Explore Butte County Visitors Guide 2019-2020

1

OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE 2019–2020 ExploreButteCounty.com www . explorebuttecounty . com

2

www . explorebuttecounty . com

STAY INDULGENT.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites® Chico

2074 East 20th Street Chico, CA 95926 (530) 891-0100 www.hiexpress.com/chicoca

Lake Oroville

550 Oro Dam Blvd E Oroville, CA 95965 (530) 534-5566 www.holidayinnexpressoroville.com

STAY YOU.

TM

EXPLORERS WELCOME

EXPLORERS WELCOME! Located about 90 minutes north of Sacramento, Butte County exemplifies how seemingly contrasting characteristics come together perfectly.

From the rural to the urban, farm to city, and valley to mountains, Butte County comes together to create a truly special experience for visitors and locals alike.

In south county, you’ll find acres of some of California’s most fertile land across Gridley, Biggs, and Oroville, where rice, almonds, walnuts, olives for oil, and fruits flourish. Drive north, and you’ll end up in Chico, the county’s urban center with a vibrant downtown and college community.

Continue to the east, and you’ll enjoy two national forests, with Lassen and Plumas offering miles of hiking trails and outdoor recreation. And at the northernmost point of the county, you’ll love the high altitudes and snow-covered landscape found at Butte Meadows.

We use the word “explore” in our brand name, as it exudes curiosity, ambition and a sense of discovering new-to-you lands. We believe everyone has a heart for exploration and a desire to adventure, whether physically, mentally, or spiritually. Whether you’re looking to hike among the wildflowers and waterfalls, spend a week on the water, or taste the freshest produce anywhere, we invite you and all explorers to find your next adventure with us and to Explore Butte County!

This guide will help inspire your Butte County adventure. For more in-depth information, visit us at ExploreButteCounty.com.

Bruce Spangler President of the Board Explore Butte County

The Official 2019–2020 Explore Butte County Visitors Guide is a publication of Explore Butte County.

P.O. Box 2154, Chico, CA 95927 +1 530.918.4584 ExploreButteCounty.com info@explorebuttecounty.com

Carolyn Denero, CTA Executive Director

Ashley Baer, CTA Marketing Communications Coordinator

#ExploreButteCA

Design PorterCo Agency

Contributing Writers Ashley Baer, Jason Mandly, Sheila Murray, Travis Souders

Contributing Photographers Ashley Baer, Gunnar Loveland, Steve McDonald, David Selkirk, Results Imagery

Cover Photo

#ExploreButteCA

David Selkirk

CONTENTS

EXPLORE BUTTE COUNTY | 2019–2020

Water, Water Everywhere Explore lakes and rivers for boating, rafting, fishing, & more in Butte County.

Trails Worth Traveling For 15

ARTS & CULTURE

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

25

85

Portal to the Past Learn about Butte County's past through its abundance of history museums.

Historic Movie Theaters 86 Let Us Guide You 89

Just Step Outside 22

Classic Car Culture 90

Cast a Line 30

Just Kidding Around 92

41

76

Feeding the World Enjoy some of the best produce in the state right in Butte County.

Farm to Table Restaurants 43 Experience the Farm 44 Take Home the Bounty 45

EXPLORE LIKE A LOCAL

LOCALLY GROWN

Exploring on 2 Wheels 19

The College Connection Reconnect to your youth by starting your weekend in Butte County in a classic college town.

Paradise City Profile 9 Oroville City Profile 35 Gridley & Biggs City Profile 49 Chico City Profile 73

62

104 Stay a While

Dining in Butte County Discover the delicious restaurants that call Butte County home.

Drink and Be Merry 55 Chico Celebrates Craft Beer 58

PLANNING YOUR STAY

FOOD & DRINK

Butte County Crops 47

Find the perfect lodging in your budget for your trip to Butte County.

Annual Events 103 Meeting Spaces & Venues 108

Sweet Spots 64

Let's Meet! 113

Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives 70

Getting to Butte County 114

EXPLORERS WELCOME

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN VISITING BUTTE COUNTY AFTER THE FIRE

@WILD_IMAGE_PHOTOGRAPHY55

While the devastating Camp Fire of November 2018 destroyed much of Paradise and neighboring communities of Concow and Magalia, less than 15% of Butte County’s over 1 million acres were directly touched by the wildfire. When you visit Butte County, you’ll find much of what was always here—beautiful vistas, cool creeks and swimming holes, and expanses of hiking and biking trails.

Here’s what to expect when visiting Butte County after the fire: PARADISE RIDGE BUSINESSES ARE GRADUALLY OPENING THEIR DOORS FOR VISITORS Many businesses that were displaced by the fire are excited to return to their beloved community and open their doors again. Some have opened second locations elsewhere in Butte County, others are working on getting their Paradise locations visitor-ready again, and still others have already reopened and are ready for you to visit! By supporting them with your visits and dollars, you encourage even more businesses to return. The Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce is a great resource to search for businesses that are open to serve the public.

THE REST OF BUTTE COUNTY IS OPEN FOR YOU Though the Paradise Ridge communities are still in various stages of recovery, the majority of the region is open to explore. While the surrounding towns buzz with new-to-them residents, the heart and soul of the region remains. When you’re here, you’re welcome to

6

www . explorebuttecounty . com

Every time you visit, you support the thousands of local residents who work in the tourism industry explore Chico’s vibrant downtown, stroll through Oroville’s historic riverside district, or experience outdoor adventures great and small throughout the county.

THERE ARE PLENTY OF PLACES TO HANG YOUR HAT You have dozens of lodging options to choose from when planning to spend some time in Butte County. Though the fire immediately affected all area hotels, they are now ready to welcome you.

For the best information about hotel availability, visit ExploreButteCounty.com/Stay.

IT’S ALWAYS A GREAT TIME TO VISIT Whatever the season, you’ll always find great activities to enjoy. From splashing around in urban swimming holes in the summer to enjoying snow in the higher elevations in the winter to visiting one of our many events throughout the year, Butte County is the place to be.

Plus, every time you visit, you support the thousands of local residents who work in the tourism industry and help fuel our local economy.

Want to see for yourself? Come visit—and bring your friends.

official visitors guide

7

CITY PROFILE

8

www . explorebuttecounty . com

PARADISE

LIFE ON THE RIDGE

Unique in Butte County for its forested terrain and elevation, Paradise and Magalia together form a subregion, locally known as “the Ridge,” that’s decidedly small town, isolated, and uniquely determined to retain its long-running reputation of quaintness that comes from its natural beauty.

Like many of the surrounding towns, Paradise,

founded in 1877, has a historical gold rush element to it, even celebrating “Gold Nugget Days” with a parade and the naming of the Gold Nugget Queen. Johnny Appleseed Days is known as the oldest harvest festival in the state, a tradition dating back to 1888. One of the most enduring traditions in Paradise is seen on service-member holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, when volunteers line the streets of the Skyway, the town’s main drag, with American flags in honor of the military.

Small businesses and true mom-and-pops were, in many aspects, the lifeblood of “the Ridge,” from locally owned franchises to generational operations, like town-favorite coffee shops, nationally renowned candy-maker Joy Lyn’s Candies, the longest-running community theater north of Sacramento at Theatre on the Ridge, and more. Ridge residents could easily be characterized as fiercely proud of their hometown.

@SALINAFAITH

official visitors guide

9

CITY PROFILE

AN EMBRACE & RESPECT FOR THE SURROUNDING NATURAL HABITAT & A TRULY RESILIENT TOWN PERSONALITY As of November 2018, though, another word also suits this population: resilient. With all but an estimated 2,000 people remaining after the Camp Fire, in a town that previously housed about 22,000, Paradise and parts of Magalia are in a state of rebuilding. Much of the natural beauty still remains on the Ridge, including the serene fishing and hiking at Paradise Lake or the west branch of the Feather River.

The townspeople here had built their paradise on the Ridge, and while many have moved away, those who are staying have no intentions of losing the hallmarks of Paradise they know and love: a kinship with their neighbors, an embrace and respect for the surrounding natural habitat, and a truly resilient town personality.

Many surviving or rebuilt businesses around town still proudly serve the Ridge, providing for Paradise and Magalia residents who have remained.

As they rebuild—a project that will doubtless be a work in progress for years—one can squint and start to see the Ridge they once knew.

For more information: PARADISE RIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITOR CENTER [PARADISECHAMBER.COM]

6161 Clark Rd, Ste 1, Paradise 530.877.9356

10

www . explorebuttecounty . com

PARADISE WHY WE LOVE

with

CHENOA & DAVID RIVERA

Real estate and home renovation experts Chenoa and David Rivera star in Rustic Rehab on HGTV. Together, they renovate outdated homes in Paradise for those looking for the small-town life. Since the 2018 Camp Fire, they have also been helping people with new builds and rehabbing homes in the area. The Riveras live full time in Paradise with their four children.

HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF IN PARADISE? WHAT MADE YOU STAY? In 2011, we were selling our home in Chico and looking for something larger. We were shown our Paradise house, even though Paradise wasn't originally in our search, and we immediately fell in love with it. We made an offer that wasn't accepted; it wasn't until a year later that we were able to get it. We have an incredible view of the canyon and an amazing sunset every night. It still feels so peaceful, which we love about Paradise: the air seems cleaner, the stars are closer, and it has this perfect balance of quiet rural setting and small-community vibe.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON IN PARADISE? WHY? In the fall, the weather begins to change and cool down, and we love all of the large trees throughout Paradise. As the holiday seasons begin, Paradise embodies the perfect scenery for those cooler nights when you want to curl up around the fire with family and friends.

WHAT MAKES PARADISE SO SPECIAL? Since the fire a lot has changed, but Paradise still has its trees, and there is still beauty beyond its ashes. The people are so resilient—it has really strengthened the community, and we are forever bonded. It will be a different Paradise after the loss of so much, but the foundation of what drew people to this quiet little community will stay the same: the land, the nature, the outdoors, the smaller community size. I believe once it is rebuilt, the town will incorporate some of the history and preserve as much as possible the originality of Paradise; it will just be refreshed.

official visitors guide

11

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE loved by locals

12

PHANTOM FALLS AT TABLE MOUNTAIN www . explorebuttecounty . com

GUNNAR LOVELAND

official visitors guide

13

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

TABLE MOUNTAIN

GUARDIAN TRAIL

loved by locals

FEATHER FALLS Notably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in California

14

www . explorebuttecounty . com

STEVE MCDONALD

From easy to expert, urban to rural, there’s a trail for every activity and skill level in Butte County

@JENHENRIE

trails worth

TRAVELING FOR With the Plumas and Lassen national forests bordering the east, Bidwell Park running through Chico on the west, and Lake Oroville in the south, Butte County has miles of biking and hiking trails running through the region. So many, in fact, it’s nearly impossible to list them all—from easy to expert, urban to rural, there’s a trail for every activity and skill level. If you’re visiting, you should know about the trails worth traveling to Butte County for.

BIKING TRAILS Upper Bidwell Park in Chico is the go-to for mountain bikers in Butte County, but if you only have time for one ride, make sure it’s on Guardian Trail. With five miles of technical, rocky, twisty downhill, you’re sure to be satisfied (and sweaty) at the bottom. If you want to take it slow, there are a few caves and scenic overlooks to enjoy along the way. Given its technicality, the trail is recommended for expert riders.

For beginners, the Brad Freeman/Bidwell Canyon Trail in Oroville offers spectacular views of the Oroville Dam Spillway, Lake Oroville, old train tunnels, and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center. Minimal technical skill is required, but you will enjoy some climbing as well as a relaxing trail with several spots to get water and take a break. If you have the time, stop at the visitor center to learn more about the area.

HIKING TRAILS Bald Rock Dome in Plumas National Forest, near Lake Oroville, is a popular granite batholith well worth a hike, but the hike worth traveling for is the Dome Trail.

official visitors guide

15

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

AFTER THE RAINY SEASON, THE BEAUTIFUL MESA SERVES UP A JAW-DROPPING SPRING WILDFLOWER BLOOM & BREATHTAKING WATERFALLS It takes you under Bald Rock, through a rock fissure, and down a remote staircase to a wild and scenic stretch of the Feather River. It’s a tough adventure, but one that will reward you with amazing swimming holes and solitude.

Back in Bidwell Park, the Yahi Trail is a must for any visiting walker. While there are numerous trails in the park, each with special perspectives and landscapes, the Yahi Trail does a great job of showing off some of the park’s finest views. It’s also a great place to visit at any time of the year, with spring wildflowers, summer swimming holes, and fall foliage.

FEATHER FALLS SCENIC TRAIL Whether biking or hiking, the Feather Falls Scenic Trail in Oroville is so beautiful that it’s worth highlighting all on its own. The 2,500foot elevation on the nine-mile round-trip Upper Route makes for a great intermediate ride that gets you within walking distance of Feather Falls, one of the most beautiful

On foot, the loop is a great workout, with several stream crossings and views of the wild and scenic Middle Fork of the Feather River. Regardless of the method of travel, everyone willing to make the trip will be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of this beautiful massive waterfall.

NORTH TABLE MOUNTAIN ECO PRESERVE Table Mountain in Oroville isn’t the longest or the most challenging hiking and biking area in Butte County, but in the springtime, it might just be the prettiest. After the rainy season, the beautiful mesa serves up a jaw-dropping spring wildflower bloom, breathtaking waterfalls, including the ephemeral Phantom Falls, and vernal pools.

Make sure to bring a camera on this hike to capture the beautiful scenery before it’s gone for the season.

@NORELIAC

@IAMVISHNU1111

YAHI TRAIL

16

waterfalls in California. For cyclists, your best bet is a ride during the week since the trail is enjoyed by more pedestrians on the weekend.

www . explorebuttecounty . com

STEVE MCDONALD

TABLE MOUNTAIN

BALD ROCK

@YOWL52

official visitors guide

17

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Butte County is home to scenic mountain biking trails perfect for chasing challenges, regardless of skill level

loved by locals

FEATHER FALLS TRAIL An intermediate trail that leads you to a waterfall view

18

www . explorebuttecounty . com

EXPLORING ON 2 WHEELS Whether it’s leisure, competition, road cycling, or mountain biking—if it's on two wheels, chances are good that you’ll find a great ride in Butte County.

MOUNTAIN BIKING Despite modest altitudes, Butte County is home to scenic mountain biking trails perfect for chasing challenges—regardless of skill level.

