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When the weather is nice, it's natural for Porterville, CA residents to seek out nice spots to spend an afternoon. Picnics are a great opportunity for bonding with nature while enjoying your favorite good eats. Check out these local picnic spots if you're ready to pack up your friends, family, and picnic treats in your 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer using the 40/60 rear folding seats. Just Down the Road: Five Picnic Spots Near Porterville, CA 1. Murry Park Located at 500 E Putnam Avenue, Murry Park is one of the loveliest parks in the area. This park has sprawling green ways, a small lake, and excellent views, so you can enjoy your afternoon picnic escape. Visitors will be able to see local wildlife like ducks and geese, which can be fed with corn and lettuce at the lake. Some other attractions include two playgrounds, a fishing pond, access to the city pool, and a nine-hole disc golf course. 2. Veterans Park Veterans Park at 1501 W Henderson Avenue is dedicated to the 40 Porterville soldiers who served in the Vietnam War. This memorial park has several amenities, such as a covered picnic area and plenty of places to have a friendly game of tag football. This is also a dog-friendly park, so feel free to take your canine companion with you as you check out some of the memorial statue installations in the park. 3. Zalud Park This park, located at 700 N El Granito Street, is the best park to visit if you want to pair your picnic with lots of recreational activity. This park includes amenities such as four picnic areas and two covered pavilions, as well as a shaded playground with ADA accessibility. The recreational areas include two softball or baseball fields, two tennis courts, basketball courts, a volleyball area, a ping pong table, a nine-hole disc golf course, corn hole sets, and pickleball courts. 4. Centennial Park You can find Centennial Park right in the heart of downtown Porterville at 296 N Main Street. This urban park is a perfect getaway for a midday picnic date. The main feature of the park is the 18-foot four-dial post clock, which was installed in 2008. This park also features the beloved Marking Through Time mural and a covered gazebo stage area. 5. Skate Park If you want to enjoy a non-traditional picnic, you can stop by the Skate Park located inside Veterans Park on the Newcomb Avenue side of the park. This skate park includes an area for spectator seating, which is perfect for a quick picnic before you get back to skateboarding. The 15,000-square-foot park includes a six-foot half pipe, a nine-foot combi bowl, and various stairs with handrails. Whether you want a spot to have a quick picnic lunch or you want to reserve a picnic area for a recreation day with your family and friends, there are plenty of great spots in the area. Before you pack up your picnic favorites, stop by Merle Stone Chevrolet for routine service. Photo Courtesy of Pixabay

Home to the Sequoia National Forest headquarters and hundreds of breathtaking sequoia trees, Porterville, CA is a perfect spot for your next road trip. There are so many things to experience here, from day hiking through trees as wide as your tires to learning how to cook in a Dutch oven. Check out these tourist attractions that are worthy of putting on your itinerary. 4 Tourist Attractions in Driving Distance of Porterville, CA 1. Trail of 100 Giants Trailhead Nestled within the lush Long Meadow Grove, you'll behold the transcendent of stunning sequoias at Co Rte 107. Stroll through the 1.3-mile path to take in the enormous beauties, which are estimated to be 1,500 years old. The trail has many loop options, and the site offers facilities including paved parking, picnic areas, restrooms, and the Redwood Meadow campground. The dense sequoia grove boasts around 125 giants with a diameter of 10 feet or more, and over 700 with a smaller diameter. The most impressive tree inside Long Meadow Grove soars 220 feet into the sky with a diameter of 20 feet! 2. Porterville Historical Museum Located in a restored 1913 passenger train station, the museum at 257 N D Street contains all you need to understand our beloved city's history. The museum has gathered artifacts and relics for over 50 years and displays their findings inside and outside the building. They also host zany competitions, like the upcoming Dutch oven cook-off. Walk the grounds to view their collection of vintage fire trucks, farm equipment, and wagons, or see historic events told through the rings of giant sequoia trees. Indoor exhibits include a vast collection of Native American artifacts and woven baskets, a native wildlife display featuring mountain lions and raptors, and much more. 3. Zalud House As one of the few houses from 1891 that hasn't been remodeled, the historic home at 393 N Hockett Street offers a nostalgic glimpse into decades past. The unique architecture of the old home includes a mansard roof, and the inside is entirely furnished with the original family's belongings. The enchanting gardens are a beautiful spot for weddings and events. If you're looking for a scare, the Zalud house is a popular attraction for paranormal investigators. Spend an evening with experts from the Paranormal Movement Investigations for a session with an electronic voice phenomena device. 4. Centennial Park Pile the family into your 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss and head over to 296 N Main Street to play at the park favored by locals. While the kiddos are running amuck, find a bench and admire the 18-foot-tall four-dial clock that was erected by one of our local musical icons, Frank 'Buck' Shaffer. When you've rested up after a long day of adventuring, swing by Merle Stone Chevrolet to see what's new!

