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Spotted: Santa! Here’s where to find him…

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If there are young children in your life, chances are this time of year Santa is a big topic of conversation. If the little ones in your life could use a close encounter with the big guy himself (or some of his merry-making associates) to make their Christmas season extra special, you are in luck!

Fresno has some really special events taking place just for families over the course of the next week, and here at FresYes.com we’ve done the work to list them in one place for your enjoyment – read on for all the details!

Family-Friendly Holiday Events This Week (Featuring Santa!)

Nightly from 5-8pm: Zoo Lights at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Come enjoy holiday music, special drinks and snacks and all the glittering lights of the Zoo, decked out for the holidays! Free photos with Santa will be available, too! Tickets for this annual, much-cherished local activity can be purchased online here.

Tuesday, Dec. 11th from 6-10pm: 2nd & Last Christmas Tree Lane Walk-Only Night

Walking Christmas Tree Lane is an annual tradition for many Fresno Families. The second and final night of the year in which the lane will be closed to vehicle traffic will be Tuesday, Dec. 11th. A shuttle is available if you start at Gazebo Gardens if you prefer not to walk the full length of the lane in both directions. You can also start from Fig Garden Village Shopping Center. Whichever way you go, the glittering lane is sure to delight, and you’ll even see the big guy himself near the halfway point of your walk. Need additional info? Click here.

Thursday, Dec. 13th from 4-6pm: Cornerstone Coffee Open House

Santa & his buddy Rudolph will be happy to greet little ones for photo ops while grown-ups enjoy a delicious coffee for a cause. Cornerstone Coffee is located Downtown on the SW corner of Fulton and Stanislaus, and the café provides job training and employment opportunities for women who are part of the programs from Light-House Recovery Program. This event is free, coffee is available for purchase and 100% of funds raised benefit Light-House and their community work.

Thursday, Dec. 13th from 4-7pm: Holiday Extravaganza at Pavilion West Shopping Center

Shoppers can enjoy free food and drink samples, sugar cookie decorating at Boo Boo Bean Bakery, special sales, holiday music and of course a meet and greet and photo session with Santa himself this Thursday night in the Pavilion West Shopping Center on the SW corner of Bullard and West in NW Fresno.

Friday, Dec. 14th from 5:30-8: Ride the Train to the North Pole at Santa’s Sleighland in Playland

This Friday night enjoy unlimited Playland rides a train ride to the North Pole, a visit and photo with Santa and a candy cane all for one price. Tickets are available online (at a discount of $2) or at the gates.

Saturday, Dec. 15th from 11am – 4pm: Free Train Rides and Cookies & Cocoa with Mrs. Claus in Riverpark

Kids can enjoy live music and free train rides around the Riverpark Shopping Center between 11am and 4pm this Saturday, and from 3pm – 6pm kids can enjoy cookies and cocoa with Mrs. Claus. Look for signs and information near the front of Edwards Cinema.  

Saturday, Dec. 15th or Sunday, Dec. 16th from 1pm – 3pm: Free carriage ride and photo with Santa in Fig Garden Village

Families can enjoy a free ride around Fig Garden Village Shopping Center followed by a visit with Santa and free photo by meeting the carriage in front of the big Christmas tree next to Pottery Barn. (Subject to cancelation due to heavy rain, just FYI.)

Fresno Foodies Get Ready: Three delicious picks for December

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December is a great time to be a food-lover in Fresno!

Besides the homemade holiday treats that will undoubtedly be pouring into break rooms and offices throughout the month, there are three specific local events and locations we’d like to highlight. Each is a unique way to try something delicious and new this month. So, make plans with your friends and family to scope out these local treats and…try not to drool as you check out our three top picks:

  1. The Annex Kitchen Lunch Service

The Annex Kitchen located on West Shaw next to Pardini’s in the former Pardini’s Café is one of Fresno’s most popular restaurants. Their food has been lauded on FresYes in the past and has even been recognized by Food Network’s Simon Majumdar, who called The Annex’s Sweet Corn Agnolotti the “best thing he ate in 2016”.

