Discover Chico 2017

SPRING/ SUMMER 2017

FREE

A guide to visiting and living in the jewel of the Sacramento Valley

INSIDE:

Butte County winery map

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

Enjoy the show UPCOMING EVENTS

Jay Mohr Felipe Esparza April 14th

May 5th

For tickets and complete list of upcoming events, visit ColusaCasino.com Must be 21+ to attend.

2 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

START 2017

with healing from past or present sexual violence As the new year begins, take steps towards this important resolution.

IF YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW, STRUGGLE WITH LONG-TERM EFFECTS FROM SEXUAL VIOLENCE, WE ARE HERE TO LISTEN! LONG-TERM EFFECTS MAY INCLUDE:

• addiction issues • anxiety • body issues • depression • eating disorders

• guilt • low self-esteem; self-doubt • negative self-talk; thoughts

• relationship problems • self-blame • shame • sexual problems • trust issues

Butte/Glenn: 530-891-1331 Tehama: 530-539-3980 24hr CRISIS LINE: 530-342-RAPE (7273) Collect Calls Accepted

Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 3

Contents W

elcome to spring and summer in beautiful Chico. Whether you’re visiting or making it your new home, there’s plenty to see and do here and the surrounding areas. Arts, culture and nature abound.

There’s a lot to learn about these parts, so let Discover Chico help you get acclimated. Put together by the staff of the Chico News & Review, this guide is a go-to resource for information ranging from our area’s signature events and historic locations to practical information about city services and politics.

This past winter brought a reprieve from a five-year drought, so expect creeks and rivers to be fuller than in recent memory. That’s great news for water buffs—just be sure to stay safe out there. Currents can be swift!

Also, be sure each Thursday to pick up a copy of the awardwinning weekly CN&R, Chico’s premier resource for community news and arts coverage as well as analysis and commentary.

You’re likely to hear this many times while you’re here, but we’ll proudly be the first: Welcome to Chico!

—Meredith J. Cooper, CN&R managing editor

4 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

Discover chico sPriNG/sUMMer 2017

EvEnts .......................................................8 Mark your calendar! Spring and summer bring lots of outdoor activities.

Downtown .................................... 14

Filled with historic buildings, outdoor cafes and eclectic shopping, downtown’s the place to be.

Campus................................................ 18

Explore what makes Chico’s institutions of higher learning tick.

parks & rECrEation ........ 22

Bidwell Park is just one of the green spaces that make Chico special.

family fun.................................... 58

There’s plenty to do for kids of all ages.

agritourism ............................... 62 Get out on the farm! Chico and its environs offer a true bounty.

ExCursions ................................... 68 Take a day trip to one of these nearby destinations.

loDging ............................................. 72 There are plenty of options for home base.

thE BasiCs ...................................... 76

maps........................................................ 28

Get acquainted with the community and its economy, schools and health care facilities.

arts & EntErtainmEnt ... 30

Discover Chico editors and writers: Jason Cassidy, Meredith J. Cooper, Melissa Daugherty, Howard Hardee

Acquaint yourself with downtown Chico and Butte County’s wine and beer scene.

The arts are near and dear to Chicoans’ hearts. See why.

Design: Tina Flynn, Sandy Peters

nightlifE......................................... 36

photography: CN&R staff

From wine and tapas bars to raging nightclubs, Chico knows how to have fun.

advertising staff: Ruth Alderson, Yazmin Barrera, Brian Corbit, Jamie DeGarmo, Faith de Leon and Laura Golino

Dining.................................................. 42

Discover Chico is published twice a year by the Chico News & Review, 530-894-2300, www.newsreview.com www.discoverchico.com Copyright ©2017 Chico Community Publishing

Chico’s restaurant scene is sure to satisfy all of your foodie cravings.

follow thE lEaDEr........... 56 Let someone else do the planning.

Take a tour!

On the cover: Photo of Peterson Neighborhood Park

by Melissa Daugherty

the HIGHEST QUALITY MEDICINE

Free Delivery | EZ Signup | Knowledgeable Staff | Huge Menu | Free Medicine for Referrals or Reviews

FiRSt tiME patiEntS REcEivE FREE 1g any FlowER & a wElcoME pacKEt locally ownED & opERatED Lab Tested by

530.774.1720

Find us on Weedmaps | Check out our new website StoneyCreekDelivery.com | Sign up and order online

CA 215 & H&S Code 11362.5 Compliant | 7 Days a Week 12-8pm | Chico Area | Lic. # BL-004622 Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 5

PARK PLAZA

680 Mangrove Ave, Chico 530-893-0808 M-F 9–8 | SAT 9–7 | SUN 10–5

PHEASANT RUN PLAZA

2009 Forst Ave Ste B, Chico 530-893-2727 M-F 9–8 | SAT 9–7 | SUN 10–5 supercuts.com

CLEAN. SHARP. READY.

Go with the Flow

Did you know that wrong-way bicycle riding is a leading cause of cyclist deaths and cycle/ vehicle accidents? Many people believe that they are safer riding the wrong way because they can see cars and drivers can see them.

However, studies and statistics show time and again that wrong-way riding is up to 10 times more dangerous to the cyclist than riding with traffic. This is largely due to the much greater combined speed on impact, when riding the wrong way. And, it is against the law.

So stay safe and ride with traffic! As a cyclist you are required to follow the same rules of the road as any other vehicle. So Go with the Flow and stay safe - ride WITH traffic!

Chico Velo Cycling 530 343 8356 www.chicovelo.org velo@chicovelo.org Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 7

EVENTS

Friday Night Concerts

Join the fun S

pring and summer in Chico offer some of the community’s most fun outdoor events.

Farmers’ markets truly come alive; the downtown Friday Night Concerts highlight local favorites playing free shows at the City Plaza; the Thursday Night Market brings everyone downtown to enjoy the fruits of local growers, plus food trucks, entertainment and more; and arts and music producers provide something to do most every weekend.

8 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Tourism information There are so many things to do in and around Chico that we can’t possibly fit them all into this guide. Here are a few additional resources for events and activities:

Chico Area Recreation District (CARD) CARD runs many of the parks in Chico and is the go-to spot for everything from softball leagues to summer camps to classes for people of all ages. CARD also hosts several special events each year, including summer Movies in the Park. 545 Vallombrosa Ave., 895-4711, www.chicorec.com

Chico Chamber of Commerce The Chico Chamber of Commerce offers a wide range of information on local shopping, lodging and recreation. Stop by the Visitor Center for maps and guides or for some friendly advice from knowledgeable locals. 441 Main St. Ste. 150, 891-5556, www.chicochamber.com

Chico News & Review

CAMMIES Music Festival

The CN&R, which will be celebrating 40 years this August, puts together this handy guide twice a year, but if you’re looking for something to do this weekend, you probably want to pick up a free, new copy of the paper each Thursday, or check out the CN&R website, which includes an extensive list of concerts, art exhibits, theater performances, special events and more. www.newsreview.com/chico

Chico State With the university in close proximity to downtown Chico, there is always something going on. Check out Chico State’s School of the Arts and Chico Performances websites for up-to-date info on shows and exhibits. schoolofthearts-csuchico.com and chicoperformances.com

Downtown Chico Business Association For all things downtown-related, check out the Downtown Chico Business Association. Information about upcoming events are updated on the DCBA’s website, www.down townchico.net

Silver Dollar Fairground From go-kart racing and science fairs to bridal shows and bull-riding, Silver Dollar Fairground offers a little bit of everything for everyone.

2357 Fair St., 895-4666, www.silver dollarfair.org

Throughout the season Farmers’ and crafts markets For local produce sales yearround, check out the Chico Certified Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, rain or shine, in the parking lot at Second and Wall streets downtown.

This market features a wide range of fresh, local fruits and veggies, crafts, locally prepared hot foods, top-notch coffee, etc. Hours: 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. www.chicofarmersmarket.com Downtown Chico’s popular Thursday Night Market, sponsored by the Downtown Chico Business Association, is back in full swing for

the spring and summer months. Free entertainment along with produce and other goods for sale. Hours: 6-9 p.m., April 6-Sept. 28.

The North Valley Plaza Farmers’ Market offers produce year-round each Wednesday. Hours: 7:30 a.m.1 p.m. 893-3276.

Another option in Chico is the Chapmantown Friday Certified Farmers’ Market at Community Park.

Hours: 2-5:30 p.m. Fridays, 1010 Cleveland Ave., www.cchaos.org

Fork in the Road One Wednesday a month during spring and summer, more than a dozen food trucks gather at Manzanita Place to serve up their specialties, accompanied by live music. Begins April 5, 5:30 p.m.

Find it on Facebook for more info.

1705 Manzanita Ave.

Friday Night Concerts Fridays, May 5-Sept. 8, 6-7:30 p.m. Chico’s City Plaza fills with music of all sorts, from rock to jazz to reggae and funk.

The Downtown Chico Business Association books popular local bands for this summer tradition.

345-6500, www.downtownchico.com

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.silver dollarspeedway.com or call 891-6353.

EVENTS continued on page 10 Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 9

California Nut Festival

EVENTS continued from page 9

March Chico Kite Day March 26, noon-4 p.m. A Chico springtime tradition, families fly colorful kites all afternoon. Prizes are awarded for the best homemade kites. Community Park, 1900 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway

April CAMMIES Music Festival April 6-23. Three weekends of eclectic shows at a variety of local venues featuring dozens of players

Chico Wildflower Century

from the area’s vibrant music scene.

Capped off by a day-long, CN&Rsponsored music festival/award show, April 23, 2-7 p.m., south of Chico at the Patrick Ranch (10381 Midway, Durham). www.newsreview.com/cammies

Bidwell Bark April 8, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Butte Humane Society’s annual fundraiser featuring a 5K walk, food trucks, and plenty of events for dogs and their humans. Sycamore Field, Lower Bidwell Park, www.bidwellbark.com

California Nut Festival April 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. This annual event features local farmers, winemakers, brewers, chefs and bakers with food and beverage sam-

plings, live music on two stages and an art show. $30-$35. 10381 Midway, 342-4359, www.californianut festival.com

Spring Jamboree April 15. Chico Area Recreation and Park District’s annual Easter fun day, complete with Easter egg hunts (10 a.m. for kids 0-3, 10:45 a.m. for those 4-5 and 11:30 a.m. for ages 6-7) and photos with the Bunny himself. Caper Acres and Sycamore Field, Lower Bidwell Park. www.chicorec.com

Chico Comedy Festival April 8-9. Third annual comedy festival features two nights of comedy, plus special headliner, Comedy Central regular Dave Ross, at the Big Room April 9. Search “Chico Comedy Festival” on Facebook for details.

Chico Wildflower Century April 30, 5:30 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.

Nearly 4,000 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 12. www.chicovelo.org

10 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Bidwell Bark

May Endangered Species Faire May 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Hosted by the Butte Environmental Council, this is the longest-running environmental fair in Northern California, featuring informational booths on ecology, wildlife and environmental issues and animals, plus music, crafts, food and more. One-Mile picnic area in Lower Bidwell Park, www. becnet.org

Feather Fiesta Days May 6-13. Oroville’s hometown celebration for more than 70 years, Feather Fiesta Days includes a beer festival kickoff, parades, food vendors, activities for the kids, a car show and a chili cook-off. 538-2542, www.orovillechamber.net

Art at the Matador May 9-11. Put on by ChiVAA, the Chico Visual Arts Alliance, this annual art event takes over the grounds—and guest rooms—at the historic Matador Motel on The Esplanade. Opening reception is May 9, 4-9 p.m.; an art, dance and music fest May 10, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Bring Your Mother to the Fiesta May 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Check Facebook for more info.

EVENTS continued on page 12

UniqUe health & beaUty prodUcts Lavender PLants • PhotograPhy sessions gifts • botanicaL farm tours gourmet cuLinary Products • new aromas

20% FF O with this ad 17 W. Rio Bonito Rd. Biggs, Ca or call (530)868-5151 or www.lavenderranch.com Open Mon-Thurs 8am-4pm | Fri-Sat 10am-2pm Spring/Summer 2017 DISCOVER CHICO 11

EVENTS continued from page 11

Silver Dollar Fair May 25-29. Chico’s popular annual community fair at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds features exhibits, livestock, a carnival midway, car races and music. www.silverdollarfair.org

June Soroptimist International Microbrew Festival June 3 2-6 p.m. The annual Microbrew Festival, hosted by Soroptimist International of Bidwell

Rancho, features tasting opportunities from dozens of microbreweries and live music. Manzanita Place, 1705 Manzanita Ave., www.sibidwellrancho.org

July Slice of Chico

Art at the Matador

July 14-15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy sidewalk sales from downtown Chico merchants and free slices of ice-cold watermelon. www.downtown chico.net

August Butte County Fair Aug. 25-28. 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

September Taste of Chico Sept. 25, 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 •

Your Downtown Shoe Store Since 1976

Quality Shoes, Socks & Accessories Original Paintings • Etchings • Hand Blown Glass • Jewelry Sculpture • Hand Carved Wooden Bowls By Local Artists 493 East Ave. Suite 1 • Chico, CA 95928 • (530) 345-3063 Gallery Hours: Tues - Sat 11am - 4pm or by appt.

12 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

...and more Downtown Chico 345-4880

Clark Road Paradise 872-0812

northern

valley

talk line

Acupuncture

Chinese Herbs & Massage Pain Management, Weight Loss, Digestive Issues & Allergies

Jennifer Conlin L.Ac. Most insurance accepted Massage available

Art Glass Studio 1209 Esplanade Ste 1 (corner of West 2nd Ave) 530.342.2895 • AmericanChi.net Tues & Wed 1pm-5pm • Fri 9am-2pm

(530) 345–7985

|

819 Wall St, Chico

|

www.satava.com

Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9 to 4 Viewing of Glassblowing usually available Tuesday through Thursday during non-summer months!

16

16 BEST CONTRACTOR

Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 13

DOWNTOWN

Thursday Night Market

Center of activity D

owntown Chico holds a special place in many locals’ hearts. And for good reason! The area is a center of activity for the city, from hosting year-round Saturday farmers’ markets to the seasonal Thursday Night Markets and Friday Night Concerts in the park. But that’s not all. Downtown also boasts Chico city offices and a wide range of local businesses that cater to a diverse clientele of shoppers and diners. Want to chill on a bench by a fire pit while munching on

14 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

cheese fries and drinking a brewsky?

You’re covered. Prefer a Cadillac margarita at the taco bar? Why not?

There are shops that sell everything from clothing and accessories to used books and high-end home décor. Bike shops cater to the two-wheeled commuters in town, and the in-the-works Chico Children’s Museum promises to provide kids of all ages a unique downtown experience. Check out a map on page 28 to orient yourself—then get out there and explore.

See for yourself

Great Adventures Begin at Mountain Sports Casual Clothing & Footwear

Outdoor Gear & Clothing

While you’re strolling around downtown, be sure to take notice of your environs. Here are some highlights worth a second look:

Chico Municipal Center Outside Chico’s Municipal Center, at the corner of Fourth and Wall streets, sits one of Chico’s most recognizable sculptures—“Our Hands,” a giant pair of hands with iconic images of Chico embedded in their surface. Inside are city offices, plus the building hosts regular exhibitions of local art. Municipal Center hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 411 Main St., 896-7200, www.chico.ca.us

16 2005-2016

Mountain SportS 176 East Third Street • Downtown Chico 16

(530) 345-5011 • www.chicomountainsports.com Proudly Serving Chico & The North Valley Since 1975

Old Municipal Building Swing around to the Main Street side of the block to the renovated Old Municipal Building, built in 1911 and now home to the Chico Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. Those offices are great places to get insider tips and free brochures for area attractions. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 441 Main St., 800-852-8570, chicochamber.com

Senator Theatre One of Chico’s most photographed buildings, the Senator Theatre, was built in 1928. The theater is a gem of art deco architecture and once hosted traveling vaudeville shows.

It became a movie theater in the mid-20th century and now serves as the regions’s main stop for big-name touring bands. 517 Main St., 8981497, www.jmaxproductions.net

Downtown post office More than just a place to buy stamps, the United States Postal Service office on Fifth Street is a major downtown landmark, with its beautiful arched entrance and Renaissance revival architecture. It was built in 1916 and is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. 141 W. Fifth St., 342-5038.

DOWNTOWN continued on page 16 Spring/Summer 2017 DISCOVER CHICO 15

DOWNTOWN continued from page 15 Chico City Plaza

Chico City Plaza Pretty much smack dab in the middle of downtown is Chico City Plaza, a one-block park that’s one of the public’s favorite outdoor gathering spaces. This is a great place to rest your feet, spot some of the city’s more colorful characters, or cool off in the fountain.

Stansbury House This gleaming-white Victorian home, built in 1883, sits at the corner of West Fifth and Salem streets.

This is Chico’s most well-preserved example of late-19th century Italianate architecture. Hours: Sat.-Sun., 1-4 p.m. 307 W. Fifth St., 895-3848, www.stansburyhome.org

Hotel Diamond The Hotel Diamond is a beautifully renovated homage to the original

luxury hotel, which was constructed on this site in 1904. Now, the hotel offers standard rooms and luxury suites, and you don’t have to be a

Stansbury House

guest to enjoy its fine bar and restaurant. 220 W. Fourth St, 893-3100, www.hoteldiamondchico.com

The Phoenix Building This downtown fixture located at the southwest corner of Fourth and Broadway houses a variety of stores, a yogurt shop and a long-beloved restaurant on its second floor. The building, built in 1889, was gutted by a fire in 1975. It earned its name—the Phoenix Building—after rising from the ashes.

El Rey Theatre This historic venue built in 1906 was Chico’s first vaudeville theater and served as a first-run movie theater for several decades until 2005.

It’s now used to host live music and the occasional film festival.

230 W. Second St., www.jmax productions.net

Madison Bear Garden Worth a look-see even if you’re not in the mood for a killer burger or some drinks on the patio with friends. The décor is simply indescribable. Beyond that, the building has history. It was built in 1883 and, nearly a decade later, in 1977, it opened as a restaurant and bar. The Bear, as it’s known, is now a fixture of the Chico—and Chico State— experience. 316 W. Second St., 891-1639, www.madisonbear garden.com • 16 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

we Serve the Lgbt*qi+ Community • Information, advocacy, referrals and counseling • Social and support groups • Open, safe, and inclusive for all people • Community events, activities, and discussions

pride week AuguSt 18-20 Stonewall Alliance Center

stonewallchico.org • center@stonewallchico.org 530.893.3336 •

eighth & Main antique center

Where the North Valley shops for Antiques 29,000 sq ft.

Antiques + ColleCtibles RetRo + ARt + shAbby ChiC jewelRy + GARden ACCents sAlvAGed tReAsuRes lARGest seleCtion in the AReA 2004–2016

745 Main Street • Chico • (530) 893-5534 Chicoantiquecenter@att.net • www.eighthandmain.com Open 7 Days a Week Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 17

CAMPUS

Education all around W

hether you’re looking to earn a two- or four-year degree, study a specific vocation or just learn a new skill, Chico’s got your post-secondary options covered. Chico State, part of the California State University system, offers both bachelor’s and master’s programs, along with a college for older adults. Nearby Butte College, part of the Butte-Glenn Community College District, provides associate degrees and opportunities to transfer to four-year colleges. Then, of course, there are several vocational schools to choose from. Go forth and learn!

18 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Chico State

Chico State

Founded in 1887 as a teacher’s college, Chico State opened in 1889 with 60 students and five faculty members. The university today is home to about 17,500 students, including graduate students. About 2,000 of them reside in campus-run housing, with the rest spread out through the south campus neighborhood and the rest of the community.

The school mascot is the Wildcat and its colors are cardinal and white. With 13 Division II men’s and women’s sports teams, there’s plenty of action to be caught on the field or court. Information on tickets and teams can be found at www.chicowildcats.com.

Campus tours are scheduled through the Admissions Office in the first-floor lobby of the Student Services Center. To make a reservation, log onto www.tinyurl.com/csuctour or call 898-6322. In addition to the main campus, the University Farm (see Agritourism, page 62) and Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve (see Excursions, page 68) also are part of Chico State.

If you decide to take a stroll on your own, here are a few places on the Chico State campus worth noting:

Arts & Humanities Building Chico State’s newest building is home to a variety of arts-related spaces. Most prominent is the Janet Turner Print Museum, which houses an impressive collection of fine arts prints from artists including Dalí, Durer, Goya, Miro, Rembrandt, Renoir and Tamayo, as well as prints by the museum’s late benefactor, artist and Chico State art professor Janet Turner. The building also houses the Jacki Headley University Art Gallery, a student-centered exhibition space; the Paul and Yasuko Zingg Recital Hall, a 200-seat performance space; as well as public art pieces, including the iconic trompe l’oeil-style mural by famed muralist and Chico State alumnus John Pugh.

regional information resource. It’s also home to the university’s special collections and archives, which provide an an impressive look at the history of northeastern California.

898-5862, www.csuchico.edu/library

tion for human diversity. Admission free; donations welcome. Hours: September-May: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. June-July: MondayThursday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 898-5397, www.csuchico.edu/anthmuseum

Performing Arts Center (PAC)

More education

This large building just east of the BMU is the hub of the university’s extensive performing-arts program. It houses two excellent theaters and a recital hall that host public performances.

Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology Located on the first floor of Meriam Library, this teaching museum features rotating exhibitions, photos and artifacts, with the aim of promoting respect and apprecia-

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. 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 CAMPUS continued on page 20 Laxson Auditorium

Bell Memorial Union Students in the know call it the BMU. Owned and operated by the Associated Students, the BMU is home to the Chico State Wildcat Store, the Marketplace Cafe, an auditorium, study areas, a coffee shop and the Associated Students offices (as well as many of the organization’s programs). www.aschico.com

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 on campus. Romanesquestyle brick buildings dominate this beautiful area of campus, which also boasts a domed rotunda, bell tower and rose garden.

Laxson Auditorium A cornerstone of the historic quarter, this majestic auditorium also hosts the major music, theater and dance events on campus, including the spring musical, North State Symphony Orchestra concerts and performances by world-class touring artists. University Box Office: 8986333. www.chicoperformances.com

Meriam Library Chico State’s Meriam Library is the state’s largest library north of Sacramento and an important Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 19

CAMPUS continued from page 19

complete overhaul and expansion of the library, and the addition of three new state-of-the-art buildings. The impressive two-story Arts Building offers a keyboard lab, a full digital recording studio, a print studio, a cutting-edge graphic-design lab and the fabulous Black Box Theatre.

