Jon & Heidi's Guidebook
Food and Drink Scene in Exeter, Visalia, Tulare, and Three Rivers
Here you'll find our favorite breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drink recommendations. Make sure to check online for hours of operation. Happy eating!
This is our local fave! It's small, romantic, and the food and wine is top notch every time. Oftentimes you'll catch a solo musician serenading the patrons in the evenings. You can't go wrong with a visit to Monet's. Make sure to say hi to the owner Jen if you get a chance to meet her.
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Monets Wine Bistro
120 S E StThis is our local fave! It's small, romantic, and the food and wine is top notch every time. Oftentimes you'll catch a solo musician serenading the patrons in the evenings. You can't go wrong with a visit to Monet's. Make sure to say hi to the owner Jen if you get a chance to meet her.
We love Lafayette for the scene (the patio is to die for!), the music (life music most nights), the food (deeeelish!), and the Sunday morning brunch - bottomless mimosas!!!! The owner Fred Imbert is a transplant from France. He and his wife Ashley can be found most nights serving their guests and filling their glasses. And if you're a solo traveler the bar is a fabulous place to spend an evening.
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Cafe Lafayette
151 S E StWe love Lafayette for the scene (the patio is to die for!), the music (life music most nights), the food (deeeelish!), and the Sunday morning brunch - bottomless mimosas!!!! The owner Fred Imbert is a transplant from France. He and his wife Ashley can be found most nights serving their guests and filling their glasses. And if you're a solo traveler the bar is a fabulous place to spend an evening.
We love Frosty King for the cute outdoor casual flair. They have yummy American food (burgers, fries, shakes) and Mexican options as well! This is a great place for families with little kiddos (and don't forget your quarters for the toy machines out front!)
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Frosty King
279 E Pine StWe love Frosty King for the cute outdoor casual flair. They have yummy American food (burgers, fries, shakes) and Mexican options as well! This is a great place for families with little kiddos (and don't forget your quarters for the toy machines out front!)
VIP Pizza
180 E Pine StGrab a beer, a pizza pie, and catch a game at VIP!
If you're looking for a good country breakfast this is your place!
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Exeter Whistle Stop
401 E Pine StIf you're looking for a good country breakfast this is your place!
Alejandra's | Mexican Restaurant
449 E Pine StWe love Vallarta for the food, the casual atmosphere, and the friendly service. Vallarta is family-owned and a long-time staple of Exeter.
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Vallarta Restaurant
139 E Pine StWe love Vallarta for the food, the casual atmosphere, and the friendly service. Vallarta is family-owned and a long-time staple of Exeter.
Fabulous sushi in downtown Visalia! It’s a popular spot but we’ll worth the wait!
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Sushi Kuu
509 East Main StreetFabulous sushi in downtown Visalia! It’s a popular spot but we’ll worth the wait!
The best Taco Tuesday app's in downtown Visalia! They also have great food, a large selection of choices, and a super warm atmosphere. Great date night spot!
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Fugazzis
127 W Main StThe best Taco Tuesday app's in downtown Visalia! They also have great food, a large selection of choices, and a super warm atmosphere. Great date night spot!
Fantastic pizza, fun atmosphere, and great place to take the kiddos! They have a great beer menu too!
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The Planing Mill | Artisan Pizzeria
778 E Center AveFantastic pizza, fun atmosphere, and great place to take the kiddos! They have a great beer menu too!
Velasco's Mexican Food
123 West Main StreetSunday brunch in downtown Visalia! Absolutely!
El Tarasco Mexican Restaurant
208 W Main StAnother great Sunday Brunch locale!
Such a fun place to just hang out on their awesome patio with a beer (huge selection!) or grab some mediterranean food while you're at it! Family and group friendly but also a cool spot for a solo traveler.
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Pita Kabob Mediterranean Gastropub
227 N Court StSuch a fun place to just hang out on their awesome patio with a beer (huge selection!) or grab some mediterranean food while you're at it! Family and group friendly but also a cool spot for a solo traveler.
