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Are you in need of a Spa Day?!

November 28, 2021 by FresYes Writing Team Leave a Comment

5 Spa’s located in Fresno to help you lower that holiday stress.

There are few better ways to spend a day off than with an invigorating stay at a day spa. Whether you’re looking to spend some time letting someone else worry for a change, looking for the perfect massage, seeking refreshing skin treatments, or looking for the perfect way to spend some relaxing time with your special somebody, some time at the day spa just might be exactly the thing you need.

Muses Day Spa

Muses have been a Fresno favorite for years, and it’s no secret why. With a warm inviting atmosphere and a decadent range of spa packages, Muses truly is a wonderful place to spend some time relaxing.

Spa packages start at $120, with the Petite package, including a 30-minute massage, Dry Body Brush Exfoliation, and mini facial and range all the way up to the Luxe package at $430 which includes Muses’ Ultimate Spa Pedicure, reflexology manicure, a 75-minute Signature Massage, Stimulating Ageless Body Treatment, Muses’ Anti-Aging Facial, and even lunch.

Muses also offer custom spa treatments that you can build yourself, for the ultimate custom spa-day experience. Muses is open from 10 AM to 7 PM and closed Thursdays and is located at 8525 N Cedar Ave. Fresno, 93720.

Hand & Stone

Hand & Stone has a wonderful location in Fresno and, as their name implies, they specialize in using stones therapeutically. Hand & Stone offers a large assortment of massage styles including Swedish, hot stone, and Himalayan salt massages. They also offer specialty massages such as prenatal, sports massage, decompression massage, and deep tissue massage. Hand & Stone start at $75.95, to 90-minute Himalayan salt massages available for $209.95

Hand & Stone Fresno is open from 9 AM to 9 PM and located at 80 El Camino, Fresno, 93720.

Rejuvenation Salon & Spa

Located in Clovis and founded in 2014, Rejuvenation is another local favorite, offering salon and spa services both. If you’re looking for the perfect place to treat yourself and your hair, Rejuvenation is the perfect day spa for you.

Spa packages start with Rejuvenate’s Revitalize Him package, available for $200 and including a facial, pedicure, lunch, and haircut, and range up to the Urban Renewal package, which includes hydrafacial, manicure and pedicure, lunch, crown highlights, haircuts, blowouts, and complimentary champagne, available for $425

Rejuvenation is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, is closed Sunday and Monday, and is located at 1155 N Fowler Ave Ste 300, Clovis, CA 93611.

Luna Day Spa

If you’re looking for natural and organic treatment options for your spa day, look no farther than Luna Day Spa. Taking a holistic approach to spa treatments, Luna is your go-to for a spa day on the natural side. Luna also has a specialty in facial treatments, and many of their options focus on skin wellness.

Offerings start with a Luna Signature Facial, lasting 60 minutes and available for $78, and range to the Hydro Facial with Oxygen Infusion, available for $110, and they offer a wide range of treatments in between, including cupping treatments, microdermabrasion, and jade roller facials.

Luna Day Spa is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, closed Sunday and Monday, and is located at 1465 W. Shaw Ave. Fresno, 93711.

Amenities Day Spa & Salon

Amenities is another great place to go for hair and spa treatments. Part of the larger Aveda family, Amenities is the place to get Aveda products and services, which place a large emphasis on using natural products to achieve great results.

Amenities offer a multitude of spa packages, starting with the 90-minute Complete Treat, which includes a spa manicure and pedicure and range to the Day Of Beauty package, which includes a one-hour Elemental Nature Massage, Elemental Nature facial, spa manicure and pedicure, shampoo, and style, makeup application, and lunch catered by Patio Café

Amenities is open from 11 AM-6 PM, except on Saturday when they open at 9 AM, and Monday, during which time they’re closed. Amenities is located at 5054 N Palm Ave, Fresno, 93704.

Conclusion

Whether you’ve had a tough week and need the time to unwind, you’re looking for your next spa day for a special someone, or you’re just looking for your next great massage, taking a spa day is a great way to relax, grab some me-time, and let your worries float away while expert professionals take care of you.

Whatever the case, Fresno is home to some amazing day spas, and there’s never a shortage of places to find the perfect spa treatments to make your day or week amazing. These are our top five best day spas in Fresno!

