USA Road Trip 2023 - Part 1 (page 8 of 9)

EXPLORING THE CITY OF FRESNO - CALIFORNIA

The city of Fresno, located in the state of California, is a city rich in history and cultural dynamism.

Since the late 19th century, Fresno has become a lively hub, known for its agricultural wealth and as the gateway to Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia national parks.

Fresno features several architecturally and historically significant sites, concentrated in its charming old town district.

By car:

36.71941, -119.77909 Van Ness Arch (Fresno entrance gate) + Murals, 2235 S Van Ness Ave 36.72871, -119.78186 16-Foot-Tall Unwanted JFK, San Benito St. 36.75778, -119.80121 Tower Theatre, 815 E Olive Ave

On foot:

36.74041, -119.78262 Street parking 36.74078, -119.78265 St. John’s Cathedral of Fresno, 2814 Mariposa St 36.73973, -119.78243 Meux Home Museum, 1007 R St, + Grocery Outlet Bargain Market Mural 36.73933, -119.78497 Fresno City Hall, 2600 Fresno St 36.73926, -119.78726 FAC Water Tower, 2444 Fresno St 36.73956, -119.78812 Veterans Memorial Museum 36.73622, -119.78753 Sculpture of David of Sassoon, NW Tulare - M St 36.73389, -119.79013 View of T.W. Patterson Building, United Security Bank, and a few murals 36.73822, -119.79463 Warnors Center for the Performing Arts, 1400 Fulton St 36.73797, -119.79477 The Grand 1401, 1401 Fulton St 36.73863, -119.79555 Wilson Theatre, 1463 Fulton St

https://youtu.be/holtyLl2Q58

SIMONIAN FARMS & SOUL CONSOLING JAPANESE INTERNMENT TOWER - FRESNO - CALIFORNIA

Simonian Farms is located southeast of Fresno in the state of California. It’s not just a market for fresh fruits and vegetables, but also a place where several antiques are displayed, including nearly thirty tractors that represent Central Valley agriculture from the past 50 years.

Outside, Simonian Farms pays tribute to Japanese Americans detained in internment camps. A commemorative tower was erected to honor the Japanese farmers who taught them farming over five generations ago.

Location: 36.70678, -119.69967

I suggest checking out this website if you’d like more information on the topic: https://simonianfarms.com/

https://youtu.be/df0FqBknW5M

DUNCAN CERAMIC PRODUCTS (ILOVETOCREATE) - FRESNO - CALIFORNIA

Location: 36.77991, -119.69786

Duncan Enterprises, a long-standing Fresno company, has been acquired by a New York investment firm but will continue operating in Fresno.

The company, founded in 1946 as Duncan Ceramics, is rebranding as iLoveToCreate as part of this change.

Today, the company is best known for products like fabric paint, dye kits, glue, and other craft supplies. They’re sold in big-box stores like Walmart and Michaels under brands such as Tulip, Aleene’s, ColorShot, Scribbles, and Puffy.

Most of the company’s assets were purchased by Dyson-Kissner-Moran Corporation, a private investment firm based in Poughkeepsie, New York, according to Duncan’s CEO, Larry Hermansen.

"They bought the products, the brand, the website, and the team that comes with it," he said.

The Duncan family still runs the business and still owns the colorful Fresno headquarters on Shields Avenue. DKM signed a long-term lease for the property, an agreement that will also keep the 130 employees on board.

No one was laid off, he said.

"We’ll still be based in Fresno, and nothing fundamental about the company has really changed," Hermansen said. "I can’t stress enough how positive this is for the team."

Hermansen declined to disclose how much the company was sold for or share details on what prompted the sale.

However, Duncan’s president, Larry Duncan, is retiring, he noted.

"It’s time for him to move on, and there’s now a new owner in place who wants to make significant investments to grow the company," Hermansen said.

DKM is a holding company that tends to hold onto its businesses long-term, he said. It also owns Plaid, a major player in the craft paint industry, though Duncan and Plaid remain separate companies.

