Car Hire Fresno - Mini guide to Fresno
Fresno, with its proximity to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and several national parks, and its attractive location within the lush Central Valley region, is not only a charming town for visitors to explore, but also an excellent base from which to view some of California’s most beautiful scenic areas.
One of Fresno’s most fascinating attractions is Forestiere Underground Gardens, a bizarre collection of underground rooms covering over four hectares, created by a former New York subway worker. Baldasare Forestiere, a Sicilian immigrant, intended to grow trees and vines. However, when he discovered that his land was a solid plate of rock, he instead created subterranean network of over a hundred niches, courtyards, patios, rooms and passageways.
The gardens, despite being underground, are filled with fruit trees and grapevines, nourished by sunlight and rain water coming through skylights and into courtyards, and are a unique and astonishing work of art.
Fresno boasts some fine art museums, including the Fresno Art Museum, with a wonderful collection of Mexican artwork and French post-Impressionist paintings. The Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art, History and Science is also worthwhile. History buffs can tour the elegant homes of several of Fresno's founders, for example the Kearney Mansion Museum and the Meux Home Museum.
The best time to visit Fresno is in February and March, when wildflowers and blossoming fruit trees light up the Fresno County Blossom Trail with their vivid colours and wonderful fragrances.
Fresno’s nightlife is based around Tower District where, in addition to a large variety of shops, restaurants and night spots, the Art Deco Tower Theatre screens free retro movies once a week. The Tower Theatre is a worthwhile attraction in itself, with magnificent glass etchings and an Italian terrazzo foyer, and hosts many famous performers annually.
The major suburbs in Fresno are: Calwa, Clovis, Glorietta, Las Palmas, Malaga, Melvin, Muscatel, Sanger, Sunnyside and Tarpey Village.
