Discover Chico Spring/Summer 2012 by News & Review

The guide to visiting and living in the jewel of the Sacramento Valley S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 2 • FREE

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

Presented by Chico News & Review and the Chico Chamber of Commerce

Midwifery Service “I chose a midwife because she listens to me.” • Accepting New Patients • Gynecology Services • Access to care in Chico and Paradise • Give Birth at the beautiful “Birth Day Place” Our Midwives: • Lisa Catterall, CNM

• Kerry Eldridge, CNM • Cheryl Struve, CNM • Ann Wright, CNM

Chico • 530-345-4471 Paradise • 530-872-7579 www.chicobabies.com 2 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2012

The Birth Day Place Comfort

Home-like surroundings

Serenity Compassionate care

Security State-of-the-art technology Visit our website: • Download New Mother Birthing Packet • Take a photo tour of the Birth Day Place • View birthing education class schedule

530-876-Baby WWW.frhosp.org

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 Spring/Summer 2012 Discover chico 3

Contents SPRING/SUMMER 2012

elcome to Discover Chico, the Chico News & Review’s twice-yearly guide to Chico and its beautiful environs. This nifty guide will give those new to the area a sense of the community’s vibrancy. It will also offer some suggestions for locals looking for ways to fill their down time. The spring-summer issue of Discover Chico features an extensive calendar of things to do all around town, day and night (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. If entertaining the little ones is a top priority, turn to page 48 for our list of Kid-friendly Outings. Also, look for listings with little red star symbols that denote other kidfriendly activities. And if you want the guidance of Chico’s savvy locals, keep an eye out for theaters, restaurants, music venues, parks and destinations voted the Best of Chico by CN&R readers, which you’ll find sprinkled throughout the various sections of this guide. Enjoy flipping through these pages and savoring Chico’s spring and summer months! —Howard Hardee

Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Spring & Summer Highlights . . . . . . . . . .6

Relocation Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Mark your calendar! There’s plenty of fun stuff to do— outdoors and in—when the weather cools down.

Arts & Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Chico’s arts-and-entertainment scene is notoriously top-notch. Check out the many venues listed and the wide array of offerings at each.

Nightlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 It’s impossible to get bored with Chico’s virtually everynight-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 lot 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. 4 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

Expansive Bidwell Park is the gem of all parks for miles around—be sure to spend a least some time there! Our smaller local parks offer a great deal of enjoyment as well. We provide you with a list of them.

Excursions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Tons of places in and around Chico to hike, bike and drive to, and through. These day excursions offer something for everyone, from a family with little kids, to the extreme-adventure solitary hiker.

Kid-friendly Outings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 A special section filled with fun things to do 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 such places as wineries, olive orchards and working farms—to see the sights, smell the fresh smells, and taste the yummy tastes. Be sure to visit at least some of the spots mentioned— you’ll be glad you did.

Dining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Organized by category, this list of every eatery in Chico 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.

If you’re thinking of moving to Chico, read this section, which includes the basics of what you need to know, 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: Meredith J. Graham Photography: Kyle Delmar, Kyle Emery 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 photo of Sierra Nevada Brewery by Meredith J. Graham

MAP OF CHICO Get your bearings

page

Spring/Summer 2012 Discover chico 5

HIGHLIGHTS

Chico Wildflower Century

CAMMIES Music Festival

Hot (and cool) fun in the spring and summertime Throughout the season Comedy at the Last Stand

Chico’s newest entertainment venue hosts a steady stream of touring comedians each weekend, usually with two shows on Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Go online for tickets or more info. www.laststandcomedy.com

Farmers’ and Crafts Markets For local produce sales year-round, 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, healthy skin-care products, locally prepared hot foods, top-notch coffee, etc. Call 893-3276 for more information.

Chico’s popular Thursday Night Market, sponsored by the Downtown Chico Business Association (DCBA), is 6 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

back in full swing for the spring and summer months. It runs from 6-9 p.m. from April 5 through Sept. 29, and includes free entertainment along with produce and other goods for sale. The North Valley Plaza Farmers’ Market also offers produce each Wednesday, June through October, from 7:30 a.m. to noon (call 893-3276 for more info). Running April through December is the Road Runner Community Market Place Farmers’ Market, at the Butte College Chico Center Campus from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays (342-4896). Another option in Chico is the Chapman Food and Fitness Fest in the parking lot of the Dorothy F. Johnson Center, on the corner of East 16th and C streets on Fridays, from 2-6 p.m. This event also hosts a produce swap. www.cChaos.com

Friday Night Concerts

Chico’s City Plaza fills with music of all sorts—from rock to jazz to reggae and more—every Friday evening from May 28 to Sept. 7, 7-8:30 p.m. The host is the DCBA (345-6500), which books popular local bands for this summer tradition, now in its 35th year.

Movies in the Park

Pack a blanket and a picnic dinner, round up the kids and join family and friends outdoors at Sycamore Field in the One-Mile Recreation Area at Chico’s Bidwell Park for a variety of familyfriendly favorites. Movies are shown one Saturday a month, June through September, beginning 15 minutes after sunset. Free. Refreshments available for purchase. Go to www.chicorec.com or call Jenny at 895-4711 x110 for more info.

Neighborhood Night Out

This is the third year for this nocost, community-building event that rotates through four different neighborhood parks around town—DeGarmo, Baroni, Peterson and Wildwood—once a month, May-August, on Wednesday nights. Live music by popular local bands, family games, crafts, a bounce house and a face painter are all on the bill, as well as pizza and ice cream for purchase. Visit www.chicorec.com for more details, including map and directions to each park.

Silver Dollar Speedway

Most races are held on Friday and Saturday nights. For a full schedule, including everything from destruction derby to Pacific Sprints Fall Nationals, go to www.silverdollarspeedway.com or call 891-6353.

March Improvisations

March 22-April 22. Avenue 9 Gallery (180 East Ninth Ave.). Paintings, photography and prints on display. Call or go online for more info. 879-1821, www.avenue9gallery.com

Dinner for Glow of Hope

March 25, noon-4 p.m. A traditional Pakistani dinner, fashion show of international clothing, silent auction and raffle accompanied by music and dancing. Proceeds go toward building a vocational school for women in Pakistan. Buy tickets at Zucchini and Vine or Azad’s Martial Arts. Call 566-7603 for more info.

Chico Kite Day

March 25, noon-4 p.m. Community Park (1900 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway). A Chico springtime tradition sponsored by Bird in Hand, families fly colorful kites all afternoon. Prizes are awarded for the best homemade kites. Call Bird in Hand at 893-0545 for more info.

Sustaining Cultures: Native Peoples

March 26-April 15. Janet Turner Print Museum (Meriam Library, Chico State campus). A print exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Ishi, a man who became recognized as an icon and symbol of the disappearance of Native American tribes and cultures. www.janetturner.org/welcome/index.php

The Secretaries

March 30-31, April 7-8, 13-14, 7:30 p.m. Blue Room Theatre (139 W. First St.). A horror-comedy about a murderous group of secretaries who sacrifice a man once a month in coordination with their simultaneous menstrual cycles. $8-$15. http://blueroomtheatre.com

The Wizard of Oz

March 31-April 22. Chico Theater Company (166 Eaton Road). Dorothy, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow (and Toto!) make their way through the world of Dorothy’s imagination. $12-$20. Go online for show schedule. www.chicotheater company.com

April

hip-hop, featuring the North State’s finest dancers. $14-$18. Go online for more info. www.chicoperformances.com

Earl Thomas & the Blues Ambassadors

Teeph

April 2, 7:30 p.m. Sierra Nevada Big Room (1075 E. 20th St.). Earl Thomas combines British blues rock (like the Rolling Stones and Rod Steward) with traditional American blues. $20. Go online for more info. www.sierranevada.com/bigroom/calendar.asp

Rashomon

April 3 & 7 at 7:30 p.m., April 7 & 8 at 2 p.m. Wismer Theatre (Chico State campus). Set in Kyoto, Japan, a local priest and a woodcutter discuss the trial of a notorious bandit for rape and murder. $6-$15. Go online for more info. www.csuchico.edu/upe/uboinformation.html

GWAR

April 5, 7:30 p.m. Senator Theatre (517 Main St.). JMAX Productions presents the satirical metal band on its “Return of the Maggot” tour. Municipal Waste, Ghoul and Legacy of Disorder open. $20. www.jmaxproductions.net

Mat Kearney & Zach Heckendorf

April 5, 7:30 p.m. El Rey Theatre (230 W. Second St.). JMAX Productions presents Mat Kearney, a songwriter who dabbles in equal parts rock and folk. $20. www.jmax productions.net

Keeping Dance Alive!

April 6, at 7:30 p.m., April 7 at 2 p.m. Laxson Auditorium (Chico State campus). A concert that celebrates the various forms of dance, from ballet to Chico Kite Day

April 6, 8 p.m. Café Coda (265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476). One of Chico’s premier metal acts, Teeph are joined by Mercy Ties, Taunis Year One and Mom & Dad. www.cafecoda.com

Band Classics: Symphonic Winds

April 7, 7:30 p.m. Harlen Adams Theatre (Chico State campus). A woodwind ensemble playing pieces by Mendelssohn, Wagner and Bernstein. $6$15. Go online for more info. www.csuchico.edu/upe/uboinformation.html

Candyrat Guitar Night

April 7, 8 p.m. Café Coda (265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476). An evening of virtuoso guitarists in Ewan Dobson, Gareth Pearson, Craig D’Andrea and Matthew Santos. $5. www.cafecoda.com

Spring Jamboree

April 7, 10 a.m. Caper Acres (near One-Mile Recreation Area in Bidwell Park). Children in third grade and younger are invited to spend Easter hunting for colored eggs, jumping in a bounce house and meeting some real bunnies. Free.

Helms Alee

April 8, 8 p.m. Café Coda (265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476). Helms Alee is a rock band out of Seattle that likes monstrous riffs as much as sing-a-long choruses. Thrones, La Fin Du Monde and Hearses open. $5. www.cafecoda.com

Awolnation

April 10, 8 p.m. Senator Theatre (517 Main St.). JMAX Productions presents Awolnation, an electronic band that scored big in 2011 with the pop hit “Sail.” $15. www.jmaxproductions.net

Brokedown in Bakersfield

April 11, 7:30 p.m. Sierra Nevada Big Room (1075 E. 20th St.). A spirited tribute to the Bakersfield sound, country music made raw and rocking and sprinkled with vocal harmonies. $25. Go online for more info. www.sierra nevada.com/bigroom/calendar.asp

Harlem Gospel Choir

April 11, 7:30 p.m. Laxson Auditorium (Chico State campus). An evening of foot-stomping, hand-clapping HIGHLIGHTS continued on page 8 Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 7

HIGHLIGHTS continued from page 7

gospel music. $18-$30. Go online for more info. www.chicoperformances.com

Arcadia

April 12-14, 19-21, 7:30 p.m. 1078 Gallery (820 Broadway). Rogue Theatre presents Arcadia, a play concerned with the relationship between past and present, order and disorder and science and art. $7 or a roll of the dice. 343-1973, www.1078gallery.org

CAMMIES Music Festival & Awards Show

April 12-14, locations vary. Chico’s annual music festival celebrating the area’s vibrant and eclectic music scene will run for three nights at six different venues, with the finale and awards show at Chico Women’s Club (592 E. Third St.) on April 22 from 2-7 p.m. Go online for a complete schedule. www.newsreview.com

Gallagher

April 13, 8:30 p.m. El Rey Theatre (230 W. Second St.). JMAX Productions presents the prop comedian and clown most notable for smashing melons, cartons of milk and computer keyboards with the “Sledge-O-Matic,” a large wooden mallet. $18. www.jmaxproductions.net

Romantic Masters: Choral Concert

April 14, 7:30 p.m. Harlen Adams Theatre (Chico State campus). A choral performance of Romantic-era composers such as Schumann, Brahms, Bruckner, Mendelssohn, Rheinberger and Grieg. $6$15. Go online for more info. www.csuchico.edu/upe/uboinformation.html

Alpha Ya Ya Diallo & Bafing

April 18, 7:30 p.m. Sierra Nevada Big Room (1075 E. 20th St.). High-energy African rhythms and visually stunning dancing. $20. Go online for more info. http://www.sierranevada.com/bigroom/ calendar.asp

Escape the Fate & Attack Attack

April 18, 8 p.m. Senator Theatre (517 Main St.). JMAX Productions presents Escape the Fate, a post-hardcore alternative metal band out of Las Vegas. Attack Attack, The World Alive, Secrets and Mest open. $20. www.jmaxproductions.net

Floater Electric

April 20, 8 p.m. Senator Theatre (517 Main St.). JMAX Productions presents Floater, a hard-rock band from Portland, Ore., that has established a fervent fan

Harlem Gospal Choir

base along the West Coast. $15. www.jmaxproductions.net

Strings Attached: Chico State Guitar Ensemble

April 20, 7:30 p.m. Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall (Chico State campus). Talented classical guitar students perform solos, duets and quartets, with material ranging from Bach to the Beatles. $6$15. Go online for more info. www.csuchico.edu/upe/ubo informtion. html

Celebrate the Jewel

April 21, Chico Creek Nature Center (1968 E. Eighth St.). An Earth Day celebration in Bidwell Park serves as the spring fundraiser for the Chico Creek Nature Center. Call or go online for more info. 891-4671. www.bidwellpark.org

Floater Acoustic

April 21, 9 p.m. El Rey Theatre (230 W. Second St.). JMAX Productions presents Floater, playing an intimate acoustic set. $12.50. www.jmaxproductions.net

Jazz X-Press: Spring Is Here April 21, 7:30 p.m. Harlen Adams Theatre (Chico State campus). A springtime celebration debuting new charts composed by Chico State students. $6$15. Go online for more info. www.csuchico.edu/upe/uboinformation. html

League of Women Voters Wine Tasting

April 22, 4-7 p.m. Manzanita Place (1705 Manzanita Ave.). Hundreds flock to this popular fundraiser hosted by Butte County’s League of Women Voters, this year held at The Palms Pavilion, 2947 Nord Ave. Now in its 38th year, this event offers varietals from more than 50 wineries, plus a gourmet buffet and a

8 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.08

selection of local beer and olive oil. Purchase tickets at Creekside Cellars (250 Vallombrosa Ave.), Made in Chico (232 Main St.) or Sicilian Café (1020 Main St.). $35-$40. For more information, call 895-VOTE (8683).

Greensky Bluegrass

April 24, 7:30 p.m. Sierra Nevada Big Room (1075 E. 20th St.) A folksy jam band with a penchant for finding the groove. The dance floor will be wide open. Go online for more info. www.sierra nevada.com/bigroom/calendar.asp

ZEDS DEAD

April 24, 8 p.m. Senator Theatre (517 Main St.). JMAX Productions presents Zeds Dead, an electronic duo out of Toronto, Canada. Omar Linx, Araabmuzik, XI and Robotic Pirate Monkey open. $25$35. www.jmaxproductions.net

Viva Opera!

