Good ol’ Fresno. It’s May, and we’re already climbing toward triple-digit temperatures! The good news is, that means it’s officially frozen treat weather! We’re also heading into prime party season: graduations, barbecues, weddings, etc. If you’re … [Read more...]
Hyde & Vyne: Cotton Candy, Steak, and Everything In Between
It all started with some cotton candy. That’s probably not usually the reason people go to a steakhouse, but it was the reason Hyde & Vyne caught my eye. I started seeing these photos of big martini glasses filled with cotton candy on Instagram, … [Read more...]
Where Do Cute Animal Babies Come From? Go Behind the Scenes at Fresno Chaffee Zoo
There’s been a lot of great news coming out of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo lately. Tiny, adorable news in the form of babies born to the zoo’s lions and rhinos. Baby animals are basically the one thing we can all agree to love, right? And because I am a … [Read more...]
Learn About the Grizzlies Community Fund & How to Win Tickets to Hot Stove Gala
The Fresno Grizzlies are known for making headlines, usually involving something with the word “tacos.” But behind the scenes, as a member of the Grizzlies Community Advisory Board, I’ve gotten to see the good work they’ve been doing much more … [Read more...]
Gelato in Winter? Bon Goût Gelato Lounge is Worth It
I know you can’t believe I’m writing about gelato right now. It’s January, and we’re all Californians who don’t know how to handle these below-50 temperatures. But there’s a reason why Bon Goût Gelato Lounge recently posted about having a full house … [Read more...]
Natasha Holland Makes Local Maps an Artform
When I first learned how to drive, my dad insisted that I also learn how to read a map. I’m revealing my age here, because of course, who uses a map anymore, when we all have GPS systems? I haven’t touched one in years. But I recently fell in love … [Read more...]
Shop Local Deals for Black Friday & Small Business Saturday
Happy Thanksgiving!! Whether you’re just getting started in your day, stuffed full of turkey or simply avoiding your family members, I’m glad you’ve decided to spend a few minutes reading my words today. One of the things I’m most thankful for is … [Read more...]
Garden Cocktails Pop-Up Bar is Magic in a Glass
Garden Cocktails Pop-up Bar There’s something extra awesome about pop-up events. They have the allure of exclusivity, usually featuring something unique or limited. So when we heard about the Garden Cocktails pop-up bar, we knew FresYes had to try … [Read more...]
Fresno Grizzlies Open Pop-Up Shop at River Park
There are a lot of things to love about the Fresno Grizzlies. The first of course being that they play pretty good professional baseball right in our backyard. But a close second is their awesome marketing stunts - in particular when it results in … [Read more...]
See What Makes Häagen-Dazs Special at Grand Opening
Note: This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own. In case you haven’t heard yet, there’s free ice cream to be had at the new River Park Häagen-Dazs shop today (Saturday the 29th) from 11 a.m. to midnight – at least for the first … [Read more...]
We All Scream For Free Ice Cream at Häagen-Dazs
Note: This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own. Ice cream is one of those foods that can bring anyone together to enjoy a special moment. A while ago, I was having a really terrible week. The kind of week where you feel like sitting … [Read more...]
Babypalooza: A FresYes Guide to Unique Shower Gifts
Holiday season, pumpkin spice season, baseball season … is there such a thing as baby season? Because y’all, I have bought more baby gifts in the past few months than my previous 30 years of life combined. (Maybe that number 30 is a clue as to why … [Read more...]
Yellow Mug Coffee is Still Good When It’s Not “Luke’s Diner”
Some of you will no doubt be confused by my headline. But many of you are not. Because many of you are fans of the tv show “Gilmore Girls,” and either stood in line for 90 minutes at “Luke’s Diner” last week or are jealous of those who did and wish … [Read more...]
“Fresno Puzzle Hunt” Returns with Halloween Twist
Fresno Puzzle Hunt There’s a lot of things to do in Fresno. I hope we have long since proved that to you by now. But this week, I came across something that is completely different from anything else that you can sign up for. The Fresno Puzzle Hunt … [Read more...]
Fresno’s Underground Supper Series Continues to Innovate
Underground Supper Series I think we here at FresYes have proven over the past couple of years that there’s a lot of pretty darn cool things to do here in Fresno. But if you were to ask me what one of my favorite things is that I’ve ever done? That … [Read more...]
CHARburger is the New Place to Lunch Downtown
CHARburger Lunch can be a challenge for the ordinary office worker. You often only get a half hour, and an hour at most. You may end up eating a lot of microwave meals or falling into the same old fast food patterns. I worked in Downtown Fresno for … [Read more...]
Longtime Shelter Dog Needs Permanent Foster Home
Dexter, Longtime Shelter Dog Needs Permanent Foster Home Today, I’m going to do something a little different here on FresYes. Normally, I love talking about great organizations, fun stores and delicious restaurants. This week, we’re just going to … [Read more...]