Apple Spice & everything nice!

November 12, 2021 by FresYes Writing Team Leave a Comment

Apple Spice catering for your Fresno – Clovis business luncheon needs

Chuck and Jessica recently opened up their own local catering service. On February first, 2021, they opened the Fresno area’s first Apple Spice franchise kitchen. Apple Spice offers full-service sandwich and lunchbox catering aimed at business events. The new location can be found at 464 East Bullard Avenue Unit 108 Fresno, Ca 93710.

Apple Spice started in 1988 on a solid baking foundation. Though they specialize in box lunches and sandwiches, they also offer breakfasts. They’ve slowly expanded their reach for thirty years as their great food and successful business model thrived in various locations. Now they’ve branched out to Fresno! Apple Spice is a little different from other catering services offering sandwiches or boxed lunches, with an emphasis on quality food and their own fresh-baked bread daily.

For your next business event, head on over to Apple Spice Fresno for a variety of boxed lunches and high-quality sandwiches.

History of Fresno State Women’s Basketball

October 20, 2021 by FresYes Writing Team Leave a Comment

Fresno State has a great Women’s basketball team. Representing Fresno State, the Bulldogs play in NCAA’s Division 1, as members of the Mountain West Conference. This most recent season, they posted an impressive 17 wins for 11 losses, and with the start of the next season just around the corner in November, we’re excited to see another season of greatness, starting November 5th! But when did Fresno State’s women’s basketball team get their start? Here is some history of Fresno State’s women’s basketball.

Origins

While Fresno State’s men’s basketball has been active since the 1920’s, records of the women’s team’s scare records, date back to the 1971-’72 season, when Donna Pickle—a pivotal force for Fresno’s women’s athletics programs—coached. While Pickel is better known for her prowess as a softball coach, The Bulldogs’ women’s basketball pulled off an impressive 8-2 conference record for that season and the next under her leadership!

Fresno State Womens Basketball 2019-2020

Conferences

While The Bulldogs now play as members of the Mountain West Conference, during the 1970’s, Fresno State was a member of the West Coast Conference, which they had joined in 1955. Fresno State remained in the conference until their departure in 1957, but they remained members of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) from 1939 through 1969. In 1968, Fresno became one of the founding members of the Pacific Coast Athletic Association, (now known as the Big West Conference) where they remained until 1992. In 1992, Fresno State joined the Western Athletic Conference, or WCA, where they remained members until their departure in 2012, for the Mountain West Conference who they play with today.

The History of Fresno State Womens Basketball

National Success

Fresno State’s women’s basketball has made it to the NCAA tournaments seven times. Fresno State’s women’s basketball has made it to the national NCAA tournaments in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. That’s no small feat, considering there are dozens of conferences competing. While they’ve remained in the first round, Fresno State’s women’s basketball has repeatedly proved its place among the best in the country.

Fresno State Womens Basketball 2020 Champs

Conclusion

It’s no surprise that Fresno State’s women’s basketball has done so well in recent years, considering they’ve remained a strong team for decades! With the 2021-2022 season starting soon, it’s a great time to reflect on decades of great sports coming out of a great community. While sports have changed a lot over the years, one thing hasn’t changed: Fresno State has some great teams!

History of the Fresno Water Tower

October 20, 2021 by FresYes Writing Team Leave a Comment

If you’ve been to downtown Fresno, you’ve probably seen the impressive architectural structure standing 109 feet high located at Fresno Street and O Street. This building is the Historic Fresno Water Tower, and has been part of our town since 1894. Over the years, the water tower has served many different purposes and still serves as a space where local businesses can thrive today.

Now known as one of Fresno’s most distinctive architectural symbols, the Fresno Water Tower was originally designed by Chicago architect George Washington Mayer. Mayer designed the tower with inspiration from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, where the local library burned down and the water tower served as the city’s library until a new one was rebuilt. In fact, Mayers original design for the Fresno Water Tower included space for a library on the third floor. Although—as many locals know—a third floor was never actually built, the second floor just has a very high ceiling.

One of the most notable things about the tower is the American Romanesque design style. The design was partially inspired by medieval European architecture, and the building is made from a 2-foot-thick inner brick wall and a 1.2-foot-thick outer brick wall. The ceiling is made from tile—a peculiar choice for a water tower—and the inside is decorated with iron corbels. Most people notice the brick roof right away because the size of the bricks gets smaller as they reach the top of the structure, which creates a beehive effect.

