by Abshere Marketing
welcome to Connect Concierge
Fresh. Local. Fun.
LOCAL EXCURSIONS AND ADVENTURES
We provide group tours, services, and custom packages. Below are some highlights of the region and activities available for your group.
Points of Interest
FRESNO CHAFFEE ZOO
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a zoo in Roeding Park in Fresno, California covering 39 acres and housing over 190 species. Its attractions include Stingray Bay, Dino Dig, Valley Farm, Sea Lion Cove, African Adventure, and Ross Laird's Winged Wonders Bird Show.
We can organize groups and special events. There are a variety of special events hosted by the zoo that are worthy of experiencing groups.
FORESTIERE UNDERGROUND GARDENS
This historical underground garden is a must-see gem. You will experience a once-in-a-lifetime view of an underground home and garden that was created in the 1900’s by Baldassare Forestiere. You must see it to believe it.
YOSEMITE MOUNTAIN SUGAR PINE
RAILROAD
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a fun-filled excursion located near Yosemite National Park. The historic railroad offers train rides, food service, gold panning, a logging museum, and the Kids’ Depot Toy Store. Services are provided from April to November.
Experience the powerful locomotives that once hauled massive log trains through the Sierra Mountains, where mighty lumberjacks felled the timber, and flumes carried lumber to the distant valley below. The Sierra National Forest’s majestic woods provide the backdrop for this narrow-gauge journey back in time.
CAT HAVEN
The Cat Haven offers guided tours of some of the rarest cats in the world. Within proximity to Fresno, CA this conservation park is also very close to King’s Canyon National Park which is famous for its giant redwood trees. The location provides panoramic views of the foothills, where there are cool evening breezes and temperate climate. Old-growth manzanita, live oak, and buckeye trees, along with granite boulders, make the terrain a beautiful place. Springs on the property produce excellent water and
provide plenty of water for waterfalls and a pond. The cat enclosures take advantage of these natural features, allow ample space for the cats to play and relax in privacy. The exhibits are spaced at intervals along a pathway that winds along the scenic property.
CLOVIS RODEO
Clovis is a way of life and the rodeo is one way we celebrate this! Clovis Rodeo is your chance to experience Western culture at its best. The town is bustling with activities in April for this yearly event that offers bull riding competitions, kid’s events, concerts, dances, a variety of dining options, and more.
Outdoor Recreation
KINGS RIVER EXPEDITIONS
Kings River Expeditions is one of California’s finest river rafting expeditions. They offer one and two-day whitewater rafting trips on the Class 3 Kings River, Take the challenge and experience a thrilling time sure to be the talk of your time spent in Central California.
WONDER VALLEY RESORT
Enjoy the quaint foothill serenity of a secluded California destination with the unparalleled excitement of countless on-site adventures, Wonder Valley Ranch Resort & Conference Center offers an extraordinary destination for any group to enjoy. An all-inclusive resort that has something to engage every visitor with stunning scenery and interactive experiences.
National Parks
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
An iconic destination and top-visited of the U.S. National Parks should be at the top of your list when in the Central Valley, CA area. It has so many breathtaking features such as the world’s tallest monolith and rock-climbing destinations, waterfalls, the Giant Sequoia trees over 3,000 years old, the view of the valley from the tunnel entrance, rivers, meadows, woods and trails for viewing or hiking and biking. We are equipped to guide you on how to make the most of this experience.
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
Home to huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees, the ancient giant Sequoias. This land has many diverse landscapes and a variety or natural experiences to enjoy. Plenty of hiking, sightseeing, and exploring is available to delight your adventurous side and to get back to nature.
KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Kings Canyon National Park is adjacent to Sequoia National Park in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. It is also known for huge sequoia trees, notably the gigantic General Grant Tree in Grant Grove. To the east, Cedar Grove is surrounded by towering granite canyon walls. From here, trails lead to Zumwalt Meadow along the Kings River, and to Roaring River Falls. Here, you can experience the wild and open outdoors, and plenty of adventures await your visit here.
Local Parks
WOODWARD PARK
This public park located is adjacent to the San Joaquin River. It is named after the late Ralph Woodward who bequeathed a portion of his estate to provide a regional park and bird sanctuary in Fresno. The park has a multi-use amphitheater, an authentic Japanese Garden, a disc golf course, a BMX course, three children's playgrounds, a lake, and trails that connect to the Lewis S. Eaton Trail along the river. There is hiking and biking for miles and ample space for group and large community events.
