Hi Bakersfield

Discover History In The Kern County Museum

admin — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Founded in 1841, the Kern County Museum located at 3801 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, California sees over 85,000 visitors annually. The museum is housed on a 16 acre site and offers something for everyone to keep busy for the day.

The Kern County Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. As of August 1, 2011 the cost of admission is 10 for adults, 9 for seniors (60), 9 for teens 13 – 17, 8 for 6 – 12 year olds, and 7 for children ages 3 – 5. Children under 3 are admitted free of charge.

Pioneer Village has over fifty historic homes and exhibits that are sure to spark the imagination. The Howell House and the Lopez Hill House are open to guided tours daily.

Black Gold: The Oil Experience is an interactive portion of the museum that was added in 2002. This portion of the museum allows visitors hands on look and feel of how oil is formed and extracted from the Earth, including a simulated dive bell under the sea. The exhibit also shows different ways in which the oil is used, and how it has shaped our present and continues to shape and redefine the future.

For the younger visitors, check out the Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center. This part of the museum puts learning into kid’s terms, and makes it a fun and invigorating experience for them. The CDC lets kids be kids while enhancing their education.

Finally, the Bakersfield Sound Center is a look at musical history from the area and includes items from Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens among many others. So if you find yourself in Bakersfield with nothing planned, why not take the day to explore the Kern County Museum.

Stroll Through The Beautiful Gardens Of Bakersfield

admin — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When you think about Bakersfield, California, you often picture a very desert like place. Sand and blowing wind with cactus shooting up all over and maybe even a few tumble weeds blowing freely around. That can be quiet a dreadful picture. Well maybe it is time you rethink for a minute because that is not the picture you get at all when visit the area.

Bakersfield has a very hot climate in the summer and so almost anything can grow in this area. Fruits trees, and vegetation can be found all over the area. Although there is no rain in the summer, there is plenty of water and it is very pleasant to spend time there. While there, you will want to visit some of the museums in the city and even the kids will enjoy them. They are reasonably priced and you can spend most of the day there. The California living museum is very popular and this shady zoo is a must see for everyone. Plan a picnic in one of the beautiful parks and let the kids splash in the popular water features planned just for the little ones in the group. This is a beautiful part of the state of California and since it is close to Los Angeles, it is a great weekend destination. Plan you next trip to include a stay in Bakersfield.

Amusement Parks The Whole Family Can Enjoy

admin — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Bakersfield, California is home to a few amusement parks the whole family can enjoy. Camelot Park Family Entertainment Center and Boomer’s-Bakersfield are two of the most popular amusement parks for kids of all ages.

Camelot Park is perfect for an active and fun family outing. Kids can enjoy zipping around the go-cart tracks with the hi-speed go-carts at Camelot Park. In addition, the batting cage provides the essential place for any baseball star to perfect his hit. The bumper boats are a fun way to cool off at the end of any day at Camelot Park. Adults and kids alike also enjoy the video arcade.

Boomer’s is another amusement park similar to Camelot Park. The main difference with this park is its very large arcade with video games. There are hundreds of video games to choose from at Boomer’s.

For a more affordable alternative to Boomer’s or Camelot Park, one should check out the Greenacres Community Center. At this community center, kids can enjoy a water park with a fun water slide. The water park also has fun squirt toys that kids can use to play with each other.

These are the three best amusement parks families can enjoy at Bakersfield, California.

Buying a Bakersfield Foreclosure

admin — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Bakersfield, California is known as one of America’s best places to live and there are many reasons why. If you’re considering relocating to Bakersfield it may be worth taking a look at the foreclosures in the area as buying a foreclosed home can be a great investment. If you are considering a Bakersfield foreclosure, think about the following:
Remodeling – Many foreclosed homes need quite a bit of TLC so you may need to hire a contractor for updates some aspects of the house before you move in. Companies like sears home improvement can help streamline the remodeling process so find out Bakersfield contracting options before you buy.
Taxes – There are many tax implications to buying a foreclosed home, so consult with a Bakersfield accountant before you jump in. While foreclosed homes make great investments, some have tax implications that can actually cost you money.
Resale – If you don’t intend to live in your foreclosed home for the rest of your life, consider the resale value of the home. If it’s in a declining area or need more than cosmetic improvements you may be looking at a money pit rather than a sound investment.