All children love going to the park to let off a bit of steam, right? Parents love it too. The more energy they run off in the park, the more tired they'll be at bedtime. Thankfully, if you live in Porterville, CA, there are many parks to choose from. Let's take a closer look. Just Down the Road: 3 Local Parks Near Porterville, CA Murry Park You can even take your kid's friends along with you to Murry Park knowing they'll be safe with the enhanced safety features on your 2024 Chevrolet Trax. Situated at 500 East Putnam Avenue, the park has been a source of great amusement for the kids of Porterville for over 100 years, ever since local lawyer, George Murry, completed the legalities to sign the deeds over to the city's Chamber of Commerce in 1908. The contemporary park is home to four covered pavilions, two fully equipped playgrounds, five picnic areas, a swimming pool, a 9-hole golf course, and a pond where you can fish or watch the wild ducks and geese that flock to the water. Veterans Park This 26-acre park is located at 1425 West Henderson Avenue and offers a 15,000-square-foot skate park, a gated play area, a teqball table, and shaded areas lined by trees where you can picnic or relax. There is also a 1.66-mile-long walking trail that attracts hikers, joggers, and cyclists alike, plus there are three covered pavilions that can be hired out to celebrate special occasions. The historic Community Center houses a grand ballroom and a beautiful bridal room. Meanwhile, the Senior Center has a dining room and a beautiful outdoor patio. The War Memorial serves as a striking tribute to the 40 fallen men from Porterville who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. It takes the form of a graphite panel fixed atop a cement pedestal that lists the names of those who died. Behind the memorial sits a real UH1 "Huey" helicopter. Centennial Park This popular park is situated at 296 North Main Street in historic downtown Porterville. After it was opened in 2005, the gazebo and stage, where free Friday night concerts take place, were built in memory of the late publisher of the local newspaper, Homer Wood. Frank "Buck" Shaffer, who led the Porterville High School Band, is also memorialized there, by way of an 18-foot, four-dial Howard post clock and a life-sized statue. Also of note is the charming "Marching Through Time" mural painted by Glen Hill, which displays a chronological timeline of the diverse history of bands in Porterville since 1902 and a stunning painting of the Sierra Nevada mountains surrounded by the names of bands from the past. You could while away the hours at any one of these places and be guaranteed a great day. Take the children swimming and watch them play in Murry Park, relax knowing the children are safe in the gated play area at Veterans Park, or pay your respects to Porterville's heroes by visiting the memorial at Centennial Park. Then, be sure to visit Merle Stone Chevrolet to view our wonderful range of new and used cars before you go home.

With a comfortable interior and so many amenities for everyone to enjoy, an SUV like the Chevy Equinox is everything you could want in a family vehicle. If you're looking for a meal that's just as perfect for your family, check out these local family restaurants here in the Porterville, CA area to get a dining experience the whole crew will love. 5 Family Restaurants Worth the Drive Near Porterville, CA 1. Rosa's Italian Restaurant Get the family together for some great Italian cuisine in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere when you go down to Rosa's Italian Restaurant together. There are so many great dishes to choose from here, like butternut squash or delicious manicotti, so your whole family can find something to their liking. This local gem is waiting for you and your family at 949 West Henderson Avenue. 2. Landing 13 A fun little place that often has live music events to further liven up the atmosphere, Landing 13 is the perfect setting for your next family meal out. They've got great kids' menu options like cheeseburger sliders or spaghetti and meatballs, along with meals fit for even the hungriest adults like their pulled pork sandwich or pesto pasta. You'll love the meal you get at 152 North Hockett Street. 3. El Tapatio Mexican food with portions big enough to satisfy the biggest appetites in your family is waiting for you at El Tapatio. Their super deluxe burrito comes loaded to the brim to give you the bold flavor you crave in every bite, and you can get tasty sides like rice and beans or fresh guacamole to add even more to the meal. There's a fiesta your whole family will enjoy at 134 East Orange Avenue. 4. Generals Cafe & Grill With options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Generals Cafe & Grill, Generals Cafe & Grill is a great choice to grab a family meal at any time of the day. As far as their breakfast fare goes, our favorite is the Sunrise Skillet, giving you two eggs with ham, bell pepper, onion, and cheddar cheese served alongside toast and hash browns to round off your morning meal. The friendly folks at 1025 West Henderson Avenue are standing by to serve you. 5. China Cafe The family dinner deals available at China Cafe let you get enough food to share with everyone in your family all for a great low price. These combo deals can be ordered to feed up to six, with delicious dishes like orange chicken or sweet and sour pork included in the deal you get. Take a drive with your family to 21 South Main Street to enjoy the food served here. Great meals for your family can be found right here in our area. You can also find the perfect family vehicle right here in our area when you visit our dealership. Come to Merle Stone Chevrolet Porterville, and we'll help you find the perfect ride!