April 25, 25, 7:30 p.m. RowlandTaylor Recital Hall (Chico State campus). A night of breathtaking opera with the Opera Workshop’s talented singers. $6$15. Go online for more info. www.csuchico.edu/upe/uboinformation. html

1078 Gallery Members Show

April 26-May 12, 1078 Gallery (820 Broadway). Sculptures, paintings, installation and performance art from gallery members on a display, with a reception on April 28 from 5-7 p.m. 343-1973, www.1078gallery.org

Juried Print & Ceramic Exhibition

April 26-May 15, Janet Turner Print Museum (Meriam Library, Chico State HIGHLIGHTS continued on page 10

Teresa Larson 530 899-5925 top producing agent • Looking for an agent with Initiative, Drive, and a Proven Reputation? • Teresa is a Chico Native who knows the area. • She handles all her transactions personally.

www.ChicoListings.com

chiconativ@aol.com • 1101 el monte ave

License #01177950 Jeffries Lydon

Believing in the Power of our Youth to

Change the World Spring Festival May 10–13, 2012 art | music | games | free gifts

Fun for all ageS! f e s t i v a l pa s s p o r t t i c k e t s av a i l a b l e a t : a Bit unruly - Bird in Hand - Bustolinis’ Deli - cycle sport - ellis art Lyon Books - made in chico - upper crust - Zucchini & Vine and online at: www.CaliforniaDreamWeek.org

4 day celebration of youth, sustainability and north state business. proceeds benefit north state schools and fund higher educ ation scholorships.

81,48( )851,6+,1*6 )25 <285 +20( Find’s Design & Decor offers an array of upholstered furniture pieces, electic accent pieces and unique accessories to match any decor. We also carry a variety of area rugs, fountains, lighting, wall decor and much more.

by Brian Austin

There are recliners you sit in. Then there are those you escape to. THE INNOVATORS OF COMFORT™

Our goal is to bring you a wide variety of styles so you’ll be able to find that perfect piece for your home.

(530) 892-1905

1341 Mangrove Ave. Chico (Between 3rd and 5th Avenues)

Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Closed Sunday

Visit our websites for special offers and promotions! WWW.FURNITURECHICO.COM & WWW.FURNITURESEATINGCOMFORT.COM Spring/Summer 2012 Discover chico 9

HIGHLIGHTS continued from page 8

campus). Displays of the best works by student printmakers and ceramic artists in the juried competition. Call 898-4476 for more info. www.janetturner.org

A Clockwork Orange

April 27-May 26. Blue Room Theatre (139 West First Street). Local actors adapt the story from the monumental novel and film for the Blue Room stage. $10-$15. http://blueroomtheatre.com

Yo-Yo Ma, Kathryn Scott & the Assad Brothers

April 27, 7:30 p.m. Laxson Auditorium (Chico State campus). Yo-Yo Ma, the cello superstar, teams up with Kathryn Scott (one of Britain’s most renowned pianists) and Brazilian classical guitar duo, the Assad Brothers. $60-$95. Go online for more info. www.csuchico.edu/upe/uboinformation.html

Phenomenauts

April 27, 8 p.m. Lost on Main (319 Main St.). The Phenomenauts combine elements of rock, psychabilly, new wave with a science fiction theme to create “rocket roll.” http://tinyurl.com/ 7b4yggr

Y&T

April 27, 8:30 p.m. El Rey Theatre (230 W. Second St.). JMAX Productions presents Y & T, a heavy-metal band that formed in 1974 that has sold over 4 million albums worldwide. $22.50. www.jmaxproductions.net

Tech N9ne

April 27, 8 p.m. Senator Theatre (517 Main St.). JMAX Productions presents Tech N9ne, the fast-flowing rapper with equally bizarre lyrics and hair styles. MGK, Krizz Kalicom Mayday!, Prozak and Stevie Stone open. $23. www.jmaxpro ductions.net

Pancakes for Peace

April 24, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., CARD Center (545 Vallombrosa Ave.). The annual fundraiser for the Chico Peace & Justice Center, featuring an Easter-egg hunt at 11 a.m., a silent auction and a raffle. Go to www.chico-peace.org or call 893-9078 for more info.

Chico Artisans Faire

April 30-May 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This showcase and sale is held at the City Plaza in downtown Chico and features fine arts and crafts, as well as entertainment. Call 345-9652 for more info.

10 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

Chico Bicycle Music Festival

Tennis Rock & Rally

April 28, 3-5 p.m. CARD-sponsored no-cost tennis clinic for all ages at Community Park tennis courts. www.chicorec.com

two rivals for her affection with a theme of class issues between farm hands and cowboys. $10-$20. Go online for more info. www.csuchico.edu/upe/uboinfor mation.html

Chico Wildflower Century

DJ AC Slater

April 29, 6 a.m. Chico Wildflower Century, a 100-mile ride through much of scenic Butte County, starts and finishes at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico. More than 3,000 cyclists participate in this annual race staged by the Chico Velo Cycling Club. Less demanding rides also available, such as the Mildflower 65 and the Childflower 15. www.chicovelo.org

May Chico Summer Theatre Festival

May 2-12. Chico Women’s Club (592 E. Third St.). Formerly known as “Shakespeare in the Park,” the theater festival has made its way to Chico Women’s Club and opened the format up to other classics. Go online for a complete schedule. www.chicowomens club.net/August.html

Annual Juried Student Exhibition

May 2-15, Chico State University Art Gallery. Works in a variety of media by Chico State art students, chosen by an outside juror. www.schoolofthearts csuchico.com

Spring Musical: Oklahoma

May 2-5, 7:30 pm., May 6, 2 p.m. Laxson Auditorium (Chico State campus). Chico State’s spring production, the classic musical tells the story of Laurey and

May 3, 9 p.m. El Rey Theatre (230 W. Second St.). JMAX Productions present DJ AC Slater, equal parts club and electro with a little comedy sprinkled in. K Theory, DirtyRock and Into the AM open. $15. www.jmaxproductions.net

Alice in Wonderland, Jr.

May 4, 5, 4-5:30 p.m. Chico Theater Company (166 Eaton Road). The company’s children’s theater presents a fastpaced adaptation of the classic musical, including new dialogue and musical arrangements. Go online for more info. www.chicotheatercompany.com

Mutaytor

May 4, 9 p.m. Senator Theatre (517 Main St.). JMAX Productions presents Mutaytor, an 11-piece dance orchestra accompanied by 15 performance artists, combining vaudeville and electronica. $13. www.jmaxproductions.net

Andre Nickatina

May 5, 9 p.m. Senator Theatre (517 Main St.). JMAX Productions presents Andre Nickatina, the Bay Area rapper known for his experimental beats and gangster persona. Fashawn and MUMBLS open. $22. www.jmaxproductions.net

Endangered Species Faire

May 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Cedar Grove in Lower Bidwell Park. Hosted by the Butte Environmental Council, this is the HIGHLIGHTS continued on page 12

Our beer is legendary but one cannot live on beer alone Our Taproom and Restaurant features mouthwatering menus that rotate with the seasons. Specializing in local, seasonal, and sustainable meats and produce—including homegrown vegetables raised in our on-site organic estate garden— and our own Sierra Nevada beef. Taste the flavors of our home here in Chico. No visit to the brewery would be complete without taking one of our in-depth guided tours. Visitors will learn about the history of the brewery and get to experience a hands-on, behind-thescenes look at how craft beer is made. Tour participants will taste a variety of Sierra Nevada beers across a myriad of styles, and each tour includes a visit to our Gift Shop for unique items and brewery only beers!

restaurant: Sunday-Thursday: 11:00am-9:00pm Friday & Saturday: 11:00am-10:00pm (530) 345–2739

Gift shop: Sunday-Thursday: 10:00am-6:00pm Friday & Saturday: 10:00am-7:00pm (530) 896–2198 Spring/Summer 2012 Discover chico 11

Your Downtown Shoe Store

Silver Dollar Fair

Since 1976

Quality Shoes, Socks & Accessories ...and more Downtown Chico 345-4880

Clark Road Paradise 872-0812

HIGHLIGHTS continued from page 10

oldest environmental fair in Northern California. Features booths with info on ecology, wildlife and many environmental issues. Plus, animals, music, food and more. www.endangeredspeciesfaire.org

Book in Common: David Eggers’ Zeitoun

May 7, 7:30 p.m. Laxson Auditorium (Chico State campus). Author David Eggers will discuss Chico State’s 2012 “Book in Common,” his true account of a family torn between America’s war on terror and Hurricane Katrina. $10-$20. Go online for more info. www.csuchico.edu/upe/uboinformation. html

Riders in the Sky

natural contemporary clothing & accessories

337 broadway open everyday 12 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

May 9, 7:30 p.m. Laxson Auditorium (Chico State campus). A mix of country music and comedy, the Riders in the Sky have produced 30 albums and performed at the Grand Ole Opry. $15-$27. Go online for more info. www.csuchico.edu/upe/uboinformation. html

Musical Theater Showcase

May 11, 12, 3:45-5:45 p.m. Chico Theater Company (166 Eaton Road). The company’s teenage talent will perform a musical variety show. Go online for more info. www.chicotheatercompany.com

North State Symphony: Across the Seas, From Ages Past

May 13, 7:30 p.m. Laxson Auditorium (Chico State campus). The North State Symphony performs pieces by Wagner, Rodrigo and Schumann, featuring guitarist Matt Greif. $18-$32. Go online for more info. www.csuchico.edu/upe/ubo information.html

Playhouse Youth Theatre: Annie, Jr.

May 16, 7:30 p.m. Laxson Auditorium (Chico State campus). Featuring young actors for the Playhouse, the performance will include classic tunes like “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow” and “It’s a Hard Knock Life.” $8-$12. Go online for more info. www.csuchico.edu/upe/uboinformation.html

Led Kaapana & Mike Kaawa

May 14, 7:30 p.m. Sierra Nevada Big Room (1075 E. 20th St.). Led Kaapana, master of the slack key guitar, joins forces with Mike Kaawa, Hawaii’s finest 12-string guitarist for an evening of traditional Hawaiian music. $20. Go online for more info. www.sierranevada.com/ bigroom/calendar.asp

One for the Dawgs

May 14, 9 p.m. Annual rap cover night benefiting the Butte Humane Society, Chico’s animal shelter, at Lost on Main (319 Main St., 892-2445).

June Far West Heritage Association Country Supper

June 1, cocktails at 5 p.m., dinner at 6:15 p.m. The Country Supper at the historic Patrick Ranch on the Midway, is a fundraiser for the Chico Museum and kick-off event for the Country Faire and Threshing Bee on June 7-8. Call the Chico Museum at 891-4336 or go to www.patrickranchmuseum.org for more information.

Chico Bicycle Music Festival In 2009, this annual tradition began with a pedal-powered generator providing the juice necessary put on a fullfledged concert. Each year it’s gotten bigger and in 2011 there were 11 shows spread out along a bike-able route. This year you can expect an even more energetic production. Go online for more info. Free. http://cbmf.wordpress.com

Country Hoe Down

May 19, 20, Farm Sanctuary, Orland. At Farm Sanctuary’s annual Country Hoe Down, enjoy a meet-and-greet with rescued-animal residents, eat vegan food and desserts, listen to inspiring presentations and get down at the barn dance. www.farmsanctuary.org

The California Honeydrops

May 20, 7:30 p.m. Sierra Nevada Big Room (1075 E. 20th St.). A funky, New Orleans-style dance band out of the Bay Area. $15. Go online for more info. www.sierranevada.com/bigroom/ calendar.asp

Kiss Me Kate

June 2-June 24. Chico Theater Company (166 Eaton Road). A fun musical or “play within a play” where each cast member’s on-stage life is complicated by what is happening off-stage. $12$20. Go online for show schedule. www.chicotheatercompany.com

The ARC of Butte County’s Wine & Food Pairing

June 3, 3-6 p.m. The ARC of Butte County presents its 11th annual event featuring a variety of vintages from a number of regional wineries, plus a sam-

pling of savory delights from local restaurants. This food and wine pairing is held at the ARC Pavilion in Chico. Tickets available at The ARC stores in Chico (2020 Park Ave.) and Oroville (2745 Oro Dam Blvd). More info at www.arcbutte.org or call 891-5865.

Honey Run Covered Bridge Pancake Breakfast June 3, 7-11 a.m. Get your fill of flapjacks at this 46th annual breakfast held the first Sunday in June supporting the preservation of the historic Honey Run Covered Bridge on Honey Run Road in Butte Creek Canyon. Call 876-8483 for more info.

Country Faire and Threshing Bee

June 9 & 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. This festive annual event is hosted by the Far West Heritage Association at Patrick Ranch Museum’s 28 acres on the Midway in Chico. See antique farm equipment, enjoy food and live music, and see living history as a threshing bee is re-enacted. Call 342-4359 for more info. www.patrickranchmuseum.org

Soroptimist International of Bidwell Rancho Microbrew Festival

June 9, 2-6 p.m. Manzanita Place (1705 Manzanita Ave.). The 16th annual Microbrew Festival features tasting opportunities from dozens of microbreweries and live music. www.sibidwellrancho.org HIGHLIGHTS continued on page 14

Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs

May 19, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Kids 14 and younger are invited to fish for their onefish quota at Horseshoe Lake in Bidwell Park. Free. Call 891-4757 for more info.

Silver Dollar Fair

May 24-28. Chico’s popular annual community fair at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds features exhibits, livestock, a carnival midway, car races and music. www.silverdollarfair.org

Big Sam’s Funky Nation

May 29, 7:30 p.m. Sierra Nevada Big Room (1075 E. 20th St.). Wielding a trombone and unwilling to let the audience sit still, Big Sam and his band deliver a high-energy performance. $20. Go online for more info. www.sierra nevada.com/bigroom/calendar.asp

Patrick Ranch Museum Country Faire and Threshing Bee Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 13

HIGHLIGHTS continued from page 13

Superior Ag Golf Classic

Bloomsday Celebration

June 11, 8 a.m. Located at the Butte Creek Country Club, this tournament is the premiere fundraising event for Chico State’s College of Agriculture. Go to www.csuchico.edu/ag/events/ golf-classic.shtml for more information and to register.

July 4, Farm Sanctuary, Orland. Picnic, pet the pigs and revel in rescued farm animals. Free guided tours, plus vegan hot dogs. www.farmsanctuary.org

June 14, 5-11 p.m. Formerly called the Industrial Barbecue, this popular Chico Chamber of Commerce event will showcase local restaurants and caterers competing in a cook-off featuring some delicious barbecue. Entertainment and dancing, too. Silver Dollar Fairgrounds Pavilion. Call 891-5556 for more info.

June 16, 7:30 p.m. A Chico tradition celebrating the famous work by James Joyce, put on by the Blue Room Theatre. www.blueroomtheatre.com

July Leftover Salmon

July 2, 7:30 p.m. Sierra Nevada Big Room (1075 E. 20th St.). Colorado’s legendary “jamgrass” band brings myriad of influences and a penchant for daring improvisation. $30. www.sierra nevada.com/bigroom/calendar.asp

The California Honeydrops 14 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

July 4. Racing starts at 6:30 p.m. at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, with fireworks to follow. For ticket info, call 891-6535.

