Visit this map above for a list of independent and locally-owned businesses in the central San Joaquin Valley. We seeded the list, but it is open to the public for editing and additions. Check back for more options or add your own favorites. Here's our May 23 blog posting for more on this map and how to add your own choices.
We started this project of listing independent and local businesses because, as we all know or should know, shopping local keeps more money in the community. It also encourages risk-takers, go-getters and can-doers. We'll highlight and add annotations here to a few of our absolute very personal favorites:
An 86,000-square-foot "full-service, full-line" hardware store, this Valley landmark (since 1876!) is worth supporting for its idiosyncratic products and old-fashioned customer-service feel. We love browsing the long, unpretentious aisles and garden section. Added plus? Don Pepe's Taqueria is just a short walk across the hot asphalt parking lot. Almost a complete itinerary for a Sunday afternoon.
This University-run farm market sells products that are "harvested, processed, produced, and/or created by Fresno State students." Go there for produce, ice cream, sausage, wine and preserves. Availability varies by season.
This microbrewery in Historic Chinatown offers original brews, mead wine and local live music in a cool, warehouse setting. Last we visited, they had limited food options, but we recommend complementing the beers with nearby Chris' Meat Market for cheap eats tacos.