Construction on the building started in 1891 and lasted about three years. The structure holds 250,000 gallons of water and served as a water tower from the time it was built in 1894 to 1963. The structure was almost constantly in use while it fulfilled this purpose for the community, however, the pumping equipment eventually became inadequate and obsolete.

Shortly after the building ceased acting as an active water tower, the building received impressive accolades. In 1971, the Fresno water tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places. One year later, the American Water Works Association designated it as an American Water Landmark.

In 1989, the Navy League and Naval Resource Center dedicated the tower to George M. Bowman for his dedicated service to the City of Fresno and as a naval officer. When you visit the tower, you will find plaques explaining Bowman’s life and various ways he gave back to the city of Fresno. The tower’s dedication took place on Independence Day approximately five years after Bowman passed away.

For a period of time after the building was no longer used as a water tower, the first floor was used as a parking meter repair facility. In 2001, the tower was renovated and the second floor was removed. This newly renovated building served as Fresno’s visitor center and was managed by the city of Fresno.

In 2014, the Fresno Art Council assumed management of the building and added an art gallery for visitors to see. However, just a few short years later, the tower was at risk of shutting down in 2017 due to a PG&E rate hike. During this time, about 3,000 people visited the water tower every year.

Looking up at the The Fresno Water Tower

Like many other businesses, the tower hit another roadblock last year and had to completely shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For months, there was no activity inside the building. The Fresno Art Council was able to reopen the doors in early 2021. Currently, the building is still serving as an art gallery and is planning to open a space for even more Fresno locals to enjoy—Frida’s Cafe.

Frida’s Cafe will be an indoor/outdoor dining space for downtown residents to enjoy, and should help revitalize the area since it took a hit during COVID-19. Frida’s is moving from their previous location on Fulton Ave to the water tower.

Next time you are in the area, stop by the water tower and experience the history for yourself. Both tourists and Fresno residents thoroughly enjoy this historic gem; between enjoying local art on display by the FAC or just learning more about the tower’s history, there is always something new to appreciate.

Photo Credit: Suzy Simons (suzy@fresyes.com)

Fresno’s Spookiest Halloween Attractions

October 18, 2021 by FresYes Writing Team Leave a Comment

For those who like a good scare, we’ve got three great places you are going to want to visit.

HOBB’S GROVE

First up is Hobb’s Grove, located just outside of Fresno, in Sanger. (Click here for directions.) The drive is easy thanks to 180 East, and Hobb’s Grove is one of the longest-running haunted hotspots in the area – getting its start in 1999. Hobb’s Grove has three main feature attractions each with its lines and entrances branching off of a central courtyard featuring vendors, refreshments, a bonfire, music, and occasional interactions from some very creepy characters.

The attractions consist of their Haunted Hayride, House and Forest. In my personal opinion and experience, the Hayride is the tamest option, as you have a bit of control as to how much you’re exposed to scary folks from within the attraction, as you can move to the center of the hay trailer vs. sitting on the outer edges if you’re freaked out. Though the tamest of the three, it’s still a really great scare and it’s nice to be able to just sit and take in everything around you as you ride along. The House is the second scariest, and the Forest is the scariest. (Again, this is based on my personal experience over years of visits – though full disclosure, I have not been yet this year.)

Repeat visitors and fans of Hobb’s have been known to refer to it as the Disneyland of haunted places and claim its naturally wooded setting to be perfectly eerie and the ideal spot for such a place. This year, Hobb’s has added a new laser tag feature that’s available for a limited number of guests on each operational day by reservation.

Pro-tip: Lines can be long – if you want to hit all three attractions, get there early or go on a weeknight if you can. Also, bathrooms are porta-potties, and lighting is limited, plan to use your phone flashlight and be really careful NOT to drop your phone. (Just looking out for ya, friends.)

For pricing, hours, and days of operation at Hobb’s Grove, visit their website here.

