Small City Big Entertainment

 

Entertainment can be found in different forms. For this small town girl, shopping is a great way to stay entertained in Bakersfield. A quick visit to the Apple Store sure made the trip worth while. Who doesn’t love Apple products? We have to admit it, even the youngest people are starting to get hooked.

Bakersfield, Entertainment Capital?

(Photo courtesy of Google.com)

Some people claim that there is nothing to do in Bakersfield. Bakersfield is definitely smaller when compared to neighboring cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, but that doesn’t mean that Bakersfield doesn’t have any entertainment to offer.

There are numerous ways to stay entertained in Bakersfield. The choice of entertainment varies on the crowd of people that you associate yourself. There are things from catching a bite in a new restaurant, taking a stroll at River Walk Park, and catching a concert at Rabobank Arena.

The citizens of Bakersfield might have to search a little harder for entertainment, when compared to bigger cities. On the other hand, there is much entertainment opportunities awaiting to be explored.

Karyn Ortiz, 21, a junior from California State University, Bakersfield, said “I usually stay on the lookout for entertainment opportunities by watching the news, listening to the radio, or reading the newspaper. I usually end up coming across some new events, festivals, and concerts that grab my attention”.

There is definitely much entertainment offered in Bakersfield. Not all of the events offered might suit the preference of everyone, but new events are occurring all the time that there is sure to be something happening that will suit the personalities of just about anyone.

Ignacio Medina, 21, a junior from California State University, Bakersfield, said “My favorite thing to do in Bakersfield is going downtown on the first Friday of every month for the street fairs that are hosted by numerous artists, and people of the city selling their one of a king items”.

Some events such as the street fair that occurs only once a month don’t happen that often. Who would have knew that Bakersfield even hosted a street fair? It takes a small amount of effort to discover the adventures that are out awaiting.

For more information on Bakersfield street fair, and for the latest news information take a look at the following links:

http://www.visitbakersfield.com/visitors/attractions/entertainment/

http://www.bakersfieldcalifornian.com/entertainment

Stay cool Bakersfield

(Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com)

It is that time of the year again, sunny skies, cool breeze, and high temperatures. With the temperatures rising, the hunt for ways to cool down is going to begin. Luckily for the citizens of Bakersfield, Hart part is located just 8 miles northeast. Hart Park has many things to offer. According to Kern County Parks and Recreation, ” The 370 acres of Hart Park along the Kern River now constitute the centerpiece of the 1,012 acre recreational complex called Kern River County Park, which also includes the: Group Picnic Reservation Areas,Nearby California Living  Museum, Lake Ming ,Camp Okihi“. With a large landscape, there is a variety of things to do.  From fishing, to enjoying a nice stroll in the park, everyone is sure to find something to dob. There is  a verirty of Wildlife habitat. For example there are  kit fox, possum, raccoon, beaver, muskrat, skunk, white egret, blue heron, and ducks.  With a good sight seen, there is also many spots to sit down at and enjoy a picnic, There are a variety of tables and grills. For those who are more adventurous and in the look out for something more active, there are hiking areas and equestrian trails. When the sun comes beating down on you, a trip to Hart park will be a good idea. To see more information on Hart park take a look at their web page at http://www.co.kern.ca.us/parks/hart.asp

Relay for life: Outlasting Cancer

( Photo taken by Ana Silva. Gamma Phi Beta at Relay for life)

Relay for life events are a great way to give back to those in your community. Through Relay for Life involvement communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, and to remember loved ones lost. Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, from California State University- Bakersfield is a big supporter of this event, making it one of their two main philanthropies. Together, the sorority raised over $6,000.

 

 

Bakersfield just got cooler

(Photo courtesy of Facebook.com)

Some might claim that Bakersfield is dry out of entertainment. For those looking out for something cool to do with these high temperatures, there is some refreshing news. With their grand opening on May 4^th, River’s End Rafting & Adventure Company specializes in Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking. They are located in Bakersfield California and are the closest outfitter to the Los Angeles area. The Kern River is located just about 10 minutes from the city. The citizens of Bakersfield are familiar with their local food joint, and movie theatres, but little did they know that there was much more awaiting outside of the city limits.

“We used a Groupon for River’s End Rafting to go white water rafting a few miles below this spot.  It was perfect.  Several rapids to go through, nothing life-threatening, and when we were given the opportunity to swim in a calm part, I got out and paddled along in the river.  That was a highlight for me.  Just letting the river pull me (in my required life jacket) along.  When I swam against the current I stayed in about the same place on the river.  Wonderful.” Stated Sundry, a fan of the Kern River rafting.