Chef Jimmy Pardini of The Annex Kitchen (Photo courtesy of The Annex Kitchen)

Typically only open for dinner, The Annex is hosting a special lunch service meal this Saturday (December 8th) starting at 11am, featuring “a selection of house made sandwiches made on wood-fired bread”. For full menu details, The Annex’s Instagram account recommends subscribing to their email list, as recipients will be the first to receive the special menu info. Reservations will not be accepted for this event, so plan accordingly. My guess is The Annex will redefine all that a “sandwich” can be in the best of ways.

This intriguing photo was posted along with the lunch service announcement on The Annex’s Instagram account

  1. Nikkei Ramen’s Pop Up Ramen Dinner in Tower

Nikkei Ramen is becoming known locally for preparing exceptionally tasty, homemade ramen dishes along with flavorful and fresh accompaniments like Spicy Tuna Tartare and Hawaiian Sliders. They will be hosting a special pop-up, three course meal on Saturday, December 15th from 6-10pm at the former Zen Wok Fusion location at 609 E. Olive Ave. in the Tower District. The menu will feature Spicy Tuna Tartare with Cucumber-Mango Relish and Wonton Chips for an appetizer, Tonkotsu Ramen with homemade ramen noodles, pork belly, nori, egg, and shiitake mushrooms for the main course and finish with French Macarons with four different flavors and fillings for dessert.

Nikkei Ramen’s Spicy Tuna Tartare with Cucumber-Mango Relish and Wonton Chips

Nikkei Ramen’s Tonkotsu Ramen (images courtesy of Nikkei Ramen)

The cost per person is $25 (drinks are purchased separately) and it’s first come, first served so be sure to arrive on time. Nikkei requests that interested guests RSVP on their Facebook invite so they can have an idea of how much food to prepare. Also, there are plans to hold monthly pop-ups going forward, so if you can’t make this event, be sure to follow them on social media so you can catch the next one.

  1. Baskin Robbins New Generation “Moments” Store

Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of specialty ice cream shops, unveiled its first “Moments” concept store design last week, right here in Fresno, California at Herndon and Milburn. The store concept will begin rolling out nationally in 2019.

The storefront of the new Baskin-Robbins on Herndon and Milburn in NW Fresno

The new store concept is designed to bring guests “great flavors and memorable moments”. The new store will offer a new and modernized atmosphere and new frozen treats to enjoy called “ice cream novelties” featuring premium, hand-dipped and snackable frozen treats to give guests more variety when choosing a dessert. The novelties menu includes chocolate-dipped bananas, Polar Pizza slices, Ice Cream Bars, Smoothie Bars and hand-dipped fancy waffle cones. An expanded toppings station will also offer variety and options for customization when choosing a treat.

New Baskin-Robbins novelties offerings

And, like many ice cream shops, Baskin Robbins knows people love a great backdrop for “the ‘Gram’” (Instagram) and they are delivering with a great mural featuring local landmarks and forest campsites and local parks.

A sneak peak at the interior and mural in the new Baskin-Robbins store

 

Happy eating Fresnans!

Lydia and Pearl Market lets you shop local for a great cause

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This time of year, there is no shortage of holiday boutiques and craft fairs to shop if you enjoy purchasing handmade and local gifts. However, one specific event, The Lydia and Pearl Market, taking place on Saturday, Dec. 8, is particularly special.

The event allows local business women to participate in a market that will raise funds and support for one of the most underserved populations in our Valley—foster youth.

I interviewed event co-founder Mallory Mueller, and the founder of the non-profit benefiting from the event to learn more about the market, what shoppers can expect, and the organization you’ll be supporting when you shop.

FresYes: What is the Lydia and Pearl Market all about and what are the goals of the event?

Mallory Mueller: Co-founder Melissa Danisi and I wanted to create a space for women in our community to have the opportunity to sell their goods for a purpose. Our desire is not just to host a fun event for people to come and shop, eat some great food, and go home.

There are other markets, boutiques, and craft fairs out there who put on amazing and successful events, however, our market is different in that we do not keep any of the profits raised from this event. The fees vendors pay for their space, ticket sales, and raffle ticket sales are all given to the local non-profit that we choose to support. This is our fourth year holding the event and this year the organization we’ve chosen to support is City Without Orphans. This market is very mission-minded.

FY: What is City Without Orphans all about?

