East Fresno - Fresno, CA Area Guide

As the “food basket of the world,” the San Joaquin Valley possesses local history and culture that has been guided by the presence of diverse laborers who migrated to the area for work, including Chinese railroad workers and farmers from Europe, Japan and Latin America.

Outer East Fresno’s Clovis began as a railroad stop and became a city in 1912.

The African American Historical and Cultural Museum brings people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds together to learn more about the history of San Joaquin Valley’s African American community. By appointment only, the museum presents fascinating interpretive displays.

September brings ClovisFest and Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly with live music, food vendors, and craft and commercial booths for the whole family to enjoy. Watch a rainbow of balloons lift off from the Clovis Rodeo Grounds for a day of wonder and fun in the sun.

Outer East Fresno residents head to downtown Fresno, the Tower District and Clovis Avenue for the best restaurants and bars in town.

Locals swear by Thai Chili for budget-minded Southeast Asian dishes, such as the Lao style papaya salad; the sweet, salty and spicy dragon noodles; and a huge bowl of pho with the perfect broth. Take your meal to go, or enjoy it in Thai Chili’s unassuming dining space, perfect for families and solo diners alike.

For an intimate dinner in an elegant dining room of high ceilings strung with lights, head over to Oggi Cosi Si Mangia, a traditional Italian trattoria in the Tower District. Oggi’s charm, friendly service, relaxed atmosphere and incredible dishes, such as the pork Milanese and the frutti de mare, keep discerning locals coming back for more.

Get your slice of the (pizza) pie at More Than Pizza on Shaw Avenue, the best joint in town for fresh ingredients and specialty pies, such as Manuel’s avocado pizza with guacamole, bacon, chicken and cheese. Avoid Friday and Saturday nights when locals flock en masse to this pizza mecca. Order in advance and take your pie home to avoid long lines.

Fulton 55 on Fresno’s Divisadero Street hosts a slew of diverse musical acts, including DJs spinning electronic music, indie rockers, a Depeche Mode tribute band and sultry Latin perfect for finally mastering the Bachata. To loosen up a little, grab one of the blended drinks at the upstairs bar, slowly make your way down to the dance floor, and get lost in the music, convincing yourself that you dubstep like a pro.

Dive into a casual night of pool tables and dartboards at The Brig, a dark, old-school bar that serves strong drinks in a friendly atmosphere. With a diverse crowd and Bud Light on tap, karaoke night always pleases with surprisingly "American Idol"-worthy performances mixed in with that college kid who only sings “Tootsie Roll.”

For something a bit more sophisticated with an earlier bedtime, locals enjoy a night out at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater for live musicals, such as "Spamalot" and the classic "Crazy for You." The chili-rubbed, braised beef short ribs with butter baby carrots, mashed potatoes, cilantro pesto and cotija-green onion gremolata keep diners just as enchanted as the performances.

The Fresno Area Express provides public transit through buses serving the greater Fresno metropolitan area. With plenty of access to wide, flat roads, Outer East Fresno residents can choose to bike or walk, but they most often drive to work and run errands. Residents who don’t want to drive can get around using one of the area’s several cab companies or Uber. With miles of farmland and suburban streets, Outer East Fresno residents have plenty of street parking available. Drivers enjoy Outer East Fresno’s proximity to the 41, 168 and 180 Freeways.

Bordering the Sierra National Forest on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada mountains, Outer East Fresno provides its residents with easy access to spectacular scenery, numerous hiking trails, camping and cabin rentals, hunting, and reservoirs for fishing. For the best deal on entry fees, purchase a national park inter-agency annual pass online for $80.

With an entire acre of over 150 species of beautiful, water-wise plants, the Clovis Botanical Garden charms locals with lush and vivid landscapes suited for the hot summers and cold winters of the Central Valley. The garden continues to be free to the public with the assistance of donations and volunteers.

In northeast Fresno, Woodward Park’s 300 acres provide fun for the whole family and Fido with children’s playgrounds, a fenced dog park, ponds, picnic areas and trails. Entry costs $5 per vehicle.

Put on your hat and pull up those boots, as the annual Clovis Rodeo features a classic ropin,’ ridin’ and wrasslin’ rodeo, concerts, and a parade. Spend a day in this dust-filled mecca for all things "yeehaw."

With a median one-bedroom rental rate of $717, the cost of living in Outer East Fresno is about the same as the Fresno average. A bus ride downtown costs $1.25. A typical price for beer at a local pub runs around $4 to $5. Locals pay 8 percent above than the national average cost for gas.

Outer East Fresno's residents shop at local and specialty boutiques in Clovis and downtown Fresno. For trendsetting looks at affordable prices, head to Azkara for chic sweaters, skater skirts, crop tops and graphic tees. The activewear selection includes bright, tribal-printed bras and two-tone yoga pants. Azkara has something for both the career climber and weekend warrior.

Outer East Fresno's literary Mecca, Clovis Book Barn, carries a huge selection of books from classic and contemporary fiction to sci-fi. However, the store's events and programs make this local gem truly unforgettable. Check out story time for kids or the poetry and prose open mic. Clovis Book Barn even hosts a writer's conference for local scribes to meet publishing professionals.

In addition to a bevy of chain supermarket options, the Outer East Fresno area has a fantastic selection of nearby farmers markets for all your fresh and organic produce needs. On Friday nights in the summer and Saturday mornings year-round, the Old Town Clovis Farmers Market showcases seasonal fruits and veggies, food trucks, fresh eggs and artisan snacks in a fun, festive environment with live music and family friendly entertainment. Start the weekend off right by splurging on the Good Time Kettle Korn or the Sweeties Cotton Candy.