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The Revue celebrates one-year anniversary with new mural

August 22, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

Locally owned and operated coffee house, The Revue, located at 620 E. Olive in the heart of Fresno’s Tower District, will be celebrating its one-year anniversary this Saturday, Aug. 25, with a special celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

I caught up with one of their awesome owners, Bryan Feil, to learn more about the event and what’s new at Revue. A lot has changed in just a year!

FresYes: Tell us what you love about your location and about having been a part of the Tower community for the last year.

The Revue: We honestly just love engaging and connecting with our community through coffee and delicious products. Having the ability to offer products that are locally sourced and thoughtfully prepared is what gets us excited.

When you opened, you offered something no other local coffeehouse could—Ampersand ice cream! Since then, you’ve added new and unique offerings to your menu. Tell us about what’s new.

We have seasonal menu changes which bring about great excitement, from our soda offerings to house-made syrups or the crowd favorite, our Horchatte (a cinnamon-infused horchata-inspired latte). It’s been fun to keep people fueled with products that are unique to the Central Valley.

It seems like your back room has been hopping with cool, community events lately! Tell us a little about that.

Our desire to connect the community through beverages is exciting but, just as much, are the events that bring everyone together. We do Vendor Fairs every two months which showcase craft makers from around the valley.

We have partnered with Tower Yoga to do a Sunday Yoga Reads session and incredible weekly yoga events that bring health and connectivity together. We also offer kombucha workshops, coffee cuppings, open mic nights (every Monday night), and other regular music events.

It’s also been an event space community members can rent for their own events, which is another neat community engagement opportunity for us.

Cozy interior invites you to pull up a seat

The Revue’s back room is home to yoga, music, and more!

You guys recently commissioned an awesome mural for the side of your building, can you tell us more about it?

It was created by two incredible artists, Quinn Bowman and Julia Woli Scott, who have really pulled out all the stops to put together this 90-foot, five panel mural that is incredible, beautiful, and unique. We are doing a celebration of this on Aug. 25 as well.

What else would you like readers to know about your upcoming event or The Revue in general?

Come on the 25th ready to celebrate our community and great beverages, and enjoy a unique, one-time opportunity to enjoy a “steal the glass” nitro float drink. We are so thankful for our city and the Tower for allowing us to serve this year, and hope to continue bringing our best daily. If you haven’t had the opportunity to come down, please come and visit with us and the community this Saturday, it will be fun!

Come see The Revue’s wall mural at their anniversary party this weekend!

Basilwood Farm now offering tasty bites, cheese-making classes and more!

August 8, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

Basilwood Farm, located just above Fresno in the hills of Prather, CA, is a family-owned and -operated goat farm known for its nourishing skincare products. This fantastic farm is no stranger to FresYes readers—we’ve happily introduced you to it previously. However, with so many new things happening, I felt it was time we circled back to Basilwood!

I spoke with owner Jill Spruance about all the exciting new experiences, products, and people involved with Basilwood’s continued expansion. Read on!

Basilwood Farm is family owned and operated.

FresYes: Basilwood Farm has expanded to offer so many new experiences for customers and guests! Can you tell me a bit about what’s new?

Jill Spruance: The latest “new thing” in Basilwood is the introduction of Kenzie’s Kitchen! Are we crazy?!? YES! We went through the process of becoming a cottage kitchen this year so that we could offer goodies to customers who wanted to linger out at the farm tables while doing some goat gazing. So Jannine Fitzgerald, (formerly of Firehouse Cookies), came on board as our very own Basilwood baker! Jannine joined the team in stride as though she had been here since day one, and we are blessed by her every single day… Oh, and the kitchen smells ahhhhmazing!

Your body care product list also continues to grow. What products are your bestsellers, and what are your newest favorites? Is there anything you’re working on you’d like people to look forward to?

Our goat’s milk soap was our first product and continues to be our bestseller. We have added quite a few products to our line-up since we began. A couple of my current favorites are All-Natural Deodorant and Palm Balm. Palm Balm is so new that it’s not even online yet. As far as new things, keep your eyes open as we approach the fall (wink, wink).

This goat’s milk deodorant is a newer product of Basilwood

Basilwood Farm has made a name for itself with exceptional skincare products made from goat’s milk

The upcoming cheese class really caught my interest. What should people know about it?

