Center image area at this line
December
12/4 Danú: Christmas in Ireland 12/5 Comedy Pet Theater 12/7 Sweet Honey In The Rock
The guide to visiting
Celebrating the Holidays
12/13-16 Nutcracker
and living in the jewel
January August
8/22 The Avett Brothers Americana & Alt. Rock
Center image area at this line
8/28 Steve Martin
& the Steep Canyon Rangers
September
2/1 Tommy Emmanuel 2/6 Cirque Mechanics
Comedic Acrobats & Gymnastics
2/7 Whose Live Anyway? 2/12 Juan de Marcos
9/20 Don Gonyea
2/14 Russian National Orchestra 2/17 Eric Bibb & Habib Koité 2/20 Paco Peña: Flamenco Vivo 2/27 Calder Quartet
NPR Correspondent
9/25 Elvis Costello 9/27 Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett Little Feat Guitarists
October
10/3 Fiddler on the Roof Jr. 10/5 Robert Glennon: Unquenchable
& the Afro-Cuban Stars
World Music
Kung Fu Spectacular
3/16 Rhythm of the Dance
Gypsy Jazz
3/20 Wynton Marsalis
10/18 Doc Severinsen
Dance Theatre Irish Dance
& Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
& the San Miguel 5
3/22 H4ê< k $3 ª] 0
Comedy & Satire
4/5&6 4/7 4/11 4/12
10/26 Reduced Shakespeare Co. 10/27 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
November
11/3 A Chorus Line 11/5 Shirin Ebadi Nobel Peace Prize
11/7 B.B. King 11/13 Ballet Folklórico de Mexico 11/15 Angélique Kidjo African Diva
11/27 Punch Brothers
Progressive Bluegrass
Includes: Relocation information
3/3 African Children’s Choir 3/9 Yuval Ron Ensemble
3/14 Lula Washington
10/12 In the Footsteps of Django
FALL 2012 WINTER 2013
March
Book in Common
10/10 Shaolin Warriors
FREE
February
9/5 Ziggy Marley 9/14 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Chico World Music Festival
of the Sacramento Valley
1/22 Clint Black Trio 1/23 Golden Dragon Acrobats 1/30 Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo
April
Keeping Dance Alive! Menopause the Musical Ukulele Orchestra Ray Kurzweil
Inventor & Futurist
May
5/9 Paul Taylor Dance Co. 5/15 The Little Mermaid Jr.
For tickets & more information: WWW.CHICOPERFORMANCES.COM or call (530) 898-6333. Presented by Chico News & Review and the Chico Chamber of Commerce
2 Discover chico Fall 2012/Winter 2013
Rape Crisis Intervention & Prevention
Needs your help to get the word out about a new California law All victims of sexual assault will recieve a free forensic medical examination, regardless of whether or not they choose to participate in the criminal justice process. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS about sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact Rape Crisis Intervention and Prevention.
WE ARE HERE TO LISTEN.
NO. IT IS A COMPLETE SENTENCE. 530-342-RAPE
Serving Butte, Glenn & Tehama Counties since 1974
24-Hour Hotline
(Collect Calls Accepted)
www.rapecrisis.org Fall 2012/Winter 2013 Discover chico 3
Contents FALL 2012/WINTER 2013
W
elcome to Discover Chico, the Chico News & Review’s twice-yearly guide to Chico and its beautiful environs. This handy guide will give those new to the area a sense of the vibrancy that makes our community special. It’s also a good reference for locals looking for ways to fill their downtime. The fall-winter issue of Discover Chico features an extensive calendar of events (turn to the Highlights section, starting on page 6), a guide to popular outdoor destinations (see the Excursions section on page 42), and an Agritourism section (page 52) featuring some of the best sightseeing and tasting opportunities the North State has to offer. Also, check out our Downtown (page 28) and Campus (page 32) sections for a guide to the hustle and bustle of Chico’s core. If entertaining tykes is a top priority, turn to page 48 for our list of Kid-Friendly Outings. And for local advice, keep an eye out for our special Insider Tips, in which the editors at the CN&R make suggestions for a sure-fire awesome time. Whether you’re new to Chico or a lifelong resident, enjoy flipping through these pages and savoring Chico’s fall and winter months! –Howard Hardee
Parks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Expansive Bidwell Park is Chico’s most beautiful feature. Be sure to spend some time there! Also listed are our many smaller local parks.
Excursions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Explore the many places in and around Chico to hike, bike and drive through. These day excursions offer something for everyone, from a family with little kids to the extreme-adventure solitary hiker.
Kid-Friendly Outings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 This special section filled with fun things to do is guaranteed to keep children (of all ages) entertained.
Agritourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Chico’s location in the Sacramento Valley makes it ideal for year-round agriculture-related tourism to wineries, olive orchards and working farms to see the sights, take in the fresh smells and taste wholesome produce.
Dining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Organized by category, this list of Chico eateries will help keep your palate happy at all times, from breakfast till after the bars close.
Lodging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Rest up between adventures at one of Chico’s lovely, pampering bed and breakfasts or at one of the many hotels and motels around town.
Relocation Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Fall & Winter Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Mark your calendar! There’s plenty of fun stuff to do when the weather cools.
Arts & Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Chico’s arts-and-entertainment scene is notoriously top-notch. Check out the many venues listed and their wide array of offerings.
Nightlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 It’s impossible to get bored with Chico’s virtually every-night-of-the-week nightclub, bar and music scene. Go see for yourself. We’ve got plenty of tips to help guide you.
Downtown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Discover the history and hipness of downtown Chico. Park the car and go see and do a ton of things within a small area.
Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Eco-friendly Chico State and Butte College provide the region with educational opportunities, economic vitality and intellectual inspiration.
If you’re thinking of moving to Chico, read this section. It covers the basics, including info on demographics, politics, schools and health-care facilities. Discover Chico editor: Howard Hardee CN&R editor: Robert Speer Design: Tina Flynn, Sandy Peters Additional editing: Melissa Daugherty Photography: Vic Cantu, Kyle Delmar, Kyle Emery, Heather Gomes, Josh Graham, Abram House, JoVan Johnson and Matt Siracusa Discover Chico is published twice a year by the Chico News & Review, 530-894-2300, www.newsreview.com www.discoverchico.com Copyright 2012 Chico Community Publishing Cover image: Senator Theatre by Janet Lombardi Blixt, on display as part of Chico Museum’s “I Love Chico” exhibit through January. See listing on page 29.
4 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
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MAP OF CHICO Get your bearings
page
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Fall 2012/Winter 2013 Discover chico 5
HIGHLIGHTS
Fall and winter activities SEPTEMBER-MARCH
CN&R File photo
Throughout the season
Winter Migratory Waterfowl Tour
Farmers and crafts markets For local produce sales yearround, check out the grande dame of local farmers’ markets—the Chico Certified Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, rain or shine, from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the parking lot at Second and Wall streets in downtown Chico. This market features a wide range of fresh, local fruits and veggies, crafts, skin-care products, locally prepared hot foods, top-notch coffee and chai and more. Call 893-3276 for more information. Catch the tail-end of Chico’s popular Thursday Night Market, sponsored by the Downtown Chico Business Association (DCBA), which runs through Sept. 29 and features free entertainment along with produce and other goods for sale. Through November, the North Valley Plaza also offers produce each Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to noon.
Each year, from September through March, more than 150 species of birds, including mallards, cranes, geese and California gulls, migrate to Butte County. By following a self-guided tour provided by local chambers of commerce and wildlife groups, visitors can cover 100 miles of nature-filled preserves. Guided 1 1/2-hour walks are available starting at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. on Sundays through January, departing from the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area outside of Gridley. Call 846-7505 or visit www.tinyurl.com/graywild for more info.
September
his life after becoming deeply in debt. Fifteen years later, he is allowed to return to Earth for one day. $12-$20. www.chicotheater company.com
Hiero Imperium Tour Sept. 21, 8:30 p.m., El Rey Theatre. The pioneering underground hip-hop collective—noted for its sheer technical ability and highminded lyrics—swings through with members Pep Love, Casual and the Souls of Mischief. $15. www.jmax productions.net
The Used Sept. 21, 8:30 p.m., Senator Theatre. The platinum-status emo/screamo rock band swings through town. Twin Atlantic and Stars In Stereo open. $23. www.jmaxproductions.net
Pastels on the plaza
Carousel Sept. 8-30, Th-Sat: 7:30 p.m., Sun: 2 p.m., Chico Theater Company, 166 Eaton Road. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel follows carnival barker Billy Bigelow, who takes
Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Chico City Plaza. Transforms the plaza into an art installation one square at a time, as novice and professional artists alike contribute to “Fine Art Alley.” www.chicorec.com
6 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
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Gateway Science Museum Fall Exhibits
Experience the Beat Sept. 23, 2 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. Pianist Spencer Myer kicks off the North State Symphony’s season with works by Gershwin and Shostakovich. $21$34. www.northstatesymphony.org
Elvis Costello Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. The legendary songwriter and musician of The Attractions and The Imposters fame plays a special solo show. $60$70. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m., Sierra Nevada Big Room. A full lineup of blues greats led by Tommy Castro and the Painkillers and also featuring local favorite Chris Cain, guitar master Debbie Davies and saxophonist Terry Hanck. $30. www.sierranevada.com
Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. The guitarists of Little Feat fame play an acoustic set spanning their prolific careers. $20-$32. www.csuchico.edu/ boxoffice
Chico Air Show Sept. 28, 4 p.m., Sept. 29-30, 9 a.m., Chico Municipal Airport. A weekend of high-flying action, food vendors, live music and more. $5-$15. www.chicoairshow.org
Dirty Heads Sept. 28, 8:30 p.m., Senator Theatre. The melodic reggae group incorporates elements of ska-punk and hip-hop. Pyrx and Ease Up open. $17. www.jmaxproductions.net
Bidwell Bark Sept. 29, 8 a.m.-noon, One-Mile Recreation Area in Bidwell Park. Butte Humane Society’s largest fundraiser of the year with a 5K run, breakfast, dog costume contest, games, a silent auction, vendors and more. www.buttehumane.org
Through December, 625 Esplanade. Gateway hosts three fall exhibits—“Take Flight,” an exploration of what makes flight possible and the forces involved; “Gold Fever!,” covering California before the discovery of gold in 1848 and the gold rush of 1849; “Third Views, Second Sights,” featuring “rephotographs” of historic American western landscapes and their subsequent dynamic landscape changes. Closed Mon-Tu. 898-4121, www.csuchico.edu/gateway
Annual Art Sale Oct. 4-6, 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway. The gallery’s annual fundraiser, with pieces priced at $78, $108 and $178. www.1078gallery.org
Book in Common: Unquenchable Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. Author Robert Glennon discusses the extravagances and everyday waste sucking the nation dry of its water resources. $10-$20. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Roach Gigz
October
Oct. 5, 8:30 p.m., Senator Theatre. The stony Bay Area rapper returns to Chico. IAMSU!, A-1 and DJ Nima Fadavi open. $15. www.jmax productions.net
4-H Corn Maze
Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest
Oct. 1-31, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Country Pumpkins, 7152 Hwy. 32, Orland. A fun-filled, twisty-turny, 10-acre corn maze. Proceeds benefit Glenn County 4-H clubs. Country Pumpkins also grows and sells pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn and corn stalks for holiday decorating. $3. www.countrypumpkins.net
Space Form Light: Architecture in Print
Oct. 5-6, Sierra Nevada Brewery Hop Field. The third annual celebration features a full musical lineup, glass-blowing demonstrations, six styles of beer on tap and a traditional German feast. $30-$40. www.sierranevada.com/oktoberfest
Artisan Faire at the Patrick Ranch Museum
Oct. 1-Nov. 4, Meriam Library at Chico State. An exploration of how architects do what painters do in an interactive, solid form. 898-4476
Oct. 6-7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway. Paintings, watercolors, sculpture, photographs, wood work, jewelry and more. Prices vary. 342-4359, www.patrickranchmuseum.org
Window Art Project
National Yo-Yo Contest
Oct. 1-Oct. 31, downtown Chico. Downtown businesses collaborate with local artists to display their original works in on-street windows. Email landpoem@aol.com for more info.
Fiddler On the Roof, Jr. Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. The young performers of the Blue Room Young Company bring a shortened, 60-minute version of Fiddler on the Roof to the Laxson stage. $8-$15. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
The Fix Oct. 3-6, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 7, 2 p.m., Harlen Adams Theatre at Chico State. A musical satire in which the son of a dead presidential candidate is thrust into the political spotlight by his power-hungry mother. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Oct. 6, Chico City Plaza. The best yo-yo gurus in the country square off for all of Chico to see. Free. 893-1414
Sierra Oro Passport Weekend Oct. 6-7, locations vary. Tour Butte County’s farms and wineries and taste the very best of their wares. $25-$30. 680-4041. www.sierraoro.org/passport-weekend
The Mozart Mile Oct. 7, 8:30 a.m., One-Mile Recreation Area in Bidwell Park. Walk, run, stroll, saunter or stride through Bidwell Park as musicians from the North State Symphony and Chico Country Day School and dancers from Chico Community Ballet entertain along the way. Proceeds benefit the North State Symphony. www.northstatesymphony.org HIGHLIGHTS continued on page 8 Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 7
HIGHLIGHTS continued from page 7
TJ Farms Pumpkin Patch Oct. 7-31, 2-6 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends, 3600 Chico Ave. Pumpkin-picking, hay rides, a hay-bale obstacle course, a bounce house and more. Free admission. 343-2294, www.tjfarmsestates.com/ seasonal
Chevelle Oct. 10, 8 p.m., Senator Theatre. The certified-platinum alternative metal band has drawn comparisons to Tool and The Cure. $23. www.jmaxproductions.net
Earl Thomas & the Blues Ambassadors Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m., Sierra Nevada Big Room. Combining elements of British Rock and traditional American blues for a powerful, electrifying performance. $20. www.sierranevada.com
Shaolin Warriors Kung-Fu Spectacular Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. The remarkable skill and spectacular imagery of kung-fu comes to the Laxson stage. $19-$32. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Annual Focus Film Festival Oct. 11, 7 p.m., Sierra Nevada Big Room, Oct. 12-13, Colusa Hall at Chico State. Far Northern Regional Center’s festival featuring documentary and narrative films celebrating diversity and focusing on the nuance of human experience. $5-$25. www.FOCUSfilmfestcalifornia.com
Leo Kottke Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m., El Rey Theatre. The fingerpicking master draws from the blues, jazz and folk music in his superhuman guitar work. $30. www.jmaxproductions.net
re: Home Oct. 11-26, 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway. An exhibition of photography focusing on the experience of location, habitat, time span and relational aspects regarding home. Reception Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. www.1078gallery.org
Zion I Oct. 11, 9 p.m., Senator Theatre. The Oakland-based hip-hop duo 8 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
emphasizes futurist production techniques and socially conscious lyrics. Minnesota opens. $15. www.jmax productions.net
Dinner With a Scientist Oct. 12, 5-9 p.m., Sierra Nevada Big Room. As part of Chico Science Fair, dine with a scientist at your table and learn about the roles of microbes in our health. The evening will include live jazz, hands-on exhibits, a silent auction, a full buffet and a presentation from microbiologist Dr. Patricia Edelman.
In the Footsteps of Django Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. Hotblooded Django swing jazz with a Latin flavor from Lulo Reinhardt and an all-star lineup of gypsy masters. $18-$31. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Patrick Ranch Museum Pumpkin Kick Off Oct. 12-28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway. Pumpkins for the pickin’, unique gourds, tours of the ranch, free kids activities, animals, hay rides, music and food. $5. 342-4359, www.patrickranchmuseum.org
You Can’t Take it With you Oct 12-13, Oct. 19-20, 8 p.m. Oct. 13 & 20, 2 p.m. Blue Room Theatre, 139 W. First St. Inspire School of Arts and Sciences presents the story of the daughter of a wild bohemian family and the son of a family of socialite bankers and the love that brings them all together. 891-3090
Reel Big Fish Oct. 13, 8 p.m., Senator Theatre. The ska-punk band of “Sell Out” fame appears alongside their contemporaries Less Than Jake. Flatfoot 56 and Mrs. Skannotto open. $22. www.jmaxproductions.net
Experience the Intimate Oct. 14, 2 p.m., Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall at Chico State. The North State Symphony’s first chamber offering of the year, featuring works for duos and trios. $6-$20. www.northstatesymphony.org
Dead Winter Carpenters Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m., Sierra Nevada Big Room. A five-piece roots-rock band from North Tahoe gaining momentum as a national touring act.
$15. www.sieranevada.com
Funtcase Oct. 17, 8:30 p.m., Senator Theatre. Extreme dubstep electronica from a super-scary, mask-wearing DJ. High Rankin, Schoolboy and Nerd Rage open. $17. www.jmaxpro ductions.net
Tea Leaf Green Oct. 17, 8 p.m., Senator Theatre. A five-piece jam band out of the Bay Area. $16. www.jmaxproductions.net
Doc Severinsen & the San Miguel 5 Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. The 83year-old Severinsen of Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show leads a group of Latin American and classic jazz players. $21-$35. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
The Guilded Art Space Oct. 19-28, Avenue 9 Gallery, 180 E. Ninth Ave. An exhibit highlighted with demonstrations, workshops, lectures and raffles. www.avenue9gallery.com
Kaki King Oct. 19, 8 p.m., El Rey Theatre. The guitarist and composer is a frettapping, fingerpicking, sound-looping goddess with an exciting, energetic live show. $15. www.jmax productions.net
Allen Stone Oct. 20, 8 p.m., El Rey Theatre. A Seattle-based R&B and soul singer. Yuna and Tingsek open. $15.50. www.jmaxproductions.net
Metamorphosis Oct. 20, 6 p.m., Silver Dollar Fairgrounds. An evening with the ladies of Chikoko with tantalizing performances, music, refreshment and recycled, reclaimed and repurposed materials transformed into fashionable clothing. $18-$21. 893-4524, www.chikoko.com
Music for a Royal Court Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m., Harlen Adams Theatre at Chico State. Chico State choirs perform music written for royalty, including coronation anthems from Purcell and Handel. $6-$15. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
HIGHLIGHTS continued on page 10
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HIGHLIGHTS continued from page 8
Our Town Oct. 20-Nov. 4, Th-Sat: 7:30 p.m., Sun: 2 p.m., Chico Theater Company, 166 Eaton Road. The classic American play written by renowned author Thornton Wilder about a small town before urbanization. $12-$20. www.chicotheatercompany.com
Jorma Kaukonen Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m., Sierra Nevada Big Room. The finger-picking guitar master of The Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna Fame is joined on mandolin by Barry Mitterhoff for a sitdown acoustic performance. $25. www.sierranevada.com
John Brown’s Body & Kyle Hollingsworth Band Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m., Sierra Nevada Big Room. A fusion of traditional reggae with the sounds of hip-hop, dub and drum and bass. $28. www.sierranevada.com
Reduced Shakespeare Company Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. A 90minute history of America performed in a slapstick manner by three talented comedians. $15-$27. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. The Grammy Award-winning country rock band of “Mr. Bojangles” fame brings their special brand of “hippie-jug” music to Laxson. $25-$38. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Shew In, Groove Out Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m., Harlen Adams Theatre at Chico State. Chico State Jazz X-Press performs with special guest Bobby Shew, who has played with Buddy Rich, Elvis Presley, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Tommy Dorsey. $6-$15. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Works in the Works Oct. 27, 7 p.m., Chico Women’s Club, 592 E. Third St. This fundraiser for Chico Women’s Club includes musicians, artists, dancers, poets, actors and more. www.chicowomens club.net
DADA Life Oct. 28, 8 p.m., Senator Theatre. 10 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
What’s cooler than a Swedish house electro duo? Really big inflatable bananas. You can expect both at this high-energy dance party. $30. www.jmaxproductions.net
Fishtank Ensemble Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m., Sierra Nevada Big Room. Gypsy, jazz, folk and flamenco styles comes together in this energetic four-piece out of L.A. $20. www.sierranevada.com
Arabian Nights
Treat Street Oct. 31, 2-5 p.m. Put a costume on the little ones (12 and younger) and head to more than 60 Chico businesses for safe, fun and free trick-or-treating. 345-6500, www.downtownchico.net
November Farm City Celebration Nov. 1-9. Various events at different locations for this week-plus of agri-celebration. The Agri-Business Bus Tour and Lunch is always a big draw. www.farmcity.com
Hahn & Hanson: New Work Nov. 1-24, 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway. New work by painter Alan Corkery Hahn and sculptor Belinda Hanson. Reception Nov. 1, 5-7 p.m. www.1078gallery.org
Melvin Seals & JGB
A Chorus Line Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical comes to Chico. $50-$65. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Delhi 2 Dublin Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m., Sierra Nevada Big Room. A fantastically weird combination of Celtic and traditional Indian music with a little reggae, rock, hip-hop and electronica thrown in for good measure. $17.50. www.sierranevada.com
Quasquicentennial Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m., Harlen Adams Theatre at Chico State. Chico State Symphonic Winds perform band music from the past 125 years. $6-$15. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Datsik
Nov. 2, 9 p.m., El Rey Theatre. The accomplished pianist is best known as a founding member of the Jerry Garcia Band. $18. www.jmax productions.net
Nov. 5, 9 p.m., Senator Theatre. The dubstep DJ describes his sound as “dark and robotic,” but still tries to keep things funky. Teravita, xKore and AFK open. $20. www.jmax productions.net
Aberrant Behaviors
Shirin Ebadi
Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m., 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway. Stand-up comedy, improv, music and more from the troupe of former drama students. $5. www.1078gallery.org
Bridge Bazaar & Bake Sale Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Honey Run Covered Bridge, the intersection of Centerville and Honey Run roads in Butte Creek Canyon. Visit the historic Honey Run Covered Bridge to pick up some interesting holiday gifts and treats created by 32 artisans and crafters at this annual bazaar and bake sale. 895-0911
Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. Iran’s first female judge and first Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize speaks on Islam, democracy and human rights. $15-$32. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Arabian Nights Nov.6-10: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 10-11: 2 p.m., Wismer Theatre at Chico State. Built around the seductive narrative prowess of Scheherezade, who saves her own life by telling tales of love, lust, hilarity and sorrow. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice HIGHLIGHTS continued on page 12
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HIGHLIGHTS continued from page 10
Dropkick Murphys
Punch Brothers
B.B. King
Nov. 11, 8:30 p.m., Senator Theatre. The punkrock powerhouse draws from classic punk outfits like The Clash, The Sex Pistols and The Pogues. Teenage Bottlerocket and The Mahones open. $28.50. www.jmaxproductions.net
Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. Modern pop sensibility and old-time string virtuosity meet in this New York quintet. $16-$28. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. The King of Blues brings his unmatched soul and passion to Laxson at age 87. $61-$76. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
The Devil Makes Three Nov. 7, 9 p.m., Senator Theatre. A merger of bluegrass, old time music, country, folk, blues, ragtime and rockabilly to make “punkgrass” music. Jonny Fritz opens. $20. www.jmaxproductions.net
The Little Prince Nov. 7-17, Th-Sat: 7:30 p.m., Blue Room Theatre, 139 W. First St. A beautiful tale of artistic re-awakening. www.blueroomtheatre.com
58th Annual Turkey Dinner & Raffle Nov. 8, 5-8 p.m., Manzanita Place, 1705 Manzanita Ave. Enjoy turkey and all the fixings at the Work Training Center’s annual dinner, benefiting the nonprofit’s endowment fund. WTC empowers people with disabilities by helping them achieve increased independence at home and at work. 343-7994.
