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Trek through Turlock
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Upon reaching Canal Drive, walkers can join in on the Joe Gallison Pathway, which is a paved walking trail that lines the canal. - photo by ALYSSON AREDAS

To get the most of out of an urbanized hike through Turlock, look no further than Califia. 

For those who do not know, Califia is the 14-foot statue representation of the mythical Amazon queen that welcomes visitors to Turlock from her home on the corner of Main and Market streets.

Upon finishing an appreciative examination of the statue that symbolizes Turlock’s connection to agriculture, urban trekkers need only continue eastbound on Main Street where they can expect to experience the best of downtown Turlock. 

Although only at the beginning of the urban trail, explorers looking for a bite to eat can swing into Dust Bowl Brewing Company for customer favorites, including the PB&J Burger and garlic fries. Thirsty customers are happily accommodated as well, as the restaurant also offers an impressive beer menu with popular selections like Hops of Wrath. 

After fueling up at Dust Bowl Brewing Company, art enthusiasts can also get their fill by popping into California State University, Stanislaus’ Art Space on Main. The new gallery, which opened last year, features both faculty artwork and a workspace for students in the University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program.

Once trekkers pass by the life-sized bronze statue of town founder John Mitchell in Central Park, they can venture off of Main Street into a journey back in time at the Turlock Historical Museum on Center Street. There, guests can explore the educational non-profit museum that has dedicated itself to preserving the city’s history. 

For a New York-style hot dog joint with a small town twist, journeyers can embark to Main Street Footers to try the famous Kaep Dog, named after San Francisco 49ers quarterback and Turlock native Colin Kaepernick. As a footer dressed in Kaep sauce — a mix of Thousand Island dressing, horseradish, mustard, and cayenne pepper — chili, coleslaw, and jalapenos, the hot dog has truly made an impression on local residents. 

At the intersection of Main Street and Canal Drive, walkers can turn right to continue their hike towards the historic Turlock High School, which shares the same space as the Turlock Community Theatre. Across from the high school, trekkers can join in on Joe Gallison Pathway, a walking trail that lines the canal.

For those lucky enough to venture this trail during the holiday season, the culmination of this urban hike can be celebrated by picking out a pumpkin or ice-skating at R.A.M. Farms at the end of Canal Drive. 

For those who find themselves endeavoring through Turlock during R.A.M. Farm’s off-season, Starbucks Coffee is always there on the corner of Canal Drive and Johnson Road with refreshing beverages and light snacks.