Butte College’s satellite campus in Chico makes it possible for students to attend classes without making the drive to the main campus. Its newest addition is the Skyway Center in south Chico, home to the automotive-technology program.

The accredited two-year college offers associate degrees and fully transferable general-education courses, as well as vocational-certificate programs.

The college also has been recognized nationally for its commitment to sustainability practices; its arts building was certified LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council, the first in the North State to receive such recognition. It also has the distinction as the first college campus in the country to go grid-positive.

Main campus: 3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, 895-2511; Chico Center: 2320 Forest Ave., 895-1352, www.butte.edu

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, accredited by the State Bar of Butte College

5 YEARS IN A ROW

20 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

California since 1992. The four-year course of study provides prospective attorneys with real-world training.

1395 Ridgewood Drive, Ste. 100, 891-6900, www.calnorthern.edu

Columbia College This private college is new-ish to town and offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees online in more than 20 different concentrations and caters to adults working full-time and nontraditional students. 2615 Forest Ave., Suite 120, 592-3196, www.ccis.edu/online

Chico Beauty College With new classes beginning every six weeks, Chico Beauty College, in partnership with Butte College, offers hands-on experience with hair, nail and skin-care services under the watchful eye of credentialed instructors. 1356 Longfellow Ave., 3434201, chicobeautycollege.net

OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute This college within a college (it’s hosted by Chico State) is geared toward students 50 and older who want to “learn for the love of it.”

Classes—more than 100 of them— are taught by volunteer peer leaders and range from “Reading Homer’s Iliad” to “Español Para Gringos” to “Home Curing Olives.” rce.csuchico. edu/osher •

W W W.C S U C H I C O. E D U/ A D M I S S I O N S

®

UNIVERSITY

Campus Tours (800) 542-4426

Campus Info (530) 898-4636

University Public Events (530) 898-5917

Chico State

For more information call 530.898.6105 Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 21

PARKS

Sun, shade and water W

hether you want to walk, bike, play or picnic, Bidwell Park is your place.

Really, it would take years to completely explore one of the largest municipal parks in the country. It offers disc-golf courses, both rugged and easy walking trails through lush green spaces, spots to picnic and barbecue, and easy access to water. Whatever your fancy, a good place to meet your friends is Sycamore Pool, the iconic concrete swimming hole at One-Mile Recreation Area. But don’t stop there. Bidwell Park isn’t the only public recreation area in Chico worth returning to—not even close.

22 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Bidwell Park

Bidwell Park is a 3,670-acre preserve and the natural heart and soul of the community. Divided by Manzanita Avenue, the park comprises two distinct sections. The area to the west of Manzanita bordering Big Chico Creek is known as Lower Park, while the land to the east, which extends into the Sierra Nevada foothills, is known as Upper Park.

Lower Park’s thick canopy of trees provides shade for its many grassy knolls and creekside hideaways. The landscape of Upper Park, which extends 5 miles along both sides of Big Chico Creek Canyon, ranges from lush riparian habitat to rugged rock faces. To reserve picnic areas, call 896-7800. For trail and road conditions, call 896-7899 or visit www.chico.ca.us (select “Bidwell Park”).

Here are some special places within Bidwell Park:

Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum—as well as the Howard S. Tucker Exhibit Hall and Kristie’s Nature Lab. There’s also creek access and picnic tables. 1978 E. Eighth St., 891-4671, www.bidwellpark.org

One-Mile Recreation Area Soaking up the sun, swimming in the creek-filled Sycamore Pool or picnicking beneath the towering valley oaks and white-barked sycamores is what One-Mile is all about. With its barbecues, horseshoe pits and playing fields, this iconic part of the park is located just a few blocks from downtown and is easily accessible by automobile through entrances on Fourth Street or Vallombrosa Way.

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 creekside trails offer beautiful views of the water and seclusion amid the trees. Take South Park Drive or Peterson Memorial Way to any turnoff. tinyurl.com/bidwellparkmaps

UPPer Park Chico Equestrian Association Arena Horse lovers and their equine friends are welcome on many trails in Bidwell Park. Equestrian events are held in the arena, which is open to the public Tuesday-Thursday.

Accessible from Wildwood Avenue.

521-5352, www.chicoequestrian association.org

Five-Mile Recreation Area At the foot of Upper Bidwell Park, Five-Mile is a kicking-off point for forays deep into the canyon and a great destination on its own.

Picnic tables, barbecues and ample space make it a popular spot for group gatherings. Accessible from Centennial Avenue.

Hooker Oak Recreation Area Home to the beautiful baseball facility Doryland Field, several softball fields, a children’s playground and the Sherwood Forest Kids’ Disc PARKS continued on page 24

One-Mile Recreation Area

Lower Park Caper Acres A much-beloved playground with swings, slides and a soft, spongy central area full of things for kids to climb on. Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Tuesday-Sunday. 500 S. Park Drive.

Cedar Grove Cedar Grove Picnic Area and Meadow offers easily accessible picnic tables and barbecues along with a green place to relax near the creek and access to the World of Trees Independence Trail. 7:30 a.m.-an hour after sunset. 1890 E. Eighth St.

Chico Creek Nature Center The family-friendly Chico Creek Nature Center features a nonreleasable living animal collection—the

Upper Park

Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 23

PARKS continued from page 23

Golf Course (which is often full of adults). Take Vallombrosa Avenue east and turn left on Manzanita— Hooker Oak will be on your right.

Horseshoe Lake A perfect place to walk the dog (complete with a designated off-leash area) or do some fishing, Horseshoe Lake also serves as a jumping-off point for the park’s miles of rugged trails. Visit nearby Chico Community Observatory for nightly constellation tours. www.chicoobservatory.com

North Rim Trail Skirting the north edge of 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, offers rugged and scenic mountain biking and hiking. Take Wildwood Avenue off Manzanita Avenue, and then go 1.5 miles to the parking lot.

Peregrine Point Disc Golf Course Chico’s 18-hole disc golf course is a challenge for avid disc golfers and offers breathtaking views of Big Chico Creek Canyon. The course is about 4 miles past Bruce Road on Highway 32, with an entrance on the left.

Annie Bidwell Trail This less-traveled trail is one of the more rugged in Upper Bidwell Park. It runs from the old police pistol range, above Bidwell Park Golf Course and along the south side of the canyon (splitting off to more difficult Guardians and South Rim trails higher up). For a day hike, take Annie Bidwell Trail to the lesspopulated south side of Bear Hole and return on Upper Park Road or the creekside Yahi Trail. The trailhead is beyond Five-Mile, where Centennial Drive dead-ends at Chico Canyon Road.

Upper Park Road Wildwood Avenue in Chico turns into a rocky, rutted dirt road 2 miles into Upper Park, where it becomes Upper Park Road. It’s usually passable for most vehicles in dry weath24 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

er. The road runs 5 miles to the end of Upper Park along Big Chico Creek, but is fully accessible only by foot and bike; motorists reach a locked gate just past Bear Hole. Three trails parallel Upper Park Road to the north—Lower, Middle and Upper trails. The latter two are favored by mountain bikers and hikers alike for their up-and-down ruggedness and secluded scenery.

Wildwood Park This 17-acre park near the gateway to Upper Park features playground equipment, a walking path and the new Wildwood Pump Track, a 240-by-180-foot dirt course for BMX and mountain bikers. The site also has covered picnic areas and two softball fields. Located at 100 Wildwood Ave., off of Manzanita Avenue.

Yahi Trail Designated on trail markers as “easiest,” the Yahi Trail runs along Big Chico Creek in Upper Park.

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 bikes or horses are allowed. It begins just east of Horseshoe Lake off Wildwood Avenue.

Other parks & playgrounds Baroni Park Located in a quiet southeast Chico neighborhood, family-friendly Baroni Park offers play equipment, a full-size basketball court and a large green space. On the corner of Baroni and Via Mission drives.

Chico City Plaza This one-block park in the heart of downtown Chico (between Fourth and Fifth streets, and Main Street and Broadway) features an ornate 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 watch people or rest your feet.

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 2 miles behind the plant, providing access to a viewing blind. Take West Fifth Street until it becomes Chico River Road just outside of town, and go another 3 miles until you see the plant on your left.

Comanche Trail A 1-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 walk features many varieties of stately trees bordering a fast-flowing creek.

Most of the trail is wheelchair accessible. Open weekdays during the day. Drive to the gate at the end of Cramer Lane. 895-1176

Community Park Officially named Community Park, but also called “20th Street Park,” this popular 20-acre space features tennis courts, baseball, softball and soccer fields, a large playground, barbecues, picnic tables and a

sculpture of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 1900 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, 895-4711

DeGarmo Park This park in north Chico features the town’s only dog park, a fully fenced grassy area complete with doggie drinking fountains. For people, the site also includes three ball fields, walking paths, a playground, restrooms, benches and a sheltered picnic and concession area. Take The Esplanade north to Leora Court.

895-4711

Dorothy Johnson Neighborhood Center Located near the heart of Chico’s southside Chapmantown neighborhood, the center comprises 3 acres and features a fenced playground, outdoor basketball courts, a picnic area, an indoor basketball court and a pool table. 775 E. 16th St., 895-4707

Your Hometown

Nursery Local Flowers | Unique Gifts | Custom Planted Containers | Workshops & so much more!

406 Entler Ave, Chico • 530.345.3121 • www.theplantbarn.com • Find us on

COME VISIT

GATEWAY SCIENCE MUSEUM

Hancock Park Tucked away in a north Chico neighborhood, this grassy area off Marigold Avenue features walking paths and disc-golf baskets.

895-4711 PARKS continued on page 26

Wildwood Park

CREATE YOUR EXPERIENCE

MAY 27 - SEPT 3

THROUGH MAY 7

The Physics Behind The Fun!

Produced and toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Made possible by a National Science Foundation grant.

A traveling exhibition of the Discovery Center Museum.

Made possible by a National Science Foundation grant.

625 ESPLANADE CHICO, CA • (530) 898-4121 • www.csuchico.edu/gateway

HIGHER

PURSUIT 12 16 24 d an line On on Campus EARN YOUR DEGREE

MONTHS

B.A.

ADULT STUDIES

MONTHS

M .A .

GRADUATE PROFESSIONAL STUDIES 1.888.9.SIMPSON 2211 College View Drive, Redding, CA 96003

simpsonu.edu/asgs Spring/Summer 2017 DISCOVER CHICO 25

PARKS continued from page 25

Humboldt Neighborhood Park Better known as “the skate park,” this area for skateboarding and inline skating features a 10,000-square-foot skate track equipped with a pyramid, a rail, a box, two 3-foot-wide steps, curbing and steel coping on which to shred.

On Humboldt Avenue between Orient and Flume streets. 895-4711

Oak Way Park This popular neighborhood park offers basketball courts, shaded picnic areas, lighted walking paths and plenty of open field for flag football or just a game of catch. At the corner of West Eighth Avenue and Highway 32. 895-4711

Peterson Park Peterson Park in north Chico features a basketball court, a children’s playground and picnic tables. Off Crater Lake Drive. 895-4711

Rotary Park Tiny Rotary Park includes a small playground, basketball court, picnic tables and barbecues that attract people of all ages throughout the day. The park is a frequent site for pick-up basketball games. West 16th Street and Broadway. 895-4711

Teichert Ponds Teichert Ponds is home to wood ducks, beavers, herons and other wildlife. The well-kept secret com-

prises three ponds and is visible on the east side of Highway 99, between the 20th Street and Highway 32 exits.

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 plants, a walking trail loop and the colorful Mechoopda Trail Youth Mural.

Public golf courses Bidwell Park Golf Course A picturesque 18-hole, par-72 course in Chico’s Bidwell Park.

Professional lessons are available, along with apparel and equipment.

Open every day except Christmas from dawn to dusk. Stop into the on-site Bidwell Bar & Grill after your round and order some grub and a brew or cocktail. About a mile up Wildwood Avenue. 891-8417, www.golfbidwellpark.com

Dingerville USA Golf Known for its friendly staff, this nine-hole course near Palermo is open daily. 5813 Pacific Heights Road, Oroville, 533-9343, www.dingervilleusa.com

Oroville Golf & Event Center The nine-hole, par-33 Lake Oroville Golf Course requires collared shirts. Scheduling a tee time is also necessary after 5 p.m. 5131 Royal Oaks Drive, Oroville, 589-0777, facebook.com/LakeOrovilleGolf

Lava Creek Golf Course Lava Creek is a scenic, year-round nine-hole course and driving range.

For disc golfers, greens fees are $4.

5235 Clark Road, Paradise, 872-4653

The Links at Rolling Hills Worth the 45-minute drive from Chico, this scenic, John Daly Signature, 18-hole championship course at Rolling Hills Casino in Corning was recognized by Golfweek magazine. 2657 Barham Ave., 5284600, rollinghillscasino.com/golf

The Practice Tee at Sunset Hills This nine-hole course in north Chico has been renovated with sand traps and small target greens to go along with a driving range and practice putting course. 13301 Garner Lane, 809-0351, www.facebook.com/ thepracticeteeatsunsethills

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. 1 Longest Drive, 899-8108, www.skywaygolfpark.com

Table Mountain Golf Course This public 18-hole course is flat and includes fast greens and wide fairways, providing ample landing areas. The facility offers two practice greens and a driving range. 2700 Oro Dam Blvd. West, Oroville, 533-3922, www.tablemountaingolf.com

Tuscan Ridge Golf Club

Tuscan Ridge Golf Club

26 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

The club’s challenging 18-hole championship golf course winds through lava rock over undulating foothill terrain bordering the Skyway between Chico and Paradise. The course is open to the public and memberships are available. 3100 Skyway, 624-7006, www.tuscan ridgeclub.com •

show l❤ ve thrift

Small School,

Big Results!

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

daily specials:

Mon/Sat Buy 1 get 1 free (clothing) Tues 50% off everything Wed 30% off everything Thurs 30% off for seniors & students Fri 50% off everything Sun 30% off everything Veterans save 20% everyday donations accepted • open 7 days a week 10am-6pm 1405 Park Ave. Chico, (530) 892-9198 www.facebook.com/ShowLoveThrift

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

Choose between two convenient, affordable legal options: Juris Doctor

Earn a J.D. in 4 years, attending classes only three nights a week

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

Master of Legal Studies Complete the M.L.S. in two years, part time

CAL NORTHERN SCHOOL of LAW

(530) 891-6900 • www.calnorthern.edu Celebrating 34 Years of Quality Legal Education!

VISITOR GUIDE 1 x 3 (1/9V)

BIG TUNA 1722 Mangrove Ave, Chico • 345-4571 Open Sun-Thurs: 11:30am-10pm Fri-Sat:11:30am-10:30pm

IZAKAYA ICHIBAN 2000 Notre Dame Blvd., Chico · 342-8500 Corner of E. 20th & Notre Dame, behind Best Buy Open 7 Days 11:30am - 10pm Patio Seating Available · Live Music Tue & Sat Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 27

DOWNTOWN CHICO 1

1ST C H I C O S TAT E

2

3 2ND

5

6

4

7

CITY PLAZA 8

9 10

11 12 1

Bidwell Mansion

7

Hotel Diamond

2

Madison Bear Garden

8

5th Street Steakhouse

3

Chico Museum

9

Old Municipal Building

4

Made in Chico

10

Senator Theatre

5

Chico Certified Farmers’ Market

11

Pageant Theatre

6

Bird in Hand/ National Yo-Yo Museum

12

Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy

28 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Public parking

BUTTE COUNTY 99

Vina

18

5

22

Magalia

15

19 5

2

Paradise

Chico 13

70

14

3

24

6 Durham 9 10 17

149

20

4 16

99

21 1

162

Oroville

11 7 12

5 70

Breweries

23 8

Bangor

Wineries & Distilleries Almendra Winery & Distillery Bangor Ranch Vineyard & Winery

Long Creek Winery & Ranch

1

Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co.

21

Feather River Brewing Co.

3

Lassen Traditional Cidery

4

Miners Alley Brewing Co.

8

Cobble Ridge Distillery

5

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

9

Dog Creek Cellars

19

10

Gale Vineyards

20

11

Grey Fox Vineyards

12

Hickman Family Vineyards

21

Quilici Vineyards

13

HoneyRun Winery

22

14

Hooker Oak Distillery

23

Roney Wines Spencer-Shirey Wines

15

LaRocca Vineyards

24

For more details about local breweries and wineries, see the AGRITOURISM section on page 62.

6 7

16 17 18

NesserĂŠ Vineyards New Clairvaux Vineyard Odyssey Winery and Vineyards Purple Line Urban Winery

Straw House Cellars

Spring/Summer 2017 DISCOVER CHICO 29

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Laxson Auditorium

Creative to the core T

hanks to a lively and varied arts scene in Chico, there is something to see or do every day of the week.

The community theaters, movie houses and downtown art galleries offer eclectic programming year-round, and the galleries and performance spaces on the Chico State campus add extra energy during the school year.

30 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Art galleries & museums 1078 Gallery This artist-managed, nonprofit gallery and performance space has been at the heart of Chico’s avant garde scene since 1981. Check its website for details on its very busy schedule of arts exhibits and all-ages concerts. Hours: ThursdaySaturday, 12:30-5:30 p.m., plus regular evening performances and receptions. 820 Broadway, 343-1973, www.1078gallery.org

3rd Floor Art Gallery Chico State’s Associated Students organization runs this gallery, which features original student works throughout the school year.

Located on the third floor of the Bell Memorial Union at Chico State, 8983380, www.as.csuchico.edu/index. php/3rd-floor-art-gallery

Art Etc. Downtown art shop featuring art supplies, framing services and rotating exhibits highlighting local artists. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.4 p.m. 122 W. Third St., 895-1161, www.facebook.com/artetcchico california

B-SO Space Named for its location in the Chico State Art Department— “between the stairs and the office”— this gallery features rotating exhibits of Chico State student works. Call for hours. Ayres Hall, Chico State, 8985331, www.csuchico.edu/art

Butte Art & Design Digital Outdoor Gallery (BAD DOG) BAD DOG has two outdoor locations: at the Business Department on Butte College’s main campus and in downtown Chico at Second and Broadway. 222 W. Second St.

Butte College Art Gallery This campus gallery shows contemporary works by locals and students. ARTS Building, Butte College.

895-2404, www.facebook.com/ butteartgallery

handmade jewelry and more. Open weekdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.

345 Broadway, 891-0900, www.chico papercompany.com

Chico Art Center

Healing Art Gallery

Established in 1956, this nonprofit gallery produces regular group exhibits featuring local and visiting artists and offers classes for all levels. Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon4 p.m. 450 Orange St., Ste. 6, 8958726, www.chicoartcenter.com

Housed in the halls of Enloe Regional Cancer Center, the Healing Art Gallery features exhibits by Northern California artists whose lives have been touched by cancer.

Hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

265 Cohasset Road, 332-3856. www.enloe.org/community-health/ healing-art-gallery

Chico Art School & Gallery Offers adults and children ongoing instruction in painting and drawing in various mediums. Classes taught by Janet Lombardi Blixt, regularly voted Best Local Artist by Chico News & Review readers.

336 Broadway, Ste. 20. 570-3895, www.chicoartschool.com

Chico Museum Housed in a 1905 Carnegie Library, the Chico Museum features permanent exhibits on Chico’s history, including a 19th-century Chinese temple. Suggested donation: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, students and children 5-12. Open ThursdaySunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 141 Salem St., 891-4336, www.chicomuseum.org

Chico Paper Co. In the heart of downtown, this custom framing and retail shop features works by local artists, plus an excellent selection of greeting cards,

Idea Fabrication Labs A member-driven maker space featuring an array of workspaces and state-of-the-art equipment (3-D printer, Shopbot, etc.) as well as rotating exhibits of works created in the lab. Hours vary. Open house Mondays, 6-8 p.m. Call or visit website for more info. 603 Orange St., 592-0609, www.ideafablabs.com

Tuition Free

Public, Waldorf School CAll For A sChool Tour!

450 W. East Ave. • Chico 530.879.7483 www.blueoakcharterschool.org

The Jacki Headley University Art Gallery “A laboratory and exhibition space for contemporary practices,” this gallery features exhibits by local, national and international artists. Arts & Humanities Building, Chico State. Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, noon4 p.m. 898-5864, www.universityart gallery.wordpress.com

A & E continued on page 32

Open Mon-Sat 10am-9pm Sun 11am-8pm

sweetchico.com 121 W. 3rd St | Downtown Chico

530.332.9866

1078 Gallery

Spring/Summer 2017 DISCOVER CHICO 31

Chico Art Museum

A & E continued from page 31

Handcrafted

James Snidle Fine Arts & Appraisals

Lunch

Based in Chico and San Francisco, the James Snidle gallery houses a large collection of fine art and hosts regular exhibits highlighting contemporary artists from Chico and beyond. Snidle also offers fine-art and personal-property appraisals, plus art restoration and conservation. Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., or by appointment.

254 E. Fourth St., 343-2930, www.jamessnidlefinearts.com

Cakes

Janet Turner Print Museum

&

Wholesome Bakery

Full Espresso Bar Catering

Open 7 Days a Week!

130 Main St Chico (530) 895-3866 32 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

In addition to housing nearly 4,000 prints by such artists as Goya,

Rembrandt and Renoir—as well as the museum’s namesake—this print museum hosts themed showcases of its collection as well as curated exhibits of contemporary works, including the Janet Turner National Print Competition and Exhibition.

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.4 p.m., or by appointment. Arts & Humanities Building, Chico State.

898-4476, www.janetturner.org

MFA Gallery University art department gallery situated between the Janet Turner Print Museum and The Jacki Headley University Art Gallery. Arts & Humanities Building, Chico State. www.schoolofthearts-csuchico.com

Chico State Theatre

Museum of Northern California Art This museum in the newly refurbished Veterans Hall building is expected to open in April 2017. It will feature contemporary and modern art in a variety of media—paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, ceramics and more. 900 Esplanade, www.monca.org

Little Red Hen Five local & unique retail locations Employing over 135 adults with developmental disabilities

Ninth Avenue Gallery & Studio Local-artist studio and gallery.

