Explore with Us: Davis on the Cheap
One
of the best things about living in Davis is our university. Having
access to free lectures, art, and music presentations, and on-campus festivals
is priceless. Nevertheless, there is more to Davis than just the
university. Join my hubby and me as we guide you through our lovely
town of Davis, California exploring free fun activities.
Walk Among the Flowers
A favorite activity is exploring the UC Davis Arboretum, a 100-acre botanical garden used for teaching and research planted alongside Putah
Creek. Along this 3.5-mile path, you will spot many species of
birds, such as the Green Heron and several varieties of egrets playing in the
creek, yellow-billed magpies, and a large variety of songbirds flitting here and
there, and Swainson's Hawks flying overhead. My favorite animal
sighting is at the equestrian center, though. It looks like a horse
corral from the old west. The Redwood Grove is a perfect place to
take a break at one of the strategically placed picnic benches to munch on a
picnic lunch. Click for map.
Points of Interest
- Free Folk Music Jam Sessions, every other Friday (12–1 p.m., Wyatt Deck)
- The Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts
How About "Art About"
Love
art, music, and free snacks? Check out the "Second Friday Art About" where the entire
downtown opens as a free art show. For example, before Covid, most downtown
businesses showcased a specific artist, gourmet cheeses, artesian crackers, and
fine local wines, all while mingling with the locals. Jazzy music often played in the
background. It isn’t all about paintings either, vintage jewelry and
other fine arts thrills the visitor.
Dance off the snacks at the E Street Plaza, which is jumping with a rocksy-folksy-blues band. A local dance teacher's dance troupe adds a bit of class. Everyone is so friendly and having such a great time, that no one gives the occasional exceptionally exuberant non-professional dancer a second thought. Deadheads and young children alike are dancing and singing to the tunes.
Walk, Bike, Run
Explore
our greenbelts. Although we are a small town/city (ten square miles), we have
an impressive sixty miles of bike paths and parks that are either connected or
nearly so. Keep your eyes open for the many migratory birds,
wild turkeys, otters, fox, hundreds of squirrels, and many more animals who
call these areas home.
You're Invited to Our Open House
UC Davis opens its doors to all on Picnic Day, held in April. Thousands attend this annual event, which for us begins with the parade (virtual through Covid years). The Marching Band always amazes—a real crowd-pleaser. After the parade, visit a few halls, such as Hutchison. Learn about plant pathology and receive free plants. At Kemper Hall engineering students like to surprise the crowd with the likes of a House of Horrors and Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream.
If
you love animals, visit Hutchison Field where you'll find booths for education,
various rescue groups, live animals, and conservation groups. But
the real fun is found watching animals in action. There are dogs
racing and competing on courses, sheepdog trials, and of course Frisbee
competitions. Everyone’s perennial favorite has to be the Doxie Derby,
a race of dachshunds--prepare to laugh uncontrollably.
Human
entertainment abounds on the East Quad, Silo, ARC, and Vanderhoef Stages where
you will find a wide variety of music, dance (including belly dancing), and
other talents, such as Taiko Dan drumming.
Celebrate, Celebrate, and Dance to the Music!
Celebrate Davis—virtual
through Covid—held in May, is a festival celebrating everything
Davis. Hosted at the Community Park (corner of F Street and Covell
Boulevard), it looks like an old fashion town fair—very family-friendly.
There
is rock-climbing, petting zoo, bands, and more. Local businesses and
organizations set up booths offering information and free
"stuff". Take a picnic, check out all the freebies, and
dance to the music. We will be!
Note: Covid 19 has locked many of these activities down for now. However, this is Davis. And in Davis, we celebrate most everything. So check in often as all of this should return soon.
Hotel Room Review
of Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Davis
Market
Review: Nugget Grocery, Davis, CA
Sounds like so much fun. Can't wait to visit the area and try some of your suggestions.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It is a unique place to live and visit.
Delete