River’s End Rafting caters to any group. They have The Blaster and the Master Blaster. The Blaster which is their signature out of their two traveling packages is a 2 hour whitewater rafting tip. This is the perfect trip for everyone. This trip is 3.5 miles which starts from the Kern Canyon and ending near Lake Ming in Bakersfield. Departs    Monday -Saturday 10am, 12:30pm, 3pm, and 5:30pm

For more information on this great adventure visit their webpage at http://www.riversendrafting.com/

Zone into Sweetness

Tasty yogurt, friendly staff, and a cheerful atmosphere is what you can expect at Yogurt Zone. Having its grand opening on February 8 this year, Yogurt Zone is a fun new addition to the self-serve frozen yogurt franchises in Bakersfield. Yogurt Zone is located in The Marketplace on Ming Avenue. This new yogurt place zoned right in nearly as quick as the high temperatures hit 70 degrees. In addition, with the temperatures rising, the fresh new location is a remarkable place to go in order to cool down while enjoying some of the many flavors of yogurt.

The self-serve yogurt shop carries 14 different flavors of yogurt, and more than 50 creative toppings. Its yogurt flavors vary from fresh fruits such as coconut, kiwi, strawberry, and mango to your more traditional flavors such as chocolate. Yogurt Zone is sure to have a flavor to satisfy the sweetest tooth. Apart from its diversity in flavors, bright, fun and creative décor fills the inside of the yogurt shop.

“The pink cushion along the walls, good music, and creative egg- like seating make my visit more enjoyable,” said Karyn Ortiz, 21, a daily customer and student at the nearby campus of California State University, Bakersfield.

The self-serve yogurt place, along with its neighboring ice cream shop competitors Cold Stone, and Baskin Robbins can be a bit pricey.

According to Neil Williams (2009), author of the book Soft Serve Frozen Yogurt Business Guide, the prices of self-serve yogurt can vary due to a variety of things.

“The toppings will definitely cost you more than the yogurt. A range is between .10 and .40 cents per ounce – so be very careful in what toppings you choose to offer, since your retail price per ounce is fixed between 35 and 50 cents per ounce,” (Williams , 2009 , p. 199).

“I don’t mind paying the $.39 per ounce for yogurt and toppings, because I can choose to mix, take away, or add certain items. I like the sense of control I have on the price I pay for my yogurt,” said Ignacio Medina, 20, a first-time customer of Yogurt Zone.

How can Yogurt Zone separate itself from similar self-served yogurt competitors Yogurtland and Tutti Fruti? Management at Yogurt Zone carefully thought out the needs of their customers in order to make their experience enjoyable. They are showing it by going the extra step, by going virtual with its Facebook webpage.  In addition, they strongly consider the feedback they get from their valued customers, and it shows through their alterations on their store hours .

“Only if it was possible to get yogurt after a late movie,” posted a fan of Yogurt Zone on their Facebook page. Their store hours have extended to eleven at night, in order to accommodate to those who suggested extended longer operating hours. Now those with a late night craving for their yogurt can visit their location late at night.

Great customer service, a fun environment, and friendly staff are a few of the aspects that Yogurt Zone has established within their yogurt shop in the community of Bakersfield. For more information visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/YogurtZoneBakersfield .

Delightfully Sweet Bakersfield

Tasty yogurt, friendly staff, and a cheerful atmosphere is what you can expect at Yogurt Zone. Having its grand opening on February 8 this year, Yogurt Zone is a fun new addition to the self-serve frozen yogurt franchises in Bakersfield. Yogurt Zone is located in The Marketplace on Ming Avenue. This new yogurt place zoned right in nearly as quick as the high temperatures hit 70 Degrees. In addition, with the temperatures rising, the fresh new location is a great place to go in order to cool down while enjoying some of the many flavors of yogurt.