Rocket Dog Celebrates Anniversary with Tap Takeovers & Specials
Rocket Dog Gourmet Brats & Brew We here at FresYes love when a local business succeeds - particularly when that business is especially deserving of that success. A year ago, I told you about the launch of Rocket Dog Gourmet Brats & Brew. I … [Read more...]
Aji Sushi Does All-You-Can-Eat Right
All-you-can-eat sushi can be a tricky thing. I’ve always felt like the idea of a sushi buffet or a moving sushi bar is highly suspect. I’m always thinking: “How long has that raw fish been sitting out?” But then again, I am drawn to the idea because … [Read more...]
G’s Creamery Brings New Sweetness to Fresno
Is there anything better than a great scoop of ice cream in the summer? (The answer is, “No, Joanne, there is not!) And sure, you can keep a quart in your fridge. But it’s definitely not the same as getting a cone from your favorite neighborhood ice … [Read more...]
Grizzlies to host Taco Truck Throwdown & Mexican Baseball Fiesta
Taco Truck Throwdown & Mexican Baseball Fiesta At this point, the Fresno Grizzlies have become synonymous with tacos. To the point where the Fresno Grizzlies literally become the Fresno Tacos for every Tuesday night game! So it should come as no … [Read more...]
Eat Local: Get Wonderful, Messy Breakfasts at Benaddiction
True story: I don’t think I’ve ever finished a meal at Benaddiction without food on my face … or occasionally in my hair. This is not really a bad thing. It’s just a reality I’ve come to accept. (Also, I might be an exceptionally messy eater.) Such … [Read more...]
Big Successes Lead “Painted Press” to New Lifestyle Line
What makes success? There are lots of formulas. Personally, I think it’s hard work, creativity and just little bit of lightning in a bottle. The Painted Press had all of that this past year, and it’s turned what was once a little Etsy business into a … [Read more...]
BoxLunch: Where Pop Culture Addicts Can Help Fight Hunger
Last week, I finally had the pleasure of visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood. And because I have a deep psychological need to be appropriately dressed for every occasion, it was obviously time to buy a new … [Read more...]
Find Wine and Fun at Kings River Winery
Kings River Winery in Sanger Confession time: Even after two years of writing for FresYes (yay for my FresYes-iversary this month!), I’m still learning a lot of new things about the Valley. Like, for example, I am a total snob for thinking at one … [Read more...]
Enjoy Free Outdoor Theater at Woodward Shakespeare Festival
One of my number one goals in this blog is to combat the idea that there is nothing to do in Fresno. It’s not true, I tell you! It’s just not true! I hope we’ve done a good job convincing you of that the past couple of years. This week, I’m going to … [Read more...]
FresYes Round-Up of 2016 Valley Fireworks Celebrations
Things I learned while searching for Valley fireworks shows: Fireworks are apparently not limited to the Fourth of July. In fact, you can watch fireworks as early as June 30th this year, and see them every day through the Fourth if you want to. And … [Read more...]
Kileen’s Garden Boutique Makes Living Art Out of Succulents
Kileen’s Garden Boutique In case you haven’t noticed, succulents have been all the rage for the past year or so. A necessity born out of California’s drought, this trend is both practical and pretty. But of course, I’m not here to just talk to you … [Read more...]
Become a #BetaTaster at Colton’s Social House
Colton's Social House We all have a lot of opinions about food. Everybody’s a critic these days, me more than anyone. But it’s not often that a restaurant is openly asking you to critique them. That’s exactly what new restaurant Colton’s Social … [Read more...]
Eat Local: Annex Kitchen is Serving Up Pasta to Die For
The Annex Kitchen This is my love letter to really good pasta. More accurately, out-of-this-world pasta. Handcrafted, fresh pasta that is the definition of perfectly al dente, served with ingredients that have been cooked with equal thought and … [Read more...]
Basilwood Farm Makes Great Soap & So Much More (and You Can Pet Their Goats)
Some things are a little easier to buy local than others. Gourmet food? Fresno’s got you covered. Adorable boutiques? I’ve told you all about them. Now, great bath and facial products? That had mostly been a conundrum. I wanted to tell you where to … [Read more...]
Ampersand to Celebrate Anniversary with Block Party
I have a confession to make: I don’t always practice what I preach. Local is the name of the game here at FresYes, of course, and for the most part, I have found myself changing the way I eat and shop in accordance with that value. But over the past … [Read more...]
Old Hotel Bistro Brings New Orleans to Clovis
Last week, I took you to Portugal, which proved to be hugely popular. This week, we’re going to stick slightly closer to home, at least as far as being in the States. We’re traveling South to New Orleans, but in reality, just going down the street to … [Read more...]
