Chemurgic Turlock, CA

Turlock shines as a gem of friendliness and small business in the heart of California's Central Valley. Incorporated in 1908, the city has grown as a community primarily focused on agriculture. Much of the area still has standing fields of corn, almonds, walnuts and many defining cash crops of the San Joaquin Valley. California State University, Stanislaus, was founded in Turlock, and it was the first of major university to come to the area. To learn more about the city, be sure to check out the Turlock Historical Societies Museum on Center Street, as well as the Stanislaus County Fair held at the city's fairgrounds each summer.

The Dust Bowl Brewery downtown has enticing microbrewed ales as well as juicy burgers and many other meal options. For a local favorite, be sure to taste the Hops of Wrath IPA. In addition, locals love the fried artichoke hearts.

For a something local and creative try the La MO Cafe downtown, which has tasty Latin-inspired tapas as well as handcrafted cocktails. With ample outdoor seating, an attached coffee shop, and polite service, this place will keep you coming back. Try the tortilla soup with a lemon drop. This restaurant closes on Sundays and Mondays, and parking can be pretty limited, so come early.

For a fun place to grab a pint in the evening, check out Staley’s Club, located downtown. Locals love to hang out here on the weekends, when it can get pretty packed, but the bartenders are incredibly nice. The bar has a huge range of drinks, too.

Check out the Grizzly Rock Cafe for a flavorful brunch on a nice weekend morning. Come here with a big appetite for lunch or dinner, particularly for the burgers and beer. Great decor, cheery conversation and a big selection of beers keep locals coming back.

Drivers can use Highway 99 to shoot up and down the San Joaquin Valley, as well as Highway 165 to get to nearby Los Banos. Many commuters enjoy having the highway in the center of town for quick trips to Modesto or Merced for work. Turlock has a fixed route bus line service (BLAST) and a dial-a-ride service (DART). There are no direct bus lines to Outer Turlock.

Bike lanes and bike paths are limited in Outer Turlock, bikers should take extreme caution biking on these roads. The neighborhood does not have many sidewalks for walking. Locals in this area most often use cars to get around. Uber operates in this area, and you can always call one of the local taxis.

Bring your kids to Broadway Park on a hot summer afternoon for endless fun in the sun. They have a water play that helps patrons stay cool, and also other play equipment. The park has no cost and provides barbecues, and lots of open space.

Bring your four legged pal to the Turlock Dog Park for a chance to give him some fresh air, and let him run off leash. The parks department makes sure the grass inside stays well kept. You won't have to pay to use this area.

For free tennis courts or basketball courts check out Crane Park, which has lots of picnic areas, as well as barbecue pits and bathrooms.

Living in Outer Turlock can be very affordable. A one-bedroom apartment on average costs about $770 a month. A beer downtown will cost you anywhere from $2 to $6 dollars. Gas prices in Turlock run about 14 percent above the national average, and a bus around the city costs about $1.50 for a one-way fare, but an all-day pass is usually a better deal.

Check out Vail Creek Jewelry Designs downtown for stunning jewelry options at very affordable prices. This shop has plenty of choices for anyone shopping for rings, necklaces, wedding bands and much more. Residents also come here for the repair service, which includes watch repairs as well.

If you want a local boutique with fine options check out Glitz Fine Clothing downtown. This boutique has fashionable high-end options that you can't find anywhere else in the area. It's not just the friendly staff and clean store that keep customers coming back; the boutique also has a complementary gift wrapping service that ensures you have the perfect present.

Locals love Vintage Market. Besides having a pleasant in-store layout, this co-op boutique has plenty of items for the everyday shopper. If you are looking for chic decor for your home or wonderful body products such as lotions and soaps, you will love what this place has to offer.

For brand-names stores and mall shopping, just head a few miles north to the Modesto Vintage Faire Mall. Here you will find lots of familiar brands such as Express, Macy's, and Victoria's Secret, as well as plenty of specialty shops, some outdoor stores, and plenty of places to grab a bite. This mall serves most of the Northern San Joaquin Valley, so it can get pretty busy on the weekend.

In terms of groceries most residents buy what they need day to day from the local Safeway. For more specialty produce be sure to check out the Turlock Farmers Market. Find it open downtown from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays between May and October.