SHINZEN JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN
This garden is a traditional northwestern American Japanese Garden. The Garden was constructed to honor Fresno’s Sister City, Kochi, Japan, celebrating the spirit of understanding and promoting educational and cultural awareness. Nestled on five acres at Fresno’s Woodward Park, the beauty, grace and serenity of Japanese design is present in the use of varied plant material, rocks and stones, and water throughout the garden.
CLOVIS BOTANICAL GARDENS
The mission of the garden is to promote water conservation in the California Central Valley landscape through a variety of garden types, exhibits, and programs that educate and inspire the public. The Mediterranean Garden features plants native to the Mediterranean Sea area. It is one of the 5 regions with a climate like the Central Valley. The Home Demonstration Garden features 4 garden landscapes using the 7 principles of Central Valley gardening in addition to an irrigation display. The cactus garden features interesting shapes, low maintenance, and drought resistance making cacti and succulents popular additions to southwestern landscapes. The sensory garden provides a stimulating journey through the senses to heighten awareness or achieve calmness.
The Children’s Garden offers opportunities for children to learn about plants. Educational displays are posted throughout the area to provide information about the plant life cycle, animals, insects, and how they interact. There is a large pavilion for group functions and ample room for concerts.
Casinos
CHUKCHANSI GOLD RESORT & CASINO
There are literally thousands of slot machines and table games on the casino floor and even smoke-free gaming in the Firehouse Lounge. Firehouse Lounge kicks things up with high-energy DJ sets every weekend. Comedy shows and other live performances also join the entertainment schedule throughout the year to keep the line-up exciting and ever-changing.
There are a variety of dining options at our award-winning restaurants. Treat yourself to a gourmet experience at Vintage Steakhouse, honored with the Wine Spectator Restaurant Award of Excellence and ranked among the world’s top destinations for fine wine. Serenity Springs Spa & Salon offers a peaceful retreat to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.
TABLE MOUNTAIN CASINO
A beautiful setting that is close to town offers gaming, many dining options, entertainment, group events,and top-notch accommodations.
Cultural Arts, Music and Theater
SAROYAN THEATER
The jewel of Central California, the Saroyan Theatre is a luxurious venue that has hosted some of the world’s most renowned performers during its rich history. This cultural arts destination is home to the area’s leading performing arts groups, including the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra, Fresno Grand Opera, Broadway in Fresno, Valley Performing Arts Council, and Lively Arts Foundation. The theatre also hosts a variety of comedy shows, concerts, family entertainment, and community events.
ROGER ROCKA'S GOOD COMPANY PLAYERS
This is a historical venue and the Central Valley’s premier live entertainment venue presented by local talent by the Good Company Players. Musicals are performed as well as dining experiences before the show.
SAVE MART CENTER
This arena is the highlight of entertainment in central California. There are worldwide acts that perform here. Concerts, comedians, sports, conventions, and a variety of events take place here, drawing thousands from the region, state, and abroad. This venue has an event level and two concourses, plus a club-level mezzanine. The facility includes 32 suites and eight party suites, located on the main concourse level. Seating capacities can accommodate up to 18,000 people.
Museums
MEUX HOME
This museum built in 1888 is a 16-room Victorian mansion. It is as impressive today as it was over a century ago. The Meux Home is a tribute to gothic Victorian architecture and hospitality. We invite you to enjoy a guided tour of the house, as well as stroll the beautiful garden. A variety of events are held throughout the year, such as tea parties, Halloween haunts, and special Christmas décor tours. It is available to book special events for groups as well.
KEARNEY MANSION and
CHATEAU FRESNO PARK
This mansion’s significance to the region includes the mansion itself, surrounding buildings, and 225 acres such as The Kearney Mansion and "Chateau Fresno Park". Martin Theodore Kearney was a substantial contributor to the region in the agriculture sector and this property served as a working establishment to fulfill his career goals.
Kearney turned a flat, barren landscape into one of the most beautiful parks in the United States. At the turn of the century, the park may have contained more species of trees, vines, shrubs, and roses than any equal area in the United States. The eleven-mile boulevard leading from downtown Fresno to the park was lined with alternating eucalyptus and palms, interspersed with 18,000 white and pink oleanders.
Tours of the mansion and property are available. Kearney Park serves as a local park and is available for large events.
FRESNO ART MUSEUM
The mission statement for the museum is "The Fresno Art Museum offers a dynamic experience for appreciating art. The Museum welcomes, inspires, and educates a diverse regional audience through significant exhibitions, thought-provoking programs, and meaningful interactions with artists and the creative process."