Fourth of July Pignic

Community BBQ & Cook-off

Bloomsday Celebration

Racing and Fireworks

Slice of Chico

July 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy a sidewalk sale and free slices of ice-cold watermelon courtesy of downtown Chico merchants. www.downtownchico.net

Farm Sanctuary Twilight Tour Chico’s Fourth of July Celebration

July 4, 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. For decades, this home-town Independence Day celebration has been the thing to do for Chicoans of all ages. Held at the OneMile Recreation Area in Lower Bidwell Park, it features a pancake breakfast, food and crafts booths, a pie-eating contest, a horseshoe contest, family games with prizes and even a fife-and-drum band. Bring lawn chairs. www.chicorec.com

July 30, Farm Sanctuary, Orland. An extended tour of the sanctuary offering a chance to learn about the nighttime behavior of the facility’s many rescued farm animals. Vegan supper, beer, wine and music after the tour. www.farmsanctuary.org

August Clue the Musical

Aug. 4-19. Chico Theater Company (166 Eaton Road). The world’s bestknown suspects come to life in this musical in which the audience is invited

to help solve the mystery of who killed Mr. Boddy. $12-$20. Go online for show schedule. www.chicotheatercompany.com

Hot August Night

Aug. 26, CARD Office (545 Vallambrosa Ave.). Chico’s take on Reno’s ’50s fest with plenty of classic cars and live music. $12. Call 895-4711 for more info.

Butte County Fair

Aug. 23-26. The Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridley brings a good-time country fair with a rodeo, booths, carnival, destruction derby, livestock and more. www.buttecountyfair.org

Bidwell Bump Mountain Bike Race

Aug. 25, 9 a.m. A challenging crosscountry event with three options: a demanding 12.5-mile pro/expert course, plus a sport and a beginner course. Postrace celebration at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. www.thebidwellbump.com

$5 OFF

any purchase of $15 or more

Good at both arc StoreS

DINING GUIDE SS 2011

www.thearcstore.com chico 2020 Park Ave. oroville 2745 Oro Dam Blvd.

Worthy Goods

open 7 dayS a Week! Expires 9/10/12

September Carousel

Sept.-8-30. Chico Theater Company (166 Eaton Road). The story of a man who is coerced into a robbery in order to provide for his family and decides to take his life after being caught in the act. He is allowed to return to Earth for one day fifteen years later, when he meets the daughter he never knew. $12$20. Go online for show schedule. www.chicotheatercompany.com

Chico Concours d’Elegance

Sept. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This popular annual car show held at Butte Creek Country Club features some of the finest automobiles, plus refreshments and entertainment. www.chicoconcours.com

Taste of Chico

Sept. 9, noon-4 p.m. This ever-popular annual event in downtown Chico features live music, art and shopping, along with delicious food and beverages from more than 125 restaurants, breweries and wineries. www.downtownchico.net

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 09 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 09 since 1966.

Chico Air show

Sept. 28-30. Chico Municipal Airport (150 Airpark Blvd.). Chico’s biannual air show with aerial demonstrations, displays, food and vendors. Go online for more info. www.chicoairshow.org/ page1.aspx ●

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1966

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

Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 15

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Arts abound in Chico C

RayRay Gallery

hico is the cultural hub of Butte County, with downtown as its epicenter. The beauty of the surrounding natural environment, and the fact that Chico is home to a university with a thriving creative arts faculty, have always made the city a magnet for talented artists of all sorts and lovers of the arts. In addition to numerous excellent galleries and museums, Chico boasts a vibrant theatre scene for fans of the performing arts.

16 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.16

Here is just a sampling of our area’s arts venues:

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

Ambiance Antiques & Art 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.

GET CREATIVE Pottery Painting Pottery Classes Date Nights Birthday Parties Camps for Kids Clay & Ceramic Supplies

ALL FIRED UP! 830 Broadway • Chico • 894-5227 www.allfiredupchico.org

All Fired Up 830 Broadway, 894-5227. All Fired Up! is an open studio with clayworking 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.allfiredupchico.com

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

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.

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 each year. Hours: Wed.A&E continued on page 18 Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 17

STORY continued from page 17

Sat., noon-5 p.m. www.avenue9gallery.com

BMU Gallery Located in the third-floor lobby of the Bell Memorial Union on the Chico State campus. 898-4636. The Associated Students run this gallery, which features original student works throughout the school year.

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 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, and one of the best

Chico Art Center

selections of greeting cards around. Hours: weekdays, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. www.chicopapercompany.com. • VOTED BEST PLACE TO BUY ART, 2011

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, 898-4642. 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.csuchico.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 and art as well as wellattended 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.jamessnidlefinearts.com

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.orientandflume.com

Chico State Department of Theatre Arts

RayRay Gallery 167 E. Third St. The RAYRAY, run by four young and innovative local artists, hosts energetic and outlandish art receptions roughly once a month at the Last Stand. • VOTED BEST PLACE TO SEE ART, 2011

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.–Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 18 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.18

random awesomeness

El Rey Theatre

Smart Designs, Fair Trade Items Sustainable & Eco Friendly

231 Main St. 343-5686

home, gifts & random awesomeness

Local & Wonderful! farmers, artists, entrepreneurs gourmet, gifts, fine crafts

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

127 W. 3rd Downtown 849-7009

University Art Gallery Taylor Hall, Chico State campus. 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

Jewelry - Lapidary - Museum

Mineral & Mining Museum

(no admission fee)

This font is Helvetica font and that’s what I think was used on the MIC label

The Vagabond Rose Gallery & Framing

Gift Items & Home Decor

(Fossil, Minerals, Flourescents)

• Fine Jewelry • Custom Designs • One-of-a-kind styles • Repairs

Local & Wonderful Strawberry Gem 78 Belle Mill Rd, Red Bluff

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.–Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A&E continued on page 20

530-527-6166 • www.gaumers.com Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 19

VG.S.12 p.19

NEWS

A&E continued from page 19

Movies El Rey Theatre 230 W. Second St., 892-1838. This historic venue is the perfect place to re-watch cult favorites. Some films in the past have been Pulp Fiction, The Big Lebowski and Jaws. www.elreytheatrechico.com

Chico State Little Theater

122 W. THIRD STREET, CHICO, CA 95928 530-895-1161

“Celebrating

40 years of excellence”

www.orientandflume.com

2161 Park Avenue, Chico, CA 95928 (530) 893-0373 ext. 3

Show Room Hours: Mon–Sat 10am-5pm Glass Blowing Hours: Mon–Fri 7am-noon 20 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

Ayres 106, Chico State’s campus. Throughout the school year, a wide variety of interesting films from the U.S. and around the world are offered. Suggested donation: $3. Blue Room Theatre

www.csuchico.edu/hfa/hc/film series.html

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. Chico’s big theater, with 14 screens showing first-run films presented by Cinemark.

Theater 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 ages 3 to 18. www.blueroomtheatre.com. • VOTED BEST THEATER COMPANY, 2011 t. ● 332-9866

ays & Late!

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 on campus and a musical production in Laxson Auditorium each spring. www.csuchico.edu/thea/ current_season/index.shtml

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.chicotheater company.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 Rogue Theatre, which generally holds its performances at 1078 Gallery, is composed of a seasoned group of actors, directors and others who provide the community with lively, quality performances. ● www.chicorogue.com

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 buttecounty.net/bclibrary

Bring the whole family down for a sweet trip to:

Over 5,000 items:

●Gelato ●Root beer oats Open 7 Days a Week! ●Nostalgic toys 530.332.9866 ●Candy www.PowellsSweetShoppe.com ●Old Fashion sodas ●Handmade chocolates

DiD

you know that Downtown ChiCo has a

CHINATOWN?

338 BroaDway mon - sat

HOUSE of RICE (530) 893-1794

Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 21

NIGHTLIFE The Last Stand

On the town W

The Last Stand

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 quick 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! • VOTED BEST BAR 2011

The Beach

191 E. Second St., 898-9898 Chico’s newest nightclub and bar, the Beach features a VIP area on the second floor, complete with a pool table, couches and specialty-martini menu. Downstairs is for regular folk

hen it comes to nightlife, Chico—with its dozens of bars and clubs and a number of big-time performance venues—is the place to be and be seen. You can hear live music, dance and stay entertained until the wee hours 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.

and there’s access to the patio and Panama’s. www.facebook.com/ thebeachchico

Bella’s Sports Pub 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.

Burgers & Brew 201 Broadway, 879-9100 Grass-fed beef and world-class brews, this downtown establishment has a nice outdoor patio in addition to indoor seating. Open late on weekends.

Café Coda

265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476 Serving beer and wine, Café Coda hosts an eclectic variety of live music, from local acoustic and rock acts to national touring bands. www.cafecoda.com

Cafe Flo

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-toFeast” dinner events. Check out www.facebook.com/cafeflochico for 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

22 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.22

upscale option downtown. • VOTED BEST HAPPY HOUR 2011

The DownLo

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

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 DJ dancing with DJ Spenny and DJ Lois every Wednesday night, and occasional live rock shows. Local favorites The Pub Scouts play Celtic music for the popular Friday afternoon happy hour, starting at 4 p.m. • VOTED BEST BLOODY MARY 2011

VISITOR GUIDE 2 x 3 (2/9H)

Edwards

How Pure Is Your

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.

Highest Quality, Best Taste, at Home Now!

Family’s Water?

Thhis is booked for a 1x6. Please let KINETICO SYSTEMS REMOVE: Jen know if you change it to a 2x3. • Hardness (white scaling) thanks, Sharon • Iron (yellow-brown stains) • Bad Taste & Odors • Sulfer (rotten egg) • Chlorine, Nitrates, Lead, Chemicals, Bacteria, & more . . .

The Graduate

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. • VOTED BEST PLACE TO GRAB A BEER AND CHEER 2011

—SALTLESS SYSTEMS ALSO AVAILABLE—

Joe’s Bar

749 W. Fifth St., 894-3612 Recently completely redone, Joe’s Bar maintains its down-home atmosphere, with wood chips on the floor and friendly bartenders.

Call us! We’re your home water experts!

NEWS

FINANCING AVAILABLE

LaSalles

229 Broadway, 893-1891 LaSalles features two stages—one next to the dance floor in the main barroom and one on the outdoor patio NIGHTLIFE continued on page 24

530.342.7800 fletcherswater.com Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 23

VG.S.12 p.23

DESI

FILE FERGU

NIGHTLIFE continued from page 23

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. • VOTED BEST PLACE TO BUST A MOVE AND BEST KARAOKE NIGHT 2011

Last Call Lounge

876 East Ave., 895-3213 If you’re tired of the college scene, head out toward the airport and stop 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., 891-1853 This bar and nightclub features a number of DJs and other live shows in an art-rich environment at its spacious downtown location.

Madison Bear Garden

316 W. Second St., 891-1639 A Chico classic with outrageous décor, the Bear is popular with families by day and college students by night. There’s dancing upstairs, plus karaoke and the famous adult-sized trike races. Bear Burgers and a full grill complement the bar. 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. On Mug Night Mondays, enjoy $2.50 Bud Lights or

Orchard Lanes

$3 Sierra Nevadas in any mug, jug, vase or container up to 40 ounces. Wednesday is Wing Night: 50-cent wings from 7-10 p.m. Karaoke at 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 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. Check out Monks’ Mafioso Mondays: all-you-can-eat spaghettini with housemade meatballs, and Tapas Tuesdays. • VOTED BEST PLACE FOR A GLASS OF WINE 2011

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. Fifteen flat-screen TVs.

Monstros Pizza & Subs

On the Rocks Lounge

Joe’s Bar

628 W. Sacramento Ave., 345-7672 This pizza and subs eatery has established itself as the go-to spot for punk-rock shows. One of the best parts about Monstros is that it is an all-ages venue.

685 Manzanita Court, 345-2491 This is the club inside the Holiday Inn. It draws an older crowd than the downtown bars and is next door to a restaurant.

Nash’s Restaurant

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.

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 occasional live music. Call or go to www.nashsrestaurantchico.com for more details.

Oasis Bar & Grill

1007 W. First St., 343-4305

Panama Bar & Cafe

Park Avenue Bar & Grill

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 Greek crowd. Thursday through Saturday nights the place is packed, with a line out the door. Riley’s is 24 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.24

FREE

Pregnancy Tests

All services are FREE & Confidential Walk-Ins Welcome! Open: Mon - Thurs 10am-5pm & Friday 10am-1pm Office: (530) 897-6101

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.

115 W. 2nd Ave. (2nd & Esplanade) 24-Hour Hotline (530) 897-6100

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.

VISITOR GUIDE 1 x 3 (1/9V)

Studio Inn Cocktail Lounge

“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

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.

1414 Park Ave. #108

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 music—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.

(530) 894-5436 For Current Precious Metal Spot Prices visit www.chicocoin.com

Your BETTER buy is PCI ✷ Local Since 2000

Towne Lounge

327 Main St., 896-0235 Locals love to hang out at the Towne Lounge. This gritty-but-friendly bar features a pool table, shuffleboard, cheap drinks and friendly bartenders.

Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill

100 Broadway, 342-0425 An attractive long-bar to cozy up NIGHTLIFE continued on page 26

Family Owned Laptops ✷ Desktops ✷ Tablets ✷ Mac ✷ PC

✷ Free Diagnosis Owner - Aaron Hall & Family

Sales

891-4152

Repairs

891-4154

Garden Walk Mall - Downtown Chico

Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 25

VG.S.12 p.25

NIGHTLIFE continued from page 25

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. • VOTED BEST MARGARITA 2011

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, the popular air-hockey table and a loud jukebox.

Casinos Feather Falls Casino

3 Alverda Drive, Oroville, 533-3855 Abounding with gaming, 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 house-brewed beers, gourmet food (including fresh sushi and sashimi) and live music. www.feather fallscasino.com

Gold Country Casino

4020 Olive Highway, Oroville, (800) 803-1911 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 Feather Falls Casino

26 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.26

TVs. The facility also has a steakhouse, buffet, café and an espresso bar. www.goldcountrycasino.com. • VOTED BEST CASINO 2011

Gold Country Casino

4020 Olive Hwy, Oroville, 534-9892 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 houses 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

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. Presents, which also takes to the Rose Garden and Free Speech area for outdoor punk, rock, reggae and hiphop 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.

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.

featuring clothing by

Alfred Dunner, Erin London & Cathy Daniels

Also featuring garments made in the USA by Jess & Jane, Cactus Lilly of California & more

Discount Prices

20-50% oFF Missy (size 8-20) Petites (4P-18P) Womens (16W-26W)

The Last Stand

167 E. Third St., 354-1936 This newly opened comedy venue offers shows on weekend nights featuring both local and out-of-town stand-up comedians and improv troupes. Also offering classes. $10 cover. www.laststandcomedy.com.

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.

oPen 10am - 5pm every Tues, Wed, Thurs and first Sat of each month 5050 Cohasset Rd, Ste 50 (across from airport) 530.342.9500 | 800.685.4985

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 Big Room upstairs. Many Big Room shows are filmed and appear on the PBS Sierra Center Stage series www.sierranevada.com/bigroom • VOTED BEST LIVE MUSIC ● VENUE 2011

2961 Hwy 32, #29

895-8463 playtime4you.com

COMING MAY 12, 2012

CHICO ANTIQUE & DESIGN FAIRE

At The Patrick Ranch

100

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 2011 and 2012. www.jmaxproductions.net

TOYS • LUBE GLASS • VIDEOS LINGERIE

VEN

DOR

1038 Midway, Chico (530) 893–5534 • $3 Admission Antiques * Collectables * Retro * Art * Shabby Chic Jewelry * Garden Accents * Salvaged Treasures!

