This is the only Italian Villa mansion with a baroque ornamentation that you would ever find in…read moreFresno, so tourist, architecture buffs and history lovers, this is perfect place for you to visit. This is a historic site and it should be on your must visit list while in Fresno. This mansion located in downtown Fresno, is one of its kind and unfortunately it is now a law office and doesn't showcase the lavish feature of its interior anymore to the public: three story twelve luxurious room, 4500 sq feet space. However the exterior of the house really is something to see and take plenty of picture off. Plus if you do visit this building, it wont be the only thing on your list to visit because 1 block away is the St John Cathedral and also the Meux mansion. There is no parking around its since its really close to the community hospital, I would suggest parking on R street near the church and take the opportunity to appreciate and take pictures of this architecture marvel. It looks like something that should be in Hollywood to be honest. most people in Fresno can pass it without even knowing that they have this beautiful building. If you must know the building was constructed for Herman H. and Helena S. Brix in 1910-1911. Herman H. Brix made a pioneering contribution to the development of Coalinga and was influential in the commercial expansion of Fresno. In addition to its historical associations, the Brix Mansion possesses considerable architectural significance. Designed by architect Edward T. Foulkes, it represents a brilliant example of a period-inspired Italian Villa, the only residence in Fresno built in this lavishly-embellished style. So take the opportunity to visit this unique mansion and bring your friends to impress them about the landmarks and historical building of Fresno.

This place blew me away. I had Rhanda (I think that's the spelling) as a guide and she was SO…read moreterrific. This is a historical landmark and she walked me through every room with great detail on the origin story and the rooms we were in. One of the best tour guides I've had. I have never experienced anything this - you have to really appreciate the amount of work, design and detail by Baldassare Forestiere - truly a feat! Very grateful the family makes this available for tours. Highly recommend if you appreciate gardening, architecture, art, engineering etc. They also did a great job of reminding me of my appointment and following up afterwards. If in Fresno area, this is a don't miss!!

My family along with our cousins and aunt decided to tour the Forestier Underground Gardens. It was…read moresuch a gem to visit. The gardens were built in an unexpected park of Fresno and these is a lot of history behind them. Parking was somewhat difficult but once you enter, the staff were very kind, organized, and positive. Our tour guide Raul was super sweet and provided a lot of history regarding the gardens and the family who built them. Raul had my 3 young boys engaged and interested. He answered all my questions and was so open to conversation. You could tell Raul was proud to be there telling all of us how the Gardens came to be. The Gardens are very interesting. I've never seen anything quite like these. The smell of all the citrus trees combine with the natural cooling underground was amazing and made the tour comfortable. If you have any time i do recommend visiting these secret gardens.

Over the past few yers I have become increasingly interested and in admiration of Mary Austin…read more I've listened to "The Land of Little Rain" on an audible type thing, and I have a large copy of the book with photos of the Eastern Sierra. This home was, from what I understand, one that she lived in for some years, I believe when she was a young girl living with her family. I believe she lived in a few various homes throughout the region with her husband as well, although I'm not sure where those homes are or if they are still standing, for that matter. Nonetheless, this house has history to it, and the informational plaque in front has a beautiful quote and info. You cannot go inside, as it looks locked up and like it cannot withstand much more traffic. I do hope there is an organization that will restore this home when it falls into further disrepair, as it really is a special part of local history. Also, if you have not read any of Mary Austin's writings, I highly recommend you do so. She wrote from a place of humility and great appreciation for the land, the native Americans, and all the wild creatures.

There's really nothing much to say, here, except there is a California State Historical plaque in…read morefront of this private home. Visitors cannot view the interior. There is an Owens Valley Historical Museum a short distance away that has a collection of books written by Mary Austin and some other materials about this author.

The Lord told me about this place in a dream, and the upstairs is a temple. I been here 3x first 2…read moreI came it was closed but the third time I came they were open however to visit the temple upstairs you will need appointment in advance. I pray that this place will be preserved forever in Jesus name because the spirit of the LORD dwells here.

Much history here in China Alley. I used tio come here as a kid with my parents. They just…read morerecently had a fire in one of the buildings bt had minimal damage than goodness. But as I figured Id be there when the doors were closed. I strolled through and took some pics. It was fun.

It'll always be Squaw Valley to me. No matter what's politically correct at the moment. Tiny little…read moreplace, so don't blink! They do have a pizza place and it was pretty good. There's also a little coffee shop and a Dollar General. Didn't really pay too much attention when we were helping the kids move to their new place a few weeks ago. We passed a few churches along the way. Looks like a nice little community. Drive safe on the two lane highway and be cautious and careful this time of year, as there are many weeds along the roadside and they're very dry. Next time we're up there, I'll have to explore a bit more!