Whitney Bunker, Founder, City Without Orphans: City Without Orphans (CWO) was created out of a vision to see our city become known for caring for our most vulnerable children and youth. We believe that every child deserves a place to call home, and that everyone can do something to support a foster youth or families who foster or adopt. Our four main areas of focus are:

  1. Awareness about the needs of kids in foster care and the stories from our community. We share through video, social media, and a traveling awareness exhibit called Stories Untold; Every Number Has A Name.
  2. Education. We do live workshops and video teachings to educate families considering foster care or adoption.
  3. Support. We support families after they bring children and youth into their homes. We offer free babysitting nights for foster and adoptive families and parent training courses on trauma and attachment.
  4. Mobilization. We always say it’s not if you are called, but how. We mobilize community to serve foster and adoptive families and foster youth in a variety of ways. We hear tangible needs from social workers and agencies and we relay them back to churches and businesses. This could be for duffel bags or personal care items for youth in foster care, or helping make connections for greater support for foster parents.

FY: What are your goals for this event in relation to City Without Orphans?

MM: To raise both money and awareness for the organization. They are working on a project (which I will let Whitney share about) and we want to help bring them closer to the financial goal for that project. We want people to learn about CWO and be educated on what is happening in our city when it comes to orphan care. We also want women to connect with one another; encourage one another in what they do and their skills. This is not a competition, this is a community and we are better together!

WB: This boutique fundraiser will help CWO create an online dashboard called “Fostering Connections”—think Craigslist especially made for the population we serve to be able to post needs and services that the community can provide or meet. We are working on it as we speak and are excited to hopefully get fully funded and launch in early 2019.

FY: What are the specific time and location details for the event?

MM: Our event is at The Well Community Church on Maple  and Nees ( 2044 E. Nees Ave. Fresno 93720) on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee that is donated to CWO. Kids 10  and under are free. You can buy your tickets early here!

FY: Tell me a bit about the awesome vendors you have lined up for the Lydia and Pearl Market. Can additional vendors still take part?

MM: We have over 30 amazing vendors joining us! (Scroll to the bottom of this interview to see the full list.) We will also have food vendors including Wafflicious, Quesadilla Gorilla, and Humble Hustle Barista. We have very few vendor spaces remaining. Interested parties should email lydiaandpearl@gmail.com.

Lydia and Pearl Market

Nosh on a delicious liege waffle while you shop the Lydia and Pearl Market!

FY: Anything else you’d like readers to know? If they can’t attend, but would like to help CWO, what’s the best way to get involved?

MM: Last year we raised roughly $3,500 for City Without Orphans. We would love to see the community come together and help double that!

WB: We are looking to have volunteers who can help us in a variety of ways, whether it’s helping out with events, office work or child care for our babysitting nights. You can contact CWO’s Program Coordinator Kyra Zimmerman at Kyra@citywithoutorphans.com. Thank you!

…

Here’s just a small sampling of the hundreds of awesome wares that will be available at the Lydia and Pearl Market:

Lydia and Pearl Market

Lydia and Pearl Market

Lydia and Pearl Market

Lydia and Pearl Market Confirmed Vendor List

The 395 Collective – Quality leather goods
Basilwood Farm – Goat farm/Makers of goat milk soap
Woods By Woods – Handcrafted home decor
Bright Waters – Modern stationary
Hope Ink – Hand lettered art
Deckeratedot/sis&oil – Hand lettered home decor/Essential oil goods
Dorina Gilmore books & Gigi’s Creations – Author
Erica Tullis/Noonday Collection – Ethical fashion
E’Claire Makery – Crochet goods
Cavelle Kids – Baby + kids goods
The Sweetbugoboo Shop – Headbands, fiber art, jewelry
Habitual Threads – Jewelry
Jill Brazeal – Homespun goods
Raphio Chocolate – Artisan craft chocolate
The Joyful Nest – Hand painted art
Son-Light Society – Custom apparel
Jen Bell art+calligraphy – canvas art and calligraphy items
Legacy of Love Creations – Bible journaling
Ciconia Gift Company – Handmade candles, home space, and gift box goods
Debbi Tovsrud – Salted caramels
Anchors Aweigh Designs/Sip & Shine – Handmade clothing, accessories for kids, handmade drinkware
Pressed Rose Jewelry Co. – Jewelry
Trades of Hope – Ethical fashion
Flora Flower Cart – Mobile flower shop
Common Good Company – Handmade candles
Lynette Johnson Photography – Photography
Against The Grain – Hand lettered wood signs
Art By Addi – Watercolor and calligraphy
The Haitian Bead Project – Handmade bead jewelry and art by Haitians (part of HaitiGO)
Agape International Ministries (AIM) – Committed to ending sex trafficking in Cambodia
Lanna Foundation – Handmade goods from the women of hill tribes in Thailand