Experience Mystery Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. North State Symphony Concertmaster Terrie Baune performs the jewels of Vienna on violin. $11-$34. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Great American Taxi Nov. 10, 8:30 p.m., El Rey Theatre. A bluegrass band fronted by Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon fame appearing alongside Poor Man’s Whiskey. $15. www.jmaxproductions.net
The Nutcracker
12 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
Issues: Social, Political, Gender Nov. 12-Dec. 6, Turner Print Museum at Chico State. An exhibit tackling a range of issues from English political satire to American social realism. 898-5739
Ballet Folklorico de Mexico Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. Gorgeous costumes, exciting dance and authentic live mariachi music from one of Mexico’s finest dance ensembles. $19$35. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Angelique Kidjo Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. Africa’s most celebrated female pop musician. $18-$31. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Christmas Preview Nov. 18, 4-8 p.m., downtown Chico. Local merchants bring out holiday cheer to kick off the season. Enjoy beautiful decorations and live music along with other sights, sounds and tastes, plus a visit from Santa in a horse-drawn carriage. 345-6500, www.downtownchico.net/ events
Run for Food Nov. 22, 9 a.m., One-Mile Recreation Area in Bidwell Park. The annual Jesus Center-sponsored event—a 5K run/walk in Lower Bidwell Park—is a fundraiser to help provide food and shelter for Chico’s homeless. www.runforfood.com
Annual December Group Show Nov. 29-January 5, 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway St. A multimedia showcasing three local artists along with two who’ve moved away but maintain ties to Chico. Reception Dec. 21, 7-10 p.m. www.1078gallery.org
Annual Christmas Faire Nov. 30-Dec. 2, 10 a.m., Silver Dollar Fairgrounds. An annual arts and crafts fair. Prices vary. 345-9652
Christmas at the Patrick Ranch Nov. 30-Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway. The annual Christmas Artisan Art Show and sale. 342-4359, www.patrickranchmuseum.org
December A Christmas Carol Dec. 1-16, Th-Sat: 7:30 p.m., Sun: 2 p.m., Chico Theater Company, 166 Eaton Rd. Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale of one man learning the true meaning of Christmas. $12-$20. www.chicotheatercompany.com
Christmas-Tree Auction & Holiday Festival Dec. 1, 6-9:30 p.m., Chico Family Masonic Center, 1110 W. East Ave. Hors d’oeuvres, desserts, a no-host bar and live music are part of this special event benefiting the Torres Community Shelter in Chico. Bid on beautifully decorated Christmas trees during a live auction or pick up
other great items in a silent auction. www.chicoshelter.org
Snow Goose Festival PHOTO BY MIKE PETERS
Congregation Beth Israel Silent Auction Dec. 1, 6-9 p.m., Congregation Beth Israel, 1336 Hemlock St. This annual fundraiser to benefit the congregation’s religious school offers a large number of silent-auction items to suit all price ranges, as well as wine and cheese, homemade soups, hot apple cider and Peet’s coffee. Billed as “an adult event to benefit the kids.” 342-6146, www.cbichico.org
Stansbury House Victorian White Christmas Dec. 2, 6-9 p.m., Dec. 2, 1-8 p.m., Dec. 4, 1-5 p.m., Stansbury House, 307 W. Fifth Street. Horse-drawn carriage rides, hot apple cider, raffles and appearances from Santa and Mark Twain. $1-$5. 892-2669
Danu: Christmas in Ireland Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. Highenergy Christmas music with a traditional Celtic twist. $18-$31. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Comedy Pet Theater Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. A comedic combination of clowns, small, furry animals and world-class juggling. $19-$31. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Dec. 6-9, Th-Sat: 7:30 p.m., Blue Room Theatre, 139 W. First St. The familiar Christmas story presented by the Blue Room Theatre in collaboration with Blue Room Jr.—and featuring puppets! www.blueroom theatre.com
Community Tree Lighting Dec. 7, 5:30-8 p.m. Enjoy a festive musical program and St. Nick arriving on an antique fire engine during this Chico tradition at the downtown City Plaza. 345-6500, www.downtownchico.net/events
Sweet Honey in the Rock Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. The a cappella group touches on sacred music of the black church, the civil rights movement and songs for justice. $18$31. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Glorious Sounds of the Season
NSS Christmas Concert
Dec. 7-8: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 9: 2 p.m., Harlen Adams Theatre at Chico State. This festive annual concert featuring student ensembles and the Children’s Choir of Chico is a fundraiser for Chico State’s School of the Arts. $20. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. The North State Symphony’s traditional Christmas concert with selections from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio featuring Young Artist audition winner Heather Rice. $30. www.north statesymphony.org
Voom Voom Variety Show
The Nutcracker
Dec. 7, 7 p.m., Chico Women’s Club, 592 E. Third St. Dancers, musicians, poets and performance artists hosted by the eccentric local fashion and performance troupe Chikoko. $5. www.chikoko.com
Dec. 13-15: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 15-16: 2 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. The holiday classic performed by the Chico Community ballet. $16$26. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 14, 8 p.m., Senator Theatre. The lady rapper rose to fame with the viral hit “Gucci Gucci.” Rye Rye, Honey Cocaine and Chippy Nonstop open. $17.50. www.jmaxproductions.net
Dec. 8, 8-11 a.m. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a pancake breakfast. The elves will help make crafts with children, who will receive small gifts at this sell-out event. CARD Community Center in Chico. Preregistration required. $9. 895-4711, www.chicorec.com
Chikoko Bizarre Bazaar Dec. 8-9, Chico Women’s Club, 592 E. Third St. A two-day bazaar in which 40 local artists present handcrafted clothing, jewelry, utilitarian art, accessories and more. www.chikoko.com
Annual Menorah Lighting in City Plaza Dec. 11, 6 p.m., Chico City Plaza. The Chabad Jewish Center hosts this annual Chanukah event, which is full of festivities for the whole family. Includes live entertainment, chocolate gelt and other goodies. 8091662, www.jewishchico.com
Kreayshawn
The Mother Hips Dec. 31, 9 p.m., El Rey. A New Years Eve show with Chico’s favorite sons, the beloved indie-rockin’ Mother Hips. $40. www.jmaxpro ductions.net
January Polar Bear Swim Jan. 1, 1 p.m. Every year, many, many folks show up with their swim gear and a towel to start off a new year at Lower Bidwell Park’s Sycamore Pool at the One-Mile Recreation Area for this Chico tradition of swimming across the chilly HIGHLIGHTS continued on page 14 Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 13
HIGHLIGHTS continued from page 13
Polar Bear Swim
creek. Why don’t you join them?
God of Carnage Jan. 10-26, Th-Sat: 7:30 p.m., Blue Room Theatre, 139 W. First St. Two pairs of parents, one of whose child has hurt the other at a public park, meet to discuss the matter in a civilized manner but become increasingly childish. www.blueroomtheatre.com
Winter’s Shadow Cast By Light Jan. 10-Feb. 2, 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway. An exhibition of work from the Pacific Northwest. Reception January 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m. www.1078gallery.org
Clint Black Trio Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. The country music legend of two dozen No. 1 hits comes to Chico. $35-$55. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Golden Dragon Acrobats Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. A 21member Chinese troupe of acrobats, tumblers and mimes accompanied by traditional Chinese music. $19-$33. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
13th Annual Snow Goose Festival Jan. 24-27. Bird-watch in one of the most diverse wildlife corridors of the Sacramento Valley. This popular four-day event includes field trips, presentations, workshops, a banquet and a silent auction. www.snow goosefestival.org.
Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. Giant, believable dinosaur puppets romp around the Laxson stage in a fun and educational performance. $15-$27. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
February Tommy Immanuel Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. The stunningly fluid and inventive guitarist and Chico favorite returns to Laxson. $24-$36. www.northstatesymphony.org
14 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
Valley Contractors Exchange Annual Benefit Crab Feed Feb. 1, 6 p.m., at the Chico Masonic Family Center. The 16th annual event includes all-you-can-eat crab, live music and dancing. 343-1981
Cirque Mechanics Birdhouse Factory Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. A combination of theater, acrobatics, mechanical wizardry and circus showmanship. $19-$33. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Spectator/Spectacle Feb. 7-March 2, 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway. Understated photography from Tom Patton exploring themes of nature, individual consciousness and the complexities of representation. Reception Feb. 8, 5-7 p.m. www.1078gallery.org
Whose Live Anyway? Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. Much like the popular TV show, the improv troupe (made up of Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Chip Esten and Jeff B. Davis) produces skits and songs based on audience suggestions. $33-$46. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Juan de Marcos & the Afro-Cuban All Stars Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. Sultry big-band swing with syncopated percussion, smooth vocals and a dash of funk. $18-$30. www.csuchico.edu/ boxoffice
Russian National Orchestra Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. A Valentines Day performance from Russia’s premier symphony, including Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3, and Smetana’s Overture from the Bartered Bride. $29-$45. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Eric Bibb & Habib Koite Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. A night of international guitar with American bluesman Eric Bibb and Malian guitarist and singer Habib Koite. $14$27. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Paco Pena Flamenco Vivo Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. One of the world’s premier flamenco guitarists is joined by a host of performers for an evening of Spanish dance and song. $18-$31. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Experience Charm Feb. 24, 2 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. The North State Symphony presents Nellie Ponarul in Samuel Barber’s violin concerto and close with Mozart’s final symphony, the Jupiter. $21-$34. www.northstatesymphony.org
Calder Quartet Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. A string quartet with an impressive range of musical selections, from classical pieces to more contemporary tunes. $11-$25. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
March
Adams Theatre at Chico State. Organist Angela Kraft Cross plays selections from Bach’s German Organ Mass on the newly refurbished Centennial Pipe Organ. $6-$15. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
African Children’s Choir
African Children’s Choir March 3, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. A 24piece choir with colorful costumes, authentic music, beautiful harmonies and an overarching message of hope. $17-$31. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Glorious Baroque: Bach & Beyond March 16, 7:30 p.m., Harlen Adams Theatre at Chico State. North Valley Chamber Chorale and Chico State music students perform music of Bach and his Baroque contemporaries. $6-$15. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
12 Ophelias March 6-9, 7:30 p.m.; March 10, 2 p.m.; March 12-14, 7:30 p.m., Wismer Theatre at Chico State. Shakespeare’s Ophelia finds herself in a neo-Elizabethan Appalachian setting. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Lord of the Flies March 7-17, Th-Sat, 7:30 p.m., Blue Room Theatre, 139 W. First St. A stage adaptation of the timeless novel following a group of British boys stranded on an island and their attempts to govern themselves. www.blueroomtheatre.com
This Way to Sustainability Conference March 7-8. Chico State’s and Butte College’s seventh annual environmental conference, featuring a huge roster of sessions on sustainable development, several tours, plus keynote speeches by experts in the field. Speakers in the past have included author, journalist and China/Tibet expert Orville Schell and eco-activist Derrick Jensen. www.csuchico.edu/sustainable future/conference
Experience the Lyrical March 9, 7:30 p.m., RowlandTaylor Recital Hall at Chico State. The North State Symphony’s second chamber offering of the season showcases the lighter side of small orchestra. $6$20. www.northstatesymphony.org
Yuval Ron Ensemble March 9, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. A mix of Middle Eastern music that combines the talents of Jewish, Arabic and Christian artists. $15-$27. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Lula Washington Dance Theatre March 14, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. A dance troupe that tells stories through tap, jazz, ballet, modern dance and hiphop, complete with dazzling costumes. $12-$25 www.csuchico.edu/ boxoffice
Bach’s German Organ Mass March 15, 7:30 p.m., Harlen
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra March 16, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis leads a jazz orchestra composed of 15 jazz soloist and ensemble players. $39-$56. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Rhthym of the Dance March 16, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. The National Dance Company of Ireland featuring a live band, three tenors, 22 dancers, authentic costumes and special effects. $20-$35. www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
Buffy Sainte-Marie March 22, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium at Chico State. A Native American singer-songwriter specializing in rockabilly and touching love songs. $15-$27. ● www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice
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License #01177950 Jeffries Lydon Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 15
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Blue Room Theatre PHOTO BY KYLE DELMAR
Arts thrive in Chico
C
hico is the cultural hub of Butte County, with downtown as its epicenter. The beauty of its natural and man-made environs, coupled with Chico Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thriving arts facilities and events, have always made the city a magnet for artists and arts lovers alike. In addition to an abundance of excellent galleries and museums, Chico boasts a vibrant theater scene for fans of the performing arts.
16 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
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Here is a directory of the area’s arts and entertainment venues:
GET CREATIVE
Museums & galleries 1078 Gallery 820 Broadway, 343-1973. This artist-managed, nonprofit gallery is a showcase for experimental, progressive and “not necessarily commercial” art. Hours: Thu.–Sat., 12:305:30 p.m. www.1078gallery.org
Pottery Painting Pottery Classes Date Nights Birthday Parties Camps for Kids
Ambiance Antiques & Art
Clay & Ceramic Supplies
ALL FIRED UP!
180 E. Ninth Ave., Ste. 1, 8946900. At Ambiance you will find an eclectic blend of intriguing antiques and local art in an intimate atmosphere. Hours: Wed-Sat, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
830 Broadway • Chico • 894-5227 www.allfiredupchico.org
All Fired Up 830 Broadway, 894-5227. All Fired Up is an open studio with clay-working tools and a ceramic-supply outlet with clays, glazes, tools and raw materials. There are also classes and opportunities for parties and workshops. Hours: Tues.-Thurs, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sun., noon-5 p.m. www.all firedupchico.org
Art Etc. 122 W. Third St., 895-1161. The place for art supplies, framing and rotating exhibits from local artists. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. www.artetcchico.com
Tuner Print Museum
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(530) 345–7985
|
819 Wall St, Chico
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www.satava.com
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9 to 4 Viewing of glassblowing available Tuesday through Thursday, please stop by or call! Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 17
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The Art House 325 Nord Ave., 894-1843. An urban art garden/gallery with sculpture and ceramics by Dave and Jana Lawton. Hours: 1-5 p.m. Sunday and by appointment. www.chicoarthouse.com
Avenue 9 Gallery 180 E. Ninth Ave., 879-1821. Avenue 9 is an art guild, with 20 artist-members who collectively make decisions about the direction of the gallery and always have a sampling of their work on display. Each guild member is a “featured artist” at the gallery once a year. Hours: Wed.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. www.avenue9 gallery.com
BMU Gallery Located in the third-floor lobby of the Bell Memorial Union on the Chico State campus. The Associated Students run this gallery, which features original student works throughout the school year. Call 898-4636 for more info.
Butte Art & Design Digital Outdoor Gallery (BAD DOG) 222 W. Second St., 899-3223. The Butte Art & Design Digital Outdoor Gallery has two outdoor locations: at the business department on Butte College’s main campus and in downtown Chico at Second and Broadway.
Chico Art Center 450 Orange St., 895-8726. Established in 1956, this nonprofit arts place offers regular exhibits as well as classes for all levels. Hours: Weds.–Sun., noon-4 p.m. www.chicoartcenter.com
Chico Art School 336 Broadway, Ste. 20, 570-3895. Offers adults and children ongoing instruction in painting and drawing in various mediums. www.chicoartschool.com
Chico Paper Co. 345 Broadway, 891-0900. In the heart of downtown, this custom framing and retail shop features works by more than 25 prominent local artists, plus an excellent selection of greeting cards. Hours: week18 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
Insider tip: Art, art, everywhere As the listings on these pages attest, art is everywhere in Chico, much of it located right in the busy downtown core. Walk the eight blocks between 1078 Gallery and Chico State and you can visit more than a dozen art galleries and art shops. And for downtown theater, there’s only one block separating the longrunning Blue Room Theatre and the School of the Arts offerings at Chico State. But you could actually skip all of these places and find
days, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.5 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. www.chicopapercompany.com
Healing Art Gallery 265 Cohasset Road, 332-3856. Healing Art Gallery features exhibits by Northern California artists whose lives have been touched by cancer. Hours: weekdays, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Humanities Center Gallery Trinity Hall, Chico State campus, 898-6341. The Humanities Center Gallery usually runs two simultaneous exhibits (Main Gallery and The Hallway) of established local and visiting artists. Hours: Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. www.csu chico.edu/hfa/hc/gallery.html
James Snidle Fine Arts and Appraisals 254 E. Fourth St., 343-2930. Based in Chico and San Francisco, the James Snidle gallery offers finearts and personal-property appraisals, gallery shows, art restoration and conservation as well as art shows featuring the works of exciting artists from Chico and beyond. Hours: Tu.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. www.jamessnidle finearts.com
enough cafés, clothing stores and restaurants displaying original art as well as an abundance of public art—murals, sculptures—to fill up a day’s worth of art-walking. —JASON CASSIDY
Orient & Flume Art Glass 2161 Park Ave., 893-0373. Art glass at its finest. This Chico gallery offers interested buyers a variety of vases, bowls and assorted glassworks. Watch the glassblowers at their trade weekdays until 1 p.m. Hours: Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. www.ori entandflume.com
Mánás Art Space & Gallery 1441 Park Ave., 588-5183. Chico’s newest art venue was founded by two of the area’s most energetic and eccentric artists, Sea Monster and Dragonboy.
Sally Dimas Art Gallery 493 East Ave., 345-3063. Sally Dimas features original paintings, art pottery, etchings and jewelry by local and regional artists. Hours: Tues.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Your Beading Headquarters
Turner Print Museum First floor, Meriam Library, Chico State campus, 898-4476. Besides some 2,000 prints from the famous Janet Turner, this print museum also showcases student print exhibits and sponsors the annual Janet Turner National Print Competition and Exhibition. Hours: weekdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment. www.janetturner.org
University Art Gallery Taylor Hall, Chico State campus, 898-5864. A student-centered gallery exhibiting national and international artists, plus an annual Masters of Fine Arts exhibit and a Juried Student Exhibition in the spring. Hours: weekdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., weekends noon-4 p.m. www.csuchico.edu/art/galleries/ univgallery.html
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The Vagabond Rose Gallery & Framing 236 Main St., 343-1110. This gallery, owned by Marilyn Souza for more than 25 years, features exhibits from local artists that rotate on a monthly basis. Hours: Tues.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
78 Belle Mill Rd, Red Bluff 530-527-6166 â&#x20AC;˘ www.gaumers.com
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MĂĄnĂĄs Art Space & Gallery
Local & Wonderful! farmers, artists, entrepreneurs gourmet, gifts, fine crafts
127 W. 3rd Downtown 894â&#x20AC;&#x201C;7009 www.madeinchicostore.com Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 19
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Movies
tion: $3. www.csuchico.edu/hfa/hc/ filmseries.html
El Rey Theatre 230 W. Second St., 892-1838. This historic venue is the perfect place to re-watch cult favorites, such as Pulp Fiction, The Big Lebowski and Jaws. www.elreytheatrechico.com
Chico State Little Theater
122 W. THIRD STREET, CHICO, CA 95928 530-895-1161
Ayres 106, Chico State’s campus. Throughout the school year, a wide variety of interesting U.S. and international films are offered. Suggested dona-
Pageant Theatre 351 E. Sixth St., 343-0663. This downtown Chico establishment presents art-house films in a casual atmosphere. Get there early for the couches in the front row, and don’t miss out on Cheapskate Mondays: all seats just $3. www.pageantchico.com
Tinseltown 801 East Ave. (800) 326-3264 ext. 1101. Chico’s big theater, with
GALLERY SHOWS EVENTS ART CLASSES FRIENDSHIPS
help.
450 Orange St 530-895-8726 Supported in part by the City of Chico
Rogue Theatre
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(530) 345-3063
493 East Ave. Suite 1 • Chico, CA 95928 20 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
Chico State Department of Theatre Arts
14 screens showing first-run films presented by Cinemark.
Theater
Hem It!
Blue Room Theatre 139 W. First St. (upstairs), 8953749. This outfit brings community theater to a professional level with well-produced, cutting-edge and classical dramas and comedies featuring talented local actors, with scripts ranging from the locally written to the award-winning. Year-round productions, classes and workshops by the Blue Room Theatre Young Company offer opportunities for kids. www.blueroomtheatre.com
Chico State Department of Theatre Arts Chico State campus, 898-6333. Throughout the academic year, the department presents plays in two spaces (Harlen Adams Theatre and Wismer Theatre) inside the Performing Arts Center, as well as a musical production in Laxson Auditorium each spring. www.csuchico.edu/thea/ current_season/index.shtml
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Chico Theater Company 166 Eaton Road, 894-3282. This family-oriented theater company was started in 2003 by locals Marc Edson and Brian Holderman with the goal of showcasing musicals, a focus that continues to this day. www.chico theatercompany.com
Ensemble Theatre of Chico 680-1002. ETC spends most of the year hibernating, emerging every summer for its annual Shakespeare festival. For many years the productions were put on in the Cedar Grove area of Bidwell Park, but the performances have since migrated to the Chico Women’s Club at 592 E. Third St.
Rogue Theatre True to its name, Chico’s rebellious troupe hosts semi-regular adventurous productions at various locations around town. ● www.chicorogue.com
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Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 21
NIGHTLIFE
Looking for a good time?
W
hen it comes to nightlife, Chico is hard to beat. With its variety of bars, clubs and big-time performance venues, it offers live music, dancing and good times pretty much every night of the week. For those of you with a penchant for a little late-night gambling to go with your wining and dining, neighboring Oroville is home to two impressive casinos, and there’s another just up I-5 in Corning.
Bars, pubs and clubs Angie’s Poker Club 1414 Park Ave., 892-2282 Chico’s only card room offers liveaction poker in a friendly atmosphere with professional dealers. www.angiespokerclub.com
The Banshee 132 W. Second St., 895-9670 The Banshee is quickly becoming a downtown fixture, fashioned in Irishpub style with a long bar and a vast assortment of foreign brews in bottles and on tap. Yummy pub-grub as well!
The Beach 191 E. Second St., 898-9898 Chico’s newest nightclub and bar, The Beach features an ultra-swank VIP area on the second floor, complete with a pool table, couches and
specialty martini menu. Downstairs is for regular folk and there’s access to the patio and Panama’s. www.facebook.com/thebeachchico
hosts an eclectic variety of live music, from local acoustic and rock acts to national touring bands. www.cafecoda.com
Bella’s Sports Pub
Cafe Flo
134 Broadway, 893-5253 This downtown establishment is popular among sports fans looking to catch a game on one of several highdefinition big-screen TVs. Serves up a bunch of good pub-grub in addition to a wide selection of beers.
365 E. Sixth St., 514-8888 Recently reopened by new owner (and self-taught chef) Mark Watts, Café Flo offers an evolving (seasonal) menu as well as beer and coffee drinks. Look for regular live music as well as once-monthly “Farm-to-Feast”
Burgers & Brew 201 Broadway, 879-9100 Serving grass-fed beef and worldclass brews, this downtown establishment has a nice outdoor patio in addition to indoor seating. Open late on weekends.
The Banshee
Café Coda 265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476 Serving beer and wine, Café Coda
22 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
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LaSalles PHOTO BY JOVAN JOHNSON
sional live rock shows. Local favorites The Pub Scouts play Celtic music for the popular Friday afternoon happy hour, starting at 4 p.m.
Edward’s Premium Spirits 968 East Ave., 895-3825 Longtime bartender Garry Shadwick runs the show in this upscale bar that shares an entryway (and owner) with Quackers. With a fireplace, fountain and premium spirits, this is certainly the quieter choice. Available for private parties.
The Graduate
dinner events. Check out www.liveatflo.weebly.com for the latest event updates.
Crazy Horse Saloon & Brewery 303 Main St., 894-5408 This large bar specializes in country music. There’s occasional live music and even a mechanical bull to ride (after you sign some legal paperwork).
Crush Italian Cuisine & Lounge 201 Broadway, 342-7000 Well-known for its hoppin’ happy hour, this restaurant/bar is an upscale option downtown with an awesome patio view. www.chicocrush.com
344 W. Eighth St., 343-2790 One of the larger venues in town, this sports bar and restaurant offers a variety of yummy eats. Located in the middle of a student neighborhood, billiards and arcade games make it popular among families as well as the college crowd. Check out their kitchen specials, including pulled-pork sandwiches with salad or fries for $6 each on Mondays. www.thegraduatechico.com
NEW & USED BOOKS, UNIQUE GIFTS, TUTORING MAGAZINES, TOO!
121 W.5th Street 891- 3338
HAND
CRAFTED
685 Manzanita Court, 345-2491 Formerly the On the Rocks Lounge, this is the club inside the Holiday Inn that typically draws an older crowd than the downtown bars.
Joe’s Bar 749 W. Fifth St., 894-3612 Recently redone, Joe’s Bar maintains its down-home atmosphere in the south campus neighborhood, with wood chips on the floor and friendly bartenders.
LaSalles
319 Main St., 892-2473 A restaurant and sports bar with 17 televisions, The DownLo’s claim to fame is its expansive billiards room with 10 Diamond tables, darts and occasional live music.