The place to start is Upper Bidwell Park, which serves as the epicenter of mountain biking activity in the county. In Upper Bidwell, you’ll find unique rocky trails that are unlike most other trails in the county. Avid cyclists like to say that if you learn to mountain bike in Bidwell, you can ride almost anywhere. The best options on the northside of Big Chico Creek running through Bidwell Park include the popular North Rim, B Trail, and Upper, Lower, and Middle Trails. For experts, the Guardian Trail provides a formidable test, while the Annie Bidwell Trail is a more moderate track.

Farther south, the Lake Oroville area provides a miles-long network of wider and less technical trails. Potters Ravine is a beginner’s go-to, as is the North Fork Trail, which nonetheless offers a 35-mile out-and-back ride. The Brad Freeman Trail provides miles of mostly flat trails that are still just rocky enough for a fun challenge.

For dirt enthusiasts, some of the real finds are hidden in the hills. Cohasset Road transforms into a dirt trail just above Cohasset; from there, it’s a near-endless ride on a bike. Forest Ranch offers interesting rides too, with trails connecting into Highway 32, Magalia, and all the way down into Centerville. Those long dirt roads are a great way to explore the county.

LEISURE/CASUAL CYCLING With temperate weather year-round, casual riders can enjoy our urban centers on a bike. Downtown Chico and Downtown Oroville offer cyclists easy, open thoroughfares

@BRANDONMASCARENAS

official visitors guide

19

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

and mild hills, with a culture of sharing the roadway. And, no matter where you end up, ample park-and-lock places make hopping off and exploring on foot a breeze.

ROAD CYCLING Those looking for road cycling options will find endless choices once they hit the road. Flat roads, hills, downhills, fire roads, busy roads, quiet roads—every type is available and each one is beautiful. Those riding in Butte County know how spoiled they are when it comes to bicycling.

The Durham Loop provides an easy, flat ride of 20 to 25 miles, and is particularly beautiful in late winter and early spring when the almond blossoms are in bloom. In Paradise, the pedestrian- and bicycle-only Yellowstone Kelly Heritage Trail is a popular route for a familyfriendly ride with easy access to town. On the Table Mountain Loop from Chico to Oroville, you can enjoy a 60-mile ride with challenging climbs and beautiful wildflowers and waterfalls in the spring.

Whatever route you choose, the great thing about biking in Butte County is that you can just go out and explore, making for some of the best rides you’ll ever experience.

TRIP TIPS 1. Check out ChicoVelo.org for more info about trails and routes throughout Butte County.

2. Helmets are required when riding the dirt trails or on Upper Bidwell Park Road.

3. Stay off the sidewalks between 1st and 5th streets in Downtown Chico.

4. Follow the Greenline Tour in Oroville for a friendly route around to the town’s most unique destinations.

5. Enjoy Upper Bidwell Park Road on Sundays and Mondays for a car-free adventure.

20

www . explorebuttecounty . com

BIKE EVENTS IN BUTTE COUNTY

BIDWELL BUMP This mountain bike race combines technical elements of both cross-country and aggressive trail riding features to create a unique competitive event.

CHICO VELO WILDFLOWER CENTURY The Wildflower Century offers seven route options ranging from 12 miles to 125 miles throughout scenic Butte County in the springtime. Riders can challenge themselves with hill climbs or enjoy flat roads through the almond orchards.

CHICO TWEED RIDE AND SEERSUCKER RIDE Celebrate the bicycle and a more genteel time! Enjoy a loop through Lower Bidwell Park wearing vintage tweed-inspired attire in the fall or seersucker-inspired attire in the spring in this casual and family-friendly event.

VELO LOVE RIDE Choose between a 40-, 60-, or 100-mile adventure on a mostly flat, scenic ride past the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, through blossoming orchards, and around the Sutter Buttes in South Butte County in February.

official visitors guide

21

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

STEP OUTSIDE just

Bird-watching in Butte County

By Scott Huber

Stretching from Bering Strait off the coast of Alaska to the southernmost tip of South America, the Pacific Flyway ranks as one of the greatest migratory pathways in the world. Millions of birds representing hundreds of species use this great avian highway each year, and nowhere is this

STEVE MCDONALD

abundance of wildlife more accessible than right here in Butte County.

With an ideal combination of mild winter weather, abundant food, and rich quantities

most spectacular wildlife viewing in Northern

of water, the area attracts a huge wintering

California. On the elevated platforms, you’ll be

population of waterfowl and raptors, making

overwhelmed by the number of birds you can

it an ideal location for bird-watching

see, including unusual migrating species in

throughout most of the year. This migration,

the fall, like the black-bellied plover, and less

especially of the majestic snow goose, is

common duck species, like the Eurasian wigeon,

celebrated annually at the end of January

in the winter.

with the Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway. The five-day celebration includes field trips, workshops, exhibitions, and other activities revolving around a variety of geese, ducks, herons, raptors, and more, all in their natural splendor.

22

In Gridley, the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area is perhaps the most well-known birding site in Butte County. The well-marked nature trail makes for a refreshing walk with spectacular bird viewing of more than 230 bird species across the 9,200-acre wildlife area. During the winter

Even if you can’t make it to the Snow Goose

migration, you’ll likely be rewarded with a dusk

Festival, you can still enjoy spectacular

“fly-off” of thousands of snow geese and other

birding opportunities whenever you visit.

waterfowl filling the sky. You can also enjoy an

The Llano Seco Viewing Platforms south

exhibit museum, seasonal tours, and excellent

of Chico provide what is arguably the

car viewing.

www . explorebuttecounty . com

STEVE MCDONALD

In the spring, you’ll find trees jam-packed with warblers, vireos, tanagers, and grosbeaks at the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve. If you’re willing to brave the mid-summer heat, a trip to the Chico Oxidation Ponds will likely showcase rarely seen southerly migrating species, such as the semipalmated sandpiper—just make sure to call ahead for permission. In Oroville, the Thermalito Afterbay and Forebay provide great vantage points for viewing waterbirds as well as more rare raptor sightings than anywhere else in the area.

TRIP TIPS Seasoned birders know that anyone can get into this easy activity, and that it’s a great way to explore places you’ve never been! Here are a few tips to get you started: 1. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring binoculars, and download a birding app.

2. Dress for the elements and the season.

3. Respect the habitat and minimize your footprint so that everyone can enjoy the space.

STEVE MCDONALD

official visitors guide

23

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

24

www . explorebuttecounty . com

Raft in the spring, boat in the summer, fish in the fall, bird-watch in the winter

Butte County boasts 41 square miles of water and an abundance of activities for every type of outdoor enjoyment.

@ISAAC_LEWIS__

Lake Oroville, the second-largest reservoir in California and created by the largest earthen dam in the country, provides year-round recreation opportunities. From boating and kayaking to fishing and camping, Lake Oroville is a water enthusiast’s paradise.

The tributaries that feed Lake Oroville create even more opportunities for water fun. With its North, Middle, and South Forks, the Feather River is the principal feeder of Lake Oroville. On those banks, you can pan for loved by locals

gold, fish for seasonal trout and salmon, or watch for wildlife. The white

FOREBAY AQUATIC CENTER

waters along the Feather River are a go-to spot for adrenaline seekers,

With kayaks, standup paddleboards, and hydrobikes, there’s something for everyone

Sacramento River in Chico, which is a great spot to spend a summer

while those looking for a calmer experience should head to the day lazily floating downstream.

Raft in the spring, boat in the summer, fish in the fall, bird-watch in the winter—with so much water, there’s always more to explore, regardless

@FOREBAYAQUATICCENTER

of season. Here are some of our suggestions for your visit:

official visitors guide

25

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

PAN FOR GOLD, FISH FOR SEASONAL TROUT & SALMON, OR WATCH FOR WILDLIFE FOREBAY AQUATIC CENTER From Memorial Day through Labor Day,

steelhead, and shad at the Bidwell-Sacramento

you can get out on the calm waters at the

River State Park. Or, grab your inner tubes,

Forebay Aquatic Center. With kayaks, stand-up

canoes, or kayaks and cruise down the river with

paddleboards, and hydrobikes as well as special

friends.

events and trips, there’s something for everyone all summer long.

FORKS OF BUTTE CREEK Explore the rugged and primitive Forks of Butte

FLOATING CAMPGROUNDS

Creek Recreation Area. You can fish for rainbow

Lake Oroville is home to the only campsites in

trout, hike, and rough it at a primitive campsite.

the state where you can picnic, barbecue, and

You can also try your hand at panning for gold—

pitch your tent right on the lake! Lake Oroville’s

just make sure to get a permit from the Bureau

10 floating campsites are a mix between

of Land Management!

camping without the dirt and houseboating without the beds. They’re perfect for outdoorsy groups that want a different way to “rough it.”

shoreline make for a serene experience away

LAKE ACCESS Bidwell Canyon Marina, Lake Oroville Marina,

from the daily grind. Leave Fido at home and

and Loafer Creek Campground are your

along the shore.

gateways to all the fun awaiting you at Lake Oroville! Launch your watercraft, relax on a houseboat, or rent a pontoon boat. You can also explore nearby hiking and equestrian trails, go fishing, or enjoy camping lakeside.

BIDWELL-SACRAMENTO RIVER STATE PARK Enjoy bank or boat fishing for salmon,

26

PARADISE LAKE The beautifully wooded land and 7.5 miles of

www . explorebuttecounty . com

come for some kayaking, shore fishing, or walking FEATHER RIVER With a steady dose of dam-released water from Lake Almanor, the North Fork of the Feather River holds some of the best white water in the state. Meanwhile, the undammed Middle Fork serves up 32 miles of Class V rapids in a remote, pristine canyon.

@EDRIEVER

official visitors guide

27

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

SWIMMING HOLES ALONG BIG CHICO CREEK

For those looking for a spontaneous water adventure without any floating devices required, head to Chico’s Bidwell Park where Big Chico Creek runs through it yearround. There, you’ll find the best urban swimming holes in California—bold statement, but you’ll see for yourself why it’s an easy one to make with more than half a dozen natural pools to choose from. Ranging from accessible for the entire family to remote and wild, there’s a swimming hole for every explorer.

SYCAMORE POOL: Great for a quick dip with adjacent parking in Lower Bidwell Park.

SYCAMORE POOL

FIVE MILE RECREATION AREA: With wide, shallow, and calm swimming areas close to restrooms and picnic areas, it’s great for families.

ALLIGATOR HOLE: The first designated swimming hole in Upper Bidwell Park is rather tame and only threequarters of a mile from the parking area, making it great for younger hikers.

BEAR HOLE AND DIVERSION DAM: Deep pools connected by rushing chutes of water surrounded by a natural rocky playground make this the most-talkedabout features in the park.

SALMON HOLE: The most scenic swimming experiences in the area also require more work to get there, with a longer hike and steeper and more rugged final approach.

BROWN’S HOLE: The most remote designated swimming hole in the park requires a two-to-three mile hike to access, but you’ll enjoy an almost-wilderness setting when you get there.

loved by locals

SALMON HOLE This scenic water hole is in Upper Bidwell Park

@HOYNOTENGOTIEMPO

28

www . explorebuttecounty . com

GUNNAR LOVELAND

TRIP TIPS 1.

Bring water, sunscreen, and towels.

2.

Wear sturdy water shoes—flip-flops are no match for basalt rock and raging waters.

3.

While the water is wet, the park is dry, so leave the alcohol at home.

@NATE.SHEFF

SALMON HOLE

@DENISECOULSON

FROM EASY TO CHALLENGING, EXPLORE THE MOST POPULAR SWIMMING HOLES IN BIDWELL PARK

BEAR HOLE

official visitors guide

29

@AARON_427_

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

CAST A

LINE

By Kevin Brock With lakes, rivers, and wetlands throughout the region, Butte County offers ample opportunity for fishing hobbyists and pros alike to stake a spot and cast a line.

Butte Creek, Lake DeSabla, Paradise Lake, Philbrook Reservoir, and the Sacramento River are popular locations for a morning near the water, whether by yourself or with friends and family.

But if you’re looking for your chance to catch “The Big One,” my recommendations are Lake Oroville and the Feather River.

PARADISE LAKE

LAKE OROVILLE The ever-popular Lake Oroville is a great

anglers of all types trying to catch these

place for families to spend time together

magnificent fish.

fishing for bass and landlocked king salmon.

Stocked salmon grow quickly because of an abundance of food; reaching five pounds and more, they are strong fighters and delicious eating.

with consistent numbers of salmon showing by mid to late August. Also along the Feather River, the Thermalito Afterbay outlet is the deepest, largest hole on the river. It attracts huge numbers

You can also enjoy the opportunity to catch

of fish, and while the hole is now closed to

20 or more bass for a bonus out on the

salmon fishing for safety reasons, the surrounding

lake. With species that include smallmouth,

area produces excellent salmon fishing.

largemouth, and spotted, bass enthusiasts on Lake Oroville have plenty of opportunities to enjoy 20 to 40 fish days. Daily limits are five salmon and five bass per person.

30

Boat fishing on the Feather River is a real treat,

In the fall, the salmon run on the river is the largest, with fishers commonly catching 20-to30-pound (and even bigger!) salmon. By mid to late October, spawning salmon attract steelhead

FEATHER RIVER

trout, which feed on the salmon eggs. Acrobatic,

A tributary to the Sacramento River, the

quick, and weighing two to eight pounds, the

Feather River produces excellent California

steelhead are a fun addition to the fishing

salmon and steelhead fishing as well as

opportunities. For skilled fishers, float trips are

striped bass and shad. Every season, the

the ideal way to reach the riffles and runs where

area around Oroville is teeming with

the steelhead wait.

www . explorebuttecounty . com

LAKE OROVILLE

FEATHER RIVER

Other fishing on the Feather River includes shad in early summer; with large schools, catches are commonly 30 to 40 fish. Trying to hook striped bass makes for another fun excursion, as they are aggressive, tough fighters, yet easy to catch.

Whatever catch you’re looking for, you’ll find a spot to call your own and cast a line in Butte County.

TIPS & TRICKS A sport fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older. You can purchase a California fishing license online at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing. You can also purchase them in-store at local retailers throughout the county, including: 1. Fins, Furs, and Feather Sports - 1520 Bader Mine Rd, Paradise 2. Huntington's Sportman’s Store - 601 Oro Dam Blvd E, Oroville 3. Mac’s Market - 550 E Gridley Rd, Gridley

official visitors guide

31

Downtown

Oroville

That Charming Little Downtown You’ve Been Looking For.