Our “Cheese, Please!” Workshop is probably one of the most popular events here in Basilwood! It is a three-hour demo workshop where Shelby (the cheese chick) shows you how you can make chevre, mozzarella, and ricotta cheeses from goat’s milk while guests enjoy cheese-y snacks, good conversation, a tour of the farm and soap room, meet-n-greet with the goats, and shopping at The Farm Store. A lot of people don’t realize they can either sign up online OR they can book their own private class if they have a group of eight or more. We have hosted bachelorette parties, family get-togethers, team-building events and work retreats. Every single group brings its own flair and personality to the mix, and we enjoy getting to make new friends.

Your farm is located up and away from the stress of the city, yet currently, so many wildfires are burning. Has your farm or activities been affected?

Every fire season has us on alert up here in the foothills. The current fires are located far enough away from us so as to not pose an imminent threat, but the smoke has definitely kept us inside far more than normal.

So, I have to ask, at the risk of creating a stir: do you have a favorite goat?

Every single one of our goats is a favorite in a different sort of way. Each one’s personality is very distinct. If I had to pick a favorite, though, it would have to be Jasmine. We almost lost her last year due to a very difficult delivery, but the sound of her babies’ chatter kept her going. I was sure on several occasions that she was gone, but she just kept springing back to make sure she was there for those kids. She is by far the most attentive and nurturing of all of the girls, and also keeps her herd in line. She’s a GREAT mom. Even if one of the goats is getting a little too pushy with me, she will get between us and head butt the offender. She’s awesome!

Try to say no to this cute little goat! I dare you.

That’s amazing! Anything else you’d like FresYes readers to know about Basilwood Farm?

We think we have the most incredible customer/friends and local community on the planet! Our Fall Bash is coming up Saturday, Sept. 1, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.. Our fall soaps will be back with a few new ones in the mix! If you haven’t been up to the farm yet, that would be a great time to visit.

…

Basilwood Farm is located at 15759 Morgan Canyon Road in Prather, CA, and can be reached by phone at (559) 332-3276. The farm is open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and by appointment for private classes and field trips.

For more information about products and upcoming events, please visit the Basilwood Farm website, or give them a follow on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Hey. Come visit me at Basilwood Farm. You know you want to!

All images used with permission, and property of Mariano Friginal Photography.

5 things to learn in Fresno this August

August 1, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

Fresno event planners, artisans, and educators are continually working hard to provide awesome new opportunities for fellow Fresnans to gain new skills, meet new people, and create something special.

Periodically, as new opportunities hit calendars, I will roundup some of the most exciting, new class and workshops available and share them with you here.

Check out my August class highlights below, and let me know in the comments what you try—I’d love to hear about your experiences!

1. Learn to repair your own clothing along with the art of sewing

The Holistic Cultural and Education Wellness Center is a Fresno-based non-profit that offers free community classes year-round. Their new Mending class will begin this evening, Wednesday, Aug. 1 at 6 p.m., and take place on the first Wednesday of each month going forward. Participants will learn to mend, create, modify, and upcycle apparel. The Holistic Center is located at 4867 E. Kings Canyon Road. Please call (559) 255-8395 to reserve your space in the class.

2. Help youth prepare for adulthood and successful job-hunting

Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU) will be hosting a special event where junior high and high school students can learn how to prepare for future job interviews through hands-on activities and games while parents participate in a workshop, “My Kiddo is Growing Up, Now What?” This event will provide specific guidance for youth and young adults on dressing for success for both job interviews and work. To sign up or get more information, contact EPU at (559) 229-2000, extension 527 or email trainings@epuchildren.org.

3. Check out Mars and ask an astronomer your questions

Central Valley Astronomers offer Fresnans a very cool hands-on learning opportunity once a month when they set up telescopes and answer questions about the great beyond in River Park. The next River Park Astronomy Viewing event will take place Aug. 18 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Currently, Mars is closer to Earth than usual, which makes for an exceptional viewing experience. This experience is free and family-friendly. For more information and a list of all dates, visit the event page on Facebook here.