 

Locally owned Brix + Barrel makes buying small-batch Central CA wines easy

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Here at FresYes, we love celebrating the birth of new, locally owned businesses that have something new and unique to offer. This week, just in time for the holiday season, we bring you the story behind Brix + Barrel, a brand-new online wine company designed to connect high quality, small-batch wineries with consumers looking to purchase exceptional wines.

Read on to learn more about why you may want to set aside some of your holiday gift budget for shopping Brix + Barrel.

Brix + Barrel

Meet Trevor Clinard, owner of Brix + Barrel. You’ll like him, as he’s going to help you get your hands on some amazing wines!

FresYes: Trevor, tell us a little about yourself and your experience in the wine industry.

Trevor Clinard: I grew up in Orange County and went to school at Cal Poly SLO where I studied business and finance—but deep down, I’ve always had an entrepreneur’s spirit. After a career in finance and working in the business world in Southern California, our family made an effort to slow down our pace of life, and moved to the Central Valley.

I accepted a position as supply chain manager of the seventh largest winery in California, O’Neill Vintners and Distillers. For years, I was able to learn about the wine industry on the job, as well as in the classroom, graduating from UC Davis’s Wine Executive Program in 2017.

Most don’t know what a supply chain manager is (and that is a healthy thing). However, for those who are curious, I worked with every department in the company, and alongside vendors, to create computer models and systems to predict how much wine you (the consumer) will buy—and how we can deliver it to you right when you want it. I dreamt in Excel formulas and the position gave me an amazing vantage point.

I was able to see how diverse the wine industry was: on one side you have a boutique winery making 1,800 cases of wine and selling it through a small tasting room, and on the other side you have bulk wineries that produce 20 million cases of wine and sell it through an army of sales professionals and distributors.

Years later, my vantage point married my curiosity and I launched Brix + Barrel—an online wine shop designed to help you uncover emerging wineries you just can’t find at the grocery store

Tell me about Brix + Barrel. What sets your business apart from others?

There is a natural bottleneck in the wine industry. Over the past few years the population of wine distributors has shrunk, and the population of wineries has exploded. This means today’s distributor is forced to focus on larger wineries with plenty of inventory, pushing the small-batch, craft wineries out of the standard distribution game and away from the consumer.

I started Brix + Barrel to help connect the high-quality emerging wineries of California to consumers. I source from wineries regardless of regions, focusing on the quality of wine and team that produces it, helping consumers discover wines they would not find just anywhere—with an easy online shopping experience we have all grown to expect in other products… except wine.

Though I started Brix + Barrel because I saw an opportunity, I made it for those who believe this world can be hectic. There are bills, hard deadlines, crazy carpools, tough tragedies, and long nights.

But I believe that, if you can find time to pop a cork, turn it all off, and look across the table, you might realize how great all the little things are.

Any night can be made special with a wonderful wine and some good company!

If someone is relatively new to drinking and learning about wine, what wines would you recommend they try first from your offerings?

Oh, great question. If you are a red wine fan, start with the Robert Hall Syrah and The Fableist Zinfandel. They are two different types of red wines, but great examples made by great teams.

If you enjoy white wines, kick it off with The Fableist Chardonnay and the Slacker “Pink” Rosé.

My two personal favorite wines are Desparada Suitor Italian Red Blend and the Robert Hall Cavern Select Grenache. These are bold reds that are perfect for turning a random Tuesday into a special occasion.

Really, I would recommend trying anything from the site. Everyone has their own favorites, and each Brix + Barrel purchase is guaranteed. If you don’t like a bottle, we simply refund you and help find something else you might enjoy more.

Brix + Barrel

Brix + Barrel guarantees you’ll like their wines – if you don’t like something you order, you can choose something else at no cost!

With the holidays coming up, do you have any gift sets or specials perfect for giving or receiving this season?