Our historic buildings are connected to the uncrowded outdoor adventures of the Feather River and over 40 miles of trails.

You can bike, hike, and kayak your way to boutiques, burgers, and beer!

You can still ďŹ nd parking, stroll the sidewalk in the shade, shake hands with local business owners, or even become one yourself and live the dream along with the rest of us.

32

Plan your visit at downtownoroville.com www . explorebuttecounty . com

OUT & ABOUT IN BUTTE COUNTY

@JUANCORTEZPHOTOGRAPHY

@MEANDERING.MAY

@BRANDONMASCARENAS

@KAT_KORNDOGGIE

@THERUNETARIAN

@RAGINXCAUCASIN

@NATASHAWON

@MADELINE.NOT.MADDY

@KELSEYFRECKLE

@MOMOHOLLINGSHEAD

official visitors guide @RYAN.LOUGHREY

@CHUCK_KAMBOURIAN

@LILYMAYXW

33

@SELENAHENNESSEY

CITY PROFILE

34

www . explorebuttecounty . com

OROVILLE

GILDED HISTORY, BRIGHTER FUTURE

Right there in the name, oro—Spanish for “gold”—is how the Butte County seat got its gilded reputation before it was officially founded in 1906. Like much of the West, Oroville earned its original notoriety thanks to the discovery of gold. The news of the discovery at Bidwell Bar, which came after the peak years of the California Gold Rush, inspired a prospector boom, which spurred construction of major California railways along the Feather River and overall industrialization.

Today, Oroville stands as an agriculture-focused community rich in outdoor recreation. Along Highway 70, Oroville is a gateway to outdoor recreation, most of it featuring easy-rolling hills, natural water features, or scenic hikes, with Table Mountain, the Forebay, and the Afterbay well-known examples of these. Most famously, though, Lake Oroville is a haven for ski, board, swimming, and fishing enthusiasts year-round, while the scenic Feather River meanders through the city, providing both serenity and play opportunities.

The city of nearly 19,000 features a historic Chinese temple that dates back to the pioneer era and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Oroville is also nationally known as the home of Ishi, the last Yahi,

official visitors guide

35

CITY PROFILE

WHETHER IT’S WORK OR PLAY, THERE IS AN ABUNDANCE OF REASONS WHY MANY CALL OROVILLE HOME considered to be the last Native American to join Western Civilization in the early 1900s.

Increasingly, Oroville is gaining appeal as a place to live and do business thanks to urban development and the long-running embrace of its proximity to outdoor activity.

Its downtown has undergone a remarkable renovation in recent years, revitalizing the area with modern bars,

ROYCE FONSECA

restaurants, local businesses, wine tasting rooms, and modern hangouts. And the nearby Butte Community College is a gateway to education for thousands of students from all over the region, and a beloved resource for students of all ages and backgrounds. In the fall, Oroville residents turn out regularly for Butte’s perennially competitive football team (best known today for being where Aaron Rodgers got his start).

Whether it’s work or play, there is an abundance of reasons why many call Oroville home, and why it remains one of the county’s top visitor attractions every year. The gold rushers got it right.

For more information: OROVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITOR CENTER [OROVILLECHAMBER.COM]

1789 Montgomery St, Oroville 530.538.2542

36

www . explorebuttecounty . com

@HUNTERCLEMENT98

OROVILLE WHY I LOVE

with

BRIAN WONG

Restaurateur and owner of Tong Fong Low, the popular Oroville Chinese restaurant that has been in operation since 1912, Brian Wong has deep roots in the city. As a teenager, he spent weekends and summers peeling shrimp, making noodles, busing tables, and washing dishes at the family-owned restaurant. Today, Wong continues on the family tradition as he invests in Oroville’s revitalization efforts.

DESCRIBE OROVILLE TO SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER BEEN HERE Oroville is a beautiful, historic small city that sits on the banks of the Feather River, and is surrounded by water. It’s the gateway to the beautiful Plumas National Forest within the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range to the east. The pristine Table Mountain, with its vibrant, colorful wildflowers, is to the north. Rice fields with colors that change with the seasons to the west. Fruit and nut orchards, growing in rich loam soil, abound to the south.

WHAT IS THE BEST-KEPT SECRET IN OROVILLE? WHY? For me, the best-kept secret about Oroville is our diversity. We have many Native American friends. Other friends that are fifth-generation in Oroville that trace their family back to England, Scotland, Ireland. My Chinese culture has had a presence here going back to the mining days, and most recently, the Hmong people have joined this community. The 2019 graduation ceremony at Oroville High was given both in English and Hmong. It brought tears to my eyes in seeing the hard work that the first-generation Hmong people had put in to get the second generation through high school and into college, a story similar to my own and many others.

IF SOMEONE ONLY HAD ONE DAY TO SPEND IN OROVILLE, WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THEY DO? I would recommend they start with an adventure. This could be panning for gold on the river (Yes! There’s still gold in there!), kayaking, fishing on the many bodies of water, mountain biking along the many trails along the river, hiking on Table Mountain, boating in the lake, visiting the museums, or just a scenic drive along the beautiful country roads. End the day before sunset with a drive up to the dam to watch the sunset, then head back to town for dinner while enjoying local musicians, or visit two of the best casinos for dinner and entertainment.

official visitors guide

37

LOCALLY GROWN

38

www . explorebuttecounty . com

SOHNREY FAMILY FOODS loved by locals

SOHNREY FAMILY FOODS official visitors guide 39

LOCALLY GROWN ALLISON UPTON

40

www . explorebuttecounty . com

FEEDING THE WORLD Butte County’s deep agricultural roots reach back to the earliest innovations in California farming. Chico’s founder, John Bidwell, is known as “a founding father of modern California agriculture.” He championed diversified commercial agriculture, pioneered the growth of the almond and walnut industry, and grew his ranch into a model of California’s farm industry in the second half of the 19th century. In 1898, Oroville farmer Freda Ehmann launched California’s olive industry by perfecting a process to preserve the fruit for shipment.

Today, large and small farms carry on the legacy of quality and innovation that has existed in Butte County for more than 100 years, producing some of the state’s best olive oils, fruit, rice, and nuts.

Building on Freda Ehmann’s legacy, Oroville’s Lodestar Farms and Bamford Family Farms offer award-winning olive oils from their Mission olive groves with a distinct regional flavor. Fertile volcanic soil combined with a Mediterranean climate makes Oroville an ideal location for the Mission olives, with 75% of their production in the country based in the Oroville area.

Long after John Bidwell, almonds and other tree nuts continue to flourish in Butte County. For five generations, Sohnrey Family Foods in Oroville has been growing almonds, walnuts, rice, and prunes and selling high-quality consumer products.

You can also buy almonds and other nut products from Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Products. A third-generation almond farmer’s daughter, Maisie Jane began roasting nuts in the family kitchen at 17, and the company grew from a college project into a sustainable business. For a more seasonal treat, you can buy chestnuts directly from Harrison’s California Chestnuts during the fall harvest.

official visitors guide

41

LOCALLY GROWN

BUTTE COUNTY HAS BEEN AN AGRICULTURAL LEADER IN CALIFORNIA, WITH INNOVATIVE IDEAS & FARMERS WITH A DEEP RESPECT FOR THE LAND Warm weather and water-retaining adobe soil make Butte County a fertile area for growing rice, with Richvale particularly suited for growing the crop. Of the more than 400 rice growers in the county, the Richvale-based Lundberg Family Farms is the most well-known. With a family legacy started in 1937 and founded in sustainability and stewardship, today Lundberg ships their rice and rice products nationwide.

South of Chico, on the east bank of the Sacramento River, Rancho Llano Seco is a sixth-generation family-run farm that is situated on one of the last intact Mexican land grant properties from 1845. It responsibly and humanely raises pork and beef as well as heirloom beans and ancient grains.

Butte County’s legacy of quality and innovation extends beyond edible crops. In Biggs, the Lavender Ranch grows and distills dozens of botanicals for essential oils and other products on-site at Bayliss Ranch. The organic methods the Lavender Ranch uses harken back to the original farming methods used by the Bayliss family in 1865, when the ranch used to harvest wheat.

The long history of farming and ranching in Butte County has largely continued through family-led endeavors spanning generations, but newcomers also do their part to build on the area’s agricultural legacy. Already making a name for itself, relative newcomer Milk & Honey 1860 sells goat’s milk lotions and balms as well as fleece and woolen products from their Civil War-era farm.

For the past 150 years, Butte County has been an agricultural leader in California, with innovative ideas and farmers with a deep respect for the land. We can’t wait to see what the next century brings.

42

www . explorebuttecounty . com

FARM TO TABLE RESTAURANTS

Farm Star Pizza Features locally sourced, in-season, organic products.

Grana Sources the best ingredients at Chico's Saturday Farmers Market weekly.

Bacio LINDSEY BARRETT

Offering healthy and delicious carry-out or catering, with gluten-free and vegan options.

LOCALLY GROWN

EXPERIENCE THE FARM Locally grown goods are made to be celebrated

Every Columbus Day weekend, dozens of wineries and specialty farms throughout the county roll out the red carpet for a food and wine extravaganza.

Participants can enjoy awardwinning food and wine and meet the farmers at their own pace, visit SierraOro.org for more information.

Farm City Celebration The Farm City Celebration brings together the urban community and the agricultural community to forge a bond through educational ag events, including the annual Harvest Festival and the Agri-Business Bus Tour and Lunch.

North Sierra Foothill Wine Trail On the third weekend in April, taste the best wines from 12 artisan producers across the northern extreme of the Sierra Foothills Appellation. Crossing a variety of microclimates and terroirs, you’re able to enjoy a

loved by locals

FARMERS MARKET From seasonal to year-round markets, find the freshest produce in Butte County

variety of selections and styles. @CHICOFARMERSMARKET

44

www . explorebuttecounty . com

TAKE HOME THE BOUNTY From dedicated shops to farmers markets to everything in between, you can find the best of Butte County’s local goods throughout the region.

FARMERS MARKETS COUNTYWIDE

With farmers markets in Chico, Oroville, Gridley, and Paradise, there’s no shortage of places to get the freshest Butte County produce. One of the most popular markets is Chico’s Thursday Night Market, which runs April through September and is a farmers market and street festival rolled into one.

MAISIE JANE’S GIFTS 1324 DAYTON RD, CHICO

Nut butters, roasted nuts, chocolate-covered nuts, dried fruit, honey, even organic products— nut fans can find it all and more at Maisie Jane’s gift shop in Chico.

BAMFORD FAMILY FARMS TASTING ROOM 1442 MYERS ST, OROVILLE

Enjoy tastes of a variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, from the classic original to flavorful twists, such as jalapeño or blood orange. Other locally made goods, such as soaps, spices, and home decor, are also available for purchase.

SOHNREY FAMILY FOOD 41 SKILLIN LN, OROVILLE

Create the perfect gift basket with one visit to Sohnrey’s gift shop. In addition to a variety of almonds and specialty flavor almond butters, you’ll find local rice, honey, preserves, and house and kitchen wares. official visitors guide

45

tour, taste, toast!

BUTTE COUNTY, CA

Every Columbus Day Weekend Discover over 30 wineries & specialty farms

Taste the rich harvest of olive oils, award-winning wines and spirits, & artisanal goods.

Tickets at sierraoro.org

Farms open year-round. Visit 46 www .explorebuttecounty .com sierraoro.org

for hours and information!

BUTTE COUNTY CROPS

Butte Meadows

North

Magalia 32

99

Chico

Paradise

32

99

Durham

70

162

Oroville

162

Biggs

99

Gridley

70

Sources: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

Legend Rice Walnut

0

1.5

3

6

Miles 9

Almond Fruit official visitors guide

47

CITY PROFILE

48

GREG REEVES www

.explorebuttecounty.com

GRIDLEY AND BIGGS GATEWAY TO MAIN STREET Cruising along Highway 99 through Gridley and Biggs offers a legitimate California-style tour of Americana: Main streets enclosed by most of the town’s business, dining, and leisure activities?

A checkerboard of food-producing crops growing not only a bounty of food for farmers, but livelihoods for many of the area’s residents?

Honest-to-goodness water towers and a county fairground?

Founded by a sheep rancher before its incorporation in 1905, Gridley has held on to its farm-centric lifestyle in many ways. The county fair is a yearly occurrence at the local fairgrounds, where classic small-town delights—such as piglet races, livestock judging, and mud trucking—authenticate the experience. And with its prevalent history of farm and ranch work, a large population of migrant workers contributes to a majority Hispanic population in this part of south Butte County and shapes the culture significantly. Gridley’s cultural blend feels particularly balanced between classic Americana and agricultural Latino heritage.

@LOCKEDONPHOTOG

official visitors guide

49

CITY PROFILE @PATTIRANSDELL

GRIDLEY AND BIGGS OFFER A LEGITIMATE CALIFORNIA-STYLE TOUR OF AMERICANA Neighboring Biggs, north of Gridley along Highway 99 and smaller still, offers a diverse spate of farmlands, with rice as its main crop, thanks to abundant access to land water, popularly represented in a picture-famous water tower. Primarily residential, Biggs tends to eschew commercialism in favor of a quaint, quiet feel for the people who live there, happy to be within easy driving distance of the county’s vast recreational opportunities.

But Pizza Round-Up—an eatery well known to any county traveler who has had a hunger driving through—is a can’t-miss and worthy spot at the town’s major four-way intersection on 99.

Both at the foot of the Sutter Buttes (which are not actually in Butte County), Gridley and Biggs are a stone’s throw from outdoor play, particularly hunting, fishing, and naturalist opportunities. Just 10 miles southwest of Gridley, the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area boasts more than 9,000 acres of Pacific Flyway wetlands, while launch ramps for both the Feather River and Lake Oroville are just 10 minutes to the northeast.

What Gridley and Biggs may lack in urban comforts, they more than make up for in wide-open spaces, a nostalgic hometown feel for those comfortable in the countryside, and an unmistakable Main Street, USA vibe.

For more information: GRIDLEY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITOR CENTER [GRIDLEYAREACHAMBER.COM]

890 Hazel St, Gridley 530.846.3142

50

www . explorebuttecounty . com

@DAISADVENTUREDOG

GRIDLEY&BIGGS WHY I LOVE

with

MATTHEW SLIGAR

A third-generation rice farmer, Matthew Sligar was born and raised in Gridley. A fond childhood memory was visiting his father in the fields during harvest, riding in the old tractors, and looking out across the vast landscape of golden rice plants. Today, Matthew shares his passion for farming on his YouTube Channel, Rice Farming TV. His fun and educational videos have garnered quite the audience, bringing attention to the industry and the region.

HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF IN BIGGS/GRIDLEY? WHAT MADE YOU STAY? After graduating from Gridley High School I moved away for 12 years.

During that time, I earned a degree in modern American Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and moved to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, where I started a successful tourism agency and met my eventual Brazilian wife, Clara. When Clara and I contemplated where to start our family, we considered Prague, Brazil, and California. The safe community of Gridley and the security and opportunities of rice farming guided our decision to return home. That was seven years ago. Now Clara and I have two wonderful little girls.

WHAT IS THE BEST-KEPT SECRET IN BIGGS/GRIDLEY? WHY? The best kept secret in the Gridley/Biggs area is the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. On the outskirts of Gridley and surrounded by agriculture lands, Gray Lodge is approximately 9,000 acres of managed wetland habitat.

It’s great for bird-watching. Late November to early February is the most magical time as millions of winter migratory ducks, geese, and shorebirds visit the region while traveling along the Pacific Flyway. There’s inspiring photography opportunities, a wildlife museum, an auto-loop, guided tours, and of course, hiking with crisp, fresh air.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES IN BIGGS/GRIDLEY TO SHOW OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS? Honestly, I really enjoy showing off our rice fields, tractors, and equipment.

It often catches people by surprise, hearing that we grow rice in California, so it’s always a pleasure educating curious minds. Aside from the verbal education, there’s the stunning visuals. There’s the yellow agriculture biplanes at the flying service, the towering rice dryers and storage bins, and of course, the sea of rice plants. I suppose that’s why I started Rice Farming TV: I wanted to couple the education with the visuals. I may be too busy to show you personally around, but who knows. Reach out! official visitors guide

51

FOOD & DRINK loved by locals

52

GRANA CHICO www . explorebuttecounty . com

official visitors guide

53

FOOD FOOD && DRINKS DRINK @D.TONYLAROCCA

loved by locals

ALMENDRA WINERY & DISTILLERY Unwind with a glass of wine

@ALMENDRA_WINERY

54

www . explorebuttecounty . com

Whether exploring a district or single winery, wine enthusiasts in Butte County will find high-quality wines

DRINK

AND BE

MERRY

With about 20 wineries and vineyards across Butte County—from the small, familyowned Odyssey Vineyards in Chico and Durham’s Almendra Winery & Distillery to Oroville’s Purple Line Urban Winery and Bangor Ranch Vineyard & Winery in the southeast part of the county—there is no shortage of places to unwind for a glass or procure a favorite vintage for a special occasion.

Outside of Butte County’s urban hub, wine has developed a strong presence.

Looking at Durham, Oroville, and Bangor—all agricultural hotbeds in the county, compared to the more urban stylings of Chico—each has an enviable list of wine purveyors and growers. Indeed, the emphasis on agriculture in those surrounding communities could be the first major hint about wine’s popularity in specific parts of Butte County.

For starters, certain elements of the climate on the Sacramento Valley floor indicate that specific grape varieties can flourish here, while others simply won’t thrive. The fertile, deep topsoil supplies plenty of nutrients to grow exceptional fruit, while the high heat in the valley works well with certain varieties to bring out the sugars, intensifying the flavors and profiles in the wine.

Some of the better-growing grapes in the region are traditional Italian varieties, like Sangiovese and Barbera, as well as some classic varieties like Zinfandel and Syrah.

Those European wine grapes benefit most from Butte County’s warm (and often quite hot) climate, and also from the winds that county natives know so well.

official visitors guide

55

FOOD FOOD && DRINKS DRINK

THAT RARE COMMUNITY FEEL AROUND THE REGION’S WINE INDUSTRY CREATES A MORE INTIMATE WINE-TASTING EXPERIENCE Those frequent winds are particularly helpful for regional growers. While many wineries in different climates have to use chemical fungicides to combat moisture and fungal infections caused by still conditions, Butte County’s breezy valley means that local growers can use sulfur as a natural fungicide or even none at all, which translates to an abundance of organic wines available.

Some of the more renowned organic wineries in the county include Nascere Vineyards and Dog Creek Cellars, located in Durham, and LaRocca Vineyards, all of which have been featured on the Sierra Oro Farm Trail in recent years.

Since 2000, the Butte County wine scene has enjoyed a boom in small hobby vineyards and large-production vineyards alike. Regional wineries have come together to form wine districts—specifically, the Durham Wine District just south of Chico and the Bangor Wine & Spirits Region in south county—to provide visitors with an elevated, multi-stop enological experience.

Whether exploring a district or single winery, wine enthusiasts in Butte County will find high-quality wines paired with reasonable tasting fees, relaxed and inviting tasting rooms, and easy access to the winemakers—in fact, they’re often the ones pouring the tastings! That rare community feel around the region’s wine industry creates a more intimate tasting experience that allows visitors to discover craft wineries and to connect with the winemaker.

Come explore the wines of Butte County for yourself as the region continues to grow and make its stamp on the wine world.

56

www . explorebuttecounty . com

official visitors guide

57

FOOD FOOD && DRINKS DRINK

Chico Celebrates

CRAFT BEER loved by locals

SIERRA NEVADA BREWERY Started in 1980, Sierra Nevada forever changed the craft brew industry

@SIERRANEVADA

The Commons 341 Main St, Chico

Secret Trail Brewing Co. 132 Meyers St, Suite 120, Chico Secret Trail Brewing Company is a community-focused, locally sourced brewery making both the classic styles and original innovations. They are the first of the newest movement of small craft breweries with a taproom.

58

www . explorebuttecounty . com

At The Commons you are in control of your own pour.

Whether it’s a taster, a half glass or a full pint, it’s easy to find your favorite beer.

Each tap has a screen describing what you’ll be tasting. Top off your glass and gather around for a friendly conversation at our community tables or venture outside for games on our dog-friendly patio.

It wasn’t until the last decade, though, that Butte County started developing a community of educated beer drinkers with a taste for smaller breweries

From its start as a city founded by two Prohibition supporters to today, Chico has evolved into a premier locale for craft brews.

All beer talk in the area starts with Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, which is the most well-known and often synonymous with Chico as the home of the craft brewing industry.

While its flagship Pale Ale received a lukewarm response upon its initial offering in 1980, founder Ken Grossman and the Sierra Nevada crew were undeterred. Their eventual rise to the top of the craft brewing world sparked a renaissance across the country.

It wasn’t until the last decade, though, that Butte County started developing a community of educated beer drinkers with a taste for smaller breweries. Most noticeable has been the development of a distinctly non-Sierra Nevada

craft brew explosion in Chico. There, you’ll find ample taprooms, tasting rooms, and breweries. The development of the Meyers District has seen the rise of Secret Trail Brewing, The Commons, and Nor Cal Brewing, all in an area of town with a markedly different vibe from a college town.

There’s also easy access to snag a pint on the north side, too, whether it’s the popular Lost Dutchman, the recently established Chico Taproom, or newly expanded British Bulldog Brewery at The Allies Pub downtown.

With all the options, it might sound like a competitive arena, but the reality is a goodnatured expansion of craft culture.

“The craft beer bars are working synergistically together,” said Claire Matthews, who co-owns the Chico Taproom. “Chico’s grown so much in the last two years craft beer-wise.” official visitors guide

59

FOOD FOOD && DRINKS DRINK

BEER

BEYOND CHICO FEATHER FALLS BREWING CO 3 ALVERDA DR, OROVILLE

Feather Falls Brewing Co. features awardwinning craft ales, which can be purchased by the can, bottle, or growler. Find them in select taprooms throughout Butte County or right from its restaurant in Oroville. Enjoy year-round favorites like the Dancing Trees hefeweizen or seasonal favorites like the Soaring Eagle pilsner.

MINER’S ALLEY BREWING 2053 MONTGOMERY ST, OROVILLE

A centerpiece of downtown Oroville, Miner’s Alley Brewing is a restaurant and brewery that serves up its own brew as well as a variety of local wines and regional beer. With ample seating and a large outdoor dining area, the brewery is a perfect place to end a day on the lake or an Oroville-area adventure.

BEYOND BEER IN CHICO

CELLAR DOOR CIDER 11 COMMERCE CT, SUITE 2, CHICO

With a focus on specialty barrel-aged ciders, Cellar Door offers visitors the opportunity to try ciders meant for food pairings and to enjoy with a nice dinner. The French oak barrels its aged in adds more tannins to the dry and slightly acidic cider, making it the perfect beer alternative to pair with a rich meal.

ECKERT MALTING & BREWING 2280 IVY ST, SUITE 130, CHICO

Born out of the need for a tastier gluten-free beer than what was currently on the market, Eckert Malting & Brewing produces several styles of gluten-free rice ales and lagers, which are naturally malted and brewed using California rice, hops, water, and gluten-free yeast. Enjoy a pint at their tasting room in the Meyers District.

LASSEN TRADITIONAL CIDER 26 BELLARMINE COURT, CHICO

Lassen Traditional Cider operates seasonally, working when the apples are at their peak of ripeness. Their ciders are fermented dry, with less residual sugar than most beer and absolutely no added sugar. It’s all 100% apples unpasteurized and unfiltered. Make sure to visit their tasting room in the Meyers District.

60

www . explorebuttecounty . com

trip

Explore the road

less traveled.

l Trip

Take a Virtua

Lake Oroville

Paradise Lake

Bidwell Park

Riverbend Park

Specialty lakes, award winning fishing, miles of hiking & biking.

Visitor information available.

Picture perfect picnic locale. Year-round boating, fishing and scenic hikes.

One of the nation’s largest municipal parks.

Diverse variety of natural habitats & recreational opportunities.

Waterfront park, perfect for family picnics.

Including 4 pavilions, a rock structure play area and BBQ pits.

LakeOroville.net 530-538-2542

ParadisePrpd.com 530-872-6393

ChicoCa.gov 530-896-7800

Frrpd.com 530-533-2011

More adventure. Fewer crowds. ExploreButteCounty.com official visitors guide

61

FOOD & DRINK

DINING OPTIONS IN PARADISE, GRIDLEY, BIGGS & BEYOND

$

Under $10

$$

$11-$30

$$$

$31-$60

*

Multiple Locations

ALMENDRA WINERY

PUEBLITO MEXICAN GRILL

RED ROOSTER CAFE

Italian Small Plates

Mexican

Diner

9275 Midway, Durham 530.343.6893

9402 Midway, Durham 530.893.8896

9481 Midway B, Durham 530.343.9565

RICHVALE CAFE

THE OUTPOST

Cafe

American

5285 Midway, Richvale 530.882.4421

7589 Humboldt Rd, Forest Ranch 530.873.3050

CASA LUPE RESTAURANT

GRIDLEY GRILL

HABANERO FISH & TACOS

Mexican

Diner

Mexican

130 Magnolia St, Gridley 530.846.5152

484 CA-99, Gridley 530.370.3061

1761 CA-99, Gridley 530.846.2041

ICE BURGIE

LOS CHARROS TAQUERIA

PIZZA ROUND-UP

American

Mexican

Pizza

1575 CA-99, Gridley 530.846.2939

1516 CA-99, Gridley 530.846.8226

2 B St, Biggs 530.868.5500

HAPPY DAY

HILLTOP CAFE

LOVELOCK INN

Chinese

American

American

14455 Skyway, Magalia 530.873.4719

14112 Skyway, Magalia 530.873.1275

16115 Skyway, Magalia 530.873.4666

MARIA’S KITCHEN

MEEHO’S

RED LION PIZZA

Mexican

Mexican

Pizza

1132 Elliott Rd, Paradise 530.876.1086

6808 Skyway, Paradise 530.877.7031

14439 Skyway, Paradise 530.873.1153

SAKURA SUSHI

SOPHIA'S THAI

Sushi

Thai

14478 Skyway, Magalia 530.762.7289

7641 Skyway, Paradise 530.877.4296

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

COUNTY

$

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

GRIDLEY & BIGGS

$

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$

$

$

$ [GLUTEN FREE FRIENDLY]

$

$$

RAILHOUSE PUB & GRILL $$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

American 1495 CA-99, Gridley 530.797.9384

$

PARADISE RIDGE

$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

62

Prices are based per person for an entree

$

$

$ [VEGAN FRIENDLY]

www . explorebuttecounty . com

$$

$$

@KTCIBART27

@BRISTOLPISTOL

@LAINANDLOU

@MUGSHOTSCOFFEEHOUSE

official visitors guide

63

FOOD & DRINK

SWEET SPOTS Satisfying Sweet Spot Stops

BETTY CAKES AND COFFEE

DENINE’S CUPCAKES

Enjoy coffee along with a delicious cupcake, cookie, or brownie at Betty Cakes, a retro yet modern tribute to treats like grandma used to make.

Enjoy daily rotating flavors.

A dedicated cupcakery, you’ll find a wide selection of flavors to choose from, including gluten-free and vegan options as well as a daily special.

1900 Oro Dam Blvd E #4, Oroville

116 Broadway St, Chico

JOY LYN’S CANDIES

SHUBERT’S

Since 1969, Joy Lyn’s has been a Paradise and Butte County favorite.

From October through May, enjoy over 60 handmade chocolates, brittles, toffees, and fudge.

For more than 80 years and four generations, Shubert’s has been creating homemade ice cream, candies, and chocolates for all to enjoy.

220 Pearson Rd, Paradise

178 E 7th St, Chico

SWEET CHICO CONFECTIONARY Take a stroll back in time with a nostalgic stop at Sweet Chico.

Rediscover a favorite childhood treat, handcrafted gelato, or even the perfect playful gift.

