By Chris Murphy
This might be the greenest green that Modesto has been in a while. The rain and the storme have been thumping. People from all over the world are visiting to see the amazing billions of almond blossoms. The rivers are running, and the skies will start to get nicer and the days longer as we spring forward on March 10. The downtown restaurant patios are opening, there’s more live music and the colors of the camellias and the flavors of spring will be something to experience. Here is how you can explore the many things going on. Don’t forget to check www.modestoview.com<www.modestoview.com> for our calendar of ideas. If your event isn’t here, please email us at events@modestoview.com<mailto:events@modestoview.com>
Let’s get out and about!
>> Insert Camellia
>> Insert Pollinator
Bunny Con – March 23
Hey there bunnies! It is time to get those ears, the cotton tail, the bunny suit of your liking and get ready to hop hop hop around downtown Modesto in your bunny best for the Bunny Hop Pub Crawl. This is one of the more fun things to do all year long and you can hang out with your fave FREE pub crawl friends as this group of bunnies makes the circuit. Bunny attire is must, and please make sure to tip your bartenders and be good bunnies as you make your visits. This is a free event for 21 and over.
If you miss the beginning, here is the route:
7:00 pm The Fox Pub
7:40 Che’root
8:20 Center Plaza Photo
8:30 Fuzio
9:00 The Goat
9:30 Chinn’s
10:00 LoFi Labs
10:30 Speakeasy
www.facebook.com/Modpubcrawl<www.facebook.com/Modpubcrawl>
Are you ready to run? Want to break records? Want to qualify for the Boston Marathon?
The Modesto Marathon is coming March 24 where athletes from all over the USA will be racing on our flat, fast course. Let’s make sure they enjoy their Modesto experiences so come out and watch the start, line the course and cheer and be there at the finish line.
Marathon Volunteers are needed for registration and check in, course marshals, finish line support and more. Packet pick-up and expo will be at the Graffiti USA Museum.
Saturday & Sunday, March 23 & 24
Signup at modestomarathon.com/volunteers/
Email volunteer@modestomarathon.com<mailto:volunteer@modestomarathon.com> for more information
Go hike a trail?
One of the most fun things to do is ride, walk or run the trail system here in Modesto. We have Hetch Hetchy, the Virginia Corridor and the Mensinger Trail along Dry Creek. There are so many places to start and stop, eateries can be found along the Virginia and there are playgrounds and picnic areas. Don’t forget there is a disc golf course along the Mensinger Trail at East La Loma Park. Soon, the Virginia Corridor will connect with the Hetch Hetchy and there are big plans to connect the Virginia with the Mensinger.
Go hike a Mural?
Modesto has a wonderful selection of murals, some even 5 stories tall! Our friends at Visit Modesto have prepared a guided mural tour that is great for a walking day. Most of these are in our downtown core, but you can expand your range a bit and even see the huge mural at Camp 4 on Needham featuring the legendary Yosemite climber, Modesto’s Royal Robbins. www.visitmodesto.com<www.visitmodesto.com>
Speaking of Yosemite.
If you haven’t ever been, you have really missed out. Modesto is the gatway to Yosemite up the Highway 132, the John Muir Highway. The grandeur of the valley in spring is literally awesome. The sheer granite, the meadows, the Merced River, carving its way through and best of all, the waterfalls. You really must see them for yourselves in the run-off season from Mar to May. Check with www.yosemite.org<www.yosemite.org>
Spring Skiing
Well, it’s “technically” spring skiing this month, but there is one big snowpack right now. Our local ski areas Dodge and Bear and less than 2 hours away and now are owned by the same company so you can score a Cali Pass and shred both of these mountains. Best of all, you can go rock the slopes and be back here in Modesto for a nice evening out here in town. How good is this?
When’s Spring Break
Spring break from school moves around as Easter moves. Some districts are trying better for consistent time off for the kids so you can plan your outings. For Modesto City Schools and Sylvan Schools, spring break is March 18-22 There is so much to do within 2 hours of Modesto, you can do it all from your home base.
Easter 2024
For those that observe, Easter Sunday is March 31, just slipping into March with Good Friday on the 29th. For those kids, don’t miss the Easter Bunny egg hunt at the Modesto Certified Farmer’s Market on March 30.
Spring Forward on March 10th.
Note: the Thursday Farmer’s Markets begin on April 4.
