Fresno Bucket List

I think everyone is familiar with the bucket list concept, things to accomplish before you die. This post will put a twist on it and a local focus. What are some local things that every Fresnan should do or have done. I don’t want to put a “before death” element on it, per se, but just a kind of checklist that cannot be completed elsewhere.

Unfortunately, some things will be impossible for younger generations to complete, such as having a draught beer from an ice cold goblet at the Hofbrau (Old Fresno and now the Silver Dollar, too), having lunch at the Farmer’s Market (OK, showing my age on that one), or bowling a game at Cedar Lanes. But there are some things, quite a few things, which can still be experienced. My intention is to not only suggest my own, but gather some from readers, both local and visitors.

I think a certain distance radius needs to be in play. I think everyone should visit one of the nearby National Parks and/or Forests, but we can’t really claim them to be part of the Fresno psyche as many people will see them without stepping foot in Fresno (sorry FYI, the airport is not really close to Yosemite and not very international). The same is true of the beaches of the central coast. Sure, it’s great that they are close enough for a long day trip, but Fresnans can’t really claim them as our own.

Obviously, to have import to several generations, we’re not talking about a T.Applechiligan’s that opened on a stand alone pad in front of Target three years ago. But it doesn’t have to be on the Historical Registry, either.

Let’s make the parameters still open or accessible, within an hour’s drive of Fresno and at least the second generation of Fresnans is introducing the experience to their offspring or younger generation.

I will start with one that I haven’t done; eat a chicken pot pie at The Chicken Pot Pie shop in the Tower district. (This is on the top of my mind. As I write this, it is close to midnight and I’m hungry). I have eaten there, but haven’t had a pot pie, so I’m making that a condition.

While we’re in the Tower District, let’s throw in a movie at the Tower Theater; live shows don’t count, movies only. (Why? First time there was a move.) Extra credit for sitting in the balcony.

Walking on the Fulton Mall. This is a big one for me. I will spare you too much personal reflection and current political status. I will use the topic more in future posts. Let’s just say it is threatened and you’ve been warned that you might lose the opportunity to experience it.

Play at Blackbeard’s. Over the years, they have added rides to the facility, so we’ll count doing anything at Blackbeard’s. It isn’t the oldest amusement park (small scale, of course) in Fresno and is actually recent when compared others in Fresno history, Zapp’s Park, i.e., photographed in the Pop Laval collection. But it still exists, thus meeting the availability requirement.

To be continued tomorrow…