Any of our wine can be customized with a personal message and premium packaging, making it a great gift for someone next door or across the state. For Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, we are offering FREE SHIPPING on all purchases—no discount code necessary.

If you own a business and would like to send wine as a gift to vendors, clients, or potential clients, we would love to work directly with you to add personal messages and branding to our premium packaging. I would love it if, as a culture, we sent fewer fruit baskets and more wine this year.

Our latest rollout is Brix Fix. I’m going to leave you hanging with that surprise, but if you sign up to our email list and follow us on social, I promise you will be in the loop!

Brix + Barrel

Brix + Barrel will offer free shipping on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday

Anything else you’d like readers to know?

We might be online, but we are a local, Central Valley business. Our office is at the Bitwise Hive in Downtown Fresno, most of our work days are fueled by Hi-Top Coffee or Kuppa Joy, and we love to connect with the local community. If you have any questions, don’t know what to buy, or have any special occasions you might need wine for, reach out to us directly at heyguys@brixandbarrel.com. We might be able to chat about it over a glass of wine!

Brix + Barrel

Trevor and his family live right here in the Valley, and look forward to providing you with fantastic wine.

Jingle Jam in the Park will get your family in the holiday spirit

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It can be tricky to get into the holiday spirit when Thanksgiving is still ahead of us, and up until the past week or so, flip-flops were still our weekend shoe of choice. However, if you have kids, odds are they’re already stalking the holiday toy catalogues, asking you about Santa’s list, and counting down the days until Winter Break.

If you want to support their enthusiasm and witness a little winter wonderland magic for yourself, Sierra Vista Mall’s Jingle Jam in the Park event is offering your family the perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit. 

Jingle Jam

Sierra Vista’s Jingle Jam in the Park is happening THIS Friday from 6-8 p.m.! (Image via Sierra Vista Mall)

Your favorite Christmas activities all in one place

This Friday, Nov. 16, from 6-8 p.m., the Sierra Vista Mall community park (located in front of the movie theater) will be bustling with Christmas activity in celebration of Santa’s arrival. As Santa makes his grand entrance, Fresno and Clovis residents will get to experience a snow show right here in the valley!

Following the show, there will be horse-drawn carriage rides, Christmas crafts, and a tree-lighting ceremony. Plus, all those who are ready to bust a move will get to dance the evening away during a big, park-wide holiday dance party.

This entire event is completely free, including the horse-drawn carriage rides, and is being put on by Sierra Vista Mall for the community to enjoy. Sierra Vista Mall is located at 1050 Shaw Ave. in Clovis.

Jingle Jam also a chance to give back

Want to enjoy the event and help your kids get into the spirit of giving? Sierra Vista Mall, Les Schwab Tires, and FOX26 are partnering for the 5th year in a row to host a big toy drive for children in need.

Bring a new, unwrapped toy to Jingle Jam and it will be wrapped and distributed December 22 at the Poverello House. The Poverello House partners with dozens of local service providers and charities to match the gifts to children’s needs and wishes, so you know every toy donated will bring a big smile to a little one’s face this holiday season.

Five things to learn in Fresno this month

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There are a growing number of awesome classes available to Fresnans with a wide variety of interests. From time to time, I do a round-up of unique offerings to help expand horizons and give a sampling of what’s out there to enjoy. Here is my November 2018 unique class offering round-up. I hope you find something that piques your interest!

1. How to Change a Tire

learn five things

Learn how to change your own tire at Au Automotive

If you found yourself stranded on the side of the road with a flat or blown-out tire, would you really know what to do? I know I do in theory—I watched my Dad walk me through it years ago—but if I’m being honest, I’d probably call my husband or Dad for help or use the towing assistance on my insurance rather than attempt it on my own. 

That being said, Au Auto Repair located at 3802 W. Ashcroft is offering a free class on how to maintain and change your own tires this Saturday, Nov. 10, from 9:30-11 a.m. Brilliant!

For more information and to register, click here.

2. Gratitude Focused Restorative Yoga

learn five things

Refocus after Thanksgiving with restorative yoga

Is the flurry of activity leading up to Thanksgiving and the commercialism of Black Friday a combination that stresses you out? Zen Den Studio located at 670 E. Bullard is happy to help you get your Zen back in a restorative yoga class taking place Friday, Nov. 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The class is free (with donations appreciated). The studio provides free restorative and healing services as a part of the Heal One World non-profit group. All proceeds help continue to provide classes and services to all who could benefit from them.

