FresYes Writing Team, Author at FresYes!

Places to Go: Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch

October 15, 2014 by FresYes Writing Team Leave a Comment

At the beginning of the month, I posted about Single Palm Pumpkin Patch, a wonderful family attraction on the far West side of Fresno. For those of you located closer to the Eastern parts of the city, you may enjoy making the short drive to Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch in Reedley, CA, a lovely, family-run, seasonal treasure. Hillcrest, now it its 54th year of operation is located in a heavily-wooded (yet easy enough to find) area of Reedley, and offers picturesque outdoor exploration for the whole family to enjoy.

Hillcrest will delight with a pumpkin patch throughout October and a Christmas tree farm in December. A unique offering of Hillcrest is a beautiful half-scale steam engine train which takes visitors on a 15 minute ride around the farm. During October, Hillcrest is open on weekends from 10am – 5pm, is admission free, and offers visitors a nature trail and play house to explore, $4 train rides, $2 hay rides, snow cones and hot concessions including much-famed corn dogs. Class field trips are also available, and include a pumpkin for each child, hayride, story time and use of the nature trails, playhouse and picnic areas for just $6 per child. Interested teachers should contact Hillcrest at 559-638-2762.

If you enjoy pumpkin hunting at Hillcrest this month, you’ll definitely want to mark your calendars for the Pajama Christmas event in December in which Hillcrest will remain open after dark and offer moonlit train rides, holiday music and lights, fresh baked cookies and a hot cocoa bar to enjoy around fire pits. All guests are encouraged to wear their comfy and cozy pajamas for this special family event. Tickets are sold in advance to ensure groups aren’t too big to make the event enjoyable, so if you’re interested – be sure to snag your tickets well in advance. This event is quite popular.

FresYes Families: Places to go (with your older kids!) Hobb’s Grove

October 8, 2014 by FresYes Writing Team 2 Comments

For the second installment of my October “Places to Go” series, I can think of no better place to write about than the amazing, the horrifying and the elaborately perfect haunted attraction that is Hobb’s Grove. Hobb’s Grove is a terrifying, multi-attraction experience located just East of Fresno in a forested area of Sanger, CA. Rightfully named one of the 19 Terrifying Haunted Houses You Should Experience Before You Die by Buzzfeed, Hobb’s Grove offers visitors three haunted attractions: The Forest, The House and The Hayride.

Now, before you pile the kids in the car and head towards Sanger, there are a few things you should know. First off – Hobb’s Grove is not an amateur level haunted house. Hobb’s Grove is high-end Hollywood special effects scary and I personally would not recommend this as an experience suited for young children – as it’s pretty terrifying even for adults (ask me about the year my husband let go of my hand and took off running for the final stretch of the forest — actually, wait, don’t… I’m still bitter). For your (brave) tweens and teens however, the Hobb’s experience is one not to miss this time of year.

In my personal opinion, on a scare-scale of 1-10 with 1 being as scary as a marshmallow and 10 being “I think I peed my pants and I also want my mommy” The Forest rates an 11, The House a solid 8 and The Hayride a 6.5. When going through The Forest and House you’ll be traveling in small groups. If you’re one of the more easily spooked in your group, I recommend not being the group’s leader or tail – stay in the middle of your group. On The Hayride, super scared visitors can feel slightly more secure by scooting towards the center of the hayride’s trailer vs. sitting near the outer edges or along the back.

Each of the attractions have entrances that branch off of the midway, which offers concessions (I can smell the fresh kettle corn now just thinking about the place!) costumes, fire pits and on weekends, live music. You may think you’re safe from scares in the midway, but I wouldn’t allow yourself to be completely at ease – every now and then a wandering ghoul may sneak up behind you quietly, and wait for just the perfect moment to scare the living daylights out of you. (Yes, I know this from experience, can you tell?)

If you love a good scare and want to see one of the most well-done seasonal attractions the Central Valley has to offer – do not miss the opportunity to visit Hobb’s Grove this year. Lines are longer on weekends, so plan accordingly and arrive early in the evening, especially if you’re planning to do all three attractions as there is a cut-off time for the lines to ensure everyone gets through before Hobb’s closes for the night.