ANTIQUES! Two Locations to Serve You!

2004-2012

Eighth & Main ANTIQUES

9,000 sq ft. 1900 Park Ave.

893-5536

29,000 sq ft. 745 Main St.

893-5534 Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 27

VG.S.12 p.27

DOWNTOWN

The hub of Chico

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. Continued interest in the region has been key to the city’s significant revitalization efforts in recent decades. Committed community members, businesspeople and city employees have invested a significant amount of their time, money and efforts into making downtown Chico beautiful and user-friendly. Today, the historic downtown is home to a vital center of commerce and impeccably restored buildings, such as the beautiful building 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 welcoming City Plaza during the summer, year-round and seasonal farmers’ markets and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Downtown Chico is home to an

Diamond Alley arches

eclectic range of businesses—antique stores, trendy boutiques, hip cafés and crowded bars—and architecture and art, including many murals that bring the area to life. These works are reflective of the creative folks who help make the downtown area a vibrant, diverse hub. Spend some time walking around, hanging out and chatting with the friendly locals in downtown Chico, 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

28 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.28

once used for Chico State student housing. Fun 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 on-the-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. Sadly, due to recent state-budget cuts, the mansion is slated for closure this April. In light of this, Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park’s hours have been reduced and will be open only Saturday through Monday (opens at 11 a.m. on weekends, noon on Monday, closes at 5 p.m). Call 895-6144 for more information. www.parks.ca.gov A spirited group of local activists have formed the Bidwell Mansion Community Project to save the mansion from closure, which would mean boxing all its contents and shipping them to a warehouse in Sacramento. Log onto www.savebidwell mansion.org for more info.

'VMM #BS t )BQQZ )PVS t $PPLJOH $MBTTFT

346 Broadway St.

(530) 897-0626

8F %FMJWFS! Menus available online at rawbarchico.com

Monday-Saturday / 11:30am-CLOSE Sunday / 5pm - CLOSE

www.rawbarchico.com

Chico Museum ★ Housed in the former 1904 Carnegie Library at Second and Salem streets, the museum rotates its exhibits periodically. Through July 2012: The Bicycle: Life on Two Wheels. Entry is $3 for adults, $2 for students and seniors. Kids 14 and younger are free. Open Wed.-Sun., noon-4 p.m. 891-4336; www.chico museum.org

City Plaza ★ This one-block park in the heart 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 known as 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.

★= Kid-friendly activity DOWNTOWN continued on page 30 Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 29

DOWNTOWN continued from page 29

Gateway Science Museum ★

Fine Women’s Clothing Small to Plus Size

Jewelry • Accessories • Purses • Hats Gifts • Home Accents & more

247 Main St. • Chico 530.892.2228

HAND

CRAFTED LEATHER

The kid-friendly Gateway Science Museum at 625 Esplanade (next door to Bidwell Mansion) opened in early 2010. The current exhibits are Noise!, focused on the science of sound, music and hearing and Toys: The Inside Story, which illustrates the common mechanisms found in toys, both running through April 2012. Open Weds.-Fri., noon-5 p.m.; Sat.Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 898-4121 or visit www.csuchico.edu/gateway for more info.

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 every Saturday from noon-2 p.m. to practice and teach each other tricks—great fun to watch (they even give free lessons)! Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun., noon-5 p.m. No admission fee. 893-0545. www.nationalyoyo.org

Stansbury Home

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 30 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.30

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. ●

Locals like:

Downtown is home to many of Chicoans’ favorite places to eat, sleep, entertain themselves and shop. For restaurants, see the Wine & Dine section on page 58, and for Nightlife, see page 22. Here are a few other local faves with locations downtown: Bank: Tri Counties Bank Place to buy outdoor gear: Mountain Sports, 176 E. Third St., 345-5011 Bike shop: Pullins Cyclery, 801 Main St., 342-1055 Book store: Lyon Books & Learning Center, 121 W. Fifth St., 891-3338 Local computer store: PCI Computers, 225 Main St., 891-4152 Jeweler: Olde Gold Estate Jewelry, 225 Main St., 891-4610 Men’s clothier: Trucker, 232 Broadway, 343-1073 Women’s clothier: For Elyse, 228 Broadway, 893-0106 Baby/kids’ clothier: Kat’s Meow, 138 W. Third St., 899-8811 Place to buy vintage threads: Three Sixty Ecotique, 511 Main St., 342-8752 Place to buy home furnishings: Client: Iron Mountain Leathe Nantucket Home Furnishings, 603 Broadway, 895-1038 Hardware Collier Hardware, Size:store: 1 columns by 6.5 105 Broadway, 342-0195 Tattoo parlor: Eye of Jade, 319 Main 343-5233 Run St., date: SVG08

Chico News & Review

p.u from FVG07 Rep: LJG SPELL CHECKED BY: mazi

IMAGES OF DISTINCTION IN JEWELRY

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.

WE BUY: GOLD • DIAMONDS • SILVER COINS • PLATINUM, 14K & 18K

DESIGNS

• LOOSE DIAMONDS

1st Place AGTA Spectrum Award 2004!

• CUSTOM DESIGN • PRECIOUS GEMS • APPRAISALS • REPAIRS

Gabrielle Ferrar Diamonds & Exceptional Jewelry

345-1500

LISA NOLTA

Designer/Owner

MADELEINE NOLTA Owner

214 MAIN STREET • DOWNTOWN CHICO GRADUATE GEMOLOGIST FINANCING AVAILABLE

Spring/Summer 2012R EDiscover NEWS & V I E W chico B U S I N31E S S U

CAMPUS

Higher-education choices abound

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 set off by towering trees and Big Chico Creek, which runs directly through the center of campus. It’s a landscape that lends itself to leisurely strolls by visitors, Chico residents and students alike.

The greenery of the campus’ natural environment also inspires learning. With hundreds of species of vines, shrubs and trees blanketing its grounds, 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—some quite rare—including a Southern magnolia planted in the 1860s by Chico founder Gen. John Bidwell. Bidwell’s donation of eight acres of cherry orchards led to the formation 120 years ago of the Northern Branch of the State Normal School of California—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 the past decade, nearly 90 percent of the landscaping methods used to maintain the grounds have

32 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.32

CAMPUS continued on page 34

Professionally Managed Rental Property in Chico ISM Management Company | (530)879-9222

Walking Distance to chico state!

www.newsreview.com

Chicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Affordable, Convenient Location with 4 Sites within Walking Distance of CSUC!

3 & 4 Bedrooms with 2 Full Baths & spacious Floor plans Cedar Cedar Cedar Cedar

I: 1143 N. Cedar II: 1147 N. Cedar III: 935 W. 4th Ave IV: 1050 Columbus Ave

What more could you ask for?

newly renovated! 4 Bedroom Townhomes 2 Full Bathrooms Washer/Dryer Included Attached 1-Car Garage Spacious Closets Fully Equipped Kitchen Ceiling Fans Swimming Pool Central Heat/Air

Professionally Managed

581 Pomona Ave.

Luxury Features! Spacious 3-Bedrooms / 2 bathrooms Ceramic Tile Washer/Dryer Included Fully Equipped Kitchen Built-in Shelving Sparkling Pool Ceiling Fans

Creek View Homes

1145 W. 9th Ave (530)879â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9222 Leasing Office: 849 Pomona Ave ISM Management Company www.bacorealtycorp.com Spring/Summer 2012 Discover chico 33

CAMPUS continued from page 32

employed organic compounds. In addition, all construction projects are being 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 for the 2009-10 school year. The WREC, as it is called, features low-flow shower heads and automated light systems, as well as a 17,000-squarefoot weight and fitness area, a rockclimbing wall and three full-size basketball courts. The newest addition to the campus is Sutter Hall, a brand-new dormitory complete with dining hall. Like the WREC, it received a LEED silver rating. And in the works currently is a new parking structure preceding the demolition and rebuilding of the arts building to reflect the campus’ current needs. While Chico State is gaining attention nationally in the realm of sustainability, it has long been recognized for the quality of several other programs, from computer science and business to nursing and agriculture. Out of the journalism department, the student-run weekly newspaper, The

Orion, has consistently taken home awards at regional and national competitions. Meanwhile, the engineering department’s team of civil engineering students has regularly earned berths in a national bridge-building competition. Campus tours are conducted Monday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m., beginning at the Admissions Office in the Student Services Center (SSC) first-floor lobby. To make a reservation, log onto http://tinyurl.com/ csuctour or call 898-6322. If you decide to take a stroll on your own, here are just a few places on campus worth noting:

Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology

Chico State Bell Memorial Union (BMU) 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 Café, an auditorium, study areas, a coffee shop, and the Associated Students offices, in addition to many of the organization’s programs. BMU hours: Mon.-

Thurs., 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri., 7 a.m.10 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., noon-11 p.m. For more information, go to www.aschico.com or call 8984636.

Historic Quarter 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

Start a Career that Suits Your Creative Style New classes start every six weeks

Full Range of Hair, Nail & Skincare Services Weaves • Up-Do’s • Creative Cuts • Color • Perms Manicures • Pedicures • Facials Waxing for Men & Women • Gift Certificates

Open to the General Public Tuesday thru Saturday All work done by Students supervised by Licensed, Credentialed Instructors. Affilliate with Butte College. Financial Aid available to those who qualify through Butte College. Partnership in training with Dermalogica + OPI

(530) 343-4201 • 1356 Longfellow Ave.

Longfellow Shopping Center Across from In Motion Fitness

34 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.34

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. www.csuchico.edu/upe/boxoffice.html

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 information.

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. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 7:30 a.m.-11:45 p.m.; Fri., 7:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; Sat., noon-4:45 p.m.; Sun., noon-11:45 p.m. For more information, call 898-5862. www.csuchico.edu/library

DISC SS

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.

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 CAMPUS continued on page 36 Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 35

VG.S.12 p.35

CAMPUS continued from page 35

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. The

Butte College Learning Resource Center

spring exhibit, Coming Home: Ishi’s Long Journey, will continue through July 26. For more information, call 898-5397. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.3 p.m. www.csuchico.edu/anth museum

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-the-art buildings, including the college’s Learning Resource Center and Arts Building. The impressive, 77,000-square-foot, two-story Arts Building offers a key-

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

YESTERDAY - TODAY - TOMORROW

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 Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.36

board lab, a full digital recording studio, a print studio and a cuttingedge graphic-design lab, as well as its fabulous Black Box Theatre. Butte College also runs a satellite campus in Chico, making it possible for students to attend classes without making the drive to the main campus. The 54,000-square-foot facility boasts 18 classrooms, four computer labs and a bookstore. With exceptional academic programs, impressive computer labs and even its own cable television station, 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 recently got honors as 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, and bus services to the campus are included in tuition. For more information, visit www.butte.edu or call 895-2511.

Affordable Path to a

Legal Career Apply Today!

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, Suite 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. www.calnorthern.edu

Marinello Schools of Beauty For those interested in all things beauty-related—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 Skyway. Call 8958900 or log onto www.marinello.com ● for more info.

NOW G ACCEPTIN NS IO T A IC APPL

“

Our graduates have established successful legal and judicial careers throughout the North State.

”

–Sandra L. Brooks, Dean • Accredited by the California State Bar • Convenient Evening Classes

• 4 Year Program of Study • Classes Taught by Practicing Attorneys

CAL NORTHERN SCHOOL of LAW

(530) 891-6900 • www.calnorthern.edu Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 37

VG.S.12 p.37

PARKS

One Mile

Chico’s green spaces

ore than a century ago, Annie Bidwell—wife of Chico founder Gen. John Bidwell— ensured the cherished land that carries the couple’s name would remain the crown jewel of Chico for generations to follow. Her gift of about 2,500 acres to the city of Chico in 1905 established Bidwell Park. Thanks to the city’s purchase of additional 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 the avenue bordering Big Chico Creek is known as Lower Park, while the land to the east, which extends into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, 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 Parks Department (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 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 (to be held this year on May 19). For those dog lovers out there, the lake and trail system are also

38 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.38

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. • VOTED BEST PLACE FOR KIDS TO PLAY 2011

Cedar Grove ★ Lower Bidwell Park off East Eighth Street. Cedar Grove offers easily accessible picnic tables and barbeques along with a green place to relax near the creek.

Chico Creek Nature Center ★ Lower Bidwell Park, 1978 E. Eighth St. The family-friendly 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 center’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

Equestrian Center ★ 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.

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 large group gatherings. Take Vallombrosa east to the end, turn right on Manzanita, left on Centennial, and the area is to the left.

Caper Acres

nearby Kiwanis Observatory for nightly constellation tours.

One-Mile Recreation Area ★ 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

Kiwanis Observatory

from downtown and is easily reached through entrances on Fourth or Fifth streets. • SYCAMORE POOL VOTED BEST PLACE TO TAKE A DIP 2011

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-out siders.com

Wildwood Park ★ This 17-acre park near the gateway to Upper Bidwell Park in Chico features state-of-the-art 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.

Other city playgrounds and parks

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 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.

Baroni Park ★ Located in a quiet southeastChico neighborhood, family-friendly Baroni Park offers play equipment, a full-size basketball court and a large green space. www.chicorec.com

Chico City Plaza ★

Horseshoe Lake ★

Downtown Chico. This one-block park in the heart of downtown Chico (between Fourth and Fifth and Main and Broadway) was completely reconstructed to include lighting, an

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

PARKS continued on page 40 Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 39

VG.S.12 p.39

PARKS continued from page 39

elaborate concert stage and a ground-level 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 20acre space features tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, a large playground, barbecues and picnic tables. 893-0545.

DeGarmo Park ★ This park in north Chico features the town’s only dog park, a fullyfenced 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.) is comprised of three acres and features a fenced playground, a basketball court, a picnic area and 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 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 3foot-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

★= Kid-friendly activity 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 ★ Peterson Park in north Chico features a basketball court, a children’s playground and picnic tables. www.chicorec.com

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 barbeques attract people of all ages throughout the day. The park is a frequent site for pick-up basketball games.

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.

20th Street Community Park

40 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.40

Chico Wildflower April 29, 2012

Wildcat 125, Wildflower 100 or 65 Flat Flower 60 or 30, Childflower 15

Bike Safety, Education & Advocacy

www.chicovelo.org

I rIde my bIke to burn calorIes, not gas

there’s so many reasons to commute by bIke. once a week, that’s all we ask

“Chico’s Best Bike Shop” trek BiCyCle Co. SCott BikeS U.S.A.

Best Selection of Cruisers in town 330 Main Street Downtown Chico

345-2081

Monday–Saturday 9-6 Sunday 11–4

Spring/Summer 2012 Discover chico 41

EXCURSIONS

Honey Run Bridge at Butte Creek

Tuscan Ridge Golf Club

Go adventuring

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. Locals enjoy the outdoors year-round, but spring and summer are the perfect seasons to explore a vast number of parks, trails, hills, mountains and wide-open spaces that make the region quite the outdoor playground.