Duncan Ceramics started in a family garage and quickly grew into a large business specializing in ceramic glazes. That part of the business eventually declined, and the last segment was sold in 2020.

Instead, Duncan focused on growing its DIY and craft side worldwide.

Source: https://www.fresnobee.com/news/business/article257340867.html

I suggest checking out this website if you’d like more information about the company: https://www.ilovetocreate.com

https://youtu.be/wILqS6GWP8s

WALKING TOUR OF MODESTO - CALIFORNIA

A 2.2-mile walk through Modesto’s historic district in California to discover its historic buildings, monuments, and beautiful murals that tell the story of this city’s past.

37.64544, -120.99346 American Graffiti Statue - George Lucas, 900 17th St 37.64313, -120.99440 Monument to The Paper Boy - McClatchy Square, 15th St &, I St 37.64350, -120.99451 McHenry Mansion, 906 15th St 37.64240, -120.99501 McHenry Museum, 1402 I St, Modesto 37.63950, -120.99860 Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St 37.63840, -120.99757 Modesto NewsHerald Building, 726 10th St 37.63865, -121.00031 Modesto Arch, 875-857 I St, Modesto 37.63942, -121.00174 Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, 1029 9th St 37.64004, -120.99939 DOMO Walls (murals), Bartoni Ln 37.64105, -121.00026 Modesto City Hall, 1010 10th St 37.64086, -121.00102 Brenden Theatres Modesto, 1021 10th St 37.64298, -120.99731 State Theatre of Modesto Inc, 1307 J St 37.64629, -120.99645 Hawke Castle, 115 Magnolia Ave Return to parking

By car:

37.65034, -120.99559 Balmannos Residence & Dr. Donald Robertson Home, 207 & 211 Elmwood Ct

https://youtu.be/ppJeSAtaydU

BUDDHIST TEMPLE WAT DHAMMARARAM - STOCKTON - CALIFORNIA

37.92457, -121.22544 3732 E. Carpenter Rd

Located in a neighborhood in eastern Stockton, California, the Cambodian Buddhist temple Wat Dhammararam is a place of worship for both locals and visitors. Admission is free.

Nearly a hundred statues adorn the grounds, each a vibrant work of art with golden reflections and intricate details. An annual Cambodian New Year festival takes place here in April.

Cambodia, a country dominated by Theravada Buddhism, faced communist Khmer and Vietnamese soldiers who seized its lands during the Vietnam War in a brief but devastating conflict. Many farmlands, which could have been used for rice and other crops, were ravaged by bomb craters and landmines or abandoned when their owners fled the war.

With the influx of people seeking protection and food assistance from the city government, Phnom Penh's population surged to about 2 million in the final years of the war.

Some displaced individuals found a new home in Stockton after the war. They were able to start over, build new lives, and integrate into the dominant American culture while remaining true to their ancestral traditions.

The first group of Cambodian immigrants to settle in Stockton, organized in August 1982, raised funds and purchased a house and land at 3732 E. Carpenter Road to establish a Khmer Theravada Buddhist monastery.

The Wat Dhammararam Buddhist temple opened its doors in the early 1980s. A true refuge for the Southeast Asian community, particularly Cambodians, it brought comfort to those who had lost loved ones.

It is in this Buddhist temple that Buddhist teachings and rituals are passed down from generation to generation.

https://youtu.be/f9T8DatP9vM

WALKING TOUR OF STOCKTON - CALIFORNIA

A 4.7 km walk through Stockton’s historic district in California to discover its historic buildings, monuments, and beautiful murals that tell the story of this city’s past.