Prices for Hobb’s Grove vary depending on the night you go (special event nights offer more for visitors, but increase the price a bit) and how many attractions you want to experience. For more information, visit their website or take a look at the chart below. Hobb’s Grove is located at 14265 E Goodfellow Ave Sanger, CA 93657 and is fairly easy to find – just look for the signs along your way.

Special thanks to Hobb’s Grove for sharing their amazing images with us!

Hey kid, take a hike!

September 15, 2014 by FresYes Writing Team Leave a Comment

Labor day weekend is always a one of the biggest backpacking weekends or the year, 2014 did not disapoint.

My two oldest sons and I packed up for a few days in the wilderness, gassed up the Bronco and headed up the hill. First through Prather, then Shaver, past China Peak and finally up the big climb of Kaiser Pass Rd.

On the ride up the boys laughed and talked about how the three of us had always wanted to take just such a trip and on this day it was finally happening. Reflecting on this made me happy as it was easy to tell how much this trip would mean to them as growing young men and into their futures, it was a good moment in being a father.

We set out from Kaiser Pass and made our way cross-country to Lower Twin Lake bagging a few of the lower peaks on Kaiser Ridge for day one. Walking with the boys and being able watch them get excited as we saw our first deer. Their eyes bright and wearing huge smiles as they asked questions about where I thought she might go, how old she was, how she could get away so fast and quiet. Soon though the newness and the emotions of starting out faded meaning it wasn’t long until they were begging for a “real” trail” and not this up and down crazy hike well above 9000 feet. Once we hit Potter Pass they rejoiced like they had just caught a Derrick Carr touchdown pass, so much in fact I half expected a pine cone to get spiked in the endzone. Alas they refrained from that dance party and we moved on. As the old hound in the group I was barely able to keep pace down the trail to Lower Twin, yet they were having the times of their lives and all of this without an iPod or music/games ect and I was doing my best to not lag behind seeing I had the map and most of the food.

We made camp, the boys each in a one man tent and I in my bivy sac a few feet away. We, or I should say they pumped water, ate a Mountain House meal which Ash proclaimed “AMAZING”, had freeze-dried ice cream and played Hunger Games on the mountain side. ( apparently Hunger games in hide and seek where you are both it and not it at the same time. Just don’t get caught! ) They also got my camera and took a photo of me napping, thanks guys!

The way home we opted for a change went a new route through the Idaho Lake area on a non-maintained trail which meant cross-country.
We looked at all the different plants, I taught the boys the difference between a fresh track and an older one, examined a MONSTEROUS bear track…..and then another, and another.

It was the bear tracks that sparked the boy’s interest in finding the car so I pulled out the map and compass, found a direct cross-country route and off we went.

Hitting the peak and the short hike back to the vehicle the boys went from tired and cranky wanderers to full of energy mini Backcountry Rangers. It’s funny how the words one more mile will change a boy but it worked.

I’m glad for my boys that they get to grow up with true wild places still to explore and in my prayers so will their children. It’s the wild places that hold our past and our future. If we ever lose those wild places I fear we will lose what little we have left of being wild ourselves.

So take your kids hiking, or backpacking, or to a National Park. Lucky for FresYes we have so many options right here in the Valley.

Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon National parks are all within a few hours of FYI and the world comes here to explore what we call our backyard. We are lucky to be Fresnans, we have more National Parks, lakes for play, rivers to fish and trails to hike within one tank of gas than any other major city in California.

Once you have mastered those find a trail that leads someplace wild and take a hike. They will love you for it.

Aldo Leopold said it best with the following words.

“I am glad I will not be young in a future without wilderness”

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Bulldog Roundup: The Best Fan Gear Around Town

September 4, 2014 by FresYes Writing Team 1 Comment

It’s that time of year again. Fall is incoming, and with it, the buzz of hope and anticipation from a new season of college football.