Our only rooftop bar in the county but it's awesome! Located at the Darling Hotel in downtown Visalia, they're known for their atmostphere, their creatively concocted mixed drinks, and the food! This restaurant is super popular so if you get a reservation you're lucky but it's worth a try!
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The Elderwood
210 North Court StreetOur only rooftop bar in the county but it's awesome! Located at the Darling Hotel in downtown Visalia, they're known for their atmostphere, their creatively concocted mixed drinks, and the food! This restaurant is super popular so if you get a reservation you're lucky but it's worth a try!
Bistro di Bufala
208 W Main StA fabulous Italian eatery with a cool downstairs bar.
Quesadilla Gorilla
302 W Main StThey do one thing and do it well!!!!
Suuuchhhh good italian food in Tulare! Great for families and groups!
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La Piazza | Ristorante Italiano
1600 East Tulare AvenueSuuuchhhh good italian food in Tulare! Great for families and groups!
Large portions, amazing salads and bbq to die for! Oh and ladies, they have an adorable gift shop inside as well.
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Bravo Farms Restaurant
1691 Retherford StLarge portions, amazing salads and bbq to die for! Oh and ladies, they have an adorable gift shop inside as well.
Our favorite little local brewery right in Downtown Exeter. They have a solid selection of beers on draft and always have local food trucks on site. Some nights they also offer live music.
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BellCraft Brew Co.
130 N E StOur favorite little local brewery right in Downtown Exeter. They have a solid selection of beers on draft and always have local food trucks on site. Some nights they also offer live music.
Located right next to Bellcraft Brew Co., the Rock Yard Tavern is open most evenings. Some nights you can catch live music and karaoke.
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Rock Yard Tavern
132 N E StLocated right next to Bellcraft Brew Co., the Rock Yard Tavern is open most evenings. Some nights you can catch live music and karaoke.
Stag Saloon
115 E Pine StIf you want a saloon, this is the place!
Our favorite Visalia Brewery. Indoor/outdoor seating, lots of space, great beer (amazing summertime beer slushies for the folks that want the option), and you can order food in or grab something from their on-site food truck in the back. Lots of live music many nights.
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BarrelHouse Brewing Visalia
521 E Main StOur favorite Visalia Brewery. Indoor/outdoor seating, lots of space, great beer (amazing summertime beer slushies for the folks that want the option), and you can order food in or grab something from their on-site food truck in the back. Lots of live music many nights.
Our favorite Three Rivers Brewery. It’s small, it’s relaxing, the outdoor seating area overlooks the river, a perfect spot to unwind and take in the scenery. They have a pupusa food truck on site but they also serve amazing burritos that aren’t on the menu. Cash only for the food truck. Oh and for those that don’t like beer they also serve wine.
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Three Rivers Brewing Co
41763 Sierra DrOur favorite Three Rivers Brewery. It’s small, it’s relaxing, the outdoor seating area overlooks the river, a perfect spot to unwind and take in the scenery. They have a pupusa food truck on site but they also serve amazing burritos that aren’t on the menu. Cash only for the food truck. Oh and for those that don’t like beer they also serve wine.
A fantastic restaurant located in Three Rivers. You’ll find lots of fresh seasonal ingredients on the menu. Great place!
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Buckaroo Diner/ ol Buckaroo
41695 Sierra DrA fantastic restaurant located in Three Rivers. You’ll find lots of fresh seasonal ingredients on the menu. Great place!
Very casual unassuming spot to grab a quick lunch, beer, wine on your way up to or down from the park. They have a fun gift shop and grocery items as well.
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Totem Market & Gifts
45186 Sierra DrVery casual unassuming spot to grab a quick lunch, beer, wine on your way up to or down from the park. They have a fun gift shop and grocery items as well.
Exeter Coffee Co., Inc.