37.95404, -121.28068 Basant, 98-2 S Grant St 37.95405, -121.28077 Mural, S Grant St/Main St 37.95364, -121.28203 Street Always Leads with Love, 640 E Main S 37.95411, -121.28472 Art by Alexander, 2-30 N California St 37.95395, -121.28482 Deliberation Room, 19 N California St 37.95389, -121.28583 Musical Legacy of Dave Brubeck, 20 N Sutter St 37.95235, -121.28654 Charles Weber and Prominent Stocktonians, 359 E Market St 37.95302, -121.28579 The Pawnshop & The Heart of the Valley - Parking, 66-2 S Sutter St 37.95213, -121.28564 Art by Carlos, 101-199 S Sutter St 37.95139, -121.28857 Chung Wah Lane Mosaic, 152-198 Mun Kwok Ln 37.95270, -121.28760 The Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E Main St 37.95395, -121.28980 BellaVista Rooftop & Events, 110 N El Dorado St 37.95495, -121.28981 Regal Stockton City Center, 222 N El Dorado St 37.95597, -121.29031 Saint John's Episcopal Church 37.95467, -121.28738 Live Life Like Tim - Highland Cattle, 114 N San Joaquin St 37.95496, -121.28534 Mural in the parking lot, N California St/Weber St 37.95588, -121.28544 Power Through, 215 N California St 37.95592, -121.28458 Plant the Seed, 517 Channel St 37.95681, -121.28405 Mamba Mentality: Kobe and Gianna Bryant, 225 N American St 37.95681, -121.28405 City Smoke & Groceries, 647 E Miner Ave 37.95512, -121.28121 Stockton Tattoo & Piercing, 742 E Weber Ave 37.95490, -121.28097 No Limits, 27 N Grant St 37.95501, -121.27955 Live Life Like Tim - Crane, 99-33 N Aurora St 37.95370, -121.27917 Peace to Bob Ross, 31 N Aurora St 37.95453, -121.27631 Migration is Beautiful, 40 S Union St Return to parking lot

https://youtu.be/zOnNrtCONCw

DISCOVERING STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA

Stockton is a hidden gem in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. This port city offers numerous festivals and special events from April to October.

We drove around Stockton, California, to explore other historic buildings, monuments, and many murals that showcase the local diversity, historical and cultural heritage, as well as current socio-economic topics.

37.91986, -121.26168 Airport Market, 1412 Ralph Ave, Stockton, CA 95206, United States 37.92457, -121.22544 Free - Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple, 3732 Carpenter Rd 37.95523, -121.23046 Serrano's Market Tienda Mexicana Artesanias, 4513 E Main St 37.95424, -121.23374 MB Flowers, 4123 E Main St 37.95419, -121.24527 Michael's Market (right side), 3120 E Main St 37.95485, -121.24808 Dedicated Ones, 2837 E Main St 37.95481, -121.25590 Octopus & Imagination Machine, behind Fair Oaks Library, 2370 E Main St 37.95494, -121.25773 Corona Liquor, 2280 E Main St 37.95222, -121.26604 Figureheads "Stribley Kids", S Locust St 37.93905, -121.28699 Sea Spa, 1334 Doctor M.L.K. Jr Blvd 37.95197, -121.29679 Children's Museum, Stockton, 402 W Weber Ave 37.95789, -121.29304 Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium, 525 N Center St 37.95673, -121.29164 City Hall, E Lindsay St 37.95758, -121.28677 God's Throne Baptist Church, 405 E Lindsay St 37.95701, -121.29320 Mexican Braceros, 140 W Fremont St (on foot - in the park next to City Hall) 37.95851, -121.28651 Art by Jared, 400-498 E Fremont St 37.96277, -121.26353 Eagle Tire Services, 3139 E Fremont St 37.96269, -121.26430 Express Pizza & Grill, 2109 E Fremont St 37.96547, -121.28229 Together, 1100-1198 N Aurora St 37.96269, -121.29104 Believe in Something, 999-901 N Hunter St 37.95986, -121.30651 924 N Yosemite St, Stockton, CA 95203, United States 37.96074, -121.31385 Haggin Museum, 1201 N Pershing Ave (free street parking) 37.96102, -121.31952 Family Meat Market, 1255 Buena Vista Ave 37.96648, -121.29938 Canvas Tattoo, 304 W Harding Way 37.97237, -121.3007 Greetings from America’s Bread Basket & Egret Takes Flight, W Adams St 37.96726, -121.29597 Don't Give In, 15 W Harding Way 37.97060, -121.27685 Harding Way Launderland, 1405 E Harding Way 37.97061, -121.27641 Smoke Locker, 1421 E Harding Way 37.98089, -121.29676 OTB Discs Mural, 255 E Alpine Ave

