Most of these spots are already super well known in our area, but by the off chance you guys don't know about even one of them I felt the need to share! Mini getaways throughout the week are a blast and really remind me how much I love this area of California. Supporting our local businesses is so important, and all of these deserve as much attention they can get.
1. The Orange Works Café
I have been coming to this place since I was young, and it's one of my absolute favorites. It's located in Strathmore, California right off of Highway 65. It's a tradition for us to meet a family friend here on Mondays and order a sandwich combo, followed by their homemade orange soft serve. They always have a flavor of the day that you can split 50/50 with the orange flavor. They are local, one of a kind, and in the middle of citrus crops overlooking the foothills. If you want a sweet mini getaway and a delicious lunch, this is the spot for you.
2. Component Coffee Lab
Component is hardly a secret these days, but for those of you that haven't heard of it yet- it's the best. In the middle of our same-old-same-old town of Visalia, this coffee shop makes you feel like you've stepped into a big city. It has such an urban feel. They have delicious specialty coffees, and on weekends they have an amazing brunch menu from 7am- 11am. The avocado toast is my absolute favorite! They also have wifi and a great atmosphere, so any time I go I expect it to be crazy busy and filled with people on their laptops or reading. This place is such a diamond in the rough and we are lucky to have it.
3. Sol Bol
This place is my new favorite for so many reasons. They are an açai bowl restaurant, which is completely unique to our area but much needed. What is açai, you ask? It's a delicious superfood berry, pronounced (ah-sah-EE), that is found in the Brazilian amazon. Pair this with granola, peanut butter, almonds, etc. and it makes for a freaking delicious breakfast. They now have avocado toast and smoothies, too! Not only is this place healthy and delicious but it has the CUTEST decor and vibe. They also allow dogs, which I obviously had to try right away. Nova loved hanging out under their covered porch and watching the people walk by in downtown Visalia. This place is a must if you're in the area.
4. Barrelhouse Brewing Co.
Last, but certainly not least, is Barrelhouse in downtown Visalia. Not only do they have 26 beers on tap, but they have live music, merchandise, corn hole, pinball machines, and shuffle board. On the weekends they have different food trucks come in and park in the back. I posted a picture a while back with Dean in Barrelhouse and my Grammy said "Tanny! You've got a baby in a bar!" I started to correct her and tell her it wasn't a bar, but I realized she was technically right LOL. That being said, if there was ever a family oriented bar, this is it. They only serve beer, and they have so many games and such a wholesome atmosphere that I always see families there. Also, they allow dogs. I obviously find that very important.
Bonus Spot: Zoorassic Park Exhibit at the Fresno Zoo
I wasn't going to add this one in, because if we're getting into the Fresno area there are so many more spots that I could mention, but we went to this temporary exhibit at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo this weekend and it was worth mentioning. It is only open this year in June and October, so if you're looking for something fun to do this month I would check it out before it ends. Blake and I are huge nerds (obviously) and LOVE Jurassic Park. Naturally, we plan on pushing our nerdiness on our child so we paid the extra money to see the dinosaur exhibit. He loved it. I've never been more proud. They have life- sized replicas of dinosaurs that move and even spray water. It's a relatively small exhibit, but combine it with the new Safari area of the zoo and it makes for a day well spent.
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