We are here , Loosens Tight Muscles , Relievers Tired and Aching Muscles, Increase Flexibility and…read moreRange of Motion, Diminishes Chronic Pain, Calms the Nervous System, Enhances Skin Tone, Assists in Recovery from injuries and illnesses, Strengthens the Immune System, Reduces Tension Headaches

I'm a huge historic building lover and the Brower Building is no exception…read more Funded by Celsus Brower and build by contractor CJ Lindgren in 1910 it was built to house the offices of the Standard Oil Producers Department as well as offices for local, retail, medical, real estate, and legal businesses. The USO opened a 25-cot dormitory for visiting servicemen on the third floor in 1943. The main anchor store for quite some time was Wickersham Jewelry Store from 1911 to 1988. I had the pleasure of visiting this building while a friend was working here for a few here's in a rented office. Of course, the parking was tricky until he purchased a parking pass in the 18th street and Eye structure. Inside, you could see remnants of everything old and wonderful. 5 stars for everything historical. But... 2 stars for the care maintenance of the current owners. I realize times can be tough and when I was visiting often it seemed that tenants came and went very frequently. Walls were extremely thin and conversations could easily be heard. Kind of awkward if you're a lawyer or engaging in private matters. There are definitely some charming aspects to this building, but it really could use some TLC.

I've always wanted to go inside of a Forest Service Fire Lookout, just to check out the view. A few…read moreyears ago I learned that you could actually rent them out and spend the night, like a hotel room but they always seem to be booked way in advance so I've never had the opportunity. Last week I found myself browsing the Recreation.Gov webpage, and came across the Oak Flat Lookout, which is less than an hour northeast of downtown Bakersfield. I happened to come across a vacancy mid last week and immediately booked it for $75. I spent the next several days excitedly reading about the place online, and looking at pictures others have taken up there. My fiancée and I set out for the site last Tuesday afternoon in my '87 4Runner loaded with supplies, beer and food. Rancheria Road north of SR178 turns to gravel about 5 miles in, and there was another 10 miles or so until we found the trail to go up to the lookout, which was secured with a locked gate. I had received the combination via email when I paid for my reservation and got right in, securing the gate behind me. There was another mile or so up a fairly steep and unimproved trail before we rounded a bend and bam! There it was. The Call Fire burning about 25 miles southeast of the lookout made for a hazy sky, but the view was nevertheless outstanding from 4,920 feet. We climbed the 40 stairs thirty feet above ground level, opened the trap door and emerged onto the catwalk to find an impeccable 360 degree view of the entire mountain range and east Bakersfield. We were pleasantly surprised to find the tower and surrounding campsite (and outhouse) in good condition. It was mostly clean, save for a bit of a stench coming from inside the tower. This was especially surprising considering there's really no one that goes up to the tower regularly to maintain it. You are basically relying on the last guest to have cleaned up after themselves. While there is no water or electricity as the site, there is a propane powered stove, heater, and lantern as well as several flashlights and LED lanterns in the tower, as well as two fairly comfortable and clean twin sized beds. There's also a firepit, bench, and picnic table on site. There's also phone service (T-Mobile) on the south side of the tower. We spent the evening preparing dinner, drinking wine and beer, and listening to music before we headed down to make S'mores before bed. All in all this was an awesome, and unique experience. I recommend it to anyone in the mood for something different on their next camping trip.

Pros - Views are awesome. Nice getaway. There's a fire pit, a picnic table and a bathroom. The…read moreactual lookout also has 2 beds, a sink and a stove. The stove is really easy to use. Packing tips: sheets for the beds, covers for the pillow cases, sandals to walk around in, water for drinking, water for washing dishes/hands/etc, food (can of soup, snacks, etc), toiletries, warm clothing (gets cold at night), bug spray for spiders and earwigs, paper toilet, paper towels Price: $75/night Note: No electricity and no running water Cons - Spiders and earwigs! In our first 6 hours we had already killed over 10 earwigs and 2 spiders. It also wasn't very clean - dusty and dirty. For $75/night they could do a better job at cleaning up.