4. Learn Linux so you can control lasers

And other cool things! According to Root Access Hackerspace, “Linux is an operating system like Windows or MacOS, but it’s free and has endless ways to customize it. We use Linux in our hackerspace to control lasers, lights, 3D printers, and even arcades.” Root Access, which is located at 1476 N. Van Ness, will be offering an introduction to Linux and plenty of flash drives for those who’d like to give it a try tonight, Aug. 1, from 6-8 p.m. Root Access offers numerous tech and maker-based courses each month. To view their full schedule, check out of their Facebook event page here.

5. Learn a new type of dance

La Reve Dance Academy is a locally owned school of dance offering a wide variety of dance styles, including Jazz, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Mom & Me, and more. Try any class for free by simply signing up online for a free trial class. La Reve is located on Bullard and First at 5721 N. First Ave. Sign up for a free trial class here.

FresYes People to Know: Chef Shayna Telesmanic

July 27, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

If you love cooking and have lived in the Fresno area for a while, the name Shayna Telesmanic may ring a bell, and rightfully so. Shayna is the owner and director of Fresno’s Young Chefs Academy, where she has been teaching children and families how to cook through weekly classes, workshops, field trips, and community events since 2010. In that time, she has also established herself as “Chef Shayna,” a cooking authority in the Central Valley with a weekly segment on Fresno’s ABC30 and appearances on KSEE 24 and FOX 26.

I wanted to take the opportunity to better introduce you, our dear readers, to Chef Shayna, as she has so much knowledge and passion for food to share!

Meet Chef Shayna Telesmanic!

FresYes: I’ve seen you on the news doing cooking demonstrations and have heard of the Young Chefs Academy via friends and social media. How did you first get interested in cooking, and at what point did you realize it was meant to be your career?

Chef Shayna: I was exposed to the food world from a very early age. I grew up watching my Italian family in the kitchen. My grandfather was a chef and my uncle was a chef in an Italian restaurant that my mom owned and ran. I spent a lot of time there growing up. My family also spent a lot of time traveling abroad, so I was exposed to a wide variety of food from different cultures at a very early age as well.

Living alone in college, I began experimenting with food prep unsupervised for the first time. I also spent time abroad both in Italy and Thailand, and took cooking courses there.

Out of college, I pursued a career in fashion as a buyer but soon decided to change paths to seek a career that made a bigger impact. I have always been passionate about food and working with children. I saw (and still see) a big need to educate kids about where food comes from and how to prepare it, and to encourage them to try new foods and flavors.

Ultimately, I want to take the fear and mystery out of the food prep process and bring families together around the table. While I have spent most of the past eight years teaching kids, I do offer adult classes and workshops as well. I especially love helping and inspiring busy parents to prepare healthy meals for their families.

FY: What are your favorite types of dishes to make?

CS: Healthy yet delicious meals that look and taste more complex than they actually are to create, because we eat with our eyes first. I especially love putting together beautiful presentations of finger foods and light bites for gatherings and get togethers.

I tend to prepare a lot of Mediterranean food. I first started experimenting with cooking on my own in college because I wanted to learn how to make vegetables and healthy food taste good. That is still my goal.

FY: What other chefs or home cooks have had the biggest impact on you and how you think about food and cooking?

CS: I get a lot of inspiration from my family, time spent both in Italy and Croatia watching relatives spend hours on food prep and how much time, thought, and effort goes into creating a meal. From sourcing fresh goods daily at the local market to time spent in the kitchen prepping a dish with love, I’ve always found the process so romantic and magical.

The European way of celebrating food and mealtime and the way it brings people together on a level playing field is fascinating to me. They really know how to enjoy life, connect with others, and eat good food. I also grew up in the South, and the same holds true there.

FY: I know you’re passionate about helping others learn to cook. For those who are intimidated by cooking but looking to get started, what would you recommend do?

CS: Take classes with me at Young Chefs Academy. While we are primarily a cooking school for kiddos, I do offer adult classes for those that are “young at heart.” For the past five years I have been teaching meal prep workshops geared towards stocking your freezer with healthy food that can be prepared in the slow cooker. I am working to adapt that to include pressure cooker classes. I also offer private adult classes and have plans to expand my meal prep and cooking class offerings this fall.

If you can’t join me, start with learning knife skills. If you know how to properly sharpen and use a knife and master the basic cuts, that is a great foundation.