Sweet Delicates Offers Up Portuguese Treats and More
Y’all know how obsessed I am with The Foundry boutique in Old Town Clovis. No, this is not my 20th blog on The Foundry. But when the ladies at The Foundry recommend something, I know I have to check it out. Which is how I ended up at Sweet Delicates, … [Read more...]
Old Town Flea Market is a Don’t-Miss Event
One of my favorite events of the year is this weekend. It’s basically a local shopper’s paradise. The Old Town Flea Market is set for May 7th and 8th at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds, and I’m telling you, it shouldn’t be missed! The Old Town Flea was … [Read more...]
Fresno Underground Supper Takes Foodies on Delicious Journey
I am so ridiculously excited about this week’s blog. Last Friday, I was given the opportunity to be a guest at a dinner put on by Fresno’s Underground Supper Series. (The event organizers gave me a free ticket but all super enthusiastic, glowing … [Read more...]
Vera Bradley Debuts New Bulldog Gear at Fresno State Lunch
Fresno State students and local female business leaders got a big treat at a special luncheon on campus Wednesday. As I promised you in a previous blog, two executives from the popular national designer Vera Bradley came to town to celebrate the … [Read more...]
Giveaway: Celebrate Opening Day with Championship Grizzlies
IT’S HERE, IT’S HERE, IT’S HERE!!!!! Sorry for shouting, but I’m ridiculously excited about the Fresno Grizzlies opening night on Friday. I know I’m always excited for Grizzlies baseball, but this is a really special year, since the Grizzlies are the … [Read more...]
Eat Local: “Noodle Q” Serves Up Fresh Asian Dishes
One thing I’ve learned from many years of eating (and eating and eating) in Fresno is to never judge a restaurant by its cover. I recently had one of the worst experiences I can remember at one of the prettiest restaurants I’ve seen in town (I won’t … [Read more...]
Vera Bradley Execs Coming to Toast New “Top Drawer” Store
As I have always said, I love it when shopping local goes hand-in-hand with buying pretty name-brand things. Nowhere in Fresno is there a better example of this than the marriage of national accessories brand Vera Bradley and local shop Top … [Read more...]
Shop Local: Where to Find Furniture & Decor
FresYes is first and foremost a real estate company (in case you didn’t know), and it is the passion of Jason Farris (Mr. FresYes) and his team to help people find their perfect homes. But what happens after they achieve that goal? Now you have a … [Read more...]
Shop Local: River Raised Apparel Co. Brings Faith to Fashion
It is my belief that clothes can send a message, and our personal style says a lot about who we are. Even if you say to me that you don’t care about clothes or follow fashion, that says something (you’re casual, how you look isn’t important, your … [Read more...]
Eat Local: Berlin Street Grill Brings Lots of German Flavor
Tired of eating the same old fast food and cold sandwiches for lunch? It can be hard to find unique grab-and-go options around town, especially from locally-owned restaurants. No worries! FresYes has your back! I’ve got the scoop on a delicious new … [Read more...]
Get Your Baseball On Early With Fresno State
If you’re anything like me (or maybe, if you’re as crazy as me), then you’ve been counting down the days until baseball starts again. Like, you know you have a problem when you’re gleefully awaiting the first spring training game of the season! But … [Read more...]
Treat Yourself to Tasty Musical Fun at Roger Rockas’
One of the things I love most about Fresno is the fact that there is great musical theater to be enjoyed here. I mean, “Phantom of the Opera” is coming to the Saroyan in October! Swoon! But I think. I know I’m guilty of it myself. Despite my love of … [Read more...]
Panoramic Financial Helps Younger Generation Plan Futures
If I told you that you’re about to read a blog about financial planning, investing and retirement, would your eyes glaze over? Would you click out of this page? How old are you? Have you thought about it? I’m about to turn thirty, and I know I’ve … [Read more...]
Eat Local: ‘Sequoia Sandwich Company’ Does Sandwiches Right
Here at FresYes, we talk a lot about new and exciting restaurants and businesses. But every once in a while (or maybe, really, more than once in a while), we should take the time to appreciate the oldies but goodies - the places that are … [Read more...]
Shop Local: Students Work Hard for “Painted Press” Success
What kind of life did you live when you were in college? What kind of job did you have? I can tell you what I wasn’t doing: running a super successful online business. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve got it together enough to do that sort of thing now. … [Read more...]
Shop Local: Valentine’s Day with a Twist
Dear Frustrated Men of Fresno: I AM HERE TO HELP YOU. I know it’s almost Valentine’s Day, and you’re super excited about that, right? You just finished with Christmas, and now it’s time to search the stores all over again! Well if, at the end of this … [Read more...]
Create Your Own Sushi Burritos & Bowls at Pokiland
Last year, a friend told me about an amazing invention: Sushirrito. It was a popular chain in San Francisco that served giant hand-held sushi rolls - sort of a sushi burrito, if you will, with seaweed wraps instead of tortilla. “What is this magical … [Read more...]