The 13 Shadows

This is the only haunted house or similar attraction located within the City of Fresno, and it’s brand new this season! It’s located at 6481 N. Blackstone near Sierra and is open on weekends from 7-11 pm. The attractions description is not super specific as far as what to expect, but it’s definitely creepy! “Superstition or reality? Come on in if you dare and experience The 13 Shadows and all its glory. From rooms that will have you gasping for air, folk stories that have tormented humans for centuries, and souls that have been forgotten.

The 13 Shadows has these and many more stories to tell only if you dare to enter Halloween’s true gates of hell.”

Ready to give the new haunt on the block a try? Visit their website here for all the details you need to know before you go.

RAISIN HELL RANCH

On the opposite side of Fresno from Hobb’s and located in Madera is the Raisin Hell Ranch Haunted Cornfield on avenue 32 1/4. (Click here for directions)

Raisin Hell features two main attractions that are walk-through, indoor/outdoor features, and takes approximately 15-20 minutes each to go through with your party. The first is Deadwood, which Raisin Hell describes as follows, “The Wild, Wild West was a scary place back in the day, but it doesn’t compare to a walkthrough DEADWOOD! As you enter the Raisin Hell Hotel, the cornfield comes alive with demented characters and creepy corpses!” The second attraction is called Sinister. Sinister’s description reads, “Evil comes in many shapes and forms, but nothing is quite as scary as SINISTER evil! After passing through the doors of the Raisin Hell Hotel, you find yourself in the desolate domain of psychotic freaks and depraved maniacs that are not very welcoming to visitors!”

Pro-tip: Like other haunted attractions, lines can get long – especially on the weekends. If you can go early or on a weeknight, it is advised. Also, due to uneven terrain, unfortunately, this location is not wheelchair-friendly. Finally, Raisin Hell is very scary and for the true thrill seeker – it is not recommended for children 12 and under.

Whichever attraction you choose (or if you’re brave, perhaps you’ll choose all three!) we hope you have a chilling and thrilling time!

Clovis Haunted Trail – do you DARE!!!

October 14, 2021 by FresYes Writing Team Leave a Comment

About the Event

Clovis Haunted Trail is a scarily haunted outdoor walking experience designed to thrill those who love Halloween and all scary things. You can expect to hear eerie music, foggy trees, and spooky lighting. Live zombies, creepy clowns, coffins, and skeletons climbing about. Headstones, pumpkins, hay bales, witches, and creepy dolls. Now is the time to walk with the dead or nearly dead!

It’s a fundraiser for our kiddos

Who Will Benefit from This Event?

CenCal Youth Sports is a 501c3 non-profit organization that promotes the characteristics of Hard-Work, Integrity, and Trust. They offer a variety of sports and fitness programs for players aged 6-14 in the Fresno and Clovis area. Proceeds, after expenses, will be donated to CenCal Youth Sports.

I’m ready to be scared, when does it start and where do I go?

Opening night is Friday, October 29th from 6 pm till 10 pm. The 2nd night is Saturday, October 30th from 5 pm till 10 pm and of course, they are open on Halloween Night from 6 pm till 10 pm. The Haunted Trail begins on the Clovis Trail behind the Parkway Trails Shopping Center on Willow Avenue and Nees in Clovis.

1345 N Willow AveClovis, CA 93619

Tickets are available now

This event is rain or shine and is subject to selling out so make sure you buy your tickets now here any questions should be directed by email to Email: info@clovishauntedtrail.com

FresYes Pumpkin Carving Contest 2021

October 14, 2021 by FresYes Writing Team Leave a Comment

Halloween is a time to let your imagination run wild! If you live in Fresno, Clovis, Madera, or any of our loved smaller communities inside the Central Valley, you are invited to participate in our Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest. So pull out your carving utensils or art supplies and get creative—whether you plan to carve, paint, or bedazzled… anything goes!

Contest Guidelines

Open to all residents of the San Joaquin Valley.
Post a photo of your creation on either Instagram or Facebook and Tag us @fresyes (if you have a private account, make sure to make your post public and follow us).
In your post, use the subject line “FresYes Pumpkin Carving Contest” and include a photo or video of your creation. Add some fun captions with #FresYesPumpkinCarvingContest (Please only submit a photo of your own work)
The winner will be chosen by the FresYes staff – be sure to get our attention by making yours the most creative one!
The winner will receive (4) Clovis Haunted Trail Tickets for Saturday October 30th ! We’ll email to arrange delivery.

