Those who have never been to Turlock need to only to check out one area to see the best that the city has to offer: downtown.

Whether a first-time Turlock visitor identifies as an art enthusiast or not, downtown Turlock is home to the Carnegie Arts Center, an art hub that has something for everyone.

“The Carnegie certainly offers the very best in visual arts,” said executive director Lisa McDermott. “Depending on the time of year, and depending on when you plan your visit, there is always different art to see.”

According to McDermott, if visitors venture to the center during the daytime, they are guaranteed to encounter wonderful visual arts from regional and world famous artists, one of which is current exhibition “Yosemite Renaissance XXX.” The exhibition, which is available for viewing until October 4, is meant to cultivate diverse contemporary expressions of Yosemite and the Sierra by today’s artists.

McDermott also said that guests will most likely stumble upon various art classes during their visit, as well as ukulele practices, poetry readings and free public lectures that take place on Sunday afternoons.

“There is always something to do and see at the Carnegie,” said McDermott. “If you time it right, you can catch something really exciting.”

If the Carnegie isn’t enough to satisfy the art needs of visitors, they can mosey over to California State University, Stanislaus’ Art Space on Main, which was opened last year to expand the University’s presence in town and effectively display student art.

The Art Space on Main is located at 135 W. Main Street. The Carnegie Arts Center is located at 250 N. Broadway Avenue. For more information, visit carnegieartsturlock.org or call 632-5761.

After peaking their interest in the ever-changing Carnegie Arts Center and the equally impressive Art Space on Main, first-time Turlock visitors can walk a short distance to Dust Bowl Brewing Company for mouthwatering food and an impressive selection beer and ciders.

“I think our tap room offers a unique vibe to the community,” said owner Brett Tate. “It’s a relaxed atmosphere that feels like you’re in a more metropolitan area. It’s a great place to share the growing beer culture in Turlock, and it lends itself to all ages.”

The tap room has something to satisfy every taste bud with a menu boasting items, such as Okie Nachos—which are crispy house potato chips piled high with grilled chicken, house barbeque sauce, melted monterey jack and cheddar cheese, house made ranch, chives and sour cream—and hot wings served with carrots, celery and a side of bleu cheese.

“The downtown location is another reason to bring out-of-town guests,” said Tate. “There’s so much to do now from dining to shopping. You can really make a day of it with visitors.”

Dust Bowl Brewing Company is located at 200 W. Main Street. For more information, visit dustbowlbrewing.com or call 250-2042.

As a Turlock staple that has been downtown for over 30 years, Main Street Footers is another option for hungry, first-time visitors with an impressive menu of footers, sandwiches, salads and more.

To get the true Footers experience, guests can try the popular avocado footer with freshly sliced avocado, thousand island dressing, onion, tomato, and jack and cheddar cheese, or the chicken taco salad topped with onions, tomatoes, chicken, cheese, sour cream, green sauce, salsa, avocado, jalapenos and tortilla chips.

Main Street Footers is located at 425 E. Main Street. For more information, visit mainstreetfooters.com or call 667-8383.