OUTDOORS
Bidwell Park has two popular entrances - lower and upper park and both have a lot to offer depending on what you're looking for.
Lower Bidwell park has 1 mile recreation area with a cemented pool that gathers the Big Chico Creek water for you to enjoy swimming in. The walking paths here are paved and flat for the most part, the road is also closed in the early morning so it is a popular place for runners to enjoy the beautiful park. There are picnic benches at different numbered spots along the creek allowing you to spend the afternoon in one spot enjoying nature, the water and the company of friends and family.
If you're looking for a little more of "just get me out in nature" type vibes - head to upper park! There are a few loops that are on the more level, easy dog walking type trails as you enter the park - once you make your way up to the parking lots at North Rim Trail head and Horseshoe Lake parking lot - the hikes will have varied elevation of choice depending on which direction you head! If the gates are open at horseshoe lake - the road will take you out through the park to different parking lots along the different swimming holes. You can't go wrong - go have fun, enjoy the ever changing scenery!
When the wildflowers begin in March - you're in for a real treat of blankets of yellow and purple flowers!
FOOD
Cafe Coda - Just go, thank me later ( some of my go-tos include the Eggs Benedict with bacon AND avocado with a side of pickled jalpenos & potatoes extra crispy, the chicken Chimichuri sandwich if I am looking for something I can enjoy half now and enjoy half later ... and a single lemon poppyseed pancake is a MUST regardless of if you dine solo or enjoy with someone else!
Wine Time - Chef Lisa Sereda showcases her amazing food at Wine Time and puts her heart and soul into her offerings - while the menu changes often you absolutely cannot go wrong with her salads or soups - they are literally to die for. The food is familiar enough to feel like comfort food with a flare that shows the chef is having fun! One of Chico's best kept little pockets of magic - the wine bar, a tap room, a boutique hotel and a specialty cocktail lounge all in the same parking lot ... dont miss out on visiting here!
Farm Star Pizza - you know its going to be good when you see the chef shopping for ingredients at the Farmer's Market! Unique flavor combos and amazing salads - I suggest the Ikes Oven with the slaw on the side (that way you can take left overs home without it getting soggy!) and a sweet heat salad + add bacon (trust me)
GROCERY
Nothing beats getting to enjoy foods that were grown locally when visiting a new town - Chico is surrounded by agricultural farms and has a wealth of beautiful homegrown food to enjoy!
- Year round - rain or shine - The Chico Certified Farmers Market pops up on Wednesday on the North side of town and on Saturdays in Downtown Chico offering incredible produce, hand crafted food & local art ( BONUS MARKET ON SUNDAY June through October in the Farmer's Brewery parking lot at Meriam Park!)
- S&S Produce & Chico Natural Food Co-Op are both two locally owned small specialty grocery that offer local and organic produce & products
LIVE MUSIC
On any given day you can find some sort of art performance, art show or live music event happening around town or on campus. The amount of talent that this town hosts every year has always amazed me! Two of my favorite places to check out live music include :
LOST - recently remodeled and ready to rock - they do a wonderful job of bringing some really fun bands through our town while creating an atmosphere that is ready for you to dance the night away. Park as close as possible as to not have to wander too far when shows get out late at night unless you're with a group :)
Sierra Nevada Big Room - I mean, I think Sierra Nevada speaks for itself. They've got it figured out. With beer. With music. With the food they offer at the restaurant. The level of talent that is brought through this space is absolutely incredible, the sound is top notch and I think it goes without saying there isn't a single show there that you'll be disappointed by if you enjoy live music.
But you can find live music & other events all over town!