Knife skills come in handy so often in the kitchen, including when preparing fresh vegetables for roasting, like this tray Chef Shayna prepared

FY: Your new book, Food for You, is geared toward helping tweens and teens get involved in cooking and making good food choices for themselves and their bodies. A book on this topic, specifically targeting this age range, seems really unique! What made you decide to write for this audience?

CS: Food and food choices can be very confusing to both kids and adults. Being a teenager is an especially confusing time. My goal in writing the book is to create a simple and straightforward resource with information that is critically important to the health and well-being of this age group.

There is nothing revolutionary or controversial in this book, it is simply an aggregate of the information and best practices out there. It is not a revolutionary new diet or fad because I don’t think that is what the world needs right now. It is just important information, simply stated, in a fun and engaging manner to help teens navigate this time of their lives with some guidance on food and tips for creating a healthy relationship with food.

Chef Shayna shows copies of her new book, “Food for You”

FY: Where can we pick up a copy of your book and connect with you to learn more about cooking?

CS: The book is for sale at Amazon.com and Barnes & Nobles, and copies are available at Young Chefs Academy. I am planning a book launch party and book signing on Friday, Aug. 24. Everyone is welcome to attend. We will have hands-on cooking demos, free food, and fun!

FY: Anything else you’d like FresYes readers to know?

CS: I truly love being a part of the Fresno community. I have had the pleasure to call Fresno home for 10 years now. I love seeing and being part of the positive growth. We have a thriving and growing food community with so much potential. After all, so much of the world’s food supply is grown in the Valley—I want to continue to showcase this for the world to see.

…

Readers can find more information at www.ChefShayna.com as well as register for meal prep and adult classes. Chef Shayna loves to connect with the community on Instagram and Facebook and she shares “recipes for living your best life” with weekly recipes/food tips, inspirational thoughts for other entrepreneurs, community events, tips for navigating motherhood, and travel ideas.

For kids’ cooking classes at Young Chefs Academy, you can find more information at www.YoungChefsAcademy.com/Fresno and on Instagram or call (559) 433-6698.

(All images courtesy and property of Chef Shayna Telesmanic)

Tower District’s Hi-Top launches line of branded coffee

July 19, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

This month, Hi-Top Coffee in the Tower District officially began selling its own line of coffee featuring beans from Colombia, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Peru—roasted right here in Fresno. According to Hi-Top’s owners, “The coffee beans have been picked, processed, and shipped from around the world during optimal times, as the seasonality of the product is taken into thoughtful consideration, and the beans are roasted for peak freshness and flavor.”

[Read my post on Hi-Top’s grand opening here.]

Aaron Bagato, co-founder, presents new, locally roasted Hi-Top coffee for purchase

Hi-Top Coffee’s roasting procedures “highlight the complexity of each region, for optimal natural sweetness.” These coffees will be especially intriguing to coffee connoisseurs, as the flavors will expand beyond typical roast varieties like light, medium, and dark, offering more nuances in flavor. However, they will also aim to be approachable and enjoyable for all coffee drinkers.

Each Hi-Top Coffee package presents tasting notes

“The way in which we roast the beans is for optimal enjoyment, and the result is coffee that is juicy, bright, and exciting,” says Aaron Bagato, co-owner at Hi-Top Coffee. Just eight months after opening Hi-Top, the team, including Bagato and co-owners Spencer and Karsyn Suvanto, began the local roasting process behind the scenes, and are now proud to bring the final product to market.

Familiar artwork on packaging

Hi-Top Coffee is packaged in compostable bags, and the familiar artwork on the packaging (like that seen adorning the walls of the Hi-Top shop) was designed by local artist Quinn Bowman with help from shop employee Lexie Fabbian.

Hi-Top Coffee is now available for purchase

“This is an important milestone for me personally, as well as for everyone in our shop,” says Bagato, whose work experience includes several specialty coffee establishments both locally and abroad. “This is something we’ve been working towards for a while, and it’s fun for us to be bringing our take on the current coffee scene to the Central Valley.”

The roasted beans are sold in 10 oz bags and range in price from $13 to $17. The coffee can be purchased in the shop at 1306 N. Wishon Ave. in the Tower District, or online. Wholesale purchases are also available. For more information, visit www.hi-topcoffee.com.