Duffy’s Tavern
Last Call Lounge
337 Main St., 343-7718 Reminiscent of the great, grungy dives in San Francisco, Duffy’s features an old-school jukebox and an odd medley of wall decorations. There’s regular DJ dancing and occa-
Downtown’s full-service community bookstore
LEATHER Downtown Directory 7.26 ljg
The Hub
229 Broadway, 893-1891 LaSalles features two stages—one next to the dance floor in the main barroom and one on the outdoor patio under the trees. Both feature cover bands, touring outfits and local musicians. This is a college-focused club, but popular drink specials and musical acts attract a mixed clientele. www.lasallesbar.com
The DownLo
Cool deals on great reads
876 East Ave., 895-3213 If you’re tired of the college scene, head out toward the airport and stop NIGHTLIFE continued on page 24
Come see our great selection of:
Purses • Bags • Wallets • Hats Belts • Jackets • Vests • Swords Slippers • Skirts • Tops • Knives • Sport Glasses & Goggles • Motorcycle Gear • Indian Art Replicas
804 BROADWAY (Corner of 8th & Broadway) DOWNTOWN CHICO • 342-4788 Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 23
NIGHTLIFE continued from page 23
at this bar hiding in the Walgreens shopping center. Live music on Fridays, open mics on Saturdays and karaoke twice a week. Also two pool tables and a smoking patio.
Lost on Main 319 Main St., 892-2445 This bar and nightclub features a number of DJs and other live shows in an art-rich environment at its spacious downtown location. Also, they have lasers.
Madison Bear Garden 316 W. Second St., 891-1639 Outrageous hanging decorations make this Chico classic perhaps the worst place to be in the event of an earthquake, but a great place for a raucous night out. Tasty grill items and outside seating draw families by day, while drink specials, karaoke and adult tricycle races draw students by night. www.madisonbeargarden.com
Maltese Bar & Taproom 1600 Park Ave., 343-4915 This south-Chico watering hole’s stainless-steel and wood décor gives it the look of a classic neighborhood bar, which it is. Drink and food specials vary. The bar also boasts a patio, a pool table and shuffleboard.
Monks Wine Lounge & Bistro 128 W. Second St., 343-3408 Bringing a touch of sophistication downtown, Monks offers an extensive wine list and various appetizers, tapas and delicious gourmet entrées, prepared with fresh, organic ingredients. There are also bottled imported beers and Sierra Nevada and Guinness on tap.
Monstros Pizza & Subs 628 W. Sacramento Ave., 345-7672 This pizza and subs eatery has established itself as the go-to spot for punk-rock shows, catering to punks of all ages.
Nash’s Restaurant 1717 Esplanade, 896-1147 This restaurant/bar on The Esplanade attracts a consistent crowd of regulars on weekends and features a live blues jam on the first Wednesday of every month as well as 24 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
occasional live music. Call or go to www.nashsrestaurantchico.com for more details.
Oasis Bar & Grill 1007 W. First St., 343-4305 By the railroad tracks near the Chico State campus, The Oasis hosts both students and neighborhood regulars. There are daily drink specials, pub grub, shuffleboard, pool, pingpong and the occasional live rock show.
Panama Bar & Cafe 177 E. Second St., 895-8817 Panama’s, as it’s known locally, offers wide array of Long Island-style “teas” served in big glasses and made stiff. Good thing they also serve a decent selection of burgers, sandwiches, salads and other dishes to help soak up the booze.
Park Ave Pub 2010 Park Ave., 893-3500 A full bar, plus half-pound burgers and fresh-cut fries at this cozy south-Chico watering hole.
Quackers Lounge 968 East Ave., 895-3825 A bar with a nice dance floor far from downtown, Quackers is full of regulars who are mostly above college-age. There’s a live DJ Friday through Sunday, karaoke on Thursdays, and there’s always sports on the television.
Riley’s 702 W. Fifth St., 343-7459 One of Chico’s most popular college bars with an emphasis on the
Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill
Greek crowd. Thursday through Saturday nights the place is packed, with a line out the door. Riley’s is known for its “power hour” every Thursday, 9-10 p.m., when drinks start at a quarter and progressively increase by a quarter every 15 minutes.
Scotty’s Landing 12609 River Road, 710-2020 Off the beaten path, Scotty’s is where river rats go to drink a cold one and munch on something from the grill, or sing the night away during karaoke on Friday and Sunday evenings. The deck overlooks the Sacramento River, and live rock, reggae and blues bands occasionally perform.
Studio Inn Cocktail Lounge 2582 Esplanade, 343-0662 This recently renovated bar on the north end of town next to Priya Indian Cuisine on The Esplanade offers occasional live music.
Tackle Box Bar & Grill 375 E. Park Ave., 345-7499 This is the place to go if you want a little fried alligator or frog legs (or a burger, for the less adventurous)— not to mention live rock, blues and country acts—with your brew. This south Chico hotspot serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and has a full bar. Happy hour daily from 1-7:30 p.m. www.tackleboxchico.com
Towne Lounge 327 Main St., 896-0235 Locals love to hang out at the Towne Lounge. This gritty-butfriendly bar features a pool table,
Insider tip: Outside the nightlife box Sure, downtown is great, but the rest of Chico and the surrounding area has a heckuva lot more to offer. Step outside of your comfort zone and go where the night leads you. Stop into a neighborhood bar, see how they party in Paradise, take a midnight dip in the creek with friends. Try new things—go to plays, listen to new kinds of music, dance, ride a mechanical bull, eat some alligator, accept free tickets to something and use them. Talk to new people, take their advice and spend the evening doing what they like. You might find unexpected common ground, or new favorite places or pastimes. All your buddies will still be at your favorite bar next week, and it will still be dollar night, but the most memorable moments often occur when we step outside the norm and let fate plot the course. Carpe noctem!
Coming may 11, 2013
10
CHICO ANTIQUE & DESIGN FAIRE At The Patrick Ranch
100
10
ven
—KEN SMITH
dor
s
shuffleboard, cheap drinks and friendly bartenders.
Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill 100 Broadway, 342-4848 An attractive long bar to cozy up to by yourself or with a date and order a margarita made with any one of a hundred different premium tequilas. Delicious sit-down fare in addition to a yummy taco bar. Wonderful, outdoor, Euro-café-style seating.
10
1038 Midway, Chico
ANTIQUES! Two Locations to Serve You!
NIGHTLIFE continued on page 26
10
2004-2012
Eighth & Main ANTIQUES
University Bar 191 E. Second St., 898-0630 The U-Bar is a popular basement hangout located on the corner of Wall and Second streets. It has everything you need in a college bar—cheap pints, pool tables, an air-hockey table and an extremely loud jukebox.
10
9,000 sq ft. 1900 Park Ave.
893-5536
29,000 sq ft. 745 Main St.
10
10
893-5534
Antiques * Collectables * Retro * Art * Shabby Chic Jewelry * Garden Accents * Salvaged Treasures! Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 25
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NIGHTLIFE continued from page 25
Senator Theatre
Casinos Feather Falls Casino
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3 Alverda Drive, Oroville, 533-3855 With gaming aplenty, this casino frequently welcomes touring musicians and other entertainers. Eat at the café or buffet and stay the night at The Lodge, which has a fitness center and an indoor/outdoor swimming pool area. Check out the casino’s newest restaurant, the Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co., featuring housebrewed beers, gourmet food (including fresh sushi and sashimi) and live music. www.featherfallscasino.com
Gold Country Casino
You should be getting it once a week.
4020 Olive Highway, Oroville, (800) 334-9400 This casino boasts an 87-room hotel, plenty of gaming and an array of other entertainment options including karaoke, bowling, comedy night, live music and wide-screen TVs. The facility also has a steakhouse, buffet, café and an espresso bar. www.goldcountrycasino.com.
Rolling Hills Casino 2655 Barham Ave., Corning, 528-3500 In addition to gaming and a variety of dining options, this complex just off I-5 in Corning offers duck hunting at the nearby Clear Creek Hunting Club and golf at Sevillano Links, an 18-hole John Daly Signature course in the Scottish links style. www.rollinghillscasino.com
The Oakridge Boys at Gold Country Casino
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Other nighttime fun Chico State 400 W. First St., 898-4636 The campus offers several places to catch a band, or even a symphony, to liven up your evening. The Bell Memorial Union Auditorium frequently hosts touring bands, as well as comedy acts and other events, thanks to the student-run A.S. Live!, which also takes to the Rose Garden and Free Speech area for outdoor punk, rock, reggae and hip-hop shows. Laxson Auditorium hosts world-class musical acts and other performers from around the globe, thanks to the most prestigious promoter in town, Chico Performances. www.chicoperformances.com
El Rey Theatre 230 W. Second St., 342-2727 This historic venue has housed a Vaudeville theater, an Elks Lodge and a movie theater. It is now used primarily for touring performers,
though lately it has resumed showing movies on weekends. www.jmaxproductions.net
Orchard Lanes 2397 Esplanade, 895-3257 More than a bowling alley, this entertainment center serves beer and has an arcade, a snack bar, pro shop and plenty of fun. www.amf.com/orchardlanes
Senator Theatre 517 Main St., 898-1497 The ornate Senator Theatre not only offers some great musical shows, but it’s also a major landmark in Chico’s history. Once home to traveling shows, the Senator became a movie theater in the 20th century. Now, after its renovation and reopening in 2004, the theater has become the main North State stop for some big names in music—Queens of the Stone Age, Modest Mouse, Deftones, Bright Eyes and DJ Quik all have performed there—with many more to come throughout 2012 and 2013. www.jmaxproductions.net
Sierra Nevada Big Room 1075 East 20th St., 345-2739 The world-famous brewery is also a pretty famous concert venue. Watch for live blues and folk-rock in the Taproom & Restaurant, and see an eclectic mix of world-renowned musical talent, from Ricky Skaggs to Dave Brubeck, two to three times a month in the state-of-the-art, 350seat facility. Many Big Room shows are filmed and appear on the PBS Sierra Center Stage series. www.sierranevada.com/bigroom/ ● calendar.asp
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Check out ChicoSupercuts on facebook Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 27
DOWNTOWN
Chico’s heart & soul
C
hico’s downtown dates back to 1860, when city founder Gen. John Bidwell hired a surveyor to construct the layout of the grid the area comprises. Downtown has continued to thrive through revitalization efforts in recent decades—passionate community members, businesspeople, and city leaders and employees have invested a significant amount of time and money into keeping the area beautiful and welcoming.
PHOTO BY ABRAM HOUSE
Today, downtown is home to a vital center of commerce and impeccably restored historic buildings, such as the one found at Main and Third streets that long housed Oser’s department store. Locals and visitors gather downtown for a sense of community and special festivities, such as Friday Night Concerts in Chico’s City Plaza during the summer, year-round and seasonal farmers’ markets, and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. An eclectic range of businesses are found downtown—antique stores, trendy boutiques, bike shops, hip cafés, crowded college bars and beloved “townie” watering holes. Throughout the region, you’ll find an array of striking architecture and art, including many murals that help bring the area to life. More than anything, these works reflect the cre-
ative individuals who help make downtown a vibrant, diverse hub. Spend some time walking around, hanging out and chatting with the friendly locals, and you’ll understand why so many Chico State graduates end up making Chico their home.
Downtown Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Bidwell Mansion is Chico’s most famous home. The three-story, 26room, pink-and-brown Victorian mansion was built in 1868 and named for its first occupants, John and Annie Bidwell. Now a lovingly restored state park, the mansion was once used for Chico State student housing. Fun
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fact: it was the first home in far Northern California to have indoor plumbing. The park is located at 525 Esplanade, across the creek from Children’s Playground, and offers onthe-hour tours as well as a local history display in its Visitor Center. Tours cost $3 for children ages 5-17, $6 for those 18 and older. Children 4 and younger are free. Despite recent budget state budget cuts, the mansion has stayed open at reduced visiting hours: Saturday through Monday (opens at 11 a.m. on weekends, noon on Monday, closes at 5 p.m). Go to www.parks.ca.gov or call 895-6144 for more information. If the ongoing efforts to rescue the mansion are of interest, go to www.savebidwellmansion.org and check out the Bidwell Mansion Community Project.
Chico Museum Housed in the former 1904 Carnegie Library at Second and Salem streets, the museum rotates its exhibits periodically. This fall: “I Heart Chico,” a community creative arts exhibit honoring Chico and its environs. Entry is $3 for adults, $2 for students and seniors. Kids 14 and younger are free. Open Wed.-Sun., noon-4 p.m. Go to www.chico museum.org or call 891-4336 for more info.
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of downtown Chico (between Fourth and Fifth and Main and Broadway) has been completely reconstructed to include lighting, a concert stage and a fountain. The park is a great place to people watch or just rest your feet. The Chico Municipal Center and City Council chambers are just across Main Street; the historic downtown post office is just across Fifth; and the beautifully restored Silberstein Building is across Broadway.
Gateway Science Museum The kid-friendly Gateway Science Museum at 625 Esplanade (next door to Bidwell Mansion) opened in early 2010. This fall: “Take Flight,” devoted to the creative exploration of flight; DOWNTOWN continued on page 30
Bring the whole family down for a sweet trip to:
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Insider tip: Take a stroll Downtown is a great place to explore any day of the week, but Saturday is an especially opportune time. I like to start my jaunt in the morning at one of the local coffee houses. From there, I head to the Chico Certified Farmers’ Market at Second and Wall streets, where I pick up locally grown produce. Beyond that, there are countless options. Sometimes, my husband and I walk over to Chico State for a stroll along Big Chico Creek. Other times, we make a loop around Main and Broadway, checking out various shops, including the thrift and antique stores.
DOWNTOWN continued from page 29
“Gold Fever! Untold Stories of the California Gold Rush”; and “Third Views, Second Sights, a Rephotographic Survey of the American West.”
National Yo-Yo Museum The world-class National Yo-Yo Museum, which is housed in the Bird in Hand store at 320 Broadway and also includes displays of vintage toys, is a fun place to take the kids. Among the exhibits is “Big-Yo,” the largest wooden yo-yo in the world. Members of the Chico Yo-Yo Club meet there each Saturday from noon-2 p.m. to practice and teach each other tricks
Oftentimes, we end up being lured into a café or restaurant by the smell of freshly baked breads. All in all, it makes for a nice little Saturday. —MELISSA DAUGHERTY
(they even give free lessons)! Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun., noon-5 p.m. No admission fee. Go to www.nationalyoyo.org or call 8930545 for more info.
Stansbury Home This gleaming-white Victorian at 307 W. Fifth St.—on the corner of West Fifth and Salem streets in downtown Chico—may seem a little out of place surrounded by contemporary brick buildings. But that just adds to the intrigue of Chico’s bestmaintained example of late-19thcentury Italianate architecture. Call 895-3848 for information on tours and rental rates for special events. ●
natural contemporary clothing & accessories
337 broadway open everyday 30 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
Stansbury Home
IMAGES OF DISTINCTION IN JEWELRY
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Gabrielle Ferrar,
he area’s premier jewelers, opened in 1989 and is operated by the mother and daughter team, Madeleine and Lisa Nolta. They share a love of jewelry that is reflected in the craftsmanship and quality of every piece in their store. “We are a full service jewelry store of the highest quality”, explains Madeleine. We also have the highest attainable rating with the jeweler’s board of trade are affiliates of the Gemological Institute of America.
We have the largest loose stone collection in Northern California. The collection includes rare natural Alexandrite...hot pink Sapphires and Tourmalines...leafy green Tsavorites and Emeralds... lagoon Blue Zircons and strands of multi colored South Sea Pearls. Our diamond selections includes Ideal cut diamonds and rare Fancy shapes that can enhance Classic settings or innovative Contemporary designs. Lisa’s designs are based on a strong sense of creativity and expertise. Creating IMAGES OF DISTINCTION IN JEWELRY that captures all the power and emotion of fine jewelry design in each of her creations or in each of her pieces of wearable art.
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Fall 2012/Winter 2013 Discover chico 31
NEWS & REVIEW BUSINESS U
DESIGNER KC/SS ISSUE DATE 04.16.11 FILE NAME GABRIELLEFERRAR041611R4
CAMPUS
A walk through higher education
PHOTO BY KYLE EMERY
C
hico State is one of only two truly residential campuses within the 23-campus California State University system. Just a few steps from downtown is the 119-acre campus core featuring beautiful, red-brick buildings with majestic arched walkways, towering trees and Big Chico Creek, which runs directly through the heart of campus. It’s a landscape that lends itself to leisurely strolls by visitors, locals and students alike. The greenery of the campus’ natural environment also inspires learning. With hundreds of species of vines, shrubs and trees interspersed throughout, the Chico State campus was officially designated an arboretum in 1982. Throughout the school year, horticulturists and botanists from the university and Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park lead tours to show off the campus’ 200-plus species of trees and plants, including a Southern magnolia planted in the 1860s by Chico founder Gen. John Bidwell. His donation of eight acres of cherry orchards led to the formation of the Northern Branch of the State Normal School of California in 1887—one of several precursor institutions to today’s university. The campus environment is a treasure to the Chico community, and university officials and students are committed to keeping it that way
by being responsible stewards of the land. For example, all construction projects are developed with the environment in mind. The university’s Student Services Center—a 120,000-square-foot facility designed as a one-stop shop for student programs and services, such as the Office of Admissions—received a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. Meanwhile, the Associated Students, Chico State’s student-owned and -operated corporation, adhered to similar guidelines for the Wildcat Recreation Center, which opened during the 2009-10 school year. The WREC features low-flow shower heads and automated light systems, as well as a 17,000-square-foot weight and fitness area, a rock-climbing wall and three full-size basketball courts. The newest addition to the campus
is Sutter Hall, a brand-new dormitory and dining hall. Like the WREC, it received a LEED silver rating. While Chico State is gaining attention nationally in the realm of sustainability, it has long been recognized for the quality of several programs, from computer science and business to nursing and agriculture. Campus tours are conducted Monday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m., beginning at the Admissions Office in the first-floor lobby of the Student Services Center (SSC). To make a reservation, log onto www.tinyurl.com/csuctour or call 898-6322. If you decide to take a stroll on your own, here are a few places on campus worth noting:
32 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
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Kendall Hall
CAMPUS continued from page 32
Chico State
in addition to many of the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs. For more information, go to www.aschico.com or call 898-4636.
Bell Memorial Union (BMU)
Historic Quarter
Commonly referred to as the BMU, this building is owned and operated by the Associated Students. It is home to the Chico State Wildcat Store, the Marketplace CafĂŠ, an auditorium, study areas, a coffee shop and the Associated Students offices
Dating back to the early part of the 20th century, Kendall Hall, Laxson Auditorium, Trinity Hall and Ayres Hall make up the historic quarter. The prominent brick structures were built after the original Normal School burned down in 1927.
Laxson Auditorium One of the four brick buildings that make up the historic quarter, this majestic auditorium also hosts the vast majority of music, theater and dance events on campus, including the spring musical, North State Symphony Orchestra concerts and performances by world-class touring artists. Call the University Box Office for tickets at 898-6333 or go to www.csuchico.edu/upe/boxoffice.html
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Laxson Fine Art Gallery The Laxson Fine Art Gallery is located in the Laxson Auditorium space formerly occupied by the Turner Print Museum (which was relocated to the first floor of Meriam Library) and features works by some of the Chico area’s most prominent artists. Call 898-5331 for more info.
Meriam Library Named after the late Ted Meriam, a former Chico mayor and California State University trustee, Chico State’s Meriam Library is the state’s largest library north of Sacramento and an important regional information resource. For more information, call 898-5862. www.csuchico.edu/library
Performing Arts Center This large building just east of the BMU is the hub of the university’s extensive performing-arts program. It houses two excellent theaters (Wismer and Harlen Adams) and a recital hall as well as such support facilities as a scene shop, makeup rooms and practice rooms.
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Turner Print Museum Located on the first floor of Meriam Library, adjacent to the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology, the Turner Print Museum is in possession of some 2,000 prints by the famous, late printmaker Janet Turner, and also offers exhibits showcasing student works as well as other compelling rotating exhibits. The museum also sponsors the annual Janet Turner National Print Competition and Exhibition. Open weekdays, 11 a.m.4 p.m., or by appointment (call 8984476). www.janetturner.org
Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology Located on the first floor of Meriam Library, the teaching museum features photos and artifacts in historical displays. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For more information, call 898-5397. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. www.csuchico.edu/anthmuseum
CAMPUS continued on page 36
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More education Butte College Opened in 1968, the local community college has come a long way since its early years when classes were held in portable buildings at a temporary campus in Durham. In the mid-1970s, Butte College moved to its spacious campus located on a 928-acre wildlife refuge in the foothills between Oroville and Chico. In recent years, the campus core has changed dramatically with a complete overhaul and expansion of the library and the addition of three new state-of-theart buildings, including the college’s Learning Resource Center and Arts Building. The impressive 77,000square-foot, two-story Arts Building offers a keyboard lab, a full digital
Butte College
recording studio, a print studio, a cutting-edge graphic-design lab and the fabulous Black Box Theatre. Butte College also runs a satellite campus in Chico, making it possible for students to attend classes without
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
YESTERDAY - TODAY - TOMORROW
making the drive to the main campus. The 54,000-square-foot facility boasts 18 classrooms, four computer labs and a bookstore. Butte College’s newest addition is the Skyway Center in south Chico, home to the automo-
CAMPUS TOURS (800) 542-4426 UNIVERSITY PUBLIC EVENTS (530) 898-5917 CAMPUS INFORMATION (530) 898-4636
KENDALL HALL PHOTO/PHOTO COMPOSITION: JONATHAN BOHLANDER, SEPTEMBER, 2011. CHICO NORMAL SCHOOL PHOTO COURTESY OF MERIAM LIBRARY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS: PHOTOGRAPHER J.D. ZINK, C. 1905.
36 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
tive-technology program. With exceptional academic programs and impressive computer labs, Butte College has earned a reputation for providing education and job training at an affordable price. The college has also been recognized nationally for its commitment to sustainability practices; its Arts building was certified LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council, the first in the North State to receive such recognition. It also has the distinction as the first college campus in the country to go grid-positive. The accredited two-year college offers associate degrees and fully transferable general-education courses, as well as vocational certificate programs. More than 21,000 students attend the school, with bus services to the campus included in tuition. For more information, visit www.butte.edu or call 895-2511.
Providing FrEE accEss to inFormation & idEas Since 1913 • Computer Access • Online Research • Literacy Tutors • Download Audio and E-Books • Reserve and Renew Books Online • Community Events and Programs • Best-Selling Books and New DVDs Biggs • Chico • Durham • Gridley • Oroville • Paradise Questions? Please call 530.538.7525 buttecounty.net/bclibrary
Cal Northern School of Law The need for a law school with night classes in the North State was filled by Cal Northern School of Law, at 1395 Ridgewood Drive, Ste. 100, in Chico. The four-year course of study provides prospective attorneys with real-world training, and the school has been accredited by the State Bar of California since 1992. For more information, call 891-6900 or go to www.calnorthern.edu
Chico Beauty College With new classes beginning every six weeks, Chico Beauty College offers hands-on experience with hair, nail and skincare services under the watchful eye of credentialed instructors. The college is located at 1356 Longfellow Ave., across from In Motion Fitness. Call 343-4201 for more info.
Marinello Schools of Beauty For those interested in all things beauty—that is, cosmetology, esthetics, massage therapy, manicuring, hair design or barbering—Marinello Schools of Beauty in Chico has just what you need to become licensed and employed. The campus can be found on the corner of Dominic Drive and the Skyway. Call 895-8900 or go to www.marinello.com for more ● info. Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 37
PARKS
Green spaces all around Lower Bidwell Park PHOTO BY ABRAM HOUSE
M
ore than a century ago, Annie Bidwell—wife of Chico founder Gen. John Bidwell—ensured that the generations to follow would be able to enjoy the cherished land that carries the couple’s name.
