BY ANGELINA MARTIN
209 staff
Turlock is a fantastic place to live, to put it quite simply. With its population of about 70,000 residents, the city has all of the fun that a bigger town can bring with the small-town feel that so many desire. Whether the day calls for dining, shopping or entertainment, Turlock has it all.
Downtown Turlock has made a name for itself in recent years, and for good reason. New businesses pop up seemingly every day, making the downtown district a perfect stop for those looking to get a bite to eat or do some wardrobe upgrading.
Boutiques for men and women alike line the area’s streets, including Glitz Fine Clothing, Loja Do Homen, Envy Fine Clothing and One Sixteen Bijou. Shopping locally in the downtown area not only gives back directly to the community, but provides shoppers with a unique selection to choose from as well. Those looking for a more primitive shopping experience should check out Main Street Antiques (208 E. Main St.), which is celebrating its 20th year downtown, or Treasure Hunters (300 E. Main St.), which offers countless options when it comes to antique shopping.
The downtown area has also welcomed plenty of eateries in recent years, and there is a restaurant for almost every type of cuisine. If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, stop by Memo’s Cocina and Tequila Bar (139 W. Main St.) and grab a taco or one of their delicious margaritas. Those hoping for an authentically American dining experience should check out Hauck’s Grill (142 W. Main St.) and try their hand at completing a rack of ribs. Other notable restaurants in downtown Turlock include Main Street Footer’s, Crust & Crumb and Bistro 234, which primarily serve hotdogs, pizza and French-inspired dishes, respectively.
The downtown area also has numerous nightlife stops, such as Red Brick Bar and Grill, which has an outdoor patio and DJ playing hits all night for those who love to dance. Other popular bars downtown include The Udder Place, a country bar that is currently working on expanding its space, Vintage Lounge and Piano Bar, which often hosts a live band, and Staley’s Club, an affordable, fun time.
Also downtown, for the historical buffs wanting to know more about Turlock, is the Turlock Historical Society (108 S. Center St.). Turlock has a rich history, and everything you need to know about the city is at this museum. From old maps of the town to antique artifacts, such as bricks from the city’s original hospital, a unique and interesting past is at your fingertips when you stop by the Turlock Historical Society.
Dustbowl Brewing Co. is also a popular stop for both those who live in Turlock and out-of-area visitors. Many are familiar with the location’s downtown taproom (200 W. Main St.) where patrons can sample different brews and dine on delicious menu items like the PB&J Burger, but a new addition to the Dust Bowl family is sure to provide the Valley with a good time. The company’s new Napa-inspired brewery, located on Fulkerth Road just west of Highway 99, is 30,000 square feet and includes a tasting room, outdoor patio and lounge area, tours and retail sales. Instead of driving plenty of miles to tour a brewery, Turlockers can now do so in their own backyard.
If you’re looking for entertainment rather than dancing, eating or shopping, then look no further than Regal Cinemas Turlock Stadium 14, located just down the road from downtown Turlock at 2323 W. Main St. Grab some popcorn and a drink, find a seat and enjoy the theater’s plush seating and wide variety of newly-released films. For movies and show times, visit fandango.com or give the theater a call at 844-462-7342.
If indoor entertainment isn’t quite what you’re looking for, then soak up the Valley sunshine at one of Turlock’s beautiful parks. Donnelly Park (600 Pedras Road) is a 10-acre community park complete with a lake and a large playground. Ducks and geese frequent the lake, so bring a snack for your feathered friends and have some fun feeding them. Another large, family-friendly park in Turlock is Crane Park (1555 E. Canal Drive). Its large, sweeping trees ensure that there’s never a lack of shade, and the park also has tennis courts, a horseshoe pit and a bright, colorful playground. There is also a walking path along the canal across the street from the park that makes for a perfect stroll on a sunny day.
Lastly, but certainly not least, is the beautiful campus of Stanislaus State. Those who are looking for a relaxing day next to a lake need not travel any further than One University Circle, where the university’s campus is filled with water features such as small lakes, waterfalls, fountains and even a stream that runs along the school’s south most perimeter. Wildlife can be spotted at every corner of the university, including foxes, ducks, geese, turtles and countless other species of birds. The school also has an art gallery downtown, the Art Space on Main (135 W. Main St.), where students’ projects and works of art are displayed for the public’s enjoyment.
