Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, 525 The Esplanade, Chico, California.  www.parks.ca.gov

Chico, California — Chico, a progressive Northern California city is the perfect destination for those seeking organic produce and simply good meals for healthy living. Five artisan-styled bakeries, four certified farmers’ markets per week with local olives and sausages, plus fresh Central Valley farm-to-table vegetables and fruits are a special treat enjoyed in local restaurants and homes.

The world's largest Yo-yo can be seen at Chico's National Yo-Yo Museum. It includes a collection of vintage Terminators, Silver Bullets, SuperYO, the world's largest wooden yo-yo and Samurais. The world's largest yo-yo weighs 256 pounds. Called Big-Yo, the wooden yo-yo actually works! It was designed by Tom Kuhn.

Downtown eateries such as Cory's Sweet Treats and Gallery offers hearty plates of eggs and waffles, while the Upper Crust Bakery serves up scones. Vegetarians can dine on Chada Thai Cuisine, while not far away the carnivore gets to pick four types of sauces to smother hickory-smoked meats at Smokin' Mo's. At upscale Christian Michael's Ristorante, the menu has pumpkin ravioli, coq au vin, and terrific crab cakes. And these choices are just the start of great dining.

Another asset of this charming city is its educational opportunities available to the public through a variety of museums. From an historic mansion to a Carnegie building, from the examination of flight to the fine art of yo-yos, there are museums serving a variety of interests in Chico.

One such museum is a landmark that represents the roots of Chico. The pink Victorian Bidwell Mansion Museum was once owned by early founder John Bidwell. Located near the campus of California State University-Chico and Bidwell Park, the gem of Chico was seen in Warner Bros. Studios "The Adventures of Robin Hood", starring Errol Flynn in 1937.  The Mansion is located at 525 The Esplanade, Chico, California.  www.parks.ca.gov
 

Another of Bidwell's many legacies comes in the form of his namesake park. Bidwell Park is one of the largest parks in the United States seen in the photo above. It is located in Chico. Bidwell Park includes 3670 acres of land with many trails and activities for locals and visitors to enjoy. Home to Bidwell Classic, a marathon enjoyed for approximately 30 years, other events include kids fishing derbies, Earth Day celebrations and hundreds of activities and special events throughout the seasons. friendsofbidwellpark.org.

Chico Museum includes a permanent collection of the Chinese Taoist Temple. The objects and altars seen in this Chinese Temple or Joss House come from Chico's "new Chinatown" which was in existence from 1890-1939. The Temple consists of a main altar enclosed by three elaborately carved, gold covered wooden arches, one behind the other, two secondary altars, a Wu Kung (a 5 piece ceremonial set of pewter), and many other original furnishings. Founded in 1986, The Chico Museum is housed in a 1904 Carnegie Library building. Chico Museum, 141 Salem Street, Chico, CA 95928. Phone: (530) 892-4336. www.chicomuseum.com

Chico Air Museum includes exhibits from Chico's first pilot, Thaddeus Kerns, Chico Army Airfield during WWII, Aerial Fire Fighters and Aircraft today. The Chico Air Museum is located at the Chico Municipal Airport. Phone: (530) 345-6468.

Coleman Historical Museum includes Navtive American, Chinese and local pioneer artifacts are items. Location: 15348 Centerville Road, Chico. Phone: (530) 893-9667.

Stansbury Home offers a guided tour of an 1883 Victorian home filled with local history and stories about the Stansbury Family. The Stansbury Home, 307 W. 5th Street, Chico, CA. Phone: (530) 895-3848

Chico Art Center includes exhibitions of various media and a wonderful gift shop. Location: 450 Orange Street, Suite 6, Chico, CA. Phone:  (530) 895-8726.

Got sports? Chico residents and visitors love the drama of a great ball game or car race. Silver Dollar Speedway- Auto Racing has been a tradition of great auto racing for over 30 years. Phone: (530) 891-6535. johnpadjenmotorsports.com.
 

Chico Force - Professional Basketball is a professional basketball league featuring two rules that reduce dead time: 1) one timeout per quarter 2) an immediate inbound. Phone: 866 IBL-GAME. chicoforce.net.

Chico Outlaws – Professional Baseball features an exciting professional baseball season filled with action and energy. Phone: (530) 342-3210. www.chicooutlawsbaseball.com

Chico is event-driven, due to its university-town status.  There's always something going on in Chico. From lectures to concerts, you'll never find a shortage of things to do. Annual events include the National Yo-Yo Contest and many more eclectic and fun events.