Located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the city of Porterville, CA, is a popular gateway to explore the beautiful nature of the area. Although the region is known for its moderate climate year-round, the spring months are the best time to head out and explore it in your 2023 Chevrolet Equinox RS. Here are three fantastic and family-friendly spring activities you should check out near the city. 1. Take Part in the Yearly Egg Hunt at Veterans Park Drawing participants from all over the San Joaquin Valley every spring, the annual Egg Hunt at Veterans Park is one of the best activities you can enjoy with your friends and family in Porterville. Thousands of eggs are hidden all over Veterans Park, many of which contain special tickets redeemable for prizes. Participation fees are $3 if paid on the spot and $2 for those booking in advance. If you are searching for the best activity to enjoy a day full of fun, this egg hunt is the perfect plan. Located at 150 W Henderson Avenue in the northwestern part of the city, Veterans Park can be reached in less than 10 minutes by car from downtown Porterville via Olivia Avenue and Newcomb Street. Those wanting to book their spot in advance can purchase their wristbands at Centennial Plaza in the city center. 2. Check out the Porterville Spring Festival on Main Street Bringing together artisans, local vendors, and representatives of local businesses, the Porterville Spring Festival is another fantastic event you can enjoy with your family or a group of friends. This yearly event is organized by the Porterville Chamber of Commerce and takes place on Main Street in the heart of the Porterville downtown area, which is closed to car traffic for the festival. Thanks to its centric location, checking out the different stands of the Porterville Spring Festival can be easily done as part of a walking tour around the landmarks and tourist attractions of the city center. Besides the stands, this festival features two stages that host concerts, dance shows, and other live performances by local artists. 3. Cast Your Lines at the Porterville Fishing Derby Taking place at the beginning of March and drawing hundreds of anglers of all ages, the Porterville Fishing Derby is another popular spring activity. Whether you are an amateur or an experienced angler, this family-friendly event at Murry Park's Pond is the perfect opportunity to spend some time outdoors. Are you looking for the perfect car, truck, or SUV to travel around and take your family on memorable adventures this spring? The search is over! Come visit us at Stone Chevrolet and experience first-hand the great customer service that has characterized us since 1957.

When you're craving a delicious meal, you're in luck. Porterville, CA, offers a variety of options. And when it's Italian food you want, we've got it. Check out the following list of some of our favorite Italian restaurants. 4 Italian Restaurants Worth the Drive Near Porterville, CA 1. Don Vino's Italian Bar and Grill This restaurant has served the community with fine food for more than 35 years. You can dine inside or out on the terrace on a nice day. Start with the fried calamari, the mozzarella caprese, or the sauteed mushrooms. Then move on to the eggplant parmigiana, the lobster manicotti, the ravioli marinara, or the Michaelangelo pizza. If you're looking for something on the lighter side, order the salad and a cup of homemade soup. They are located at 247 N Main St. 2. Rosa's Italian Restaurant We love this family-owned and operated establishment that serves authentic Italian cuisine with fine ingredients. Order the fried beef ravioli or the calamari strips to begin. When you feel like something on the healthier side, the grilled chicken with vegetables or the soup and salad are good choices. Or try a signature entree, like the stuffed chicken kiev, the halibut piccata, or the butternut squash ravioli. Find this restaurant at 949 W Henderson Ave. 3. Giovanni's Pizzeria For a more relaxed, down-to-earth meal, Giovanni's is the place. Their specialty is pizza, but they also serve sandwiches and pasta. Bring the whole family and order a large pepperoni pizza, the 16 buffalo wings with ranch, and a trip to the salad bar. The adults can enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine while the kids play at the arcade. They also host birthday parties. Please drink responsibly and in moderation, and do not drink and drive. They are located at 45 N 2nd St. 4. Poor Richards Pizza Olive This is a local's favorite choice when it comes to great pizza, calzones, and pasta dishes. We recommend trying Todd's loaded tots or the spicy garlic cheesy bread for the table for starters. For pizza, you can create your own, or try one of their many selections. We like the chorizo, the birria, the Hawaiian, and the veggie pizza. If pasta is what your appetite is craving, try the tour of Italy or the creamy chicken alfredo. They can be found at 1549 W Olive Ave. Pack up those leftovers and hop into your new 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. Stop by Merle Stone Chevrolet, located at 800 W Henderson, today. You'll want to test drive this and one or two of our other quality vehicles. We love providing the best service possible, so we're here to help finance your next ride.

