More Cuisine-Driven Drives

Fresno Fruit Loop

Take a spin through California's agricultural heartland with the help of Fresno County's free Fruit Trail map. You can visit any of the 35 orchards, fruit stands, and country stores within an easy afternoon drive.

Eat smart: The upscale California cuisine at The Chef's Table (559-227-3200) focuses on the bounty of the area. Fall brings creative fig dishes like swordfish with Port wine and fig sauce.

Be fit: Put paddle to water on the San Joaquin River Parkway (559-433-3190), where expert guides offer canoe trips with stops at ancient bedrock mortar milling stations used by Yokut Native Americans.

Live well: The Artes Américas museum (559-266-2623) in Fresno features Latino art and cultural activities. Every Friday evening from May to September the museum hosts outdoor concerts.

Where to stay: The Wonder Valley Ranch Resort (559-787-2551), set in the Sierra Nevada foothills on 75 acres shaded by sycamore and oak trees, offers horseback tours and small cottages with fieldstone fireplaces.