Her gift of about 2,500 acres to the city of Chico in 1905 established Bidwell Park. Thanks to the city’s additional purchases of land over the years, it has grown into a 3,670-acre preserve and one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. The park is the natural heart and soul of the Chico community, and it draws visitors from all around Butte County and beyond. Divided by Manzanita Avenue, the 11-mile stretch of land comprises two distinct park sections. The area to the west of Manzanita bordering Big Chico Creek is known as Lower Park, while the land to the east, which extends into the Sierra Nevada foothills, is known as Upper Park. Lower Park’s thick canopy of trees
provides shade for its many flat, grassy knolls. Picnic areas are scattered throughout and can be reserved by contacting the city Park Division (896-7800). Upper Park, which extends five miles along both sides of Big Chico Creek Canyon, ranges in terrain from slight slopes to rugged rock faces. Much of the area is environmentally sensitive, so please obey all special rules. The park is home to a variety of well-marked trails for hiking and biking, and several popular swimming sites—including Bear Hole, which is bordered by volcanic rocks that form near-vertical cliffs. On hot summer days, the areas adjacent to the water are lined with sun worshippers and
38 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
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their colorful beach towels. Near the main entrance to Upper Park is Horseshoe Lake. Fishing is allowed there, but be sure to check the regulations. It’s fed by runoff— and gets pretty low at times—but still supports a population of bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. The lake’s undeveloped shoreline attracts anglers of all types and is the site of the annual “Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs” fishing derby for children. For those dog lovers out there, the lake and trail system are also favorites of our four-legged friends. Dogs are allowed off leash on the north side of Upper Park Road but must be kept under effective control. If your dog doesn’t come when you call, keep it on a leash. Most dog owners who frequent the area with their pets are responsible, and problems are few and far between. Within the park, there are a number of special spots to relax with friends and family, or go on a solitary hike or bike ride:
Bidwell Park Caper Acres Lower Bidwell Park, near the OneMile Recreation Area. A favorite playground for children with a soft, spongy central area full of things for kids to climb on, including an impressive mosaic sea serpent created by local artist Robin Indar. Closed Mondays.
ter’s Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum is open Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.4 p.m. and closed on Mon.-Tues. The Howard S. Tucker Exhibit Hall is open Fri.-Sun. from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 891-4671. www.bidwellpark.org
playground and the Sherwood Forest Kids’ Disc Golf Course (which is often full of adults). Take Vallombrosa Avenue east, turn left on Manzanita—Hooker Oak will be on your right.
Equestrian Center
Horseshoe Lake
Upper Bidwell Park off Wildwood Avenue. Horse lovers and their equine friends are welcome on many trails in Bidwell Park. Equestrian events are held in the arena.
Upper Bidwell Park. A perfect place to walk the dog (complete with a designated off-leash area) or do some fishing. Horseshoe Lake also serves as a jumping-off point for the park’s miles of rugged trails. Visit nearby Kiwanis Observatory for nightly constellation tours.
Five-Mile Recreation Area At the foot of Upper Bidwell Park, Five-Mile is either a kicking-off point for forays into the canyon or a great destination on its own. Picnic tables, barbecues and ample space make it a popular spot for group gatherings. Take Vallombrosa east to the end, turn right on Manzanita, left on Centennial, and the area is to the left.
Hooker Oak Recreation Area Upper Bidwell Park, near Five-Mile Recreation Area. Home to the beautiful baseball facility Doryland Field, several softball fields, a children’s
Lower Bidwell Park. Soaking up the sun, swimming in the huge Sycamore Pool, throwing a Frisbee with a friend, taking a leisurely stroll by the creek or picnicking beneath the towering valley oaks and whitebarked sycamore trees is what OneMile is all about. With its barbecues, horseshoe pits and playing fields, One-Mile is located just a few blocks from downtown and is easily reached through entrances on Fourth or Fifth streets.
Peregrine Point Trailhead and Disc Golf Course Upper Bidwell Park. Chico’s recently constructed 18-hole disc golf course offers a challenge for avid disc golfers and breathtaking views of Big Chico Creek Canyon. The course is about four miles past Bruce Road on Highway 32, with an entrance on the left. www.chico-outsiders.com
Cedar Grove Lower Bidwell Park off East Eighth Street. Cedar Grove offers easily accessible picnic tables and barbecues along with a green place to relax near the creek.
Wildwood Park This 17-acre park near the gateway to Upper Bidwell Park in Chico features state-of-theart equipment that is second to none. The site also has covered picnic areas and two softball fields. Located at 100 Wildwood Ave., off of Manzanita Avenue.
Chico Creek Nature Center Lower Bidwell Park, 1978 E. Eighth St. The familyfriendly Chico Creek Nature Center features a nonreleasable living animal collection that includes native plant species from Bidwell Park along with creek access and picnic tables. The cen-
One-Mile Recreation Area
Upper Bidwell Park
PARKS continued on page 40 Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 39
PARKS continued from page 39
Other playgrounds and parks Baroni Park Located in a quiet southeast-Chico neighborhood, family-friendly Baroni Park offers play equipment, a full-size basketball court and a large green space. www.chicorec.com
Chico City Plaza Downtown Chico. This one-block park in the heart of downtown Chico (between Fourth and Fifth and Main and Broadway) includes lighting, an elaborate concert stage and a groundlevel fountain. The plaza is host to Chico’s summertime Friday Night Concerts and is otherwise a great place to people watch or rest your feet. The fountain display is a magnet for children who love to play in its intermittent plumes of water.
20th Street Community Park East 20th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Officially known as Martin Luther King Park, but most commonly known as simply “20th Street Park,” this popular 20-acre space features tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, a large playground, barbecues and picnic tables.
20th Street Community Park
fenced grassy area with doggie drinking fountains and benches for relaxing. The site also includes three ball fields, walking paths, a playground, restrooms, benches and a large, sheltered picnic and concession area. Take The Esplanade north to Leora Court. www.chicorec.com
Dorothy Johnson Center Located near the heart of Chico’s southside Chapmantown neighborhood, the Dorothy Johnson Neighborhood Center (at 775 E. 16th St.) comprises three acres and features a fenced playground, a basketball court, a picnic area, an indoor basketball court and pool table. www.chicorec.com
Hancock Park Tucked away in the midst of a north-Chico neighborhood, this grassy area off Marigold Avenue features walking paths and disc-golf baskets.
Humboldt Neighborhood Park For skateboarding and inline skating, this Chico park is located between Orient and Flume streets and Humboldt Avenue. The 10,000square-foot skate track is equipped with a pyramid, a rail, a box, two 3-foot-wide steps, curbing and steel coping to supply skaters with enough variation to mix up their moves.
Oak Way Park This popular neighborhood park, at the corner of West Eighth Avenue and Highway 32, offers basketball courts, lighted walking paths and plenty of open field for ultimate disc, flag football or just a game of catch. wwww.chicorec.com
Peterson Park
DeGarmo Park
Peterson Park in north Chico features a basketball court, a children’s playground and picnic tables. www.chicorec.com
This park in north Chico features the town’s only dog park, a fully-
Rotary Park Tiny rotary park serves as the goto recreational area for Chico’s southside Barber neighborhood. Its small playground, basketball court, picnic tables and barbecues attract people of all ages throughout the day. The park is a frequent site for pick-up basketball games.
Insider tip: Chico’s hidden gem If Chico is known for anything—besides great beer, river floats on tubes, Halloween high jinks and NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers—it’s our great collection of parks. One of the best is not exactly high profile. Rotary Park at 16th Street and Broadway serves the old and classic Barber neighborhood in southwest Chico. It boasts two swing sets, a climbing device shaped like an insect, a rocking dinosaur, three picnic tables, two barbecues, two drinking fountains, four redwood trees and one of the best basketball courts in town. The park was donated by the local Rotary Club in 1971 to mark its 50th anniversary, and is under the auspice of the Chico Area Recreation and Park District. The park draws all sorts of visitors, from dog-walkers to fresh-faced kids. —TOM GASCOYNE 40 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
Verbena Fields This 21-acre, rough-hewn nature park was formerly a gravel quarry. Located between Lindo Channel and East First Avenue near Verbena Avenue, the park features native area plants, a walking trail loop and the colorful Mechoopda Trail Youth Mural designed by local artist Janice ● Hoffmann.
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EXCURSIONS
Pine Creek where it feeds into the Sacramento River
behind Chico’s Water Pollution Control Plant and find many species of local and migrating waterfowl and other birds and mammals. The trail loops around ponds for about two miles behind the plant. There is even a viewing blind. Take West Fifth Street until it becomes Chico River Road just outside of town, and go another three miles until you see the plant on your left. The gates are open 8 a.m-5 p.m. seven days a week.
Comanche Trail
Get outdoors Yahi Trail
CN&R FILE PHOTO
T
he Chico area, with its wide range of topography, from rugged canyons to fertile flatlands divided by lush riparian habitat, is ideal for adventure of all kinds. Throughout the seasons locals enjoy a vast number of parks, trails, hills, mountains and wide-open spaces that make the region quite the outdoor playground.
For many locals, autumn, with its cooler weather and the radiant glow of the amber- and gold-leafed trees, is a favorite time for adventure. Chicoans are usually happy to share their favorite spots, so don’t be shy—ask around. Local sporting-goods and bikestore employees are excellent resources for advice and directions. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or just want out of the house, Chico and its surrounding environs are great places to go adventuring. Here are some suggestions to point you in the right direction, including a list of public golf courses for those who just want to hit the links. Some places are closed during wet weather, so it’s best to check ahead of venturing out.
Walking, hiking and biking
half-mile, one-way hiking trail is steep in some places but offers spectacular views of Butte Creek Canyon. Keep watch for artifacts from indigenous tribes, such as a boulder used for grinding. Head up the Skyway and take a left on Bille Road (the park is on the right at 501 Bille). A separate entrance nearer to the trail is located at 6261 W. Wagstaff Road.
Butte Creek Trail Just off the Skyway near De Sabla Reservoir above Paradise. Known for its scenery, Butte Creek Trail offers a rugged path down to Butte Creek. To reach the trailhead, turn off the Skyway onto Doe Mill Road just past De Sabla and pick up the trailhead on your left after crossing the bridge. Allow for 30 minutes down to the creek and about 90 on the way up, allowing for rest and water breaks.
Bille Park Nature Trail
Chico Oxidation Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary
Located at the back edge of the Bille Park expansion in Paradise, this
It might sound like an odd place to visit, but you can walk on the levees
42 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
A one-mile self-guided loop through the Mendocino National Forest’s Genetic Resource & Conservation Center (commonly referred to as “the tree farm”) in south Chico. The hike features many varieties of stately trees bordering a fast-flowing creek. Most of the trail is wheelchair accessible. Open weekdays during the day. To get there, drive to the gate at the end of Cramer Lane. More info: 895-1176.
Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Located 10 miles west of Gridley near the Sutter Butte mountain range (at Pennington and Rutherford roads), the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area is made up of more than 9,000 acres of seasonal wetlands favored by birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway, as well as local species. The area features 80 miles of roads, 50 miles of
walking/cycling trails and a small wildlife museum, accessible to persons with disabilities. Guided tours are available throughout the week. Admission is $4. For more info, visit www.tinyurl.com/graywild or call 846-7505.
out the expansive view of the Sierras and the Sacramento Valley from one of the two high-powered telescopes at the top of their 47-foot tower. More info: 538-2219.
Lake Oroville
Foot, bicycle and equestrian paths run the length of Chico’s Lower Bidwell Park through stately oak groves and near the riparian zone of Big Chico Creek, where creek-side trails offer beautiful views of the water amidst the seclusion of the park’s many trees. Take South Park Drive or Peterson Memorial Way to any turnoff.
California’s second-largest reservoir and an oft-overlooked destination, Lake Oroville offers activities like boating, water skiing, fishing, swimming and camping. Visit the museum at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center or check
Lower Bidwell Park trails
North Rim Trail Bille Park
Skirting the north edge of Chico’s Upper Bidwell Park along Big Chico Creek canyon, the North Rim offers one of the area’s most popular trails. The “B” Trail, which descends from the North Rim, is hiking at its finest— rugged, scenic and crossed by rushing streams of water. For those sturdy of heart, make a day of hiking or biking both the North and South rims, an approximately 6 1/2 hour trek on foot. To reach the North Rim trailhead, take Wildwood Avenue off Manzanita Avenue then go 1.5 miles to the parking lot.
Peterson Memorial Way Sometimes referred to as North Park EXCURSIONS continued on page 44 Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 43
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EXCURSIONS
Pine Creek where it feeds into the Sacramento River
behind Chico’s Water Pollution Control Plant and find many species of local and migrating waterfowl and other birds and mammals. The trail loops around ponds for about two miles behind the plant. There is even a viewing blind. Take West Fifth Street until it becomes Chico River Road just outside of town, and go another three miles until you see the plant on your left. The gates are open 8 a.m-5 p.m. seven days a week.
Comanche Trail
Get outdoors Yahi Trail
CN&R FILE PHOTO
T
he Chico area, with its wide range of topography, from rugged canyons to fertile flatlands divided by lush riparian habitat, is ideal for adventure of all kinds. Throughout the seasons locals enjoy a vast number of parks, trails, hills, mountains and wide-open spaces that make the region quite the outdoor playground.
For many locals, autumn, with its cooler weather and the radiant glow of the amber- and gold-leafed trees, is a favorite time for adventure. Chicoans are usually happy to share their favorite spots, so don’t be shy—ask around. Local sporting-goods and bikestore employees are excellent resources for advice and directions. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or just want out of the house, Chico and its surrounding environs are great places to go adventuring. Here are some suggestions to point you in the right direction, including a list of public golf courses for those who just want to hit the links. Some places are closed during wet weather, so it’s best to check ahead of venturing out.
Walking, hiking and biking
half-mile, one-way hiking trail is steep in some places but offers spectacular views of Butte Creek Canyon. Keep watch for artifacts from indigenous tribes, such as a boulder used for grinding. Head up the Skyway and take a left on Bille Road (the park is on the right at 501 Bille). A separate entrance nearer to the trail is located at 6261 W. Wagstaff Road.
Butte Creek Trail Just off the Skyway near De Sabla Reservoir above Paradise. Known for its scenery, Butte Creek Trail offers a rugged path down to Butte Creek. To reach the trailhead, turn off the Skyway onto Doe Mill Road just past De Sabla and pick up the trailhead on your left after crossing the bridge. Allow for 30 minutes down to the creek and about 90 on the way up, allowing for rest and water breaks.
Bille Park Nature Trail
Chico Oxidation Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary
Located at the back edge of the Bille Park expansion in Paradise, this
It might sound like an odd place to visit, but you can walk on the levees
42 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
A one-mile self-guided loop through the Mendocino National Forest’s Genetic Resource & Conservation Center (commonly referred to as “the tree farm”) in south Chico. The hike features many varieties of stately trees bordering a fast-flowing creek. Most of the trail is wheelchair accessible. Open weekdays during the day. To get there, drive to the gate at the end of Cramer Lane. More info: 895-1176.
Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Located 10 miles west of Gridley near the Sutter Butte mountain range (at Pennington and Rutherford roads), the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area is made up of more than 9,000 acres of seasonal wetlands favored by birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway, as well as local species. The area features 80 miles of roads, 50 miles of
walking/cycling trails and a small wildlife museum, accessible to persons with disabilities. Guided tours are available throughout the week. Admission is $4. For more info, visit www.tinyurl.com/graywild or call 846-7505.
out the expansive view of the Sierras and the Sacramento Valley from one of the two high-powered telescopes at the top of their 47-foot tower. More info: 538-2219.
Lake Oroville
Foot, bicycle and equestrian paths run the length of Chico’s Lower Bidwell Park through stately oak groves and near the riparian zone of Big Chico Creek, where creek-side trails offer beautiful views of the water amidst the seclusion of the park’s many trees. Take South Park Drive or Peterson Memorial Way to any turnoff.
California’s second-largest reservoir and an oft-overlooked destination, Lake Oroville offers activities like boating, water skiing, fishing, swimming and camping. Visit the museum at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center or check
Lower Bidwell Park trails
North Rim Trail Bille Park
Skirting the north edge of Chico’s Upper Bidwell Park along Big Chico Creek canyon, the North Rim offers one of the area’s most popular trails. The “B” Trail, which descends from the North Rim, is hiking at its finest— rugged, scenic and crossed by rushing streams of water. For those sturdy of heart, make a day of hiking or biking both the North and South rims, an approximately 6 1/2 hour trek on foot. To reach the North Rim trailhead, take Wildwood Avenue off Manzanita Avenue then go 1.5 miles to the parking lot.
Peterson Memorial Way Sometimes referred to as North Park EXCURSIONS continued on page 44 Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 43
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EXCURSIONS continued from page 43
“I’ve bought and sold gold & silver in Chico for 25 years! You can trust me to give you the BEST price on all silver and 10kt-24kt gold jewelry and coins.” Scott Hathorn-Owner
Drive, this three-mile paved road runs one way from east to west the length of Lower Bidwell Park along the north bank of Big Chico Creek. Take a walk, ride your bike or drive your car (slowly) through the park. Bring a lunch and relax at one of the numerous picnictable turnouts along the way. The road is closed to motor vehicles until 11 a.m. daily, with an entrance off of Vallombrosa Avenue just west off Manzanita Avenue at the eastern end of Lower Park.
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Famous for its fishing, this waterway is home to many endangered animals, including species of migratory birds. It’s not uncommon to see an array of predatory birds, including osprey, red-tail hawks and bald eagles. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages several sites along the river, providing a bounty of recreational activities like camping, bird watching, photography, hiking and biking. www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefuges
South Park Drive This paved road runs one way from west to east the entire length of Chico’s Lower Bidwell Park. Cars are allowed from the main entrance at Cypress and East Fourth streets to the Caper Acres playground and from Cedar Grove to Manzanita Avenue. Like Peterson Memorial Way (the park road running parallel to it and connected by a series of pedestrian bridges), South Park Drive offers shady, creekside spots with picnic tables at which to relax and enjoy a bite to eat. Closed to motor vehicles until 11 a.m.
South Rim Trail For the adventuresome soul, this lesser-known but highly enjoyable trail is one of the more rugged in Upper Bidwell Park. The trailhead is beyond Five Mile where Centennial Drive deadends at Chico Canyon Road. The trail runs through the old police pistol range, above Bidwell Park Golf Course and up into the south side of the canyon. For a day hike, go up the South Rim Trail to the less-populated south side of Bear Hole and return on Upper Park Road or the creekside Yahi Trail. Erosion on the Yahi is a problem, so only hikers—no bikers or horses— are allowed. www.bidwellpark.org
EXCURSIONS continued on page 46 44 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
LOOK FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
• Due to a new AVL GPS system on every bus, we are more on time and reliable than ever! • Extended hours to 10pm for Student Shuttle routes • Direct access to Chico Mall & Walmart from Oroville and Paradise • 70 new bus stop shelters route information available at every stop
We’re there for you! Chico State Students Why hassle with parking and high gas prices, when taking the bus is easy & FREE! Simply swipe your valid Wildcat ID Card on the farebox. Facebook.com/blinetransit Keep up to date with Rider Alerts on For more information, including complete time schedules & bus stop locations, pick up a brochure on the bus, call 530-342-0221 (Chico Paradise Area), 1-800-822-8145 or visit our web site www.BLineTransit.com
Fall 2012/Winter 2013 Discover chico 45
EXCURSIONS continued from page 44
Upper Park Road
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Wildwood Avenue in Chico turns into a rocky, rutted dirt road two miles into Upper Bidwell Park, where it becomes Upper Park Road. It’s usually passable with most vehicles in dry weather, but the gate is often closed in wet weather. The road runs five miles to the end of Upper Bidwell Park along Big Chico Creek, with parking available at the lots at the various swimming holes along the way. Three trails parallel Upper Park Road to the north— Lower, Middle and Upper trails. The latter two are favored by mountain bikers and hikers alike for their up-and-down ruggedness and secluded scenery. Weather permitting, the gate is open to vehicular traffic Tu.-Sat. from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. www.bidwell park.org
Yahi Trail Designated on trail markers as “easiest,” the Yahi Trail runs along Big Chico Creek in Upper Bidwell Park just east of Horseshoe Lake to the end of Upper Park Road. Constructed in 1967 by the local Yahi Group of the Sierra Club, the trail is notable for its lush, shady greenery and access to numerous picturesque spots along the creek. Erosion is a problem on the Yahi, so no bikers or horses are allowed.
Public Golf Courses Bidwell Park Golf Course A picturesque 18-hole, 72-par course in Chico’s Upper Bidwell Park. Professional lessons are available, along with apparel and equipment. Open every day except Christmas from dawn to
dusk. Regular green fee is $39 on weekdays and $47 on weekends and holidays. About a mile up Wildwood Avenue. Go to www.bidwellpark.americangolf.com or call 891-8417 for more info.
Dingerville USA Golf Known for its friendly staff, this nine-hole course near Palermo is open daily. Greens fees: $10. Located at 5813 Pacific Heights Road. From Oroville, take Highway 70 south, turn right Welsh Road and right at Pacific Heights Road.
Lake Oroville Golf and Event Center The nine-hole Lake Oroville Golf Course is the new name for the former Kelly Ridge Golf Course. Green fees for 18 holes are $24 on weekdays and $28 on weekends and holidays, while nine holes will run you $19 on weekdays and $21 on weekends and holidays. Twilight play (starting at 2 p.m.) and junior golfers (ages 12-17) are halfprice, while children under 12 play for free. 5131 Royal Oaks Drive. Pro shop: 589-0777. Restaurant: 589-0774. www.logncc.com
Lava Creek Golf Course This scenic, year-round nine-hole course and driving range is located at 5235 Clark Road in Paradise. Green fees run $12 (for nine holes) and $18 (for 18 holes) on weekdays, and $15 and $20 on weekends. Lava Creek is also home to an 18-basket disc-golf course. Disc-golf green fees are $4. More info: 872-4653.
Paradise Pines Golf Course This course is just a short drive from Chico in the wooded Sierra Nevada foothills community of Magalia at
Tuscan Ridge Golf Club
46 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
13917 South Park Drive. Paradise Pines Golf Course offers nine holes plus a driving range. www.paradisepinesgolfcourse.com
The Practice Tee at Sunset Hills The nine-hole course has been renovated with sand traps and small target greens to go along with a driving range and practice putting course. 13301 Garner Lane. Green fees are $1 per hole. More info: 809-0351.
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Sevillano Links Golf Course Worth the 45-minute drive from Chico, this scenic, John Daly Signature, 18-hole championship course at Rolling Hills Casino in Corning (2657 Barham Ave.) was named “Best New Golf Course” by Golfweek magazine. Green fees are $69 Mon.-Thurs.; $79 Fri.-Sun. More info at www.sevillanolinks.com or call 528-4600.
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Skyway Golf Park This six-hole Chico course offers lights for night golfing, a driving range and three golf pros on staff. Reservations recommended. Open seven days a week. Greens fees: $6. From Highway 99, head up the Skyway about a mile. Located at 1 Longest Drive. More info at www.skywaygolfpark.com or call 899-8108.
Table Mountain Golf Course This public 18-hole course in Oroville is flat and includes fast greens and wide fairways, providing ample landing areas. The facility offers two practice greens and a driving range. Greens fees for 18 holes are $25 Mon.Thurs.; $30 Fri.-Sun. Cart fees vary from $10 to $25. From Oroville, head west on Highway 162 (Oroville Dam Boulevard) about 3.6 miles, stopping at 2700 Oro Dam Boulevard West. More info at www.tablemountaingolf.com or call 533-3922.
Tuscan Ridge Golf Club The club’s challenging 18-hole championship golf course winds through the lava rock over undulating foothill terrain bordering the Skyway between Chico and Paradise. The course is open to the public and memberships are available. Greens fees: $21 Mon.Thur.; $26 Fri.-Sun. Twilight rates: $15 Mon.-Thurs.; $18 Fri.-Sun. Cart rental: $7 for 9 holes and $14 for 18 holes. Located at 3100 Skyway (take Skyway exit off Highway 99 and proceed east for five miles). More info at www.tus canridgeclub.com or call 624-7006. ● Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 47
KIDS
For the
kids Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation This nonprofit organization on 19 oak-studded acres cares for endangered and exotic animals that cannot be released into the wild, and teaches responsible ownership of companion animals and the importance of habitat conservation for wild animals. Bengal tigers, African lions, leopards, foxes, lynxes, exotic birds, bears and reptiles—including alligators and a giant Burmese python—are some of the 100 animals housed at the facility. Located at 4995 Durham-Pentz Road in nearby Butte Valley (near Butte College). Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 533-1000 or visit www.kirsh ner.org for more info.
Caper Acres Lower Bidwell Park, near One-Mile Recreation Area. A perennial favorite for children, this fenced playground features swings, slides, tunnels, a fort-like play structure and a soft, spongy, central area full of things for kids to climb on, including an impressive mosaic sea serpent made by local artist Robin Indar. Adults can play alongside their children or bring a book and relax under the big trees on one of a number of benches while Junior goes wild. Closed Mondays.