123 N E StWho doesn’t love a local coffee shop? :)
Best candy/chocolate/ice cream shop! If you grab an ice cream, also see if you can snag an Adirondack chair on the deck overlooking the river at the back of their gift shop.
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Reimers Candies & Gifts
42375 Sierra DrBest candy/chocolate/ice cream shop! If you grab an ice cream, also see if you can snag an Adirondack chair on the deck overlooking the river at the back of their gift shop.
Three Rivers Yogurt
41727 Sierra DrYummy! Oh and they can get fancy!
Sequoia Coffee Co.
41669 Sierra DrGreat place to grab a quick bite and coffee in Three Rivers.
City/Town information
Check out www.visitvisalia.com for great info on the history of visalia, recommendations for road trips/scenic drives, downtown happenin's, family adventure recommendations, and info on our National Parks!
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Visalia
Check out www.visitvisalia.com for great info on the history of visalia, recommendations for road trips/scenic drives, downtown happenin's, family adventure recommendations, and info on our National Parks!
Visit www.threeriversvillage.com for awesome info on dining, nature outings, art, and shopping in this foothill town set at the entrance to Sequoia National Park.
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Three Rivers
Visit www.threeriversvillage.com for awesome info on dining, nature outings, art, and shopping in this foothill town set at the entrance to Sequoia National Park.
Go to www.exeterchamber.com to find out more about our sweet little town. Learn about our murals, dining/shopping options, and local upcoming events.
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Exeter
Go to www.exeterchamber.com to find out more about our sweet little town. Learn about our murals, dining/shopping options, and local upcoming events.
Sightseeing/Things to do
From hikes to bikes to leisurely drives and water sports, here is where you'll find info on places to go and things to see outside the National Parks
We love to spend a couple hours out here on weekends. There are ample trails to walk, amazing photo opportunities, great areas to picnic, and water to wade, canoe, SUP, or kayak on. TIP!!! If you already have a National Parks pass you can use it in lieu of paying the $5 daily parking charge.
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Slick Rock Recreation Area
39883 Sierra DrWe love to spend a couple hours out here on weekends. There are ample trails to walk, amazing photo opportunities, great areas to picnic, and water to wade, canoe, SUP, or kayak on. TIP!!! If you already have a National Parks pass you can use it in lieu of paying the $5 daily parking charge.
A beautiful place to visit on a clear cool day when the hills are green! Best time to visit - Feb through April but gorgeous nonetheless year round. There's a huge Frisbee Golf area out here, walking trails, and a really cool pond. There's also a covered picnic table set on a hill facing the mountains for those who wish to picnic and bask in the glory of the Sierra Nevadas.
Dry Creek Preserve - Sequoia Riverlands Trust
35220 Dry Creek DrA beautiful place to visit on a clear cool day when the hills are green! Best time to visit - Feb through April but gorgeous nonetheless year round. There's a huge Frisbee Golf area out here, walking trails, and a really cool pond. There's also a covered picnic table set on a hill facing the mountains for those who wish to picnic and bask in the glory of the Sierra Nevadas.
Our very own Rocky Hill scenic drive(take Rocky Hill Dr as far east as you can go) offers amazing views to the west overlooking Exeter and the ample surrounding agriculture and Yokohl Valley to the east. This is a fabulous location to drive, walk, cycle, or run. The photo opps are fantastic out here as well!
Rocky Hill Drive
Rocky Hill DriveOur very own Rocky Hill scenic drive(take Rocky Hill Dr as far east as you can go) offers amazing views to the west overlooking Exeter and the ample surrounding agriculture and Yokohl Valley to the east. This is a fabulous location to drive, walk, cycle, or run. The photo opps are fantastic out here as well!
Kaweah Marina has patio boats, fishing boats, aqua cycles, kayaks, and paddle boards available for rent. Call 559-579-2526 for patio boat reservations. For more info, check out www.kaweahmarina.com.