Outdoor Fun: Experience The Thrills Of Whitewater Rafting

admin — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The water of the river is moving your raft forward as you relax to the gentle movement when you hear the sound that can only mean white water ahead. The excitement builds because you know the Kings River outside of the Bakersfield, California area is also known to the locals as, The Killer King. Fed by snow melt, this river is cold and, at times, very unpredictable. Depending on the season, the river can be a gentle giant or begin the spring as a danger to anyone who dares to challenge the force of its anger. If this makes your blood run with excitement, choose one of the many rafting tours offered in the area. Your personal tour group guides offer information on white water rafting and the fun it offers to all ages. Rafts are selected for the best river runs with your guide in control. They are able to read the river signs for danger, white water drops and under currents, rocks, shallow water, and other signs of river run difficulty. Always wear a life jacket. No matter what quality a swimmer is, a white water river trip can pull even the best under. Safety is the number one concern of every rafting group, and the second concern is to have as much fun as possible.

Don’t Miss Kern County’s Annual Fair And Carnival

admin — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The Kern County’s Annual Fair and Carnival begins in late August and goes until the beginning of October. Every day is action packed and full of fun. There is literally something for everyone. It is the perfect opportunity for parents and children to get out and enjoy some fun time together.

Every day something new is going on. On opening day there will be a parade that you are sure to love. There is a Reading Roundup for all children through the sixth grade to participate in. A diaper derby will be taking place in one tent. Livestock will also be on display for you and your little ones to enjoy. In addition, there will countless entertainment shows and concerts for all ages. Come out and enjoy a puppet show, hypnotist, or a great concert.

On top of the wonderful entertainment will be a great selection of carnival rides. Ride bands can be bought for thirty dollars at the gate. What a deal! Vendor booths will also be set up if you feel like doing a little shopping.

If you want to create new and exciting memories with your family don’t miss Kern County’s Annual Fair and Carnival. Not only is it going to be a good time, but it will also be educational for your budding little geniuses.

Ski California

www.hibakersfield.com — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you’re planning a trip to Bakersfield or have recently relocated to the area and are interested in hitting the slopes this winter, you can bet that California has a lot to offer.Following are a few of the larger and most noteworthy for you to consider:

Alpine Meadows has a top elevation of 8637 feet, a vertical drop of 1802 feet, a skiable terrain of 2400 acres and 14 total lifts. The longest run is 3.0 miles, and average snow fall is 365 inches.Bear Mountain has a top elevation of 8805 feet, a vertical drop of 1700 feet, a skiable terrain of 750 acres and 12 total lifts. The longest run is 0.7 miles, and average snow fall is 100 inches.Bear Valley has a top elevation of 8500 feet, a vertical drop of 1900 feet, a skiable terrain of 1280 acres and nine total lifts. The longest run is 1.2 miles, and average snow fall is 360 inches.Boreal has a top elevation of 7700 feet, a bottom elevation of 7200 feet, a skiable terrain of 380 acres and 9 total lifts. The longest run is 1.0 miles, and average snow fall is 400 inches.Dodge Ridge has a top elevation of 8200 feet, a vertical drop of 1600 feet, a skiable terrain of 832 acres and 11 total lifts. The longest run is 2.0 miles, and average snow fall is 300 inches.Snow Valley has a top elevation of 7841 feet, a vertical drop of 1041 feet, a skiable terrain of 240 acres and 12 total lifts. The longest run is 1.2 miles, and average snow fall is 160 inches.