The museum's collection includes contemporary art, modern art, Mexican art and Mexican American art, and Pre-Columbian sculptures. The permanent collection consists of art by Ansel Adams, Ruth Asawa, Salvador Dali, Diego Rivera, Robert Cremean, Maynard Dixon, August Madrigal, Clement Renzi, Norman Rockwell, Varaz Samuelian, Andy Warhol and others. The museum regularly hosts relevant exhibitions and is available for group tours and special events.
ARTE AMERICAS
Arte Américas was founded by educators and artists advocating for Latino/a representation in art and cultural institutions throughout the Central Valley. Arte Américas stands as the region’s largest intergenerational and intersectional Latinx cultural hub that creates dynamic programming and presents high-quality exhibitions, featuring artists who embody the diverse artistic expressions of Latinx cultures.
The museum hosts two to three main exhibitions a year and frequently include interactive lessons, educational programs, and workshops. The exhibits include formats such as painting, sculpture, installation, video, photography, mixed media, and traditional crafts.
WINERIES AND BREWERIES
Fresno and Madera Counties are home to an abundance of wineries and breweries offering tours and tastings, concerts, and events. When visiting one of the wineries, you will probably be served by the winemaker or their family. We are experts in connecting you with these local venues and can customize a group event or tour based on your preferences for your guests.
CULINARY ADVENTURES
Being the agricultural basket of the world, a region rich in culture and nestled in farmland and just a few hours from the ocean; we have a rich variety of culinary offerings. Our region features every kind of cuisine you can think of from homestyle barbeque to seafood, American, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Indian, Peruvian, Mexican, Armenian, Mediterranean, and of course a fusion of all the above and more.
Because of our agricultural diverseness, we also focus on delivering farm-to-fork experiences. We provide many options for customized menus and events surrounding whatever your heart desires. As with our breweries and wineries, many of our local restaurants are locally owned and you will be welcomed and served by the local families and owners.
SHOPPING
The shopping highlights are from the local, boutique shopping and antique experience in Old Town Clovis, to a full retail outdoor mall experience in historic Fig Garden Village which hosts local specialty stores and national brand names such as Anthropologie, Ariat, Banana Republic, Bath and Body Works, Chico’s, Columbia, Eddie Bauer, Lululemon, Williams-Sonoma and more.
These offer a quaint experience for leisure shopping and unique experiences from our region. These areas also have a large variety of dining options as listed in our culinary section. They also host a variety of concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year.
We also have two other large malls featuring national retail brands and unique shopping, dining, concert, and event experiences. Let us know what you are interested in, and we will guide you accordingly.
AGRICULTURE
The agriculture region is wide-reaching and very diverse. We are known as the “Raisin Capital of the World”. Our main commodities are fruit, nuts, dairy, and cattle. We also grow a large variety of vegetables and cotton. Agriculture is the center of everything we do in central California, so we have a lot of events and activities that center around the industry.
There is a wide variety of farmer’s markets, organic farms, and large farm operation tours. We are famous for our annual Blossom Trail tour. Many local retailers focus on our local wines, fruit, nuts, and olive oils, and have their own events and venues to visit. Places such as Simonian’s Bravo Farms, Enzo’s Table, and Sierra Nut House to name a few.
EDUCATION
California State University is a highlight all its own, with notoriety in many of the programs and degrees offered in Agriculture, Viticulture, Psychology, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities; Health Professions and Related Programs; Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology; Social Sciences, and good NCAA sports programs.
Besides being a Fresno State graduate, so were my parents. Incidentally, my father was in the first graduating class of the Viticulture Department, and it has grown to have its own on-site winery. They also have an on-site farm store, the Gibson Farm Market.
This unique market is the only location that unifies and showcases the 1,000-acre University Agricultural Laboratory and includes products from our creamery, crop, dairy, floral / horticulture, meat science, orchard, vineyard and winery units and food science and nutrition department. They offer many award-winning wines at the store, and you can attend tastings at the winery.
There are many events on campus year-round and they offer department tours, ag tours, and wine tours. There are NCAA sporting events, and the Fresno State Bulldogs have their stadium across the street, and the women’s softball stadium on campus.
Other highlights of the campus are the Fresno State Library and the Downing Planetarium. The Downing Planetarium offers a 74-seat star theater with a 30-foot hemispherical dome. They offer public programs, and it is also available for school field trips and private shows, by appointment.
