Bakersfield, California Entertainment & Adventure

Bakersfield is sometimes confused with Barstow, though the two cities are quite different in geography and culture. Bakersfield in the Central Valley is a very busy place, and quite popular for overnight stays and visits. In addition to its major highways providing the road access to move fruits, vegetables, and crops from the area to the distribution regions by truck, millions of tourists pass through Bakersfield on their California journeys.

Bakersfield is the preferred road stop for travelers because of its incredible selection of restaurants and hotels. Home to famous Country Western singers and performers, today you will find some world class concerts held in the city. There's no place in California providing this type of consistent entertainment in the Country Western music genre.

Bakersfield Sound is a term coined to represent the roots of country & western music rising out of the dust bowl era of the 1930's. Texas and Oklahoma were devastated by the lack of rain, turning their land literally into dust. When many packed up and moved west to California, they brought with them their country roots and the creation of the Bakersfield Sound, combining memories of the midwest and south with the new land's promise of better days. Often characterized as a crisp mix of guitar, drums, fiddle, and steel guitar, not like the studio production in Nashville heavily utilizing orchestra background, well-known Bakersfield Sound artists include Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and Don Rich. Buck Owens' Crystal Palace Buck includes world class C&W musicians throughout the year. Location: 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., Bakersfield, CA 93308, Phone: (661) 328-7560. buckowens.com

Events in Bakersfield have included a delightful Beer Festival. Bakersfield enjoys a rich heritage and many traditions celebrated in the city, with some sponsored by the municipality such as the Easter Egg Hunt and annual Halloween, plus the great Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and Earth Day CleanUps.

Affordable hotel chains include the name brands guests recognize for value.  You can push on when driving between places such as Yosemite National Park and L.A. but Bakersfield is worth a stop and a night out.