Surrounding Communities

Clovis

Community festivals abound in Clovis. Big Hat Days, ClovisFest, antique and collectible fairs, the Clovis Rodeo, Strawberry Jamboree and Old Town Farmers Markets are among the many large annual events. Old Town Clovis is a historic shopping district full of quaint antique and specialty shops and restaurants. For more information, call 559-299-7363 or visit www.clovischamber.com.

Coalinga

Coalinga, as an incorporated city in Fresno County, is one of the few in California that began as a mining boom town and survived. Coalinga celebrated its centennial in 2006. The R.C. Baker Museum features many local historic exhibits including an extensive fossil collection, American Indian artifacts and antiquated oil-field equipment. Just outside Coalinga at Interstate 5 is the renowned Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant, featuring locally grown award-winning beef products. For more information, call 559-935-2948 or visit www.coalingachamber.com.

Firebaugh

Historic Firebaugh is located along the San Joaquin River at the site of the 19th-century Gold-Rush era ferry crossing. Picnic at the riverside park, sample great ethnic food or stay at a local bed-and-breakfast at the river’s edge. The Firebaugh area is known for tomatoes and melons and the city hosts a rodeo and other festivals annually. The nearby historic Eagle Field, featuring the Central California Historical Military Museum, hosts an annual fly-in of 1940s-era aircraft. For more information, call the City of Firebaugh at
559-659-2043.

Fowler

Home to Champion Raisins, Fowler also hosts the annual Fowler Fall Festival with a parade, festival queen and fair (food and games) every October. Fowler’s quaint downtown offers unique shopping and dining, and the area boasts a number of raisin and nut packaging plants where tasting and gift packages are available. For more information ,call the City of Fowler at 559-834-3869.

Friant

Adjacent to Millerton Lake, Lost Lake Park and the San Joaquin River Parkway, this town plays host to nature tours and water -sport and fishing enthusiasts year round. Tour the State Fish Hatchery, canoe the San Joaquin River, go boating on Millerton Lake, visit the historic Millerton courthouse (site of the original county seat) or golf at the beautiful Johnny Miller-designed Brighton Crest Golf Course. This area also boasts American Indian casinos offering Las Vegas-style entertainment.

Kerman

Gateway to the west side, Kerman’s downtown reflects its agricultural heritage and small-town values. Shop in Kerman for locally grown raisins, almonds and pistachios, plain or dipped in chocolate. Enjoy a picnic in the authentically restored Plaza Veterans Park. Stop at Helmuth Family Sausage for great food and unique gifts and be sure to visit Sun Empire Foods to sample the delectable locally grown products. For more information, call 559-846-6343 or visit www.kermanchamber.org.

Kingsburg

Traditional Swedish heritage and culture is preserved in Kingsburg, which annually hosts the Kingsburg Swedish Festival along with other annual events. Kingsburg’s downtown is known as the Swedish Village, featuring brightly colored Swedish architecture, Dala horses, Swedish flags and bay trees. Stroll through downtown and visit the many shops and restaurants featuring Swedish food, gifts and collectibles. For more information, call 559-897-1111 or visit www.kingsburgchamberofcommerce.com.

Mendota

Mendota is home to the 99,500-acre Mendota Wildlife Area, where wild game and waterfowl abound. Sportsmen are attracted by the great hunting and fishing opportunities in this area. For more information, call the City of Mendota at 559-655-4298.

Orange Cove

Home to the scenic Orange Blossom Trail, this citrus region offers one of the prettiest and most fragrant portions of the trail. Orange Cove’s City Hall is on the historic register and the town’s new skate park is poised to be one of the best on the West Coast. Orange Cove hosts the Orange Harvest Festival each spring, and the area is mostly recommended for the beautiful countryside and citrus groves surrounding the community. For more information, call the City of Orange Cove at 559-626-5100.

Reedley

Reedley’s charming brick-lined downtown features turn-of-the-century buildings housing unique restaurants and shops. Hand-crafted quilts are made and displayed at the famous Mennonite Quilting Center and the Reedley Museum features local historic artifacts and memorabilia. The restored Reedley Opera House hosts live local theater and other events. Reedley Beach is a popular spot for swimming, tubing and rafting along the Kings River. For more information, call 559-638-3548 or visit www.reedley.com.

Sanger

Located in the heart of Blossom Trail and Fruit Trail country, Sanger is centrally located to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National parks, as well as a variety of agritourism venues where one can visit local farms sample farm-fresh produce and tour local wineries. Visit Sanger’s unique Depot Museum and participate in the annual Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree each December. For more information, call 559-875-4575 or visit www.sanger.org.

Selma

America’s hometown, where the charming downtown offers a variety of unique shops and restaurants, and hosts events such as the annual Crab Feed, Family Friday’s Street Faire, Raisin Festival, July 3 Celebration and the Marching Band Festival. Selma—come grow with us. For information, call 559-891-2235 or visit www.cityofselma.com.

Shaver & Huntington Lakes

Shaver Lake is one of the gems of the Sierra, offering great fishing, camping and water-sport activities. The town center features unique shops, restaurants and bed-and-breakfasts, and hosts annual events featuring a wine walk and music. The local museum features historic exhibits including the log flume that used to bring lumber down from Shaver to Clovis. Up the hill from Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake’s alpine setting makes it a favorite for boating. Huntington is known as one of the finest mountain sailing lakes in the nation and hosts a large annual regatta sponsored by the Fresno Yacht Club. Sierra Summit Ski Resort offers first-class snow skiing, snow boarding and other winter sports. For more information, call 559-841-3350 or visit www.shaverlakechamber.com.

Squaw Valley

Located in the Sierra Foothills, the small community of Squaw Valley offers picturesque amenities to travelers headed for both Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks. The area is popular with paragliders, equestrians, artists, farmers, horticulturists, and families.

Visit the local Squaw Valley Trading Company for groceries, gas and gifts, and tour the unique Squaw Valley Herb Gardens, 800-579-8043. Just over the hill and minutes from the national parks is Wonder Valley Ranch Resort, 800-821-2801, a full-service resort experience in a beautiful rural setting, offering packages that include horseback riding, water sports, hiking and full-conference facilities.

As the last stop on Highway 180 before Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, Squaw Valley is the perfect location for any adventure. Learn more at www.cityofsquawvalley.com.

About - Welcome