Chico State Grad Heads Back To His College Roots

[Nicholas Kontis]

 

 Bear Hole, The Beauty of Upper Bidwell Park

 

Chico, California just cannot rid itself of being named the “party capital of America.” Chico State may indeed be a party central  as Playboy says it’s “numero uno”  for college kids” gone wild.”

Chico is located 180 miles northeast  of San Francisco in the central valley, around three hours by car from San Francisco, and one hour from Sacramento, and is indeed a College town that knows how to do a little partying to go along with studying for your degree.  Changing young men and women to serious students who get jobs in all facets of life, and some of the friendliest locals you will ever find. This is almond country. You will see almond and fruit trees throughout the region.

 

Kendall Hall, Chico State University

 

 

But Chico is much more than a college town. Chico is a way of life. After graduation many students find the Chico laid back lifestyle. and sense of community a wonderful place to settle down. There is plenty to do indoors and outdoors.. Chico is the home of Super Bowl  MVP, Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers  and home to  the world famous, Sierra Nevada Brewery.

Great minds many times graduate from so called “party schools.”

Look at me, I have a  history degree with a minor in marketing. I had no idea what I would do with my life. I  spent summers in my first homeland of Greece, and did several Europe stints, and eventually backpacked around the world trip that would inspire me to create the cheap discount backpacker, ala Lonely Planet,  around the world airfare market in the U.S. , and now have been to over 80 countries. But through all my success, it was my four years in Chico where that molded me for the success that I am today. They say Chico is a town of innovation. I truly believe this. Chico creates entrepreneurs, just look at yours truly.  Going away to college I believe is a must for any kid and Chico is a great choice for a California higher education.

Chico is a wonderful town to get away with the family or to take a drive up with friends for a weekend of  swimming in the plethora of water options. The Sacramento River, Lake Oroville, One Mile, Upper Bidwell Park to name a few.

 

 

 Madison Bear Garden, A Chico Original

 

The famous college bar and restaurant right next to campus  is called Madison Bear Garden or simply “the bear” as it is known. The quintessential college bar and  burger joint. Great pub grub  for Chico State students.  I can’t believe that the bear is still around after all these years. Sit down for a burger and a beer.  Brings back many memories as I was at the Bear in early days.  Come and admire the crazy décor from deer heads to old car parts, old signs,  and other memorabilia  glued to the walls and hanging from the ceilings. You know that you’re in a college town when on the is a Jiffy Peanut Butter Burger on the menu. 31 years later, the Bear remains the same college hang out.

 

 

Matador Motel, on the Esplanade  in Chico, Ca.

 

My favorite place to stay is the old Matador Motel on the Esplanade. The old Motel has 40 rooms and is more like a Spanish Hacienda. Where else can you get a room with cable t.v. for $49.00. You just can’t beat it. The motel grounds are beautiful. It's old  mission style, and the architecture is wonderful. The Matador may not be the best place in town, but it has an old crusty charm. Bring your own soap and shampoo. This is the not the Marriott.

I would like to buy this old motel and give it some TLC and turn it into a boutique, A Joie de Vivre of Chico. They do have a small pool, great for kids as it is in a gated area. Some call it a dive. But many see beauty in the old Matador. And it’s close to downtown.

 

World Famous Sierra Nevada Brewery

 

The famous college bar and restaurant  right next to campus is called Madison Bear Garden or simply “the bear” as it is known. The quintessential college bar and  burger joint. Great pub grub  for Chico State students.  I can’t believe that the bear is still around after all these years. Sit down for a burger and a beer.  Brings back many memories as I was at the Bear in early days.  Come and admire the crazy décor from deer heads to old car parts, old signs,  and other memorabilia  glued to the walls and hanging from the ceilings. You know that you’re in a college town when on the menu  is a Jiffy Peanut Butter Burger on the menu. 31 years later, the Bear remains the same college hang out.

 

 

One Mile Recreational Area, Lower Bidwell Park

 

The real beauty of Chico is Bidwell Park. In Lower Bidwell  park is One Mile recreation area. A damned off, manmade, concrete pool built on Big Chico Creek. An outdoor swimming pool , three blocks from downtown Chico,  where one can lie out in the sun and jump into the cool pool. Perfect for younger children  as there is an shallow  area in the creek and pool. One can walk from town or bike to One Mile. In an easy to get to setting. Think Golden Gate Park in San Francisco with a large man made swimming pool. Great for a swim on  hot summer Chico days. Also Bidwell park is flat and easy to bike ride the 5 miles of this park where the movie Robin Hood was filmed. Bidwell Park was the scene of Sherwood Forest.