180 E. Ninth Ave., Ste. 1, 318-2105.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, noon5 p.m. www.ninthavenuegallery.com

Orient & Flume Art Glass

1 Vintage Hen NEW Location

#RetailwithaPurpose

215 Main St

Art glass at its finest. This Chico gallery offers a variety of world-class vases, bowls and assorted glassworks.

Call for information about glassblowing demonstrations.

2161 Park Ave. Hours: MondaySaturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 893-0373, www.orientandflume.com

Sally Dimas Art Gallery This shop/gallery features original paintings, art pottery, etchings and jewelry by local and regional artists. Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.2 p.m., or by appointment. 493 East Ave., 345-3063

Satava Art Glass Studio For more than three decades, Satava has created world-class handblown and solid-form glass art. Their glass vases and colorful jellyfish pieces are particularly popular.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.4 p.m. Studio-viewing hours: Tues.Thurs., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (limited hours during summer months—call to confirm). 819 Wall St., 345-7985, www.satava.com/studio

2 Gift Shop

Next to Sierra Nevada

3 Plant Nursery 8th & Wall St

4 Kitchen Store 959 East Ave

5 Floral & More Next to the Kitchen Store

The Vagabond Rose Gallery & Framing Marilyn Souza’s downtown gallery/shop features exhibits from local and regional artists. Call for hours. 236 Main St., 343-1110

A & E continued on page 34

LittleRedHen.org Spring/Summer 2017 DISCOVER CHICO 33

A & E continued from page 33

Theater Blue Room Theatre This longstanding community theater in downtown Chico specializes in cutting-edge contemporary and classic works, with scripts ranging from the locally written to modern favorites. 139 W. First St. (upstairs), 895-3749, www.blueroomtheatre.com

Butte College Black Box Theatre Butte College presents one drama or musical, ranging from classical to contemporary productions, each semester in its state-of-the-art Black Box Theatre. 3536 Butte Campus Drive, 895-2994, www.butte.edu/drama

California Regional Theatre CRT produces large-scale musicals and youth-theater productions in the Chico Unified School District’s Center for the Arts (1475 East Ave.) and offers educational opportunities for children regularly throughout the year. 800-722-4522, www.crtshows.com

Chico Theater Company Chico Theater Company has been producing family-friendly musical theater productions since 2003. The company also produce nonmusical comedies and children’s theater shows. The space is intimate with seating for 200 and a great view of the stage from anywhere in the house. 166 Eaton Road, Ste. F, 894-3282, www.chicotheater company.com

CUSD Center for the Arts Chico Unified School District’s Center for the Arts at Pleasant Valley High School hosts performances by local high schools as well as California Regional Theatre.

1475 East Ave., 891-3272, www.cfachico.com

Slow Theatre A different kind of company committed to a deliberate approach to producing theater. Performances, including the annual Butcher Shop theater festival, are staged at various local venues. www.slowtheatre.com

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

801 East Ave., 879-0143, www.cinemark.com

Chico State’s Little Theatre Throughout the school year, a wide variety of interesting U.S. and international films are offered through the University Film Series.

Suggested donation: $3. Ayres 106, www.csuchico.edu/humanitiescenter/ index.shtml

Pageant Theatre This downtown Chico landmark presents art-house films, cult classics, and even occasional live concerts in a casual atmosphere. Get there early for the couches in the front row, and don’t miss out on Cheap Skate Mondays: all seats just $4. Now serving beer. 351 E. Sixth St., 343-0663, www.pageant l chico.com

Chico Performances Chico Performances presents world-class musical acts and other performers from around the globe in Laxson Auditorium. Chico State campus, 898-6333, www.chico performances.com

Chico State School of the Arts Throughout the academic year, the School of the Arts presents a variety of classic, experimental and contemporary plays in various spaces on campus as well as a musical production in Laxson Auditorium each spring. Also student- and faculty-produced exhibits as well as theater, jazz concerts and the renowned North State Symphony. Chico State campus, 898-6333, www.schoolof thearts-csuchico.com Pageant Theatre

34 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

Jewelry Lapidary Museum Mineral & Mining Museum Gift Items & Home Decor

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

78 Belle Mill Rd Red Bluff • 530-527-6166 Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 35

NIGHTLIFE

Get your drink on Maltese Bar & Tap Room

C

hico has long had a reputation as being the place to party. But over the years, that reputation has been refined. Sure, you can still find a raging frat party near campus; but if you’re feeling a little—or a lot—more sophisticated, there are plenty of places to wet your whistle. Whether you’re looking to wine and dine, to break in those new dancing shoes or just chill with friends over wings and the big game, Chico’s got you covered—and then some.

36 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Out on the town

list. Happy hour, 4-6 p.m. daily. 192 E. Third St., 894-4005, chicochristian michaels.com

5th Street Steakhouse

Crush Italian Cuisine & Lounge

A full-service steakhouse featuring USDA prime beef, fresh seafood and an extensive wine list. Head over for happy hour drinks and their famous sliders. 345 W. Fifth St., 8916328, www.5thstreetsteakhouse.com

Argus Bar + Patio One of downtown Chico’s hipper hotspots, Argus offers premium cocktails and food from nearby Mediterranean restaurant Ali Baba.

212 W. Second St.

B Street Public House Delicious gastropub fare, along with an extensive list of craft brews and specialty cocktails. 117 Broadway, 899-8203, www.bstreet pub.com

Christian Michaels Ristorante Featuring a California-style, Mediterranean and Italian menu, with a full bar and extensive wine

Specializing in a combination of traditional and contemporary flavors mixed with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Known for its happy hour and second-story patio overlooking downtown. 201 Broadway, 342-7000, www.chicocrush.com

Franky’s Locally owned for more than 20 years, serving pizza, Italian dishes, beer and wine. 506 Ivy St., 8989948, www.frankyschico.com

LaRocca Vineyards Organic Wine Tasting Room The oldest and largest producer of 100 percent, USDA-certified organic wine in the North State offers its fine wine selection in a satellite tasting room in downtown Chico. Open Wednesday-Sunday.

222 W. Second St., 899-9463, www.laroccavineyards.com

The Lost Dutchman Taproom A craft beer bar to complement Wine Time across the parking lot.

A small menu of comfort foods, plus 19 beers on tap. Open Mon.-Sat. 25 Lost Dutchman Drive, www.lostdutchmantaproom.com

Parkside Tap House Chico’s brand-spanking-new downtown hotspot, Parkside Tap House, was opened by the guys who run Bella’s Sports Pub—so you know it’ll be a fun place to hang.

In addition to the bar with 24 taps that opens onto a vast outdoor patio, Parkside also serves up some killer small plates (including Bella’s wings!). 115 Third St., 632-4875, www.parksidetaphouse.com

The Pour House American cuisine served in a tasteful-yet-casual atmosphere featuring a full bar, several taps of craft beer and a big selection of wines by the glass. Also featuring a swanky patio with fire pit and huge TV screen great for catching the big game. 855 East Ave., 893-3000, www.chicopourhouse.com

Ramada Plaza Restaurant & Lounge This club inside the Ramada Plaza Hotel serves food, beer, wine and cocktails and typically draws a more mature crowd than the downtown bars. 685 Manzanita Court, 345-2491

Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant Bistro fare, award-winning ales and lagers, an excellent wine list and a large outdoor patio, plus a world-class touring acts in the brewery’s Big Room. 1075 E. 20th St., 345-2739, www.sierranevada.com

Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill Fajitas, seafood tacos, pasta, fresh steaks and more than 120 tequilas available at the full bar.

Sidewalk-café seating available.

100 Broadway, 342-0425, www.treshombreschico.com

Unwined at 980 Voted Best New Restaurant in Chico last year, Unwined at 980 offers a diverse selection of wines— including flights—alongside a menu

Parkside Tap House

of fine-dining fare. The restaurant also hosts winemaker dinners and special release parties. 980 Mangrove Ave., 809-2634, www.unwinedat 980.com

Wine Time A renovated early-1900s pig barn is the home of this wine bar serving a variety of small plates, including farm-fresh salads, flatbreads and appetizers. Live music on Saturdays.

Closed Sunday and Monday.

26 Lost Dutchman Drive, 899-9250, www.winetimechico.com

Keep it casual The Banshee Serving up burgers and a variety of other pub eats, along with an impressive menu of draft and bottled beers. Also with a late-night takeout window. 132 W. Second St., 8959670, www.bansheechico.com

Bella’s Sports Pub Great pub food and a huge beer selection along with sports on bigscreen, high-definition TVs. 134 Broadway, 893-5253, www.bellas sportspubchico.com

Buffalo Wild Wings All the wings and fries and burgers and beers one could want, along with a healthy serving of sports on multiple TVs. buffalowildwings.com

Café Coda Serving beer and wine, Café Coda hosts live-jazz brunches Fridays at

11 a.m. as well as rare evening performances. 265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476, cafecoda.com

The DownLo A sports bar with pub grub and sports on TV, The DownLo’s claim to fame is its expansive billiards room with 10 Diamond tables, darts and occasional live music and comedy shows. 319 Main St., 892-2473

Duffy’s Tavern A local institution, Duffy’s features an old-school jukebox and an odd medley of wall decorations.

Wednesday is dance night (10 p.m.) and Friday happy hour (4 p.m.) features live traditional Irish music.

337 Main St., 343-7718

The End Zone A sports bar serving up more than a dozen appetizers, along with burgers, sandwiches, salads and weekend brunch. 250 Cohasset Road, 345-7330, endzonechico.com

The Handle Bar Offering a German-inspired pub menu to complement a large selection of specialty craft beers. 2070 E. 20th St., 894-2337, handlebar chico.com

Joe’s Bar Joe’s Bar maintains its downhome atmosphere in the south campus neighborhood, with wood chips on the floor and friendly bartenders.

749 W. Fifth St., 894-3612 NIGHTLIFE continued on page 38 Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 37

Bloody deliciouS!! deliciou deliciouS 16

16

Maltese Bar & Tap Room

voted best bar, best watering hole for townies & best bloody Marys!

337 Main St (corner of 4th St. & Main)

530-343-7718

Madison Bear Garden Enjoy mouth-watering burgers and sandwiches and a selection of draft beers and cocktails. Open every day, right next to campus. Fun décor, billiards upstairs and a great outdoor patio. 316 W. Second St., 891-1639, madisonbeargarden.com

Award winning Bloody Marys

Since 1989

NIGHTLIFE continued from page 37

This south Chico watering hole’s stainless-steel and wood décor gives it the look of a classic neighborhood bar. It also boasts a nice patio and regular live music and other eclectic entertainment. 1600 Park Ave., 3434915, www.themaltesebar.com

Monstros Pizza & Subs This pizza-and-subs eatery has established itself as the go-to spot for punk-rock shows catering to punks of all ages. 628 W. Sacramento Ave., 345-7672, www.facebook.com/ monstrospizzachico

Oasis Bar & Grill “Chico’s oldest college beer joint” serves up great hand-pressed burgers, munchies and sandwiches and boasts seven pool tables—and regular leagues and tournaments—15 flat-screen TVs and a full bar. 1007 W. First St., 343-4305, www.oasisbar andgrill.net

Panama Bar & Café Offering appetizers and American pub food (including 31 burgers) along with a full bar stocked with a huge selection of teas made stiff.

Opens to the Beach on weekends after 9 p.m. 177 E. Second St., 895-8817, www.panamabarcafein chico.com

Park Avenue Pub Features half-pound, groundprime burgers, fresh-cut french fries and a full bar. Catering available.

2010 Park Ave., 893-3500, parkave pub.net

Quackers Fire Bar & Grill A bar with a nice dance floor far from downtown, Quackers serves a full menu of pub-grub favorites.

NIGHTLIFE continued on page 40 38 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

S N IO T A E R C H IC SANDW

S A E U Q I N U S A YOU ARYEA!SOME! ET COME IN AND G PP! A DOWNLOAD OUR

ALPACA BOB’S

SANDWICH ADVENTURES AND HOT DOGS TOO..

530.342.3456 672 MANGROVE AVE., CHICO

Serving Breakfast daily, Lunch Wed-Fri, Weekend Brunch, Dinner Tues-Sat

220 West 4th Street | 530.895.1515 | www.TwoTwentyRestaurant.com

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 of her transactions with care.

www.ChicoListings.com

chiconativ@aol.com • 1101 el monte ave

License #01177950 Jeffries Lydon Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 39

The Winchester Goose The Winchester Goose is first and foremost a craft beer bar. But in case you need something to go along with that IPA, saison or barrel-aged imperial stout, there’s an eclectic food menu, too. 800 Broadway, 7150099, www.thewinchestergoose.com

Woodstock’s Pizza Pizza, cold beer on tap, fresh salads, sandwiches, appetizers and desserts. Sports on TV and trivia night Wednesdays. Open till 1 a.m.

Thursday-Saturday, midnight the rest of the week. 166 E. Second St., 893-1500, www.woodstockschico.com Oasis Bar & Grill

NIGHTLIFE continued from page 38

Karaoke and DJ dancing. Now with a spacious billiards room—and an L-shaped pool table! 968 East Ave., 895-3825

Riley’s Bar & Grill Inexpensive pub-grub eats along with a full bar at this locally owned student hotspot. 702 W. Fifth St., 343-7459, www.rileysbar.com

Scotty’s Landing 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. 12609 River Road, 710-2020

Shenanigan’s Bar & Grill A great place to hang out on the north side of town, with a full menu of pub favorites, including wood-fired pizzas. A full bar and two pool tables in the basement. 3312 Esplanade, 809-1088

Sipho’s Restaurant & Café Fresh, spicy, healthy Jamaican fare served at a groovy eatery on the edge of town. Dine inside or chill out on the patio, where Sipho’s holds occasional all-day reggae concerts. 1228 Dayton Road, 895-1866, www.siphosjamaica.com

Studio Inn Cocktail Lounge This no-frills bar on the north end of town next to Priya Indian 40 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Cuisine hosts live rock bands and a great outdoor patio. 2582 Esplanade, 343-0662

Tackle Box Bar & Grill A south Chico hotspot featuring exotic appetizers like frog legs and fried alligator, along with traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner options and a full bar. Live music and pool tables, too. 379 E. Park Ave., 3457499, www.tackleboxchico.com

University Sports Bar The U-Bar is a popular basement hangout located on the corner of Wall and Second streets downtown. Recently refurbished to include large-screen TVs along with the pool tables and other games regulars have grown to love. 191 E. Second St., 898-0630, theubarin chico.com

Clubbin’ The Beach The Beach features a swanky VIP area on the second floor, complete with couches and bottle service.

Downstairs, you’ll find a large dance floor and access to The University Sports Bar and Panama Bar & Cafe.

191 E. Second St., 898-9898, thebeachinchico.com

Crazy Horse Saloon 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). 303 Main St., 894-5408

Waganupa Brewing One of Chico’s newest watering holes, Waganupa is a satellite tasting room for the Chester-based brewery. The hidden spot on Longfellow Avenue is open Wednesday-Saturday and offers beers by the pint and flight. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own food. 1346 Longfellow Ave., 259-3705, www.waganupa.com

Waganupa Brewing

Lost on Main This bar and nightclub features local acts in addition to biggername, dance-friendly touring acts at its spacious downtown location.

Also, they have lasers! 319 Main St., 891-1853

Peking Chinese Restaurant A Chinese restaurant by day, Peking transforms into a full-fledged dance venue on Friday nights during BassMint, a weekly electronica showcase. 243 W. Second St., 895-3888, www.facebook.com/bassmintchico

Casinos Casino 99 Chico’s only card room offers blackjack, casino games and pub grub. 1414 Park Ave., 892-2282

Feather Falls Casino With gaming aplenty, this casino frequently welcomes touring musicians and other entertainers. Eat at the cafe or buffet and stay the night at The Lodge, which has a fitness center and an indoor/outdoor swimming pool area. Check out the Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co., featuring house-brewed beers, gourmet food (including fresh sushi and sashimi) and more live music.

3 Alverda Drive, Oroville, 533-3855, www.featherfallscasino.com

Gold Country Casino This casino boasts an 87-room hotel, plenty of gaming, and an array of other entertainment options, including karaoke, bowling, comedy night, live music and wide-screen TVs. The facility also has a steakhouse, buffet, café and an espresso bar. 4020 Olive Highway, Oroville, (800) 803-1911, www.goldcountrycasino.com

Rolling Hills Casino 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. 2655 Barham Ave., Corning, 528-3500, www.rollinghillscasino.com

Other hotspots 1078 Gallery The 1078 Gallery—known for its art shows—is also a livemusic hotspot, hosting rock, indie, punk jazz and acoustic acts. 820 Broadway, 343-1973, www.1078gallery.com

Chico State Chico Performances presents world-class musical acts and other performers from around the globe in Laxson Auditorium, and the School of the Arts hosts student- and faculty-produced exhibits, theater, jazz concerts and the renowned North State Symphony. Chico State campus, 898-6333, www.chicoperfor mances.com; www.schoolofthe arts-csuchico.com

YO U D E S E R V E TO LIVE IN

Paradise Come live...

Above the heat and fog.

Where the air is cleaner.

In a community rich with history & culture.

Where natural beauty is just outside your back door.

In your own Paradise!

El Rey Theatre This historic venue has housed a Vaudeville theater, an Elks Lodge and a movie theater. It is now used primarily for national touring performers. 230 W. Second St., 3422727, www.jmaxproductions.net

The Rendezvous An elegant venue that’s also available to rent out for weddings and other events, The Rendezvous offers occasional concerts open to the public. 3269 Esplanade Ste. 142, 864-2525, www.chicorendezvous.com

Senator Theatre The ornate Senator Theatre not only offers some great musical shows, but it’s also a major landmark in Chico’s history. Devil Makes Three, POD and Band of Horses all have performed there. 517 Main St., 8981497, www.jmaxproductions.net

DON’T RELY SOLELY ON INTERNET SEARCHES. CALL US TODAY AND PUT US TO WORK ON FINDING YOUR OWN PIECE IF PARADISE.

OFFICE 5350 Skyway Road 530.872.7653 Paradise@C21SelectGroup.com www.C21Skyway.com

Sierra Nevada Big Room The world-famous Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is home to a much-loved concert venue—the Big Room. Watch for an eclectic mix of national roots, Americana, funk and folk acts—from Nicki Bluhm to Delhi 2 Dublin—two to three times a month in the stateof-the-art, 350-seat facility. 1075 E. 20th St., 892-4647, www.sierra nevada.com/brewery/california/ ● big-room

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Spring/Summer 2017 DISCOVER CHICO 41

DINING

MOD Pizza

Eat your heart out T

he past few years have seen a boom in the local restaurant scene.

That means more options for where to spend date night, enjoy a long lunch with friends or satisfy your sweet tooth. The food truck trend is still going strong in Chico, and while many set up each day in the same place, others take full advantage of their mobility. That includes attending events like Fork in the Road and Thursday Night Markets, where several trucks line up for a chance to tantalize your taste buds. Chico’s also become home to a growing number of modern, foodie-centric eateries. Bon appetit!

42 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Asian

Aonami Sustainable Sushi Recently moved downtown from its spot on West Sacramento Avenue, Aonami offers Asian fusion and Japanese cuisine made mostly from North State ingredients and served in a sleek, modern atmosphere. As the name implies, the fish is sustainable (nothing on the “red” list!). Lots of vegan options, too. 128 W. Second St., 924-3168 $

Big Tuna Sushi Bistro A cozy restaurant featuring traditional Japanese sushi, plus a variety of appetizers. 1722 Mangrove Ave., 345-4571 $$

Boba TeaLicious Serving refreshing tapioca-pearl tea drinks in a variety of flavors, as well as smoothies, slushies and fusion teas. Seating available for enjoying ramen and other snacks. 225 Main St., Ste. M (inside the Garden Walk Mall), 966-2077 $

Broadway Market & Deli No-fuss Chinese food with lunch, dinner and vegetarian specials available, along with an assortment of “bubble teas.” Eat in or take out. 128 Broadway, 899-8368, www.broadwaymarketanddeli.com $

Chada Thai Cuisine Serving authentic Thai dishes, including a vegetarian menu. Lunch, MondayThursday; dinner, Monday-Saturday.

117 W. Second St., 342-7121 $$

Chan Pheng’s Mandarin Cuisine Serving delicious Mandarin, Hunan and Szechuan cuisine. Delivery available.

1140 Mangrove Ave., 894-6888 $

Key to symbols $ $$ $$$

Entrées less than $10 Entrées priced $10-$15 Entrées priced $15 and up

Izakaya Ichiban

Chinese and Asian fusion food at a good price. 951 Nord Ave., 893-2988 $

A sister restaurant to Big Tuna Sushi Bistro, serving Japanese tapas and traditional Japanese cuisine. Two sushi bars, a nice outdoor patio, plus regular live music and karaoke. 2000 Notre Dame Blvd., 342-8500 $$

Cocodine Thai Cuisine

Japanese Blossoms

China House

Specializing in flavorful and healthy authentic central and northeastern (Issan) Thai cuisine. 2485 Notre Dame Blvd., Ste. 250, 891-1800 $$

Egg Roll King Chinese-style fast food; drive-thru window and indoor seating available.

659 Palmetto Ave., 893-1838 $

Enjoy Teriyaki Delicious Korean specialties, including bibimbab and cellophane noodles. Also serving potstickers, tempura and teriyaki combos for dining in or taking out. Beer and sake served, open late on weekends.

450 Broadway, 899-9344 $

Everyday Vietnamese Cuisine Vietnamese food, including a variety of pho, sandwiches, coffee and tea. Open daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 951 Nord Ave., Ste. A, 893-2888 $

Gen Kai Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar Try traditional Japanese dishes or the sushi bar at this longtime Chico favorite.

605 Mangrove Ave., 345-7226, www.genkaichico.net $$

Ginger’s Chinese Restaurant Specializing in Szechuan, Mandarin and Hunan cuisine. Lunch, dinner and delivery. 2201 Pillsbury Road, 345-8862 $

Happy Garden This family-run restaurant specializes in delicious, healthy Chinese cuisine served in generous portions in a nice atmosphere. Dine-in or take-out available. 180 Cohasset Road, 893-2574 or 893-5068 $

Japanese Blossoms serves up creative Japanese cuisine using local ingredients.