Gateway Science Museum PHOTO COURTESY OF GATEWAY SCIENCE MUSEUM
W
e’re not saying these destinations aren’t enjoyable for adults. Quite the opposite—the kid-friendly suggestions that follow are sure to be enjoyable for everyone, from children and grandparents to families and individuals looking for an entertaining way to spend an afternoon. Exotic and native wild animals, oversized yo-yos, indoor skating, outdoor places to romp and have a picnic, and giant telescopes are just some of the fun stuff Chico offers the little ones. for other activities. Caper Acres 48 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
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Horseshoe Lake
Chico Creek Nature Center The Chico Creek Nature Center in Bidwell Park (at 1968 East Eighth St.) has been growing, both in size and popularity, since the nonprofit organization was established in 1982. A fabulous interpretive center, called the Howard S. Tucker Exhibit Hall, features exhibits showcasing the natural systems of Bidwell Park. The center offers free nature walks to the public as well as spring and summer camp sessions and life-science programs for K-6 students. Adjacent to the interpretive center is the non-releasable living animal museum that has been a part of the nature center since 1991. Enter off of East Eighth Street just beyond Cedar Grove in Bidwell Park, or bike there via South Park Drive. Howard S. Tucker Exhibit Hall is open Friday-Sunday., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; the center’s Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum is open Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed MondayTuesday. Call 891-4671 or visit www.bidwellpark.org for more info.
Butte County Library The Chico branch of the county’s public library system offers regular Children’s Story Time for different age groups, including 18 months or younger, toddlers, preschool-age children and those 12 years old or younger. Located at 1108 Sherman Ave. Call 891-2762 or visit http://tinyurl.com/bwg7pzc for more information.
Children’s Playground Centrally located at 202 W. First St., recently renovated Children’s Playground features lots of playground equipment, picnic tables and a large grassy area for romping. It’s a good, shady place for an afternoon break from a busy day shopping downtown or touring campus. For those into disc golf (a popular Chico pastime), there’s a practice basket as well.
Farm Sanctuary This 300-acre farm rescues animals such as pigs, cows, goats and turkeys and protects them from being harmed or turned into dinner. Farm Sanctuary is located off of Highway 32 near Orland, about 30 miles west of Chico in neighboring Glenn County. Hourly tours are held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., May through October. Adults, $5; kids 3-11, $3; kids under 3, free. Call 8654617 or visit www.farmsanctuary.org for more info.
Funland A skating rink, miniature golf and batting cages—what more could a kid want? Cal Skate in Chico has a great skating rink—large, clean and well-run. The miniature-golf course, called Putters, is small but fun. The facility is the home of the Nor Cal Roller Girls. With activities every day,
kids and grownups alike are bound to have a great time. From Highway 99, take the East Park Avenue exit and take the first right. Funland is located at 2465 Carmichael Drive. Visit www.putters chico.com or call 343-1601.
Gateway Science Museum The Gateway Science Museum at 625 Esplanade (next door to Bidwell Mansion) opened in 2010. Interesting for kids and adults alike, the museum offers a range of educational exhibits focused on our region’s natural heritage. Hours: WednesdayFriday, noon-5 p.m.; SaturdaySunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Admission is $3 for kids 3-17, $5 for adults (free for museum members and kids 2 and younger). Call 898-4121 or visit www.csuchico.edu/gateway for more info.
Horseshoe Lake Located at the base of Upper Bidwell Park, Horseshoe Lake is a great place for the whole family. Spring and summer are perfect for a sunny, stress-relieving stroll around the lake, picnicking or playing fetch with the pooch. Trails running around the lake and up to the North Rim Trail add extra adventure Humboldt Neighborhood Park
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a great family outing. Open Thurs.-Sun., 8-10:45 p.m., on clear nights. Take Wildwood Avenue to Observatory Way. Visit www.chicoobservatory.org or call 343-5635 for more info.
for energetic explorers. Take Wildwood Avenue to Upper Park Road, and look for the turn-off at Kiwanis Chico Community Observatory.
Humboldt Neighborhood Park For skateboarding and inline skating, this park is located between Orient and Flume streets along Humboldt Avenue. The 10,000square-foot skate track is equipped with a pyramid, a rail, a box, two 3-foot-wide steps, curbing and steel coping to supply skaters with enough variation to mix up their patterns. The park is open 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. throughout the summer months; in fall the park closes at sunset.
Mountain View Christmas Tree Farm Pick out a sustainably forested Christmas tree at this farm located at
Kiwanis Chico Community Observatory Opened in 2001, the observatory is a delight for astronomers and amateur stargazers. Located near Horseshoe Lake at Chico’s Upper Bidwell Park, KCCO is home to two huge telescopes with which to see the night sky, and the world’s first outdoor planetarium. It’s
1986 Mountain View Drive in Paradise. Cut-your-own and precut trees available. Open weekends, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; weekdays, 1-6 p.m. Christmas boutique, farm animals, picnic tables and a campfire for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. School and club tours available September through May. More info at www.mtnviewtrees.com or call 872-0165.
National Yo-Yo Museum The National Yo-Yo Museum is housed in the rear of the fascinating Bird in Hand store at 320 Broadway. The largest public display of yo-yos and yo-yo memorabilia in the United States, the museum also has on display the largest wooden yo-yo in the world, dubbed “BigYo.” The Chico Yo-Yo Club meets every Saturday (unless it rains) from noon-2 p.m. in Diamond Alley, directly behind the store, to practice and teach each other (and visitors) how to Rock the Baby and Walk the Dog. Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun., noon-5 p.m. No admission fee. Call 893-0545 or visit www.nationalyoyo.org for more info.
Orchard Lanes Kiwanis Chico Community Observatory
More than a bowling alley, this entertainment center has an arcade, snack bar, pro shop and plenty of family fun. Located at 2397 Esplanade. Call ● 895-3257 for more info.
Orthodontics Exclusively B. Scott Hood, D.D.S., M.S., Inc. Professional, Friendly, & Experienced Dr. Hood and his staff are committed to providing children, teens and adults with the highest quality care and brightest smiles! Dr. Hood is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics Specializing in Braces and a certified provider for InvisalignTM. 2755 Esplanade Chico CA 95973 Phone 530.343.7021 • Fax 530.343.3672 5657 Clark Rd #5 Paradise CA 95969 Phone 530.877.4951 • www.hoodortho.com
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THINK
FREE.
GO FORTH!
Discover! To Forest Ranch
1
In the Chico Area: 1. Upper Bidwell Park 2. Caper Acres 3. Community Park 4. Patrick Ranch
5. Lake Oroville 6. Chaffin Family Orchards 7. Butte College 8. Gold Country Casino
To Stirling City
To Orland
2
3
4 7
6
5
1st
10
2nd
11 8 12 Downtown Chico: 9. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Playground 10. Chico Museum
11. Yo-Yo Museum 12. Senator Theatre
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Copyright 2012 Chico Community Publishing
9
Chico State
AGRITOURISM
A whole world out there
A
gritourism is that increasingly popular segment of the tourism industry often focused on visiting working farms and ranches in rural communities. It also includes checking out the offerings of such places as locally owned boutique wineries or olive orchards and their attached tasting rooms and stores. Here in Chico, we are fortunate enough to be situated smack-dab in the middle of one of the largest and most productive agricultural areas on the planet—the Sacramento Valley. Here is a list of inviting places just waiting to satisfy your hunger for a healthy, down-home adventure, and maybe a little yummy food and drink to boot. Some are farms or orchards, some are rural storefronts, some are microbreweries. There’s even a straw-bale winery. Not all are in Chico—some require a relatively short jaunt to Oroville, Orland or Corning. But they’re all open to the public and definitely worth a visit. From beer and nuts to olive oil, chickens, cheese and wine—we’ve got you covered.
Beer and wine
3363 Hegan Lane, Chico. Go to www.bertagnawine.com or call 343-1623 for more info.
Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards
Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co.
Feather River Brewing Co.
Located at Feather Falls Casino in Oroville, this tribal-owned brewery is headed up by veteran brewmaster Roland Allen of now-defunct Butte Creek Brewing Co. fame. Seven beers on tap, including an amber ale called Coyote Spirit and the darker Broken
This award-winning little microbrewery in the wooded Sierra-foothill community of Magalia (above Paradise) features a smooth Honey Ale, a popular Raging Rapids Ale and a winter-seasonal Dark Canyon Ale. Call to arrange a tour, and for directions. www.featherriverbrewing.com
Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards is the boutique-wine baby of Berton and Carol Bertagna. Named in honor of their two sons, Barron and Colton, the Bertagnas’ winery offers many different varietals made from locally grown, organically farmed grapes. Tasting by appointment. Located at
Arrow. Open Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sat., 7 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun., 7 a.m.-11 p.m. www.featherfalls casino.com/brewing-co
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Grey Fox Lane, Oroville. More info at www.greyfox.net or call 589-3920.
HoneyRun Winery Founded in 1992 by John and Amy Hasle, HoneyRun Winery produces five types of honey wine, or mead—blackberry, elderberry, cherry, cranberry and dry mead. HoneyRun’s wines have no added sulfites or preservatives, and are certified kosher. “Simple tastings” available most weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (call ahead). Located at 2309 Park Ave., Chico. More info at www.honeyrunwinery.com or call 345-6405.
LaRocca Vineyards
Odyssey Winery and Vineyards PHOTO BY KYLE DELMAR
Gale Vineyards Steve and Creasia Gale’s boutique winery is nestled among the shadegiving oak trees on their six-acre property just a short drive south of Chico in the bucolic community of Durham. The grapes used in Gale Vineyards’ wines are organically grown on site and processed in a cool straw-bale facility. Tasting by appointment. Located at 9345 Stanford Lane, Durham. More info at www.galevineyards.com or call 891-1264.
Grey Fox Vineyards Known for its excellent red wines, Grey Fox Vineyards is worth the approximately 45-minute trip from Chico to eastern Oroville. Owned by the Arrigoni and Cecchi families, Grey Fox produces 17 types of wine and was voted best winery in Oroville by the U.S. Local Business Association in 2008 and 2009. The winery also offers a relaxing live-oak picnic area. Tasting: Saturdays & Sundays, noon-5 p.m. Located at 90
The oldest and largest producer of 100 percent, USDA-certified organic wine in the North State, familyowned LaRocca Vineyards—headed up by third-generation SicilianAmerican Phil LaRocca—is just a hop up Highway 32 from Chico, in scenic Forest Ranch. LaRocca’s dessert-style zinfandel has won several awards. Of note, the winery’s organic sparkling wine is created in the traditional méthode champenoise. Tasting by appointment. Located at 12360 Doe Mill Road, Forest Ranch. More info at www.laroccavineyards.com or call 1-800-808-WINE.
has a variety of offerings, including a blend called Abbots Reserve. Tasting room hours: seven days a week, excluding Holy Days, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Located at 26240 Seventh St., Vina. More info at www.newclairvauxvine yard.com or call 839-2200.
Odyssey Winery and Vineyards Local dentist Norm Rosene and his wife, Janice, own this attractive, Greek-style winery featuring wines made from organic grapes grown on site. A selection of work by local artists, as well as an array of locally produced foods are also on offer in Odyssey’s expansive tasting-room area. Tasting: May-December, Saturdays, 1-6 p.m. Located at 6237 Cohasset Road, Chico. More info at www.sierrawines.com/winery/ winery00148.aspx or call 891-9463.
Quilici Vineyards This 10-acre family-run winery in the Sierra foothills has been around for more than 20 years. Quilici’s varietals are available to taste without charge with the purchase of wine. Otherwise, the fee is $3. Tasting by appointment only. Located at 72 Quail Hill Place, Oroville. More info at www.quilicivineyards.com or call 589-5088.
Long Creek Winery
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Lou and Yola Cecchi’s Long Creek Winery is a boutique winery nestled on a beautiful 30-acre property in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Long Creek offers robust red wines aged in oak barrels, as well as a fruity Chardonnay and luscious dessert wines, all available to enjoy in the Italianate tasting room overlooking a pretty creek and pond. Tasting room open Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., or by appointment. Located at 233 Ward Blvd., Oroville. More info at www.longcreekwinery.com or call 589-3415.
Sierra Nevada’s award-winning ales and lagers are known all over the world. The SNB Taproom & AGRITOURISM continued on page 54
New Clairvaux Vineyard In less than a half-hour, one can drive northwest from Chico to New Clairvaux Vineyard in Vina, which is run by fifth-generation winemaker Aimee Sunseri along with the Trappist monks of the on-site monastery. The first Cistercian winery in North America, New Clairvaux
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Open For Wine Tasting & Tours Saturdays & Sundays Noon-5pm Voted Best Oroville Winery ‘08-‘11 By US Business Assn.
and ‘10-‘11
By US Commerce Assn.
530.589.3920 90 Grey Fox Lane Oroville Greyfox.Net
Visit our new tAStiNG rOOm!
Restaurant offers a huge, mini-glass sampler of the brewery’s extensive line of beers—a good way to know what to purchase at the gift shop! Take an in-depth tour of the brewery, followed by an “educational tasting” in the brewery’s new tasting room. All tours are one hour and 15 minutes in length, followed by a 20minute tasting. Take a self-guided “family tour”—for families with children under 12 years of age—any day of the week. Located at 1075 E. 20th St., Chico. For tour times visit www.sierranevada.com or call 893-3520.
Western Pacific Brewing & Dining Located in a former train depot, Western Pacific Brewing & Dining offers six housemade craft beers on tap, including Belden Golden Ale, Pulga Pale Ale and Chilcoot IPA, as well as a satisfying lunch and dinner menu. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; dinner, Wed.-Sat., 4-9 p.m. Lounge is open Mon.-Tues., 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Wed. & Thurs., 11:30a.m.-11p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11:30 a.m. “until the music stops playing.” Located at 2191 High St., Oroville. More info at www.diningandbrewing.blogspot.com or call 534-9101.
Olive oil Berkeley Olive Grove 1913 Named for the group of UC Berkeley professors who invested in Butte County land in 1913 and then founded the Berkeley Olive Association, this producer of award-winning organic olive oils is owned and run by Oroville locals Darro and Olivia Grieco. Last fall, the Griecos opened their certified-organic, sustainable, traditional-style business to the public for tours of their tasting room and orchard by appointment. They also offer the opportunity for people to “adopt” one of the olive trees on their 400 acres, harvest their own olives, and learn curing methods. More info at www.berkeley olivegrove.com or call 533-1814.
Butte View Olive Co. Call to make an appointment for a private tour & tasting
3363 Hegan Lane • Chico • 343.8014
BertagnaWine.com AVAILABLE AT THESE FINE CHICO ESTABLISHMENTS: Basque Norte, Crush, Farm Star, Blue Flame, Grana, Grilla Bites, The Hub, Italian Cottage, Johnnies, Leon Bistro, Mekkala, Red Tavern, Tackle Box, Rawbar, Wine Time, Maisie Janes, Chico Natural Foods, Finnegan’s Jug, Mangrove Bottle Shop, S&S Produce, Spikes Bottle Shop, Raley’s, Safeway and Costco. 54 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
Owned and run by Lewis Johnson and his daughter, Kristean Eustler, Butte View Olive Co. presses delicious, boutique olive oils from the olives grown in its Palermo and Wyandotte orchards. Taste Butte View’s yummy Mission and Ascolano olive oils, as well as its delicious flavored olive oils—such as lemon, blood orange, basil and rosemary—in the facility’s tasting/bottling room. Tours/tastings/shopping by appointment phoned in a day or two in advance. Located at 2950 Louis Ave., Oroville. More info: 534-8320.
Lodestar Farms Make the drive to Oroville to visit the leafy olive orchards at Lodestar Olive Oil, run by the Johansson family. Lodestar has taken pride in producing its extra-virgin, California-style olive oil since 1993. Visit Lodestar’s tasting room to try its Late Harvest Mission, lemon and garlic olive oils, as well as its tasty balsamic dipping oil. Open Fridays and Saturdays, noon-5 p.m.; call for non-
Shetland sheep. No-cost farm tours and field trips by appointment. Located at 606 Coal Canyon Road, Oroville. More info at www.chaffin familyorchards.com or call 533-8239.
Mooney Farms
Mooney Farms
business-hours tour by appointment. Located at 3719 Foothill Blvd., Oroville. More info at www.lodestar farms.com or call 534-6548.
Lucero Olive Oil Mill Fourth-generation Northern California olive grower Dewey Lucero’s Lucero Olive Oil is worth the approximately 45-minute drive to the “olive capital” of Corning to take a tour of its mill and bottling room, or to try out its internationally acclaimed (and Gold Medal-winning) olive oils and award-winning peach balsamic vinegar (one of a number on offer). Lucero’s tasting room/ retail store is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tours conducted daily; it is recommended you call ahead for tour appointment. Located at 2120 Loleta Ave., Corning. More info at www.lucerooliveoil.com or call 824-2190.
Fruits, nuts, vegetables and more Chaffin Family Orchards This huge, productive, fifth-generation family farm boasts a little of just about everything—old-growth orchards loaded with rare heirloom varieties of fruit, grass-fed cattle and goats, and pasture-raised chickens. Something good to eat—from apricots, figs and pomegranates, to extra-virgin olive oil, heirloom-fruit jams, and fresh eggs, lamb and goat meat—is available year-round. Check Chaffin’s “What’s in season?” calendar on its website to find out more. The organic, sustainability-focused farm also offers natural, undyed-wool yarn available from the fleece of its
Savor
the
Wine Tasting & Winery Tours
Fruit
Olive trees, fragrant lavender plants and pretty fountains welcome visitors to family-run Mooney Farms’ lovely tasting room, a great place to sample its healthful Mediterraneaninspired eats, including sun-dried tomatoes, pesto and pasta sauce from Mooney’s award-winning Bella Sun Luci line. Gift baskets and work by local artists also available. Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Located at 1220 Fortress St., Chico. More info at www.mooney farms.com or call 899-2661.
Morse Mandarin Farms This family-owned citrus farm began in 2002, and offers delicious “zip-peel” Satsuma mandarins grown using sustainable farming methods. Morse’s mandarin, lemon, navel orange, tangelo and grapefruit season is late November through March. One can also buy the farm’s Satsuma mandarin and Minneola marmalades and syrups, and meat rubs. Located at 8 Feathervale Drive, Oroville. More info at www.morsemandarin farms.com or call 589-2126.
Patrick Ranch Museum Historic Patrick Ranch—located AGRITOURISM continued on page 56
oF our
eFFortS
Open Everyday 11am–5pm or by appointment
26240 7th St. Vina (20 miles N. of Chico) 530-839-2200 | newclairvauxvineyard.com
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TRI-L Mandarin Ranch
Vincent Noble Orchard Co.
on a 28-acre, Valley-oak-studded property in south Chico—now functions as an “interactive agricultural and natural history learning center.” Its stately Glenwood Farmhouse, built in 1877, houses the official indoor museum, but the expansive acreage surrounding it boasts all the trappings of a working farm, including old-time tractors, interesting outbuildings, bucolic fields and a chicken coop complete with a brood of sweet, clucky hens that lay fresh eggs each morning. Open Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Located at 10381 Midway, Chico. More info at www.patrickranchmuseum.org or call 342-4359.
Visit family-owned Tri-L Mandarin Ranch, in the Sierra foothills of Oroville, to buy boxes of yummy, tree-ripened Satsuma mandarins. Lou and Lola Lodigiani invite you to visit their orchards, and their packing shed, which is open during harvest season. Holiday gift boxes and shipping available. Open daily, 8 a.m. until dusk, November to January. Call 534-4316 or visit www.mandarins 4you.com for directions.
In existence since 1921, Noble Orchards offers tree-ripened stone fruits—cherries, peaches, pluots and nectarines—during the JulySeptember season, and 17 varieties of apples including various heirloom varieties from September-March. Noble’s pole-barn packing shed/farmstand—featuring fruit, apple butter and gift boxes—is open July-March, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Located at 7050 Pentz Road, Paradise. More info: 877-4784.
Pedrozo Dairy & Cheese Co. Pedrozo Dairy & Cheese Co., owned and run by Tim and Jill Pedrozo and their two children, produces small batches of gouda-style farmstead cheeses from the milk of their small herd of happy, pasturegrazed cows. Try their Northern Gold—a buttery, semi-firm cheese— or Black Butte Reserve, an awardwinning, intense, aged hard cheese. Be sure to bring the kids along to visit the dairy, the cheese plant and the farm animals. Call for more information. Located at 7713 Road 24, Orland. More info at www.realfarmsteadcheese.com or call 514-3837. Patrick Ranch Museum
University Farm This working 800-acre farm on the outskirts of Chico is used as a teaching facility for Chico State’s agriculture students. Chickens, cows, sheep and pigs all call the University Farm home, and organic vegetables and other crops take up the rest of the space. While it’s the regular site of school field trips, the farm is only open to the public on special occasions—like the Sierra Oro Farm Trail. Not to fear, though, the Meats Lab is open year-round on Thursdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and offers affordable, fresh, local meat that is USDA-inspected. Go to www.csu chico.edu/ag/farm/meats-lab.shtml for up-to-date prices and other information. Located at 311 Nicholas C. Schouten Lane, 898-6028.
The Worm Farm Worms are not meant to be eaten, but you sure as heck can enjoy the robust vegetables and fruits grown in soil amended with nutritious, wormcasting compost. Head down to Durham to see how the red worms are raised, or sign up for a worm-bin workshop. While you’re there, chat up friendly Worm Farm co-owner John Stewart for worm wisdom and gardening advice, and check out the bulk store. Located at 9033 Esquon Road, Durham. More info at www.theworm farm.net or call 894-1276.
Locally made Chambers Harvest Shop Chambers Harvest Shop—owned and run by Chico natives and longtime almond growers John and Peggy Chambers—features farm-fresh local almonds, walnuts, pistachios and pecans, dried stone fruits (peaches, apricots, etc.) and specialty food items. Gift boxes, bulk nuts and candied nuts are also available. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 629 Entler Ave. #9, Chico, 345-1710.
Chico Certified Farmers’ Market Nothing quite beats the variety and character of a farmers’ market, and Chico’s is unparalleled. (Actually, the Chico Certified Farmers’ Market puts on markets in Paradise and Oroville as well as Chico, and all are active during the summer months.) Swing by downtown Chico’s expansive market on Saturday mornings for fresh veggies, fruits, meats and cheeses, along with selections of olive 56 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
oil, wine and other locally produced foods like breads and pies. Located on the corner of Second and Wall streets, year-round, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. More info at www.facebook.com/ ChicoCertifiedFarmersMarket.
roasted almonds, flavored almonds, chocolate almonds, caramel corn mixed with almonds, organic almond butter and Auntie’s Almond Butter Pie are just a smattering of what’s available, and that’s just the almonds. Pistachios, cashews, walnuts and dried fruits (including some sinful chocolate-apricot turtles) are also available. Check out MJ’s tasting bar and selection of unique gift baskets, too. Open Mon.Fri., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.4:30 p.m. Wine tasting: Thurs.-Sat. Located at 1324 Dayton Road, Chico. More info at www.maisiejanes.com or call 899-7909.
Golden West Nuts Harvest Shop Almonds (natural, seasoned and candied), walnuts, pistachios, chocolate-covered dried cherries and blueberries, and gift baskets, boxes and tins, as well as bulk nuts, are the treats available at this rural, southChico shop. Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Sundays. Located at 3764 Hegan Lane, Chico. More info at www.theharvestshop.com or call 345-3352.
Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy
Made in Chico
Maisie Jane’s
The name of this downtown store says it all. Specializing in locally made gifts, including foodstuffs ranging from jams and spreads to nuts and rice chips. Located at 127 W. Third St, 894-7009.
Maisie Jane Bertagna Hurtado, a fourth-generation farmer, is a believer in the goodness of local food and farming, and it shows in the delicious treats on offer at Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Products. Dry-
Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy This local favorite has produced ice cream and confections for more than 70 years. Call ahead for a tour of the facility. Open daily. Located at 178 Seventh St. More info at www.shuberts.com or call ● 342-7163.
