courts, and recreational areas for kids.