Downtowns in the 209 - 2022 by 209 Multimedia Publications

MAY 2022

DOWNTOWN MODESTO POSSIBILITIES ABOUND WINING & DINING

IN DOWNTOWN LODI

DISCOVER HIDDEN GEMS in Sutter Creek REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN LOS BANOS

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Vol. 2 No. 1

May 2022

$4.95

PUBLISHER Hank Vander Veen

EDITOR Sabra Stafford

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAHERS Christopher Correa Kristina Hacker Teresa Hammond Sabra Stafford

ART DIRECTOR Harold L. George

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sharon Hoffman

SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro Beth Flanagan Rich Matheson Karen Olsen Corey Rogers Melody Wann Charles Webber

We’re back to celebrate more of the wonderful Downtowns in the 209! This special publication of 209 Multimedia was created last year to highlight one of the area’s best resources, unique downtowns. Downtowns are the heart and soul of many communities and tell the story of the town’s histories. For some towns, like Lodi and Sutter Creek, the downtowns have found the unique niche that continues to draw in visitors, while others like Modesto, has always been the center of culture and community. Lastly, there are downtowns, like Los Banos that are undergoing a revitalization effort to bring a new identity to the town. Each downtown of the 209 has a lot to offer and we hope to feature every single one over the next several years. Please join us in supporting the local businesses, governments and organizations that make up the Downtowns of the 209.

SPECIAL CONSULTANT Larry Dovichi

Hank Vander Veen Owner/Publisher 209 Multimedia

To advertise in 209 Magazine, call Manteca • 209.249.3500 • Newman • 209.847.3021 Oakdale • 209.847.3021 • Turlock • 209.634.9141 121 S. Center St., 2nd Floor • Turlock, CA 95380 209multimedia.com ©Copyright 2022. Downtowns in the 209 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of Downtowns in the 209 is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in Downtowns in the 209 are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of 209 Multimedia management or owner. Downtowns in the 209 assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.

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MAY 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS 10

Downtown Lodi

Downtown Sutter Creek

Downtown Los Banos

Downtown Modesto

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WINE, DINE & SHOP HISTORICAL DOWNTOWN TURLOCK

Bistro 234

Glitz Fine Clothing

Farm House

First & Main

Main Street Footers

Back Home Furniture & Decor

Treasure Hunters Antiques

Bijou Boutique

YOUR NEXT DAY TRIP!

LODI

Downtown Lodi

Dining, Wine and Shopping Abound

W With so much to offer and such variety, one final and helpful offer in the downtown area is the Lodi Visitors Center

ine lovers throughout the 209 know Lodi for not only its large grape production, but its variety of tasting rooms and wine varieties as well. While visitors to downtown Lodi may enjoy good wine while visiting, there’s much more to not only see but enjoy on School Street and many of its side streets. Beginning with the 40 foot Lodi Mission Arch and its 23-karat, gold leaf covered state bear, the arch is a true attraction to the downtown area. Located on Pine Street and first constructed in 1907, the Mission Arch is one of the few remaining Mission Revival structures in the state. Not far from the arch and on the north side of West Pine Street fast food and nostalgia enthusiasts can find a plaque commemorating the location of the birthplace of A&W Root Beer. Just a little over a decade after the arch was built, Roy Allen served the first A&W frosty cold root beer at the Pine Street location. A visit to the current 216 E. Lodi Ave. location is complete with memorabilia

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By TERESA HAMMOND

taking visitors through the decades of the century old eatery. For the visitor wanting to shop, the downtown area of Lodi does not disappoint. From fun and fashionable boutiques to vintage thrift shops and antique stores, School Street alone has shopping for just about everyone. For the shopper with a sweet tooth a visit to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory could easily leave one with a cavity or two. From caramel apples, to chocolate covered marshmallows, crispy treats, to decadent chocolates and gourmet toffee, the freshly made treats offer something for everyone. But Lodi is known for its wine production and downtown embraces that just as well. Before making a stop to the tasting rooms, however, one might decide to stop for a bite to eat. From pubs, to burger joints, Italian dining and more, there’s something for every diet and taste bud alike. Both Lodi Beer Company and The Dancing Fox are ideal stops to not only grab a