All images courtesy Hi-Top Coffee

Chill out with the animals this Saturday at the Cool Zoo event

July 11, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a popular place to hang out year round, but recently it’s become even more enjoyable to visit during the hotter months of the year. With the recent addition of the Wilderness Falls water-play area, industrial-size fans in some areas of the African Adventure viewing area, and tons of shade over the Kopje Lodge dining area, summer time makes for just as good a time as any to visit the zoo with your own wild pack.

This Saturday, July 14, is a particularly fun day to visit the Chaffee Zoo as it’s “Cool Zoo” day! Cool Zoo is an annual event in which animals such as lions, rhinos, and orangutans enjoy a variety of icy treats (thanks to a donation from Arctic Glacier) and opportunities to cool off.

Warthogs work as a team to move a big block of ice during a past Cool Zoo event (image via Fresno Chaffee Zoo)

An orangutan carries his treasured ice through the vines (image via Fresno Chaffee Zoo)

Cool Zoo brings out the animals’ playful sides

What’s really neat about Cool Zoo is that many animals that might not be as active midday in the summer will be actively playing and interacting with the ice and each other, and that makes for a very fun guest experience. “We look forward to this event every year,” says Amber Talley, lead zookeeper of enrichment. “Although enrichment is something that we provide our animals with every day, we really enjoy being able to use this annual event to educate our guests about the care that the animals receive. It’s also really fun to watch them enjoy some ice-themed treats!”

Here is the 2018 Cool Zoo schedule:

10 a.m. – Orangutan/Siamang
10:30 a.m. – Babirusa
11 a.m. – Sea Lion Cove
11:30 a.m. – Meerkat
12 p.m. – Lion
12:30 p.m. – Greater One-horned Rhino
1 p.m. – Galapagos Tortoise
1:30 p.m. – Condor
2 p.m. – Australian Aviary
2:30 p.m. – Tiger

A Malayan tiger enjoys a tasty, flavored ice treat

Event details

Cool Zoo is free with paid zoo admission. Admission is $7.95 for children and seniors, $12.95 for adults. Special combo ticketing is available for an additional $4. Combo tickets provide guests with admission to Stingray Bay (where guests can interact with stingrays) and one giraffe feeding.

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is located at 894 W. Belmont Ave. in Fresno and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Check out some past FresYes articles about other things to enjoy at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo:

Wilderness Falls Opens

Breakfast with the Animals (an annual event)

Behind the Scenes: Baby Animals

Kangaroo Walk-a-bout

African Adventure Expansion

Tickets going on sale for Craft Brew Fest + Wine Festival at The Big Fresno Fair

July 5, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

Though summer is just beginning to bear down on us, many Fresnans are likely already looking forward to the start of one of our city’s favorite events—The Big Fresno Fair. Those working feverishly behind the scenes to ensure this year’s Fair continues to thrill and delight guests are excitedly preparing for the event as well, and they’ve shared with us some exciting news.

The Big Fresno Fair has announced not only the return of last year’s popular Craft Brew Fest, but the addition of the new Fall Wine Festival. Both events will serve as fundraisers for the Fair’s non-profit foundation, Friends of The Big Fresno Fair, in support of the Fair’s award-winning Fresno County Historical Museum. What’s really special and fun about both of these events (beyond the awesome local craft beer and wine selections) is that they take place inside the race track during live horse racing, providing attendees a unique view of the races while enjoying their beverages.

“As a Fair, it is our mission to provide entertainment options for everyone,” says Lauri King, Deputy Manager II, The Big Fresno Fair. “With the addition of the Craft Brew Fest last year, we catered to the wide array of craft beer enthusiasts in our area. We are excited to expand this event to give our wine enthusiasts something new and different to enjoy at the Fair—all while giving back to the community by supporting our Fresno County Historical Museum.”

Guests enjoying craft beer at last year’s Craft Brew Fest (Image via The Big Fresno Fair)

More than 30 craft breweries will offer tastings at this year’s event (Image via The Big Fresno Fair)

Craft Beer Fest offers chance to sample from 30 craft breweries

This year’s Craft Brew Fest will highlight over 30 craft breweries from throughout California and the nation, along with food trucks, music, and lawn games. New this year, the Fair has partnered with the Dawg Pound Cornhole League to hold a cornhole tournament. Attendees can register in advance here, as space is limited. The cost to compete is $15.