 

Even In the late hours of the day does Yogurt Zone satisfy the cravings of yogurt lovers (Photo by Ana Silva)

Yogurt Zone is vibrant, fun, and sure to capture the attention of yogurt lovers around town. (Photo by Ana Silva)

 

Yogurt Fanatics zoned right in to the new yogurt shop to experience what Yogurt Zone has to offer their sweet tooth.
(Photo by Ana Silva)

Sweet yogurt, accompanied by the delightful view that The Market has to offer.
(Photo by Ana Silva)

Yogurt Zone has sure put smile on the faces on some of its newest clientele; students from California State University-Bakersfield.
(Photo by Ana Silva)

 

 

 

 

Wing Fling

Favorite foods- most of us have them. Personally, I have a guilty craze for chicken wings.  They come in a variety of flavors from traditional hot, to the more exotic flavors such as spicy garlic. There is sure to be a flavor out there to fill mostly anyone’s craving.  Bakersfield is filled with numerous wing joints. Here I provided my personal top three wing joints in Bakersfield.

3. Buffalo Wild Wings located on 5677 Gosford Rd Bakersfield, CA 93313

(661) 664-4550

                   (Photo by Buffalo Wild Wings-Bakersfield)

If you’re looking for a fun, high energy and easy going restaurant to enjoy wings at, Buffalo Wild Wings is your to go place. BWW is a great hang out Bar and Grill, with 16 different flavored wings, 36 beers on tap, and an astonishing 44 televisions. The next time your having a difficult time on what your taste buds are craving and, what you want to watch make a stop at your local BWW.

Hours:

Mon-Tue 11 am – 12 am

Wed-Fri 11 am – 2 am

Sat 9 am – 2 pm

Sun 9 am – 11 am

Price: Moderate, $11-30.

Promos: Discounted wing Tuesdays. Perfect time to try a sauce or seasoning you’ve always been curious about.

To view more about their featured flavors and promotions visit their webpage at  http://www.buffalowildwings.com

 

2. Wingstop located on 3880 Gosford Rd Bakersfield, CA 93309
(661) 835-9464

(Photo taken by Melissa C.)

You can’t claim to wing fanatic, and have never been to Wingstop. Wingstop is smaller in size than your average wing joint seating roughly about 30 people, but that doesn’t cut them back from their big reputation earning them spot number two in the top three wing joints in Bakersfield.  Wingstop takes the word ‘wings’ and takes into a whole other direction for its décor. Their ceilings hang actual wings from smaller air crafts, and on their walls they have parts of a pilot such as doors. Aside from their décor, this place is best for their food. They offer over 8 flavors from their traditional hot to their more exotic flavors such as parmesan garlic.

Hours: Mon-Sun 11 am – 12 am

Prices: Vary, but they go offer individual means that include a drink and fries  varying from $6-10.

For more information about this wing fanatic place visit their page at http://www.wingstop.com

 1. Hooters located on 4208 Rosedale Highway Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 93308

(661) 634-9464

(Photo taken by Stephanie M. Hooters of Bakersfield)

Hooters is an extravagant restaurant for wings. If your looking for a place where you can get a variety of flavors for your wings weather they’re regular wings or boneless, they seem to have it all. Hooters features over 10 flavors, there is definitely room for options. With that said, there is never a dull moment in hooters, they atmosphere is at it’s top. They play up beat music, play a series of sports, and their customer service is at it’s finest. If you get the chance, their fried pickles are a popular item on their menu.

Hours: M-S 10-12 pm

Price: Average 10 wing plate ranks between $8-12.

Promos: Endless wings and fries on Wednesday (Wingsday), and Saturday.

For more information about their food and promotions visit their page at www.hooters.com

 

 

Get in the zone, Yogurt Zone

 

Just in time for warm weather, the frozen yogurt phenomenon has made its way to the Market Place in Bakersfield. Yogurt  Zone is one of the newest yogurt shops in Bakersfield, since its opening in February of this year.

Yogurt Zone opened in The Market Place on Ming Avenue. The yogurt shop is located across from its close competitors Baskin Robbins, and besides Cold Stone. It hardly seems possible that yet another dessert-like shop could open, with its close competitors near by.

This latest incarnation of frozen yogurt attempts to distinguish itself from its close competitors by focusing on ambiance and personal connections with customers. The company has a philosophy of, ” taking heroic measures if necessary. To make sure customers are fully satisfied-our theme is ‘every day you get our best’ when it comes to customer service,” according to the franchise main website. You can find more information about the franchise goals and values along with their menu at http://www.myyogurtzone.com/AboutUs.

The self-serve yogurt shop carries more than 14 yogurt flavors,and more than 50 creative toppings. A fun aspect that separates this yogurt shop from its local competitors is how many ways you can customize your helping of frozen yogurt. The next time the Bakersfield heat comes beating down on you zone right in to the new yogurt shop and indulge your yogurt creations, regardless of whatever diet plan your on.