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Tips for Enjoying a Stay in Davis, CA

UC Davis Arboretum; forest; redwood trees

Getting the Most out of Our Staycation

Dearest Polite Traveler,

With a world-class university, active community parks, a proper town center replete with unique boutiques and a variety of restaurants, why travel somewhere else for vacation?  We won't.  Hubby and I will staycation in our little hamlet, better known as Davis, California—land of many bikes. 

It's a little-known fact (visions of Cliff Clavin from Cheers just popped into my head), that Davis is the first city to implement bike lanes and is also home to the US Bicycling Hall of Fame.  Not that bike lore has much to do with our staycation, it's just one of the reasons I love our town.

If It's Saturday, We Must Be In The Farmers Market

We begin the first day of our stayca at our world-famous Farmers Market (Central Park, 4th and C Streets).  Well, it might not be world-famous, but it is ranked highly in multiple media outlets.   

This morning, a lively Folk band is playing in the background and the summer's best produce is displayed in the foreground.  The atmosphere is buoyant, and the food is enticing. Breakfast choices abound, but we narrow in on a flaky bearclaw to share and grab some perfectly brewed java.  While we munch, we select freshly picked eggplant, pattypan squash, and the biggest heirloom tomatoes I've ever seen.  All will go on the barbecue tonight for our first staycation alfresco dinner. 


No Matter Where You Go, There You Are

Brilliantly crafted greenbelts dissect Davis.  A person can walk or ride a bike from one end of town to another without leaving a trail for long.  We live adjacent to the North Davis greenbelt—a giant green loop.   On today's walk, the geese, herons, and egrets are quite active in the Julie Partansky Pond.  We miss the otter in the smaller pond directly next door, but not the Swainson's hawks.  An entire family flies over our heads.   We walk for hours enjoying the parks, wild turkeys and end up exactly from where we began. 

Picnic in the Park

Every Wednesday (4:30-8:30 pm) during the warmer months, many Davisites enjoy the Farmers Market Picnic in the Park.   Bands play, children enjoy a variety of activities, and the food is bountiful.  Fresh produce and baked goods are available from the market, but there are many other vendors as well. 

We pick up some fruit, fresh bread, cheese, and wine for our picnic and join the masses in the park.   Little ones dance while parents socialize.  It seems like we've been transported into a previous, more innocent time.  

Walk Like a Tourist

Today we decide to play tourist and walk the compact 32-block downtown center, chock-full of shops, restaurants, and museums.  Panera Bread (609 E. 3rd Street) offers a genuinely nice discount for using refillable mugs, so we fill up and pick up a bear claw to share as we explore. 

Covid Note: Currently, Panera—and most all businesses—are not allowing personal mugs.  It is best to call each business before visiting. 

We spend the morning discovering shops we've never even noticed before.  Outsides a number of these, handcrafted scarves, art supplies, and old VHS tapes dot the sidewalks enticing shoppers.  All are discounted today; I can't resist the scarves. 

Nevertheless, tempting aromas divert our attention to Village Pizza & Grill (403 G Street) for an early lunch.    They offer a variety of sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and soups.  However, the pizzas grab our attention--$6.50 each.  Although an average lunch, sitting out on their wrap-around patio is worth the trip. 

Let's Get Jiggy With It

With full bellies, we decide on a long walk along the UC Davis Arboretum, a 100-acre botanical garden. We spot turtles, various species of birds, and wonderful examples of native plants.  And we are in for a treat!  On alternate Fridays (12–1 pm), random musicians gather to play folk music on the Wyatt Deck.  We arrive a bit late for the entire party but enjoyed every musical second.  

Would We Do It Again?

Overall, our staycation in Davis, California was relaxing, rejuvenating, and refreshing.  We may just do it again next year!

More from The Polite Traveler

Hotel Room Review of Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Davis

Top 5 Fun, Free things to do in Davis, California

Road Trip to the Albion River Inn on the CA Coast 

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