Thrift shopping has changed a lot since the internet shopping revolution. Today, thrift stores are both an opportunity for a bargain and a fun adventure full of unexpected finds. Porterville, CA has plenty of shops that offer both of these experiences for the enthusiastic thrifter. Below are some of the top spots in town. The Top 3 Thrift Stores in Driving Distance of Porterville, CA 1. Porterville Mission Thrift This shop is located at 88 E Mill Ave next to Gray's Chili Dogs and Mariscos El-30. Porterville Mission Thrift is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM and on Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM. It's one of the larger shops on the list, though it's still cozy. Their selection rotates often, so it's worth a regular visit. The store offers a fairly large selection of the most common items. Shoppers come here to find inexpensive staples, like clothes and kitchen items. If you're lucky, this shop has more space for furniture than other shops around. You can also come searching out more unusual finds, often unexpected antiques. 2. Treasures Thrift Store This shop is located at 30 N Main St. Monday through Friday, the store is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Saturdays, it opens at the same time as normal but closes early, so stop in before 2 PM. If you're looking for unique home decorations, this is a great shop to seek those out, though it's hardly all they have. Since the space is small, this is the place to look for smaller items. If you come with the new Chevrolet Equinox RS, you'll have plenty of space for a big haul. They usually have an ample amount of kid's items like toys and clothing. They also have adult clothing, shoes, and kitchen items. 3. Porterville Gleaner Thrift Shop This shop is very community-minded. Low-income shoppers often pick up food bags here for a discounted price. They stock unusual items for cooking, like hot sauce. This store carries most items you'd expect from a great thrift retailer, including furniture and clothes. They have some of the best prices you'll find in town. They've been willing to make deals for shoppers in the past, too. The shop is located at 680 S Main St. They're open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM. After you've warmed up with thrift shopping, it's a good time to settle in and browse for your next vehicle. You'll want to find a good deal, meaning a car with a lot of unique features you'll appreciate for years to come. Visit Merle Stone Chevrolet to see new vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox RS with forward collision warning and remote start. Photo Courtesy of Pixabay

Winter is the perfect time to explore Porterville, CA and its surroundings. Whether you're looking for a fun outdoor adventure or just want to relax and enjoy some winter activities, Porterville has plenty to offer. From skiing and snowshoeing to tubing and ice skating, there are plenty of ways to stay entertained during the cold winter days. 3 Fun Winter Activities in Driving Distance of Porterville, CA Skiing at China Peak Mountain Resort There are few things more relaxing than getting outside in the winter weather and enjoying some downhill skiing. China Peak Mountain Resort is one of the closest downhill ski resorts to Porterville, making it the perfect addition to your winter adventures. The resort is located in the Sierra National Forest, just 25 minutes from Porterville. It offers skiing and snowboarding on 17 trails covering 685 acres of skiable terrain served by six lifts. In addition to skiing, China Peak also offers snowshoeing and tubing. China Peak is also home to some of the best winter festivals in California. The resort hosts the annual Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe Festival in December. During the festival, guests can enjoy discounted tickets, special events, and live music. Snowshoeing at Sequoia National Forest Snowshoeing is a great outdoor winter activity for all ages and fitness levels. It is a great way to explore a new part of California that you may not have explored yet. There are several great places close to Porterville to snowshoe and enjoy the winter wonderland. One of the best places to snowshoe is Sequoia National Forest. This forest is home to the Giant Sequoia trees. These enormous trees are the second largest tree in the world. The Giant Sequoia National Forest is also adjacent to Sequoia National Park, so you can enjoy snowshoeing and hiking on the same day. The forest is just a 40-minute drive from Porterville at 1839 South Newcomb Street, Porterville. Ice Skating at the Porterville Ice Rink If you've ever wanted to try ice skating, but have only ever done so in a swimming pool or maybe on a lake, then you need to visit The Rinks at Porter skate rink. Ice skating is a Winter Olympic sport and one of the best activities you can do. You can ice skate in the middle of a California winter at the Rinks at Porter skate rink. The rink is just one block off Downtown Porterville and is open year-round. It hosts public skating sessions and other ice skating activities, as well as group parties and special events. The rink is open seven days a week. Whether you want to engage in a winter sport or just want to enjoy some winter fun, these are the best activities within driving distance of Porterville. So it's time to log some miles in your roomy Chevrolet Equinox LT and enjoy winter adventures with your family. Schedule routine service at Merle Stone Chevrolet so your Chevrolet can keep up with all the fun. Photo Courtesy of Pexels