Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.fresno.gov
; 890 Belmont Ave; per vehicle $5; 6am-10pm Apr-Oct, to 7pm Nov-Mar)
Just east of Hwy 99, this large and shady park is home to the small
Chaffee Zoological
Gardens
( 559-498-2671;
www.fresnochaffeezoo.com
;
adult/child $7/3.50; 9am-4pm Mon-Fri,
890 W Belmont Ave; adult/child $5/3.50; 10am-4pm Sat & Sun; )
, a kitschy children's
adult/child $5/3.50;
10am-4pm Sat & Sun;
)
, which has kiddie rides and games.
BLOODLESS BULLFIGHTS
Bullfighting has been illegal in the US since 1957, but there are exceptions to the rule. Por-
tuguese communities in the Central Valley are permitted to stage bloodless bullfights at
festas, huge cultural events that draw as many as 25,000 to honor St Anthony or Our
Lady of Fátima. Portuguese fishermen and farmers, mostly from the Azores, began set-
tling in California during the late 19th century.
Candlelight processions, folk dancing, blessing of the cows, pezinhosinging (melodies
accompanied by violin) and unbridled eating are all part of the experience.Major events
happen in summer in Hanford, Gustine and Stevinson. They're not well publicized. Search
'festas california' and see what comes up in English.
Sleeping & Eating
Fresno has room to grow when it comes to world-class accommodations, but those using it
as a launch pad for visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have plenty of op-
tions in the cluster of chains near the airport or a couple of high-rise offerings downtown.
For food, the best stuff is scattered around town - making this, most definitely, a driving
town. Trendy eateries and breweries are in the Tower District and hidden among aban-
10am-2pm Thu)
circle up every Thursday accompanied by live music in front of Fresno
tp://playfresno.org
)
are abundant year round.
Piccadilly Inn Shaw
HOTEL