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ence, Weibel Family Tasting Room, Jeremy Wine Co. and McKenzie Vineyards and Winery are just three of 13 tasting rooms which offer relaxing surroundings for visitors to sip and savor. With plenty of permanence to keep travelers visiting downtown Lodi year round, the 209 town also offers a number of seasonal events including a downtown Farmer’s Market every Thursday night beginning May 12, 2022 and running through summer, concluding Aug. 25, 2022. With so much to offer and such variety, one final and helpful offer in the downtown area is the Lodi Visitors Center at 25 N. School St.; the center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Events and additional information can be found at visitlodi.com.

bite but tune up the palate with wine or beer as well. The setting of both locations is both welcoming and unique. With outdoor café type dining available at both locations, it’s a beautiful way to take in the downtown setting and enjoy the spring weather. The Dancing Fox also offers a beautiful courtyard area, complete with fountain for ambience. The courtyard is reminiscent of several Napa Valley tasting rooms. For the visitor looking for the tasting room experi-

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Old Fashioned Family Fun!

DOWNTOWN LODI UPCOMING EVENTS

Lodi Certified Farmers Market Thursdays, May 12th-Aug 25th 2022

Join us in the beautiful downtown streets of Lodi every Thursday, May 12th - August 25th from 5pm to 8pm, to enjoy the best local produce, olive oil, cheese and meat vendors California has to offer, plus, fresh cut flower bouquets, house plants, jewelry, gifts and more. Also, enjoy live music in both our beer & wine gardens this year! Bakery & Deli • Gift Shop • Handcrafted Cider • Barnyard Playground • Mini Train Ride • Full Breakfast & Lunch

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Providing insurance and related services since 1913.

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SUTTER CREEK

‘The Jewel of the Motherlode’ Exploring Historic Sutter Creek

F It’s a wonderful balance of old and new. There’s a little bit of something for everyone of all ages. The city currently has over 40 unique businesses in operation.

rom the mid to late 1800s, people from far and wide came to California in search of hidden treasure as part of the Gold Rush. Long after that time, there continues to be hidden gems to be discovered across the Golden State, including Sutter Creek’s charming downtown. Established in 1854, Sutter Creek is the epitome of Gold County and has become a prime tourist destination. The town provides visitors with a number of fun events and activities, all while maintaining its Gold Rush facade. “It’s a wonderful balance of old and new,” said City Clerk Karen Darrow. There’s a little bit of something for everyone of all ages. The city currently has over 40 unique businesses in operation, which include antique stores, restaurants, museums, boutiques, country stores, gift

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By CHRISTOPHER CORREA

shops and more. Darrow explained that all of these businesses are conveniently lined up along historic Main Street. “The Knight Foundry, Hotel Sutter and The Monteverde Store are all popular places to visit,” Darrow said. Fittingly, the various annual, monthly and weekly events all take place there in downtown Sutter Creek. These events include the farmers market, the Italian Picnic Parade, Winefest, the Classic Car Show, the Parade of Lights, Christmas Open House, Candy Cane Lane, Plaid Friday and the incredibly popular Ladies Night, which is expected to make a grand and highly anticipated return in 2022. Participating businesses will be offering light refreshments, along with a variety of promotions as they introduce their new arrivals for Ladies Night.

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The historic town is also right in the heart of the Amador Wine Country. Downtown Sutter Creek is home to multiple wine tasting rooms, wineries and supplementary cheese and charcuterie services. “It’s the perfect hub to explore the Sierra Foothill wine regions including Amador’s own Shenandoah Valley, El Dorado County’s Fairplay region and Calaveras County’s wine region,” Darrow explained. Sutter Creek’s gardens, vineyards and historic churches have worked together eloquently to make it a popular wedding location throughout the year. But while Darrow believes that Sutter Creek is a great experience for anyone at any time of the year, it is the winter in which the unique city comes alive. “Sutter Creek is an amazing destination all year long, but it is a must visit during the holiday season. You can’t help but feel like you have come home for the holidays when you are on Main Street,” Darrow said. “It is a picturesque backdrop of twinkling lights and decorations, an ideal setting for the shopping, dining and wine tasting.”

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The town’s holiday season really kicks off on the Friday after Thanksgiving when visitors and locals alike are invited to ditch the chain stores and the Black Friday sales for Sutter Creek’s Plaid Friday. Those wearing plaid that day - be it a scarf, hat, sweater, socks or anything else - will get a discount from the participating downtown merchants. Darrow explained that the Open House, which takes place during the first weekend in December, encompasses all the tradition and charm of an old fashion evening of Christmas shopping. “Businesses are open late and offer holiday refreshments. The Sutter Creek Light Parade is another night of can’t miss Christmas magic on Main Street in Sutter Creek,” Darrow said. Whether you visit during the holiday season or make a casual pit stop to explore the gold mines of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Sutter Creek Visitor Center provides a variety of tours around the city and to historic sites, such as Knight Foundry, Kennedy Gold Mine, Gold Mine Trail, Sutter Creek Cemetery, Preston Castle the Monteverde Store Museum, Miner’s’ Bend Park and the old Sutter Creek Schoolhouse. More information regarding the city of Sutter Creek can be found at www.suttercreek.org.