For additional information or to register, click here.

3. Create a Fall Wreath from Scratch

Would you like to make a beautiful wreath for your front door or to decorate your home with, using all-natural, beautiful, and locally sourced florals and branches? Glory Laurel from Whole Systems Ag and Floral will be teaching a class and providing you with all you need to make it happen on Friday, Nov. 16, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Root, located at 1424 Fulton Street in Downtown Fresno. Metered parking will be free at the time of the class, so feel free to park right in front.

To register for the $60 class, click here.

4. Make Your Own Macramé Plant Hanger

Macramé is definitely back, and house plants make for great décor and add oxygen to the home. You can learn how to knot your own macramé plant hanger and receive a plant pot and baby succulent when you take the class coming up this Thursday, Nov. 8, also at Root downtown. The class will be taught by Chris Mullins from Propagate. It will cost $48 and take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Once again, metered parking will be free as the class starts after 6 p.m.

Register here.

5. Get Certified in the Application of Lash Extensions

learn new things

Learn to professionally apply lash extensions at Nena Beauty Bar

This 5-hour course taught by a certified master lash trainer will be offered on Saturday, Nov. 24, from 12-5 p.m. at Nena Beauty Bar (private course location will be provided upon payment of tuition). The course includes all supplies, lifetime support, and certification that will allow you to earn income applying lash extensions independently. Tuition is $500 but includes everything you need to begin your new business, including marketing tips.

For more information or to register, click here.

A perfect fall day hike for the whole family

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Since our family first started going on day hikes, at this time of year the mountains start calling and I find myself searching for any weekend opportunity to answer. Living in Fresno affords us wonderful opportunities to travel to nearby hiking trails in not one but two national forests, Yosemite National Park, and—if you’re willing to drive a bit further—even beautiful coastal hikes like those in Los Osos and Morro Bay.

Last weekend the mountains called incessantly, so I opened up my trusty All Trails app (a free search tool for outdoor trails of all types) and started searching for kid-friendly, easy hiking trails under 7 miles and within an hour and a half of home. This is my typical search for when the whole family is going or there will be other kids joining us. I came across the Shaver Lake Trail, a two-mile-out-and-back trail suitable for all ages and leashed dogs. We packed our lunches and headed for the Sierra National Forest.

After visiting this trail, I feel it’s only fair I share it with you, as it was so enjoyable and offered a spectacular end point on the shore of the lake perfect for pictures and picnicking.

How to find Shaver Lake Trail

To get to the Shaver Lake Trail (which was just an hour and six minutes from our Fresno home), you’ll take the 41 freeway north to Friant Road, then take Friant north to Copper. At Copper turn right until Auberry Road, where you’ll make a left. Stay on Auberry Road into Shaver Lake (45-50 minutes of the drive) and then watch for Dinkey Creek Road, where you’ll turn right.

Follow Dinkey Creek to the Camp Chawanakee entrance and turn into it. You’ll be headed down a dirt road (well traveled and my Prius handled it with no issue) and watching for a metal gate on your right. Park in the small dirt area directly across from the gate. (For Google Map directions to the GPS coordinate of the trail head, click here.)

Tip: If you or little ones in your party need a restroom stop before you begin your hike, there are public restrooms in Shaver on the left-hand side of the road before you turn onto Dinkey Creek Road. Take advantage, as there aren’t other restrooms that we saw after that.

fall day hike

My husband kindly demonstrates where to park near the gate, which is seen on the right.

fall day hike

The trail is nice and wide as it starts

fall day hike

And it winds through the forest until it takes you to the shore of Shaver Lake

To begin your hike, start at the middle gate and follow the wide path, passing big piles of cut logs. You’ll see a few signs for other trails, but don’t veer off, just stay on the widest path. On your way to the lake, you’ll be heading gradually downhill. The path will weave through the woods a bit, and after approximately one mile, you’ll see Shaver Lake through the trees.