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DINING
Chow down
Smokin’ Mo’s BBQ PHOTO BY KYLE EMERY
Asian
Chada Thai Cuisine
Aonami Sustainable Sushi
1008 W. Sacramento Ave., 924-3168 Asian fusion and Japanese cuisine made from mostly North State ingredients and served in a sleek, modern atmosphere. $ CC ATM
Big Tuna Sushi Bistro
1722 Mangrove Ave., 345-4571 Cozy restaurant featuring traditional Japanese sushi, plus a variety of American rolls and appetizers. $$ CC ATM
Broadway Market and Deli
128 Broadway, 899-8368 Now serving Chinese food. Lunch and dinner specials. Vegetarian specials. Assortment of “bubble teas.” Eat in or take-out. $ CC ATM
KEY TO SYMBOLS $ $$ $$$ CC ATM
Entrées less than $10 Entrées priced $10-$15 Entrées priced $15 and up Accepts major credit cards Accepts debit cards or has ATM on premise
117 W. Second St., 342-7121 Authentic Thai dishes, including a vegetarian menu. Lunch MondayThursday, dinner Monday-Saturday. $$ CC ATM
Chan Pheng’s Mandarin Cuisine 1140 Mangrove Ave., 894-6888 Mandarin, Hunan and Szechwan cuisine. $$ CC ATM
Chicoichi Ramen
243 W. Ninth St., 891-9044 Formerly the location of Annie’s Asian Grill, Chicoichi features a simple menu of ramen (and we don’t mean the junky kind college students eat), donburi, salads and sushi in an authentic Japanese setting. $ CC ATM
Cocodine Thai Cuisine
2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 891-1800 Specializing in flavorful, authentic central as well as northeastern (Issan) Thai cuisine. Come discover fresh, healthful, delicious Thai food. $$ CC ATM
Egg Roll King
659 Palmetto Ave., 893-1838 Chinese-style fast food; drive-through window and indoor seating. $ ATM
Gen Kai Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar
605 Mangrove Ave., 345-7226 Try traditional Japanese favorites or the sushi bar at this longtime Chico favorite. $$$ CC ATM
Ginger’s Chinese Restaurant
2201 Pillsbury Road, 345-8862 Specializing in Szechuan, Mandarin and Hunan cuisine. Open daily. $$ CC ATM
Happy Garden
180 Cohasset Road, 893-2574 Delicious Chinese cuisine with generous portions served in a welcoming atmosphere. $$ CC ATM
House of Bamboo
163 E. Second St., 893-8811 Locally sourced ingredients, tasteful homegrown recipes and a modern setting. Come enjoy the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia. www.chicohb.com $$ CC ATM
Hula’s Chinese Bar-B-Q
2540 Esplanade, 342-8564; 1937 E. 20th St., 342-6304 All-you-can-eat Mongolian barbecue with fresh vegetables, noodles, meats and sauces. Beer and wine available. Open daily. www.hulasbbq.com $$ CC ATM
58 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
Sign off with date:
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Izakaya Ichiban
2000 Notre Dame Blvd., 342-8500 Japanese tapas and traditional Japanese cuisine. Sister restaurant to Big Tuna Sushi Bistro. $$ CC
Great Food, Great Quality & Great Prices! Lunch & Dinner $5 to $13
Japanese Blossoms
2995 Esplanade, 891-9022 Authentic Japanese food and sushi bar. $$ CC ATM
Kwando Restaurant
740 Mangrove Ave., 343-6788 All-you-can-eat buffet, featuring a huge sushi bar, salad bar, carving bar, oysters, shrimp, Dim Sum, soup, fish, desserts and appetizers. $$ CC ATM
Voted Best Asian Food & Best Take-Out 2002 - 2010
Open 7 Days A Week
HAPPY GARDEN Chinese Restaurant
Mekkala Thai Cuisine
1196 E. Lassen Ave., 636-4620 Family-owned and operated Thai restaurant offering an elevated but casual dining experience. Lunch specials and take-out available. mekkalathai.com $ CC
Noodle House
605 Mangrove Ave., 345-2022 Yummy Asian-fusion cuisine specializing in soups, bowls and wraps. $ CC ATM
Mon–Thurs 11am–9pm Fri 11am–9pm Sat 12pm–9:30pm Sun 12pm–9pm
FOOD TO GO (Served All Day)
180 Cohasset Road • Chico 893-2574 or 893-5068
VISITOR GUIDE 2 x 3 (2/9H)
Ojiya Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
2477 Forest Ave., 899-1199 Sit around the hibachi and watch the chefs grill steaks, seafood and vegetarian fare. Sushi bar, too. $$$ CC ATM
Peeking Chinese Restaurant
243 W. Second St., 895-3888 San Francisco chef Ken Zeng presents lunch and dinner specials in a unique atmosphere. Closed Sunday. $$ CC ATM
Peter Chu’s Mandarin Cuisine
2424 Cohasset Road, 894-8276 Tasty Asian food at reasonable prices. www.peterchu-chico.com $$ CC ATM
Pho C & C
3211 Cohasset Road, 892-1415 A variety of Vietnamese cuisine, including soups, rolls, noodles and traditional grilled or barbecued meats. $$ CC ATM
Rawbar Restaurant & Sushi Bar
346 Broadway, 897-0626 Downtown’s premium sushi bar and Asian grill. Full bar, take-out, happy hour, affordable lunches, reservations. Family-owned for 11 years. Closed Sunday. www.rawbarchico.com $$ CC ATM
Come See Why We’re A
Local Favorite! Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Sunday Champagne Brunch 08
09
Since 1965!
2525 Dominic Dr., Chico 530-342-7771
6am–10pm
2234 The Esplanade 530-343-7000 6am–11pm
Open Everyday • Full Bar • Banquet Room Great Food & Great Times! DINING LIST continued on page 60 Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 59
DINING LIST continued from page 59
Rice Bowl
prices in an elegant atmosphere. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $$ CC ATM
2804 Esplanade, 899-9098 Sit-down restaurant serving Chinese and Japanese cuisine, including sushi bar, beer and wine. Open daily. $$ CC ATM
Windy’s Chinese Restaurant
Sophia’s Authentic Thai Cuisine
Wok In
305 Nord Ave., 342-8842 Authentic and delicious Thai food at reasonable prices. $$ CC ATM
Teriyaki House
1000 W. Sacramento Ave., 343-1788 Serving a large variety of Asian favorites, beer and wine. $ CC ATM
1354 East Ave., 892-8369 Healthful, fast Asian food with generous portions. Dine in or take out. Delivery available. Closed Sunday. $ CC ATM
951 Nord Ave., 894-3040; 236 W. East Ave., 894-6127 Japanese fast-food restaurant specializing in teriyaki. Nord location open daily; East Avenue location closed on Sunday. $ ATM
Wok ‘n’ Roll Asian Food and Hawaiian BBQ
Thai Basil
Breakfast Nooks
121 Broadway, 343-6843 All dishes made with fresh vegetables. Vegetarian or choice of meat. Choose your own spice level. Lunch Monday-Friday. Dinner Thursday-Saturday. Closed Sunday. $$ CC ATM
Tong Fong Low
2072 E. 20th St., 898-1388 An institution in Oroville, Tong Fong Low now has a location in Chico, offering authentic Chinese cuisine. www.tongfong low.com. $$ CC ATM
Tony’s Restaurant
951 Nord Ave., 893-8888 Formerly the Chang Hing House. Chinese food for dine-in or take-out. $ CC ATM
Turandot North China Gourmet Cuisine 1851 Esplanade, 893-1156 Manchurian cuisine at reasonable
1008 W. Sacramento Ave., 892-1868 Authentic Chinese menu with something for everyone. Delivery or sit-down dining in a casual atmosphere. $$ CC ATM
Café Coda
265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476 Breakfast served daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; lunch served weekdays. Come back at night for beer, wine and live music. www.cafecoda.com $$ CC ATM
Country Waffles
690 Rio Lindo Ave., 345-1149; 2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 345-9905 Specializing in waffles. Breakfast and lunch daily. $$ CC ATM
Italian Cottage
2234 Esplanade., 343-8828 Serving up delicious omelets since 1970. Also: Eggs Benedict, cottage potatoes, fresh-cooked spinach, French toast, homemade biscuits and gravy, Belgian waffles, blueberry pancakes and hash browns. www.theitaliancottage.com $$ CC ATM
Mom’s
1387 E. Eighth St., 894-2800 Coffee, tea, pastries, frittatas and breakfast burritos. $
209 Salem St., 893-3447 Breakfast offerings include crepes, pancakes, omelets and scrambles. Lunch features burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads, as well as homemade tomato-basil soup. Open daily. $ CC ATM
Breakfast Buzz
Morning Thunder café
208 Cedar St., 343-3444 Breakfast burritos, omelets, French toast and more in a college atmosphere. $$ CC ATM
352 Vallombrosa Ave., 342-9717 Chico’s popular breakfast (and lunch) café at the foot of Bidwell Park. Open daily. $$ CC ATM
Brooklyn Bridge Bagel Works
Nash’s 7th Avenue Omelette House
Beatniks Coffee House & Breakfast Joint
117 W. Second St., 345-3443 Twenty-five types of New York-style bagels, 11 flavors of cream cheese, deli sandwiches, smoothies and espresso. $ CC ATM
1717 Esplanade, 896-1147 Unique omelet selections made with fresh and local ingredients, as well as traditional breakfast fare. $ CC ATM
Paradise’s Place
701 Main St., 891-1940 With a new name and new owners (the owners of Jack’s Family Restaurant), this Main Street eatery offers countrystyle breakfast and lunch fare at affordable prices. $ CC ATM
The Roost Café
1144 Park Ave., 892-1281 This cozy, old-school diner serves real food, real butter and real-good home cooking. Plus, it has the hippest counter seating in town. Sunday brunch, breakfast and lunch daily. $$ CC ATM
Scrambles
Tong Fong Low 60 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
880 East Ave., 892-8963 Serving up its famous three-egg scrambles, plus Eggs Benedict and homemade quiche. Champagne served daily. Full-service espresso bar. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. $$ CC ATM
Sin of Cortez
2290 Esplanade, 879-9200 Enjoy specialty coffees or teas at one of Chico’s favorite breakfast and lunch places. www.sinofcortez.com. Open daily. $$ CC ATM
Delicious
M E X IC A N FCOHOICDO DOWNTOWN
Burgers, Delis & Dogs Beach Hut Deli
146 W. Second St., 893-0633 A variety of specialty sandwiches served up in a casual, beach-themed atmosphere. www.beachhutdeli.com. Open daily. $$ CC ATM
905 Wall St St., Chico, CA 809.0370 Mon–Sat 10am–7:45pm Sun 10am–6pm
Big Al’s Drive In
1844 Esplanade, 342-2722 Milkshakes are a triple-thick treat at this longtime Chico favorite. $$ ATM
Big Chico Burger
1550 East Ave., 891-6100 Home of the One Pounder! A casual dining restaurant serving fresh chuck patties, hot dogs, sandwiches and salads. $$ CC ATM
Burger Hut
3211 Cohasset Road, 342-4555; 933 Nord Ave., 891-1418; 2451 Forest Ave., 891-1430 A “Best of Chico” living legend with a “Build Your Own Burger” bar. www.burger hut.net $ CC ATM
Burgers & Brew
201 Broadway, 879-9100 Grass-fed beef and world-class brews in a modern setting. $$ CC ATM
Bustolini’s Deli & Coffee House
800 Broadway, 892-1790 Premium sandwiches, authentic oldworld Italian meats and cheeses, antipasti, grocery items, coffee, breakfast items and pastries. Excellent soups. Closed Sunday. $$ CC ATM
The Cheesesteak Shop
995 Nord Ave., 345-2565 Philly-style cheesesteak sandwiches made with high-quality rib-eye steak. Chicken options, too. $ CC ATM
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Chico Locker & Sausage Co.
196 E. 14th St., 343-7370 Check out this full deli with a variety of top-notch sandwiches and salads, and pick up some traditional handmade sausage and specialty meats. $ CC ATM
Celebrating 100 years in business this fall!
DINING LIST continued on page 62 Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 61
DINING LIST continued from page 61
The Dog House
1008 W. Sacramento Ave., 894-3641; 1354 East Ave., 894-2242 Serving charcoal-grilled gourmet hotdogs and sausages. Indoor seating at East Avenue location. www.chicodoghouse.com $ ATM
EJ’s Dogs & Subs
672 Mangrove Ave., 342-3456 Wide assortment of hot dogs and deli sandwiches. Open daily. $ CC ATM
Fast Eddie’s
788 East Ave., 342-8555 Featuring tri-tip and pulled-pork sandwiches in addition to a large menu of specialty sandwiches, all made on local bread. $ CC
The Graduate
344 W. Eighth St., 343-2790 Try a famous Grad Burger, salad, steak, or one of the 50 beers on tap at this rollicking local favorite. $$ CC ATM
Kinder’s Custom Meats & Deli
221 1/2 Normal Ave., 342-3354 Kinder’s specialty is the marinated ball tip steak sandwich. Catering available. Open daily. $$ CC ATM
Kona’s Sandwiches
138 Main St., 893-4344; 965 Nord Ave., 894-1635 Inexpensive and delicious sandwiches and wraps. Open daily. $$ CC ATM
Madison Bear Garden
316 W. Second St., 891-1639 Try their famous Bear Burgers, buffalo wings or a scrumptious salad. www.madisonbeargarden.com $ CC ATM
Marcelli’s Sandwiches & More
215 W. First St., 892-1329 Marcelli’s has the quality, premium deli sandwiches you desire. Choose from more than 24 sandwiches like the Reuben or meatball. Fresh salads and more. Catering available. Located across from Chico State. $ CC ATM
Nobby’s
1444 Park Ave., 342-2285 Their motto is, “Nobody does burgers better than Nobby’s.” Enough said. Closed Sunday and Monday. $ ATM
S & S Barbeque & Deli
1924 Mangrove Ave., 343-4930 ext. 11 Barbecue lunch and dinner items to go or eat there at the picnic tables. Open daily. $$ CC ATM
62 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
Empire Coffee
Scotty’s Landing
12609 River Road, 710-2020 Try a River Burger or fresh fish and chips on a deck overlooking the Sacramento River, or watch one of 20 televisions inside. $$ CC ATM
Smokin’ Mo’s BBQ
131 Broadway St., 891-6677
A small California chain specializing in barbeque beef, pork, chicken and turkey. www.smokinmosbbq.com $$ CC ATM
Spiteri’s Delicatessen
971 East Ave., 891-4797 Best-kept sandwich secret in Chico. Serving all your favorites along with daily specialty salads and beer and wine. Closed Sunday. $$ CC ATM
Sub Station
160 Convair Court, 898-1020; 2404 Park Ave., 343-9178 Sub sandwiches and other deli-style foods. $ ATM
Zot’s Hot Dogs
225 Main St. (Inside Garden Walk Mall), 345-2820 Steamed hot dogs, deli sandwiches, salad bar and housemade soups. $ CC ATM
Coffee Shops, Cafés & Bistros 100th Monkey Café & Books 642 W. Fifth St., 343-0704 Sandwiches, wraps, desserts and coffee. Open daily. $$ CC ATM
Bellachino’s Espresso & Panini Café
800 Bruce Road, 892-2244 Espresso and coffee, breakfast wraps and sandwiches, soups, wraps, sandwiches,
gourmet salads and pastries. Garden patio, on-site bakery and catering. Open daily. $$ CC ATM
Bidwell Perk
664 E. First Ave., 899-1500 Serving some of the finest coffee, tea and delectables in a café-style setting. $ CC ATM
Cabana Café
1293 E. First Ave., 893-CAFE Inside In Motion Fitness, Cabana Café invites the public to enjoy delicious paninis, wraps and grilled dishes, as well as a large salad bar and frozen yogurt bar. Also serving Peet’s coffee. $ CC ATM
Café Flo
365 E. Sixth St., 514-8888 Serving food and pastries with an emphasis on local and organic ingredients. Coffee, beer and wine. Checks accepted. $$ CC ATM
Cal Java Coffee Roasters
216 W. East Ave., 891-8935; 1601 Esplanade, 894-3534; 2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 893-2662; 1835 Mangrove Ave., 879-1832 Serving pastries, teas and espresso drinks. $ CC ATM
The Coffee Corner
206 Walnut St., St. A, 809-2157
Coffee, tea and pastries. $ CC ATM
Cupcake Crusader
752 East Avenue, 899-1100 Delicious cupcakes—in unique flavors as well as childhood favorites—made fresh daily and to order. Also serving coffee and tea. $ CC ATM
Empire Coffee
434 Orange St., 899-8267 Visit a restored 1940s passenger train car for handcrafted, organic specialty coffee and tea served with maniacal attention to detail. $ CC ATM
Has Beans Creekside
1080 Humboldt Ave., 345-6379 Internet café and bakery. www.hasbeans.com $ CC ATM
Has Beans Internet Café & Galleria
501 Main St., 894-3033 Fresh-roasted coffees, teas, pastries, candy, wireless Internet café and gallery. www.hasbeans.com $ CC ATM
Mondo’s Café
951 Nord Ave., 895-0878 Gourmet espresso and coffee, fresh pastries and bagels. $$ CC ATM
2157 PILLSBURY RD. NEXT TO K-MART CHICO
HOURS: 8a-9p EVERYDAY
345-2666
SAVINGS IN EVERY DEPARTMENT... DAIRY
FRESH PRODUCE
MEAT
ORGANICS
WINE & BEER
CHEESE
Naked Lounge Tea and Coffeehouse
118 W. Second St., 895-0676 Mouth-watering mochas and cappuccinos, and premium loose-leaf teas in downtown Chico. Featuring monthly local art shows. Now non-smoking. Open daily. $ CC ATM
Peet’s Coffee & Tea
145 Main St., 894-6716 Coffee, tea, pastries and candy. Open daily. $ CC ATM
Tin Roof Bakery & Café
FROM HEARTY TO HEART-HEALTHY!
Come try our expanded Summer menu of fresh fruit, salads & wraps.
627 Broadway, 345-1362 Long known for its hand-crafted breads, Tin Roof has expanded into a café serving upscale pastries, artisan sandwiches and fine coffees at its new southdowntown location. $$ CC ATM
Upper Crust Bakery & Eatery
130 Main St., 895-3866 Fine pastries, cakes and pies from scratch; lunch entrees; homemade soups; espresso and teas. Vegetarian and vegan offerings. Urban patio seating. www.uppercrustchico.com $ CC ATM
342–9717 352 Vallombrosa Ave Mon–Fri 6:30am–2pm Sat–Sun 7am–2pm
Voted Best Of 15 Years
Eclectic Eats Bacio Catering & Carry Out
1903 Park Ave., 345-7787 Places an emphasis on seasonal and local offerings in their delicious food fare. Take home or eat on the premises. Open weekdays, from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. www.baciocatering.com $ CC ATM
Broadway Heights California Cuisine
300 Broadway, 899-8075 House-baked focaccia sandwiches, specialty salads, gourmet pizzas, Californiastyle dinner entrées and fresh housemade DINING LIST continued on page 64
LUNCH • DINNER Take-Out
HAPPY HOUR Monday-Friday 4pm-6pm
SENIOR DISCOUNTS 60 & Over MAJOR CREDIT CARDS WWW.HULASBBQ.COM
2540 Esplanade at East Ave.,Chico • 342-8564 1937 E. 20th St., Target Shopping Center • 342-6304 Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 63
Red Tavern
DINING LIST continued from page 63 desserts. www.broadwayheightschico.com $$ CC ATM
Five and Eye
648 W. Fifth St., 343-4555 Sandwiches, wraps, burgers, fish and chips, salads, teriyaki bowls and quesadillas. Beer and wine available at this island-themed eatery in the heart of the south-campus neighborhood. $$ CC ATM
Grilla Bites
196 Cohasset Road, 343-4876 Organic and natural ingredients used in their grilled sandwiches, soups and salad bar. $$ CC ATM
Leonardo’s
973 East Ave., 342-8840 Specializing in Spanish tapas, salads and a variety of Paella, as well as delicacies from France, Italy and Greece. Deli with specialty cheeses and meats. Take out or eat on the premises. Small-group catering also available. $$ CC ATM
Pelican’s Roost Chowder House
1354 East Ave., 899-2762 Fresh clam chowder seven days a week. Wide variety of seafood and seasonal specials at affordable prices. $$ CC ATM
Petra Mediterranean Cuisine
138 Broadway, 899-9958 Mediterranean food fare, including falafel, shawarma and kebobs. Lunch and dinner served Monday through Saturday. $$ CC ATM
Pluto’s
201 Main St., 343-0165 Part of a small, San Francisco-based chain, this popular downtown dining spot features fresh, build-your-own salads and sandwiches, as well as yummy sides and desserts. $ CC ATM
The Pour House
855 East Ave., 893-3000 Delicious New American cuisine in a tasteful yet casual atmosphere. $$ CC ATM
Priya Indian Cuisine
2574 Esplanade, 899-1055 Specializing in northern and southern Indian cuisine, served in a comfortable setting. $$ CC ATM
Sipho’s Restaurant & Café
1228 Dayton Road, 895-1866 Fresh, spicy, healthful Jamaican fare on the edge of town. www.siphos jamaica.com $$ CC ATM
Star of India
685 Manzanita Court, 345-2491 Continental breakfast, a buffet lunch of tasty Indian food, and a dinner menu with a mix of Indian and American cuisine. $ CC
Sultan’s Bistro
300 Broadway, 345-7455 Gyros/pita wraps, shish kebobs, falafel, hummus, baba ghanouj, Greek salads and appetizers, burgers and home fries. Large vegetarian selection. Beer and wine. Open daily. $$ CC ATM
T Bar
250 Vallombrosa Ave., 895-8100 More than 40 teas from which to choose. Plus, fusion favorites including rice and salad bowls, wraps and sides. www.tbarchico.com $$ CC ATM
Fine Dining 5th Street Steakhouse
345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328 Full-service steakhouse featuring USDA prime beef, fresh seafood and housemade desserts. Extensive wine list. Reservations accepted Sunday-Thursday. www.5thstreetsteakhouse.com $$$ CC ATM
Basque Norte
3355 Esplanade, 891-5204 Steak, lamb, chicken, quail, barbecued ribs and seafood served family-style in a rustic Basque atmosphere. Full bar and tapas as well. Family-owned since 1975. www.basquenorte.com $$$ CC ATM
Blueflame Steakhouse & Seafood Grill
3312 Esplanade, 892-9534 Serving steaks, seafood, prime rib, pasta and chicken, along with gourmet burgers and sandwiches. Eat inside or dine on the shady outdoor patio. Full bar, too. $$$ CC ATM
Christian Michaels Ristorante
192 E. Third St., 894-4005 Featuring a California-style, Mediterranean and Italian menu, with a full bar and extensive wine list. Happy hour 4-6 p.m. daily. Reservations recommended. $$$ CC ATM
Johnnie’s Restaurant
220 W. Fourth St., 895-1515 Located inside the historic Hotel Diamond, Johnnie’s offers seafood, steaks and tapas, and is known for its handmade cocktails and unique innovation cuisine. The restaurant offers social dining with elegance. Lunch and dinner daily, Sunday brunch. www.johnniesrestaurant.com $$$ ATM
Leon Bistro
817 Main St., 899-1105 Freshly prepared California bistro cuisine, made from locally sourced and organic ingredients. Menu items include steaks, fish, poultry and vegetarian options. Weekend champagne brunch. Open Wednesday through Sunday. www.leonbistro.com $$$ CC ATM
Monks Wine Lounge & Bistro
128 W. Second St., 343-3408 Long known for its excellent, extensive wine list, Monks has become a destination for scrumptious fine dining. A seasonal menu features locally sourced, organic ingredients as well as a delicious array of appetizers and tapas. Check out Mafioso Mondays (all-you-can-eat spaghettini and house-made meatballs) and Tapas Tuesdays. $$ CC ATM
Nash’s Restaurant
1717 Esplanade, 896-1147 Fresh, creative, California cuisine with casual and fine-dining options, all beautifully presented by our chefs. Breakfast weekdays, brunch weekends. Lunch weekdays, dinner nightly (except Sunday). www.nashsrestaurantchico.com $$ CC ATM
DINING LIST continued on page 66 64 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
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Breakfast ~ Lunch ~ Dinner Open Early ~ Open Late
Now 2 Locations! DOWNTOWN
133 Broadway (530)894-0191
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NORD AVE.