The heat of the summer months often drives locals and visitors alike to Butte County’s numerous creeks, rivers, lakes and forested higher elevations for a cooldown. Chicoans are usually happy to share their favorite excursion spots, so don’t be shy—ask around. Local sporting goods and bike store employees are excellent resources for advice and directions. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or just want out of the house, Chico is a great place 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 relax on the links.

Walking, hiking, biking & swimming Big Bald Rock A short hike in the Plumas National Forest near Berry Creek reveals this impressive granite formation, offering amazing views of Lake Oroville and the Sacramento Valley. From Highway 70, take

Highway 162 east (Olive Hwy) for 17.8 miles, turn right at Bald Rock Road (5.8 miles) and left at Big Bald Rock turnoff. The overlook is only a half-mile hike from the trailhead. Take plenty of water to this remote spot.

Bille Park Nature Trail Located at the back edge of the Bille Park expansion in Paradise, this 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

Feather Falls

Lower Bidwell Park

the bridge. Allow for 30 minutes down to the creek and about 90 on the way up, allowing for rest and water breaks.

Chico Oxidation Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary It might sound like an odd place to visit, but you can walk on the levees 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.

Clotilde Merlo Park This beautiful 20-acre park, up the hill above Paradise in the little community of Stierling City, is a hidden gem. Blacktail deer, gray squirrels and various bird species live among the ponderosa and sugar pine, incense cedar, white and Douglas fir, quaking aspen and manzanita trees that grow at the park’s 3,570-foot elevation. The park includes three large ponds with walking bridges, picnic areas, nature trails, horseshoe pits and a treeshaded bocce court. 873-1658.

Comanche Trail ★ 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 featured 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. 895-1176

Feather Falls If there is one must-see in Butte County, many locals would argue it is Feather Falls, a spectacular waterfall in the Oroville foothills that is among the tallest in the country. Accessible only by an eight-mile round-trip hike, a fenced overlook displays the power of the 600 foot falls. From Highway 70, take Highway 162 east (Olive Highway) for 6.7 miles, turn right on Forbestown Road for 6.3 miles, turn left on Lumpkin Road for 11.4 miles to the signed turnoff for Feather Falls. Take plenty of water and sign in and out at the trailhead.

Lake Oroville Lake Oroville, California’s secondlargest reservoir and an oft-overlooked destination, offers activities like boating, water skiing, fishing, swimming and camping. Visit the museum at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center or check 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. Call the center at 538-2219 for more info.

Lower Bidwell Park trails 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.

North Rim Trail 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 EXCURSIONS continued on page 44

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area PHOTO BY STEVE MCDONALD

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Ten 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 and 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 http://tinyurl.com/graywild or call 846-7505.

42 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 43

VG.S.12 p.42

VG.S.12 p.43

EXCURSIONS

Honey Run Bridge at Butte Creek

Tuscan Ridge Golf Club

Go adventuring

Feather Falls

Lower Bidwell Park

the bridge. Allow for 30 minutes down to the creek and about 90 on the way up, allowing for rest and water breaks.

Comanche Trail ★ 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

Lower Bidwell Park trails Foot, bicycle and equestrian paths run the length of Chico’s Lower Bidwell Park through stately oak groves and near the

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area PHOTO BY STEVE MCDONALD

42 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 43

VG.S.12 p.42

VG.S.12 p.43

Great Adventures Begin at Mountain Sports Casual Clothing & Footwear

Outdoor Gear

2005-2011

Mountain Sports 176 East Third Street • Downtown Chico • 345-5011 Serving Chico Since 1975

Moving? let us help! You rent the truck, we do the rest! Loading, Unloading & Packing

save MoneY

when you call us instead of a full service company. 530.228.9115 www.ChicoMovingServices.com

Exquisite

44 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

rims, an approximately 6 1/2 hour trek on foot. To reach the North Rim trailhead, take Wildwood Ave. off Manzanita Avenue then go 1.5 miles to the parking lot.

Paradise Flumes Plenty of crystal-clear water is found in this secluded yet popular spot near the west branch of the Feather River in Paradise. Hike the trail along the flumes to many lagoon-like swimming holes, and jump in the irrigation ditch’s cool water on the way back down. To get there, head up the Skyway, take a right on Pentz Road and a left on Dean Road. Keep going after the road turns to dirt and slowly wind your way down to the trail-head. The terrain is rugged in some places, so use caution when entering the water.

Peterson Memorial Way ★ Sometimes referred to as North Park 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 picnic-table 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.

Sacramento River 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 US 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 ★

one of a kind 246 West 3rd St. Downtown Chico 530-891-0880 www.KirksJewelry.com

EXCURSIONS continued from page 43

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, connected by a series of pedestrian bridges), South Park Drive offers shady, creekside sports with picnic tables at which to relax and enjoy a bite to eat. Closed to motor vehicles until 11 a.m. STORY continued on page 46

~ On the Sacramento River ~

Earth Girl art

• Open 11am Daily

Wholesale Bead Store

• Lunch & Dinner

Gourds, Pine Needle Baskets, Unique Jewelry, Sewing, Acrylic, etc. 3851 Morrow Lane (behind Home Depot) 354-2680•www.earthgirlart.com Visit website for Bead Shows, Festivals & Contests

• Live Music • Private Events on Waterfront Venue

12609 River Road • 530-710-2020

We’re Here When You Need Us

Open 24/7

(Including Weekends and Holidays)

Wellcare, Prevention, Emergency & Critical Care. OPENING FALL 2011

2480 Dr. MLK Jr. Parkway - Next to Costco Chico, CA 95928 | 530-342-PETS (7387) www.valleyoakveterinarycenter.com

Oriental Massage You’ll Leave Relaxed

SwediSh MaSSage • Relaxing MaaSSage deep TiSSue MaSSage • FooT MaSSage Reduce Stress • Improve Circulation Boost Immune System • Lower Blood Pressure Reduce Fluid Retention • Assist in Detoxification of Body Prices start at just $30 an hour

1722 Mangrove Ave, Ste 38 • 530.636.4368 2540 Esplanade, Ste 6 • 530.899.0888 Spring/Summer 2012 Discover chico 45

THREE LOCATIONS OPEN DAILY

in CHICO CN &R

Garden Center The BEST Nursery

WK :DOO 6W Â&#x2021; &KLFR &$

891-9100

Gift Shop

Unique Gifts for Everyone Next to Sierra Nevada Brewery

( WK 6W Â&#x2021; &KLFR &$

897-0100

Kitchen Store

Everything Kids & Kitchen (DVW $YH Â&#x2021; &KLFR &$

894-1300

LITTLE RED HEN LittleRedHen.info Serving Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities. A 501 (c)(3) Non Profit

Oroville Dam

EXCURSIONS continued from page 44

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 dead-ends at Chico Canyon Road. The trail runs through the old police pistol range, above Bidwell Park Golf Course and up into the newly-purchased 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 hikersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;no bikers or horsesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;are allowed. www.bidwellpark.org

Upper Park Road â&#x2DC;&#x2026; Wildwood Avenue in Chico turns into a rocky, rutted dirt road two miles into Upper Bidwell Park, where it becomes Upper Park Road. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 northâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;easiest,â&#x20AC;? 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 Chicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. 8918417. www.bidwellpark.americangolf.com â&#x20AC;˘ VOTED BEST GOLF COURSE 2012.

Dingerville USA Golf Known for its friendly staff, this 9hole 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 half-price, while children under 12 play for free. 5131 Royal Oaks Drive. Pro shop: 589-0777. Restaurant: 589-0774. http://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. 872-4653.

46 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.46

â&#x2DC;&#x2026;= Kid-friendly activity

Paradise Pines Golf Course This course is just a short drive from Chico in the wooded Sierra Nevada foothills community of Magalia at 13917 South Park Drive. Paradise Pines Golf Course offers nine holes plus a driving range. http://paradisepinesgolfcourse.com

S tyle * C omfort * E co- F riendly

a complete environmentally conscious shop

100% O rganic, S ustainable & R ecycled

The Practice Tee at Sunset Hills Formerly Sunset Hills Golf Course, the Practice Tee at Sunset Hills reopened under new ownership. 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. 809-0351.

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 Avenue) was named “Best New Golf Course” by Golfweek magazine. Green fees are $69 Mon.-Thurs.; $79 Fri.-Sun. 528-4600. wwww.sevillanolinks.com

American Made & Fair Trade

130 West 3rd Street - Chico 530.343.3578 Find us on Facebook.

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. 899-8108. skywaygolfpark.com

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. 533-3922. www.tablemountain golf.com

PARK PLAZA | CHICO 680 MANGROVE AVE 530-893-0808

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. 3100 Skyway (take Skyway exit off Highway 99 and proceed east for five miles). 624-7006. www.tuscanridge ● club.com

PHEASANT RUN PLAZA | CHICO 2009 FOREST AVE 530-893-2727 M-F 9-8 | SAT 9-7 | SUN 10-5

Check out ChicoSupercuts on facebook Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 47

VG.S.12 p.47

.12 p.48

KID FRIENDLY

Celebrating childhood

e’re not saying that these destinations aren’t enjoyable for adults. On the contrary. In fact, the kid-friendly ideas that follow are guaranteed to be a good time for anyone—from children to adults, from families to single tourists just looking for an entertaining way to spend some leisure time. Exotic and native wild animals, yo-yos, indoor skating, outdoor places to romp and have a picnic, and giant telescopes are just some of the fun stuff on offer. Also, while browsing through the rest of this guide, check for the kid-friendly symbol ★ for other activities.

Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation This nonprofit organization that cares for endangered and exotic animals that cannot be released into the wild recently moved into bigger, fancier digs at 4995 Durham-Pentz Road in nearby Butte Valley (near Butte College). Now on 19 oak-studded acres, the facility as always aims to teach 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. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 533-1000 or visit www.kirshner.org for more info.

Caper Acres Lower Bidwell Park, near the One-Mile Recreation Area. A perennial favorite for chil48 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

dren, this fenced playground features swings, slides, tunnels, a fortlike 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. • VOTED BEST PLACE FOR KIDS TO PLAY 2011

Children’s Playground

Chico Creek Nature Center The Chico Creek Nature Center in Bidwell Park has been growing, both in size and popularity, since the nonprofit organization was established in 1982. Open since spring 2010 is a fabulous new interpretive center, called the Howard S. Tucker Exhibit Hall, featuring exhibits showcasing the natural systems of Bidwell Park. The center also 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 nonreleasable 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.

Chico Creek Nature Center

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 on Saturdays, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., May-October. Adults, $5; kids 3-11, $3; kids under 3, free. Call 865-4617 or visit www.farmsanctuary.org for more info.

Funland A skating rink, miniature golf and batting cages—what more could a Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation

Tucker Exhibit Hall is open Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; the center’s Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum is open Weds.-Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 8914671 or visit www.bidwellpark.org 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. A good, shady place for an afternoon break from a busy day of shopping and seeing the sights on campus and downtown. For those into disc golf (a popular Chico pastime), there’s a practice basket as well.

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 NorCal 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.putterschico.com or call 343-1601.

Gateway Science Museum The Gateway Science Museum at 625 Esplanade (next door to Bidwell Mansion) held its grand opening in February 2010. Interesting for kids and adults alike, the museum offers a range of educational exhibits focused on our region’s natural heritage. Hours: Wednesday-Friday, noon-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 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

Funland

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 KIDS continued on page 50 Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 49

VG.S.12 p.49

KIDS continued from page 49

the lake, picnicking or playing fetch with Fido. Trails running around the lake and up to the North Rim Trail add extra adventure 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 10,000-squarefoot skate track is equipped with a pyramid, a rail, a box, two 3-footwide 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.

Kiwanis Chico Community Observatory Opened in 2001, the observatory is a delight for astronomers and amateur stargazers alike. 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 a great family outing. Open Thurs.-Sun., 810:45 p.m., on clear nights. Take Wildwood Avenue to Observatory Way. Visit www.chicoobservatory.org or call 343-5635 for more info.

Horseshoe Lake

National Yo-Yo Museum

Orchard Lanes

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 “Big-Yo.” 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.national yoyo.org for more info.

More than a bowling alley, this entertainment center has an arcade, snack bar, pro shop and plenty of family fun on 2397 Esplanade Avenue. Call 895-3257 for more info.

Come Out & Play 18-Hole Miniature Golf Course HuGe skatinG rink 7-stall BattinG ranGe air Conditioned fun inside fresH air outside! BirtHday Party PaCkaGes

Sycamore Pool This swimming pool is literally built into Big Chico Creek at the One-Mile Recreation Area in Chico’s Lower Bidwell Park. Surrounded by shaded groves of sycamore trees, a fantastic playground (Caper Acres) and many picnic and barbecue spots, the pool is one of the most popular spots Chicoans use to cool down on hot summer days. Open during the summer through Labor Day (closed Thursdays for cleaning). Access the parking area by taking Vallombrosa Avenue to Vallombrosa ● Way.

FREE SKATING AdmISSION

2465 Carmichael drive (530) 343-1601 www.funlandChico.com 50 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.50

skate rental extra - if needed

PuBliC skatinG sessions only. liMit: 1 CouPon Per GrouP. exPires: auGust 31, 2012. CouPon Code: 1611

GO FORTH!

Discover! To Forest Ranch

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

4 7

1st

2nd

11 8 12 Downtown Chico: 9. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Playground 10. Chico Museum

11. Yo-Yo Museum 12. Senator Theatre

Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 51

Chico State

AGRITOURISM

A whole world out there

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.

Tours of the Sierra Nevada Brewery show off all stages of the beer-making process, from sorting the hops (right) to brewing (upper left).

From beer and nuts to olive oil, chickens, cheese and wine—we’ve got you covered.