In addition to sushi and sashimi, there’s a nice list of fully cooked entrees. Vegan and allergen-friendly dishes available.

Open daily: lunch, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner, 5-9 p.m., with nightly happy hour specials. 2995 Esplanade #104, 8919022, www.japaneseblossoms.com $$

Kwando Restaurant

605 Mangrove Ave., 345-2022, www.noodlehousechico.com $

Ojiya Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar Sit around the hibachi and watch the chefs grill steaks, seafood and vegetarian fare. There’s a sushi bar, too. 2477 Forest Ave., 899-1199 $$

Panda Express Serving up Chinese favorites and other creations—fast. Drive-thru available.

2443 Cohasset Road, 345-7389 $

Peking Chinese Restaurant San Francisco chef Ken Zeng presents lunch and dinner specials in this charming underground restaurant, which transforms into a nightclub on Friday nights.

Closed Sunday. 243 W. Second St., 895-3888 $$

Peter Chu’s Mandarin Cuisine Tasty Chinese food at reasonable prices. 2424 Cohasset Road, 894-8276, www.peterchu-chico.com $$

Featuring a hibachi grill and Chinese buffet with a huge sushi bar, salad bar, carving bar, oysters, shrimp, dim sum, soup, fish, desserts and appetizers.

740 Mangrove Ave., 343-6788 $$

Pho C & C

Mekkala Thai Cuisine

Pho Le

A family-owned and -operated Thai restaurant offering an elevated but casual dining experience. Lunch specials and take-out available.

1196 E. Lassen Ave., 636-4620 $

Momona Noodles + Bao Specializing in ramen, bao (steamed buns) and other Asian-inspired dishes.

Plus a sake bar! 230 W. Third St. www.momonachico.com $$

Noodle House Delicious Vietnamese and fusion cuisine including soups, bowls and wraps.

A variety of Vietnamese cuisine, including soups, rolls, noodles and traditional grilled or barbecued meats.

3211 Cohasset Road, 892-1415 $$ Pho Le serves up Vietnamese favorites, from signature pho noodle soups to rice plates and rice noodle bowls. Also a large selection of smoothies with boba tapioca balls. 2201 Pillsbury Road, 487-8933. $

Rawbar Restaurant & Sushi Bar Fab downtown sushi bar and Asian grill offering a full bar, happy hour and affordable lunches. Reservations accepted. 346 Broadway, 897-0626, www.rawbarchico.com $$ DINING continued on page 44 Ojiya Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

House of Dumpling Specializing in Asian fusion fare, including burgers and wraps, in addition to traditional Chinese dishes and, of course, dumplings. Open daily 11 a.m.10 p.m. 2599 Esplanade, 893-8888 $

Hula’s Chinese Bar-B-Q All-you-can-eat Mongolian barbecue with fresh vegetables, noodles, meats and sauces. Beer and wine available.

2540 Esplanade, 342-8564; 1937 E. 20th St., 342-6304, www.hulasbbq.com $$

Spring/Summer 2017 DISCOVER CHICO 43

DINING continued from page 43

Thai Basil

Wok ’n’ Roll

A sit-down restaurant serving Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Also featuring a sushi bar, tatami rooms, beer and wine.

2804 Esplanade, 899-9098 $$

All dishes made with fresh vegetables and choice of meat (vegetarian available) and spice level. Lunch, MondayFriday; dinner, Thursday-Saturday. Closed Sunday. 121 Broadway, 343-6843 $$

Sophia’s Authentic Thai Cuisine

Thai Express

Serving popular Chinese entrees and the only Hawaiian barbecue in town. Fast and delicious combos to keep your wallet and belly full. Sushi rolls starting at less than $5. 1008 W. Sacramento Ave., 892-1868, $

Rice Bowl

Authentic and delicious Thai food at reasonable prices. 305 Nord Ave., 342-8842 $$

Sushi King & Boba Tea Zone Home of the sushi burrito. Also serving traditional sushi, boba tea and slushies. Drive-thru available. 2190 Esplanade, 892-8688 $

Teriyaki House A Japanese fast-food restaurant specializing in teriyaki. 236 W. East Ave., 894-6127; 2454 Notre Dame Blvd., 3433744, www.teriyakihousechico.com $

The perfect excuse to curl up at home with a big bowl of pad Thai. Good food, large portions. Dine-in option as well.

1354 East Ave., 898-8424 $

Tong Fong Low Offering authentic Chinese cuisine that locals can’t stop raving about. 2072 E. 20th St., 898-1388, tongfonglow.com $$

Windy’s Chinese Restaurant Serving a variety of Asian favorites, beer and wine. 1000 W. Sacramento Ave., 343-1788 $

Breakfast Nooks

Beatniks Coffee House & Breakfast Joint Serving breakfast every day—with an assortment of Benedicts, omelets, scrambles and excellent huevos rancheros—and a weekday lunch menu of salads, sandwiches and daily specials.

1387 E. Eighth St., 894-2800, www.chicobeatniks.com $

Breakfast Buzz Mom’s

Breakfast burritos, omelets, French toast and more in a college atmosphere.

Did somebody say bottomless champagne? 208 Cedar St., 343-3444 $

Brooklyn Bridge Bagel Works Offering 25 types of New York-style bagels and 11 flavors of cream cheese, as well as deli sandwiches and the famous bagel dog. Also serving smoothies and espresso. 117 W. Second St., 345-3443, www.brooklynbridgebagel.com $

Café Coda Locally owned eatery serving breakfast including scrambles, omelets, burritos and more; lunch served weekdays.

French-press coffee, espresso, beer and wine. Live jazz brunch on Fridays.

265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476, www.cafecoda.com $$

Country Waffles Specializing in waffles. Breakfast and lunch daily. 2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 345-9905 $$

Farmer’s Skillet Classic breakfast and lunch menu, served 6 a.m.-3 p.m. daily.

690 Rio Lindo Ave., 345-1149 $$

Italian Cottage Restaurant Serving delicious omelets since 1970.

Also: eggs Benedict, cottage potatoes, fresh-cooked spinach, French toast, homemade biscuits and gravy, Belgian waffles, blueberry pancakes and hash browns. 2234 Esplanade, 343-7000; 2525 Dominic Drive, 342-7771, www.theitaliancottage.com $$

Mom’s Satisfy cravings for Mom’s homecooked specialties morning, noon or evening. Featuring breakfast favorites, fresh salads and sandwiches and delicious 44 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

supper creations. Conveniently located near campus. 209 Salem St., 893-3447, www.momschico.com $$

SICILIAN CAFE Since 1984

Morning Thunder Café Chico’s popular breakfast (and lunch) café at the foot of Bidwell Park.

352 Vallombrosa Ave., 342-9717 $$

Nash’s 7th Avenue Omelette House Unique omelet selections made with fresh and local ingredients, as well as traditional breakfast fare. 1717 Esplanade, 896-1147, nashsrestaurantchico.com $$

The Roost Café Specialties include eggs Benedict, corned beef hash and roost burgers. Full espresso bar. Real food, real butter and real good home cooking. Where the locals go! Open daily 6 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Serving breakfast all day and lunch at 11 a.m.

1144 Park Ave., 892-1281 $$

Sin of Cortez Enjoy specialty coffees or teas at one of Chico’s favorite breakfast and lunch places. With a brand new liquor license, Sin expanded its drink menu to include Irish coffees, Bloody Marys, mimosas and more. 2290 Esplanade, 879-9200, www.sinofcortez.com $$

Burgers, Delis & Dogs

Alpaca Bob’s Sandwich Adventures Unique sandwiches and other menu items, such as Thai dogs, Italian-style paninis, Soviet sauce and Cajun hotlinks.

672 Mangrove Ave., 342-3456 $

FINE DINING IN THE TRADITION OF SOUTHERN ITALY Serving Dinner Tuesday thru Sunday at 5pm Since 1984 Reservations Recommended Private Parties, Caterings and Special Events

Call 345-CAFE • 1020 Main Street • Chico

Japanese Blossoms Celebrating 9 years

A Dining ExpEriEncE you

Won’t Forget

Beach Hut Deli A variety of specialty sandwiches served up in a casual, beach-themed atmosphere. 146 W. Second St., 893-0633, www.beachhutdeli.com. $

Big Al’s Drive In Milkshakes are a triple-thick treat at this longtime Chico favorite.

1844 Esplanade, 342-2722 $

15

16 15

Big Chico Burger A casual restaurant serving chuck patties, hot dogs, sandwiches and salads. 1550 East Ave., 891-6100, www.bigchicoburger.info $

16

Burger Hut Burgers Serving ground beef with no hormones and no antibiotics. All food is cooked to order and basted with Burger Hut signature barbecue sauce, paired with piping hot fries or onion rings and thick milkshakes. 3211 Cohasset Road, 342-4555; 2451 Forest Ave., 891-1430, www.burgerhut.com $ DINING continued on page 46

2995 Esplanade #104 • 530.891.9022 www.japaneseblossoms.com Open lunch 11:30-2 M-F Dinner 5-9 Happy Hour 5-6 Tu-Su Mon all night!

Spring/Summer 2017 DISCOVER CHICO 45

Midtown Local

DINING continued from page 45

Ike’s Place

Pita Pit

Serving up an eclectic menu of hot sandwiches, all with Ike’s signature “dirty sauce.” Vegan options available.

648 W. Fifth St., 924-3171, www.ilikeikesplace.com/chico $

From falafel to Philly cheesesteak, they roll pitas with your choice of meats, fresh veggies, cheeses and sauces.

240 Broadway, 899-2847, www.pitapit usa.com $

Jersey Mike’s Subs

Port of Subs

An impressive menu of sub sandwiches, wraps and salads. 605 Mangrove Ave., 891-0117, www.jerseymikes.com $

Sliced fresh sandwiches! 2036 Forest Ave. (inside the Sinclair gas station), 895-1780 $

Kathy’s Deli

S & S Barbeque & Deli

Check out this full deli with a variety of sandwiches and salads, and pick up some traditional handmade sausage and specialty meats. 196 E. 14th St., 343-7370, www.chicolockersausage.com $

Delicious Philly cheesesteak and hot pastrami sandwiches, along with a mixture of American, Asian and Mediterranean dishes all with Southeast Asian flair. Serving pho, hand-rolled noodles and egg rolls daily. 671 Walnut St., 343-5925 $

Barbecue lunch and dinner items to go or eat there at the picnic tables.

1924 Mangrove Ave., 343-4930, www.ssproduce.net $$

The Dog House

Kinder’s Custom Meats & Deli

Burgers & Brew Grass-fed beef burgers and world-class brews in a modern downtown setting with a great outdoor patio.

301 Broadway, 879-9100, www.burgers brew.com $$

The Cheesesteak Shop Philly-style cheesesteak sandwiches made with rib-eye steak. Chicken options, too. 995 Nord Ave., 345-2565, www.cheesesteakshop.com $

Chico Locker & Sausage Co.

Smokin’ Mo’s BBQ

Serving charcoal-grilled gourmet hot dogs and sausages, as well as burgers and sandwiches. Two locations. 1008 W. Sacramento Ave., 894-3641; 1354 East Ave., 894-2242, chicodoghouse.com $

Try the marinated ball-tip steak sandwich, a Kinder’s specialty. Catering available. 221 Normal Ave., 342-3354, www.kindersbbq.com $$

Family-owned Southern-style barbecue, Smokin’ Mo’s is a fixture in downtown Chico. Ribs, chicken, tri-tip and more, all slow smoked for hours. Plus, four savory barbecue sauces to slather on your favorite “Q.” 131 Broadway, 891-6677, www. smokinmosbbq.com $$

Fast Eddie’s

Kona’s

Spiteri’s Delicatessen

Hot and cold fresh-made sandwiches, homemade soups and cookies. Also offering 3- to 6-foot party subs for any occasion. 138 Main St., 893-4344; 965 Nord Ave., 894-1635 $

A longtime Chico fave, Spiteri’s serves a variety of sandwiches, along with daily specialty salads, beer and wine.

Closed Sunday. 971 East Ave., 891-4797, www.spiterisdeli.com $

Nobby’s

SubStation Deli

Their motto is, “Nobody does burgers better than Nobby’s.” Enough said.

Wait—ask them about their “cheese skirt.” Closed Sunday and Monday.

1444 Park Ave., 342-2285 $

Enjoy delicious subs made with freshbaked rolls. Also serving fresh soup, chili and salads. 2404 Park Ave., 343-9178, www.substationchico.com $

Recently relocated near Pleasant Valley High School, featuring tri-tip and pulled-pork sandwiches in addition to a large menu of specialty burgers and sandwiches, taters, flatbread pizzas and salads. 1175 East Ave., 342-8555, www.fasteddieschico.com $

46 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Subway “Eat fresh!” Multiple locations, www. subway.com $

Togo’s Sandwiches, soups and salads.

Catering, too. 241 W. East Ave., 8911131; 2009 Forest Ave., 345-7331, www. togos.com $

Wingstop Wingstop has taken chicken wings to a whole new level by saucing and tossing them in a choice of 10 mouthwatering flavors. Not fast food—these wings are made with care and served up piping hot.

734 Mangrove Ave., 332-9464 $

Zot’s Hot Dogs and Deli The last original tenant of the Garden Walk Mall (for 43 years!) in downtown Chico, mom-and-pop shop Zot’s Hot Dogs and Deli offers tradition, quality and affordability. 225 Main St. (inside Garden Walk Mall), 345-2820, www.zotsdogs. webs.com $

Rock House

Breakfast, Lunch (and Dinner on weekends) Beautiful Garden Patio • Coffee Bar and Wine Tasting Friday Night Open Mic • Saturday Night Live Music Game Room 532-1889 • RockHouseHwy70.com 11865 Highway 70, 95965 Just 20 min northeast of Oroville

Casual Dining Applebee’s Grill & Bar

Famous for barbecue riblets, grilled steaks and Oriental chicken salad. 2030 Business Lane, 343-6888, applebees.com $$

B Street Public House Delicious gastro pub fare, along with an extensive list of craft brews and specialty cocktails. Plus, brunch daily. 117 Broadway, 899-8203, www.bstreetpub.com $$

Bacio Catering & Carry Out A popular south Chico eatery that turns out an array of healthful, seasonal, local and delicious food. Take home or dine in. 1903 Park Ave., 345-7787, www.baciocatering.com $$

Bellachino’s Espresso & Panini Café Espresso and coffee, breakfast and lunch wraps and sandwiches, soups, gourmet salads and pastries. Garden patio, on-site bakery and catering. 800 Bruce Road, 892-2244 $$

Bidwell Bar & Grill Located at the Bidwell Park Golf Course in Upper Bidwell Park. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with appetizers and a full bar. Sandwiches, burgers, salads and wraps. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. MondayThursday and 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. FridaySunday. 3199 Golf Course Road, 891-8417, golfbidwellpark.com $

Big Hot Crab A Cajun-style seafood restaurant on the edge of downtown. They serve shrimp in a bag! 701 Main St., 879-1822 $$

Come See Why We’re A

Local Favorite!

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Sunday Champagne Brunch thru

16

Since 1965!

16

2525 Dominic Dr., Chico 530-342-7771

Open Sun-Thu 6am–9pm, Fri-Sat til 10pm

2234 The Esplanade 530-343-7000 Open daily 6am–10pm

Cocktails, Beer & Wine • Catering • Banquet Rooms

DINING continued on page 48 Spring/Summer 2017 DISCOVER CHICO 47

DINING continued from page 47

Broadway Heights California Cuisine Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet salad or something comforting like Cajun meatloaf, Broadway Heights doesn’t disappoint. Enjoy it all daily with a bird’s-eye view of downtown Chico.

Plus, happy hour specials.

300 Broadway, 899-8075, broadwayheightschico.com $$

Cabana Café Inside In Motion Fitness, Cabana Café offers delicious paninis, wraps and grilled dishes, as well as a large salad bar and frozen-yogurt bar. 1293 E. First Ave., 893-2233 $

Chili’s Grill & Bar Everything from steaks and margaritas to baby-back ribs. 1908 E. 20th St., 345-1687, www.chilis.com $$

CJ’s Last Chance Diner Come in for some of the best smoked barbecue in town and burgers made fresh every day. Pure taste-bud-satisfying deliciousness. (Try their food truck, Ike’s Smokehouse, too!) 13670 Anderson Brothers Drive, 343-1901 $

Country Morning Bakery & Café

Logan’s Roadhouse

Pelican’s Roost Chowder House

From the rustic atmosphere, country music and all the sports you can watch on the many flat-screen TVs, Logan’s is the place to be. 1900 E. 20th St., 8911098, www.logansroadhouse.com $$

Serving clam chowder and a wide variety of seafood and seasonal specials at affordable prices. 1354 East Ave., 899-2762 $$

Midtown Local Celebrating Chico culture with coffee, beer, wine and casual fare. Serving breakfast and lunch daily. 365 E. Sixth St., 966-0054, www.midtownlocal.net $

Fast and fresh food, made to order in downtown Chico. Salad bar, sandwiches, fries, hot sides and carved meats.

201 Main St., 343-0165, plutosfresh food.com $

Noodles & Co.

The Pour House

Noodle dishes from all over the world in one spot. 1910 E. 20th St., 715-2095, www.noodles.com $

New American cuisine served in a tasteful-yet-casual atmosphere featuring a full bar, several taps of craft beer and a big selection of wines by the glass. The patio’s features a huge screen for outdoor viewing. 855 East Ave., 893-3000, www. chicopourhouse.com $$

OM Foods Fresh, healthy, organic, vegetarian and vegan-friendly food stand. 1008 W. Sacramento Ave., in the Safeway parking lot, 228-4074, www.facebook.com/ omfoodstm $

Outback Steakhouse Serving fresh steaks, seafood and chicken in an Australian-themed setting. 1990 E. 20th St., 899-8112, www.outback.com $$

The Oven Marketplace & Café

Cozy breakfast and lunch restaurant featuring delicious house-baked breads, pies, muffins and cinnamon rolls. Closed Sunday and Monday. 2625 Aztec Drive, 899-0527 $

Serving up fresh baked goods in the mornings and custom-made sandwiches for lunch. Also a variety of coffee drinks.

The Oven is also home to Chico Baking Co., which serves vegan and gluten-free items. 2560 Dominic Drive, 809-1021 $

Foodie Café

PaCoo

Opened by the folks behind Chico Catering Co., this eatery by the airport offers a unique dining experience, from the repurposed furnishings to the eclectic breakfast and lunch items. Features specialized menus for hashes, burgers and sliders. Open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.3 p.m. 999 Marauder St., 433-5539, www.thefoodiecafe.com $

Fresh, reasonably priced food and coffee as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner. 642 W. Fifth St., 487-7228 $

Panera Bread Soup, sandwiches, baked goods and salads. 1910 E. 20th St., 894-5009, www.panerabread.com $

Fresh Twisted Café Also known as Hernandez Farms, Fresh Twisted Café offers fresh juices and nondairy smoothies that locals have come to love. Also serving up sandwiches and organic beef burgers. 156 Eaton Road, 809-2489 $

Great Harvest Bread Co. Serving fresh-baked breads and pastries as well as sandwiches, panini, salads and soup. Closed Sunday. Multiple locations, www.greatharvestchico.com $$

Hudson’s Gastropub The newest offering from Chico restaurateur Christian Steinbach, Hudson’s Gastropub offers an eclectic menu of small plates, pizzas and burgers alongside an impressive wine and beer list in a chic environment. 2760 Esplanade, 636-4562. $$ Tin Roof Bakery & Café

48 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Pluto’s

Red Lobster Fresh fish, steak, pasta and seafood in a family environment. 2010 Business Lane, 893-5595, www.redlobster.com $$$

Scotty’s Landing Try a River Burger, fish and chips or a homemade soup and salad on Scotty’s deck overlooking the Sacramento River.

12609 River Road, 710-2020 $$

T. Tea Bar & Fusion Café A selection of more than 40 teas and fusion favorites including hoisin barbecue salmon, London broil, pork tenderloin, sweet chili chicken bowls and wraps.

250 Vallombrosa Ave., 895-8100; and 555 Flying V St., Ste. 1, 809-1545, tbarchico.com $

Tin Roof Bakery & Café Long known for its hand-crafted breads, Tin Roof’s popular café serves upscale pastries, artisan sandwiches, healthful salads and fine coffees.

627 Broadway, 892-2893 $

Upper Crust Bakery & Eatery

Coffee Houses Bidwell Perk

Serving coffee, tea and delectables in a café-style setting. Now with a wine bar and later hours. 664 E. First Ave., 8991500, www.bidwellperk.com $

Cnrsweetdeals.newsreview.Com

Serving fine pastries, cakes and pies from scratch, as well as lunch entrees, house-made soups, espresso and teas.

Urban patio seating available. 130 Main St., 895-3866, www.uppercrust chico.com $

Cal Java Coffee Roasters Serving pastries, teas and espresso drinks. Multiple locations, www.caljavacoffee.com $

Chico Coffee Co. Conveniently located near the DMV. Serving breakfast and lunch.

107 Parmac Road, 592-3193 $

Coffee Ranch Featuring Pablo’s Coffee, finely crafted espresso drinks, tea, fresh baked goods and protein smoothies. Outside patio seating and a dog run, too. Open daily.

1288 E. First Ave., Ste. 100, 809-9338, www.coffeeranchchico.com $

Dutch Bros. Coffee

Great Northern Visit a restored 1940s passenger train car for handcrafted, organic specialty coffee and tea. Rotating display of local art. 434 Orange St., 899-8267 $

Has Beans Café & Galleria Offering fresh-roasted coffees, a large variety of teas, fresh-baked pastries, candy and more. Also offering Internet access and an art gallery. Delivery available. 501 Main St., 894-3033 $

Has Beans Creekside Cozy Internet café, coffee roastery and bakery serving specialty coffees and teas. Large patio with outdoor seating.

Delivery available. 1080 Humboldt Ave., 345-6379 $

It’s a Grind Coffee House A cozy café with espresso, coffee, iced drinks, teas and more. 6 W. Eaton Road, 332-9250, $

Java Detour A drive-thru offering espresso, coffee drinks, smoothies and Italian sodas.