1000-D W. SACRAMENTO AVE (530)343-0909
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acatacochico.com The Jewel of Chico California • HotelDiamond.com
AUTHENTIC THAI & VEGETARIAN CUISINE
Restaurant & Lounge
The best Thai food you’ll find, short of Thailand
Remodeled Dining Room
Lunch: Mon-Fri 11am-3pm Dinner: Sun-Thurs 5-9:00pm Fri–Sat. 5–9:30pm
117B W. 2nd St. • 342-7121 Downstairs from Brooklyn Bagel Major Credit Cards Accepted
Now Serving Tapas VISITOR GUIDE 1 x 3 (1/9V)
Saturday / Sunday Champagne Brunch Serving Premium Stanford Champagne
Lounge open Daily 11am – Close Dining Room open Thur-Sat 5–Close 220 W. 4th Street • (530) 893-3100 www.hoteldiamondchico.com Fall 2012/Winter 2013 Discover chico 65
DINING LIST continued from page 64
Red Tavern
1250 Esplanade, 894-3463 A seasonal menu specializing in locally grown produce and artisan ingredients. Full bar, eclectic wine list and bocce ball. www.redtavern.com $$$ CC ATM
Sicilian Café
1020 Main St., 345-2233 A Chico favorite since 1983, featuring the freshest local ingredients. The menu includes a variety of antipasti, seafood, pastas, chicken, veal and beef, decadent desserts and an extensive wine list. www.siciliancafe.com $$$ CC ATM
Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant
salad, prime rib burger, broasted chicken, steak, espresso, bear and wine. Outside patio and meeting room available. Free wi-fi. www.cozydinerchico.com $ CC ATM
Jack’s Family Restaurant
540 Main St., 343-8383 Home-style food at reasonable prices in a family atmosphere. $ CC ATM
Kalico Kitchen
2396 Esplanade, 343-3968 Enjoy Kalico’s breakfast skillets and breakfast burritos in the morning, club sandwiches and crispy chicken salad for lunch, and chicken-fried steak and homemade meatloaf for dinner. Homemade pies and soups. Free wi-fi. www.kalico kitchenchico.com $$ CC ATM
1075 E. 20th St., 345-2739 Bistro fare, award-winning ales and an excellent wine list. www.sierra nevadabrew.com $$$ CC ATM
Russell’s Family Restaurant
Spice Creek Café
Italian
230 W. Third St., 891-9951 An exotic food mecca featuring seasonal, local ingredients and spicy, powerful flavors from around the world. The menu includes fresh seafood, steak, breads, fresh desserts and an exciting wine list. www.spicecreekcafe.com $$$ CC
Wine Time
26 Lost Dutchman Dr., 899-9250 A renovated early 1900s pig barn is home to Chico’s newest wine bar serving a variety of small plates, including farmfresh salads, flatbreads and appetizers. Reservations recommended. Closed Sunday and Monday. www.winetimechico.com $$ CC ATM
Homestyle CJ’s Last Chance Diner
185 Cohasset Road, 343-5543 Featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner specials, beer and wine. $$ CC ATM
Angelo’s Cucina Trinacria
407 Walnut St., 899-9996 Serving delicious signature Italian dishes, such as veal scallopini marsala, chicken piccata, fettuccine alfredo and calamari. $$$ CC ATM
Caffe Malvina
234 W. Third St., 895-1614 Top-notch Italian cuisine, featuring delicious homemade minestrone soup, house cannelloni, fresh seafood and veal, yummy desserts and an excellent list of wines. Closed Sunday and Monday. $$$ CC ATM
California Pasta Productions
118 W. East Ave., 343-6999 Serving Italian lunches and dinners,
such as pasta, seafood, chicken, soups and salads. $$ CC ATM
Crush Italian Cuisine & Lounge
201 Broadway, 342-7000 Crush Italian Cuisine & Lounge is a restaurant beyond any local experience, specializing in a combination of traditional and contemporary flavors mixed with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. chicocrush.com $$$ CC ATM
Franky’s
506 Ivy St., 898-9947 Locally owned for 19 years. Delivery through Entree Express. Happy hour 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. www.frankyschico.com $$$ CC ATM
Italian Cottage Restaurant
2234 Esplanade, 343-7000; 2525 Dominic Drive, 342-7771 Family-owned and -operated since 1965, serving local favorites: sandwiches, pizza, pasta, salads and breakfast. www.TheItalianCottage.com $$ CC ATM
Panighetti’s Eatery
2760 Esplanade, 809-1640 Big portions of Italian food, moderately priced. www.panighettis.com $$ CC ATM
Pete’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
2495 Carmichael Drive, 891-0611 Serving the same gourmet pizza, pastas and salads made popular by Original Pete’s in Sacramento. www.original petes.net $$ CC ATM
Mexican Aca Taco
133 Broadway, 894-0191 Authentic Acapulco-style food, includ-
4365 Ocean Drive, 343-1901 Order a gourmet burger, the barrelsmoked tri-tip sandwich or the hot-pastrami. Open Monday-Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $$ CC ATM
Country Morning Bakery & Café
2625 Aztec Drive Cozy breakfast and lunch restaurant featuring delicious home-baked breads, pies, muffins and cinnamon rolls. Hearty, frozen takeaway items include pizzas and casserole dishes. Open Tuesday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch. $ CC ATM
Cozy Diner
1695 Mangrove Ave., 895-1195 Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Cozy favorites: crepes, Cobb 66 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
Caffe Malvina
ing tacos, burritos and housemade enchiladas. $ ATM
Amigos De Acapulco
820 Oroville Ave., 898-8488 Mexican favorites include the special enchiladas and chile rellenos. $ CC ATM
Arsenio’s
969 East Ave., 893-2767 Serving up carnitas, burritos and other traditional Mexican cuisine. www.arseniosmexicanfood.com $$ CC ATM
Burrito Bandito
2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 342-2584 Chico’s newest Mexican joint. www.juanmeanburrito.com $ CC
Casa Ramos
216 W. East Ave., 894-0119; 2490 Fair St., 893-5050 Specializing in borrego (lamb shank) and fresh fajitas: steak, chicken and shrimp. www.casaramos.net $$ CC ATM
'VMM #BS t )BQQZ )PVS t $PPLJOH $MBTTFT
8F %FMJWFS!
346 Broadway St.
Menus available online at rawbarchico.com
(530) 897-0626 Monday-Saturday / 11:30am-CLOSE Sunday / 5pm - CLOSE
www.rawbarchico.com
Chronic Tacos
119 W. Second St., 895-8226 Authentic third-generation Mexican recipes served in a casual atmosphere in the heart of downtown. Burritos, tacos, tostada bowls, enchiladas and nachos. Fresh chips and salsa, too. Open daily. www.chronictacos.net $ CC ATM
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El Patron Taqueria
1354 East Ave., 343-9779; 2454 Notre Dame Blvd., 891-8888 (El Patron II) Authentic Mexican food in a casual atmosphere. $
El Rey Mexican Grill
465 E. 20th St., 342-4121 Affordable and delicious Mexican food fare, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. $ CC ATM
Gordo Burrito
1295 E. Eighth St., 809-1211 Giant tacos, burritos and other authentic Mexican food fare served up quickly. Open daily. $ CC ATM
La Cocina Economica
905 Wall St., 809-0370 Affordable and authentic Mexican breakfast, lunch and dinner, conveniently located in downtown Chico. Locals eat here and widely recommend the establishment. www.lacocinachico.com $ CC
La Comida
954 Mangrove Ave., 345-2254 Mexican-style food served up fast in a friendly atmosphere. $ ATM
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. A . D . S . U
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Elegant Banquet Room Now available Open Fridays for Lunch
891-6328 345 W. 5th Street • Chico Open Daily for Dinner Call for Reservations
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Fall 2012/Winter CHICO 67 08 2013 DISCOVER09
DINING LIST continued from page 67
Big Al’s
Happy Burger • Burgers just the way you like them • Great Fries • Mouth–Watering, Triple Thick Shakes
Always Delicious! E. 9th Avenue & Esplanade
342-2722
La Familia Restaurant
1008 W. Sacramento Ave., 898-9029 Serving a variety of Mexican food, such as fajitas, carnitas and burritos. $ CC ATM
La Hacienda
2635 Esplanade, 893-8270 Traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine. $$ CC ATM
Ricardo’s Mexican Restaurant
2365 Esplanade, 895-9607 Specializing in fresh, delicious Mexican food, prepared from scratch and served in a cozy atmosphere. $$ CC ATM
Serrano’s Mexican Grill
645 W. Fifth St., 343-2828 Customize-’em-yourself, authenticstyle burritos made with fresh ingredients. Conveniently located near the university. $
Sol Mexican Grill
530.343.1928
FreSh IngredIentS authentIC taSte
1 OFF
$
Valid at either Kiwi Blast or Serrano’s Mexican Grill. One coupon per customer, per visit. Not good with any other offers exp
3/31/12
14 FlavOrS tO t ChOOSe FrOm InCludIng sorbets, no sugar added, non-fat and low fat yogurts
530.343.2828 Corner of 5 & I 645 W. 5th St, Chico 68 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill
3269 Esplanade, 342-4616 Tacos, burritos, tostada salads, chili rellenos, tortas, enchiladas, chimi-changas and churros. New expanded seating area. Beer, wine and margaritas. Free wi-fi. Call ahead for to-go orders. www.solmexican grill.com $ CC ATM
Speedy Burrito Mexican Grill
Chico News & Review Client: Big Al's
Fall Visitors Guide 08 Size: 1 columns by 3 Run date: FVG2008 Rep: VMD Tacos Villa Acapulco
SPELL BY: jen 1141 ForestCHECKED Ave., 892-2858 An authentic taste of Mexico, serving traditional tacos, burritos and special combos. $ CC ATM Taqueria Los Amigos
3524 Highway 32, 342-9113 Delicious family-style Mexican food on the way to Hamilton City. Closed Sundays. $ CC ATM
Teddy Malibu’s
1031 Nord Ave., 896-0141 Great-tasting, healthfully prepared Mexican cooking. Delivery available. www.chicospeedyburrito.com $ CC ATM
1002 W. Fifth St., 894-8226 Famous for their fresh grilled fish, chicken and steak tacos, burritos and salads. Also featuring chicken fajitas, carnitas, full salsa bar and $1 Coronitas. $ CC
Tacos Cortés
Tortilla Flats
1530 Park Ave., 342-3797 Inexpensive, authentic and generous amounts of Mexican food. $ CC ATM
Tacos Mary
429 Ivy St., 892-8176; 1141 Forest Ave., 343-2935 Home of the biggest burrito in Chico. $ CC ATM
Tacos Tijuana
1441 Park Ave., 343-6762 Tacos, combination plates and breakfast burritos. Birria, posole and menudo on weekends. Exquisite homemade flan for dessert. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $ CC
Tacos Tonaya
244 Walnut St., 893-8972 Tacos, burritos, nachos, enchiladas, sopes and more. $ CC ATM
2601 Esplanade, 345-6053 Patio, full bar and banquet room. $ CC
Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill
100 Broadway, 342-0425 Fajitas, seafood tacos, pasta, grilled fresh fish, steaks and more than 120 premium tequilas. Lunch and dinner daily. Full bar. $$ CC
Names you know Applebee’s Grill and Bar
2030 Business Lane, 343-6888 Famous for barbecue riblets, grilled steaks and Oriental chicken salad. Open daily. www.jafoods.com $$ CC ATM
Baskin-Robbins
241 W. East Ave., 891-1131; 668 Mangrove Ave., 895-0731; 2009 Forest Ave., 345-7331 Ice cream, smoothies, shakes and cakes. www.baskinrobbins.com $ CC
panini, salads and soup. Peet’s Coffee with full espresso bar. Closed Sunday. $$ CC ATM
Hometown Buffet
2021 Drive Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, 899-1507 All-you-can-eat buffet serving an array of food fare, such as steak and seafood. Drink and dessert included. www.hometownbuffet.com $$ CC ATM
International House of Pancakes
2040 Business Lane., 893-4988 Breakfast served all day, plus lunch and dinner featuring sandwiches and burgers. www.ihop.com $$ CC ATM
Jamba Juice Chili’s
1908 E. 20th St., 345-1687 Everything from steaks and margaritas to its famous baby-back ribs. $$ CC ATM
Chipotle Mexican Grill
620 Mangrove Ave., 343-8707 Fast, made-to-order gourmet burritos and tacos with “endless” combinations of fillings. www.chipotle.com $ CC ATM
Cold Stone Creamery
146 Broadway, 891-3331 Premium ice cream, sorbet and cakes made fresh daily with your choice of fruit, candy, nuts or syrup “mix-ins.” Shakes, smoothies and banana splits, too. www.coldstonecreamery.com $ CC ATM
Denny’s
675 Manzanita Court, 345-1146 Favorite meals served in a retro diner, family atmosphere. Always open. $ CC ATM
Domino’s Pizza
324 Walnut St., 891-5888 Hot, fresh, made-to-order pizzas, salads, breadsticks and Buffalo wings. Delivery and takeout available. www.dominos.com $$ CC ATM
Dutch Bros. Coffee
480 E Park Ave., 893-0634; 2393 Cohasset Road; 1733 Esplanade Convenient drive-through featuring mochas, lattes, smoothies, the “Dutch Freeze” and various baked treats. $ CC ATM
Great Harvest Bread Co.
237 W. East Ave., 566-9605; 1141 Forest Ave., 345-7155; 1223 Mangrove Ave., 899-7273 Several fresh-baked breads and pastries served daily. Serving sandwiches,
201 Broadway, 345-5355; 2027 Forest Ave., 891-5901; 855 East Ave., 891-9340 Fresh juices and smoothies with vitamin enhancers, plus nutritious breads and wheat grass. www.jambajuice.com $ CC ATM
Java Detour
1055 Mangrove Ave., 893-2828; 2519 Esplanade, 566-9556 Drive-through espresso and coffee drinks, smoothies and Italian sodas. $ CC ATM
Little Caesar’s Pizza
118 W. East Ave., 894-570; 598 E. Eighth St., Chico, 894-8300 “Pizza! Pizza!” specials, great lunch specials. www.littlecaesars.com $$ CC ATM
Logan’s Roadhouse
1900 E. 20th St., 891-1098 Throw peanut shells on the floor as you wait for your steak, sandwich, burger, salad or a variety of other food fare. Open daily. www.jafoods.com $$$ CC ATM
Marie Callender’s
1910 E. 20th St., 345-8800 Breakfast specials Monday-Friday. Sunday brunch, cocktails and fresh pies served in a casual atmosphere. www.jafoods.com $$ CC ATM
Olive Garden
2020 Business Lane., 898-8075 Serving pasta and other Italian specialties, including drinks. www.olive garden.com $$ CC ATM
Outback Steakhouse
1990 E. 20th St., 899-8112 Fresh steaks, seafood and chicken. www.outback.com $$ CC ATM
Panda Express
2443 Cohasset Road, 345-7389 Traditional Chinese favorites and other creations served up fast. Drivethrough available. Open daily. $ CC ATM
Papa Murphy’s Take ‘n’ Bake Pizza
1305 Mangrove Ave., 345-6403; 2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 898-1560; 14 W. Eaton Road, 343-3993 Gotta love that take-and-bake! www.papamurphys.com $$ CC ATM
The Pita Pit
240 Broadway, 899-2847 From falafel to Philly cheesesteak, they roll pitas with your choice of meats, fresh veggies, cheeses and sauces. $ CC ATM
Pizza Guys
2471 Cohasset Road, 894-8888 Take-out or delivery. $$$ CC ATM
Quiznos Sub Shop
2471 Cohasset Road, 891-9500 Oven-toasted sandwiches made with quality meats, cheese and fresh produce. Open daily. www.quiznos.com $ CC ATM
Red Lobster
2010 Business Lane, 893-5595 Fresh fish, steak, pasta and seafood in a fun, family environment. www.red lobster.com $$$ CC ATM
Round Table Pizza
964 Mangrove Ave., 343-4254; 2201 Pillsbury Road, 891-1200; 2027 Forest Ave., 342-7265 Famous pizza and salad bar served in a cozy atmosphere, or have it delivered (where available). www.roundtable pizza.com $$$ CC ATM
Sbarro
1950 E. 20th St. (inside Chico Mall), 345-7266 Serving pizza, calzones, rolls and pasta salad. www.sbarro.com $ CC ATM
Starbucks
246 Broadway, 343-8182; 1910 Esplanade, 892-8569; 2009 Forest Ave., 894-7533; 2471 Cohasset Road, 894-1323; 995 Nord Ave., 343-8586; 146 W East Ave., 343-3434 Wireless Internet at some locations. www.starbucks.com $ CC ATM
Subway
1000 W. Sacramento Ave., 342-9777; 2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 893-4782; 1947 E. 20th St., 343-5803; 1398 East Ave., 894-8757; 240 W. East Ave., 894DINING LIST continued on page 70 Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 69
DINING LIST continued from page 69 6779; 722 Mangrove Ave., Chico Eat fresh! www.subway.com $ CC ATM
Togo’s
241 W. East Ave., 891-1131; 2009 Forest Ave., 345-7331 Sandwiches, soups and salads. Catering, too. $ CC ATM
Pizza Celestino’s New York Pizza
101 Salem St., 896-1234; 1354 East Ave., 345-7700 (Celestino’s Pasta & Pizza) Award-winning New York-style pizza. Whole pizza and by-the-slice available. Fresh salads, hot sandwiches, lasagna, calzones and more! www.celestinospizza chico.com $$ CC ATM
Domino’s Pizza
324 Walnut St., 891-5888 Hot, fresh, made-to-order pizzas, salads, breadsticks and Buffalo wings. Delivery and takeout available. www.dominos.com $$ CC ATM
Farm Star Pizza
Grana
198 E. Second St., 809-2304 Artisan pizzas downtown. $$$ CC
Left Coast Pizza Co.
800 Bruce Road, 892-9000 Hand-rolled gourmet pizza (including glutenfree), chicken wings, salad bar, beer and wine. Live music on Thursday nights. $$ CC
Mad Dash Pizza
The Down Lo
2391 Cohasset Road, 899-1010 Drive-through eats. Features personal pizzas, wings with specialty sauces and fresh-squeezed orange juice. $ CC ATM
319 Main St., 892-2445 Enjoy traditional pub grub and occasional live music at this downtown basement hangout. $ CC ATM
Main Street Pizza
The End Zone
331 Main St., 345-6246 Late-night pizza. $
Mama Celeste’s Stone Baked Pizzeria
2359 Esplanade, 343-2056 Delicious handmade craft pizzas. www.farmstarpizza.com $$ CC ATM
1008 W. Sacramento Ave., 345-1510 Serving signature Italian sandwiches, “Cracker Crust” Pizza, and build-your-own calzones. Take-out, dine-in. $ CC
Fatte’s Pizza
Monstros Pizza & Subs
1380 East Ave., 892-1122 Preparing pizza, subs, family and party deals. Pick-up and delivery daily ’til 11 p.m. www.fattespizzaofchico.com $$ CC ATM Mad Dash Pizza
628 W. Sacramento Ave., 345-7672 Pizza, subs and live punk rock. $
Mountain Mike’s Pizza
1722 Mangrove Ave., 893-1923; 1105 W. Fifth St., 899-9115 Salad bar and sandwiches, plus pizza. $$$ CC ATM
Woodstock’s Pizza
166 E. Second St., 893-1500 Award-winning pizza, cold beer on tap, fresh salads, appetizers, desserts and new sandwiches. Dine-in, take-out and delivery. Free WiFi. $$ CC ATM
Pub Grub The Banshee
132 W. Second St., 895-9670 Serves up burgers and a variety of other pub eats. $$ CC
Bella’s Sports Pub
134 Broadway, 893-5253 Great pub food, huge beer selection and sports on big-screen, high-definition TVs. $ CC ATM 70 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
The End Zone
250 Cohasset Road, 345-7330 A sports bar serving up more than a dozen appetizers, along with burgers, sandwiches, salads and weekend brunch. Open daily with late hours. $$ CC ATM
Oasis Bar & Grill
1007 W. First St. 343-4305 Great burgers, dogs and sandwiches. Pool, ping-pong, shuffleboard and 15 flatscreen TVs. Daily drink specials. $ ATM
Panama Bar & café
177 E. Second St., 895-8817 Appetizers and American pub food, including 31 burgers. Full bar. $ CC
Park Avenue Bar & Grill
2010 Park Ave., 893-3500 Features half-pound, ground-prime burgers and fresh-cut French fries. Full bar. Catering available. $ CC ATM
Riley’s
702 W. Fifth St., 343-7459 Happy hour, $1 sliders, daily thigh Thursdays, all-you-can-eat two-for-one burgers on Mondays. Locally owned for 25 years. $ CC ATM
Tackle Box Bar & Grill
375 East Park Ave., 345-7499 South Chico hot-spot featuring alligator, frog legs and burgers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Daily specials. Full bar, live music. Happy Hour 1-7:30 p.m. $$ CC ATM
Specialty Drinks & Desserts Brain Freeze Yogurt
2760 Esplanade, 636-4525 Frozen yogurt. $ CC ATM
The Cookie Shoppe
1600 Mangrove Ave., 899-3385 Featuring gourmet cookies and gift items. Open weekdays. $
Cupcake Crusader
752 East Ave., 899-1100 Delicious cupcakes—in unique flavors as well as childhood favorites—made fresh daily and to order. Also serving coffee and tea. $ CC ATM
Donut Nook
958 East Ave., 342-2118 Donuts, muffins, Danish, scones, cookies and espresso. Closed from 1-8:30 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays. $ CC
Donut Rising
1008 Sacramento Ave., Ste. A1, 894-7847 Family-operated Donut Rising brings the local donut scene to a whole new level. This artisan shop features handcrafted specialty donuts, such as the gummy-bear-topped Terr Bear and the bacon-topped O’Canada Bar. www.donutrising.com $
La Flor de Michoacán Palatería y Nevería
1080 W. Sacramento Ave., 893-9999 A Mexican ice cream shop of colorful abundance, with so many flavors and toppings, decisions are most difficult. Open daily. $ CC ATM
Orange Julius
1950 E. 20th St., 894-8304 Julius drinks, fruits, smoothies, pita sandwiches, hot dogs and nachos. www.orangejulius.com $
Powell’s Sweet Shoppe
121 W. Third St., 332-9866 An old-fashioned candy store with more than 5,000 treats, including gelatos and sorbettos. $ CC ATM
Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy
178 E. Seventh St., 342-7163 This local favorite has produced ice cream and confections for more than 70 years. Enjoy banana splits or root beer floats on the benches and tables out front! Open daily. www.shuberts.com $ CC
Spoons
Thursday Night Market, 513-1599 Gourmet ice creams and treats. Vegan and lactose-free options available and pints are for sale online. www.spoons chico.com $
Synergy Health & Wellness
2404 Esplanade, 345-4528 Delicious donuts. $
225 Main Street, inside Garden Walk Mall, 570-1707 A nutritional club serving healthful three-part meals—aloe, teas and smoothies. $ CC ATM
Gelayo Frozen Yogurt & Gelato
Top Spot Yogurt and Crepes
Helen’s Donut Nook
Top This Frozen Yogurt
Donut Wheel
1380 East Ave., 345-7626 Frozen yogurt and gelato. $
807 Main St., 343-4031 Fresh donuts and coffee. Daily ’til 2 p.m. $
Jon & Bon’s Yogurt Shoppe
300 Broadway, 899-9580; 1722 Mangrove Ave., 899-0484 Delicious frozen yogurt, smoothies, ice cream, frozen coffee drinks and Hawaiian snow. $ ATM
Kiwi Blast Frozen Yogurt
645 W 5th St., 343-2828 A frozen yogurt shop in the heart of college land. $ CC ATM
Fresh & Delicious Prepared Daily
1947 E. 20th St., 894-2400 Frozen yogurt and crepes. $
201 Broadway, 879-9100 Organic self-serve yogurt. 100 toppings to choose from. $
Wine Creekside Cellars
250 Vallombrosa, 894-7696 Wine and cheese shop offering wine tasting with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and outdoor seating. Store open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tasting room open Thursday-Saturday, 4-7 p.m www.creeksidecellars.com $$ CC ATM ●
Large banquet room available 2601 Esplanade•Chico 10 530.345.6053 Open Daily
10
A Chico Tradition of Excellence 10
BAKERY:Treats,
ning Coffees, Teas10, Mor s & Quiches ds, Soup Sandwiches, Sala
10
CAFE:
Cakes Pastries, Wedding sions for all occa & Desserts 10
10
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130 Main Street Downtown Chico 10 www.UpperCrustChico.com (530) 895-3866 Open 7 Days a Week!