https://youtu.be/ydwnGtNv6Vc

UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC - STOCKTON - CALIFORNIA

37.98079, -121.30861 Burns Tower 37.98160, -121.30894 Morris Chapel 37.98126, -121.30974 Grace Covell Hall 37.98037, -121.31026 Back of Knoles Hall 37.98002, -121.30982 Talking Pillars 37.98052, -121.30969 Marjorie Webster Williams Rose Garden 37.97992, -121.30824 Faye Spanos Concert Hall 37.97994, -121.30696 Pacific Arch & Burns Tower

The University of the Pacific is a private university located in the city of Stockton, California. It’s the oldest university in the state.

This campus is made up of historic buildings surrounded by beautiful trees, including blooming apple trees during our visit, and lovely gardens.

We didn’t go inside any of the buildings. Instead, we took a little stroll around the campus to admire the old brick buildings and walk through its park, which is actually a very peaceful spot.

https://youtu.be/ZqJIcEuB9K0

VISITING LODI - CALIFORNIA

By car:

38.13020, -121.26081 Hollywood Family Café & Catering, 315 S Cherokee Ln 38.13042, -121.26898 A&W Root Beer of Lodi, 216 E Lodi Ave (characters behind the restaurant) 38.13516, -121.26964 Japantown Memories Mural, on Elm Street between Main St and Stockton St

On foot:

A 2.1 km walk through Lodi, a charming town in the state of California, to discover its historic buildings, monuments, and beautiful murals that reflect the town’s past.

This town is known for its vineyards and relaxed vibe.

It also has an interesting history, having been founded after the California Gold Rush and developed around the railroad.

38.13438, -121.27185 Lodi Station Parking Garage (free), 1 E Pine St 38.13411, -121.27211 Lodi Historical Sign (arch) & Mural near the railroad tracks, 49-1 E Pine St Turn right onto Sacramento Street for some old buildings and a mural, then retrace your steps Continue on South Sacramento Street 38.13321, -121.27232 Lodi Transit Station, 1-67 S Sacramento St 38.13025, -121.27396 Lodi Arch & Mural The Tokay Carnival/Lodi Grape Festival at the intersection of Lodi Ave and School St Turn right onto South School St Turn left onto W Walnut St .13189207873705, -121.27423412036582 No Talking Allowed Mural, 105 W Walnut St Turn right onto Church Street 38.13251, -121.27499 The Cucumis Club - Farmers Insurance Mural, 112 Church St Turn left onto W Pine St 38.13457, -121.27603 Lodi City Hall & Veterans Park, 221 W Pine St Continue to N Lee Ave and retrace your steps Turn left onto Church St Turn right onto Locus St Turn right onto North School St (murals) 38.13578, -121.27390 Lodi Stadium 12 Cinemas, 109 N School St Turn left onto W Pine St (return to parking)

https://youtu.be/V_CL_6Yike8

SUTTER'S FORT STATE HISTORIC PARK - SACRAMENTO - CALIFORNIA

Location: 38.57253, -121.47123

Sutter's Fort State Historic Park is a historic site located in downtown Sacramento, California. It preserves the legacy of the original 19th-century agricultural and commercial fort, founded by John Sutter.

This fort played a crucial role during the early years of European settlement and later served as the backdrop for events like the California Gold Rush.

The park offers self-guided tours as well as educational programs that explore the fort's complex history, including its impact on Native American communities and the diverse cultural exchanges that took place there.

