Bakersfield - Do It Like a Local

Unpretentious, friendly, and fun loving...that describes the local attitude of Bakersfield. When locals go out on the town, they'll do it with gusto. Here's how to blend in.

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Homewood Suites By Hilton Bakersfield, CA
First, you're going to want to be away from the busy part of town. This newer hotel near Cal State Bakersfield will feel more like home than a hotel with in-room kitches and outdoor grills. Large two-room suites (except for the handicapped room which is just a very large room), pool, spa, and full breakfast. Nice, plush hotel in a q... More >
First, you're going to want to be away from the busy part of town. This newer hotel near Cal State Bakersfield will feel more like home than a hotel with in-room kitches and outdoor grills. Large two-room suites (except for the handicapped room which is just a very large room), pool, spa, and full breakfast. Nice, plush hotel in a quiet part of town, away from most of the action. Starting at around $100 and up.
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Twentyfourth Street Cafe
Delicious food with a definite local flavor. Servers will be found to gossip, share photos, and serve food with equal gusto. It will get crowded so come early or late to beat the rush or be prepared to wait a bit. My only complaint is that they try to squeeze you into the smallest table that will accomodate your group...the small ta... More >
Delicious food with a definite local flavor. Servers will be found to gossip, share photos, and serve food with equal gusto. It will get crowded so come early or late to beat the rush or be prepared to wait a bit. My only complaint is that they try to squeeze you into the smallest table that will accomodate your group...the small table above was what a party of three got. Under $10.
Ice cream starts under $5, chews are around $12 per pound.
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Kernville
When the locals want to get away for the day, they'll probably head up here, a 90 minute drive east on some seriously windy roads along the Kern River. Skiing at Alta Sierra, spending a day on Lake Isabella, floating along the river in Kernville, or seeing the southern most groves of giant Sequoia trees. Skiing is $37 ($27 for kids).
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That's Italian
While up in Kernville, I'm having lunch here where they serve some incredibly delicious Italian entrees. They also bake up some of the best desserts you'll see in an exciting location, right in the middle of town, across from the park and the Kern River. Lunch starts under $10.
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Bakersfield Condors Hockey
Bakersfield is loaded with spectator sports. Depending on the season, you can catch a minor league baseball game (Bakersfield Blaze at Sam Lynn Ballpark), D-League Basketball (Bakersfield Jam at the Jam Events Center), NCAA Div I sports at Cal State Bakersfield, and in the winter, the minor league Condors play at the Rabobank Arena in... More >
Bakersfield is loaded with spectator sports. Depending on the season, you can catch a minor league baseball game (Bakersfield Blaze at Sam Lynn Ballpark), D-League Basketball (Bakersfield Jam at the Jam Events Center), NCAA Div I sports at Cal State Bakersfield, and in the winter, the minor league Condors play at the Rabobank Arena in downtown near Chester Ave. and California. Hockey tickets start at $11.
While up in Kernville, I'm having lunch here where they serve some incredibly delicious Italian entrees.
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Dewar's Candy Shop
Yes, visitors can overrun the original Dewar's location downtown but locals know there's a modern, newer location at the Riverlakes shopping center at Hageman and Coffee Roads in the northwest part of town where you can get the same great ice cream and candy without the crowds. Ice cream starts under $5, chews are around $12 per pound.
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Benji's French Basque Restaurant
You've seen the rest, now try the best. Benji's has my vote for the best Basque restaurant in Bakersfield. I've never had a better salad anywhere, the soup is fabulous, the entrees divine. Dining room open for dinner at 5:30 but come early for a picon punch in the bar. Around $20 per person.
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Bakersfield Speedway
They love auto racing here. There's a road racing circuit in Buttonwillow, a drag strip in Famoso, the large 1/2 mile Mesa Marin track is much mourned, and then there's this 1/3 mile clay oval just over the river in Oildale. You'll have a blast as you watch local heroes in their jalopies all the way up to the premiere modifieds and the Late Models. Come when the gates open at 4:30. There's a happy hour where beers are a... More
They love auto racing here. There's a road racing circuit in Buttonwillow, a drag strip in Famoso, the large 1/2 mile Mesa Marin track is much mourned, and then there's this 1/3 mile clay oval just over the river in Oildale. You'll have a blast as you watch local heroes in their jalopies all the way up to the premiere modifieds and the Late Models. Come when the gates open at 4:30. There's a happy hour where beers are a dollar until six. Tickets are $10 or $15 for adults depending on which classes are racing. Kids are $5. Free parking.
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Trouts
If Bakersfield can be said to have a big tourist attraction, it's the show's at the Crystal Palace, which are great. Locals know that to get some real, raw country music, they're going to have to cross the river to Oildale and hit some of the honky tonks there, the biggest draw being Trout's. Thank goodness they're not as rowdy as the used to be, these grungier establishments have spawned the likes of local boy Merle Hagg... More
If Bakersfield can be said to have a big tourist attraction, it's the show's at the Crystal Palace, which are great. Locals know that to get some real, raw country music, they're going to have to cross the river to Oildale and hit some of the honky tonks there, the biggest draw being Trout's. Thank goodness they're not as rowdy as the used to be, these grungier establishments have spawned the likes of local boy Merle Haggard. Cover charge varies.
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About the Author

Darryl Musick
Darryl Musick
I produce a travel blog with my son, Tim, who uses a wheelchair. You can see our adventures at http://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com and you can send us a message at dmusick61-at-gmail.com
Websitefacebook.com/darryl.musick
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