The event will also feature betting stations for the horse races, and screens will be added this year so wagerers can see the odds before placing their bets. The Craft Brew Fest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 2-5 p.m.

Fall Wine Festival features California wineries

Given the success of the Craft Brew Fest in 2017, the Fair decided to move forward with its idea of holding a wine festival, as well. The Fall Wine Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13, also inside the race track. Like the Craft Beer Fest, it will feature betting stations, music, and food trucks. The event will also include olive oil tasting from the Fair’s San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition gold medal winners, art and luxury car displays, and shopping boutiques to create a unique experience for attendees.

The Fair has partnered with the San Joaquin Valley Wine Growers Association to bring in more than 30 wineries from the San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast for attendees to sample, enjoy, and learn more about.

Tickets go on sale in July

Ticket prices for these two events are $50 (per event) for an all-inclusive ticket (includes event, fair admission, VIP Parking); $35 for event-only ticket; and $25 for designated driver ticket. Tickets will be sold at the gate for $60, so you can save by purchasing in advance.

Tickets will go on sale exclusively to Big Fair Fan Club (the Fair’s free email newsletter) members first, on Tuesday, July 10, at 9 a.m. until Sunday, July 15, at 11:59 p.m. During this time, every ticket purchaser will be entered to win a $100 betting voucher. A winner will be selected from both Craft Brew Fest and Fall Wine Festival ticket purchasers. You can easily become a part of the Big Fair Fan Club and gain early ticket access by signing up here.

Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday, July 16, at 9 a.m. A limited number of tickets will be sold to both events.

For more details on the Craft Brew Fest, please visit: http://bit.ly/BFFCraftBrew

For more details on the Fall Wine Festival, please visit: http://bit.ly/FallWineFestival

Make it a social event and invite your friends to enjoy the Craft Brew Fest with you! (Image via The Big Fresno Fair)

About The Big Fresno Fair and Fresno County Historical Museum

The Big Fresno Fair, founded in 1884, is the fifth largest fair in the state of California and represents the 21st District Agricultural Association. More than 600,000 people from throughout the state visit The Big Fresno Fair each year, making it the largest event in the Central Valley. The 2018 Big Fresno Fair will run Oct. 3-14.

The Fresno County Historical Museum is located within the fairgrounds and is open to visitors year-round. This unique, 14,000 square foot, two-story museum preserves Fresno County’s rich history with displays encompassing agriculture, sports, public safety and military memorabilia, and so much more. View historical artifacts and cultural exhibits downstairs and learn about key local figures upstairs. Guided listening tours are available in English, Spanish, and Hmong. Learn more about the Fresno County Historical Museum here, then call (559) 650-FAIR to schedule a tour.

Avila La Fonda Hotel is the romantic summer getaway you’re craving

June 27, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

Fresno is a lot of things. It’s a wonderful place to share food from cultures around the world with friends. It’s a great spot for local coffee, craft beer, baseball games, and shopping. What it is not, however, is a hot spot for romantic hotel getaways. And sometimes, you just need a little romance in your life!

If you and your special someone are looking for a wonderful, one-tank (both ways, unless your car has a really small gas tank!) getaway, I have uncovered a hidden gem destination I’m certain you will love.

Avila La Fonda Hotel is located in Avila Beach, CA, just 120 miles (2.5 hours) from Fresno. Many Fresnans frequent Avila Beach as a day trip destination and are familiar with the city, but in case you are not, Avila Beach is a beach front town with under 2,000 residents (as it is mostly a tourist destination). It’s basically two piers and a quaint, colorful, and recently rebuilt boardwalk lined with restaurants and boutiques. Significantly smaller and less crowded than its neighbors Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, Avila is popular with families who prefer a little more room to roam and quiet—especially during the week.