"California poppies ... are of a burning color--not orange, not gold, but if pure gold were liquid…read moreand could raise a cream, that golden cream might be like the color of poppies." --- John Steinbeck in East of Eden (1952)

Wow talk about a neighborhood coming together to put together an amazing evening for children of…read moreall ages just great wholesome fun to celebrate the holidays the Candy Cane Lane is it. Thank you to all the home owners for allowing us to enjoy your kindness not to mention the tasty treats being sold at various locations. If you haven't been there you have to view these beautiful homes showcasing the wonderful decorations. Absolutely amazing. I just had to add a few more pics. Enjoy

This is an incredibly wonderful Christmas experience. It is…read moreopen December 1 every holiday season. They are not an organized community and do not accept donations. However there are tons of houses that raise money throughout the neighborhood for different charities. They sell food like donuts that are AMAZING. You can walk, but there is not a walking trail and no specific walk nights. It's a neighborhood that loops and is not similar to Christmas tree lane. There is also a home to drop off letters to Santa. The lines get really long but it's a treat that is worth it!

I have driven past the turnoff for Manzanar over a dozen times. I have known about it since I was…read morein middle school but never went. My sister and I have been taking my nephew to significant sites of WW11 over the years starting with Pearl Harbor and Auschwitz. Being part Japanese, we felt this was an important stop. The grounds are very well maintained. The educational aspect of it is great. The rangers have taken great care to show an accurate representation of what "camp" life was like. The recreated rooms, shacks and monuments have been meticulously built. The rangers were great about sharing knowledge. The book store has some great books that are not available on Amazon. The parking is a breeze. The entrance is free. When entrance is free to somewhere like this I like to support by donating or buying items that help support the cause. I bought my nephew and I each a book and a couple other little things. I also really like that they participate in the Junior Ranger Program. It was a great way for not just my nephew but myself to learn too. It was a great family activity. I highly recommend visiting. It can be a little emotionally draining but it is an important part of American History that we cannot forget.

I first saw the signs for Manzanar over 20 years ago while driving along 395. I never stopped but…read morehad always wanted to visit. My son is in middle school and learning at WWII. We had taken my son to Pearl Harbor and Auschwitz within the last few years and I felt this was another great learning experience, especially since we have some Japanese heritage. We specifically drove here to visit this site. I was impressed by how much there is to see. The visitor's center has a fairly large museum of the history of the area and how the camp came to be. There is a lot of history what occurred and living conditions for the people that were held here. There are a few buildings that are re-creations of what would have existed. Intake areas, living quarters, mess hall, guard tower, baseball field, etc. There is also a great driving path that takes you near the gardens and the cemetery. It's a very moving place to visit and learn. We spent about 2 hours onsite, but I think you could easily spend more time. The employees were very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our visit. It really amazes me how many people have no idea that camps like Manzanar exist. I'm glad this historical site is open and partially preserved so history can be learned, shared, and not repeated.

Mammoth Mountain Scenic Gondola was one of the highlights of our Mammoth trip! We decided to get…read moreon the gondola towards the end of our adventure and turns out we made the right choice! The Gondola takes you up to McCoy where you can get off and enjoy an intermediate course or stay on and head up to the top of Mammoth Mountain! We started off thinking we were going to just enjoy the cafe up there and the views and then some of us would head back down the gondola. Turns out, my boys decided to take the chance and ride down the top of the mountain with me while my wife headed down on the gondola and met us at the bottom after getting some gifts from the gift shop. The way down is a little frightening if I am to be honest but I am a strong believer in the adage, where there is a will there is a way! My boys coming down with me was a wonderful life lesson and a truly exhilarating and exciting adventure! I highly recommend taking the gondola to the top! 5 stars for sure and 2 thumbs up!!

The views from the top are amazing (on a clear day). Whether skiing/snowboarding and heading to…read morethe top, or just here to enjoy the scenery and surroundings, it's more than worth a visit. Personally a clear day after a storm is the best! The gondola ride up is quick and enjoyable. On busy days, they will fill the cabin, so be ready for a tight squeeze. It's almost ski/boarding season!

What a great experience at Devil's Postpile NP. Easy 1/2 mile hike with some climbing, steep…read moreportions of trail. What an incredible experience. Steep climb to top but worth it. Ample parking in dirt lots. Cool info signage about the area. Seeing this phenomenon was amazing. Two miles further to Rainbow Falls. Devil's Postpile is closed 10/6-10/11, major road work repairs.

We came here in July and really enjoyed this monument. It is so interesting with all the columnar…read morebasalt. The columns tower over 60 feet and these columns were formed approximately 100,000 years ago from a volcanic lava flow that cooled. The lava flow cracked into these multi sided columns. When you stand on a column you will see it forms a perfect octagon. WOW! Nature is so incredible. To get here, we took the shuttle from the main Mammoth Lakes Lodge. It was an easy ride down here and back. Parking is available at the lodge. The only vehicles that were allowed on the road besides the shuttles were for campers who had reservations and sites. Take your time when you are here to really study these structures. I highly recommend when visiting Mammoth Lakes.

This is a good stop for travellers along 395. You need to get out and stretch because this road is…read moremassively boring. Take some time and admire the significance of the tree and your insignificance as compared to it. It is making a contribution, while you are likely not. Hey kiddies, while you are wasting your parents' money or taxpayers' money lent to you to get a meaningless degree in some worthless subject, ask your mind-programmers about carbon footprints. Yours is large, this tree has a negative carbon footprint. Your self-indulgent lifestyle is causing climate change and the tree is trying to reverse the damage you are doing. You should reverently bow before this tree because it was here way before you and will be here way after you.

It was a beautiful tree before it died and had to be removed. So don't stop for a visit or look for…read moreit - it is no longer there.