Beer and wine

Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards 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 pinot grigio, sangiovese, barbera, cabernet sauvignon and petite sirah wines made from locally grown, organically farmed grapes. Tasting by appointment. 3363 Hegan Lane, Chico, 3431623, www.bertagnawine.com

Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co. Located at Feather Falls Casino in Oroville, this new brewery has the distinction of being the only tribalowned brewery in the United States. Headed up by veteran brewmaster Roland Allen of now-defunct Butte Creek Brewing Co. fame, Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co. is part of a bigger package featuring a restaurant serving gourmet food, such as woodfired pizzas and fresh sushi, and a concert venue for live music. Seven beers on tap, including an amber ale called Coyote Spirit, and the darker Broken 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.feather fallscasino.com/brewing-co

52 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

Sign off with date:

Ω HH

Ω MJG

Ω

VG.S.12 p.52

Feather River Brewing Co. 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 (by appointment), and for directions to the brewery. www.featherriver brewing.com

Gale Vineyards Steve and Creasia Gale’s boutique winery is nestled among the shadegiving oak trees on the Gales’ sixacre property just a short drive south of Chico in the bucolic community of Durham. The grapes that go into Gale Vineyards’ tempranillo, rose di primitivo, primitivo, sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon are organically grown on site and made into wine in the Gales’ lovely, cool straw-bale winery. Tasting by appointment. 9345 Stanford Lane, Durham, 891-1264, www.galevineyards.com

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. 90 Grey Fox

Lane, Oroville, 589-3920, www.grey fox.net

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). 2309 Park Ave., Chico, 345-6405, www.honey runwinery.com

LaRocca Vineyards 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, and its cabernet is a hot-selling item. Of note, the winery’s organic champagne is created in the traditional méthode champenoise. Tasting by appointment. 12360 Doe Mill Road, Forest Ranch, 800-808-WINE, www.laroccavineyards.com

Long Creek Winery 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. 233 Ward Blvd., Oroville, 589-3415, www.longcreek winery.com

New Clairvaux Vineyard In less than half an hour, one can drive northwest from Chico to New Clairvaux Vineyard in Vina, 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’s offerings range from a 2005 syrah/cabernet sauvignon blend called Abbots Reserve, to a dry, white, 2008 Aimee Old Vine muscadelle, to its August2011-release red table wine. Tasting room hours: seven days a week, excluding Holy Days, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 26240 Seventh St., Vina, 839-2200, www.newclairvauxvineyard.com

Odyssey Winery and Vineyards Local dentist Norm Rosene and his wife, Janice, own this attractive, Greek-style winery that features wines made from organic cabernet and symphony 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 AGRITOURISM continued on page 54

Hundreds of Wines to Discover NEW TO CHICO ? We invite you to attend one of our Sunday services and truly experience the warmth of a loving community. For service times and information, visit www.bidwellpres.org Traditional, Contemporary and Alternative Services Offered.

• Cheese from around the world • Tasting room & courtyard seating • Gift wrapping & shipping • Wine accessories & books • Gift baskets

Childcare available at all services.

Bidwell Presbyterian Church 208 W. 1st St. Downtown Chico, CA 95928 530 • 343 • 1484

250 Vallombrosa Ave • Chico 530.894.7696 Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

www.creeksidecellars.com Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 53

AGRITOURISM continued from page 53

area. Tasting: May-December, Saturdays, 1-6 p.m. 6237 Cohasset Road, Chico, 891-9463, www.sierrawines.com/winery/winery00148.aspx

Quilici Vineyards

Call to make an appointment for a private tour & tasting

3363 H EGAN LANE • CHICO • 343.1623

bertagnawine.com

This 10-acre family-run winery in the Sierra foothills has been around for more than 20 years. Quilici’s five varietals—barbera, cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese, syrah and zinfandel—are available to taste without charge with the purchase of wine. Otherwise, the tasting fee is $3. Tasting by appointment only. 72 Quail Hill Place, Oroville, 589-5088, www.quilicivineyards.com

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Sierra Nevada’s award-winning ales and lagers are known all over the world. The SNB Taproom & 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. Tour times are Mon.-Thurs., 2:30 and 4 p.m.; Fri., 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m.; Sat., noon, 1, 2, 4 and 5 p.m.; and Sun., noon, 1, 2 and 4 p.m. All tours are one hour and 15 minutes in length, followed by a 20-minute tasting. Take a self-guided “family tour”—for families with children under 12 years of age—any day of the week between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. 1075 E. 20th St., Chico, 8933520, www.sierranevada.com

Open For Wine Tasting & Tours Saturdays & Sundays Noon-5pm Voted Best Oroville Winery ‘08-‘09 By US Business Assn.

and ‘10

By US Commerce Assn.

530.589.3920 90 Grey Fox Lane Oroville Greyfox.Net

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.” 2191 High St., Oroville, 534-9101, www.diningandbrewing.blogspot.com

Olive oil

Berkeley Olive Grove 1913 ★

Savor

the

Fruit

Wine Tasting & Winery Tours

oF our

eFFortS

Open Everyday 11am–5pm or by appointment

26240 7th St. Vina (20 miles N. of Chico) 530-839-2200 | newclairvauxvineyard.com

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 awardwinning organic olive oils is owned and run by Oroville locals Darro and Olivia Grieco. Last fall, the Griecos opened their certified-organic, sustainable, traditionalstyle 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 be taught how to cure them. Call 533-1814 or visit www.berkeleyolivegrove.com for more info.

Butte View Olive Co. ★ Owned and run by Lewis Johnson and his daughter Kristean Eustler, Butte View Olive Co. presses delicious, NEWS & REVIEW BUSINES top-notch, boutique olive oils from the olives grown in its DESIGNER

MTH

54 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

ISSUE DATE

VGF09

FILE NAME BERTAGNAVINEYARDSVGF09R4

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. 2950 Louis Ave., Oroville, 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, Californiastyle 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 nonbusiness-hours tour by appointment. 3719 Foothill Blvd., Oroville, 5346548, www.lodestarfarms.com

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 of balsamic vinegars 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

Chaffin Family Orchards

call ahead for tour appointment. 2120 Loleta Ave., Corning, 824-2190, www.lucerooliveoil.com

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 extravirgin 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 Shetland sheep. No-cost farm tours and field trips by appointment. 606 Coal Canyon Road, Oroville, 533-8239, www.chaffinfamilyorchards.com

Mooney Farms Olive trees, fragrant lavender plants and pretty fountains welcome visitors to family-run Mooney Farms’ lovely tasting room, a great place to sample its healthy Mediterraneaninspired wares, including sun-dried tomatoes, pesto and pasta sauce from their award-winning Bella Sun Luci line. Gift baskets and work by local artists also available. Hours: MondayFriday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1220 Fortress St., Chico, 899-2661.

Morse Mandarin Farms ★ This family-owned citrus farm began in 2002, and offers delicious, “zip-peel” Satsuma mandarins grown

★= Kid-friendly activity

AGRITOURISM continued on page 56

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 Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 55

VG.S.12 p.55

AGRITOURISM continued from page 55

using sustainable farming methods. Morse’s mandarin, lemon, navel orange, tangelo and grapefruit season is late November through March. One can also buy Morse Farms’ Satsuma mandarin and Minneola marmalades and syrups, and meat rubs, as well. 8 Feathervale Drive, Oroville, 589-2126, www.morse mandarinfarms.com

Mountain View Christmas Tree Farm ★ Pick out a sustainably-forested Christmas tree at this farm located at 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 Sept.-May. Call 872-0165 or go to www.mtnviewtrees.com for more info.

Patrick Ranch Museum ★ As described on its website, the historic Patrick Ranch—located 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, complete with oldtime 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. 10381 Midway, Chico,

342-4359, www.patrickranch museum.org

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 40 happy, pasture-grazed cows. Try their Northern Gold—a buttery, semi-firm cheese—or Black Butte Reserve, an award-winning, 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. 7713 Road 24, Orland, 514-3837, www.realfarm steadcheese.com

TRI-L Mandarin Ranch 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, Nov.-Jan. Call 534-4316 or visit www.mandarins4you.com for directions.

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 occa-

sions—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-inpsected. Log onto www.csuchico.edu/ag/farm/meatslab.shtml for up-to-date prices and other information. 311 Nicholas C. Schouten Lane, 898-6028.

Vincent Noble Orchard Co. ★ 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. 7050 Pentz Road, Paradise, 877-4784.

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 they raise their widely respected red worms, 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. 9033 Esquon Road, Durham, 894-1276, www.thewormfarm.net

Locally made

Chambers Harvest Shop

University Farm

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, 56 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.56

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 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. www.chicocertifiedfarmers market.com. • VOTED BEST PLACE TO SPEND YOUR LAST BUCK 2011 • CHECK OUT THE BEST VENDORS 2011: SWEET COTTAGE, CHRIS’ EGG FARM, CHICO CHAI AND CRUB COOPERATIVE

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, south-Chico

shop. Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Sundays. 3764 Hegan Lane, Chico, 345-3352, www.theharvest shop.com

Made in Chico 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. 127 W. Third St, 894-7009.

Maisie Jane’s 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. Dryroasted almonds, flavored almonds (including herb-and-garlic, cinnamon-glazed, coffee-glazed and “cowboy BBQ”), chocolate almonds

(mint-chocolate or dark 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 chocolateapricot 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. 1324 Dayton Road, Chico, 899-7909, www.maisiejanes.com

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. 178 Seventh St., 342-7163, ● www.shuberts.com

Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 57

DINING

Grana

Everything your palate desires Asian Annie’s Asian Grill

Broadway Market and Deli

Egg Roll King

Delicious Korean and Japanese food in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy Korean barbecue, sushi rolls and teriyaki. Lunch specials. Garden patio seating available. Lunch Tuesday-Saturday, dinner Tuesday-Sunday. $$ CC ATM

Now serving Chinese food. Lunch and dinner specials. Vegetarian specials. Assortment of “bubble teas.” Eat in or take out. $ CC ATM

Chinese-style fast food; drivethrough window and indoor seating. $ ATM

Chada Thai Cuisine

175 E. 20th St., 342-7838

243 W. Ninth St., 891-9044

Big Tuna Sushi Bistro

1722 Mangrove Ave., 345-4571

Cozy restaurant featuring traditional Japanese sushi, plus a variety of American rolls. Appetizers, too. $$ 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

58 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

128 Broadway, 899-8368

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

659 Palmetto Ave., 893-1838

Flavor Falls

Choose from a buffet that includes a wide selection of traditional Chinese dishes. Open daily. $$ CC ATM

Gen Kai Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar 605 Mangrove Ave., 345-7226

1140 Mangrove Ave., 894-6888

Mandarin, Hunan and Szechwan cuisine. $$ CC ATM

Try traditional Japanese favorites or the sushi bar at this longtime Chico favorite. $$$ CC ATM

Chang Hing House

Ginger’s Chinese Restaurant

951 Nord Ave., 893-8888

Authentic, affordable Chinese cui-

2201 Pillsbury Road, 345-8862

sine, dine in or take out. $ CC ATM

Specializing in Szechuan, Mandarin and Hunan cuisine.Open daily. $$ CC ATM

Cocodine Thai Cuisine

Happy Garden

2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 891-1800

Specializing in flavorful, authentic central, as well as northeastern (Issan) Thai cuisine. Come discover fresh, healthy, delicious Thai food! $$ CC ATM

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

LUNCH • DINNER Take-Out

Hula’s Chinese Bar-B-Q

HAPPY HOUR

2540 Esplanade, 342-8564; 1937 E. 20th St., 342-6304

Monday-Friday 4pm-6pm

All-you-can-eat Mongolian barbecue with fresh vegetables, noodles, meats and sauces. Beer and wine available. Open daily. HulasBBQ.com www.hulas bbq.com $$ CC ATM

SENIOR DISCOUNTS 60 & Over

Izakaya Ichiban

MAJOR CREDIT CARDS WWW.HULASBBQ.COM

2000 Notre Dame Blvd., 342-8500

Japanese tapas and traditional Japanese cuisine. Sister restaurant to Big Tuna Sushi Bistro. $$ CC

2540 Esplanade at East Ave.,Chico • 342-8564 1937 E. 20th St., Target Shopping Center • 342-6304

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.Open Daily. $$ CC ATM

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 under $ CC

Noodle House

605 Mangrove Ave., 345-2022

Yummy Asian-fusion cuisine specializing in soups, bowls and wraps. $ CC ATM

Ojiya Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

Come See Why We’re A

Local Favorite! Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Sunday Champagne Brunch 08

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

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! Banquet Rooms Available

DINING LIST continued on page 60 Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 59

DINING LIST continued from page 59

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.rawbar chico.com $$$ CC ATM

Broadway Market & Deli

• VOTED BEST SUSHI 2011

Windy’s Chinese Restaurant

Mom’s

Red Tiger

Serving a large variety of Asian favorites, beer and wine. $ CC ATM

Breakfast offerings include crepes, pancakes, omelets and scrambles. Lunch features burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads, as well as homemade tomato-basil soup. Open daily 7 a.m.3 p.m. $ CC ATM

2190 Esplanade, 892-0568

Gourmet Chinese fast-food with drive-through window. $ CC ATM

Rice Bowl

2804 Esplanade, 899-9098

Sit-down restaurant serving Chinese and Japanese cuisine, including sushi bar, beer and wine. Open daily. $$ CC ATM

1000 W. Sacramento Ave., 343-1788

Wok ‘n’ Roll Asian Food and Hawaiian BBQ

1008 W. Sacramento Ave., 892-1868

Authentic Chinese menu with something for everyone. Delivery or sitdown dining in a casual atmosphere. $$ CC ATM

209 Salem St., 893-3447

Morning Thunder Cafe

352 Vallombrosa Ave., 342-9717

Wok In

Chico’s popular breakfast (and lunch) café at the foot of Bidwell Park. Daily ’til 2 p.m. $$ CC ATM

Healthful, fast Asian food with generous portions. Dine in or take out. Delivery available.Closed Sunday. $ CC ATM

Nash’s 7th Avenue Omelette House

Teriyaki House

Breakfast Nooks

Japanese fast-food restaurant specializing in teriyaki. Nord location open daily; East Avenue location closed on Sunday. $ ATM

Unique omelet selections made with fresh and local ingredients, as well as traditional breakfast fare. $ CC ATM

Beatniks Coffee House & Breakfast Joint

Sophia’s Authentic Thai Cuisine 305 Nord Ave., 342-8842

Authentic and delicious Thai food at reasonable prices. $$ CC ATM 951 Nord Ave., 894-3040; 236 W. East Ave., 894-6127

Thai Basil

121 Broadway, 343-6843

All dishes made with fresh vegetables. Choice of 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.tongfonglow.com. $$ CC ATM

• VOTED BEST ASIAN CUISINE 2011

Turandot North China Gourmet Cuisine 1851 Esplanade, 893-1156

Manchurian cuisine at reasonable prices in an elegant atmosphere. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $$ CC ATM

1354 East Ave., 892-8369

1387 E. Eighth St., 894-2800

Coffee, tea, pastries, frittatas and breakfast burritos. $

Breakfast Buzz

208 Cedar St., 343-3444

Breakfast burritos, omelets, French toast and more. $$ CC ATM

Brooklyn Bridge Bagel Works 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

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 60 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

• VOTED BEST HANGOVER BREAKFAST 2011

1717 Esplanade, 896-1147

• VOTED BEST CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH 2011

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 country-style breakfast and lunch fare at affordable prices. $ CC ATM

The Roost Cafe

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. Breakfast and lunch daily. Sunday brunch (a variety of Eggs Benedicts to choose from!). Breakfast and lunch daily. Sunday brunch. $$ CC ATM

Scrambles

880 East Ave., 892-8963

Serving up its famous three-egg scrambles, plus Eggs Benedict and homemade quiche. Champagne served daily and a full-service espresso bar. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, 7am-2pm.Open daily for breakfast and lunch. $$ CC ATM

Sin of Cortez

Great Food, Great Quality & Great Prices!

2290 Esplanade, 879-9200

Enjoy specialty coffees or teas at one of Chico’s favorite breakfast and lunch places. www.sinofcortez.com. Open everyday (and we mean every) from 7am ‘til 2pm for breakfast. $$ CC ATM

Lunch & Dinner $5 to $13

Voted Best Asian Food & Best Take-Out

• VOTED BEST BREAKFAST 2011

Burgers, Delis & Dogs Beach Hut Deli

2002 - 2010

Open 7 Days A Week

HAPPY GARDEN

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

Chinese Restaurant FOOD TO GO

Mon–Thurs 11am–9pm Fri 11am–9pm Sat 12pm–9:30pm Sun 12pm–9pm

(Served All Day)

180 Cohasset Road • Chico 893-2574 or 893-5068

Big Al’s Drive In

1844 Esplanade, 342-2722

Milkshakes are a triple-thick treat at this longtime Chico favorite. $$ ATM

VISITOR GUIDE 2 x 3 (2/9H)

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

From heart-healthy to hearty!