The park is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. It has no on-site parking. However, paid parking spaces are available nearby.

https://youtu.be/nS4sIzYEXrc

CALIFORNIA STATE CAPITOL - SACRAMENTO - CALIFORNIA

Location: 38.57656, -121.49323

The California State Capitol, home to the Californian government, is an iconic landmark in Sacramento. This magnificent building houses not only the Assembly and Senate chambers but also the governor's office. Visits are free.

Built between 1860 and 1874, the Capitol is a remarkable example of neoclassical architecture. It has been carefully preserved and modernized to meet modern needs while retaining its historic character.

The building isn’t just the seat of government—it’s also a museum offering a glimpse into California’s rich history, educating visitors about the state’s legislative evolution and architectural heritage.

Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, it reflects the state’s commitment to preserving its democratic and architectural legacy.

Capitol Park is an iconic spot featuring beautiful gardens, historic monuments, and pleasant walking trails.

https://youtu.be/5bcIus6IkFE

WALKING TOUR - SACRAMENTO - CALIFORNIA

The city of Sacramento, in the state of California, turns out to be an ideal destination to explore on foot, thanks to its rich historical and cultural heritage.

It’s pleasant to visit Sacramento’s historic district, where the atmosphere of the Wild West blends with remnants of a flourishing era, featuring historic buildings, museums, and shops that tell the story of this city, once a hub of commerce during the Gold Rush.

A walking tour through the city also allowed us to discover iconic sites like Sutter’s Fort and the State Capitol. These spots offer a fascinating glimpse into Sacramento’s past.

The trail along the Sacramento River provides lovely views of the Tower Bridge, a lift bridge spanning the river, as well as the city of Sacramento.

7.8 km walk through the city:

38.58228, -121.50531 Parking for 2 hours on K St 38.58223, -121.50571 What Cheer House, 102 K St 38.58090, -121.50494 Theodore Judah Monument, 2nd St and L St 38.58110, -121.50665 Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum, 1200 Front St 38.58148, -121.50633 Old Sacramento Waterfront Iconic Sign, 1150 Front St ?? 38.58276, -121.50680 Delta King (paddlewheel boat), 1000 Front St 38.58365, -121.50519 Eagle Theatre, 925 Front St 38.58474, -121.50498 Sacramento History Museum, 101 I St 38.58464, -121.50443 Huntington & Hopkins Hardware, 113 I St 38.58482, -121.50435 California State Railroad Museum, 125 I Street 38.58309, -121.50425 Pony Express Terminal (B. F. Hastings Bank Building), 1000 2nd St 38.58234, -121.50429 Fanny Ann’s Saloon (interior), 1023 2nd St 38.58246, -121.50142 Take J St (beautiful buildings) 38.57656, -121.49323 California State Capitol (free visit), 1315 10th Street 38.57914, -121.49247 Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, 1017 11th St 38.58030, -121.48479 Governor’s Mansion, 1526 H St 38.57860, -121.48575 Memorial Auditorium, 1515 J St 38.57620, -121.49220 Capitol Park, behind the California State Capitol 38.57630, -121.49773 Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park, 800 N St 38.57878, -121.50237 Wells Fargo Center (tallest building), 400 Capitol Mall 38.57728, -121.50608 Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St 38.58107, -121.50967 River Walk accessible via Tower Bridge - View of the Pyramid shape of The Ziggurat 38.58145, -121.50917 Stunning view of Tower Bridge and Old Sacramento Return to parking

https://youtu.be/qDf4Zz3vKIE

WALKING TOUR - WINTERS - CALIFORNIA

Location: 38.52136, -121.97024

Winters is a charming small town located in Yolo County, California. It captivates visitors with its historic and rural setting, local boutiques, and relaxed way of life, offering a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of California’s big cities.

https://youtu.be/RK4dUEgPmxs

WALKING TOUR - NAPA - CALIFORNIA

Location: 38.29921, -122.28552

Napa is an iconic city in Northern California, world-renowned for its unique wine region. As the county seat of Napa County, it’s the heart of Napa Valley, a place where terroir, gastronomy, and art de vivre blend harmoniously.