I know, I know, it didn’t start out the way we all wanted last weekend for Fresno State. But it’s far too early in the season to start worrying – and besides, we aren’t fair-weather fans in Fresno, right?!

As your resident fashion girl, I am, of course, most concerned with what gear we’re all buying for the first home game – just a little over a week away! So I went around town and did a little legwork for you all so that you’ll know where to get the best stuff – both the stylish and the strange, haha.

The Clothes

Display at Sports Station

For the ladies, my favorite shirts definitely came from Sports Station at Fashion Fair Mall. Because sparkles and sequins belong on almost everything, right? Of course, there was also cute stuff at the Bulldog Shop and Bulldog Fan Zone, a new store that has taken up half of what used to just be Sequoia Textbooks on Shaw across from Fresno State.

For the guys, Bulldog Shop definitely had the biggest selection of both shirts and hats, but Sports Station has a good variety of caps as well.

And for the little ones, there’s an entire room of gear at The Bulldog Shop. Most of the places I visited had some version of the mini cheerleader outfit, but the one at Sports Station was by far my favorite!

Baby outfit at Sports Station

If you’re looking for a bargain, Target, Wal-Mart and Walgreens are all pretty comparable at about $8 for a basic t-shirt, and each store has several options to choose from. Walgreens also has hats for only $9.99, by far the cheapest option!

Other Spirit Stuff

Jewelry at Bulldog Fan Zone

I love to accessorize when I go to a game, so I was super excited to see the all the jewelry at Bulldog Fan Zone. I’m thinking a bracelet AND necklace (and if you want some earrings, too, go for it)! Or if you want to save a little money, head to Walmart, where they have fan beads, buttons, temporary tattoos and even nail art.

Another thing I decided was a must-have during my shopping spree was a cozy blanket. I know that seems crazy in this heat right now, but you know you’ll love it by the end of the season! What’s better than being cuddled up under a comfy blanket on a crisp fall day in the stadium? I’m totally obsessed with this patchwork quilt at The Bulldog Shop, but since it was a little pricey at $120, I was glad to see they had some less expensive options, including an uber-soft sherpa blanket at $48 and a great sweatshirt blanket for about $30.

Quilt at The Bulldog Shop

Since tailgating is definitely an essential part of Fresno State football, I made sure to check out what the stores had to offer on that front. Again, Bulldog Fan Zone was the winner here, with a huge selection of cups and glasses, barbecuing supplies and drink coolers. And then there is the lightweight furniture made of of foam board – yes, you read that right, haha, including tables and corn hole boards. For the record, a fully-grown sales clerk sat in the tailgate chair to prove to me that it would hold him up without breaking.

Tailgate chair at Bulldog Fan Zone

And Everything Else…

OK, this last section is basically just an ode to all the other odd things I found at Bulldog Fan Zone.If you haven’t figured it out yet, you should definitely pay this place a visit. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was a Hello Kitty dressed as a Fresno State cheerleader. Next to a sock monkey wearing a Fresno State sweater. Followed by an entire section of Fresno State/Hello Kitty hybrid shirts. So for those of you ladies who are fans of both Hello Kitty and Fresno State, this is definitely your happy place.

Fresno State-themed Hello Kitty shirts at Bulldog Fan Zone

Oh, and these cowboy boots are also there. Please be sure to send me a picture if you buy one of these pairs of cowboy boots. Because honestly, they’re kind of awesome…

Cowboy boots at Bulldog Fan Zone

Are you ready for the season?

How about now?

Fresno Greek Fest!

August 22, 2014 by FresYes Writing Team 3 Comments

The nice thing about Fresno, is that there are lots of events to attend any given month. My absolute favorite Fresno event is this weekend. I love it more than Ice Cream Zoofari, and I really love Ice Cream Zoofari! This weekend is the 54th annual Greek Fest!!! OPA!

(Did you know that the Greek Fest is held at this time of year, because it’s about the same day and night time temperatures as it is in Greece?)