There are a ton more, of course; like Heavenly, Mammoth Mountain, Mt. Baldy, Mountain High, Mount Shasta, Northstar at Tahoe, Sierra at Tahoe, Squaw Valley, and Sugar Bowl to name a few. Some might be more convenient to you than others, but remember that while California looks like a great big state to navigate, getting around is really pretty simple. Set aside some time to explore as many resorts as you can so you’ll know where to hit next year!

Autumn Fun in Bakersfield

www.hibakersfield.com — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:31:28 +0000

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend in Bakersfield (which you should be doing since Sunday is expected to reach only 78 degrees), we’re thinking maybe you should head on over to the Chamber Haunted House at Sam Lynn Ballpark (4009 Chester Avenue) for some spooky good fun. Back for its seventh year of Halloween festivity, this most horrifying tradition has two themes working side-by-side to send chills up your spine The Westchester House and Toxic Terror. Don’t miss this nationally acclaimed annual production since it features some of the best makeup in the movie industry as well as incredible sound and lighting design and would you expect anything less from a great town that’s located so near Hollywood (which has its own style of ghoulishly good fun regardless of the time of the year)?

Visit the Sequoia National Forest

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:26:13 +0000

Back in grade school, you learned that the sequoia is the world’s largest tree. Located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, the Sequoia National Forest features 38 groves of these gigantic sequoias. After your breath returns from the breathtaking view, check out the granite monoliths, glacier-torn canyons, whitewater rapids, and beautiful meadows.If fishing is your game, then the Sequoia National Forest is your place. Home to creeks of all sizes and Lake Isabella, regular fishing as well as fly fishing and options are available. Fishermen’s favorite destination is Lake Isabella, where they catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, sunfish, catfish, rainbow trout, and even Chinook salmon. If you’re older than 16, you’ll need a license to fish on most days.Other recreational activities in the Sequoia National Forest include white water rafting down the Taft River, horseback riding through miles of beautiful trails, camping out at well placed campgrounds, recreation rental cabins, and fire lookouts, and rock climbing. The less adventurous can enjoy scenic drives and photography opportunities, nature trails and bird watching, caves and caving in natural caverns like the Boyden Cavern or Church Cave, and playing golf at the Kern Valley Golf Course.If you visit in the winter, be prepared for a sparkling white view. The glistening snow of the Sequoia National Forest is great for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. No matter when you plan your visit, there will always be something exciting to do at the Sequoia National Forest.

Visit Award Winning Museums in Bakersfield

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:22:18 +0000

Anytime you visit (or live) in a town, you should take the time to get to know its history. In Bakersfield’s case, the history is as rich as the oil beneath its surface. There are multiple museums that showcase the city’s rich history.The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History houses original fossils found in the foothills of Bakersfield. Visitors will be awed by the remains of Triceratops and other dinosaurs, rare ancient artifacts from Native Americans, a life size interpretative Yokuts family area, a display of petrified woods, and a hand on discovery zone for kids.The California Living Museum (CALM), also known as the Bakersfield Zoo, focuses exclusively on native animals and plants. You’ll get the opportunity to see animals including reptiles, black bears, birds of prey, and even Gizmo, the squirrel who starred as Hammy in DreamWorks’ animated hit Over the Hedge. Tickets are 9 for adults and 5 for children above 3 (under 3 are free). While you’re there, be sure to check out the CALM gift shop to take piece of the Living Museum home with you.The Kern County Museum is a 16 acre expanse encompassing 56 historic exhibits. You can walk through old jails, see the inside of authentic log cabins, and stroll through the one room school house into town. Don’t miss the award winning Black Gold: The Oil Experience exhibita hands-on experience that includes a stimulated travel under the sea to learn how oil is formed and recovered.Kern County provides 64 of California’s oil production. The West Kern Oil Museum pays tribute to this rich contribution. The WKOM collects, preserves, and interprets the oil history of California. Covering eight acres, the 11 buildings on the premises represent an old-time oil company camp.