This was a very interesting place. It's nice someone cared enough to preserve it for future…read moregenerations. It's good to embrace history and this museum is full of that. Our tour guide was new and a little vague on some points of interest but that really didn't bother me. It has a cute little gift shop and tours are by donation so don't cheap out when you visit. What's a few dollars to walk back in time.

Quoted from the Taoist Temple Preservation Society website (where you can also contribute online):…read more "Everything you ever wanted to know about China Alley. China Alley in Hanford, California traces its roots to 1877, when the Central Pacific railroad was extended westward into the area and the new town of Hanford was formed. Numerous Chinese came to the area, many initially to help build the railroads, but others came for farming and agricultural purposes. China Alley grew rapidly and the Chinatown prospered to include restaurants, homes, boarding houses, grocery stores, laundries, herb shops with reputable herbal doctors, sundries stores, gambling establishments, a Chinese school and a Taoist Temple. It soon became known as a "city within a city" with buildings lining both sides of the alley made from bricks formed and fired on site. Visiting Hanford's China Alley Historic District is a fascinating adventure that allows us to step back into history. As visitors enter China Alley today, they are met with a sense of historic ambiance that is reminiscent of a strong cultural heritage. Many of the buildings lining the alley are visually unaltered and remain largely as they did over 100 years ago. Various myths and folkloric legends have weaved their way into tales of this historic Alley. It has been alleged that the population of Hanford's Chinatown went from a small but thriving number of residents to a crowded metropolis rivaling the Chinatowns of San Francisco and Los Angeles. The stories of underground passageways that connected the basements of some merchants on China Alley have been wildly embellished to include tall tales of an expansive network of subterranean tunnels that reached far away from the Alley's core. Some minor alterations to the ground floor of several of the buildings occurred while creating The Chinese Pagoda and Imperial Dynasty restaurants in the late 1950s. These restaurants were established and operated by the Wing family and once served as a catalyst for the revitalization of China Alley. For nearly 50 years until its closure in 2006, the Imperial Dynasty was recognized as a world renowned restaurant serving continental cuisine. The restaurant became famous for its gourmet dinners, extensive wine cellar, and escargots bourguignon. Certified executive chef Richard Wing is widely credited as the originator of fusion cuisine as he combined Chinese and French cooking techniques that became known as Chinoise. One of the highlights of China Alley is The Taoist Temple Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Temple and Museum offers a rare and authentic experience of entering a unique and historic cultural structure that has remained mostly unchanged over the years. Upstairs in the Taoist Temple Museum, the original Temple exists where visitors are first met with large plaques covered with Chinese characters that list the names of members of the Sam Yup Association who donated funds for the construction of the building. On the south wall are wooden figures of the eight immortals while their corresponding ceremonial staves are displayed next to the stairwell. In a corner of the room is a ceremonial brick oven in which symbolic paper money or clothing was burned as an offering to an individual's ancestors. Silk embroideries throughout the Temple featuring animals, birds, and shiny objects have various symbolic meanings. A variety of tools used for individual worship remain where they were once used. Apparent on the ceiling are different methods of lighting from bygone eras that were used to illuminate the Temple. A separate room behind an elaborate altar served as a schoolroom so children could learn of their cultural heritage and beliefs. The street level of the Taoist Temple Museum includes rooms that once served as sleeping quarters for single men. These rooms now reveal a variety of artifacts from the everyday life of Hanford's Chinese residents including kitchen items, gambling matter, and articles and furnishings from several of the Alley's herb shops. Along the walls of the single hallway are photos of the early populace and structures of the area. A small shop occupies the front of the ground floor where informative books and commemorative items can be purchased with the proceeds used to assist in ongoing maintenance of the Temple and the restoration of other buildings in the Historic District."

Free for 2 years and under, $5 entry fee for everybody else. $3 for lettuce to feed the animals. It…read morewas a cute small spot to take my granddaughter to see the animals. It was very easy for a very young child to walk around the whole area, no stroller needed. There were lots of animals to see, feed and pet. My only concern is that camel is in an extremely small space as is the longhorn cow. Some goats and llamas have no shade or shelter during the day. I did not see anybody being unkind to the pets, but there was not enough staff to patrol the people and keep the animals safe. Some of the animals backed away when I tried to pet them, even though I was being gentle. I hope they have alternative space and shelter to the ones I saw.