A “Best of Chico” living legend, with a “Build Your Own Burger” bar. www.burgerhut.net $ CC ATM • VOTED BEST BURGER AND BEST FRIES 2011

Chico’s Best 07 Breakfast 14 Years

342-9717 352 Vallombrosa, Chico Mon-Fri 6:30am - 2pm • Sat-Sun 7am - 2pm

Burgers & Brew

201 Broadway, 879-9100

Grass-fed beef and world-class brews. $$ CC ATM

e x ic a n Fo oicdo Delicious Mddoow w nt ow n ch

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 housemade 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

07 DINING GUIDE SS

Chico Locker & Sausage Co. 196 E. 14th St., 343-7370

Check out this full deli with a variety of top-notch sandwiches and salads, DINING LIST continued on page 62

905 Wall St. • Chico, CA 95928 809.0370 Mon–Sat 10am–7:45pm Sun 10am–6pm www.LaCocinaChico.com Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 61

news & review business u

VG.S.12 p.61

designer ss issUe dATe 03.19.11 FiLe nAMe morningthunder031911r1

DINING LIST continued from page 61

and pick up some traditional handmade sausage and specialty meats. $ CC ATM

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 • VOTED BEST HOT DOG 2011

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 or 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

Specialty is the marinated ball tip steak sandwich. Catering available. Open daily. $$ CC ATM

Upper Crust Bakery & Eatery

62 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

Kona’s Sandwiches

Sacramento River, or watch one of 20 televisions inside. $$ CC ATM

Inexpensive and delicious sandwiches and wraps. Open daily. $$ CC ATM

Spiteri’s Delicatessen

138 Main St., 893-4344; 965 Nord Ave., 894-1635

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

Scotty’s Landing

12609 River Road, 710-2020

Try a River Burger or fresh fish and chips on a deck overlooking the

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 • VOTED BEST SANDWICH 2011

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, Cafes & Bistros Bellachino’s Espresso & Panini Cafe

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 cafe-style setting. $$$ CC ATM

• VOTED BEST LOCAL COFFEE HOUSE 2011

Cabana Cafe

1293 E. First Ave., 893-CAFE

Inside In Motion Fitness, Cabana Cafe 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

Cafe Flo

365 E. Sixth St., Chico5148888

Serving food and pastries with an emphasis on local and organic ingredients. Coffee, beer and wine. Checks accepted. $$ CC ATM

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

21 for

Buy 1 Get the 2 nd of equal or lesser value free

With purchase of 2 drinks. Not valid w/any other offer. M-F Only. Exp 9/30/12

• Daily Lunch Specials • Champagne Brunch Fri-Sun • Beer & Wine 208 Cedar • 343-3444 Behind Ray’s Liquor Open Mon-Sun 7 am-2pm

Chico N

Client: B

Fall Vis

Size: 1 c Run date Rep: VM

SPELL CH

Cafe Paulo

642 W. Fifth St., 343-0704

European grilled sandwiches, salads and soups. Espresso and baked treats.Daily ‘til 6pm. $$ 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

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 Cafe & 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

Naked Lounge Tea and Coffeehouse

118 W. Second St., 895-0676

Visit downtown Chico’s local tea and DINING LIST continued on page 64 Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 63

VISITOR GUIDE 2 x 6 (4/9)

Grilla Bites

Priya Indian Cuisine

coffeehouse! Mouth-watering mochas and cappuccinos, and premium looseleaf teas in a unique and relaxing environment. Featuring monthly local art shows. Now nonsmoking. www.face book.com/nlchico Open daily. $ CC ATM

Organic and natural ingredients used in their grilled sandwiches, soups and salad bar. $$ CC ATM

Specializing in northern and southern Indian cuisine, served in a comfortable setting. $$ CC ATM

• VOTED BEST PLACE FOR VEGETARIAN CUISINE 2011

• VOTED BEST INTERNATIONAL CUISINE 2011

Peet’s Coffee & Tea

Leonardo’s

973 East Ave., 342-8840

Sipho’s Restaurant & Cafe

Specializing in Spanish tapas, salads and a variety of Paella, as well as some 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

Fresh, spicy, healthful Jamaican fare on the edge of town. www.siphos jamaica.com $$ CC ATM

DINING LIST continued from page 63

196 Cohasset Road, 343-4876

145 Main St., 894-6716

Coffee, tea, pastries and candy. Open daily. $ CC ATM

Tin Roof Bakery & Cafe 627 Broadway, 345-1362

Long known for its hand-crafted breads, Tin Roof has expanded into becoming a cafe, serving upscale pastries, artisan sandwiches and fine coffees at its new south-downtown 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 • VOTED BEST BAKERY 2011

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 Open weekdays 11:30am-7:30pm. $ CC ATM • VOTED BEST TAKEOUT AND BEST CATERER 2011

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

2574 Esplanade, 899-1055

1228 Dayton Road, 895-1866

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, house-

• VOTED BEST NEW RESTAURANT 2011

DINING LIST continued on page 66

Broadway Heights California Cuisine 300 Broadway, 899-8075

House-baked focaccia sandwiches, specialty salads, gourmet pizzas, California-style dinner entrées and fresh housemade desserts. www.broad wayheightschico.com. $$ CC ATM • VOTED BEST LUNCH 2011

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

Sipho’s

64 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.64

Check out www.RTPdeals.com for great coupons, everyday! 10

10 • GRIDLEY 10 CHICO • ORLAND • OROVILLE PARADISE • RED BLUFF • WILLOWS

ico SS 2011 A ChGUIDE DINING Tradition of Excellence 10

BAKERY:Treats,

ning Coffees, Teas10, Mor s & Quiches ds, Soup Sandwiches, Sala

CAFE:

Cakes Pastries, Wedding sions for all occa & Desserts 10

130 Main Street Downtown Chico 10 www.UpperCrustChico.com (530) 895-3866 Open 7 Days a Week!

NEWS & REVIEW BUSINESS USE ON

DESIGNER PG ISSUE DATE SSDG11 03.19.11 FILE NAME ROUNDTABLE_SSDG11R3

PLEASE CAREFULLY REVIEW YOUR ADVERTISEMENT AND VERIF

Celebrating 100 years business AD SIZEin (COLUMN X INCHES)this fall! 10

SPELLING NUMBERS 10 & DATES CONTACT INFO (PHONE, ADDRESS, ETC) AD APPEARS AS REQUESTED APPROVED BY: Spring/Summer 2012 Discover chico 65

DINING LIST continued from page 64

Nash’s Restaurant

breakfast and lunch. $ CC ATM

Celebrating our 20th year! Nash’s is your “anytime” favorite restaurant, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fresh, creative, California cuisine with casual and fine-dining options, all beautifully presented by our chefs. NashsRestaurantChico.com www.nashsrestaurantchico.com. Breakfast weekdays, brunch weekends. Lunch weekdays, dinner nightly (except Sunday). $$ CC ATM

Cozy Diner

1717 Esplanade, 896-1147

made desserts. Extensive wine list. Reservations accepted SundayThursday. www.5thstreetsteak house.com $$$ CC ATM • VOTED BEST FINE DINING 2011

Basque Norte

3355 Esplanade, 891-5204

Steak, lamb, chicken, quail, barbecued ribs and seafood, served familystyle, in a rustic Basque atmosphere. Full bar and tapas as well. Familyowned since 1975. www.basque norte.com $$$ 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

Gooney Bird Bar and 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

Johnnie’s Restaurant

220 W. Fourth St., 895-1515

Located inside the historic Hotel Diamond, Johnnie’s offers seafood, steaks and appetizers. www.johnniesrestaurant.com. Lunch and dinner daily, Sunday brunch. $$$ CC 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 • OWNER ANN LEON VOTED BEST CHEF 2011

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-caneat spaghettini and house-made meatballs) and Tapas Tuesdays. $$ CC ATM • VOTED BEST SMALL BITES (APPS/TAPAS) AND BEST PLACE FOR A GLASS OF WINE 2011

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 Cafe

1020 Main St., 345-2233

A Chico favorite since 1983, featuring the freshest local ingredients. Our menu includes a variety of antipasti, seafood, pastas, chicken, veal and beef, decadent desserts and an extensive wine list. Siciliancafe.com $$$ CC ATM

1695 Mangrove Ave., 895-1195

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Cozy favorites: crepes, Cobb salad, prime rib burger, broasted chicken, steak, espresso, bear and wine. Outside patio and meeting room available. Free wi-fi. www.cozydiner chico.com $ CC ATM

Jack’s Family Restaurant 540 Main St., 343-8383

Home-style food at reasonable prices in a family atmosphere. $ CC ATM • VOTED BEST GREASY SPOON 2011

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

Russell’s Family Restaurant 185 Cohasset Road, 343-5543

Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant

Featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner specials. Beer and wine. $$ CC ATM

1075 E. 20th St., 345-2739

Bistro fare, award-winning ales and an excellent wine list. www.sierranevadabrew.com $$$ CC ATM

Italian

• VOTED BEST LOCAL RESTAURANT 2011

Angelo’s Cucina Trinacria

Spice Creek Cafe

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.spicecreek cafe.com $$$ CC

Homestyle CJ’s Last Chance Diner

4365 Ocean Drive, 343-1901

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

Order a gourmet burger, the barrelsmoked tri-tip sandwich or the hotpastrami. Open Monday-Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $$ CC ATM

Serving Italian lunches and dinners, such as pasta, seafood, chicken, soups and salads. $$ CC ATM

Country Morning Bakery & Café

Crush Italian Cuisine & Lounge

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

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

2625 Aztec Drive

201 Broadway, 342-7000

• VOTED BEST DATE-NIGHT DINING 2011

66 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.66

Franky’s

506 Ivy St., 898-9947

Locally owned for 19 years. Delivery through Entree Express. Happy hour 4-6pm 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.TheItalian Cottage.com • VOTED BEST ITALIAN CUISINE 2011

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.originalpetes.net $$ CC ATM

Mexican Aca Taco

Caring Dentistry For Children & Teens

NOW YOU CAN AFFORD TO HEAR!

133 Broadway, 894-0191

Authentic Acapulco-style food, including tacos, burritos and housemade enchiladas. $ ATM • VOTED BEST BURRITO 2011

Amigos De Acapulco

820 Oroville Ave., 898-8488

Mexican favorites include the special enchiladas and chile rellenos. $ CC ATM

Call for your Introducing an invisible* hearing aid you can afford. Appointment:

342.0104 $ 750 EACH for a limited time

Arsenio’s

969 East Ave., 893-2767

Serving up carnitas, burritos and other traditional Mexican cuisine. 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 • VOTED BEST MEXICAN CUISINE 2011

DINING LIST continued on page 68

DINING GUIDE SS 2011 Oroville 2450 Oro Dam Blvd, Ste C

(530) 882-3042

NEWS

DESIGNER SS Chico 2201 Pillsbury Rd, Ste. 194 FILE NAME DRMICHELLE

(530) 588-9703

PLEASE CAREFULLY RE

AD SIZE (COLUMN X IN SPELLING NUMBERS & DATES Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 67 CONTACT INFO (PHONE AD APPEARS AS REQUE APPROVED BY:

DINING LIST continued from page 67

AUTHENTIC THAI & VEGETARIAN CUISINE The best Thai food you’ll find, short of Thailand

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

El Patron Taqueria

1354 East Ave., 343-9779; 2454 Notre Dame Blvd., 891-8888 (El Patron II)

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

VISITOR GUIDE 1 x 3 (1/9V)

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

Chronic Tacos

9/14/12

14 FlavOrS tO ChOOSe FrOm

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. This is where the locals eat and widely recommend. www.lacocinachico.com $ CC

La Comida

954 Mangrove Ave., 345-2254

Mexican-style food served up fast in a friendly atmosphere. $ ATM • VOTED BEST CHEAP EATS 2011

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 in a sparkling-clean kitchen 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

3269 Esplanade, 342-4616

Tacos, burritos, tostada salads, chili rellenos, tortas, enchiladas, chimichangas and churros. New expanded seating area. Beer, wine and margaritas. Free wi-fi. Call ahead for to-go orders. www.solmexicangrill.com $ CC ATM

Speedy Burrito Mexican Grill 1031 Nord Ave., 896-0141

Great-tasting, healthfully prepared Mexican cooking. Delivery available. www.chicospeedy burrito.com $ CC ATM

Tacos Cortés

1530 Park Ave., 342-3797

Inexpensive, authentic and generous amounts of Mexican food. $ CC ATM

Tacos de Acapulco

429 Ivy St., 892-8176; 1141 Forest Ave., 343-2935

Home of the biggest burrito in Chico. $ CC ATM

Sol Mexican Grill

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 Spring/Summer 2012

NEWS & REVIEW BUSINESS DESIGNER

ISSUE DATE

FWVG09

FILE NAME CHADATHAI_FWVG09R1

Tacos Tijuana

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Tacos, combination plates and breakfast burritos. Birria, posole and menudo on weekends. Exquisite homemade flan for dessert. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $ CC

Fast, made-to-order gourmet burritos and tacos with “endless” combinations of fillings. www.chipotle.com $ CC ATM

Tacos Tonaya

146 Broadway, 891-3331

1441 Park Ave., 343-6762

244 Walnut St., 893-8972

Tacos, burritos, nachos, enchiladas, sopes and more. $ CC ATM

Tacos Villa Acapulco

1141 Forest 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

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

Tortilla Flats

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 100 premium tequilas. Lunch and dinner daily. Full bar. $$ CC • VOTED BEST OUTDOOR PATIO AND BEST MARGARITA 2011

620 Mangrove Ave., 343-8707

Cold Stone Creamery 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.coldstone creamery.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, panini, salads and soup. Peet’s Coffee with full espresso bar. Closed Sunday. $$ CC ATM

Names you know

Hometown Buffet

Applebee’s Grill and Bar

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

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

Chili’s

1908 E. 20th St., 345-1687

Everything from steaks and margaritas to its famous baby-back ribs. $$ CC ATM

2021 Drive Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, 899-1507

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

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.jamba juice.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

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 DINING LIST continued on page 70 Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 69

DINING LIST continued from page 69

Red Lobster

chico.com $$ CC ATM

Fresh fish, steak, pasta and seafood in a fun, family environment. www.red lobster.com $$$ CC ATM

Farm Star Pizza

2010 Business Lane, 893-5595

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.round tablepizza.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, 8941323; 995 Nord Ave., 343-8586; 146 W East Ave., 343-3434

Wireless Internet at some locations. www.starbucks.com $ CC ATM • VOTED BEST CHAIN COFFEE HOUSE 2011

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., 8946779; 722 Mangrove Ave., Chico

Eat fresh! www.subway.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

Togo’s

Monstros Pizza & Subs

•VOTED BEST PIZZA 2011

628 W. Sacramento Ave., 345-7672

Pizza and subs. $

2359 Esplanade, 343-2056

Delicious handmade craft pizzas from the owners of Red Tavern restaurant www.farmstarpizza.com $$ CC ATM

Fatte’s Pizza

1380 East Ave., 892-1122

Preparing pizza, subs, family and party deals. Pick-up and delivery daily ’til 11 p.m. www.fattespizzaof chico.com $$ CC ATM

Grana

198 E. Second St., 809-2304

Artisan pizzas downtown. $$$ CC

Left Coast Pizza Co.