Avila La Fonda Hotel is located steps from the sand in Avila Beach, CA

Avila La Fonda Hotel is located in the heart of Avila Beach, just one block from the sand and within easy walking distance to the entire boardwalk. My husband and I have now celebrated two anniversaries at the hotel, and have found it to be one of the most relaxing, enjoyable, and positive customer experiences we’ve had, anywhere. Though I hesitate to share and make the hotel too popular, risking future difficulty in securing my own repeat reservations, I want to see the hotel continue to be successful, and to know that other couples are able to enjoy all that Avila La Fonda has to offer. So alas, I share the details here with you!

Reasons You Should Make Avila La Fonda Hotel Your Romantic Getaway Choice

1. Location

As I mentioned, Avila La Fonda is located just steps from the beach where you can enjoy a long walk, game of Frisbee or a ride on the beach swingset. Also within easy walking distance are great local businesses where you can enjoy a tasty breakfast (try the Avila Market breakfast tacos!), a delicious cup of coffee (the vanilla latte at Kraken Coffee is all creamy dreaminess) or a relaxing dinner overlooking the shore (eat at Ocean Grill and don’t miss the Brussels sprout appetizer or wood-fired pizzas).

Lovely views of Avila Beach just down the street from Avila La Fonda Hotel

Coffee lovers will want to stop by the nearby Kraken Coffee for a drink. Delish!

2. Rooms

Each room at Avila La Fonda is beautifully appointed, has a comfortable bed with excellent bedding, a fireplace with thermostat control, a two-person whirlpool tub, and a 52” plasma screen t.v. Many rooms also offer balconies and lovely views of Avila.

Our room at Avila La Fonda Hotel

Each room offers a two-person whirlpool tub

The view from our balcony

3. FREE Food

The food at Avila La Fonda is one of the hotel’s high points, for sure. Included in the cost of your room is access to enough “free” food that you could essentially avoid spending any additional money on meals during your trip. (Would your diet be totally balanced? Eh, maybe not so much… but is an excess of pie really all that bad in the short term, anyway?)

Avila La Fonda offers all of the following to its guests every day:

A big basket of assorted snacks and drinks in every room. Like M&Ms more than Skittles? No problem. Just trade out your Skittles for a second bag of M&Ms in the hall pantry off the downstairs lobby. There are also single-serve coffee brewers and an assortment of k-cups in each room.

All of these snacks were left for us to enjoy at no additional cost

Freshly baked butter and chocolate croissants, orange juice, and coffee are served each morning (the butter croissants are the best I’ve ever eaten, and HUGE!)

The freshly baked butter croissants served by Avila La Fonda are AMAZING.

The seating area near where all the wonderful, free food is served to guests.

The morning breakfast spread

From 12-2 p.m. each day, there is a nacho bar where you can build your own nacho bowl. There are also ice-cold Coronas and Mexican Cokes in glass bottles to enjoy with your chips
At 5 p.m. each evening, you may help yourself to appetizers and local wines during the Manager’s Reception
And (I saved the best for last) every night at 8 p.m., Avila La Fonda serves freshly baked, piping hot fruit pies from Avila Valley Barn with vanilla ice cream. (We actually rushed through our one meal off-site to get back for “Pie Time!”)

4. Discounts for Costco Members

My husband and I first discovered Avila La Fonda Hotel through a promotion Costco sent via email several years ago. Avila La Fonda offers discounted pricing to Costco members year-round.

5. Gifts

Upon arrival, my husband and I were welcomed with two branded, stemless wine glasses and, in our room, there was a Happy Anniversary card along with a bottle of sparkling wine left in our room’s fridge for us to enjoy. At the time of check out, we were offered a thank-you gift of either a box of handmade truffles or a painted tile coaster.

6. Customer Service

At Avila La Fonda, every element of your stay makes you feel as though your needs and interests were considered. From the abundance of food and wine served throughout the stay, to the closet with free loaner beach chairs and towels, to the room amenities, gifts, and the way you are greeted, the hotel and its staff makes you truly feel like a welcome guest. The price you pay is free of unexpected surprises and lots of extra fees (unlike so many hotels who tack on fees for parking, use of amenities, WiFi, etc.).

…

Bottom line, if you’re looking for a truly relaxing, romantic place to visit, to celebrate a special occasion or just to reconnect with your partner, Avila La Fonda Hotel will not disappoint.

Enjoy your stay. Oh, and don’t forget to set your alarm for 8 p.m. sharp—you won’t want to miss pie time!