We kept seeing Ford Farms advertised on all our social media, so we had to take our kids to go…read morecheck it out. Pretty easy to find , easy to navigate. Small, but perfect size for little kids. Cost is $10 per person; under 2 or 3 is free I believe. You can also purchase feed baskets to feed the animals. On the day we went they were having a holiday event with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the Grinch , and decorated with Christmas decor- cute. Taking pictures with all the characters was on top of our list. The animals were out and about; our kids loved seeing the animals up close. They have a private parking lot and there is also street parking available. This is a nice place to take the family without the extensive crowds.

I finally visited the museum after living here for over 40 years! I learned so much about the area…read more The young man who is the curator there was so very knowledgeable and pleasant. I took my then 12-year-old granddaughter after church once Sunday and we both enjoyed it very, very much. I highly recommend it.

The displays are periodically changed. The current display features agriculture in Kings County…read more There is information about Tulare Lake before 1900 and how it disappeared in only about 20 years due to the incoming water being diverted. There is a display and video on how butter was made at home. There is a two man mechanical sheep shearer on display along with a short video on how it is used. If you want to see how to use hay hooks, there is a video about that, too. The current display will be there until July 27th. The second phase of the display will start on September 12. It will cover the time period from 1950 to the present time.

Amazing exhibitions about every 6 months on a variety of topics showing history of Kings County!…read moreLove being a volunteer docent here!

Heard this is a great place for young kiddos, and boy that rumor was true! Our kids loved it! Our…read morekids were entertained the whole time. Loved all the hands on activities. Everything from a fish aquarium, to a fire truck, slides , kitchen, and more. Could have spent the day here , if they were open longer. They have an outdoor area, however was closed due to the rain. Will be back to check it out though. Only open to the public four days a week, other days closed for field trips. Can be pricey $15 for kids one and up and $10 per adult; $7.50 for seniors. Can add up quickly for large families.

First time here with the kiddos and their little cousins! They had a blast! And I'm just at awe…read moreevery corner I look and go to! Down to the restroom with the tiny tiny toilets for the littles! Lol! Love the fact there's kid friendly washing stations through the museum making it easy for the kids. The indoor treehouse has cameras on the outside so parents can keep an eye on the littles while they are in the treehouse which is awesome! The entire time we were there I saw workers tidy up and sanitize and clean the whole time so that is reassuring! Like the indoor didn't impress me enough.. when we went outside.. I was mind blown at how much is outside and how even cuter it is! They had balance bikes with helmet and a track for kiddos, fishing, building, learning to milk a cow, dinosaurs, farmers market, and so much more! Also, kid friend height table and benches perfect for snacking and breaks. Is to note there isn't any food or drinks available for purchase at the museum but we were able to bring our snacks. Price point was so affordable especially for the experience and what they offer for the kids. We will definitely recommend this place and would highly likely return!

Great shows performed by amazing talent. This theatre is a hidden gem of porterville that should…read morenot be hidden. Love this place!

So much fun every time I go ! I love the plays, the atmosphere, and the all around uniqueness of…read moreactually seeing these wonderful performances right in front of you ! It's such a breath of fresh air from the typical Friday night out. This last play "Red , White and Tuna " , was absolutely therapeutic for me . I laughed and laughed and laughed some more ! The performers took me away from all my every day stress. I can't wait for the next play !

Love this place! My family and I go every year and we always have the best time. I can't wait for…read morenext season!

I love this place, we come every year with the church youth. Maze is so well put together and very…read morelarge. Pumpkins have a big variety, hayride is fun. We love the amount of games and food available. So so fun!

Our daughter has been going to Exeter City Dance for 2 years now. We love the small town feel and…read morethe special attention and effort that goes into the dance classes and recitals. Our town would not be the same without this awesome business. Her efforts during COVID-19 has been obviously challenging like it has for so many but she is doing her best and we are happy to have safe options for our kids.

I have been taking my daughters here for several years now. The instructors seem to be…read moreknowledgeable and like working with the dancers. They always seem to be smiling. The main instructor "teacher Christy" is the owner and operator. She is very patient and willing to work around my hectic schedule and offer solutions to problems. My girls learn a lot while doing something fun. Every year they put on a recital and my whole family normally goes. The production quality of their show is great! My sister pays quite a bit more for her children to dance somewhere else and the recital quality is just not as good. Even my older brother agrees.