1055 Mangrove Ave., 893-2828; 2519 Esplanade, 566-9556 $

This guy saves you money.

A drive-thru featuring mochas, lattes, smoothies, the “Dutch Freeze” and various baked treats. Multiple locations including downtown, dutchbros.com $

C ATERI N G AVAI LAB LE FOR ALL OCC ASI ON S

Best Asian Cuisine Best Take-Out Best Restaurant in Oroville C ELEB RAT I N G 1 0 5 YEARS I N B U SI N ESS! 2 0 0 9 - 2 01 6

Oroville 533-1488 Chico 898-1388

DINING continued on page 50 Spring/Summer 2017 DISCOVER CHICO 49

DINING continued from page 49

Mondo’s Café

Ready Chef Go Bistro & Market

Red Tavern

Gourmet espresso and coffee, fresh pastries and bagels. 995 Nord Ave., 895-0878 $

Food that is local, fresh and sustainable. Ready Chef Go Bistro & Market has a deep appreciation for what Mother Nature provides for us. 980 Mangrove Ave., 806-2634, www.readychefgochico.com $$

Offering delicious and innovative dishes based on influences from all over the world. Fresh, locally grown, seasonal, organic produce and meats. Full bar, including an extensive wine list, craft beer and creative signature cocktails.

Relaxing outdoor patio, with a bocce court, all-night happy hour on Tuesdays and live music April-October. 1250 Esplanade, 894-3463, redtavern.com $$$

Naked Lounge Tea & Coffeehouse Serving mouthwatering mochas, cappuccinos and fresh-brewed coffees along with premium loose-leaf teas and glutenfree treats. 118 W. Second St., 895-0676 $

Operose Coffee & Tea House Each cup handcrafted to perfection.

Also on wheels. 243 W. Ninth St., 5186083. $

Peet’s Coffee & Tea Coffee, tea, pastries and candy. 145 Main St., 894-6716, www.peets.com $

Starbucks Serving coffee, espresso and pastries at a corner near you. Multiple locations, www.starbucks.com $

Eclectic Eats Ali Baba

Mediterranean restaurant specializing in falafel, shwarma and kebabs.

Also serving at Argus Bar + Patio.

138 Broadway St., 345-5000, www.alibabachico.com $

Cafe Petra Mediterranean Cuisine Delicious traditional Mediterranean fare, from hummus and falafel to shawarma and kabob, all in a fresh, modern dining space downtown. Offering an extensive menu of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees and desserts. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

163 E. Second St., 717-6789 $$

Gogi’s Café Indian-Pakistani appetizers, entrées, desserts and specialty drinks served in a café setting across the street from Chico State. 230 Salem St., 891-3570, www.gogiscafe.webs.com $

Inday’s Filipino Food Kamayan loosely translates into “shake hands,” but in terms of food it refers to eating with your hands, a centuries-old tradition that can still be seen today.

Inday’s features Filipino specialties, from pork adobo to lumpia to halang halang.

Now serving breakfast and lunch daily in addition to dinner on weekends. 1043 W. Eighth St., 520-2593, indays.weebly.com $

Priya Indian Cuisine Specializing in northern and southern Indian cuisine, served in a comfortable setting. Try the lunch buffet.

2574 Esplanade, 899-1055 $$

50 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

Roots Catering & Restaurant Specializing in globally influenced entrées and fresh, gluten-free and vegan selections for breakfast and lunch. Closed Saturdays. 3221 Esplanade, 891-4500, www.rootscatering.com $$

Sipho’s Restaurant & Café Fresh, spicy, healthy Jamaican fare served at a groovy eatery on the edge of town. Patio dining available and occasional live reggae music. 1228 Dayton Road, 895-1866, www.siphosjamaica.com $$

Fine Dining 5th Street Steakhouse

A full-service steakhouse featuring USDA prime beef, fresh seafood, house-made desserts and an extensive wine list. 345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328, www.5thstreetsteakhouse.com $$$

Basque Norte Family-owned since 1975, Basque Norte offers steak, lamb, chicken, quail, barbecued ribs and seafood served familystyle in a rustic Basque atmosphere.

3355 Esplanade, 891-5204, www.basque norte.com $$$

Christian Michaels Ristorante 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. 192 E. Third St., 894-4005, www.chicochristianmichaels.com $$$

Leon Bistro Freshly prepared California bistro cuisine made from locally sourced and organic ingredients. Menu items include steaks, fish, poultry and vegetarian options.

Closed Monday and Tuesday. 817 Main St., 899-1105, www.leonbistro.com $$$

Nash’s Restaurant Fresh, creative, California cuisine with casual and fine-dining options.

Breakfast weekdays, brunch weekends.

Lunch weekdays, dinner nightly (except Sunday). 1717 Esplanade, 896-1147, www.nashsrestaurantchico.com $$

Rallo’s West This elegant restaurant has fine wines and craft beer on tap—perfect pairings for a cheese plate or a main-course crab cake. 234 W. Third St., 636-4468, facebook.com/ralloswest $$$

Sicilian Café A Chico favorite offering a variety of antipasti, seafood, pastas, chicken, veal and beef, decadent desserts and an extensive wine list. 1020 Main St., 345-2233, www.siciliancafe.com $$$

Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant Bistro fare, award-winning ales and lagers, and an excellent wine list.

1075 E. 20th St., 345-2739, www.sierranevada.com $$$

Two Twenty Restaurant Located inside the Hotel Diamond, Two Twenty offers an eclectic menu of steak and seafood, gourmet burgers and pizzas and the enticing chicken and waffles.

Breakfast daily, brunch on weekends, happy hour Tuesday-Saturday and dinner nightly. 220 W. Fourth St., 895-1515, www.twotwentyrestaurant.com $$$

Unwined at 980 Restaurant/lounge specializing in roasted wood-fired specialties from starters to meals. Plus, more than 60 different wines from around the world as well as craft beers on tap. 980 Mangrove Ave., 809-2634, unwinedat980.com $$$

Wine Time A renovated early-1900s pig barn is the home of this wine bar serving a variety of small plates, including farm-fresh salads, flatbreads and appetizers. Live music on Saturdays. Closed Sunday and Monday. 26 Lost Dutchman Drive, 899-9250, www.winetimechico.com $$

Homestyle Angie’s Bar and Grill

Inside Casino 99, Angie’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 24 hours a day.

175 E. 20th St., 592-2282 $

Cozy Diner Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Cozy Diner favorites: crepes, Cobb salad, prime-rib burger, broasted chicken, steak, espresso, beer and wine.

1695 Mangrove Ave., 895-1195, cozydinerchico.com $

Tacos Pepe

Mexican Aca Taco

Authentic Acapulco-style food, including tacos, burritos and house-made enchiladas. 133 Broadway, 894-0191; 1000-D W. Sacramento Ave., 343-0909, www.acataco.com $

Amigos de Acapulco Mexican favorites include their special enchiladas and chile rellenos. 820 Oroville Ave., 898-8488 $

Aztlan Mexican Food Known for its authentic tortas and other delicious Mexican dishes. 1645 Park Ave., 487-7062 $

Bulldog Taqueria Denny’s Straightforward meals served in a family atmosphere. 675 Manzanita Court, 345-1146, www.dennys.com $

International House of Pancakes Breakfast served all day, plus lunch and dinner featuring sandwiches and burgers. 2040 Business Lane, 893-4988, www.ihop.com $

ents. 201 Broadway, 342-7000, www.chicocrush.com $$$

Forcella Italian Bistro Forcella offers scratch-made pastas and Italian entrees Monday-Saturday for dinner. 1600 Mangrove Ave., 809-1530, www.forcellabistro.com $$

Franky’s

Diner-style food at reasonable prices in a casual atmosphere.540 Main St., 343-8383 $

Locally owned for more than 20 years, serving pizza, Italian dishes, beer and wine. Delivery through Entree Express.

506 Ivy St., 898-9948, frankyschico.com $$

Kalico Kitchen

Grana Wood Fired Foods

Jack’s Family Restaurant

Try Kalico’s breakfast skillets and breakfast burritos in the morning, club sandwiches and crispy chicken salad for lunch, and chicken-fried steak and house-made meatloaf for dinner. 2396 Esplanade, 343-3968, kalicokitchen chico.com $$

Farm-to-table-inspired Italian ostería featuring locally sourced, sustainable small plates, salads, entrees and traditional Neapolitan-style pizza. Italianfocused, esoteric wine list and craft beers. 198 E. Second St., 809-2304, www.granachico.com $$

Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen

Italian Cottage Restaurant

New Orleans-style fast food, and signature sides. 1161 Mangrove Ave., 332-9322 $

Russell’s Family Restaurant Featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner specials, beer and wine. 185 Cohasset Road, 343-5543 $$

Italian

California Pasta Productions Serving Italian lunches and dinners, such as pasta, seafood, chicken, soups and salads. 118 W. East Ave., 343-6999, www.calpastachico.com $$

Crush Italian Cuisine & Lounge Specializing in a combination of traditional and contemporary flavors mixed with fresh, local and seasonal ingredi-

Family-owned and -operated since 1965, serving local favorites: sandwiches, pizza, pasta and salads. Also serves breakfast. 2234 Esplanade, 343-7000; 2525 Dominic Drive, 342-7771, www.theitaliancottage.com $$

Olive Garden

Featuring an array of authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican dishes, such as burritos, tacos, birria and chili verde.

A great salsa bar, aguas frescas and large flat-screen TVs. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, open late on weekends.

995 Nord Ave., 592-3605, www.bulldog taqueria.com $

Burrito Bandito Serving steak, pork and chicken burritos, quesadillas and tacos. 2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 342-2584, www.juanmean burrito.com $

Casa Ramos Specializing in borrego (lamb shank) and fresh fajitas: steak, chicken and shrimp. 216 W. East Ave., 894-0119; 2490 Fair St., 893-5050, casaramos.net $$

Chipotle Mexican Grill Fast, made-to-order gourmet burritos and tacos with “endless” combinations of fillings. 620 Mangrove Ave., 343-8707; 1950 E. 20th St., 343-0706, www.chipotle.com $

Cocina Cortes From sopes to chimichangas, Cocina Cortes serves up quality, authentic Mexican food for a great price.

1110 Dayton Road, 342-4189 $

El Guayacan

Serving pasta and other Italian specialties. 2020 Business Lane, 898-8075, www.olivegarden.com $$

Mexican dishes including “homestyle” seafood entrees. Open for lunch and dinner. Catering available. 2201 Pillsbury Road, 893-3777. $

Panighetti’s Eatery

El Patron Taqueria

Offering big portions of moderately priced Italian food. Large dining room, with a great outdoor patio as well. 1851 Esplanade, 809-1640, panighettis.com $$

Authentic Mexican food served in a casual atmosphere. 1354 East Ave., 343-9779 $

Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Featuring traditional Mexican food.

Specialties are the flavorful molcajete, Sonoran hot dog and breakfast burritos served all day. 465 E. 20th St., Ste. 60, 342-4121 $

Serving the same gourmet pizza, pastas and salads made popular by Original Pete’s in Sacramento. 2495 Carmichael Drive, 891-0611, www.originalpetes.net $$

El Rey Mexican Grill

DINING continued on page 52 Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 51

DINING continued from page 51

Gordo Burrito Giant tacos, burritos and other authentic Mexican food served up quickly.

Closed Sundays. 1295 E. Eighth St., 809-1211 $

La Cocina Economica A local favorite offering affordable and authentic Mexican breakfast, lunch and dinner. 905 Wall St., 809-0370 $

La Comida Mexican-style food made fresh daily and served quickly. Voted Best Cheap Eats by CN&R readers for over a decade.

954 Mangrove Ave., 345-2254, www.lacomidarestaurants.com $

La Familia Restaurant Serving a variety of Mexican food, such as fajitas, carnitas and burritos.

1008 W. Sacramento Ave., 898-9029, www.lafamiliachico.com $

La Hacienda

dow and outdoor seating available. 1530 Park Ave., 342-3797 $

Tacos Mary Home of the famous taquito burrito.

429 Ivy St., 892-8176 $

Tacos Pepe Serving up the flavors of Guadalajara, including $1 tacos on Tuesdays and Sundays. Plus, a totally unique outdoor taco grill after 5 p.m. on weekends and Tuesdays. 1002 W. Fifth St. 566-7745. $

Tacos Tijuana Serving tacos, combination plates and breakfast burritos along with birria, posole and menudo on weekends. Try their delicious homemade flan for dessert. 1441 Park Ave., 343-6762 $

Tacos Tonaya Offering tacos, burritos, nachos, enchiladas, sopes and more. 244 Walnut St., 893-8972 $

Tacos Villa Acapulco

Traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine. 2635 Esplanade, 893-8270, lahacienda-chico.com $$

An authentic taste of Mexico, serving traditional tacos, burritos and special combos. 1141 Forest Ave., 892-2858 $

Mariscos la Costa Mexican Seafood Grill

Taqueria Los Amigos

Having recently moved into a larger space on the same strip, Mariscos la Costa specializes in coastal Mexican fare and features shrimp, calamari, lobster, snapper and more. Think well beyond the fish taco. 1141 Forest Ave., 342-3627 $$

Ricardo’s Mexican Cocina Offering authentic Mexican food with combination plates, fresh tortilla chips and salsa and more. 2365 Esplanade, 895-9607, www.ricardoschico.com $

Serrano’s Mexican Grill

Inexpensive, authentic and generous amounts of Mexican food. Walk-up win52 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

Artisan pizzas where the farmer is the star. Featuring local, organic, seasonal toppings; fresh, organic salads; and beer and wine served in a casual, fun, familyfriendly atmosphere. 2359 Esplanade, 343-2056, www.farmstarpizza.com $$

JT’s Oven Preparing pizza and subs available for pick-up and delivery. 1380 East Ave., 892-1122, www.jtsoven.com $$

Little Caesars Pizza Pizza, breadsticks and more available for take-out. 598 E. Eighth St., 894-8300; 118 W. East Ave., 894-5707, www.littlecaesars.com $

Mad Dash Pizza

Main Street Pizzeria

A Mexican restaurant with a patio, full bar and banquet room.

2601 Esplanade, 345-6053 $

Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill Fajitas, seafood tacos, pasta, fresh steaks and more than 120 tequilas available at the full bar. Sidewalk-café seating available. 100 Broadway, 342-0425 $$

With pizzas named after local landmarks, how can you go wrong? Also serving up salads, pasta, sandwiches and calzones. 800 Bruce Road Ste. 100, 8940400, www.bidwellparkpizza.com $$

Tacos Cortés

Farm Star Pizza

Tortilla Flats

Sol Mexican Grill

Great-tasting, healthfully prepared Mexican cooking. Delivery available.

Closed Saturday-Sunday, but available at the Saturday farmers’ market in downtown Chico. 1013 W. First St. (inside the gas station), 591-9236, www.chicospeedyburrito.com $

Hot, made-to-order pizzas, salads, breadsticks and Buffalo wings. Delivery or takeout. 324 Walnut St., 891-5888, www.dominos.com $

Delicious family-style Mexican food on the way to Hamilton City. Closed Sundays. 3524 Highway 32, 342-9113 $

Pizza

Speedy Burrito Mexican Grill

Domino’s

Yummy drive-thru eats featuring personal pizzas, wings with specialty sauces, and fresh-squeezed OJ shakes. Small outdoor dining area. 2391 Cohasset Road, 899-1010, www.maddashpizza.com $

Customize-’em-yourself, authentic and eclectic burritos made with fresh ingredients. Located near the university.

645 W. Fifth St., 343-1928 $ Burritos, tacos, enchiladas, tostadas and chimichangas served in a relaxed north Chico location. Hang out with friends on the patio or in the cantina.

Plus, there’s a mobile app. Family-run since 2011. 3269 Esplanade, 342-4616, www.solmexicangrill.com $

throughout the week. Check website for more info. 179 E. 13th St., 786-8111, www.chicagodeepdishpizzaco.com $$

Bidwell Park Pizza

Celestino’s New York Pizza Award-winning New York-style pizza available by the slice or as a full pie, along with fresh salads, hot sandwiches, lasagna, calzones and more. Additional pasta menu at East Avenue location. 101 Salem St., 896-1234; and 1354 East Ave., 345-7700, www.celestinospizza.com $$

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Co. Take-n-bake pizzas, Chicago-style.

That means real deep dish, none of that wannabe stuff. Shop open Thurs.-Fri., noon-8 p.m. and Sat.-Sun., noon-6 p.m.

Pies also available at other locations

Delicious pizza, especially for the late-night munchies. 331 Main St., 345-6246. $

Mamma Celeste’s Stone Baked Pizzeria Serving signature Italian sandwiches, “Cracker Crust” pizza, and build-yourown calzones. 1008 W. Sacramento Ave., 345-1510, www.mammacelestespizzeria. com $$

MOD Pizza Serving up individual artisan pizzas and salads, fast. Choose from over 30 toppings and, here’s the kicker, it’s all one price. 851 East Ave., Ste. 150, 6364862, www.modpizza.com $

Monstros Pizza & Subs Offering pizza and sub sandwiches.

628 W. Sacramento Ave., 345-7672, www.monstrospizza.com $

Mountain Mike’s Pizza An extensive menu of specialty pizzas, along with a salad bar and sandwiches.

1722 Mangrove Ave., 893-1923; 1105 W. Fifth St., 899-9115, www.moun tainmikes.com $$

Papa Murphy’s Take ’n’ Bake Pizza Take-and-bake pizza and breadsticks.

1305 Mangrove Ave., 345-6403; 14 W. Eaton Road, 343-3993; 2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 898-1560, papamurphys.com $$

Pizza Guys Pizzas, pasta, salads, wings and more for take-out or delivery. 2471 Cohasset Road, 894-8888, www.pizzaguys.com $$

Pizza Hut Pizza, pasta and wings for take-out or delivery. 1417 Mangrove Ave., 896-1955, www.pizzahut.com $$

Pop’s Pizza Top-quality ingredients, dough made from scratch and it’s all cooked to order.

2031 Forest Ave., 864-2760, www.pops pizzachico.com $$

Rolling Stone Pizza

sandwiches, salads and weekend brunch.

250 Cohasset Road, 345-7330 $

The Handle Bar Offering a German-inspired pub menu to complement a large selection of specialty craft beers. 2070 E. 20th St., 8942337, facebook.com/handlebarchico $

Madison Bear Garden Enjoy mouth-watering burgers and sandwiches and a selection of draft beers and cocktails. Open every day, right next to campus. Fun décor, billiards upstairs and a great outdoor patio. 316 W. Second St., 891-1639, madisonbeargarden.com $

Located inside New Earth Market, sit down and enjoy a pie at the bar (they also serve beer) or order a pizza—cooked or ready to bake—to be prepared while you shop. Thin crust, toppings are top notch. Also available: gluten-free crust from local company Cali’Flour Foods.

864 East Ave., 891-9355, www.newearth market.com $$

Maltese Bar & Tap Room

Round Table Pizza

Oasis Bar & Grill

Pizza selections and salads in a casual atmosphere. Multiple locations, www.roundtablepizza.com $$

Woodstock’s Pizza Award-winning pizza, cold beer on tap, fresh salads, appetizers, desserts and new sandwiches. Dine in, take-out and delivery. 166 E. Second St., 893-1500, www. woodstockschico.com $$

Pub Fare The Banshee

Serving up burgers and a variety of other pub eats, along with an impressive menu of draft and bottled beers.

132 W. Second St., 895-9670, www.bansheechico.com $$

Bella’s Sports Pub Great pub food and a huge beer selection along with sports on big-screen, high definition TVs. 134 Broadway, 8935253, www.bellassportspubchico.com $

Buffalo Wild Wings Offering all the wings and fries and burgers and beers one could want, along with a healthy serving of sports on multiple TVs. www.buffalowildwings.com $$

The DownLo A sports bar with delicious pub, The DownLo’s claim to fame is its expansive billiards room with 10 Diamond tables, darts and occasional live music and comedy shows. 319 Main St., 892-2473 $

The End Zone A sports bar serving up more than a dozen appetizers, along with burgers,

This south Chico watering hole’s stainless-steel and wood décor gives it the look of a classic neighborhood bar.

It also boasts a nice patio and regular live music and other eclectic entertainment. 1600 Park Ave., 343-4915, www.themaltesebar.com $ Delicious hand-pressed, never frozen burgers, sandwiches and fries, along with seven pool tables—and regular leagues and tournaments—15 flat-screen TVs and a full bar. 1007 W. First St. 343-4305, www.oasisbarandgrill.net $

Panama Bar & Café Offering appetizers and American pub food (including 31 burgers) along with a full bar stocked with a huge selection of teas made stiff. 177 E. Second St., 8958817, www.panamabarcafeinchico.com $

Park Avenue Pub Features half-pound, ground-prime burgers, fresh-cut french fries and a full bar. Catering available. 2010 Park Ave., 893-3500 $

Quackers Fire Bar & Grill A bar with a nice dance floor far from downtown, Quackers serves a full menu of pub-grub favorites. Karaoke and DJ dancing. Now with a spacious billiards room—and an L-shaped pool table!

968 East Ave., 895-3825 $

Riley’s Bar & Grill

pub grub favorites, including wood-fired pizzas, a full bar and two pool tables in the basement. 3312 Esplanade, 809-1088, www.facebook.com/ShenanigansChico $

Tackle Box Bar & Grill A south Chico hotspot featuring exotic appetizers like frog legs and fried alligator, along with traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner options and a full bar. Live music and pool tables, too. 379 E. Park Ave., 345-7499, www.tackleboxchico.com $

Street Food The Black Kettle

Serving up a menu that changes daily and features fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. 354-1013, www.facebook.com/ blackkettlechico $

Caribbean Cafe Mobile food cart serving eastern Caribbean food. Catering available.

(415) 272-2166, www.facebook.com/ caribbeancafechico $

Chicobi’s Fusion cuisine catering and concession truck featuring items like Jamaican jerk chicken tacos and Reuben flatbread pizzas. 828-3161, www.chicobis.com $

Chico Chuckwagon Offering delicious grilled sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, fries and acai bowls.

