You’re not a college kid anymore, but there is nothing wrong with re-living those days for a weekend and reminiscing about that formative time in your life. Chico State is one of the state’s most iconic colleges. The college, alongside its connection to Downtown Chico, serves up a unique and vibrant college experience. Chico grads who return for a couple of days will find plenty of activities to engage in as they remember the town where they began their adult lives.
Day One
Brunch at B Street Public House
You are an adult now, so you do brunch, and B Street Public House has beignets and open-faced sandwiches with Hollandaise sauce, and a covered patio that’s perfect for outdoor brunching.
Re-Discover Bidwell Park
One of the things you loved about Chico State was the direct access from the campus to 3,670-acre Bidwell Park. Stroll through the Lower Park’s trails, then walk to One Mile Recreation Area and Sycamore Pool for a refreshing dip or a leisurely bike ride. Looking for more epic views? Hike up to Monkey Face in Upper Park for amazing park and canyon vistas.
Stroll through the Chico State Campus
Located in the heart of Chico, the park-like campus is perfect for a leisurely walk. You can also catch a show at Laxson Auditorium, browse the Wildcat Store, or catch a baseball, basketball, or soccer game as you take a trip down memory lane. You can also discover places you didn’t know about before, such as the Masters of Fine Arts Gallery or the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology.
Explore the University Farm
A few miles from campus, the 800-acre Paul L. Bryne Agricultural Teaching and Research Center (ATRC), more commonly known as the University Farm, helps Chico State agriculture students put classroom concepts into practice. The ATRC has not only been a benefit to students, but also to farmers and ranchers benefiting from the research conducted on the farm. Schedule a farm tour today!
Chow Down at Madison Bear Garden
Dinner has to be at one of your favorite college hangouts, and Madison Bear Garden, with its tasty burgers, wild decorations and outdoor patio, is the perfect spot. Grab a burger and tell some old college stories over a pint of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. This mainstay of the Chico college scene offers a hopping bar, a historic carriage hanging from the ceiling, and a burger slathered in peanut butter.
Stay Out Late at the Crazy Horse Saloon
After dinner, end your evening right with a ride on the Crazy Horse Saloon’s mechanical bull (just to remind yourself you are not as young as you once were) and a few dance moves on the Crazy Horse’s notorious dance floor.
Day Two
Refuel at Sin of Cortez
Work out any sore muscles from last night’s mechanical bull ride and dance party with Sin of Cortez famous French toast or pancakes and coffee. They take debit or cash only, reminiscent of your college days, but that shouldn’t be a problem with an ATM on-site.
Catch a game at Butte College
Here in the fall? Make sure to catch a Butte College football home game — with alumni including Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Hall-of-Famer Larry Allen, Butte College football is a place to watch exciting gridiron action from a National Championship program. Afterwards, explore the Butte College campus. The original Oroville campus rests on a wildlife refuge and has been recognized as a national community college leader in sustainability, while the Chico satellite campus is just down the freeway from Downtown Chico.
Nosh at Tea Bar & Fusion Café
Tea Bar & Fusion Café offers a menu of unique fusion of frozen, frosted, sparkling, steamed, and iced tea libations and applies that “fusion of flavors” approach to delicious and healthy fusion bowls and wraps. With two locations in Chico, you can enjoy a healthy and delicious lunch anywhere in town.
Shop at Made in Chico
Before heading home, make sure to pick up a piece of the town from Made in Chico. The store showcases local creators and exemplifies the love for the city itself. From art and photography to souvenirs and locally made foods and more, you’ll undoubtedly find something for yourself (and those who wish they had come!).
Grab a Slice at Woodstock’s Pizza
Since 1983, Woodstock’s Pizza has been a college favorite. With great pizza, trivia nights, and the latest game on the big screen, located just blocks away from campus, it’s a great place to spend an evening with friends.