I love, love, love the Greek Fest. (I think I should have married someone Greek! Oh wait, I still can!) 😉 I mostly love the Greek Fest for the food. I started a diet this week, and I’m pretty sure that was a bad idea, for there are lots of goodies to be had! One of my all time favorites are the Greek fries. Greek fries are french fries tossed in lemon, herbs, olive oil and feta cheese. They are so delicious. For reals.

My daughter loves the baklava, and we both love the Loukoumades.
Loukoumades are fried dough balls drenched in nuts and honey. I like to call them Honey Balls because really, they are deliciously sweet balls of honey.

They have lots and lots of food items. This year they are suppose to have a new snow cone, which I can’t wait to try! (I also can’t remember where I saw that, and now I’m unable to find out what it’s called.) Some other favorites are the Gyros (pronounced YEE-ro), Greek Salad, Spanakopita (spinach and feta wrapped in filo, then baked) and Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves). Those are just some of my favorites. I’m looking forward to trying something new this time. Check out the full menu for yourself!

I do love the food at Greek Fest, but it’s not the only thing I love. There are tons of vendors to visit. We have a favorite vendor who sells Russian Nesting Dolls. For the past 2 years my daughter has gotten one of these dolls. Last year I bought my son a nesting frog, and this year he’d like a new nesting animal. I really hope that vendor is back this year. Some of the other vendors sell clothes, jewelry, art and booths filled with random things. There is even a small section for fruits and vegetables, kind of like a mini farmer’s market.

There is also the beauty of the church I love to experience.

Greek Church

Please, if you go, go inside of the church. This picture does not do it justice.

Since this is a family event, there are lots for the kids to do. There is a nice children’s area with water slides, panning for gold and other fun activities. There is even face painting!! You do have to pay for the kids area, but you can also get a wrist band to save some money. Although, to be honest, I think it’s cheaper for my kids to just do the few things they like, instead of getting the wrist band. My son does not like the bouncy water slides. For a child who was born in water (homebirth, but that’s a different post), he sure doesn’t like it very much. Well, at least not in his face. 😉 Anyway, it’s usually hot, so if you take your kids, and if they love water, you might want to bring an extra change of clothes. Or a bathing suit. Or let them dry off, it’ll be hot enough. 😉

Now, if you do bring your kids, you may not want to try the wine…Or maybe you will. There is wine tasting, as well as other alcoholic beverages. I’ve never indulged, but I hear the wine is great. (This year the Greek Fest is teaming up with Uber if you have too much.) If you do have wine, be prepared to dance. Lots of people love to dance. Me, not so much, but others do. One year I went with a date. He tried to get me to dance, but 1-I didn’t have any wine, and 2-I have two left feet. It made for an amazing first date. If you want to see more dancing, check out this video taken on August 15th, at the Clovis Farmer’s Market.

So what do you need to know before going?

First off, here is a schedule of events.
Secondly, they’ve redone some of the outside food tents, so it should be smooth running. There will also be more tents around for added shade.
Thirdly, you may be lucky to see a local celebrity.

Kopi is always around and very happy to say hi or take a picture with you!

Here is some other important information:

Where
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
2219 N Orchard, Fresno (SW corner of First and Clinton)

When
August 22-24, 2014
Friday: 4pm-Midnight
Saturday: 11am-Midnight
Sunday: 11am-6pm

Cost
Children 12 and under, as well as Seniors, are FREE
Adults are $5.00, or $4.00 online

If you go on Saturday or Sunday between 11am-6pm, and take a can of food with you, you get in for FREE. One can will do it, but you could be nice and take a few. Let’s support our local FresYes community!

Finally, follow them on Instagram or Facebook, then post fun pictures you’ve taken and tag them. #fresnogreekfest
Hope to see some of you there!! I’m sure we’ll be going twice, Friday night and Sunday. If you see me (without the banana in my ear), come say hi and we’ll take a selfie! (I’ll probably have something sweet in my hand.) 🙂

OPA!!!

(Check their website for all the important details about parking, the maps and other things I may have left out.)