It was beautiful outside today. So much in fact that you would think it was the first day of spring, yet spring is still a month away (3/20/11)! One of the many great things about living in Fresno is that you are so close to so many other great places. Today and tomorrow is Madera Vintners Association’s Annual Wine and Chocolate Trail weekend (less than 30 minutes from Fresno). Wine and chocolate lovers come from all over the world to sample wine from eight different participating wineries. Each has a variety of entertainment and food offerings to accompany their wines. For more information clink here.
Almost forgot… Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. I assure you that if you surprise your partner with a day trip to this event you won’t need flowers come Monday 🙂
Tractor Supply Company
I had another place planned for today but when I realized what store I was parked near my plans changed. What could be better than to go from a small locally owned hardware store located in Historic Fresno High to a corporate owned farm and ranch store in North East Clovis?! Despite being in this area often (one of my favorite sandwich spots is located in the same shopping center), I confess I had never noticed it before. From the moment I stepped out of my truck I knew Tractor Supply Company was going to be everything I could expect, and more. Inside they sell tools, trailering equipment, feed, ranch clothes, and you guessed it tractor supplies. The staff was courteous and was quick to tell me the about the history of the store. This successful retail store began in 1939 in North Dakota and is now in 44 states nationwide. So like they say, ‘Whether you’re caring for a backyard, or a “back 40”, we have the products and services to help you get the job done.’
Tractor Supply Company is located at 1630 Herndon Ave Clovis, CA 93611
Cobb’s Hardware
Tired of the lack of customer service from your nearest big box hardware? Need an odd part or hard to find tool?
There are a few locally owned small hardware stores in Fresno and Cobb’s Hardware is one of them! I grew up in a home near to them so I thought who better to re-launch this site with than a company I grew up going to. The current management has gone back to the owner (of some 30 years!) and I am happy to report that the old displays, customer service, and inventory have returned! Yes once again you can find those hard to find parts for your Historic Fresno High area home!
Cobb’s Hardware is located at 3219 N Palm Ave (north side of Shields)
I Want My Google Fiber
The talk of the town these days in Fresno and communities across the country is Google Fiber and how to get it!
Back in mid February Google announced plans to launch an experiment that would make internet access better and faster for everyone involved. Their plan is to test ultra-high speed broadband networks in trial locations across the country (initially 50,000 up to 500,000 people) . These networks would potentially deliver internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today <— That’s FAST!
Since the announcement communities have been putting in applications for their city in every which way they can think of… Doing a quick Google search for Google Fiber under the video heading results in some pretty cool stuff and creative efforts.
So what has Fresno done? Reports say enough to climb up the rankings some 174% with its #fiberfresno effort currently at #4 nationally (up from #6)!
Check out and become a fan on Facebook here! Two of my favorite creative efforts are this map by local talent Davier Interactive and the official video submission by Fresno below.