Sometimes Fresnans need a push to get out and explore the region.
Contrary to what many grumbling naysayers might say, there's a lot to enjoy here, and some of it flies under the radar. Too far under the radar, if you ask me.That's why I started my "20 Ways to Be a Better Fresnan" list a few years ago and why I've created this new installment.Some of these things you might remember from years past (that means they're important), some are new (need to keep you on your toes), and all of them will help you live as a better Fresnan.-- Show some civic pride. Get a shirt or hat or button or sticker or something that shows you're proud of Fresno.-- Enjoy the food that comes from our soul. Visit a farmers market or a roadside fruit stand.-- Love our murals. We have a growing number of murals.-- Sample the Rogue Festival, it's one of the coolest performing arts events we have, and there's so much to see. It runs March 1-10. (roguefestival.com)-- If you don't usually visit downtown, find a reason to go.-- See above. Substitute Tower District, North Fresno, Clovis, etc.-- Eat something from Dusty Buns Bistro Bus -- our delicious gourmet food truck. (dustybuns.com)-- Discover Wishon Row. It's a fun strip of local businesses in the Tower District (on Wishon, between Floradora and Fern) with coffee, cupcakes, a bar. Dusty Buns even shows up on Thursday nights. -- Give a bit of yourself. Volunteer to clean up a park. Spend some time with kids who need a mentor. Help an animal shelter. Plant a tree.-- Take in nature. Many of us take it for granted -- myself included -- but we live so close to some of Mother Nature's greatest gifts -- Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, for example -- that it's a shame to ignore them.-- Choose a smaller city nearby (Selma, Sanger or Kingsburg), and spend a day exploring the local sights.-- Go to ArtHop if you never have. You have 24 chances, including this Thursday.-- If you've been to ArtHop, bring somebody with you who hasn't attended.-- Ride your bike. Fresno is becoming a more bike-savvy town. There's a growing number of bike events and an entire month devoted to biking in May.-- Eat at a new-to-you locally owned restaurant once a month. You might find something great.-- Warnors theater. Go! It's beautiful. -- Skip the movies a few times. See a local theater production. Or a film from Fresno Filmworks.-- Find a favorite new local band. Perhaps Strange Vine, Motel Drive, Fierce Creatures, Sahab, MoFo Party Band or 40 Watt Hype.-- Mark your calendar for Fuse Fest, our annual all-local music festival. It's usually in September or October (fusefest.com).-- When you hear someone diss Fresno -- you will, it's inevitable -- stick up for the city.