Pheasant Run - Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield came to prominence as a city in the South Valley after the gold and oil booms of the 1800s. The city became a hub for the agricultural growth in the area in the 1900s, and it continues to function as both a commerce center for the area's farmers and a waystation for travelers headed to Nevada, the Los Angeles area and farther north in the Valley.

Folks interested in Bakersfield's past, including its long history as a home for Native American peoples, should visit the Kern County Museum. Music aficionados delight in the diverse lineups at the annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival, held every May.

The restaurant scene around Pheasant Run reflects Bakersfield's cultural diversity. Eastern and Western European cuisines share space next to traditional American cuisine and Asian fusion, and all eateries share a similar casual-yet-formal approach. Most restaurants in the area are located on Coffee and Calloway roads, the larger thoroughfares on the east and west ends of the neighborhood.

Frugatti's brings the flavor and tradition of Italian cuisine to the desert climes of the South Valley area. Patrons love the spicy sausage ravioli and stuffed mushrooms, two dishes that defy the large restaurant space with their home-cooked taste. The lively atmosphere suits big groups, but call ahead to avoid the sometimes lengthy waits.

El Portal Mexican Grill updates the region's Central American-derived fare with self-styled "new age fusion" cuisine. Enjoy the before-dinner chips, salsa, and bean dip then try what all the Chile Verde burrito, which customers rave about. Try one of their house margaritas or an ice cold beer on top of your meal.

The Blue Elephant Thai restaurant showcases the talent of Bakersfield's southeast Asian diaspora, with a carefully constructed menu and a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. Bring a friend along to dine, and split the four-curry sampler, a delectable mix of sweet, spicy, and umami soups that are sure to delight. Adults can enjoy a limited beer and wine menu with their meal as well.

Folks looking to stay out past sundown have to travel a short distance from Pheasant Run to find a comfortable barstool. Wiki's Wine Dive and Grill, located to the southwest of the neighborhood, boasts a large wine cellar, along with a full bar. For live-entertainment fans, The Gaslight Melodrama Theater hosts plays and live music on most nights, but make sure to check their event calendar before stopping by.

Folks in Pheasant Run get around the neighborhood by car for the most part. You can cross the area by foot in a short amount of time, but most places of business sit on the far edges of the community or outside of Pheasant Run entirely, necessitating a car.

Golden Empire Transit, or GET, serves a 160 square-mile radius in the Bakersfield area with 16 different bus routes. Hailing a cab in Bakersfield requires calling ahead; Pheasant Run's residential street grid obstructs cabs from passing through, and most cabs on the street in Bakersfield already have a fare on lock. Uber also serves the Bakersfield area.

From Pheasant Run, you can reach Highway 99 in about five minutes, which connects you to Interstate 5 in about 30 minutes. Bakersfield does not contain any marked on-street bike lanes, so bike commuters should exercise caution sharing surface streets with cars.

Windsong Park, located in the north-central portion of Pheasant Run, attracts both locals and visitors with a serene patch of greenery, tucked away in the suburban landscape of the area. Wimbledon hopefuls can get a workout on the lighted public tennis courts, and dog owners can take their furry friends for an on-leash walk. The park has a small play facility for tikes as well.

The Bakersfield Track Club holds the annual half marathon at River Walk Park, located just outside of Pheasant Run.

Pheasant Run costs more on average for day-to-day living expenses than the rest of the city of Bakersfield. The average rental cost in the area is $972 a month. Taking GET public transit costs $1.25 for a single ride, good for anywhere in their 160 square-mile service area. Beers cost about $3 a piece at local bars in Pheasant Run, and gas costs, on average, 26 percent more than the rest of the United States.

Calloway Drive and Coffee Road both feature an assortment of storefronts. While Pheasant Run lies far from the more dense center of Bakersfield, the area tucks away a few shopping finds. Pier One, located to the north of Pheasant Run on Rosedale, fulfills some of the neighborhood's furniture and houseware needs.

Action Sports, located in the northwest corner of Pheasant Run, serves the needs of the large extreme-sports community in the South Valley. Outfit your bike, get harnesses for rock climbing, or fit some new skis at their Pheasant Run storefront. Meanwhile, Friar Tux Shop sells and rents formal wear that is perfect for anyone attending a classy event in the Bakersfield area.

For memorable arrangement for any occasion, head to locally-owned Uniquely Chic Florist & Boutique. Located in the northwest corner of Pheasant Run, this local favorite also teaches classes on how to make the perfect bouquet. Don't have the time to stop in? Order your arrangement online with their convenient and hassle free website.

Albertson's, located on Coffee Road, stocks the majority of the groceries for the Pheasant Run area. Caesar's Italian Delicatessen sells a variety of Italian ingredients, including marinated and pickled vegetables, which are great for more specific European cooking. The Kaiser Permanente Farmers Market gives local farmers and vendors a venue for peddling their goods; it is open year-round on Sundays.