121 W 3rd St, Chico

64

www . explorebuttecounty . com

DINING OPTIONS IN OROVILLE

$

Under $10

$$

$11-$30

Prices are based per person for an entree

$$$

$31-$60

*

Multiple Locations

BETTY CAKES AND COFFEE

BULLDOG EXPRESS

CELESTINO'S PIZZA

Bakery

Mexican & Hot Dogs

Pizza

1900 Oro Dam Blvd E #4, Oroville 530.712.9142

2161 Feather River Blvd #5706, Oroville 530.353.3491

2588 Olive Highway, Oroville 530.534.3333

COPA DE ORO

CORNUCOPIA

EARLY BIRD DONUTS

American

American

Donuts

1445 Myers St, Oroville 530.543.7812

515 Montgomery St, Oroville 530.534.9025

475 Oro Dam Blvd E, Oroville 530.712.5200

FEATHER FALLS BREWING

JENN'S CAFE

MIKE'S GRANDE BURGER

American

Diner

Burgers

3 Alverda Dr, Oroville 530.533.3885

1905 Mitchell Ave, Oroville 530.532.1418

2896 Olive Highway, Oroville 530.533.5780

MINER'S ALLEY BREWING

MUG SHOTS COFFEE

NORI ASIAN KITCHEN

American

Cafe

Japanese & Sushi

2053 Montgomery St, Oroville 530.693.4388

2040 Montgomery St, Oroville 530.538.8342

2025 Bird St, Oroville 530.353.3329

PAPACITO'S CANTINA

PHO NOODLE HOUSE

RIGHTEOUS BURGER

Mexican

Thai

Burgers

1751 Oro Dam Blvd E, Oroville 530.532.9344

1898 Bird St, Oroville 530.532.9630

3166 Olive Highway, Oroville 530.532.0692

SAFIRE

SHAKEY'S PIZZA PARLOR

THE BOSS BURGER

New American

Pizza

Burgers

4020 Olive Highway, Oroville 530.334.9400

2890 Olive Highway, Oroville 530.534.8844

2482 Montgomery St, Oroville 530.534.8806

THE EXCHANGE

THE GOOD EARTH

THE PATIO

American Tapas

Coffee & Tea House

New American

1975 Montgomery St, Oroville 530.693.4276

980 Oro Dam Blvd E, Oroville 530.538.8544

2450 Oro Dam Blvd E, Oroville 530.533.7478

TONG FONG LOW

WAFFLE SHOP

YOVILLE FROZEN YOGURT

Chinese

Diner

Desserts & Sweets

2051 Robinson St, Oroville 530.533.1488

2107 Feather River Blvd, Oroville 530.532.8888

2550 Olive Highway, Oroville 530.533.9646

$

OROVILLE

$$

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [VEGAN FRIENDLY]

$

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$

$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$

$

$$

$$

$$

$

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

official visitors guide

65

FOOD & DRINK

DINING OPTIONS IN CHICO

Under $10

$$

$11-$30

Prices are based per person for an entree

$$$

$31-$60

*

Multiple Locations

5TH STREET STEAKHOUSE

ACA TACO*

AONAMI

Steakhouse

Mexican

Sushi

345 W 5th St, Chico 530.891.6328

133 Broadway St, Chico 530.894.0191

128 W 2nd St, Chico 530.774.2981

B STREET PUBLIC HOUSE

BASQUE NORTE

BEATNIKS

American

Basque/Tapas

Coffee & Cafe

117 Broadway St, Chico 530.899.8203

3355 Esplanade, Chico 530.891.5204

1387 E 8th St, Chico 530.894.2800

BIDWELL PERK

BIG HOT CRAB

BILL'S TOWNE LOUNGE

Coffee & Cafe

Seafood

American

664 E 1st Ave, Chico 530.899.1500

701 Main St, Chico 530.879.1822

131 Main St, Chico 530.777.8451

BLACKBIRD CAFE

BROADWAY HEIGHTS

BURGERS & BREW

Coffee & Cafe

New American

Burgers

1431 Park Ave, Chico 530.433.1577

300 Broadway St, Chico 530.899.8075

301 Broadway St, Chico 530.879.9100

CAFE CODA

CAFE PETRA

CALIFORNIA PASTA

Breakfast & Brunch

Mediterranean

Italian

265 Humboldt Ave, Chico 530.566.9476

163 E 2nd St, Chico 530.717.6789

1600 Mangrove Ave, Chico 530.343.6999

CELESTINO'S PIZZA*

CHADA THAI CUISINE

CHRISTIAN MICHAELS

Pizza

Thai

California-Inspired Italian

101 Salem St #100, Chico 530.896.1234

117 B W 2nd St, Chico 530.342.7121

192 E 3rd St, Chico 530.894.4005

COCODINE

CRUSH

DIAMOND STEAKHOUSE

Thai

Italian

Steakhouse

2485 Notre Dame Blvd #250, Chico 530.891.1800

201 Broadway St, Chico 530.342.7000

220 W 4th St, Chico 530.895.1515

FARM STAR PIZZA

FRESH TWISTED CAFE

GOGI'S CAFE

Pizza

Cafe & Smoothies

Indian

2359 Esplanade, Chico 530.343.2056

156 Eaton Rd, Chico 530.809.2489

230 Salem St, Chico 530.891.3570

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

CHICO

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$ [VEGAN FRIENDLY]

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

66

$

$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

www . explorebuttecounty . com

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$

$$

$$

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$ [VEGAN FRIENDLY]

RESTAURANT WEEK January 17–26, 2020

Savor the Pace during Butte County’s 2nd Annual Restaurant Week celebration!

Participating restaurants will create special menus with special prices during this 10-day long celebration of Butte County’s bounty.

For more info: explorebuttecounty.com/restaurantweek

official visitors guide

67

FOOD FOOD && DRINKS DRINK

DELICIOUS DINERS Enjoy a hearty meal with a side of classic Americana at one of our favorite diners.

GRIDLEY GRILL

THE ROOST

The south county spot has staked out its place as a favorite for truckers, travelers, and locals, with flavorful burgers and daily pie specials.

Diner breakfast classics share the menu with more sophisticated options, like benedicts and johnny cakes in this chicken knicknacksadorned greasy spoon.

484 CA-99, Gridley

1144 Park Ave, Chico

JENN’S CAFE

RICHVALE CAFE

With a “not that hungry” combo that holds most folks over until lunch, this homey traditional diner satisfies with sandwiches, burgers, and breakfast classics.

A classic all-American diner nestled in the heart of farmland that can feel like a well-kept farmer’s secret, breakfast visitors delight in substantial combo deals.

1905 Mitchell Ave, Oroville

5285 Midway, Richvale

JACK’S A favorite of Chico State alums for its hearty sandwiches, its Main Street location right next to the plaza makes for a natural starting point to a downtown adventure.

540 Main St, Chico

68

www . explorebuttecounty . com

GREAT HARVEST*

GREAT NORTHERN COFFEE

JAPANESE BLOSSOMS

Bakery & Sandwiches

Coffee

Japanese & Sushi

1223 Mangrove Ave, Chico 530.899.7273

434 Orange St, Chico 530.894.5312

2995 Esplanade, Chico 530.891.9022

JON & BON'S YOGURT*

LA FLOR DE MICHOACÁN*

LA SALLES

Desserts & Sweets

Desserts & Sweets

American

300 Broadway St, Chico 530.899.9580

1008 W. Sacramento Ave Suite C, Chico 530.893.9999

229 Broadway St, Chico 530.487.7207

MADISON BEAR GARDEN

MOM'S RESTAURANT

MORNING THUNDER CAFE

Burgers

American

American

316 W 2nd St, Chico 530.891.1639

209 Salem St, Chico 530.893.3447

352 Vallombrosa Ave, Chico 530.342.9717

NOBBY'S BURGERS

OLD BARN KITCHEN

PARKSIDE TAP HOUSE

Burgers

Breakfast & Brunch

American

1444 Park Ave, Chico 530.342.2285

301 Main St, Chico 530.809.1451

115 W 3rd St, Chico 530.636.4239

PRIYA INDIAN CUISINE

RED TAVERN

SICILIAN CAFE

Indian

New American, Farm-to-Fork

Italian

2574 Esplanade, Chico 530.899.1055

1250 Esplanade, Chico 530.894.3463

1020 Main St, Chico 530.345.2233

SIERRA NEVADA TAPROOM

SMOKIN' MO'S BBQ

SOL MEXICAN GRILL

American

Barbecue

Mexican

1075 E 20th St, Chico 530.345.2739

131 Broadway St, Chico 530.891.6677

3269 Esplanade, Chico 530.342.4616

TEA BAR & FUSION CAFE*

TENDER LOVING COFFEE

THE HANDLE BAR

Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe

Coffee & Cafe

German Pub

250 Vallombrosa Ave, Chico 530.895.8100

365 E 6th St, Chico 530.433.0414

2070 E 20th St, Chico 530.894.2337

TIN ROOF BAKERY & CAFE

TRES HOMBRES

WINE TIME

Bakery & Cafe

Mexican

New American & Wine Bar

627 Broadway St, Suite 170, Chico 530.892.2893

100 Broadway St, Chico 530.342.0425

26 Lost Dutchman Dr, Chico 530.899.9250

$

CHICO

$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$

$

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$ [VEGAN FRIENDLY]

$

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$

$$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$

$$ [GLUTEN FREE FRIENDLY]

$$

$$

$ [GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

$$

WOODSTOCK'S PIZZA

$$ [VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE FRIENDLY]

Pizza 166 E 2nd St, Chico 530.893.1500

official visitors guide

69

FOOD FOOD && DRINKS DRINK

DINERS, DRIVE-INS, & DIVES Chico might have been an under-the-radar cuisine location before, but now the secret’s out. With a visit from Guy Fieri and “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” in 2019, everyone else now knows what the locals have long known—Chico is a great place for a good meal.

THE BANSHEE

THE RAWBAR

A bar with really good food, The Banshee

For nearly two decades, The Rawbar has

offers an international flavor-inspired menu

been a popular Asian sushi bar serving

alongside traditional pub favorites.

rolls, bowls, small dishes, and hot bites.

GUY’S VERDICT: “Boom, boom, boom,

GUY’S VERDICT: “I wanted that to be

boom, boom—delicious. Pho-get about it.”

great. It’s not great—it’s phenomenal!”

MOMONA

GRANA

Momona serves up West Coast-style

Grana features locally sourced, farm-to-

noodles and bao with Japanese, Hawaiian,

fork dishes with an Italian wood-fired

and Taiwanese influences.

oven at the center of the restaurant.

GUY’S VERDICT: “If I was recruiting people

GUY’S VERDICT: “Great ingredients,

to come to [Chico State], I would invite

done right. That should be the tagline

them to have this—it’s delicious.”

—this is as good as it comes.”

SIN OF CORTEZ

UPPER CRUST

Sin of Cortez is an all-American coffee and breakfast house featuring fresh,

A Chico staple for 30 years, Upper Crust is a bakery/cafe/restaurant all in one that makes

homemade classic diner dishes.

everything in-house and from scratch.

GUY’S VERDICT: “I don’t know that I’ve

GUY’S VERDICT: “That’s like lights-out good.”

found many places in the travels of DDD quite like this.”

70

www . explorebuttecounty . com

THE RAWBAR

@ATASTEOFKOKO

SIN OF CORTEZ

GRANA

UPPER CRUST

official visitors guide

71

CITY PROFILE

72

www . explorebuttecounty . com

CHICO

RURAL URBANNESS

From the outside, most people who have heard of Chico know it for two things: Chico State and Sierra Nevada Brewery. But those of us who live here know there’s much more than that.

Founded in 1860 by John and Annie Bidwell and incorporated 12 years later, Chico has long boasted many of the things it still celebrates today, such as Bidwell Park, a crown jewel of a municipal park that covers nearly 3,700 acres of diverse topography.

At the heart of the city, is California State University, Chico. The second-oldest institution in the CSU system, Chico State has given the city a homey reputation as a college town. Its 119-acre campus is a recognized arboretum, and it's common to see students and residents cruising downtown on foot or by bike or heading for a shaded ride in Bidwell Park.

@CHC_CHICO_STATE

official visitors guide

73

CITY PROFILE

CHICO SEED ORCHARD

IN ALL OF BUTTE COUNTY, NO OTHER PLACE FEELS AS 'CITY' AS CHICO Because of the university’s presence within the heart of Chico’s downtown, that area is the economic, urban, and cultural hub of the county. Filled with local shops, small businesses, a variety of eateries, and prime performance areas, Downtown Chico has a distinctly different feel from just about anywhere else in the North State. In recent years, many startups and entrepreneurs have found that Chico is an ideal place to find good people and grow a business without the rat-race lifestyle found in bigger cities.

Just minutes south of Chico, you’ll find yourself in the small farming community of Durham. Not without its own charm, it’s not out of the ordinary for Chicoans seeking a rural break to explore the more secluded Durham wineries and diners in search of an even quieter experience.

In all of Butte County, no other place feels as “city” as Chico, consisting of several distinctly different districts that offer various experiences and vibes. Commerce, culture, education, and diversity are more easily found in Chico than anywhere else in Butte County.

For more information: CHICO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITOR CENTER [CHICOCHAMBER.COM]

180 E. 4th St, Ste 120, Chico 530.891.5556

74

www . explorebuttecounty . com

@SPESHWEBSTER

CHICO WHY I LOVE

with

PAT MACIAS

Pat Macias is President of the Board for the Museum of Northern California Art (monca), Chico’s first art museum. As President, her days are filled with details concerning the operation of monca. Prior to her tenure at monca, Macias was an art educator for over 30 years in Ann Arbor, Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri; and Piedmont, California.

Her previous roles include Director of the State Street Art Fair in Ann Arbor, Education Director at Laumeier Sculpture Park in St. Louis, and Director of 1078 Gallery in Chico.

WHAT IS THE BEST-KEPT SECRET IN CHICO? Great restaurants that cater to all cultures. Some of my cultural favorites are La Perla, fresh, authentic Mexican, because I don’t eat red meat; I favor Om for flavorful vegetarian cuisine; Tender Loving for their Beyond Meat burger; and sushi from Big Tuna and their sister location, Izakaya Ichiban and Aomami. Fine dining takes us to Red Tavern or Grana, where we can relax on their patios and see familiar faces.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOW OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS? My favorite place to show out-of-town visitors is of course monca! The museum is open Thursday-Sunday from 11-5, and features exhibitions of Northern California artists all the way to San Jose that change approximately every two months. monca engages the entire community in street parties, a traditional New Year’s Eve party, and events that accompany each exhibition. Along with that is all the public art as one walks around town. Coming upon murals, sculptures, and art benches is always a surprise.

IF SOMEONE ONLY HAD ONE DAY TO SPEND IN CHICO, WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THEY DO? One day to spend in Chico has to be visits to as many of the 12 museums that exist to educate, intrigue, and entertain visitors. Although they seem spread out, they do provide many different ways to observe the world through art, science, and history.

official visitors guide

75

EXPLORE LIKE A LOCAL

the

COLLEGE CONNECTION Chico State is one of California’s most iconic colleges and with its close connection to Downtown Chico serves up a unique yet quintessential college experience. Spend a weekend reliving your Chico State days—or wishing that you had gone to Chico—by revisiting some of the most beloved student experiences. After a few days enjoying these stops, we know you’ll wish you could be back in college.