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LOS BANOS

Revitalizing

Downtown Los Banos

By KRISTINA HACKER

D With a motivated group of property owners, merchants and City staff, along with the expertise of Silva, the Los Banos downtown effort took off.

owntown Los Banos is in the midst of a renaissance. The southwest Merced County city has been working for the past five years to not only bring a fresh look to the downtown core, but also spur new development and draw in the thousands of visitors who drive through town every day on Highway 152 on their way from the Valley to the Central Coast. The downtown revitalization started with a city-hosted workshop in December 2017, according to Los Banos Director of Community and Economic Development Stacy Souza. The city invited former Turlock Chamber of Commerce director and the driving force behind the Downtown Turlock Revitalization effort in the early 2000s, Sharon Silva, to give a presentation to stakeholders on what would be needed to launch their own revitalization plan. “That planted the seed,” said Souza. “… She was able to take a look through the weathered paint and the broken bricks and modge podge of stuff downtown and really look past that and say, ‘hey, you guys

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have some opportunity here. You have good bones; your downtown has some good, strong components. You have some buildings here that just need some attention and you need the right kind of tenants and you’re going to have the ability to revitalize.’ “When she explained that to the property owners, they started to get excited because somebody was actually telling them some positive information when for so many years they had been told downtown doesn’t have anything, it’s a snooze fest, it’s not safe, it’s this and that and all the negatives. Sharon really brought to light all the opportunity.” With a motivated group of property owners, merchants and City staff, along with the expertise of Silva, the Los Banos downtown effort took off. Even with the unplanned setbacks that the pandemic brought, the City passed a Los Banos Downtown publicprivate partnership agreement, which is a special benefit assessment district designed to raise funds within a specific geographic area.

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With a dedicated Downtown Association and a source of funding, the transformation has begun. The Downtown Association launched a beautification project that has seen the planting of trees, giant pots of flowers and the design of a gateway sign that will soon span Main Street where it meets Highway 152, welcoming visitors to explore the downtown area. The City is also now working on a Downtown Master Plan to solidify the overall vision for the downtown area in future developments. “This is all helping us revitalize our downtown and it really starts with having that seed and really that interest and vision. Then it starts to snowball and it creates synergy and then plans start coming together. It really took some attention to downtown to get this all moving and it’s finally moving,” said Souza. That movement has already drawn new investors, including current Downtown Association Chair David Sousa. Two years ago Sousa, who has real estate and restaurant businesses in the Valley, purchased the historic Crest Theatre in downtown Los Banos. The renovation of the theatre, which originally opened in 1949, is underway. Sousa plans to open a sports bar and grill in the building, with an event space open for rentals. “To me, I’ve always liked the downtown in Los Banos and thought it was prime for the location and size of it,”

said Sousa. “We’ve already affected a lot of change, new trees, planter boxes, a new arch sign to welcome visitors to the downtown…and now just got approved to draw up a downtown master plan.” Sousa said he is already seeing property owners take pride in ownership that is needed to see growth, that and the partnership with the City. “It takes people putting in big, big investments to bring about change,” he said. Those investments will not only benefit the downtown area, but the entire city as well. “We’re doing all the basics to build everything to make it special,” said Silva. “…We want to people to keep the tax dollars local because people don’t understand that downtowns are revenue engines. They’re little moneymakers. The taxation that comes in helps the city and we need to get that across to them. It’s helping existing businesses and developing new business. And it’s bringing the revenue into a community.” Along with the business development, the Downtown Association is working on bringing the community back to downtown. The association is working with the City’s art commission and identifying historic buildings. The Downtown Association also celebrated the end of pandemic restrictions last summer with a giant Fourth of July event. The Independence Day event featured a carnival, live music, a beer

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garden, food trucks and fireworks. “That exposure to downtown and the amount of people that it brought, not just locally, but regionally, to Los Banos exposed who we are. It was amazing,” said Souza, who credits Silva for “whipping together” such a successful event in limited time due to uncertain COVID restrictions. “Coming out of COVID, Sharon said ‘We need to do something big. We need to get people to come downtown and we really need to think big. Let’s throw a party.’” Los Banos plans to welcome locals and visitors alike once again to its downtown to celebrate the Fourth of July. For more information on future activities, visit Los Banos Downtown Association on Facebook.