How to Win Pumpkin Carving Contests This Halloween

7 Dog Parks in Fresno – Clovis

October 12, 2021 by FresYes Writing Team Leave a Comment

Fresno is filled with fun to be had, and that includes lots of great stuff to do with your favorite four-legged companion! With tons of great dog parks in Fresno & Clovis, there’s plenty of options when it comes to finding the perfect spot for canine fun in the sun. Here are some of our favorite parks in the Fresno and Clovis communities!

Dr. James W. Thornton Dog Park

The Dr. James W. Thornton Dog Park is all about safety and creating a welcoming environment for its members. You will need to apply for membership, but, once admitted, you’ll be able to rest assured that all the other dogs in the park have passed a temperament test before being admitted. Dogs must also be at least 6 months of age, spayed or neutered, and have their shots before being allowed entrance. Membership will run you $5 for a single day, $10 for the month, or $100 for a full year of membership.

Dr. James W. Thornton Dog Park is located at 3934 N Hayston Ave, Fresno, CA 93726.

Basin AH1 Dog Park

Basin AH1 Dog Park is another great nearby dog park. A municipal park, Basin AH1 has no entrance fee. Basin AH1 Dog Park is great for warmer months. This dog park features a pond for pups to cool off and practice their doggy paddle, a large grassy area for them to run around, and plenty of nearby receptacles for waste. However, be sure to bring your own waste bags as they will not be supplied.

Basin AH1 Dog Park is located at 4257 W Alamos Ave, Fresno, CA 93722.

Todd Beamer Dog Park

Located in Todd Beamer Park, the Todd Beamer Dog Park is another great destination for you and your canine companions. There is no entrance fee, but the park does supply waste bags for free as well as receptacles. It’s a smaller dog park, perfect for small and medium dogs, and features some canine amenities like a fire hydrant.

Todd Beamer Dog Park is located at 2050 E Plymouth Way, Fresno, CA 93720.

Roeding Park Dog Run

Roeding Park Dog Run is one of the most popular dog parks in Fresno. A part of the larger Roeding Park, you will need to pay a 5$ entrance fee per vehicle to access the dog parks, but once you do you’ll have access to this large dog park which features separate areas for big dogs and small dogs, as well as benches for humans. The larger Roeding Park is also dog-friendly, but outside the dog parks, canine friends must be kept on a leash.

The Roeding Park Dog Run is located at 890 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728.

Bob Belcher Dog Park

While many of us might equate this name to a certain fictitious burger-flipping dad, the park is actually named for William Robert Belcher, who was a pivotal figure in Fresno’s history, responsible for much of the green space and trees we enjoy today. The dog park in Bob Belcher Park opened recently, in 2018, and features a well-maintained play area for canine companions, including agility obstacles.

Bob Belcher Park is located at 2158 E Alluvial Ave, Fresno, CA 93720.

Clovis Old Town Trail

If you’re looking for some leash-on fun, the Clovis Old Town Trail is a great place to bring canine friends. Connecting the hearts of the Clovis and Fresno communities, the rail trail is a multi-use trail. You can expect to see hiking, cycling, and—yes! Dog walking. There is no fee for use, but dogs must be leashed and you may need to bring your own waste bags, The trail also connects to Dry Creek Trail, and stops include scenic Old Town Clovis and the Clovis Rodeo Grounds.

There are many places to enter the trail, but it runs from Clovis Avenue, just North of Fresno Yosemite International Airport, and runs to Sugar Pine Trail at N Willow Avenue.

Dry Creek Trail

Another great trail for leash-on fun is the Dry Creek Trail. Adjacent and connected to the Clovis Old Town Trail, it’s easily accessible and dog friendly. Dogs must be leashed, and you may need to bring waste bags, but the trail is another great destination for canine companions. A little under 3 miles, it’s a much shorter trail than Clovis Old Town Trail but features a stop along the Clovis Botanical Garden, where dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.

The Dry Creek Trail runs from The Clovis Old Town Trail, just West of W. Minnewawa Avenue, and runs to a trailhead adjacent to E. Shepherd Avenue.

Conclusion

Fresno is full of fun opportunities to enjoy the weather, not just for humans, but for our canine friends too! There are a ton of great dog parks, dog-friendly parks, and dog-friendly trails to check out this season if you haven’t already!