NAKED LOUNGE Start off your day with a handcrafted espresso drink or even fresh-from-the-tap kombucha in this popular and eclectic coffee shop. Catch up with friends surrounded by ever-changing art in a well-worn couch, and return in the evening to catch an intimate live show. With a prime location right in the middle of Downtown Chico, the Naked Lounge is a perfect place to begin your adventure.

CHICO STATE Whether you’re an alum or just visiting, no trip to Chico is complete without strolling through campus. The second-oldest school in the California State University system, Chico State sits on 119 beautiful acres, with majestic shade trees, a rose garden, and iconic brick Romanesque architecture. Cap it all off with Big Chico Creek running through the grounds, and you have a campus worth a tour all on its own.

MADISON BEAR GARDEN

76

www . explorebuttecounty . com

CONNOR GILMARTIN

MADISON BEAR GARDEN A favorite hangout among the college crowd, Madison Bear Garden offers a hopping bar, a historic carriage hanging from the ceiling, and delicious burgers (might we suggest a classic Bear Burger?). Hang out on the outdoor patio telling old college stories over a few pints for the perfect end to your college adventure.

VALENE L. SMITH MUSEUM You’ll also find the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology on campus, a unique resource for anthropology students at Chico State. Each year, the museum produces three new exhibits that are researched, designed, and built by students. The Valene isn’t just for students, though; it is an accessible community hub of education and entertainment, free of charge, for anyone who wants to visit.

AFTER A FEW DAYS ENJOYING THESE STOPS, WE KNOW YOU’LL WISH YOU COULD BE BACK IN COLLEGE

GUNNAR LOVELAND

official visitors guide

77

COLLEGE EXPLORE FOOD &LIKE CONNECTION DRINKS A LOCAL

BUTTE COLLEGE FOOTBALL While Chico State offers great games for baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and more, you’ll have to head to Butte College for a classic Saturday night football game. With a National Championship under its belt and famous alumni that include Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, every game is full of excitement.

WOODSTOCK’S PIZZA For more than 30 years, Woodstock’s Pizza has been a college favorite. With great pizza, trivia nights, and the latest game on the big screen, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon with friends. For those familiar with Woodstock’s, you’ll have to check out its new downtown location next time you visit.

THE UNIVERSITY FARM Officially named the Paul L. Bryne Agricultural Teaching and Research Center (ATRC), the 800-acre University Farm helps Chico State agriculture students put classroom concepts into practice. On the third Friday of every month, you can enjoy a guided, tractordriven tour of the farm.

LAXSON AUDITORIUM Located right on the Chico State campus, Laxson Auditorium is a central part of both the university and the larger Chico community. With 1,200 seats, it is the largest theater in Butte County, so it hosts touring groups, special guests, concerts, and more, including studentproduced performances, throughout the year.

78

www . explorebuttecounty . com

@SARAH_RICH11

CHICO SERVES UP A UNIQUE YET QUINTESSENTIAL COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

MORE TO EXPLORE Continue your college connection with these favorites

Made in Chico Selling only Chico-made art, photography, and other @YLVA_KARLSSON

goods, the store is your opportunity to take home a piece of Chico with you.

Crazy Horse Saloon Get crazy with a ride on the mechanical bull—just to remind yourself that you’re not as young as you once were.

Bidwell Park Hike, bike, or stroll through the thousands of acres directly accessible from Chico State campus.

Chico Farmers Market Every Saturday pick up the freshest local fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, and

loved by locals

VALENE L. SMITH MUSEUM Anthropology exhibits researched, designed, and built by students

more as well as handmade local arts and crafts.

Butte College Wildlife Refuge Get outside for some fresh air at Butte College’s 928acre wildlife refuge before returning to reality.

@CHICOSTATE

EXPLORE LIKE A LOCAL

Shopping 101

TREAT YOURSELF Specialty stores, locally run boutiques, gift shops, and antique stores dot the streets of Chico, Oroville, and Paradise, inviting a weekend of pedestrian-friendly browsing and buying. Throughout each city, you’ll find those one-of-a-kind shops unique to Butte County that make diving into new places especially worth it. So put on your walking shoes and explore Chico’s vibrant downtown and Oroville’s historic downtown, or hunt for that one-of-a-kind antique in Paradise.

Attic Treasures 7409 Skyway Rd, Paradise With 10,000 square feet to explore, you can spend hours looking for that perfect antique, collectible, jewelry, or piece of furniture (and more) at Attic Treasures.

Upper Park Clothing 122 W. 3rd St, Chico Born out of a t-shirt printing company, Upper Park Clothing aims to provide quality clothing for nature lovers. With shirts, hoodies, hats, accessories, and more—and all featuring designs that pay tribute to the company’s namesake and the city itself—it’s the perfect place to pick up a piece of Chico to take home with you.

Mary Lake-Thompson 2121 Montgomery St, Oroville With a European-inspired country-kitchen aesthetic, Oroville resident Mary Lake-Thompson has gained a national following, including Oprah Winfrey, since the late 1980s. Visit the outlet store in town to snag deep discounts on tea towels, plates, home decor, and more.

80

www . explorebuttecounty . com

Treasures from Paradise 969 Bille Rd, Paradise Come explore this cozy antiques and collectibles shop in Paradise. From jewelry to kitchenware, you’re sure to find a hidden treasure perfect for your home.

Well Worn 1850 Montgomery St, Oroville Offering vintage, antique decor and goods with a dash of whimsy, Well Worn is about mixing old and new with a little industrial flair and maybe a dash of something shiny and bright.

The Bookstore 118 Main St, Chico The Bookstore has twice been featured in Sunset Magazine and named one of “The Top Four Best Used Bookstores in Northern California”. Open seven days a week, new books are added daily to provide a wide range of subjects. See what treasures you can find when you drop in.

Bird in Hand

320 Broadway, Chico

Wild Ink Press

Since 1981, Bird in Hand has been the place to go for toys, games, accessories, and much, much more. It is also home to the National Yo-Yo Museum, so make sure to stop in and check out one of the world’s largest working wooden yo-yos!

183 E 6th St, Chico Made in-house from start to finish, the paper goods from Wild Ink Press feature contemporary art and zingy prose created using old printing techniques.

official visitors guide

81

ARTS & CULTURE

82

www . explorebuttecounty . com

loved by locals

VALENE L. SMITH MUSEUM official visitors guide 83

84

www . explorebuttecounty . com

Museums Offer

PORTAL

to the

PAST

History museums abound in Butte County, providing visitors with an understanding of the lives of those from the 19th and early 20th centuries and their contributions to the region.

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park in Chico features the three-story, 26-room Victorian home of John and Annie Bidwell, two of California’s most significant historical figures. Tours of the home and grounds tell the story of the Bidwells’ impact on the growth of Chico and 19th century California, the local Maidu tribe, and architecture of the day.

In nearby Durham, the area’s rich agricultural roots are on display at the Patrick Ranch Museum.

Its Glenwood Farmhouse, visitor center, and barns help visitors understand what life was like on a working ranch in the 19th century.

Paradise’s two museums protect and preserve the area’s railroad history and gold mining activities.

The Depot Museum once served as a train depot for the Diamond Match Company’s operations in Stirling City and Chico and supported Downtown Paradise’s economic development for decades.

The town’s Gold Nugget Museum, a beloved educational and hands-on museum about the area’s rich mining industry, was destroyed by the Camp Fire, but is currently being housed at the Depot Museum as volunteers work to rebuild it.

In Oroville, you’ll find several museums that highlight the area’s storied Gold Rush past. The Chinese Temple, built in 1863, served as a place of worship for over 10,000 Chinese pioneers who worked in Oroville during the Gold Rush era. The temple is one of the best-preserved pieces of Chinese Gold Rush culture, and the oldest of three temples left standing, in the U.S. The nearby Pioneer Museum, housed in an oversized replica of a forty-niner’s cabin, boasts a large collection of items that illustrate the pioneers’ life up to the late 1920s. And at the C.F. Lott Home, you can explore the 1856 Victorian-revival structure and learn about how the well-to-do lived “out west.”

BIDWELL MANSION

official visitors guide

85

ARTS & CULTURE

Butte County

HISTORIC MOVIE THEATERS Butte County has a long history of offering terrific theater, including Chico venues like the Blue Room and Chico Theater Company, the Theatre on the Ridge in Paradise, and Oroville’s Birdcage Theatre. The area is also home to several grand movie theaters built at the turn of the century and Roaring 20s.

Chico and Oroville were thriving communities in the early 1900s, buoyed by strong economies from the railroad, lumber, and mining industries, and the founding of the Chico State Normal School (present-day Chico State). With the advent of the motion picture industry, grand movie houses were built to provide entertainment for the area’s upper middle class.

The Majestic Theater (now the El Rey) opened in 1906 in Downtown Chico, and included ornate murals, lavish decor, and luxurious seating for vaudeville and moviegoers. The larger and more opulent Chico Senator Theatre and Oroville State Theatre opened in 1927 and were designed by renowned San Francisco architect Timothy Pflueger. Both theaters featured elaborate Art Deco interiors, murals, and eye-catching neon marquees and eventually became the center of the communities’ social life.

The El Rey continues to be the longest continuously operated movie theater in the state and the third in the nation, while the Senator and State Theaters both closed for a time. Today, all are in operation, and great strides have been made by city government, local owners, and devoted volunteers to save and restore these true treasures to their original grandeur.

Whether learning about Butte County’s past, enjoying its present offerings, or trying to figure out what the future will bring, you’ll want to come visit our local attractions

86

PIONEER MUSEUM www .explorebuttecounty .com

@MSB3THG

SENATOR THEATRE MONCA

ART ABOUNDS The small town of Chico delivers big when it comes to arts and culture. Listed as one of the top 10 small art towns in the country by author John Villani, Chico offers an abundance of galleries, glass art studios, museums, classes, public art pieces, and unique art events.

Chico’s shops, galleries, and restaurants offer a wealth of local art, and the city’s urban landscape is decorated with public art and murals on buildings, alleyways, benches, and bridges.

Chico has a long list of art galleries and studios to visit, but make sure to check out the relatively new monca (Museum of Northern California Art). It’s the only art museum north of Sacramento and features a permanent collection as well as rotating traveling exhibits from Northern California artists.

Orient & Flume Art Glass and Satava Art Glass Studio are must-stops for art lovers. Satava is known for its stunning jellyfish glass artwork, and Orient & Flume’s vases, paperweights, and iridescent fruit and animal pieces have delighted collectors for decades.

Whether learning about Butte County’s past, enjoying its present offerings, or trying to figure out what the future will bring, you’ll want to come visit our local artists and treasures to view the area through a different lens.

official visitors guide

87

“Together, We Rise�

The culture of Paradise Ridge is defined by vibrant performing arts, beautiful parks, rich history, and a resilient community.

GOLD NUGGET MUSEUM The Gold Nugget Museum mission is to preserve and protect the Paradise Ridge heritage through its collections, artifacts, and community education programs. During the dark weeks and months after the Camp Fire, there was never any doubt that the Gold Nugget Museum programs would be resumed as soon as possible. The Museum now invites you to visit to not only learn about Ridge history, but to become part of that history as the new pioneers on the Paradise Ridge.

THEATRE ON THE RIDGE In a miracle among the total devastation of the Camp Fire to the Paradise community, the beloved little playhouse still stands. Celebrating 45 years on the Ridge, Theatre on the Ridge feels so fortunate and blessed to still be here, and looks forward to providing healing through the arts and much needed love and light for the community as Paradise rises anew from the ashes.

PARADISE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE As a volunteer organization of business people sharing local pride, professional expertise, and commitment to progress, the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce celebrates the fact that the Paradise Ridge is back in business. Supporting members and events that inform, uplift, and unite the region, the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce invites visitors to discover for themselves the unique spirit of The Ridge as it continues to rise.

Visit paradisechamber.com for business listings and events 88

www . explorebuttecounty . com

LET US GUIDE YOU A guided tour is a great way to see things up-close and personal and learn so much more than if you visited on your own. If you’re ready to explore, we suggest planning a guided tour for these attractions.

FEATHER RIVER FISH HATCHERY Self-guided tours available daily 8a.m.-5p.m.; call to arrange a guided tour

Ranch™ in Biggs. Walk the historic farm, learn about the botanicals it grows, and discover how organic essential oils are distilled on-site.

Peak season for blooms is May through July.

SIERRA NEVADA BREWERY Visit the website for details, costs, and hours There’s a tour for every taste at Chico’s landmark brewery. Choose between different topics, lengths, and samplings at this stateof-the-art operation. Enjoy a complimentary

Discover how the Oroville facility keeps

tour, or consider elevated experiences geared

Chinook salmon and steelhead trout

toward beer geeks, hop heads, and more.

populations strong in California. Though

BIDWELL MANSION HISTORIC STATE PARK By guide only, Sat.-Mon., with tours on the hour

you can roam on your own, a guided tour dives deep into the intricate process. Visit in the spring or fall for the best views at the underwater viewing windows.

LAVENDER RANCH™ By appointment only. Mon.-Thur., 8a.m.-4p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 10a.m.-2p.m.

11a.m.-4p.m.

Travel back in time with a guided tour of Chico founders John and Annie Bidwell’s grand, 26-room Italian-style mansion and grounds. Docents showcase the home’s period furnishings, discuss the Bidwells’

Experience the smell of lavender fields in

contributions, tales of Annie Bidwell’s ghost,

bloom during a guided tour of the Lavender

and more.

official visitors guide

89

ARTS & CULTURE

CLASSIC car

CULTURE What’s Not to Love?

The classic car community in Butte County reflects the overall region; not many know about it, but once they do, they fall in love with it—and it’s easy to see why.

Filled with passionate people, the classic car community in Butte County spans not only the region but also enthusiasts. They show up to events throughout the year just to “Show and Shine” their beauties, talk shop about makes, models, and restoration techniques, and in general have a good time.

The clubs in Chico, Oroville, Gridley, and Paradise are gregarious and always welcoming to new members.

The Cruisin Classics of Paradise hosts an annual Cars of Yesteryear car show while the Gridley Cruizers puts on a show during the annual Red Suspenders Day. Twice a year, people from across the county and beyond come out en masse for the biggest shows in Butte County. Every May, the Oro Dam Cruisers host the Gold Rush Car Show during Feather Fiesta Days in Oroville. For 20 years, the Gold Rush Car Show has been Oroville’s biggest and most well-attended car show of the season, fueled by a vintage rock’n’roll vibe and cool cars that are hot.