As you proceed just a bit further, you’ll also start seeing smaller paths from the main one leading to the shore. We passed a couple of steep paths and went down the third, which was easy to walk down, and enjoyed our lunch on the shore of the lake sitting on rocks. You’ll see a teepee made of branches on the shore and rocks, and you’ll enjoy a great view of the back of Shaver Lake. If you go when the weather is warm, you may want to take a swim or play in the water.

fall day hike

The view of the lake is peaceful and the shore calm and uncrowded

fall day hike

There are some great rocks for climbing on

fall day hike

And a neat teepee made of branches is set up on the sand

fall day hike

You can walk around the perimeter of the lake on the sand

The majority of the trail is at least partially shaded, though there are a few short stretches in full sun, which you notice more on the way back to your car, as you’re walking uphill. The incline isn’t intense by any means, but it is noticeable.

On our recent trip, we didn’t see a lot of wildlife, though we did see a wolf/hearty coyote(?) running in the distance from our car driving to the trail, and a number of very large birds flying into the trees near the lake. Oh, and a squirrel. We saw a squirrel which our son pointed out very excitedly (as though we don’t see them eating anything edible that dares grow in our yard on a daily basis).

If you’re looking for an easy, shorter hike that offers a big payoff in the way of lake views, the Shaver Lake Trail is sure to please. Carve out half a day soon, and head on up the mountain while the leaves are changing and before the weather gets cold. You won’t regret it!

fall day hike

My husband and kiddo, discussing erosion, plateaus, and how mountains form. Fun outdoor talks!

Ghost Golf offers ghoulish fun in Fresno

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Janice and Daryn Coleman recently relocated from the Bay Area to Fresno, calling the city their home in May of this year. They survived their first Fresno summer but, more importantly, they got to work bringing their business vision to reality.

Daryn recalls always enjoying haunted houses and decorating for Halloween, but he also suffered from let down. After putting in extensive work decorating his home for Halloween each year, he’d then have to take everything down and wait a full year to enjoy it again. That was, until an idea came to him. He decided to combine the joy he got from Halloween with the fun of indoor miniature golf—and Ghost Golf was born.

Ghost Golf

This guy is new to Fresno and clearly needs to enjoy some of the delicious local food.

18 holes of creepy fun

For several years, Ghost Golf had operated in Concord, CA, and it grew a loyal fanbase. So loyal, in fact, that a petition was started to keep the business operating when its lease was up and Dunkin’ Donuts wanted to move in. However, a more affordable cost of living in Fresno attracted the Colemans to the area, and now their business is officially up and running in a great Central Fresno location. You can find Ghost Golf in the former No Surrender building on Blackstone and Barstow, a few doors down from Whitie’s Pets.

The Colemans have created their spooky miniature course from the ground up, creatively using the square footage of the room to fit a full 18-hole miniature golf course, a zombie shooting gallery, a party area, and an arcade into a moderately-sized building. Animatronic ghosts, spiders, mummies, and other ghouls are triggered by motion and spring to life to entertain golfers throughout the course.

Ghost Golf

You can take this guy out with a laser gun if he gets on your nerves in the Zombie Shooting Gallery

Ghost Golf

Beware: someone may pop out of here…

While the theme is definitely scary, it’s not such a scary experience that children can’t enjoy it. Unlike haunted attractions that feature costumed monsters and characters popping out for jump scares, Ghost Golf allows guests to maintain control over their proximity to and interaction with the scarier parts of the experience. Our 11-year-old son was at first apprehensive (simply from not knowing what to expect) but immediately acclimated and found the experience to be fun, unique, and not overly scary.

Ghost Golf is not just child’s play

Ghost Golf is clearly a labor of love, and the Colemans are constantly adding to the course and effects as they find new ways to enhance the experience. The course itself is actually pretty challenging—in fact, on many holes you really have to be quite skilled to make it in the hole on par. But, the challenge makes it more enjoyable for older kids and adults. The cost to play at Ghost Golf includes not just golfing, but also zombie shooting, arcade games, and air hockey, all for a flat price of $13 for two hours.

The course at Ghost Golf is not mere child’s play! Challenges abound.

Ghost Golf

Though my son was unsuccessful in hitting a hole-in-one on the final hole, his Dad had better luck and won a ghost-y prize

Where to find Ghost Golf

Ghost Golf is located at 5179 N. Blackstone Ave. in Fresno. It is officially open to the public and will be a year-round attraction, open seven days a week, typically from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

You can follow Ghost Golf on Facebook to keep up with what’s new, promotions, and current hours.