mostly nonfiction and bakersfield news | June 30th, 2009
Bakersfield’s Summer Chill Zones
Did you know that Fresno has 12 pools open free to the public when temperatures explode into the 105-degree range? What does Bako have to offer for local chillmeisters? Here’s a short list of cool spots, cool foods and cool things to do. Add your own in the comments if you like!
POOLS: There are still a few pools left in Bakersfield. MLK Park has a pool, as does Siemon Park, Silvercreek Park (You can rent this pool!) and Jefferson Park. McMurtrey Aquatics Center has a pool and a waterslide. Click for more info. Don’t forget to follow the rules.
SPRAY PARKS: There are six spray parks in Bakersfield. Take the kids but leave the inner tube at home. Here’s a list.
WALK THE LOCAL MALLS: East Hills Mall and the Valley Plaza may harbor some serious thugs. But they’re harmless. Walk around them. Go get something cold to drink and buy yourself something new. The East Hills Mall has a Ben & Jerry’s for some added chill.
ICE CREAM: Don’t just buy popsicles from the corner market. Get out and go somewhere special. I just mentioned Ben & Jerry’s. Don’t forget Baskin Robbins, Cold Stone, Rite Aid, Foster’s Freeze, Dairy Queen, Moo Creamery, Dewars, Rosemary’s, Elaine’s Cafe (Vegan ice cream!), or your local Mexican restaurant with fried ice cream on the menu. Don’t be lazy, do a Google search.
SHAVED ICE: It’s a scavenger hunt, but for ice cream or shaved ice. Did you know there’s a difference between a snow cone, shaved ice and Hawaiian shaved ice? Try some of the local hangouts that you can find in street corner bungalows. They’re all over the city. Hawaiian ice is shaved very fine. It’s richer than shaved ice and far finer in ice granules than any snow cone. By the way, the farthest you can probably travel for a snow cone would be on weekend excursions to Hart Park in the snack bar. Don’t forget to go to Sno Shack, a longtime fave of mine.
SMOOTHIES/BLENDED COFFEES: Jamba Juice and Juice It Up are great for smoothies. Starbucks, Filling Station, Supreme Bean, Java Detour and even McDonald’s has iced and blended coffees. So get chill and get hyper!
SUMMER MOVIES: Do I have to say more? There’s a dollar theater, and favorites, the Reading and Edwards Theaters. Not to mention a theater at East Hills Mall and the occasional “Flicks” at the majestic Fox Theater. I’m waiting for Harry Potter and District 9 to come out. What do you want to see? Scroll to the comments to read about free movies at the Brighthouse Amphitheater (bring a chilly drink!) and at Edwards Theaters.
LIBRARY CHILLS: Lots of summer programs going on for kids, teens and adults at local libraries. Try the Beale Memorial Library for a great starting point. There’s a reading on July 1, and don’t forget to add librarian Chris Livingston on Twitter. You can also find related Kid, Teen and History library Twitters. They constantly tweet things to do.
LOCAL THEATER/LOCAL MUSIC: Go to Bakotopia’s event schedule for a list of local music and theater taking place throughout the summer. The Gate’s MySpace also lists local music.
TAKE AN ART TOUR: Take a stroll at the Bakersfield Museum of Art, Metro Galleries, Surface Gallery, The Basement — all in downtown Bakersfield. Maybe even galleries at Bakersfield College and CSU Bakersfield (Todd Madigan) are open over the summer.
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5 Responses for “Bakersfield’s Summer Chill Zones”
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I love that there is a difference between shaved ice and snowcones and what not.
Free Family Movie are Edwards Cinema.
The list of films can be found at http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=CA
The days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Doors open at 9:00 and the movie starts at 10:00. Movies last through July 30th.
Heck yeah! I know a kid who would go. Um, I mean, besides me!
There’s free movies every Wednesday night at the Amphitheater. Check the schedule: http://www.bakersfieldamphitheatre.us/concertschedule.htm
Oh heck yeah! More free movies!