Also serving up vegetarian options and a kid’s menu. Available for special events. 592-0550, www.facebook.com/ ChicoChuckwagon $

Cupcake Crusader Delicious cupcakes—in unique flavors as well as childhood favorites—made fresh and to order. www.thecupcake crusader.com $

Fiesta Taco Delicious al pastor, carne asada and pork tacos and burritos. Corner of Nord and West Sacramento avenues $

Gnarly Deli

Inexpensive pub-grub eats along with a full bar at this locally owned student hotspot. 702 W. Fifth St., 343-7459, www.rileysbar.com $

Mobile food cart providing delicious sandwiches to the people of Chico.

Catering available. www.facebook.com/ gnarlydeli $

Scotty’s Landing

Gordo Burrito

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.

12609 River Road, 710-2020 $

Shenanigan’s Bar & Grill A great place to hang out on the north side of town, with a full menu of

Serving burritos, tostadas, tortas, tacos, quesadillas and chimichangas.

Awesome shrimp specials and friendly service. Corners of Eighth and Pine streets and 20th Street and Park Avenue, www.facebook.com/GordoBurrito $

DINING continued on page 54 Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 53

DINING continued from page 53

Here Today Coffee Cart For over a dozen years, this popular coffee cart and impromptu cafe have made a home just outside the Chico Certified Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings. Delicious coffee, brewed to order, along with homemade treats. $

Ike’s Smokehouse Ike’s Smokehouse offers the flavorful barbecue taste diners have come to expect from CJ’s Last Chance Diner, on a smaller, more mobile scale. Specializing in beef, chicken and pork on a bun or in a wrap. www.ikessmokehouse.com $

Inday’s Filipino Food

Tacos Puerto Vallarta Featuring tacos, burritos, sopes, quesadillas, tostadas and tortas. Corner of the Esplanade and West 11th Avenue $

Tacos Ramirez Classic taco-truck fare: tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tostadas and tortas. Corner of Nord and Stewart avenues $

Tacos Tonaya #2 Featuring tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tostadas and tortas. Loyal customers swear by the California burrito. Corner of Walnut and East Third streets $

The Taco Truck

Inday’s offers a full lineup of Filipino specialties, from pork adobo to lumpia to halang halang, among other items. facebook.com/IndaysFilipinoFood $

Serving delicious, fresh Mexican fare.

Often found in the All the Best Video parking lot on Cohasset Road, or on the back patio at Argus on weekends. www.facebook.com/TacoTruck $

Maria’s Gone Tamales

Tamale Tango

Serving authentic, corn-huskwrapped tamales in a variety of flavors, from pork and chicken to pineapple and strawberry. Who doesn’t want to go tamales? 566-4085 or find it on Facebook $

Mayhem Gourmet Grilled Cheese Exactly what its name implies— grilled, melty, cheesy goodness. Find it on Facebook $

Mi Taquito Grill

Here Today Coffee Cart

In addition to the unique tamales— shrimp and bacon, basil pesto chicken and cheese, to name a few—Tamale Tango also offers soups, taquitos and chile rellenos. Also on the menu: 100 percent organic and gluten-free tamales. www.facebook.com/TamaleTango $

Truckaroni Offering a menu of Italian goodness. www.facebook.com/truckaroni $

Wander

The new truck in town, Mi Taquito Grill serves up fresh, traditional Mexican fare, including burritos, tacos and burrito bowls. Nice covered seating area. 3005 Esplanade $

Offering a circus-themed, rotating menu of locally sourced items. Also available: sack-lunch dropoffs to businesses on Wednesdays. Catering available.

680-3871, www.wanderfoods.com $

Scrappy Dog

Weiner Man

Denine’s Cupcakes Specializing in “flavorful, pure cupcakes.” 116 Broadway, 809-4086. $

Donut Nook Donuts, muffins, Danish, scones, cookies and espresso. Open 24 hours, except from 1-7 p.m., Sunday-Tuesday. 958 East Ave., 342-2118 $

Donut Wheel Serving delicious donuts, pastries and ham and cheese sandwiches, homemade fresh daily. Delivery available for orders of 10 dozen or more. 2404 Esplanade, 345-4528 $

The Weiner Man offers tasty hot dogs and bratwursts with a friendly smile to the late-night crowd downtown. Find him on Facebook $

Gelayo Frozen Yogurt & Gelato

Tacos el Grullense

Sweets

Serving fresh donuts and coffee daily until 2 p.m. 807 Main St., 343-4031 $

Traditional Mexican fare, including tacos, burritos and tortas. Corner of East Park Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway $

Baskin-Robbins

Offering ice cream, smoothies, shakes and cakes. Multiple locations, www.baskinrobbins.com $

Fresh juices and smoothies with vitamin enhancers, plus nutritious breads and wheat grass. Multiple locations, www.jambajuice.com $

Tacos el Paisa

Cinful Desserts

The Joker’s Bakery

This late-night favorite serves up classic hot dogs and brats to hungry patrons of the downtown bar scene. $

Slyderz Grill Burgers, wings, fries. Find it on Facebook. www.slyderzgrill.com $

Featuring killer shrimp tacos as well as burritos, quesadillas, tostadas and tortas.

Corner of Walnut and Second streets $

Tacos el Pinolero Featuring tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tostadas and tortas. Cash only. 275 E. Park Ave.; the corner of the Esplanade and Tonea Way $

Tacos el Tapatio Serving tacos, huge loaded burritos, quesadillas and tortas. 1367 Longfellow Ave., 828-2449 $ 54 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Specializing in cakes and cupcakes for all occassions. 752 East Ave, 354-0848 $

Cold Stone Creamery Premium ice cream, sorbet and cakes.

Shakes, smoothies and banana splits, too.

146 Broadway, 891-3331, www.coldstone creamery.com $

The Cookie Shoppe Featuring gourmet cookies and gift items. Closed weekends. 1600 Mangrove Ave., 899-3385, thecookieshoppe.com $

Frozen yogurt and gelato. 1380 East Ave., 345-7626 $

Helen’s Donut Nook Jamba Juice

Gourmet, unique and artisanal cheesecakes, with 16 flavors and additional seasonal ones. Store open by appointment only. Order by phone or online. (917) 885-8014, www.thejokersbakery.com $$

Jon & Bon’s Yogurt Shoppe Jon & Bon’s has been serving up sweet sensations for over 34 years. Twelve flavors of frozen yogurt daily, along with ice cream, Hawaiian snow and smoothies.

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

Let us Make You

Kiwi Blast Frozen Yogurt A frozen-yogurt shop in the heart of college land. 645 W. Fifth St., 343-2828 $

HAPPY with the Best Chinese Food!

Krispy Kreme Serving donuts and coffee. 2060 Business Lane, 891-3492, www.krispy kreme.com $

La Flor de Michoacán Palatería y Nevería A Mexican ice cream shop with many flavors and toppings, plus other sweet treats. 1080 W. Sacramento Ave., Ste. C; and 1354 East Ave.; 893-9999 $

2016

Live Life Juice Co.

HAPPY GArden

Offering up pure, fresh, juice and elixirs daily. Live Life Juice Co. makes wonderfully tasty and healthful fruit and vegetable juice blends high in nutritional value while also affordable and convenient. 220 W. Sixth St., 566-3466, livelifejuiceco.com $

Chinese restaurant

Open Daily • Food to Go

180 Cohasset Road • (Near the Esplanade) 893-2574 or 893-5068 • HappyGardenChico.com

Lovely Layers Cakery Freshly baked cupcakes and cookies available daily. Made-to-order specialty cakes and wedding cakes. Open TuesdaySaturday. 131 Meyers St., Ste. 120, 828-9931, www.lovelylayerscakery.com $

Mim’s Bakery Carefully crafted baked goodies—such as cakes and petit fours—made from scratch for a quick treat, or in bulk for special occasions. 890 Humboldt Ave., 345-3331, www.mimsbakery.com $

See’s Candies All your classic See’s favorites. Yum! 1947 E. 20th St., 891-3384 $

Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy This local favorite has produced ice cream and confections for 75 years and running. Enjoy banana splits or root beer floats on the benches and at the tables out front. Open till 10 p.m. daily! 178 E. Seventh St., 342-7163, shuberts.com $

r o f s u join

y a d fri h c n lu

Sweet Chico Confections An old-fashioned candy store with more than 5,000 treats, including gelatos and sorbettos. 121 W. Third St., 332-9866, www.sweetchico.com $

Tin Roof Bakery & Café If you’re in the mood for a flaky pastry or decadent tart, look no further than Tin Roof. Also serving up French macaroons, cookies and cakes, in addition to a full espresso bar.

627 Broadway, 892-2893 $

Upper Crust Bakery & Eatery Serving fine pastries, specialty cakes and pies from scratch, as well as cookies and cupcakes. 130 Main St., 895-3866, www.uppercrustchico.com $ ●

13

15

16 13

345 West Fifth Street 15 16 Chico, CA 95928 (530) 891–6328 Please call for reservations Open Fridays for Lunch 11:30am – 2:30pm Join us for Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:30–6pm Spring/Summer 2017 DISCOVER CHICO 55

TOURS

Follow the leader C

hico and its environs offer so many things to do, but it can sometimes be daunting to attempt them on your own. Luckily, there are several companies and organizations out there willing to help. Want to hike the Sierra Buttes? There are guides. Hoping to learn how to stand-up paddle board on the Sacramento River? There are people with experience ready to teach you. Want to spend the afternoon winery-hopping by limo? Of course you do!

Here’s a sampling of the options available for guided and self-guided tours to aid you in your adventures, along with a listing of limousine services that are increasingly offering local winery tours as a fun (and safe) alternative to driving yourself.

Adventure Outings

Take a tour Adventure Outings Whether you’re yearning for a guided tour along Big Chico Creek to take in views of wildflowers in bloom or you want to join a group for a stand-up paddle board trip down the Sacramento River, Adventure Outings is the place to turn.

Based at Chico State, AO is staffed mostly by students, but the majority of its trips are open to everyone 18 and older. And while many outings cater to the beginner—participants can rent equipment if they don’t have their own—there are also options for the seasoned adventurer. www.ao.aschico.com

Local Land•People•Food FARM-FRESH NUTS LOCALLY PRODUCED )RU RYHU WZHQW\ \HDUV RXU )RU RYHU WZHQW\ \HDUV RXU IDPLO\ RZQHG FRXQWU\ VWRUH KDV VXSSRUWHG IHOORZ IDUPHUV DQG SURGXFHUV E\ RIIHULQJ D RQH VWRS ORFDO PDUNHWSODFH VL[ GD\V D ZHHN

&DOLIRUQLD $OPRQGV :DOQXWV ‡ 3LVWDFKLRV 3HFDQV ‡ &DVKHZV We 0DFDGDPLDV &KRFRODWH )ODYRUHG 5RDVWHG 1DWXUDO ,Q %XON RU E\ WKH %DJ

Ship!

sa e e r F

+RQH\ ‡ 2OLYH 2LOV :LQH ‡ )RRGLH )LQGV 3LHV ‡ +DQGFUDIWHG *LIWV 6SLFHV ‡ %RG\ %DWK *LIW %DVNHWV

m

s a t s e pl

t

r! a b ing

'D\WRQ 5RDG ‡ &KLFR ‡ ZZZ PDLVLHMDQHV FRP 56 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Chico Cemetery tours Learn the history of Chico at its main cemetery. Free tours last 90 minutes, are scheduled on the third Thursday of each month and registration is required. 881 Mangrove Ave., 345-7243.

EcoTours Whether you choose a three-hour guided float down the river or a deluxe safari-style adventure complete with food and drinks, EcoTours offer an unmatched nature experience in Butte County. The Sacramento River EcoTour provides a glimpse at river habitat and wildlife, while the Eagle Creek Ranch EcoTour offers guests a view of Gold Rush history, as well as geology. Launched by local wildlife biologist and recreational specialist Henry Lomeli.

864-8594, sacramento riverecotours.com

with old photographs and explanations of significant buildings. www. downtownchico.com/history-historicwalking-tour.htm

Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes Tour the Sutter Buttes, the “smallest mountain range in the world.”

The Buttes, considered a sacred place by many local Native American tribes, are now privately owned and offlimits to the everyday hiker. Through Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes, take in the sights while learning about the flora, fauna and spirituality of the place. 671-6116, www.middlemountainhikes.org

Tasty Chico Launched earlier this year by three young entrepreneurs, Tasty Chico offers a culinary tour of downtown eateries, with plans to expand stops to other areas of town. The guided walking tour takes participants to a mix of local hotspots, from bakeries to fine dining establishments, with each location featuring a menu item and discussion with the head chef or owner. tastychico.com

Give up the wheel Black Cat Limousine Based in Oroville, rentals by the hour. 534-4866, www.bigcatlimo.com

Elite Limousine & Transport Offers wine tours starting at four hours, with the most popular being the six-hour tour to wineries such as Long Creek and Grey Fox in Oroville. Based in Chico. 893-LIMO, www.elimoinc.com

Historic Downtown Walking Tour This is a self-guided walking tour that encompasses 11 blocks that make up the historic core of downtown Chico.

Created by the Chico Heritage Association and available on the Downtown Chico Business Association website, this tour guides visitors through history

VIP Limousine Services Impressive fleet, including everything from a Lincoln Town Car to an H2 Hummer limo.

514-4001, www.viplimocorp.com •

Long Creek Winery

WELCOME TO CHICO!

Save

$5 OFF any purchase of $20 or more

www.thearcstore.org

2020 Park Avenue, Chico · 530.343.3666 2745 Oro Dam Blvd. E., Oroville · 530.532.1272 6640 Clark Road, Paradise · 530.877.1724

Discover Chico coupon not valid with other specials. One coupon per visit. Expires 9/14/17 Spring/Summer 2017 DISCOVER CHICO 57

FAMILY FUN

Summer camp at Gateway Science Museum

w o n , r e h t e g o t l Al C

Kid-friendly activities

hico offers plenty of activities for families, big and small. Spring and summer expand those options AMF Orchard Lanes many times over. Spend the afterMore than a bowling alley, this entertainment center has an arcade, snack bar with adult beverages, pro noon picnicking at the park and and plenty of family fun. 2397 Esplanade, 895then gaze at the stars at the obser- shop 3257, www.amf.com/orchardlanes vatory when the sun goes down.

Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation Challenge each other at a game of This nonprofit organization cares for endangered bowling or take a spin around the and exotic animals that cannot be released into the wild and teaches responsible ownership of companion roller rink to stay cool on a hot animals. Take a self-guided tour of the 19-acre sanctusummer day. Whatever your pleaary, which includes Bengal tigers, African lions, leopards, foxes, lynxes, exotic birds, bears and reptiles. sure, get out there and play!

Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. 4995 DurhamPentz Road in Butte Valley (near Butte College), 5331000, www.kirshner.org

58 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Butte County Library

Farm Sanctuary

The Chico branch of the county’s public library system offers regular story times for infants and children up to 12 years old. The library also is a great place for drop-in homework help from 3-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 1108 Sherman Ave., 891-2726, www.buttecounty.net/ bclibrary

Caper Acres A perennial favorite for children, this fairytale-themed playground features swings, slides, tunnels and play structures. At the center of the playground is an area with a soft, spongy groundcover that’s home to an impressive mosaic sea serpent made by local artist Robin Indar.

Open 9 a.m.-sunset Tuesday-Sunday.

Lower Bidwell Park, near One-Mile Recreation Area.

Chico Community Observatory The Chico Community Observatory is a delight for astronomers and amateur stargazers. The observatory is home to two huge telescopes and the world’s first outdoor planetarium. Open from sunset to park closing on clear nights Friday-Sunday.

Located near Horseshoe Lake at Chico’s Upper Bidwell Park (off Wildwood Avenue on Observatory Way), 487-4071, www.facebook.com/ ChicoCommunityObservatory

Chico Creek Nature Center Established in 1982, the nonprofit Chico Creek Nature Center in Bidwell Park offers kids and adults a chance to interact with nature.

Exhibits showcase the ecosystem of Bidwell Park, and creatures such as a red-tailed hawk and pond turtles are on hand. The center offers free nature walks to the public as well as camps and life-science programs for K-6 students. The center’s Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum and Howard S. Tucker Exhibit Hall are located at 1968 E. Eighth St. Visit bidwellpark.org or call 891-4671 for hours.

and playing. It’s a good, shady place for an afternoon break from a busy day shopping downtown or touring campus. For those into disc golf (a popular Chico pastime), there’s a practice basket as well. 202 W. First St.

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.

Check online for guided tour dates and times. 19080 Newville Road,

Orland (30 miles west of Chico), 8654617, www.farmsanctuary.org

Funland With a rollerskating rink, miniature golf and batting cages (what more could a kid want?), Funland/ Cal Skate Chico is great family fun for all ages. Don’t forget to stop by the arcade for video and ticket games. 2465 Carmichael Drive, 3431601, www.funlandchico.com FAMILY FUN continued on page 60

Children’s Playground Just steps from downtown, this city park adjacent to Chico State features lots of safe, modern playground equipment, picnic tables and a large grassy area for running

Funland Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 59

FAMILY FUN continued from page 59

Gateway Science Museum The Gateway Science Museum offers a range of ongoing and special exhibits focused on our region’s natural heritage, from local flora to Ice Age skeletons. Check website for fall and winter hours. Admission $5 kids 3-17, $7 adults, free for museum members and kids 2 and younger.

625 Esplanade (next door to Bidwell Mansion), 898-4121, www.csuchico. edu/gateway Humboldt Neighborhood Park

Humboldt Neighborhood Park This 10,000-square-foot skateboarding and inline-skating park has plenty of ways to show off your skills, including a rail, a box, steps and bowls. Open 8 a.m.-sunset daily.

Located between Orient and Flume streets along Humboldt Avenue.

National Yo-Yo Museum The National Yo-Yo Museum is the largest public display of yo-yos and yo-yo memorabilia in the United States. It’s home to the largest wooden yo-yo in the world, dubbed “Big-Yo,” as well as the Chico Yo-Yo Club, which encourages visitors to stop by its meetings from noon2 p.m. Saturdays (weather permitting) for a “walk the dog” lesson.

Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. MondaySaturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Free.

320 Broadway (at the rear of Bird in Hand store), 893-0545, www.national yoyo.org •

National Yo-Yo Museum

Orthodontics Exclusively B. Scott Hood, D.D.S., M.S., Inc. Professional, Friendly, & Experienced Dr. Hood and his staff are committed to providing children, teens and adults with the highest quality care and brightest smiles!

Dr. Hood is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics Specializing in Braces and a certified provider for InvisalignTM. 2755 Esplanade Chico CA 95973 Phone 530.343.7021 • Fax 530.343.3672 5657 Clark Rd #5 Paradise CA 95969 Phone 530.877.4951 • www.hoodortho.com

60 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

PIZZA

PUB

Full line of Round Expanded selection Table’s famous of craft beers and Specialty and Create wine. Wide variety Your Own Pizzas. of appetizers, sliders and half pound burgers

CHICO 2201 Pillsbury Road Almond Orchard 891-1200

PARADISE 6038 Clark Road Old Town Plaza 872-2233

VISIT OUR TRADITIONAL LOCATIONS AT:

PLAY

CHICO 964 Mangrove Ave • 343-4254 2027 Forest Ave • 342-7265

New state of the art arcade with prize redemption. Kid’s party packages.

Party room for teams, groups & family gatherings.

OROVILLE 1124 Oro Dam Blvd E 533-6710

ALSO IN: Willows • Gridley • Orland

RED BLUFF 116 W Belle Mill Road Belle Mill Landing 529-1760

We Listen. We Care.

Complementary Consultations Family Dentists Who Care

2539 Forest Ave, Chico (530) 342-6064 • www.chicodentalarts.com

David C. Kyle, DDS • Cyrus G. Oster, DDS

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 Most Affordable • Discounts for Students and Seniors

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 Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 61

Odyssey Winery and Vineyards

AGRITOURISM

Out on the farm H

ere in the North State, we have the perfect Mediterranean climate for growing everything from nuts and olives to wine grapes and citrus. Just look around and you’ll find almond and walnut orchards, rice fields and more produce than you can sink your teeth into. But that’s not all—there are also plenty of food producers, meaning lots of local wine, beer, olive oil, meats, cheeses and more. Farmers’ markets are great places to get acquainted with what our region has to offer, but many local farmers and growers also open their doors to visitors who want to see what they do first-hand. So, go forth and explore the bounty of Butte County. For a map of local breweries and wineries, see page 29.

62 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Breweries British Bulldog Brewery Opened in 2016, British Bulldog Brewery is owned and operated by the Kay family. The patriarch of the clan, Stephen, began brewing his own beers at 15 years old in his home country of England. Now living in Chico, he turned his love of home brewing into a full-time gig following the Great Recession. There’s currently no tap room, but British Bulldog beers are available at several local bars and by the keg at Spike’s Bottle Shop. 892-8759, www.britishbulldog brewery.com

Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co. Located at Feather Falls Casino, this tribe-owned brewery is headed up by veteran brewmaster Roland Allen. There’s always a wide variety of regular and special-release beers on tap, including the amber Coyote Spirit and the Volcano Mudslide stout. Bar hours: Sunday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-midnight; FridaySaturday, 9 a.m.-1:30 a.m. Restaurant open daily at 11 a.m. 3 Alverda Drive, Oroville, 533-3885, www.featherfallscasino.com/brewing-co

555 Avocado Road, Bangor; 603-1501; www.cobbleridgedistillery.com

Dog Creek Cellars

Miners Alley Brewing Co.

Feather River Brewing Co. This award-winning microbrewery in the wooded Sierra-foothill community of Magalia (above Paradise) features a smooth Honey Ale, a popular Raging Rapids Ale and a winter-seasonal Dark Canyon Ale. Call to arrange a tour, and for directions. 873-0734, www.featherriverbrewing.com

Lassen Traditional Cidery Started by Ben Nielsen in 2016, Lassen Traditional Cidery is just as its name implies. Using local heirloom apples, Nielsen—who began crafting ciders in 2005—bottles several varieties of cider that are available on tap at local beer bars and by the bottle at groceries and liquor stores. Tastings expected to begin in spring or summer 2017.

26 Bellarmine Court, (541) 760-5583, www.lassencider.com.

Wineries & distilleries Almendra Winery & Distillery Almendra Winery & Distillery offers locally grown wines on tap and mandarin- and almond-infused brandies in a rustic environment.