10
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Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 71
LODGING
Rested and refreshed A
fter a busy day exploring Chico, it’s time for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Fortunately, our lovely little city is home to a variety of options for an overnight stay—affordable motels and familiar chains are available, of course, but Chico also boasts a number of charming bed and breakfasts for those who are looking for some serious pampering.
PHOTO BY ABRAM HOUSE
Reservations are recommended, especially for holidays and popular weekends, such as Memorial Day, Labor Day and, of course, the weekend of Chico State’s commencement ceremonies. If you don’t already have reservations for graduation weekend 2013, your graduate’s
couch (or even one of the student dorms, which open to parents graduation weekend) might be a good alternative—believe it or not, people are booking accommodations as much as a year in advance.
72 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
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LODGING continued on page 74
“Stay You” We offer:
• Free Hot Breakfast • FREE Wi-Fi Internet • Business Center (fax/copy) • Fitness Center • Heated Pool/Hot Tub • Dry Sauna
• Suites available w/ microwaves & refrigerators • Complimentary USA Today • Pet Friendly • Priority Club Rewards • Friendly Staff
All New Rooms! 665 Manzanita Ct. Chico, CA • (530)345-5500 • Pool • Free local calls • Free morning coffee • Restaurant on-site • Pet friendly • Kids 17 & under stay Free • AARP • HBO & ESPN 1 & 2 and more... • WIFI available in all guest rooms for a nominal lfee
Toll-Free Nationwide Reservations 1-800-4-MOTEL6 www.motel6.com
Budget Inn • Close to Downtown, CSUC and Fairgrounds • Free Local Calls and Showtime, ESPN & More • Free Wifi • Microwaves & Refrigerators in room • Corporate/Senior/Group Rates Available 10% off with this ad. Must present at front desk. Not valid holidays/weekends/special events
530-342-9472
1717 Park Ave., Hwy 99, Chico, CA 95928
1x3 (1/20 V)
news & review business use o designer kc issUe dATe 04.16.11 FiLe nAMe holidayinncorning041611r3
please carefully review your advertisement and veri Ad size (CoLUMn X inChes) speLLing nUMbers & dATes ConTACT inFo (phone, Address, eTC) Ad AppeArs As reqUesTed ApproVed by: Fall 2012/Winter 2013 Discover chico 73
LODGING continued from page 72
Bed & Breakfasts Cory’s Country Inn 4673 Nord Highway, 345-2955. This peaceful getaway spot features three exclusive art-gallery rooms, a chef-prepared breakfast-to-order and a “secret garden.” www.coryscountry inn.com The Grateful Bed
Durham House Inn 2280 Durham Dayton Highway, Durham, 342-5900. Just a hop away in this bucolic little farming town, Durham House Inn—a beautiful 1874 Italianate Victorian formally known as the W. W. Durham House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places—boasts three elegant rooms and a cottage, all furnished in period Victorian furniture. Expansive grounds with fruit trees and a large dining room add to the charm of the place. www.durhamhouseinn.com
Goodman House 1362 Esplanade, 566-0256. This lovely, turn-of-the-last-century, fiveroom bed and breakfast is conveniently situated on the corner of East Fourth Avenue and The Esplanade, near the Chico State campus and downtown. www.goodman house.net
The Grateful Bed 1462 Arcadian Ave., 342-2464. A full candlelit breakfast awaits you at this cleverly named, charming, twostory 1905 Victorian bed and breakfast located in the Avenues. No pets or children younger than 12. www.thegratefulbed.net
Johnson’s Country Inn 3935 Morehead Ave., 345-7829. Surrounded by a garden and orchards, this well-appointed, fourroom bed and breakfast is only five minutes by car from downtown Chico and the university. www.northval ley.net/johnsonsinn
L’Abri Bed & Breakfast
14350 Highway 99, 893-0824. A three-room, ranch-style bed and breakfast on 2 1/2 acres, this B&B’s name means “the shelter” in French. www.labribandb.com
Hotels & Motels America’s Best Value Inn 740 Broadway, 343-3286
Best Western Heritage Inn 25 Heritage Lane, 894-8600
Budget Inn of Chico 1717 Park Ave., 342-9472; www.budgetinnofchico.com
Courtyard by Marriott 2481 Carmichael Drive, 894-6699; www.marriott.com
Heritage Inn Express 725 Broadway, 343-4527
Durham House Inn VICTORIAN COUNTRY ELEGANCE
2280 Durham-Dayton Hwy Durham, CA 95938
530.342.5900
www.DurhamHouseInn.com 10 minutes from Downtown Chico
Elegant, historic home in Downtown Chico • Wireless Internet • Walking distance to CSUC, Bidwell Mansion & Enloe Hospital • Gourmet Breakfast • Small meetings or office gatherings • Weekend Wine Social Hour • Recommended by Sunset Magazine
1362 Esplanade, at 4th Ave • 530-566-0256 www.goodmanhouse.net • Email:proprietors@goodman.net
74 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
Holiday Inn
Hotel Diamond
Regency Inn
220 W. Fourth St., 893-3100; www.hoteldiamondchico.com
✯ Close to Downtown
685 Manzanita Court, 345-2491; www.holidayinn.com
• • • •
Newly Renovated All Rooms 25" TV Microfridge Free High Speed Internet Access • King Size Beds Available
Matador Motel 1934 Esplanade, 342-7543
Motel 6 665 Manzanita Court, 345-5500
Low daily and weekly rates.
Oxford Suites
2566 Esplanade Chico, CA 95973
2035 Business Lane, 899-9090
(530) 898-0134
-
52 Newly Renovated Rooms Super Start Breakfast Pool Hair Dryer in all Rooms Guest Laundry Iron & Ironing Board in every room Remote Control 27" Cable TV with HBO In-Room Coffee Interior Corridors Free High Speed Internet Access Next to 24-Hour Denny’s Refrigerators & microwaves in every room
655 Manzanita Ct. - Chico, CA
(530) 345-2533
Toll-free Motel-direct Reservations
Toll-free Nationwide Reservations
1-877-345-2533
1-800-800-8000
Residence Inn by Marriott
VISITOR GUIDE 2 x 3 (2/9H)
Quality Inn Thunderbird Lodge 715 Main St., 343-7911
Residence Inn by Marriott 2485 Carmichael Drive, 894-5500
Safari Inn 2352 Esplanade, 343-3201; www.safarichicomotel.com
FIND THE LOOK YOU LOVE FOR LESS A
t Evans Furniture Galleries we make it easy to find luxurious and quality home furnishings without the designer price tags. But don’t just take our word for it. Come find out firsthand why our family owned business has been the premier home furnishing destination in Sutter County since 1966.
Super 8 655 Manzanita Court, 345-2533
Super Chico Inn 2573 Esplanade, 566-1000
Town House Motel 2231 Esplanade, 343-1621 FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1966
Vagabond Inn 630 Main St., 895-1323; www.vagabondinn.com
Honest Prices & Great Customer Service 2101 Dr MLK Jr Parkway in Chico
●
(530) 895-3000 Hwy 99 in Yuba City
NOW IN CHICO!
(530) 673-2745
Monday-Friday 10am - 8pm • Saturday 10am - 6pm • Sunday Noon - 6pm
Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 75
RELOCATION
PHOTO BY HEATHER GOMES
T
Getting to know Chico
here’s a lot going on in Chico worth learning about. Take a stroll or a drive around town and you’ll find out what this small, vibrant city has to offer. To help you get a better feel for the area, we’ve compiled some important information on health care, schools and our never-boring local politics. Give the facts and figures a read—even longtime residents might learn a thing or two.
POPULATION The population of the city of Chico—established by the State Department of Finance as 87,500 as of Jan. 1, 2012—is a little misleading. That’s because there are pockets of unincorporated land scattered about. Their residents use county services, can’t vote in city elections and most likely are not hooked up to the city sewer system. The “real” population of what’s known as the Greater Chico Urban Area is more than 105,000. That accounts for nearly half of the total population of Butte County, which is 221,273.
HOUSING There are more “for rent” and “for sale” signs around town these days, due to the troubled economy, which can be seen as good news for those moving to Chico. Compared to the Bay Area or L.A., rents in Chico are quite reasonable. Expect to pay at
least $600 a month to rent a onebedroom apartment; $750-plus for a two-bedroom in reasonable shape. Typically, houses are at least $1,000 a month. Though the housing market has cooled, the area isn’t nearly as hard hit as Sacramento, Stockton and other Central Valley regions. According to the market analysis company zillow.com, the median housing sale price in Chico is currently $212,000.
DEMOGRAPHICS Like most North Valley towns, Chico is predominantly white—80.8 percent, to be exact. Recent census information also tallied the city’s population as 15.4 percent Hispanic, with Asians, Native Americans and African-Americans comprising the remaining percentage. The median age of Chico residents hovers around 30—no surprise for a college town— RELOCATION continued on page 78
76 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
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The Haven Inn 2212 Park Ave. 530.342.5704 www.haveninnchico.com
NEED
TO
W E ’V E
GOT EVERYTHING
VISITOR GUIDE 2 x 3 (2/9H)
Bringing You To
Paradise
Rent? !
Houses • Apartments Townhouses • Duplexes • Studios
Thhis is booked for a 1x6. Ple
Check out our website for current listings! Jen know if you change it to www.reliableproperty.com
thanks, Sharon
1382 Longfellow, Chico
RELIABLE
Property Management
8 9 5 - 17 3 3
5350 Skyway, Paradise
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Paradise@C21SelectGroup.com www.C21Skyway.com
1-800-785-7654
Sierra Log HomeS Design & Manufacture log homes - log siding - parts - railing
3650 Morrow Way • Chico • 530.899.0680 sierraloghomes.com
Locally owned and family run since 1992!
Fall 2012/Winter 2013 Discover chico 77
RELOCATION continued from page 76
while Butte County residents’ median age is 35.8.
BEING SAFE Chico is served by the Chico Police Department, except in the case of the unincorporated pockets inside city boundaries, which are served by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Chico PD’s non-emergency line: 897-4911. The Chico State campus is also patrolled by its own lawenforcement entity, the University Police Department. City of Chico Fire Department, besides doing the demanding job of fighting fires, also has specialized teams that perform technical rescues and respond to drowning accidents and hazardous-materials calls.
WEATHER Moderate temperatures in spring and fall make those seasons favorites for outdoorsy types. If you don’t like hot summers, you’re pretty much out of luck. Chico’s summer temperatures sometimes rise past the 100-degree mark, but the season has balmy days, too. Winters are fairly mild, but wet, with the most rainfall coming in January. The average annual rainfall is about 26 inches.
GETTING AROUND With gas prices on the rise, the bus is a good option for getting
Insider tip: Moving to Chico? If so, welcome to our fair city. Chances are you’ll like living here. Most people do. One of the things I encourage all newcomers to do is spend less time in their cars and more on their bicycles. Chico is an ideal bicycling town: flat, mostly dry and criss-crossed by an extensive web of bike paths and bike routes. It’s fun to explore on a bicycle, and if you
78 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
around town. The bus-transit systems for Chico, Oroville and Butte County merged in July 2005, creating Butte Regional Transit, or the “B-Line.” Tickets cost $1.40 and $1.80 for intown and regional services, respectively. Students ages 6 to 18 get a discounted fare. Children younger than 6 ride free (limited to two children per family). Chico State students, faculty and staff ride for free. Check www.blinetransit.com for complete fare and route information. The B-Line runs seven days a week, except on certain holidays; some routes do not operate every day. Seniors and the mobility-impaired may catch a ride from the Chico Clipper (342-0221). Greyhound and Amtrak leave from the train station at 450 Orange St. in Chico. The largest airport in Butte County is the Chico Municipal Airport, which is serviced by United’s SkyWest with about four flights to San Francisco each day. Five highways serve as the main thoroughfares for Butte County. Highway 99 is the main arterial route, running the length of the county in a north/south direction, mainly serving Chico. Highway 70 is the main route serving Oroville, also running north/south. Highway 149 connects the two highways and cities. Highway 191 links Highway 70 to the town of Paradise. And Highway 32 stretches from central Chico westward over the Sacramento River, hooking up with I-5, and also eastward into the mountainous northeast regions.
need to get somewhere quickly, you can do so: A cross-town trip should take no more than 20 minutes. Bicycling is also the best way to experience Chico’s various neighborhoods. It’s more sensual, more immediate, more involving. Instead of being boxed up in a steel-andplastic machine, you’re cruising in open air, listening to birdsong, enjoying the sights, waving to folks in their yards, and really getting the feel of things. Happy bicycling! —ROBERT SPEER
LIBRARY One of the most important aspects of any community is its public library. The Butte County Library system is composed of six excellent facilities and a bookmobile. Literacy services are also available. For more information and library hours, call 538-7198 or visit www.buttecounty.net/bclibrary. Visit the well-stocked Chico branch of the Butte County Library at 1108 Sherman Ave. (at East First Avenue), 891-2762. Hours: Mon. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs., 9 a.m.7 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sunday.
ECONOMY Government, the university and services such as health care and retail trade continue to be the largest employers in Butte County, but dominant behind the scenes is the $450-million-a-year agriculture industry (almonds and rice in particular). Usually, Butte County’s unemployment rate hovers around 6 percent to 8 percent and shifts seasonally, but due to the struggling economy and recent rounds of layoffs, Butte County’s unemployment rate came in at 12.8 percent in July 2012, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to 2010 census information, the average per-capita income was $17,517, and the median household income was $32,018. Butte County wages are notoriously low, but then the cost of living here is lower than in the big cities.
POLITICS You may have noticed that California has earned a reputation as perhaps the most politically volatile (and most interesting, if you like excitement) state in the union. Don’t expect any less from the politics that play out in Chico and the rest of Butte County. Newcomers may be surprised by the passion locals exhibit on all sides of issues related to political elections, bond measures and land use. But the more impassioned the populace, the more likely the town is worth shouting about. Chico is no exception.
The city is led by a seven-member City Council; each member serves a four-year term. Elections are staggered every two years—three seats in one cycle and four the next. Campaigners are often boisterous and bold, and candidates oftentimes raise $20,000 or more to gain a position that pays $600 a month. Chico generally elects top-notch people to fill these seats, and these people are accountable to their constituents—which amounts to everyone within the city limits; council members are elected at large and thus do not represent separate geographical districts. The Chico City Council is a weakmayor system, meaning the mayor— currently Ann Schwab—is not elected to that office by voters but rather is appointed by the elected City Council and possesses only figurative power. An appointed city manager administers the day-to-day functioning of city government. Along with the City Council, Chico is governed by the Butte County Board of Supervisors. Most of the county offices are in Oroville. Two of the five elected supervisors— Larry Wahl and Maureen Kirk—represent Chico because of its relatively large population. Like City Council meetings, the supervisors’ meetings can be heated affairs, marked by passion about what is best for the people who live here.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS HOSPITAL Enloe Medical Center 1531 Esplanade, 332-7300. www.enloe.org
CLINICS Chico Family Health Center 680 Cohasset Road, 342-4395.
Caring for Chico
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RELOCATION continued on page 80 Fall 2012/Winter 2013 DISCOVER CHICO 79
NO NEEDLE NO SCALPEL VASECTOMY No anxiety procedure 15-20 minute in-office procedure State-of-the-art, personalized care in a safe & confidential environment Most insurance accepted
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Enloe Rehabilitation Center
Chico Immediate Care Medical Center
340 W. East Ave., 332-6138.
376 Vallombrosa Ave., 891-1676.
Enloe Children’s Health Center 277 Cohasset Road, 332-6000.
Enloe Medical Center— Cohasset 560 Cohasset Road, 332-4111.
Board Certified in Urology
24 Hanover Lane, Chico 895–0428 www.DRSTERZER.com
Enloe Outpatient Center 888 Lakeside Village Commons Drive, 332-6400.
Shalom Free Clinic 1190 E. First Ave., 518-8300. www.shalomfreeclinic.org
Skypark Walk-In Medical Center 2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 899-9500.
OTHER FACILITIES Chico Surgery Center 615 W. East Ave., 895-1800. www.chicosc.com
Enloe Regional Cancer Center 265 Cohasset Road, 332-3808.
Enloe Medical Center— Behavioral Health 560 Cohasset Road, 332-5250.
Skyway Surgery Center 121 Raley Blvd., 230-2000.
WOMEN’S WELLNESS AND FAMILY PLANNING Planned Parenthood 3100 Cohasset Road, 342-8367.
Women’s Health Specialists 1469 Humboldt Road, 891-1911.
Women’s Resource Clinic 115 W. Second Ave., 897-6101. All services are free and confidential. 24-hour hotline: 897-6100.
PREGNANCY RESOURCES Better Babies 578 Rio Lindo Ave., 894-5585. www.betterbabies.org
Paradise Midwifery Services 771 Buschmann Road, Paradise, 872-7579.
Enloe Mother & Baby Care Center 1531 Esplanade, 332-3970. www.enloe.org/baby
Enloe Mother & Baby Education Center & Boutique 251 Cohasset Road, Ste. 120, 3323970. www.enloe.org/baby
SENIOR CARE Enloe Home Care & Hospice 1390 E. Lassen Ave., 332-6050 (home care), 332-6060 (hospice). www.enloe.org
RELOCATION continued on page 82 80 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
FREE
Pregnancy Tests
All services are FREE & Confidential Walk-Ins Welcome!
THINK
FREE.
Open: Mon - Thurs 10am-5pm & Friday 10am-1pm Office: (530) 897-6101
115 W. 2nd Ave. (2nd & Esplanade) 24-Hour Hotline (530) 897-6100
Oriental Massage VISITOR GUIDE 1 x 3 (1/9V)
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1722 Mangrove Ave, Ste 38 • 530.636.4368 2540 Esplanade, Ste 6 • 530.899.0888
Wellness Clinics held
Wednesday nights from 6-9pm We’re Here When You Need us
Open 24/7
(Including Weekends and Holidays)
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2480 Dr. MLK Jr. Parkway (Next to Costco) Chico, CA 95928 www.valleyoakveterinarycenter.com w
1-530-342-Pets (7387) Fall 2012/Winter 2013 Discover chico 81
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Passages Adult Resource Center 2491 Carmichael Drive, 898-5923. www.passagescenter.org
PUBLIC HEALTH Butte County Department of Public Health 695 Oleander Ave., 891-2732. www.buttecounty.net
program and oversees several charter schools. The Inspire School of Arts and Sciences—an “internal” CUSD charter school—offers an innovative high-school curriculum as an alternative to conventional high school. The CUSD also oversees a community day school, which, by referrals, takes in students who have been on probation or suspension. www.chicousd.org
CHARTER SCHOOLS Blue Oak Charter School
EDUCATION PUBLIC SCHOOLS Chico Unified School District Formed in 1964, the Chico Unified School District currently serves more than 12,000 students. The district has a policy of letting parents send their students to the schools of their choice, as long as there’s room. The CUSD includes 11 elementary schools, one K-8 open-structured-classroom school, three junior highs and three high schools (including a continuation school). Several campuses have special programs, such as Two-Way Language Immersion, Open Structure and Academics Plus. Test scores and other state measures of achievement are kept at the district offices at 1163 E. Seventh St. (891-3000). The CUSD offers a home-schooling
450 W. East Ave., 879-7483. Kindergarten-eighth grade. www.blueoakcharterschool.org
Chico Country Day School 102 West 11th St., 895-2650. Kindergarten-eighth grade. www.chicocountryday.org
Chico Montessori Children’s House 3105 Esplanade, 342-5518. Kindergarten-sixth grade. www.chicomontessori.com
Forest Ranch Charter School
grade. www.inspirecusd.org
Nord Country School 5554 California St., 891-3138. Kindergarten-sixth grade. www.nord countryschool.org
Sherwood Montessori 746 Moss Ave., 345-6600. Kindergarten-eighth grade. www.sherwoodmontessori.org
Wildflower Open Classroom P.O. Box 8327, 892-1676. Located on the McManus Elementary School campus; kindergarten-eighth grade. www.wildflowerschool.com
PRIVATE SCHOOLS Champion Christian School 1184 East Ave., 345-8008. Seventh12th grade. www.championchristian school.org
Chico Christian School 2801 Notre Dame Blvd., 879-8989. Kindergarten-eighth grade, plus preschool. www.chicochristian.org
King’s Christian School
15815 Cedar Creek Road, Forest Ranch, 891-3154. Kindergarteneighth grade. www.forestranchschool.org
1137 Arbutus Ave., 345-1377. Kindergarten-sixth grade. www.gokingschristian.com
Inspire School of Arts & Sciences
435 Hazel St., 342-2502. Kindergarten-eighth grade. www.ndschico.org
Chico High School campus, 901 Esplanade, 891-3090. Ninth-12th
Notre Dame School
Pleasant Valley Baptist School 13539 Garner Lane, 343-2949. Kindergarten-12th grade. www.pvbaptist.org
Progressive Schoolhouse 2400 Notre Dame Blvd., 345-5665. Kindergarten-eighth grade. www.pro gressiveschoolhouse.com
Rose Scott Open-Structured School 850 Palmetto Ave., 354-3101. First-12th grade. www.rose scottschool.com 82 DISCOVER CHICO Fall 2012/Winter 2013
●
You should be getting it once a week.
NOW ENROLraLdIesN1-G8 Kindergarten & G
W. East Ave.
a Cal l f or ur To Scho ol
. Ave lly Ho
Cussick Ave. OAK SCHOOL HBLUE
Esplanade
Tuition-Free Public Charter School Waldorf Curriculum Infused with Art and Music Spanish Language Program for All Grades Rigorous, Standards-Aligned Academics Healthy Free and Reduced Cost Lunch Program CARD Aftercare and Kinder-Care Program
On stands every Thursday
450 W. East Ave. â&#x20AC;˘ Chico 530.879.7483 K-8 WALDORF-METHODS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
www.blueoakcharterschool.org Fall 2012/Winter 2013 Discover chico 83
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December
12/4 Danú: Christmas in Ireland 12/5 Comedy Pet Theater 12/7 Sweet Honey In The Rock
The guide to visiting
Celebrating the Holidays
12/13-16 Nutcracker
and living in the jewel
January August
8/22 The Avett Brothers Americana & Alt. Rock
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8/28 Steve Martin
& the Steep Canyon Rangers
September
2/1 Tommy Emmanuel 2/6 Cirque Mechanics
Comedic Acrobats & Gymnastics
2/7 Whose Live Anyway? 2/12 Juan de Marcos
9/20 Don Gonyea
2/14 Russian National Orchestra 2/17 Eric Bibb & Habib Koité 2/20 Paco Peña: Flamenco Vivo 2/27 Calder Quartet
NPR Correspondent
9/25 Elvis Costello 9/27 Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett Little Feat Guitarists
October
10/3 Fiddler on the Roof Jr. 10/5 Robert Glennon: Unquenchable
& the Afro-Cuban Stars
World Music
Kung Fu Spectacular
3/16 Rhythm of the Dance
Gypsy Jazz
3/20 Wynton Marsalis
10/18 Doc Severinsen
Dance Theatre Irish Dance
& Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
& the San Miguel 5
3/22 H4ê< k $3 ª] 0
Comedy & Satire
4/5&6 4/7 4/11 4/12
10/26 Reduced Shakespeare Co. 10/27 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
November
11/3 A Chorus Line 11/5 Shirin Ebadi Nobel Peace Prize
11/7 B.B. King 11/13 Ballet Folklórico de Mexico 11/15 Angélique Kidjo African Diva
11/27 Punch Brothers
Progressive Bluegrass
Includes: Relocation information
3/3 African Children’s Choir 3/9 Yuval Ron Ensemble
3/14 Lula Washington
10/12 In the Footsteps of Django
FALL 2012 WINTER 2013
March
Book in Common
10/10 Shaolin Warriors
FREE
February
9/5 Ziggy Marley 9/14 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Chico World Music Festival
of the Sacramento Valley
1/22 Clint Black Trio 1/23 Golden Dragon Acrobats 1/30 Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo
April
Keeping Dance Alive! Menopause the Musical Ukulele Orchestra Ray Kurzweil
Inventor & Futurist
May
5/9 Paul Taylor Dance Co. 5/15 The Little Mermaid Jr.
For tickets & more information: WWW.CHICOPERFORMANCES.COM or call (530) 898-6333. Presented by Chico News & Review and the Chico Chamber of Commerce