Fresno is the place I'll always call home. It's located smack dab in the center of California's San Joaquin Valley — what most people consider to be the middle of nowhere. While it may be in California's agricultural heartland, I must say, Fresno truly holds some hidden treasures that might just catch you by surprise.

1. Its Location

Fresnans like to boast their city's perfect locale, they say it's just the right distance away from the mountains and the beach. Yosemite is right in the city's backyard, and the Central Coast is just a couple hours’ drive away.

2. Fig Garden Village

With original restaurant establishments who host local bands, upscale shopping, and it's quaint European village feel, Fig Garden is a Fresno gem. The shopping center gives off a trendy vibe that attracts people of all types and brings together the community. The locally owned coffee shop and bakery draws crowds, especially on weekend mornings, when both the young and the old line up to nab a delicious pastry and have some good conversation.

3. Christmas Tree Lane

In December, the historic Van Ness Boulevard hosts this annual Christmas tradition. Drivers and walkers can make their way down the two-mile stretch of homes decorated extravagantly for the season. The streets are lit by over a million lights, and visited by more than 100,000 people each year. It's a free event, but the Christmas Tree Lane legacy has lived on for what is now going on 94 years, through community support.

4. Art Hop

Every first and third Thursday of the month, local artists gather at various venues with free appetizers, wine, and art exhibitions from local artists. This bi-monthly event brings culture to Fresno, and it makes for a fabulous mid-week outing.

5. Gazebo Gardens

This family-owned nursery is situated near the entrance of historic Christmas Tree Lane, and it is home to thousands of varieties of roses and other garden essentials. It holds a weekly event where Fresnans chow-down on delicious offerings from local area food trucks, listen to live bands, and navigate their way through the Beer Garden.

6. Woodward Park

Home to hundreds of acres of lakes, hills, walking trails, and biking trails. The park is home to a beautiful Japanese botanical garden, and in the summers it is host to Shakespeare in the Park—free outdoor Shakespeare productions put on and supported by the community. Local sporting events and charity runs also find a place here at Woodward Park. It is a truly beautiful setting along the San Joaquin river bluffs, where you can even hike down to the river bank for a lovely afternoon picnic. The park known to be a favorite spot for scenic sunset views.

7. Farmer's Markets

Beginning in the early spring and running into October, popular shopping centers are lined with colorful fruits and vegetables, handmade goods, food trucks, and families. Practically every day of the week is another chance to score some local honey, fresh baked bread, organic produce, and some homemade jam. These farmer's markets have become community events which showcase local businesses and musicians. They provide a venue for socializing and for enjoying Fresno's agricultural roots.

8. The Tower District

Visiting the Tower District is a trip back in time. Arts, dining, and entertainment can be found in this hipster hangout. From microbreweries to the historic Tower Theater, it is a mecca of food, music, and fun.

9. California State University, Fresno

It is Renowned for its academic programs including: viticulture and enology, engineering, criminology, and business. The Fresno State Bulldogs also boast winning athletic teams. The Save Mart Center is one of the largest concert halls and arenas on the West Coast is located on the Fresno State campus. CSU Fresno has become a well-respected and first-rate establishment Fresno is proud to claim as its own.

10. The Chaffee Zoo

The recently renovated zoo is a world-class attraction with new exhibits promising to teach the next generation about global sustainability and conservation. It now features an expansive exhibit of Africa, showcasing elephants, lions, zebras, and other African flora and fauna. The zoo's Sea Lion Cove embraces California's natural ecology, and promotes awareness for ocean preservation and restoration.

11. The Community

The sense of community that is alive in the Fresno area is unmatched by any other place I’ve ever visted or lived. People are proud to be Fresno, to live in Fresno, and to support Fresno. Fresno is big enough to be a lively city, yet it is still small enough for there to always be someone willing to lend a helping hand.