Their tasting room offers wine tasting events and wine by the glass and bottle. Also on tap are wines from Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards.

Tasting hours: Tues.-Sun., 11 a.m.5 p.m., Fri. till 9 p.m. Group tours by appointment. 9275 Midway, Durham, 343-6893, almendrawinery.com

Bangor Ranch Vineyard & Winery

This restaurant and brew house in the heart of downtown Oroville features a variety of craft beers brewed on-site, including a chocolate porter, IPA and citrus wheat. Also serving local wines. 2053 Montgomery St., 693-4388, www.minersalley brewingco.com

Bangor Ranch is run by longtime home-winemaker-turned-professional Gary Paul Fox and features an impressive selection of wines, from cabernets to syrahs to barberas. The vineyards are home to nebbiolo and mourvèdre grapes, and a centuryold olive orchard provides fruit for Bangor Ranch’s estate-grown olive oils. Tasting hours: Sat.-Sun., noon5 p.m. 5768 La Porte Road, Bangor; (510) 658-2056; bangor-ranch.com

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyard

Miners Alley Brewing Co.

The ales and lagers available at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Taproom and Restaurant are world-famous.

An extensive mini-glass sampler is a good way to familiarize yourself with Chico’s most celebrated brews. Three different guided tours are available, of the brewhouse, of the grounds (the Sustainability Tour, offered May-September) and an extensive Beer Geek Tour. Shorter, self-guided tours are also available. Check the website for times and reservations.

1075 E. 20th St., 893-3520, www. sierranevada.com

Tasting for the Chico winery at Almendra. Tasting hours: Tues.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 9275 Midway, Durham; 343-6893; almendrawinery.com

Cobble Ridge Distillery Run by the Hickman Family in Bangor, the Cobble Ridge Distillery embraces the area’s Gold Rush history as well as the fruit—in this case wine grapes—of the region with handcrafted grappa moonshine. On the horizon: rum and neutral brandy.

Tasting hours: Sat.-Sun., noon-5 p.m.

Opened in 2011 by Cline Organics in Durham, Dog Creek Cellars offers a nice variety of estate-grown wines made from certified organic grapes.

Tasting room is open from noon5 p.m. the first Sunday of each month or by appointment.9975 Garden Creek Road, Durham, 3453714, www.dogcreekcellars.com

Gale Vineyards Steve and Creasia Gale’s boutique winery is nestled among the shadegiving oak trees on their 6-acre property just a short drive south of Chico. The grapes used in Gale Vineyards’ wines are organically grown on-site and processed in a cool straw-bale facility. Tasting by appointment. 9345 Stanford Lane, Durham, 891-1264, www.galevine yards.com

Grey Fox Vineyards Grey Fox winery also offers a relaxing live-oak picnic area. The tasting room is open noon-5 p.m.

Sat.-Sun. 90 Grey Fox Lane, Oroville, 589-3920, www.greyfox.net

Hickman Family Vineyards As the name implies, the Hickman vineyard and winery is a family affair. With the first grapes planted over a decade ago, the winery officially opened in 2011 and features estate-grown zinfandels along with a wide selection of reds as well as a few whites. The beautiful estate is available for weddings and other special events. Tasting hours: Sat.-Sun., noon-5 p.m.

77 Orange Ave., Bangor, 679-0679; hickmanfamilyvineyards.com

HoneyRun Winery Founded in 1992 by John and Amy Hasle, HoneyRun Winery produces five types of honey wines and meads—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, 9 a.m.3:30 p.m., but call ahead. 2309 Park Ave., 345-6405, www.honeyrun winery.com AGRITOURISM continued on page 64 Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 63

AGRITOURISM continued from page 63

Hooker Oak Distillery Chico’s first rum distillery opened up in 2016 in what’s becoming this town’s very own brewing district.

Run by two longtime friends who both happen to be general contractors, Hooker Oak Distillery bottles three varieties of rum: traditional, pineapple and apple pie. Free tours of the distillery on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and tastings MondaySaturday. 2420 Park Ave., 809-0720, www.hookeroakdistillery.com

LaRocca Vineyards Family-owned LaRocca Vineyards is the oldest and largest producer of 100 percent, USDA-certified organic wine in the North State. If you can’t make it to the vineyards in Forest Ranch, visit the tasting room in downtown Chico. Tasting room hours: Weds.-Fri., 1:30-8 p.m.; Sat. noon-8 p.m.; Sun. 1:30-6 p.m.

222 W. Second St. Vineyards: 12360 Doe Mill Road, Forest Ranch, 899-9463, www.laroccavineyards.com

Long Creek Winery & Ranch Long Creek Winery is more than your average tasting room—it’s an adventure. Experience the estategrown Long Creek wines as well as the newest in the Vaquero brand lineup. Take a self-guided walking tour of the ranch, where you can see the vineyards, olive and mandarin orchards and the working cattle ranch. Then sit back and enjoy a glass of wine in the oak grove bordering the ranch’s 2-acre pond.

Tasting hours: Sat.-Sun., noon5 p.m. 323 Ward Blvd., Oroville, 589-3415, www.longcreekwinery.com

Nesseré Vineyards Nestled just 10 minutes from downtown Chico in Durham, the family-run Nesseré Vineyards makes several estate-grown wines as well as those using hand-picked grapes from around the region. The tasting room is comfortably situated amongst the vineyard, offering a comfortable location for a special occasion.

Tasting hours: Sat.-Sun., noon5 p.m. 3471 Durham-Dayton Highway, Durham; 345-9904; nesserevineyards.com

64 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

New Clairvaux Vineyard New Clairvaux Vineyard is run by fifth-generation winemaker Aimee Sunseri along with the Trappist monks of the on-site monastery.

The first Cistercian winery in North America, New Clairvaux has a variety of offerings, including a blend called Petite Temptation. The tasting room is open every day (excluding holy days) 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 26240 Seventh St., Vina, 839-2200, www.newclair vauxvineyard.com

Odyssey Winery and Vineyards This attractive, Greek-style winery is owned by local dentist Norm Rosene and his wife, Janice. Odyssey features wines made from organic grapes grown on-site, plus a selection of local artwork and locally produced foods. The tasting room is open Saturdays, 1-6 p.m., from May to December. 6237 Cohasset Road, 891-9463

Purple Line Urban Winery Located just off Montgomery Street in downtown Oroville, Purple Line Urban Winery offers a delicious variety of wines made with Northern California grapes that are crushed, fermented, barreled and aged on the premises. Tasting room hours: Weds.

2-8 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. noon-7 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. 760 Safford St., Oroville, 534-1785, www.purple linewinery.com

Quilici Vineyards This 10-acre family-run winery in the Sierra foothills has been around for more than 20 years. Tastings are available without charge with the purchase of wine (or $3 without).

Tasting by appointment only. 72 Quail Hill Place, Oroville, 589-5088, www.quilicivineyards.com

Roney Wines This small, family-run winery in north Chico gathers grapes from around Northern California to create a variety of delicious reds. Tastings available by appointment. 5900 Anita Road, 518-9333, roneywines.com

Spencer-Shirey Wines Spencer-Shirey Wines is a boutique winery nestled in a serene valley of the north Sierra foothills.

Open Sat. and Sun., noon-5 p.m.

6857 La Porte Road, Bangor, 2053579, spencershireywines.com

Straw House Cellars Straw House Cellars, run by grower and winemaker Tom Chase, is nestled in Butte Valley and specializes in a robust tempranillo.

Tastings by appointment. 4378 Myvalli Drive, Butte Valley; 2823763; strawhousecellars.com

Olive oil Berkeley Olive Grove 1913 Named for the group of UC Berkeley professors who invested in Butte County land in 1913 and went on to form the Berkeley Olive Association, this producer of awardwinning organic olive oils is owned and run by Oroville locals Darro and Olivia Grieco. Tours and tastings by appointment. You can also “adopt” one of the olive trees, harvest your own olives, and learn curing methods. 8 Rocky Drive, Oroville, 5331814, www.berkeleyolivegrove.com

Butte View Olive Co. Butte View Olive Co. presses delicious, boutique olive oils from the olives grown in its Palermo and Wyandotte orchards. Taste Butte View’s mission and ascolano olive oils, as well as its various flavored olive oils—lemon, blood orange, basil and rosemary—in the facility’s tasting/bottling room. Tours, tast-

The Lavender Ranch

2120 Loleta Ave., Corning, (877) 330-2190, www.lucerooliveoil.com

Fruits, nuts, vegetables and more Chaffin Family Orchards

ings and shopping by appointments phoned in a day or two in advance.

2950 Louis Ave., Oroville, 534-8320

Lodestar Farms Lodestar Farms, run by the Johansson family, has produced its extra-virgin, California-style olive oil since 1993. Visit Lodestar’s tasting room to try its Late Harvest Mission, lemon and garlic olive oils, as well as its balsamic dipping oil. The tasting room is open noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 3719 Foothill Blvd., Oroville, 534-6548, www.lodestar farms.com

Lucero Olive Oil Mill Lucero Olive Oil is located in the nearby town of Corning and features a mill, bottling room and tasting room/retail store in which to try its internationally acclaimed olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

Hours: daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., tours available by appointment.

This productive, fifth-generation family farm boasts a little of everything—apricots, figs and pomegranates; extra-virgin olive oil; heirloomfruit jams; pasture-raised chicken eggs; and grass-fed beef and goat meat.

The organic, sustainability-focused farm also offers yarn available from the fleece of its Shetland sheep. Farm tours and field trips by appointment.

606 Coal Canyon Road, Oroville, 5331676, www.chaffinfamilyorchards.com

Chico Chai This favorite local beverage can be found in many a coffee shop— and at the Saturday Chico Certified Farmers’ Market. If that’s not enough (and it never is), the first Sunday of each month the friendly folks at Chico Chai open up their brewery for free tours and tastings, 10 a.m.2 p.m. 1919 Park Ave., 897-0822, www.chicochaitea.com

The Lavender Ranch The Lavender Ranch offers a little taste (and scent!) of the south of France in the southern part of Butte County. Take a walk through the lavender fields and experience the beauty. Then go home with a few sachets or lotions and relive the tranquility.

Tours offered April-October. Call for dates and times. Store hours: Mon.Thurs., 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri.-Sat.,

10 a.m.-3 p.m. 17 W. Rio Bonito Road, Biggs, 868-5151, www.laven derranch.com

Lundberg Family Farms Since 1937, the organic rice farmers at Lundberg Family Farms have championed environmental stewardship. Their products now include rice cakes, risottos, pastas, brownrice syrup, flour, and gluten-free and non-GMO options, which you can purchase at the super-swanky visitor center. Group and individual tours available by appointment. 5311 Midway, Richvale, 538-3500, www.lundberg.com

Mooney Farms Olive trees, fragrant lavender plants and fountains welcome visitors to family-run Mooney Farms’ lovely tasting room—a great place to sample healthy Mediterranean-inspired eats, including sun-dried tomatoes, pesto and pasta sauce from their awardwinning Bella Sun Luci line. Gift baskets and work by local artists also available. 1220 Fortress St., 899-2661, www.mooneyfarms.com

Patrick Ranch Museum Patrick Ranch serves as an “interactive agricultural and natural history learning center.” Its stately Glenwood Farmhouse, built in 1877, houses the indoor museum, but the expansive acreage surrounding it boasts all the trappings of a working farm, including antique tractors and outbuildings, bucolic fields and a chicken coop.

The ranch also hosts many popular community events. Museum hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., from mid-February through December. Gift shop hours: Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 10381 Midway, 3424359, www.patrickranchmuseum.org

Pedrozo Dairy & Cheese Co. The family-owned and -operated Pedrozo Dairy & Cheese Co. produces small batches of gouda-style farmstead cheeses from the milk of their small herd of pasture-grazed cows.

Try their Northern Gold (a buttery, semi-firm cheese) or Black Butte Reserve, an award-winning, intense, aged hard cheese. Bring the kids

AGRITOURISM continued on page 67 Patrick Ranch Museum

Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 65

DISCOVER CHICO

WInERIES

TM

5th Ta s T i n g R o o m

Live Music

During Thursday Night Farmer’s Market Open 5 days a week Wednesday–Friday 1:30pm–8pm Saturday 12–8pm • Sundays 1:30–6pm

222 W. 2nd Street • Downtown Chico 800.808.9463 • laroccavineyards.com

A N N U A L

WEEK

Oct. 5-14, 2017 PRESENTED BY:

WWW.CHICOBEERWEEK.NET

TASTING ROOM OPEN DAILY FROM 11AM-5PM 26240 7th Street, Vina CA (530) 839-2200 newclairvauxvineyard.com 66 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

AGRITOURISM continued from page 65

along to see how cheese is made and visit the farm animals, but call ahead.

7713 Country Road 24, Orland, 5143837, www.realfarmsteadcheese.com

TJ Farms The 15-acre farm is only 3 miles from downtown Chico, but seems like a world away. The immaculate grounds include waterfalls, fountains, ivy-covered trellises, a gazebo and more. TJ Farms has a pumpkin patch in the fall for kids, and features an on-site gift shop (open during seasonal events) that sells jams, mustards, vinegars, dressings and pickles. Call for a private tour.

3600 Chico Ave., 343-2294, www.tjfarmsestates.com

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. Open to the public only on special occasions. But the Meats Lab is open year-round and offers affordable, fresh, USDA-inspected meat. 311 Nicholas C. Schouten Lane, 898-6343, www.csuchico.edu/ ag/farm/

Vincent Noble Orchard Co. Noble Orchards offers tree-ripened stone fruits—cherries, peaches, pluots and nectarines—during the July-September season, and 17 varieties of apples including various heirloom varieties from September to March. Visit the packing shed/ farmstand for fruit, apple butter and gift boxes from July through March.

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., weekends 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 7050 Pentz Road, Paradise, 877-4784, facebook. com/nobleorchards

The Worm Farm Head down to the Worm Farm to see how red worms are raised or sign up for a worm-bin workshop. Don’t eat the worms, but you sure as heck can enjoy the robust vegetables and fruits grown in soil amended with nutritious, worm-casting compost.

9033 Esquon Road, Durham, 8941276, www.thewormfarm.net

Sohnrey Family Foods

Keep it local

the holidays. 1324 Dayton Road, 809-2436, www.maisiejanes.com

Butte County Wine Co.

New Earth Market

For those who want to taste some of the best that the region’s wineries have to offer but can’t make it out to the vineyards, stop by Butte County Wine Co., a hip new wine bar smack in the middle of historic downtown Oroville. Also serving local microbrews. Open Weds.-Sun. 1440 Myers St., 712-9305.

Chico Natural Foods Cooperative Located in downtown Chico, this cooperative is open to the public and has a wide variety of locally grown produce and other locally made products. 818 Main St., 891-1713, www.chiconatural.com

Made in Chico The name of this downtown store says it all. Made in Chico specializes in locally made gifts, including foodstuffs ranging from jams and spreads to nuts and rice chips. Open daily.

127 W. Third St., 894-7009, www.madeinchicostore.com

Maisie Jane’s Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Products has been producing handcrafted quality almond products, as well as other nut products, since 1993. The quaint country store features a range of gift baskets featuring all manner of local goods, from artisan foods to giftware. Open Mon.Fri., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.4:30 p.m. Extended hours around

Chico’s newest grocery store, New Earth Market, offers a wide array of local foods, from wines and cheeses to jams and oils. 864 East Ave., 8919355, www.newearthmarket.com

Olive Pit If you’re an olive lover, or a nut lover, or even a balsamic vinegar lover, Olive Pit is worth a visit. Taste a wide variety of flavored oils and vinegars, and check out the new wine and craft-beer tasting room.

Open daily at 7 a.m. 2156 Solano St., Corning, 824-4667, www.olivepit.com

S&S Organic Produce & Natural Foods Locally known as simply S&S, this full-service grocery store started out as a roadside produce stand. Its focus is on organic, nutritious foods and it has a dedication to supporting local growers and craftspeople. Open daily.

1924 Mangrove Ave., 343-4930, www.ssproduce.net

Sohnrey Family Foods Opened in 2015 by fifth-generation farming family the Sohnreys, who specialize in almonds, almond butters (try the snickerdoodle!), walnuts and rice, the gift shop also offers a variety of other local foodstuff. 41 Skillin Lane, Oroville, 871-1975, www.sohnreyfamily foods.com •

Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 67

EXCURSIONS

Outdoor immersion N

atural wonders are close at hand. Spend a day searching for secret swimming holes, hopping boulders, shredding trails on your mountain bike, appreciating the views, or all of the above.

Immerse yourself—smell flowers, climb trees, scrape knees. Your base camp is Chico, and your mission is exploring Butte County and beyond.

Butte County Big Bald Rock Explore this impressive geological formation on an easy walk along Big Bald Rock Trail or by taking a far more extensive and challenging hike to the bottom of the canyon on Dome Trail, where an upstream slog along the middle fork of the Feather River reveals a series of idyllic swimming holes and eventually Curtain Falls. But beware: The Dome Trail is not wellmaintained and poison oak is ever-present. The trail heads are accessed from different points on Bald Rock Road in the Berry Creek area, nestled in the foothills east of Lake Oroville. 534-6500, berrycreekca.org/recreation

Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve In addition to preserving the natural habitats of the nearly 4,000-acre reserve, BCCER offers

68 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Camelot Equestrian Park

Butte Creek Trail Known for its scenery, this trail offers a rugged path down to Butte Creek. Turn off the Skyway onto Humbug Road just past De Sabla and pick up the trail head on your left after crossing the bridge. Allow for 30 minutes down to the creek and about 90 on the way up, accounting for huffing, puffing and water breaks.

Camelot Equestrian Park

Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve

public hikes and group and private tours. There is also a self-guided tour available, with pamphlets on BCCER’s website. From Chico, take Highway 32 east. From the intersection of Bruce Road, travel 9.7 miles and turn left at the green 3521 sign onto a paved, single-lane road. Sign in at the check-in gate. 898-5010, www. csuchico.edu/bccer

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. Bille Park is at 501 Bille Road, Paradise. A separate entrance closer to the trail is located at 6261 W. Wagstaff Road.

Bring your horse(s) to 1,600acre Camelot Equestrian Park, which features horse and hiking trails, picnic areas, water troughs throughout the park, a beautiful shaded campground, turnouts and paddocks for traveling horses and several arenas and riding courses.

1985 Clark Road (Highway 191), Butte Valley, 521-2122, www. camelotequestrianpark.com

Centerville Visit the historic Centerville Schoolhouse and Colman Museum (13458 Centerville Road, 893-9667).

Open Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

A little farther up Centerville Road is the historic Centerville Cemetery, which dates back to the 1800s. Then mosey up the road to where it crosses the Centerville flume. Park and walk along the flume, which supplies water to the historic Centerville power plant. It’s easy hiking, and the canyon views are spectacular.

Feather Falls While the main attraction is unquestionably the majestic 410-foot

waterfall midway through this 9-mile round-trip hike, the trail also offers stunning views of Big Bald Rock looming above the Plumas National Forest and the middle fork of the Feather River. The hike is moderately difficult and poison oak grows along the trail. 534-6500, tinyurl.com/ featherfalls.

Freeman Bicycle Trail Completed in 1996, the 41-mile trail offers scenic off-road riding, and panoramic views of Lake Oroville, the Sutter Buttes and the Sacramento Valley. Parts of the trail were damaged this past winter.

Inquire about passability as needed.

Pick up a map at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center, 917 Kelly Ridge Road, 538-2219

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Located 10 miles west of Gridley near the Sutter Buttes (at Pennington and Rutherford roads), the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area is made up of more than 9,000 acres of seasonal wetlands favored by birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway, as well as local species. The area features 80 miles of roads, 50 miles of walking/cycling trails and a small wildlife museum. 846-7505, www. tinyurl.com/graywild

Honey Run Covered Bridge Originally built in 1887, Honey Run Covered Bridge is the only trispan bridge in the U.S. and one of the few remaining covered bridges in California. Located between Chico EXCURSIONS continued on page 70 Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 69

EXCURSIONS continued from page 69

and Paradise on Butte Creek, this is a beautiful spot for a picnic or a dip.

1670 Honey Run Road, 891-1838

Lake Oroville California’s second-largest reservoir offers activities like boating, water skiing, fishing, swimming and camping. Visit the museum at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center (917 Kelly Ridge Road, 538-2219) 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 a 47-foot tower. Due to ongoing work to repair part of the dam, some activities may be limited.

Please check ahead. Classes and equipment rentals are available at the Forebay Aquatic Center (774-7934, www.forebayaquatic center.com). For larger boat rentals, including houseboats, check out Bidwell Canyon Marina (589-9175, www.bidwellcanyonmarina.com) or Lake Oroville Marina (1-800-2555561, www.lakeorovillemarina.com).

Lake Oroville info: 538-2542, www.lakeoroville.net

Loafer Creek Horse Camp Relish the outdoors with your equestrian companion at Loafer Creek Horse Camp at Lake Oroville.

There is a 17.5-mile loop trail, along with 15 campsites (two horses per site), a restroom with shower facility, a horse washing station and

horse tethering and feeding stations.

Loafer Creek Road, 538-2217

Oroville Wildlife Area Just south of the Lake Oroville Afterbay, the Oroville Wildlife Area, overseen by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, offers plenty of activities for the whole family.

Camping, boating, fishing and hunting are popular pastimes. There’s also a shooting range. 945 Oro Dam Blvd.

West, tinyurl.com/orovillewildlife

Sacramento River Famous for its fishing, this waterway is home to many endangered animals, including species of migratory birds. It’s common to see an array of predatory birds, including osprey, red-tailed hawks and bald eagles. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages several sites along the river, providing a bounty of recreational activities like camping, boating, bird watching, photography, hiking and biking.

Stirling City Just up the hill from Paradise, Stirling City offers a step back through history. Visit Clotilde-Merlo Park, one of the most charming and beautiful spots in Butte County.