Held annually since 1979, the Chico Concours d’Elegance celebrates restored and preserved cars and motorcycles. It’s a full day of fun and entertainment for locals and visitors alike.

The proceeds from the shows go back to their communities, mirroring the owners’ own supportive ethos. If you need help with your own car, you’ll likely find a car club member ready to step up and help, simply because of their love of cars and pride for a job well done. What’s not to love about that?

90

www . explorebuttecounty . com

FAST TIMES on FRIDAY NIGHT If you are looking for more “action,� the Silver Dollar Speedway is the perfect place for excitement- and thrill-seekers. The historic quarter-mile high-banked clay oval racetrack hosts a wide range of entertaining events, including the popular Friday night point championship season throughout the summer and monster truck specials. The whole family will love a night with fair-style food and fast cars.

Twice a year, people from across the county and beyond come out en masse for the biggest shows in Butte County

official visitors guide

91

ARTS & CULTURE

JUST KIDDING AROUND Butte County is family-friendly with plenty of fun activities to keep children active, engaged, and entertained.

Chico Air Museum 165 Ryan Ave, Chico The Chico Air Museum, great for families with all ages, has military and civilian planes, aviation artifacts, photos, and displays in a WWII hangar. Outside, there is an impressive display of jet and propeller-driven aircraft as well as an area for little ones to pilot their own pedal-operated mini planes.

Chico Children’s Museum 325 Main St, Chico

@MRSCLEMONS55

Caper Acres 500 S. Park Dr, chico A must-stop playground for families with young children, this fairy talethemed playground for children 12 and younger includes fun features like a crooked house play structure, cement cheese slide, pirate ship with sea monster, and more.

92

www . explorebuttecounty . com

This enchanting museum, targeted to children ages 2 to 8, aims to inspire creativity, investigation, and learning through play. From a sensory room and art stations to a two-story treehouse for reading and a spaceship command center, expect to stay a couple of hours, and prepare for eager pleas to stay longer.

Lake Oroville Visitor’s Center 917 Kelly Ridge Rd, Oroville

Get a bird’s-eye view of the Oroville lake and dam at the visitor center. Kids will enjoy interpretive displays, videos about the dam construction and fish hatchery, and more. A 47-foot tower with two high-powered telescopes provides panoramic views of the lake, dam, and surrounding areas.

KIRSHNER WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 4995 DURHAM-PENTZ RD, OROVILLE Explore a fascinating assortment of wild and exotic animals from around the world. Learn about the animals and their habitats as well as the care and preservation of all wildlife. Note that the sanctuary may close early on 100 degree-plus days.

RIVERBEND PARK 50 MONTGOMERY ST, OROVILLE

CHICO CREEK NATURE CENTER 1968 E 8TH ST, CHICO With a living animal museum, nature play room and nature lab, the Chico Creek Nature Center serves as the official information and education center for Bidwell Park. Visitors can also access park maps and directions, guided walks, and other family programs.

Just minutes from Downtown Oroville, this beautiful 210-acre park is situated along the Feather River and offers green spaces, paved trails, a boat dock, and fishing ponds. Enjoy romping on the play structure, skipping stones, and splashing in the river. During the fall salmon season, families can marvel at the hundreds of fish swimming in the river.

NATIONAL YO-YO MUSEUM 320 BROADWAY ST, CHICO Kids will love learning all there is to know about yo-yos at this museum in Downtown Chico. The museum features the world’s largest public display of yo-yos and yo-yo memorabilia, including “Big-Yo,” a massive, working 256-pound wood yo-yo. Every Saturday afternoon, kids and kids-at-heart can even enjoy free yo-yo lessons!

GATEWAY SCIENCE MUSEUM 625 ESPLANADE, CHICO The Gateway Science Museum is a hands-on institution for learning, building, and science experimentation and discovery. It hosts rotating traveling exhibits with interactive activities and programs, Saturday investigation station events, and discovery camps.

official visitors guide

93

PLANNING ARTS & CULTURE YOUR STAY

FOUR-LEGGED FUN

@JESSER10DE

@SELENAHENNESSEY

@LYSFORTE

@KLAMATHTRAVELS

@ADRIAWNANICOLE

@QUIVERWORLD

94

www . explorebuttecounty . com @WONDERLUSTCOYOTE

@OLLIETHADAWGG

@NALUPTAX5

@BAILEY_COUEY

LEAP INTO LOCAL MUSEUMS February 29-March 1, 2020

Explore art and cultural museums during the Inaugural Butte County Museum Weekend. Participating museums, theaters, and other cultural centers from across the county will open their doors for free access as well as other special events!

For more info: explorebuttecounty.com/museumweekend official visitors guide

95

CITY PROFILE

COUNTY CULTURE UNINCORPORATED COUNTY FULL OF HISTORY

ALYSE HICKMAN

BANGOR

INSKIP

INSKIP @DANIELLEMORILLASPHOTOGRAPHY

DURHAM

96

www . explorebuttecounty . com

CHEROKEE

@KILO_419

Part of Butte County’s culture and identity is its history, and that history is preserved in a kind of reverence in its smallest unincorporated communities.

In its earliest stages, the county was a prime stopover point for stagecoaches and rails, with its primary industries comprising mining and saw-milling. As the county developed, the need for those industries faded, and with it, much of the economic source. That didn’t stop small vestiges of the communities from staying—while the major industries that once supported the areas were gone, the residents remained, albeit in much smaller numbers.

Stirling City, for example, originated in 1903 as a milling destination for the Diamond Match Co. from Ohio. For 70 years, Stirling City’s major driver was its sawmill and small-scale farming; in the 1970s, though, the mill closed. Today, the town is home to just about 300 people.

Visitors can enjoy a visit to Clotilde Merlo Park in the spring and fall.

Durham was established as an experimental cooperative agriculture colony in 1917, and was named for California State Assemblyman, W. W. Durham. The town was supported by the railroad that ran through it. The original Durham House is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public. The agriculture legacy of Durham continues today with generational family farms that share their @THIS_IS_DAKIN

harvests through intimate farm, winery and distillery experiences.

Nearby Inskip was a Gold Rush destination most famously supported by its inn. A popular stop for miners traveling through in its heyday, the town now has only a few small buildings, one of which is the rebuilt (and, if you believe the rumors, haunted by an arsonist hunting ghost) Inskip Hotel, now on the National Register of Historic Places. A population so minuscule it doesn’t move the census, Inskip may be a true ghost town in several senses of the word.

Cherokee, similarly deserted (population about 70), was once home to Maidu Native Americans before gold miners set up camp. Thanks to one of the state’s most productive hydraulic mines, the town’s population once reached the thousands. But the mine was short lived, closing before the turn of the 20th century. Today, all that remain are a cemetery and the Cherokee Museum.

On the Butte-Yuba line in the southeast corner of the county, Bangor is home to just under 700 people. Founded in 1855 as a mining boomtown by homesick travelers from Maine, today Bangor is enjoying a mini-wine industry boom. The particularly fertile agricultural region has a well-deserved place on the famed North Sierra Wine Trail. You can enjoy a day tasting at a variety of wineries in the Bangor Wine and Spirits Region.

official visitors guide

97

Let Us Show You the Way With 1,636 square miles of land, 41 sq. miles of water, 4 cities, 1 town, 17 census-designated places, and 11 unincorporated communities, there’s always more to explore in Butte County.

Discover your next adventure (and how to get there) today!

Bear Hole

Made in Chico

A

@denisecoulson

Odyssey Winery and Vineyards

D

@caitlinsalutations

Durham

B

Durham

@olivecompany

@dainsandoval

Lake Oroville

G

@daniellemorillasphotography

Table Mountain

H

@taylor_nott

Chico Thursday Night Market

Caper Acres

E

C

F

@pactzee

Paradise

@_celiamedrano_

Humboldt Trail

I

@timgleasonmd

The Lavender Ranch

L J

@sactownscottie

Lake Oroville

M 98

@deanlivermore32

K

@rudy530

Durham

N

www . explorebuttecounty . com

@pawsome_aubee

Monkey Face

@thefairyfurnanny

O

@tbear008

1

ton

ing

ash E. W

e Av

n ea Ol

na

ve rA de

la Esp de

ln nco

Downtown

Downtown Chico

e Av

Li W.

8

e Av e Av

t E. 1st S

2 Gateway Science Museum

t eS

m

4

1 monca

Flu

ion

ns Ma

3

an

e Av

E

nade Espla

2

adi Arc on

i Leg

North

Memorial Way

al W

B

oa Br

5 National Yo-Yo Museum

F

m

St

St

5

6 City Plaza

6

7 Chico Chamber and Visitor Center

al

m

r No

nd

le

Sa

ay

dw

Chico State

4 Children’s Park

7

St

.1 W

.2 W

3 Bidwell Mansion

t lS

ain M

St st

e Av

es

Ch

th

St

ut

tn

.4 W

St

l ze Ha

th

St

y Iv St

rd

St

8 Sycamore Pool

.5 W

St

th

St

ry

er

Ch

.6 W

.3 W

St

¼ MILE

15

Downtown Oroville

Ave

ve xA llco

s Ave

Feather Riv er Blvd

Washington Ave

Ave

Perkin

ve cer A Spen

k Par

Oro Ave

Wi

162

70

Oroville Dam Blvd

McClellan Ave

Nevada Ave

B

St

St

Ave

e Av

St

Ave ge Osa

in

w ald

oon

n col Lin

ell

ch Mit

nt Hu

Ave

t eS

St

St

Ave

St

no

si Rob

14

t nS

t yS Gra

8th

ella

d Gar

13

Pin

na

o Pom

St Bird

tch Vea

Ave 1st Ave 2nd

Ave

Ave

Ave

Ave

4th

h Hig

St

ers My

Mo

3rd

5th

Ave

15 Feather River Fish Hatchery

6th

7th

14 Historic Oroville State Theater

ery

om ntg

10 9

13 Oroville Chamber and Visitor Center

t dS for

Saf

r St

11

t er S

12 Bolt’s Antique Museum

12

ve Oli

70

wn Do

11 Chinese Temple

Gran t

10 Lott Home

W. L inco ln St

9 Sank Park

162

¼ MILE

½ MILE

1 MILE

official visitors guide

99

Chico

D

O K

32

A

1

ay Skyw

Rd

32

Paradise Lake

Magalia Rd

I

Paradise

Skyway

North

70

Plumas National Park

( h N or er t

Butte Meadows

Fe at

Lassen National Park

k)

R i v er

www . explorebuttecounty . com

h F or

100 Rd Pentz

5 Feather Falls

4 Bald Rock Park

3 Lake Oroville

Table Mountain

2 Phantom Falls/

1 Bidwell Park

N

G

C

99

Durham-Dayton Hwy

Durham

ay

Colusa Hwy

99

L

2 J

0

1

M

2

3

4

official visitors guide

H

6

162

3

MILES

5

Lake Oroville

Oroville 70

162

Butte College

Durham-Pentz Rd

Gridley

Biggs

162

w Mid

Feather River

7

Or o-

Qu i

8

y

n stow Fore

9 10

Hw nc y

191

Clark Rd

101

Rd

4

Fea

(South Fork)

Feather River

Rd

(M ther idd Ri

in pk m u L

5

v le F ork e )

@TATIANAAAMARIEEE

PLANNING YOUR STAY

OKTOBERFEST STEVE MCDONALD

SNOWGOOSE FESTIVAL

WILDFLOWER CENTURY @BARROSOREALESTATETEAM

CHRISTMAS PREVIEW

THURSDAY FARMERS MARKET

102

www . explorebuttecounty . com

ANNUAL EVENTS

JAN

•Butte County Restaurant Week •Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway •Paradise on Ice

FEB

•Almond Blossom Run •Butte County Museum Weekend •Velo Love Ride

MAR

•Bidwell Classic •Tour de Ed

APR

•California Nut Festival •Chico Brewfest •Thursday Night Market

•Chico Velo Wildflower Century •Wildflower & Nature Festival

MAY

•Friday Night Concerts •Thursday Night Market •Feather Fiesta Days

•Paradise Chocolate Fest •Sierra Nevada Beer Camp

JUN

•Friday Night Concerts •Thursday Night Market

•Threshing Bee & County Fair at Patrick Ranch Museum •Butte County Olive Festival

JUL

•Slice of Chico •Thursday Night Market

•Friday Night Concerts •Oroville 4th of July Fireworks

AUG

•The Chico Concours d’Elegance •Friday Night Concerts •Thursday Night Market

SEP

•Taste of Chico •Thursday Night Market

•Salmon Festival •Gold Cup Race of Champions

OCT

•Johnny Appleseed Days •Chico Treat Street

•Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest •Sierra Oro Farm Trail Passport Weekend

NOV

•Chico Christmas Preview •Chico Tweed Ride •Paradise on Ice

DEC

•Oroville Parade of Lights •Paradise on Ice

official visitors guide

103

PLANNING YOUR STAY

STAY A WHILE

HOTEL KEY

LODGING

TYPE

AMERICAS BEST VALUE INN

MOTEL

Fitness Room

Swimming Pool

Meeting Facility

Breakfast

Pet Friendly

•

•

740 Broadway St, Chico 95928

530.343.3286

AMERICAS BEST VALUE INN OROVILLE

•

MOTEL

•

580 Oro Dam Blvd E, Oroville 95965

530.533.7070

BAMBI INN

•

MOTEL

7436 Humboldt Rd, Butte Meadows 95942

530.873.4125

BEST WESTERN HERITAGE INN CHICO

HOTEL

•

•

•

•

25 Heritage Ln, Chico 95926

530.894.8600

BUDGET INN

MOTEL

1475 Feather River Blvd, Oroville 95965

530.533.2121

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT

HOTEL

•

•

2481 Carmichael Dr, Chico 95928

530.894.6699

DAHL'S MOTEL

•

MOTEL

•

2010 Feather River Blvd, Oroville 95965

530.534.7392

DAYS INN OROVILLE

MOTEL

•

•

1745 Feather River Blvd, Oroville 95965

530.533.3297

GOODMAN HOUSE HISTORIC INN

INN

1362 Esplanade, Chico 95926

530.566.0256

HAVEN INN OF CHICO 2212 Park Ave, Chico 95928

530.342.5704

104

www . explorebuttecounty . com

MOTEL

•

•

LODGING

TYPE

HERITAGE INN EXPRESS

MOTEL

•

•

HOTEL

•

•

•

•

HOTEL

•

•

•

•

•

725 Broadway St, Chico 95928

530.343.4527

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS LAKE OROVILLE 550 Oro Dam Blvd E, Oroville 95965