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MODESTO

Possibilities Abound in Downtown Modesto

By SABRA STAFFORD

D We believe that the downtown needs to be a brand and a brand identity of a city is one that is constantly evolving

owntown Modesto encompasses one square mile and within that boundary beats the heart of Modesto’s history, culture and festivities. From the McHenry Mansion to delectable dining options and art venues to Graffiti cruising, Downtown Modesto has plenty of possibilities to spend an afternoon or evening. “We believe that the downtown needs to be a brand and a brand identity of a city is one that is constantly evolving,” said Josh Bridegroom, the president and CEO of the Downtown Modesto Partnership. “It changes with history, time, art, culture and the people. We want to make our downtown a representation of all the people who are here. Right now, Downtown Modesto’s brand is comfortable cosmopolitan setting. It’s where culture, cuisine and community connect. We have a higher concentration of art, food and social gatherings than anywhere else in the city.” The Downtown Modesto Partnership, also known as DoMo, began has a

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grassroots effort to improve the image of the downtown region, which stretches from Needham Avenue to the north and the Tuolumne River at the southern end. In September of 2015, the assessment district was formed by vote of a weighted majority of property owners, and the group incorporated as the Downtown Modesto Partnership. Their efforts to boost downtown has included creating new community events, like the International Mural Festival and DoMo First Fridays and products like the RAD Card, which helps support locally-owned and small businesses by matching the funds people place on their RAD Card, up to $100, that can be used at those businesses. DoMo also works to improve public spaces and plazas within downtown through projects like a cleaning crew, creating the parklets program, and commissioning and sponsoring public art, among many other efforts. Downtown Modesto has plenty of attractions to fit a variety of interests, from

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history buffs to theater-goers. The grand dame of Downtown Modesto is the McHenry Mansion, located at 906 15th St. The Victorian-Italianate mansion was built in 1883 as the residence for Robert McHenry and his family. The mansion remained a family residence until 1919, when it became the Elmwood Sanitarium. In 1923 it was transformed into an apartment building and stayed in that formation until 1976, when it was put on the market and purchased by the Julio R. Gallo Foundation to preserve it. It was restored to its historical roots and opened for public tours in 1983. The McHenry Mansion Foundation is the nonprofit organization that oversees the landmark home and offers free guided tours with their knowledgeable docents. Just a few spots down, at 924 15th St. is the organization’s visitor’s center and gift store. Tours are available from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. More of Modesto’s early history can be explored at the McHenry Museum at 1402 I St. From the Yokuts Native American Tribe to Modesto during the Gold Rush days, the museum paints a picture of the formative years of the town. For those whose interest lies in the history of more recent times, Downtown Modesto is home to the “American Graffiti” walking tour. Starting and ending at the 10th Street plaza, where the Cruise Route Walk of Fame is located, the walking tour features various points of interest in downtown related to the cruising heydeys captured in George Lucas’ film “American Graffiti.” The Walk of Fame recognizes the cruisers, hot rod racers, teeny boppers, and unforgettable personalities that left an indelible mark on Modesto and Lucas, and inspired “American Graffiti.” The self-guided tour of sidewalk markers celebrating the Legends of the Cruise. It traverses the path cars used to drag on 10th and 11th streets. The markers explore topics from Lucas’

biography to car clubs of the 1950s and 1960s to some of the hometown heroes. The Walk has a total of 25 stops. For movie lovers, Downtown Modesto is home to two options Brenden Theatres and The State Theatre. Brenden Theatres shows all the latest releases on 18 movie screens, with fully reclining luxury leather chairs, and a beer and wine bar. The State Theatre caters to those looking for independent, art-house and classic movies. The State Theatre was designed by architect S. Charles Lee, who during the 1930s and ‘40s was the leading designer of movie houses and

It takes you to four different restaurants and a market. You get to taste and you get to learn some of the history about the culture. theatres. He was an early proponent of the Art Deco movement, which is reflected in the design of The State, from the graceful greyhounds and gazelles bedecking the walls to the marquee. Lee believed the show started on the sidewalk and wanted the outside design to reflect that belief. In 1994, the Downtown Arts Project took over The State Theatre and added live music concerts, guest artists and foreign and art films to boost revenue. In 2005, the current operators, the nonprofit State Theatre of Modesto Inc., took over running the theatre. The State Theatre opened their newest addition — The Jewel — which