No longer around, but still a site worthy of mention…read more The Kern River Mills were flour mills built on the Kern Island Canal. Built in 1871 by Horatio Livermore and William Muehe the business changed hands several times until it became a corporate holding of the massive Kern County Land Company in 1890. Flour production continued until 1923 and then moved on over to grain until the 1952 Earthquake. The nearby park, Mill Creek park and some of the items within, are in honor to this mill and the history it left behind. #nowyouknow

This is such a peaceful and welcoming National Monument located in Keene, CA, just east of…read moreBakersfield. This National Monument has a visitors center, museum, gift shop, a beautiful walking trail with flowering plants and trees as well as a path with various cacti. In the warmer months it's easy to spot lizards and rabbits, as well as having year-round birds and squirrels. You can learn about civil rights, agricultural labor history, and how Cesar formed a Union that is still in existence today. The Park is located in Kern County (the southernmost county of the California agricultural belt) just 30 minutes east of Bakersfield, in the mountains below Tehachapi. It was the first location of the Union headquarters he formed, the United Farm Workers (UFW). His office has been preserved within the museum exactly how it was the day he passed away. Cesar, and his wife Helen, lived and are buried within the Monument (his dog is buried with them too!) in a beautiful and serene garden. Their house is on the property and was left the way Helen had it the day she passed away. There isn't access inside their home, but they do allow special events in their courtyard area that you'd need to inquire about. Entrance and parking are both free to the public, but you can make donations if you'd like. I love visiting this Monument a few times a year, as it's so peaceful and calming. We usually bring lunch and sit at one of the many picnic tables provided.

Nice grounds, but kind of awkward to visit after recent events. Also, you couldn't really walk…read morearound the national monument with the private residence housing. The museum was nice though!

The Dream Center is a one of a kind place in our community. It is Kern County's only one-stop…read moreresource center for current and former foster youth offering comprehensive, integrated services and resources. For years the Dream Center has been a place where current and former foster youth can go if they need guidance and help. Their new location has more than doubled their square footage making it possible for them to provide new services for homeless and youth transitioning out of the foster care system. All of the same resources still exist. Some new additions include access to showers and washing machines. Youth can find a supportive community here. It is a spot where friends can be made and mentors can be found. There is no other place like this in Kern! I cannot say enough about how amazing this place is... The staff here is wonderful! From the front desk receptionist to the custodian; everyone who works here has a huge heart for youth and helping others. The youth I have had the pleasure of meeting throughout the years have been some of the smartest and most resilient human beings I've ever met. They are a real inspiration and I am so glad that Kern County has a place that is focused on helping their dreams become reality.

Support your local Library!! I absolutely love this…read morelocation. It's near our home, and there's always children in here doing some sort of activity. It's beautiful to see. As a child, I loooved going to our local library and I never outgrew it. There are many amenities offered.

We live here. They have a lot of activities for toddlers and kids. Plus the staff is very kind.read more

I think this is a very lovely library, and a great get away for families and people of all nature…read more (Also the flag is a nice touch and means equality not gay pride Nelson A.. , maybe pick up a book or two when your at the library.. instead of focusing on a poster you can't understand.

I love going to the library. This one in particular because is close to my house, but is hardly…read moreopen. Today a friend mention that they were having a special arts event so I took my little ones. I must say, if you don't know what to do in Bakersfield with your kiddos, check your local library. They have many events going on at all times of the year. During summer, they become the perfect place to go read a book while your kids enjoy a book, arts & crafts, or lunch. Yes, during summer they serve lunch at all the Kern County libraries! Today we were lucky and got to be part of a raffle in which they gave away a bubble maker and several books. They even gave all the kiddos who were there a choice of two books to take home. Free! My daughter was super excited since one of the options was from the series she is currently reading! Now to the bad part, their schedule. They are only open 3 times a week. Not sure if they are the only library with that schedule but is very inconvenient. Overall, the staff is great and the premises are clean and ready to welcome bookworms of all ages!

Before there was internet, I loved going to libraries. Nowadays, though, most folks use the…read moreinternet to research and not the libraries. This library on Baker St. does have a few computers so you can surf the net as long as you have a library card number. I stopped by recently because I had some time to kill before going to work. This library is only open twice a week. Currently, they are open Mondays and Tuesdays from 11am to 6pm. The most impressive thing about the Baker St. Library is the architecture. It opened on July 8, 1915 so that makes it 109 years old!!!! Wowza!! In April 1981, the Baker Branch was listed on the National Register of Historic Places!! Very impressive!! Come and check them out!!

Absolutely obsessed with this gorgeous library within the KCL system…read more The Baker Branch is one of the oldest, and mostly all original, libraries still operating here in Bakersfield. Opening its doors in 1915, this stunning building was designed by a local architect and built by local artisans. Everything here screams historical beauty. No wonder it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, one of just a few here in Kern County. As of April 2023, it's only open two days a week (Monday and Tuesdays) 11am to 6pm. If you love libraries as much as I do and want to support in increasing their hours encourage local politicians to provide more funding for these community hubs. Take a detour to Old Town Kern and check out this beauty. With plenty of activities and super friendly librarians plus gorgeous original architecture, you'll be glad you did.