530.534.5566

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS CHICO 2074 E 20th St, Chico 95928

530.891.0100

HOTEL DIAMOND

•

HOTEL

•

220 W 4th St, Chico 95926

530.893.3100

HOTEL JAMES

HOTEL

•

•

•

•

10 Lost Duchman Dr, Chico 95973

530.894.5743

MATADOR MOTEL

MOTEL

•

MOTEL

•

MOTEL

•

1934 Esplanade, Chico 95926

530.342.7543

MOTEL 6 CHICO 665 Manzanita Crt, Chico 95926

530.345.5500

MOTEL 6 OROVILLE 505 Montgomery St, Oroville 95965

530.532.9400

OXFORD SUITES

HOTEL

•

•

MOTEL

•

•

HOTEL

•

•

•

•

•

2035 Business Ln, Chico 95928

530.899.9090

QUALITY INN NEAR CHICO STATE

•

715 Main St, Chico 95928

530.343.7911

RAMADA PLAZA SOON-TO-BE DOUBLE TREE BY HILTON

•

•

•

685 Manzanita Crt, Chico 95926

530.345.2491

REGENCY INN

MOTEL

2566 Esplanade, Chico 95973

530.898.0134

official visitors guide

105

PLANNING YOUR STAY

STAY A WHILE

HOTEL KEY

LODGING

TYPE

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT

HOTEL

Fitness Room

Swimming Pool

Meeting Facility

Breakfast

Pet Friendly

•

•

•

•

•

2485 Carmichael Dr, Chico 95928

530.894.5500

RODEWAY INN

•

MOTEL

1717 Park Ave, Chico 95928

530.342.9472

SAFARI INN MOTEL

MOTEL

•

•

MOTEL

•

MOTEL

•

•

MOTEL

•

•

2352 Esplanade, Chico 95926

530.343.3201

SUNSET INN 1835 Feather River Blvd, Oroville 95965

530.533.8201

SUPER 8 CHICO

•

1470 Manzanita Crt, Chico 95926

530.345.2533

SUPER 8 OROVILLE

•

•

1470 Feather River Blvd, Oroville 95965

530.533.9673

THE OUTPOST

MOTEL

7589 Humboldt Rd, Butte Meadows 95942

530.873.3050

TOWN HOUSE MOTEL

MOTEL

•

MOTEL

•

•

2231 Esplanade, Chico 95926

530.343.1621

UNIVERSITY INN 630 Main St, Chico 95928

530.895.1323

VILLA COURT INN MOTEL 1527 Feather River Blvd, Oroville 95965

530.533.3930

106

www . explorebuttecounty . com

[MOTEL

•

LODGING

TYPE

A RIVERSIDE COTTAGE

VACATION RENTAL

45 Cabana Dr, Oroville 95965

530.533.1413

CENTERVILLE ESTATES 13386 Centerville Rd, Chico 95928

VACATION RENTAL

530.891.0641

DINGERVILLE USA

RV PARK

•

5813 Pacific Heights Rd, Oroville 95965

530.533.9343

LAKE CONCOW CAMPGROUND

•

CAMPING

12967 Concow Rd, Oroville 95965

530.588.4783

RIFFLES RV RESORT & CAMPGROUND 4488 Pacific Heights Rd, Oroville 95965

RV PARK & CAMPGROUND

530.534.5500

EXPLORE BUTTE COUNTY FROM THE SKY

www.paradiseairport.com 4405 Airport Road • Paradise, CA 95969

official visitors guide

107

PLANNING YOUR STAY

MEETING PLACES Find the perfect meeting and event space in Butte County

Under 50

51-150 People

151-250 People

251+ People

Meeting Spaces COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, CHICO

BUTTE CREEK COUNTRY CLUB

2485 Carmichael Dr, Chico 530.894.6699

175 Estates Dr, Chico 530.343.7979

Meeting Room | 750 Sq Feet | 40 People

Oak Room Boardroom | 12 People Grand Ballrooms | 30000 Sq Feet | 300 People

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES, CHICO 2074 E 20th St, Chico 530.891.0100

CANYON OAKS COUNTRY CLUB

Meeting Room | 350 Sq Feet | 25 People

999 Yosemite Dr, Chico 530.343.2582

Wedding Venue | 2400 Sq Feet | 150 People

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES, LAKE OROVILLE 550 Oro Dam Blvd E, Oroville 530.534.5566

CHICO ELKS LODGE 1705 Manzanita Ave, Chico 530.343.1431

First Floor Conference Room | 1400 Sq Feet | 80 People Second Floor Conference Room | 330 Sq Feet | 8 People

Manzanita Place | 650 People Downstairs Conference Room | 15 People

OXFORD SUITES, CHICO

CHICO MASONIC FAMILY CENTER

2035 Business Ln, Chico 530.899.9090

1110 W East Ave, Chico 530.342.7143

Honey Run Hall | 1152 Sq Feet | 70 People Honey Run One or Two | 576 Sq Feet Each | 30 People Big Chico Creek | 576 Sq Feet | 30 People Little Chico Creek Boardroom | 8 People

Main Hall | 5448 Sq Feet | 782 People Large Dining | 3850 Sq Feet Each | 554 People Small Dining | 1598 Sq Feet | 228 People York Rite Room | 1800 Sq Feet | 227 People

RAMADA PLAZA CHICO (SOON-TO-BE DOUBLETREE BY HILTON)

CREEKSIDE ROSE GARDEN AND EVENT CENTER

685 Manzanita Crt, Chico 530.433.1636

Conference Center | 3120 Sq Feet | 380 People Butte/Sutte Room | 1560 Sq Feet | 190 People Tehama/Glen Room | 1560 Sq Feet | 190 People Lassen Room | 504 Sq Feet | 35 People

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT, CHICO 2485 Carmichael Dr, Chico 530.894.5500

Event Room | 448 Sq Feet | 20 People

545 Vallombrosa Ave, Chico 530.895.4711

Rose Garden Main Hall | 2600 Sq Feet | 200 People

HOTEL DIAMOND 220 W. 4th St, Chico 530.895.1515

Cupola Room | 33 People Wine Cellar | 73 People

LAKESIDE PAVILION 2565 California Park Dr, Chico 530.895.4711

108

Event Venues

Events Space | 275 People

ALMENDRA WINERY & DISTILLERY

PATRICK RANCH MUSEUM

9275 Midway, Durham 530.343.6893

10381 Midway, Chico 530.342.4359

Barrel Room | 7000 Sq Feet | 200 People

Wedding Venue | 300+ People

www . explorebuttecounty . com

@MARIANNACHAMBARDPHOTO

PARADISE AIRPORT 4405 Airport Rd, Paradise 530.521.2289

Meeting Room | 1120 Sq Feet | 74 People

PARADISE LUTHERAN CHURCH 780 Luther Dr, Paradise 530.877.3549

LAKESIDE PAVILLION @EMILYMAEWOOLLEY

Luther Hall | 4160 Sq Feet | 160 People Chapel | 2376 Sq Feet | 122 People Loft | 45 People

SIERRA NEVADA BREWERY 1075 E 20th St, Chico 530.983.3520

Big Room | 350 People

SILVER DOLLAR FAIRGROUNDS 2357 Fair St, Chico 530.895.4666

Commercial Building | 14000 Sq Feet | 1000+ People Harvest Hall | 4000 Sq Feet | 250 People Education Building | 20000 Sq Feet | 1000+ People

TABLE MOUNTAIN GOLF COURSE 2700 Oro Dam Blvd W, Oroville 530.533.3922

WHITE RANCH

Banquet Room | 91 People

WHITE RANCH 214 Hagenridge Rd, Chico 530.342.6530

Wedding Venue | 4 Acres | 200 People

WINE TIME 26 Lost Dutchman Dr, Chico 530.899.9250

Restaurant | 3000 Sq Feet | 80 People Seated

ALMENDRA WINERY & DISTILLERY official visitors guide

109

PLANNING YOUR STAY

FUN FAIRWAYS GOLFING IN BUTTE COUNTY

Tee up for a day on the greens in Butte County. With temperate weather year-round, it’s always a good day to putt around on one of the many beautiful courses in the area.

The active golfing community supports four 18-hole facilities as well as several 9-hole courses and ranges. Visitors to the area who are members of another private country club can access the private Canyon Oaks Country Club and Butte Creek Country Club for reciprocal play opportunities. Canyon Oaks features a Jim Summers-designed championship layout with deep roughs, numerous elevation changes, and sparkling water features for a beautiful and challenging experience, while Butte Creek boasts an oak tree-lined course, full-grass driving range, the largest short-game facility in the area, and a putting green.

Don’t worry if you’re not a private club member, though— there are plenty of public play

With temperate weather year-round, it’s always a good day to putt around on one of the many beautiful courses in the area

opportunities! In Chico, you can golf on tree-lined greens with deer, geese, turkey, and other wildlife at Bidwell Park Golf Course for a more “wild” golf experience. In Oroville, Table Mountain Golf Course is a flat, easy-to-walk course with fast greens and wide fairways, perfect for new and casual golfers.

Those looking for shorter outings will enjoy a 9-hole course overlooking the lake at Lake Oroville Golf and Event Center, while the Practice Tee at Sunset Hills is a fun location for newer golfers, including the kiddos, to practice their long and short games. And for a quick round before heading out for the day’s activities, check out the 6-hole Skyway Golf Park.

From those who swing the irons daily to the weekend warriors, there’s a course for every player in Butte County.

110

www . explorebuttecounty . com

official visitors guide

111

PLANNING YOUR STAY

BRAVE COFFEE

TRES HOMBRES

112

www . explorebuttecounty . com

CHRISTIAN MICHAELS

LET’S MEET ! something simple should head over to Brave Coffee, where they serve specialty coffee and cafe-style bits in a comfortable yet minimalist cafe. Impress any vegans in your group with a trip to Tender Loving Coffee, which ethically sources their beans from around the world and offers a fresh dining menu filled with plant-based options. If you find yourself in Oroville for a morning meeting, Mug Shots Coffee House is a great place to talk shop over some freshly brewed coffee and a pastry.

TENDER LOVING COFFEE

Butte County is a great place to conduct business. With dozens of hotels to choose from, you’ll find a conference space perfect for your event. If you’re looking to see more of the area on your trip, these are some of our favorite places to meet for small meetings out of the conference room.

For morning meetings, coffee is a must.

Chico offers a variety of cafes to choose from to fit all meeting needs. The ever-popular Beatniks Coffee House offers a varied coffee and espresso drink menu as well as breakfast and lunch options if you’re in the mood for something more substantial. Bidwell Perk serves up fresh-baked pastries from local bakeries, house-made French toast, quiche, and more—you can even make it a Champagne breakfast! Those looking for

Lunch meetings are a great way to build your business relationship—as long as the food is good! Tres Hombres is a popular spot in Chico that serves unique coastal Mexican cuisine.

They also make some of the best margaritas in the county, so a return trip for cocktails might be in order. Just down the street, you’ll find Broadway Heights, a restaurant dedicated to serving high-quality California cuisine perfect for a midday meeting. In Oroville, The Patio serves up authentic, fresh, and healthy fare, with a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, and grilled meats to choose from.

Sometimes, meetings over drinks are the only way to go, but you don’t want to meet at any old dive bar! In Downtown Chico, the Diamond Steakhouse boasts an expansive bar and lounge area perfect for conversations, with its dining room just steps away if you want to turn it into a dinner meeting. With specialty martinis, wine by the glass, and other cocktails in addition to upscale dinner options, Christian Michaels Ristorante offers a finer drinks and dining experience for your meeting. If a glass of wine is what you’re looking for, Wine Time is the casual and relaxing location for your next meeting.

With an emphasis on local wines paired with seasonal small plates, there’ll be no stress as you pitch your next big idea.

official visitors guide

113

PLANNING PLANNING YOUR YOUR STAY STAY

PLANES, TRAINS, & AUTOMOBILES Whether you fly in from a nearby airport or take the scenic route, it’s easy to travel to and around Butte County so you can focus on the fun stuff!

GETTING TO BUTTE COUNTY

By Plane: Enjoy your pick of four airports within a four-hour drive of Butte County. From the Bay Area, San Francisco International is just 3.5 hours away, and Oakland International is only three. A flight to Sacramento International puts you just 1.5 hours away, while the drive from the Redding Airport is even shorter. SuperShuttle provides transportation between Chico and the Sacramento International Airport.

Locally, the Chico Municipal Airport and Oroville Municipal Airport are available for private and charter flights.

By Train: If taking the train is more your speed, there is an Amtrak train platform adjacent to the historic 1892 Southern Pacific depot, now the Chico Arts Center, in Chico.

By Bus: Greyhound Bus has a stop in Chico at the Amtrak train platform as well as a stop in Oroville on Oro-Dam Boulevard. Glenn Ride has connections in Chico for bus routes into the Glenn County communities of Hamilton City, Orland, and Willows.

TRAVELING AROUND BUTTE COUNTY B-Line is the regional transit service in Butte County. Buses serve routes within Chico, Oroville, and the Ridge communities of Paradise and Magalia. Regional bus routes connect these communities and include additional stops in Gridley, Biggs, Palermo, and Durham. Visit their website to see maps and descriptions of each route. There is even a real-time bus tracking map as well a trip planner. Each bus is equipped with a bike rack and a wheelchair lift.

For those looking to rent a car, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise are regional options.

Ride-share companies Uber and Lyft operate in the Chico area. There are also several cab companies serving Butte County. Elite Limo in Chico can help you cruise around Butte County in style.

114

www . explorebuttecounty . com

“

THERE'S A SUNRISE AND A SUNSET EVERY SINGLE DAY, AND THEY'RE ABSOLUTELY FREE. DON'T MISS SO MANY OF THEM. Jo Walton

official visitors guide

115

@CETARTER

@TRAVELS_WITH_TORY

@KARTRACI

@JENNYMCHENRY

@ALEXRASCONART

@SHIMBEEZEE

@PADDLE_THE_EARTH

@TREVDEHART

@JBITTS_22

@LULU.REYESS

Tag Us While You’re In Butte County for Your Chance to Be Featured! #ExploreButteCA official visitors guide

116