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added a second theatre and screen. The new space seats 25, compared to the 550 in the main room and shares the same concession stand. It is primarily used to show movies after opening weekend and for private rentals and events. Downtown Modesto is home to the Modesto Certified Farmers Market, located on 16th Street between H and I streets. The market is a spot where consumers can get some of the freshest fruits, vegetables, breads, meats, cheeses and other food products direct from the growers and producers. The market is open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays between January to December and on Thursdays between April to November. Anyone wanting to explore their inner artist will want to check out The Dragonfly-Art for Life at 1210 J St. The working art studio offers small classes and Zoom memberships in subjects like painting, drawing, sewing and other artistic endeavors. To test puzzle-solving skills, logic and teamwork, turn to Escape Modesto at 912 11th St. At this escape room players are locked inside a room for an hour with just their wits, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork to help them escape. In order to escape, participants must decode clues, solve puzzles, and unlock mysteries to make their way out. Downtown Modesto is home to Modesto on Ice, the city’s only ice skating rink. Set up at 1131 11th St. at the corner of 11th and K Streets offers lots of wintertime fun from mid-November to mid-January. The rink is an outdoor tent-covered venue and it’s generally just a few degrees colder on the ice than it is outside. There are a couple fire pits and patio heaters to keep skaters and onlookers warm. The Save Mart Snack Shack located next to the rink offers concessions, including hot beverages. Cuisine is an integral part of Downtown Modesto’s brand and the area has a multitude of options to tempt diners of all tastes, from street tacos on 8th Street to fine dining restaurants. “I think we are at 65 restaurants in

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Downtown Modesto,” Bridegroom said. “So there’s really a little bit of everything.” One way to explore all these restaurants is through DoMo’s Back of the House - Downtown Modesto Food Tour. “It takes you to four different restaurants and a market,” Bridegroom explained. “You get to taste and you get to learn some of the history about the culture. The chef or the owner usually comes out to meet the guests and will tell them about the food and maybe what inspired them to open a restaurant and the region from which the dish comes from.” The tour lasts about three hours and can be scheduled online at https://app.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=23994934. Downtown Modesto also has several nightlife options for dancing, live music, billiards, and comedy. A vital part of Downtown Modesto is the art scene, which includes stage shows, art galleries and music concerts. Modesto is home to more than a dozen unique murals around downtown. DoMo hosts the International Mural Festival in October. The artists come to Downtown Modesto to install brand new large-scale murals and it culminates with a celebration at the DoMo First Friday event. Other murals were painted with an eye towards celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage and American Graffiti car culture. Throughout the city follow the mural trail down side streets, behind shops and even on the public trails. Throughout the year, downtown Modesto has a free Art Walk tour on every third Thursday of the month. The Art Walk is a free event that features art galleries, as well as businesses and organizations that

display art for the evening, working together to showcase the best of the arts. There’s also a chance to listen to local musicians, enjoy food and beverage from one of the downtown eateries and if a piece of art really hits home, it can be purchased. The venues on the selfguided tour can be visited in any order. For a map of locations and dates visit http://modestoartwalk. com. The Prospect Theater Project is located at 1214 K St. and routinely brings insightful and innovative works of theater to the stage. It is Modesto’s longest-running resident theater company, producing season after season of high-quality plays. The intimate setting has been the site of original plays and adaptions staged by a dedicated group of community actors and directors. The Gallo Center for the Arts, at 1000 I St., is the home theater for Modesto Symphony Orchestra, Central West Ballet, Opera Modesto and Modesto Performing Arts. It also routinely brings in large scale Broadway shows and high-caliber performers. The Gallo Center for the Arts is the focus of arts, entertainment, multicultural programming and social activities, not just for downtown, but for the entire Central Valley. Downtown Modesto is the site of annual events like the Fourth of July parade, the Christmas Light Parade, the Graffiti Festival cruise and DoMo’s First Fridays. Located in and around the 10th Street plaza, the First Fridays have a bit of everything, from games to chef demonstrations to pop-up dance workshops. Bridegroom explained it’s open to those in the community that want to share some positivity with Downtown Modesto. “There is a lot to like about Downtown Modesto,” Bridegroom said. “There’s something for everyone.”

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