The city offers a mix of historic buildings and modern infrastructure, upscale restaurants, and dynamic cultural events.

https://youtu.be/hp6tHxLERA0

THE CHANDELIER TREE IN DRIVE-THRU TREE PARK - LEGGETT - CALIFORNIA

39.85953, -123.71726 Gatehouse 39.85840, -123.71922 Chandelier Tree

The Chandelier Tree is an iconic sequoia located in Leggett, California, within Drive-Thru Tree Park. Its name comes from its slender branches that extend like a chandelier, giving it an almost ornamental appearance.

This magnificent tree, estimated to be around 2,400 years old, offers a unique experience: a tunnel carved through its trunk, wide enough to allow a car to pass through.

This opening in the tree was created in the late 1930s as a tourist attraction along what was then a booming automobile route.

Today, visitors can explore much more than just the tree itself. The park offers additional attractions, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and even a small souvenir shop.

For more information, here’s the link to their website: https://drivethrutree.com/ .

https://youtu.be/FrEb1drhc6c

ONE LOG HOUSE - GARBERVILLE - CALIFORNIA

Location: 40.00979, -123.79012

One Log House is a tourist attraction in Garberville, California. A mini-house with a living room, dining room, and bedroom was built inside a single massive redwood log, over 1,500 years old and weighing nearly 42 tons.

The site also features a café and a shop where you can find handcrafted sculptures, local art, and unique souvenirs.

https://youtu.be/SzL8JRRMlEg

GRANDFATHER TREE - PIERCY - CALIFORNIA

Location: 40.01120, -123.78954

The Grandfather Tree is located in Piercy, California, not far from the famous Avenue of the Giants. Over 1,800 years old, this magnificent sequoia is renowned for its impressive dimensions.

Its height of 80 meters, diameter of 7.3 meters, and circumference of 16.7 meters make this tree one of the five widest coastal sequoias in the world.

Located right next to Highway 101, the site features a souvenir shop and also includes a park where you’ll find several sculptures that add a whimsical touch to the visit.

https://youtu.be/VwNqJB-JQuQ

THE LIVING CHIMNEY TREE - AVENUE OF THE GIANTS - CALIFORNIA

Location: 40.19253, -123.76800

The Living Chimney Tree is a natural attraction along the famous Avenue of the Giants in California.

This 24-meter-tall sequoia remnant was hollowed out by a fire in 1914. The tree’s core was completely burned, while the damp outer layers survived.

The result is an interior space you can step into and admire the sky framed by living wood.

https://youtu.be/4yrkIEyaSRk

STEPHENS GROVE LOOP TRAIL - AVENUE OF THE GIANTS - CALIFORNIA

40.24382, -123.82169 Trailhead 40.23970, -123.82390 Midpoint

The Stephens Grove Loop Trail is a short and easy 0.8-mile loop located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park in California.

The trail, which is easy and generally flat, winds through a redwood forest. It still offers some variety with a few streams and fallen trees along the way.

It’s the perfect route for those looking for a quick nature getaway or a peaceful walk to birdwatch.

https://youtu.be/EvhEntDjgj0

GOULD GROVE NATURE LOOP TRAIL - AVENUE OF THE GIANTS - CALIFORNIA

40.30767, -123.90828 Trailhead 40.30944, -123.91224 Midpoint

The Gould Grove Nature Loop Trail is a 1.1 km loop that offers an immersive experience in the heart of the redwoods at Humboldt Redwoods State Park in California.

It’s the perfect route for visitors with limited time who still want to experience the magic of the redwoods.

The trail winds through an ancient grove where you can see redwoods of various sizes. The ground is covered with lush ferns.

Benches along the trail provide spots to take a break and soak in the tranquility of the forest.

https://youtu.be/hMUNCa9Eo4E