800 Bruce Road, 892-9000

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

Hand-rolled gourmet pizza (including gluten-free), chicken wings, salad bar, beer and wine. Live music on Thursday nights. $$ CC

Serves up burgers and a variety of other pub eats. $$ CC

Mad Dash Pizza

Bella’s Sports Pub

2391 Cohasset Road, 899-1010

132 W. Second St., 895-9670

• VOTED BEST DRUNK MUNCHIES 2011 134 Broadway, 893-5253

Drive-through only. Features personal pizzas, wings with specialty sauces and fresh-squeezed orange juice. $ CC ATM

Great pub food, huge beer selection and sports on big-screen, highdefinition TVs. $ CC ATM

Main Street Pizza

319 Main St., 892-2445

331 Main St., 345-6246

Late-night pizza. $

Mama Celeste’s Stone Baked Pizzeria

1008 W. Sacramento Ave., 345-1510

Serving Signature Italian Sandwiches, “Cracker Crust” Pizza, and build-your-own calzones. To go, take out, dine in. Open Sunday-Thursday noon-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday noonlate. $ CC

The Down Lo

Enjoy traditional pub grub and occasional live music at this downtown basement hangout. $ CC ATM

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

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! Located on the corner of Salem and First Street in downtown Chico. www.celestinospizza

Main Street Pizza

70 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.70

Oasis Bar & Grill

1007 W. First St. 343-4305

Great burgers, dogs and sandwiches. Pool, ping-pong, shuffleboard and 15 flat-screen TVs Daily drink specials. $ ATM

Panama Bar & Cafe

177 E. Second St., 895-8817

Gelayo Frozen Yogurt & Gelato 1380 East Ave., 345-7626

Frozen yogurt and gelato. $

Helen’s Donut Nook 807 Main St., 343-4031

Fresh donuts and coffee.Daily ’til 2 p.m. $

Appetizers and American pub food, including 31 burgers. Full bar. $ CC

Jon & Bon’s Yogurt Shoppe

Park Avenue Bar & Grill

Delicious frozen yogurt, smoothies, ice cream, frozen coffee drinks and Hawaiian snow. $ ATM

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

Donut Nook

958 East Ave., 342-2118

Donuts, muffins, Danish, scones, cookies and espresso.Closed from 18:30 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays. $ CC

300 Broadway, 899-9580; 1722 Mangrove Ave., 899-0484

Orange Julius

1950 E. 20th St., 894-8304

Julius drinks, fruits, smoothies, pita sandwiches, hot dogs and nachos. www.orangejulius.com $ 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! www.shuberts.com Open daily. $ CC • VOTED BEST ICE CREAM AND BEST PLACE TO SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH 2011

The Cookie Shoppe

1600 Mangrove Ave., 899-3385

Featuring gourmet cookies and gift items.Open weekdays. $

Top Spot Yogurt and Crepes 1947 E. 20th St., 894-2400

Frozen yogurt and crepes. $

Top This Frozen Yogurt 201 Broadway, 879-9100

Organic self-serve yogurt. 100 toppings to choose from. $

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. See website for hours and flavors: www.donut rising.com $

Wine

Donut Wheel

2404 Esplanade, 345-4528

Delicious donuts. $

Lunch & dinner Monday-Friday. Dinner Saturday. 1196 E. Lassen Ave. 636-4620

Powell’s Sweet Shoppe

Donut Rising

1008 Sacramento Ave., Ste. A1, 894-7847

featuring

home-grown farm fresh produce with gluten free, vegetarian & vegan options.

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

Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 71

LODGING

Rest and refresh

Hotel Diamond

fter an activity-filled day, it’s time for some much-needed relaxation and rest. Lucky for you, 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 comfort and pampering.

Bed & breakfasts Cory’s Country Inn

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 2012, 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.

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

Durham House Inn 2280 Durham Dayton Highway, Durham, 342-5900. Just a hop away in bucolic little Durham, 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 breakLODGING continued on page 74

72 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

Sign off with date:

Ω HH

Ω MJG

Ω–––––––

VG.S.12 p.72

Love Living in Logs Sierra Log HomeS

Design & Manufacture log homes - log siding - parts - railing 655 Manzanita Ct. - Chico, CA

3650 Morrow Way • Chico • 530.899.0680 (530) 345-2533

Toll-free Motel-direct Reservations

1-877-345-2533

Toll-free Nationwide sierraloghomes.com Reservations

Locally owned and family run since 1992!

1-800-800-8000

VISITOR GUIDE 2 x 3 (2/9H)

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

(530) 345-2533

655 Manzanita Ct. - Chico, CA

Regency Inn

(530) 898-0134

✯ Close to Downtown

• Newly Renovated • All Rooms 25" TV • Microfridge • Free High Speed Internet Access • King Size Beds Available

Low daily and weekly rates.

2566 Esplanade Chico, CA 95973

1-800-800-8000

Low daily and weekly rates.

Toll-free Nationwide Reservations

Newly Renovated All Rooms 25" TV Microfridge Free High Speed Internet Access • King Size Beds Available

1-877-345-2533

• • • •

Toll-free Motel-direct Reservations

✯ Close to Downtown

(530) 898-0134

Regency Inn

655 Manzanita Ct. - Chico, CA

(530) 345-2533

Toll-free Motel-direct Reservations

1-877-345-2533

Toll-free Nationwide Reservations

1-800-800-8000

“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

Spring/Summer N E W S 2012 & RDiscover E V I E W chico B U S 73 INESS U DESIGNER

ISSUE DATE

LODGING continued from page 73

Johnson’s Country Inn

fast located in the Avenues. No pets or children younger than 12. www.thegratefulbed.net • VOTED BEST BED & BREAKFAST 2011

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 Durham House Inn

and the university. www.north valley.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 www.north valley.net/labri

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; www.heritageinn-express.com

Holiday Inn 685 Manzanita Court, 345-2491; www.holidayinn.com

PERSONALIZED GIFTS • Local Company Celebrating 24 Years • Direct to Garment Printing • Custom Embroidery • Fast Turnaround

ALL WORK DONE IN HOUSE!

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 74 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

1x3 (1/20 V)

VG.S.12 p.74

Hotel Diamond

220 W. Fourth St., 993-3100; www.hoteldiamondchico.com • VOTED BEST HOTEL/MOTEL 2011

BED & BREAKFASTS

Matador Motel 1934 Esplanade, 342-7543

Cory’s Country Inn

Motel 6

A Unique Bed & Breakfast Fine Lodging • Delicious Culinary Art • Garden Weddings

665 Manzanita Court, 345-5500

Oxford Suites 2035 Business Lane, 899-9090

Residence Inn by Marriott 2485 Carmichael Drive, 894-5500

Safari Inn

4673 Nord Highway • Chico 95973

2352 Esplanade, 343-3201; http://safarichicomotel.com

530.345.2955 for information & reservations www.coryscountryinn.com

Super 8 655 Manzanita Court, 345-2533

Super Chico Inn

Durham House Inn

2573 Esplanade, 566-1000

Thunderbird Lodge

VICTORIAN COUNTRY ELEGANCE

715 Main St., 343-7911

2280 Durham-Dayton Hwy Durham, CA 95938

Town House Motel 2231 Esplanade, 343-1621

530.342.5900

www.DurhamHouseInn.com

Vagabond Inn 630 Main St., 895-1323; www.vagabondinn.com

10 minutes from Downtown Chico

●

America’s Best Value Inn

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

Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 75

RELOCATION GUIDE

Get to know Chico

here’s a lot going on in Chico that’s 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 long-time residents might learn a thing or two.

POPULATION

The population of the city of Chico—established by the State Department of Finance as 86,900 as of January 1, 2011—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 220,000.

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 new U. S. census information, the median value of owneroccupied housing units in Butte County is $221,733, with Chico homes coming in at a median value of approximately $232,400.

HOUSING

DEMOGRAPHICS

There are more “for rent” and “for sale” signs around town these days, due to the troubled economy, which

Like most North Valley towns, Chico is predominantly white—82.4 percent, to be exact. Recent census

Bidwell Mansion

information also tallied the city’s population as 12.3 percent Hispanic, 4.2 percent Asian (which includes a significant Hmong community), 1.3 percent Native American and 2 percent black. The median age of Chico residents hovers around 30—no surprise for a college town—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 P.D.’s nonemergency 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 RELOCATION continued on page 78

76 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

SMALL ENGINE REPAIR

10% OFF With this coupon. Expires 9/1/12

G&M REPAIR True Value Hardware 17th & Park • Chico

343-5948

NOW ENROLraLdIesN1-G8 Kindergarten & G

fo r Fa ll 20 12

Bringing You To

Paradise

SCHOOL T OURiS d ay

r Ever y F M A at 9

W. East Ave.

. Ave lly Ho

5350 Skyway, Paradise

(530) 872-7653

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

Paradise@C21SelectGroup.com www.C21Skyway.com

1-800-785-7654

Cussick Ave.

450 W. East Ave. • Chico 530.879.7483 K-8 WALDORF-METHODS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

www.blueoakcharterschool.org Spring/Summer 2012 Discover chico 77

RELOCATION continued from page 76

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 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 the Sacramento River along the western border of the county, where it hooks up with I-5, through Chico eastward to the mountainous northeast regions.

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

Locals like: If you’re looking for recommendations for the best stuff in Chico, here are a few from the CN&R’s annual Best of Chico contest 2011. Log onto http://tinyurl.com/bestofchico2011 for a full list, including Chicoans’ favorite health-care specialists, vets, thrift stores and more. Cab company: Liberty Cab, 898-1776, www.libertytaxicabs.com Florist: Christian & Johnson, 250 Vallombrosa Ave., 891-1881 Nursery: Little Red Hen, 189 E. Eighth St., 891-9100 Day spa: Urban Medspa, 3221 Cohasset Road, 891-8772 Barbershop: Barber Jon’s, 532 Nord Ave., 342-7342 Hair salon: The Hair Co., 2760 Esplanade, Ste. 150, 894-2002

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 14.1 percent in June 2011, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to recent 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.

78 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

VG.S.12 p.78

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 usually 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

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!

HOSPITAL Enloe Medical Center

Dr. Hood is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics Specializing in Braces and a certified provider for InvisalignTM.

1531 Esplanade, 332-7300. www.enloe.org

CLINICS

2755 Esplanade Chico CA 95973 Phone 530.343.7021 • Fax 530.343.3672

Chico Family Health Center 680 Cohasset Road, 342-4395.

5657 Clark Rd #5 Paradise CA 95969 Phone 530.877.4951 • www.hoodortho.com

Chico Immediate Care Medical Center 376 Vallombrosa Ave., 898-8549.

Enloe Children’s Health Center 277 Cohasset Road, 332-6000.

Enloe Medical Center— Cohasset 560 Cohasset Road, 332-4111.

Enloe Outpatient Center 888 Lakeside Village Commons Drive, 332-6850.

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

PROFESSIONAL

2x3 (1/10 H)

PASSIONATE

ADVANCED ATTENTIVE the difference is the

CARE Immediate Treatment of Minor Trauma & Minor MedicalEmergencies

Enloe Regional Cancer Center 265 Cohasset Road, 332-3808.

Chico: 376 Vallombrosa Ave.

891-1676 • Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat & Sun 8am-4pm

Paradise: 5875 Clark Rd.

877-5433 • Mon–Fri 7am-7pm, Sat & Sun 8am-4pm

RELOCATION continued on page 80 Spring/Summer 2012 DISCOVER CHICO 79

VG.S.12 p.79

RELOCATION continued from page 79

Enloe Medical Center

Enloe Medical Center— Behavioral Health 560 Cohasset Road, 332-5250.

Enloe Rehabilitation Center 340 W. East Ave., 332-6138.

Skyway Surgery Center 121 Raley Blvd., 230-2000.

www.newsreview.com

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

Paradise Midwifery Services 771 Buschmann Road, Paradise, 8727579.

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

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 RELOCATION continued on page 82

80 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

Spring/Summer 2012 Discover chico 81

RELOCATION continued from page 80 Chapman School

EDUCATION PUBLIC SCHOOLS Chico Unified School District Formed in 1964, the Chico Unified School District currently serves 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 program and oversees several charter schools. The new 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.cusd.chico.k12.ca.us

CHARTER SCHOOLS Blue Oak Charter School 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, 343-4308. Kindergarten-sixth grade. www.chicomontessori.com

Forest Ranch Charter School 15815 Cedar Creek Road, Forest Ranch, 891-3154. Kindergarteneighth grade. www.forestranchschool.org

Inspire School of Arts and Sciences Chico High School campus, 901 Esplanade, 891-3090. Ninth-12th grade. www.inspirecusd.org

Nord Country School 5554 California St., 891-3138. Kindergarten-sixth grade. www.nordcountryschool.org

Sherwood Montessori 746 Moss Ave., 345-6600. Kindergarten-eighth grade. www.sherwoodmontessori.org

Wildflower Open Classroom Chico Montessori

82 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2012

P.O. Box 8327, 892-1676. Opened in fall 2011 on the McManus Elementary School campus; kindergarten-eighth grade. www.wildflowerschool.com

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Champion Christian School 1184 East Ave., 345-8008. Seventh-12th grade. www.championchristianschool.org

Chico Christian School 2801 Notre Dame Blvd., 343-6051. Kindergarten-eighth grade, plus preschool. www.chicochristian.org

King’s Christian School 1137 Arbutus Ave., 345-1377. Kindergarten-sixth grade. www.kingschristianschool.org

Notre Dame School 435 Hazel St., 342-2502. Kindergarten-eighth grade. www.ndschico.org

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.progressiveschoolhouse.com

Rose Scott Open-Structured School 850 Palmetto Ave., 354-3101. First-12th grade. www.rosescottschool.com

●

Chico’s Largest Full Service Hotel

Holiday Inn Chico I 685 Manzanita Court I Chico, CA 95926 I 530.345.2491

3 Great Reasons to eat at the Holiday Inn Authentic Indian Cuisine Lunch & Dinner 11:30am-9pm Mon-Thu I Dinner: 3pm-Close Everyday

Bar & Grill

Happy Hour 5-8pm Seven Days a Week Live Music Saturdays

Breakfast M-F 6-9 I Sat/Sun 6:30- 9:30 Dinner 5pm - Close Everyday

TRy ouR Ny STEak oR BlaCkENED RIB EyE

Banquet Facilities • Outdoor Catering Spring/Summer 2012 Discover chico 83

The guide to visiting and living in the jewel of the Sacramento Valley S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 2 • FREE

LOOK FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

Presented by Chico News & Review and the Chico Chamber of Commerce