My heart goes out to you! Not my favorite place at all. Think happy thoughts and rent some good dvds?

Today, after work, I went to Fresno's gay neighborhood - the Tower District. The area is centered around, and named for, the Tower Theater; which has an enormous art deco tower with neon. Very phallic. :snap:

I had dinner at a place called Irene's Cafe. They have INCREDIBLE Chicken Marsala. If you ever find yourself in Fresno, this place is a must!

Comedian: "Where are you from Sir?"
Man in Audience: "Fresno"
Comedian: "I am Sorry"
Man in Audience: "Fresno!"
Comedian: "I heard you the first time I am just sorry"

ba dat dum:)

Irene's is nice, but while in the Phallic district (is the old neon 7-Up sign still there?), be sure to have a chicken pie at the Chicken Pie Shop. Be in awe of its never-been-remodeled 60's-ish glory.

Go to the Forestiere Underground Gardens if you haven't already been. Be sure to call ahead and make sure they're giving tours. They don't take reservations but they do.

If you stay in Fresno long enough, sooner or later you'll end up at the Sierra Nut House. Listen to NA and get thee to the mountains. Really.

If you even remotely like bagels, then you definitely need to visit Uncle Harry's New York Bagelry & Coffeehouse. They're fresh, extra delicious, warm and toasted upon request, and offer more flavors/varieties than you would think.

There are several locations in Fresno. The location I visited the most was directly across the street from California State University Fresno on Shaw Avenue.

When I previously attended a yearly conference in Fresno, stopping by Uncle Harry's New York Bagelry & Coffeehouse was one of the highlights of the trip. :coffee:

Thanks for the recomendation!

I Googled them. They're all north of where I am, and where I'm working. As tempting and yummy as they sound, I'll have to pass. I don't want to drive that far out of the way in the morning. (And I only have 2 more days to go in my "sentence"! Yay!!)

I respectfully have to disagree. There are no good bagels to be had in Fresno, and Uncle Harry's is to Fresno what Starbucks is to the country. I've heard speculation that they are somehow able to keep other bagel shops from opening up.

Don't let that "New York" in the name fool you--if you've ever bought a bagel in NY, you'll know the difference.

But if you must go there, be sure to finish cooking your Uncle Harry's bagel before eating it. They require an extra 15 minutes or so in the oven before they're edible.

Signed,
Bagel Snob

I'm going home tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cheers: :snap: :cheers:

Did you ever go to the mountains?

No. I mostly stayed in the room when I wasn't working or eating. It has wonderfull AC!

Edited to add: And free high-speed internet!!! Who could ask for anything more?