Take Skyway to Stirling City. Turn right at the P Line road, then left at the R Line road. Then stop by the historic Stirling City Hotel for a bite to eat. 16975 Skyway, 873-0858

Table Mountain

Table Mountain This flat-topped “mountain” is actually two plateaus—North and South Table Mountain—featuring waterfalls, caves, lava formations and the impressive Coal Canyon. In the spring, Table Mountain’s wildflowers are in full bloom and the waterfalls—most notably Phantom Falls, which disappears entirely in summer months—are at their most spectacular. Take Highway 70 to Oroville and exit at Grand Avenue.

Take a right on Grand, and then a left on Table Mountain Boulevard.

And beyond Black Butte Lake Recreation Area Tent and RV camping available at two sites, with access to fishing, sailing and water-skiing, as well as more than 20 miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails. Equestrian trails and a disc-golf course also onsite. About a 45-minute drive east, past Orland. 865-4781, tinyurl.com/ blackbuttelake

Caribou Wilderness

Black Butte Lake Recreation Area

70 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Located within Lassen National Forest and maintained by the National Park Service, the Caribou Wilderness is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Great for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, fishing and rock climbing. 258-2141

include RV hookups. From Chico, take Highway 32 east. 257-2151, www.fs.usda.gov/lassen

my fencing center

Plumas National Forest Located just east of Oroville, Plumas National Forest is home to numerous lakes and streams, valleys and peaks, and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation. Camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and hunting are popular activities here.

For the truly adventurous, there’s the Plumas Backcountry Discovery Trail, accessible to SUVs and fourwheel-drive vehicles. Campgrounds open June-October. Take Highway 70 toward Quincy. 283-2050, www. fs.usda.gov/main/plumas

Ishi Wilderness Area Adventurers can explore deep canyons, rugged lava formations and valley plateaus at the Ishi Wilderness Area, just 20 miles northeast of Chico. Limited campsites, but backcountry camping is available. From Chico, take Cohasset Road north.

About 6 miles from where the pavement ends, bear right and head down a steep hill for a mile until you see a sign for the Deer and Mill creek trailheads. 258-2141

Lassen National Forest Lassen National Forest is more than a million acres of pristine wilderness, including about 350 miles of maintained hiking and backpacking trails. There are nearly 50 campsites, including several along Highway 32. Eagle Lake and Potato Patch are popular spots, and both Sutter Buttes

art of the sword fencing camps June thru July 2017

828-1718 www.myfencingcenter.org

Sutter Buttes Just south of Chico, near Marysville, lie the Sutter Buttes, the “smallest mountain range in the world.” The Buttes were considered a sacred place by many local Native American tribes and are now privately owned. Guided hikes are available through Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes. 671-6116, www. middlemountainhikes.org

Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area A beautiful location along the Sacramento River for boating, fishing, camping and hiking, with views of Mount Lassen, Mount Shasta and the Trinity Alps. It also contains a nature preserve, which is a winter home to the bald eagle. From Chico, take Highway 99 north to South • Avenue. 839-2112

SUNDAYS 9:00 am Adult Life Builder Class 10:15 am Worship Service 6:00 pm Worship Service

thUrSDAYS 6:30 pm Life Builder Classes for All Ages

www.chicogb.com 355 Panama Avenue Chico, California 95973 530.342.8642 Spring/Summer 2017 DISCOVER CHICO 71

LODGING

Rest up C

hico has lots of options when it comes to securing a home base during your time here. Whether you prefer to be pampered, like to keep it simple or just need a spot to park your RV, Chico’s got a place for you. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of hotels, motels and boutique lodgings—which include high-end hotels and bed-andbreakfasts—in addition to RV campgrounds for the family on the go.

With so much to explore in Chico and beyond, you’ll be thankful for a comfortable place to rest your head at night.

72 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

Goodman House

Boutiques Durham House Inn Just a 10-minute drive from Chico, the Durham House Inn is a beautiful 1874 Italianate Victorian listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The home-turnedB&B features three elegant rooms and a cottage decorated with period furniture, as well as beautiful and expansive grounds. 2280 Durham Dayton Highway, Durham, 342-5900, www.durhamhouseinn.com

Goodman House This five-room colonial revival foursquare home built in 1906 is conveniently situated on the corner of East Fourth Avenue and The Esplanade, near Chico State and downtown. In addition to fine lodging, the bed and breakfast’s website boasts a unique bonus for chillseekers—it is allegedly haunted by

the ghost of former resident George Vogelsang. 1362 Esplanade, 5660256, www.goodmanhouse.net

Oxford Suites

Hotel Diamond

Ramada Plaza

Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Chico, the historic Hotel Diamond—which dates to 1904—underwent a thorough renovation in 2001 to restore it to its former glory. The 43 rooms are rustic but elegant, and the first floor boasts Two Twenty Restaurant, serving up delicious cocktails and fine dining fare.

220 W. Fourth St., 893-3100, www.hoteldiamondchico.com

Hotel James Chico’s first true boutique hotel, the Hotel James, was designed with wine lovers in mind. Each of the five suites is named after a different type of wine, and it is located next door to the elegant Wine Time restaurant and newly opened Lost Dutchman Taproom. The hotel is also petfriendly. 10 Lost Dutchman Drive, 894-5743, www.hoteljameschico.com

2035 Business Lane, 899-9090, www.oxfordsuiteschico.com

685 Manzanita Court, 345-2491

Residence Inn by Marriott 2485 Carmichael Drive, 894-5500

Motels American Inn 2573 Esplanade, 566-1000

America’s Best Value Inn 740 Broadway, 343-3286, abvichico.com

Heritage Inn Express 725 Broadway, 343-4527

Matador Motel 1934 Esplanade, 342-7543

Motel 6 665 Manzanita Court, 345-5500

Quality Inn 715 Main St., 343-7911

Regency Inn 2566 Esplanade, 898-0134

Rodeway Inn 1717 Park Ave., 342-9472

Haven Inn 2212 Park Ave., 342-5704

LODGING continued on page 74

Hotels Best Western Heritage Inn 25 Heritage Lane, 894-8600

Courtyard by Marriott 2481 Carmichael Drive, 894-6699

Laura’s Wig Be au t y Supply & S a lon

ALL THE BRANDS YOU LOVE!

Pamper yourself with the largest selection of extensions, wigs & beauty supplies in the North Valley.

ChicoOpenhouse.com A HELPFUL SERVICE TO SHOWCASE LOCAL OPEN HOUSES. NEW OPEN HOUSES ARE POSTED DAILY, SO CHECK BACK OFTEN!

Locally owned and operated sine 1964

530.342.1200 | 872 East avE, ChiCo |

Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 73

LODGING continued from page 73

Safari Inn 2352 Esplanade, 343-3201, www.safarichicomotel.com

Super 8

RV camping

Lake Oroville State Recreation Area

Almond Tree RV Park

917 Kelly Ridge Road, Oroville, 538-2219

3124 Esplanade, 899-1271

655 Manzanita Court, 345-2533, www.super8chico.com

Town House Motel 2231 Esplanade, 343-1621

University Inn 630 Main St., 895-1323, www.universityinnchico.com

Dingerville USA RV Resort 5813 Pacific Heights Road, Oroville, 533-9343, www.dingervilleusa.com

Oroville/Feather Falls Casino KOA

Lake Oroville Gold Country RV Community 3864 Olive Highway, Oroville, 534-1133

Paramount Trailer Park 2328 Esplanade, 343-3855

Quail Trails Village RV Park

3 Alverda Drive, Oroville, 533-9020

5110 Pentz Road #2, Paradise, 877-6581, www.quailtrailvillage.com

Riffles RV Campgrounds 4488 Pacific Heights Road, Oroville, 534-9956

River One RV Park 751 Oro Dam Blvd. W., Oroville, 533-8679, www.riveronervpark.com

River Reflections RV Park and Campgrounds 4360 Pacific Heights Road, Oroville, 533-1995, www.river reflectionsrvpark.com

•

DISCOVER CHICO

BED & BREakfaStS Durham House Inn PEACEFUL COUNTRY LUXURY

Private Porches, Lush Gardens & Delicious Breakfast!

Elegant,historic historic home home in Elegant, in Downtown DowntownChico Chico Wireless Internet ••Wireless Internet • Walking distance to CSUC, Bidwell Mansion & Enloe Hospital • Walking distance to CSUC, Bidwell Mansion & Enloe Hospital • Gourmet Breakfast • Small meetings or office gatherings • Gourmet Breakfast • Small meetings or office gatherings • Weekend Wine Social Hour • Recommended by Sunset Magazine

2280 Durham-Dayton Hwy | Durham, CA 95938 530.342.5900 | www.DurhamHouseInn.com 5 mins. from downtown Chico

74 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

• Weekend Wine Social Hour • Recommended by Sunset Magazine 1362 Esplanade, at 4th Ave • 530-566-0256

1362 Esplanade, at• Email:proprietors@goodman.net 4th Ave • 530-566-0256 www.goodmanhouse.net

www.goodmanhouse.net • Email:proprietors@goodman.net 5 star rating

Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 75

THE BASICS

Home sweet home A

sk a dozen locals to name their favorite thing about Chico and you’re likely to get a dozen different answers. The town attracts a diverse population with a wide array of interests. If you’re new to town, or just visiting, take a look at some of Chico’s basic amenities, from health care to schools. We’ve even put together some interesting tidbits about the area’s demographics and an introduction to local politics. Welcome!

76 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2017

POPULATION

Chico’s population—92,464 as of January 2016, according to the city’s website—is a little misleading. That’s because there are pockets of unincorporated land within the city limits. That will change within the next several years when two of those pockets—Chapmantown and the Mulberry district—are annexed into the city. Currently, residents of those areas use county services, can’t vote in city elections, and are in the process of getting hooked up to the city sewer system. The latest numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau (from July 2015) counted Butte County’s population is just over 225,000.

HOUSING

Compared with the Bay Area or Los Angeles, rents in Chico are quite reasonable. Expect to pay at least $6700 a month to rent a onebedroom apartment; $900-plus for a two-bedroom in reasonable shape.

Typically, houses are at least $1,300 a month. Chico’s home market has rebounded significantly since the Great Recession. The median value of homes in Chico is $308,600 according to online real estate tracker Zillow.

DEMOGRAPHICS

According to 2015 Census numbers, Chico’s population is 86.5 percent white. Census information also tallied the city’s population as 15.7 percent Hispanic, with Asians, Native Americans and blacks comprising the remaining percentage.

The median age of Chico residents hovers around 30—no surprise for a college town—while Butte County residents’ median age is 36.9.

STAYING SAFE

Chico is served by the Chico Police Department, while unincorporated pockets inside city boundaries are served by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Chico PD’s nonemergency line is 897-4900. The Chico State campus is also patrolled by its own law-enforcement entity, the University Police Department.

The city of Chico Fire Department, besides fighting fires, also has specialized teams that perform technical rescues and respond to drowning accidents and hazardous-materials calls.

cindy peebles & trisha atehortua let us manage your property!

2 Months Free with 12 month commitment.

We know managing rental properties can be stressful and time consuming. We would like the opportunity to earn your business.

For more detailed information or questions about our services, please call us at:

530.370.9188

benefits of hiring a professional property manager: • Peace of Mind • Professional Expertise • Thorough screening for new tenants • Timely and Affordable Maintenance and Repairs (in house licensed contractor) For more information visit: www.peeblesproperty.com 3014 Olive Hwy, Oroville Ca 95966 530.370.9188 Broker BRE# 01178181

WEATHER

Moderate temperatures in spring and fall make those seasons favorites for outdoor types. If you don’t like hot summers, you’re out of luck.

Chico’s summer temperatures will rise past the 100-degree mark regularly, with balmy days sprinkled throughout the season. Winters are fairly mild and wet, with the most rainfall coming in January. The average annual rainfall is about 27 inches.

THE BASICS continued on page 78 Spring/Summer 2017 DISCOVER CHICO 77

THE BASICS continued from page 77

GettinG around

The bus-transit system serving Chico, Oroville and Butte County is Butte Regional Transit, or the “B-Line.” Tickets cost $1.50 and $2 for in-town and regional services, respectively. Students ages 6 to 18 get a discounted fare ($1 and $1.50, respectively, for in-town and regional rides). Children younger than 6 years old ride free (limited to two children per family). Chico State students, faculty and staff ride for free. Check 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 B-Line Paratransit (342-0221).

Of course, there are numerous cab companies available to take you where need to go.

Greyhound and Amtrak leave from the train station at 450 Orange St. in Chico.

If you’re driving, Highway 99 is the main arterial route through Butte County, running in a north/ south direction, mainly serving Chico. Highway 70 is the main route serving Oroville, also running north/ south—to Paradise and Marysville, respectively. Highway 149 connects the two highways and cities. And Highway 32 stretches from central Chico westward over the Sacramento

River to intersect with Interstate 5, and also into the mountainous regions to the northeast.

Library

An important aspect of any community is its public library. The Butte County Library system is composed of six excellent facilities and a bookmobile. Literacy services and veterans resources are also available.

For more information and library hours, call 855-379-4097 or visit buttecounty.net/bclibrary.

Visit the well-stocked Chico branch of the Butte County Library at 1108 Sherman Ave., 891-2726.

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 (walnuts, almonds and rice, in particular).

According to recent data, the average per-capita income was $24,775, and the median household income was $42,334. While Butte County wages are notoriously low, the cost of living here is considerably lower than in Sacramento or the Bay Area.

Butte County’s unemployment rate came in at 7.4 percent in July 2016, according to the

state Employment Development Department.

PoLitics

You may be aware of California’s reputation as perhaps the most politically volatile state in the union. Don’t expect any less from the politics that play out in Chico and the rest of Butte County.

Newcomers may be surprised by the passion locals display 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, and that is certainly the case with Chico.

The city is led by a seven-member City Council with each serving 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 some candidates raise in excess of $40,000. Council members are elected at large and thus do not represent separate geographical districts, though there have been rumblings of late to change that.

The Chico City Council is a weakmayor system, meaning the mayor is not elected to that office by voters but rather is appointed by the other council members and possesses only figurative power. An appointed city manager—currently Mark Orme— administers the day-to-day functioning of city government.

Lic. #01198431

530.877.6244 or NorthStateHomes.com 7020 Skyway, Paradise 66 Years Serving the Ridge & North Valley

WE ARE TRUE BLUE 78 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

Orchard Hospital

Enloe Medical Center

240 Spruce St., Gridley, 846-9000, orchardhospital.com

Oroville Hospital 2767 Olive Highway, Oroville, 533-8500, orovillehospital.com

clinics Ampla Health Medical and pediatrics: 680 Cohasset Road, 342-4395; dental: 236 W. East Ave., Ste. H, 342-6065, amplahealth.org One of the other important governing bodies in the area is Butte County’s five-member Board of Supervisors. Most of the county offices are in Oroville. Two of the five elected supervisors—Maureen Kirk and Larry Wahl—represent Chico because of its relatively large population. Like City Council meetings, the supervisors’ meetings can be heated affairs.

Chico Municipal Center The municipal center houses administrative offices for the city of Chico. Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 411 Main St., chico.ca.us

City Council chambers The public is encouraged to attend City Council meetings, held on the first and third Tuesdays of

Gearhead

BarBershop

$12.00 haircuts $18.00 shaves Your Hometown Barbershop Chico: 530.894.2889 Oroville: 530.533.4323

each month at 6:30 p.m. 421 Main St., city clerk: 896-7250, chico.ca.us

Butte County Public Health Clinic

Health & Wellness

695 Oleander Ave., 879-3665, buttecounty.net/publichealth/clinic/ clinc.html

Chico Immediate Care Medical Center 376 Vallombrosa Ave., 891-1676, chicoicmc.com

HosPitals

Convenient Care Health Center

Enloe Medical Center

670 Rio Lindo Ave., Ste. 300, 899-7120

1531 Esplanade, 332-7300, enloe.org

Feather River Hospital

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

5974 Pentz Road, Paradise, 877-9361, frhosp.org THE BASICS continued on page 80

We buy vinyl!

Quality used RecoRds

spin again RecoRds neW extended summeR houRs!

300 bRoadWay st. chico (inside the phoenix bldg.)

530.872.7966 | spinagainRecoRds.com

FREE DRINK w/ purchase of burrito

exp. 09/30/17

Breakfast ~ Lunch ~ Dinner Open Early ~ Open Late

2 LOCATIONS! DOWNTOWN

133 Broadway (530)894-0191

NORD AVE.

1000-D W. SACRAMENTO AVE (530)343-0909

acataconord.com

Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 79

THE BASICS continued from page 79

Enloe Prompt Care

Enloe Regional Cancer Center

888 Lakeside Village Commons Drive, 332-6400; and 560 Cohasset Road, 332-6850

Enloe Rehabilitation Center

Northern Valley Indian Health

265 Cohasset Road, 332-4700

340 W. East Ave., 332-6138

845 W. East Ave., 896-9400, nvih.org

The Pinwheel Community Acupuncture Project

Premiere Primary Care

740 Flume St., 345-5566, pinwheelchico.com

251 Cohasset Road, Ste.301, 809-0674, premiereprimarycare.com

Skyway Surgery Center

Shalom Free Clinic

121 Raley Blvd., 230-2000

pregnancy resources Better Babies Prenatal Center 500 Cohasset Road, 894-5585, betterbabies.org

Paradise Midwifery Services 771 Buschmann Road, Ste. L, Paradise, 872-7579

Enloe Mother & Baby Education Center & Boutique 251 Cohasset Road, Ste. 120, 332-3970, enloe.org/baby

1010 Mangrove Ave., Ste. D (medical health care visits); 265 E. Washington Ave. (mental health and alternative health care), shalomfreeclinic.org

Women’s Wellness & family senior care planning

Skypark Walk-In Medical Center

Northern Valley Indian Health’s Women’s Health Center

2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 899-9500

other facilities American Chi Center for Health

Arcadia Home Care & Staffing

500 Cohasset Road, Ste. 15, 433-2500, www.nvih.com

Planned Parenthood

1290 Esplanade, Ste. 1, 342-2895, americanchi.net

3100 Cohasset Road, 342-8367, plannedparenthood.org

Chico Community Acupuncture

Women’s Health Specialists

1815 Mangrove Ave., 345-5300, chicocommunityacupuncture.com

1469 Humboldt Road, 891-1917, womenshealthspecialists.org

Chico Surgery Center

Women’s Resource Clinic

615 W. East Ave., 895-1800, chicosc.com

115 W. Second Ave., 897-6101; 24-hour hotline: 897-6100

Specializing in residential and commercial real estate • Over 12 years of industry experience • Voted “Best Realtor in Chico 2015” • 5 Star Zillow.com rating • Active member of the Chico Community 80 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

2057 Forest Ave., 566-9025, norcalarcadia.com

Butte Home Health & Hospice 10 Constitution Drive, 895-0462, buttehomehealth.com

Enloe Home Care & Hospice 1390 E. Lassen Ave., 332-6050 (home care), 332-6060 (hospice)

Passages Center 25 Main St., Ste. 202, 898-5923, passagescenter.org

behavioral & mental health Butte County Behavioral Health Adult outpatient center: 560 Cohasset Ave., 891-2784, buttecounty.net/behavioralhealth Crisis line: 800-334-6622 or 891-2810; friendship line for older adults: 800-971-0016; Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ): 866-488-7386

Chico Community Counseling Center 500 Cohasset Road, Ste. 15, 891-2945

Enloe Behavioral Health 560 Cohasset Road, 332-5250

Veterans’ resources VA Chico Outpatient Clinic 280 Cohasset Road, 879-5000

Chico Vet Center 250 Cohasset Road, Ste. 40, 899-6300

Butte County Veterans Service Office 2445 Carmichael Drive, 891-2759

Education Public schools Chico Unified School District Formed in 1964, the Chico Unified School 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 openstructure-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).

CUSD offers a home-schooling program and oversees several charter schools. The Inspire School of Arts and Sciences—an “internal” CUSD charter school—offers an innovative high school curriculum as an alternative to conventional high school. The CUSD also oversees a community day school, which, by referrals, takes in students who have been on probation or suspension. chicousd.org

charter schools Blue Oak Charter School K-8. 450 W. East Ave., 879-7483, blueoakcharterschool.org

Chico Country Day School K-8. 102 W. 11th St., 8952650, chicocountryday.org

Chico Montessori Children’s House K-6. 814 Glenn St., 3425518, chicomontessori.com

CORE Butte Charter School TK-12. 260 Cohasset Road, Ste. 120, 894-3952, corebutte.org

THE BASICS continued on page 82 Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 81

THE BASICS continued from page 81

Forest Ranch Charter School K-8. 15815 Cedar Creek Road, Forest Ranch, 891-3154, forestranch charter.org

Inspire School of Arts & Sciences 9-12. Chico High School campus, 901 Esplanade, 891-3090, inspirecusd.org

John Muir Charter School (Youthbuild) Ages 16-25. 2145 Park Ave, Ste. 13, 809-2498, johnmuircs.com

We Refill All Major Brands • 530-342-3333

Nord Country School K-6. 5554 California St., 8913138, nordcountryschool.org

Pivot Charter School

excellence

6-12. 1350 E. Ninth St., Ste.150 , 877-544-1423 or 636-4479, pivotnorthvalley.com

Sherwood Montessori

Science

CityOfTreesRealty.com /CityOfTreesRealty CalBRE# 00991783

K-8. East 16th and Cleveland streets (Chapman Elementary School), 345-6600, sherwoodmontessori.org

Wildflower Open Classroom K-8. 2414 Cohasset Road, Ste. 3, 892-1676, wildflowerschool.com

Private schools

Theater

Chico Christian School K-8, plus preschool. 2801 Notre Dame Blvd., 879-8989, chicochristian.org

Engineering

Notre Dame School K-8. 435 Hazel St., 342-2502, ndschico.org Arts

Pleasant Valley Baptist School K-12. 13539 Garner Lane, 343-2949, pvbaptist.org

Progressive Schoolhouse

Dance

(530) 891-3090 www.inspirecusd.org 82 Discover chico Spring/Summer 2017

K-8. 2400 Notre Dame Blvd., 345-5665 Heather Jay, GRI Laura Burghardt Realtor

530.624.7213

CRS/GRI Owner/Broker

530.864.6632

Aaron Jay Realtor

530.624.6926

•

B-Line is now providing service to the Chico Airport Industrial Park. To see the schedule for the new Route 52, or all B-Line routes, go to www.blinetransit.com.

Spring/Summer 2017 Discover chico 83