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Kaweah Marina
34467 Sierra DrKaweah Marina has patio boats, fishing boats, aqua cycles, kayaks, and paddle boards available for rent. Call 559-579-2526 for patio boat reservations. For more info, check out www.kaweahmarina.com.
Tulare Outlets
1407 Retherford StIf you're an outlet shopper, this is your place!
For the luxury theater experience, this is your place! Food, alcohol, and luxuriously spacious reclining seats.
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Galaxy Tulare 10
1575 Retherford StFor the luxury theater experience, this is your place! Food, alcohol, and luxuriously spacious reclining seats.
A popular place to hike and mountain bike in Three Rivers. It can be easy and fairly flat if you stay on the valley floor or you can hike the full 6+ mile loop or bike the many challenging trails. Make sure to go when it's cool outside. For more info check out alltrails and search for "Skyline Loop and Salt Creek Falls".
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Salt Creek BLM
44127-44139 Skyline DrA popular place to hike and mountain bike in Three Rivers. It can be easy and fairly flat if you stay on the valley floor or you can hike the full 6+ mile loop or bike the many challenging trails. Make sure to go when it's cool outside. For more info check out alltrails and search for "Skyline Loop and Salt Creek Falls".
Head to Exeter Hobbies to try your hand at their indoor off-road remote control race track!
Exeter Raceway & Hobbies
130 E Maple StHead to Exeter Hobbies to try your hand at their indoor off-road remote control race track!
Sequoia National Park Information
Below you'll find info on hikes, drives, tips, and dining options.
Check out Alltrails for more on these recommended hikes/drives!
Drives
-Generals Highway Scenic Drive
Easy hikes:
-Crescent Meadow Loop Trail
-General Sherman Tree Trail
-Congress Trail to Trail of the Sequoias
-Moro Rock Full Trail
Moderate hikes
-Moro Rock Trail (to the top!)
-Marble Falls Trail (great trail just beyond the entrance to the park!)
-Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail (great when there's water!)
-Congress Trail to Tharp's Log Trail
-Watchtower Trail
-Emerald Lake
-General Sherman Via Lodgepole
-Little Baldy Trail
Hard Hikes
-Heather, Emerald, and Pear Lakes
-Heather Lake via Watchtower Trail
-Middlefork Kaweah Falls from Hospital Rock
-Alta Peak
General Info:
-The visitor centers are a fantastic place to learn more about the parks and trees, grab maps, and purchase momentos.
- The drive from the park entrance in Three Rivers is very windy so be prepared if you tend toward car sickness.
-Stop for appetizers or a meal at Wuksachi Lodge
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Sequoia National Park
Check out Alltrails for more on these recommended hikes/drives!
Drives
-Generals Highway Scenic Drive
Easy hikes:
-Crescent Meadow Loop Trail
-General Sherman Tree Trail
-Congress Trail to Trail of the Sequoias
-Moro Rock Full Trail
Moderate hikes
-Moro Rock Trail (to the top!)
-Marble Falls Trail (great trail just beyond the entrance to the park!)
-Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail (great when there's water!)
-Congress Trail to Tharp's Log Trail
-Watchtower Trail
-Emerald Lake
-General Sherman Via Lodgepole
-Little Baldy Trail
Hard Hikes
-Heather, Emerald, and Pear Lakes
-Heather Lake via Watchtower Trail
-Middlefork Kaweah Falls from Hospital Rock
-Alta Peak
General Info:
-The visitor centers are a fantastic place to learn more about the parks and trees, grab maps, and purchase momentos.
- The drive from the park entrance in Three Rivers is very windy so be prepared if you tend toward car sickness.
-Stop for appetizers or a meal at Wuksachi Lodge
Kings Canyon National Parks
Hume Lake is a must-stop if you're visiting Kings Canyon. Here you can swim, spend a day at the lake on the sandy beach or on the large grassy lawn, rent canoes, SUP's, kayaks, and paddle boats, and hike the 2 mile loop around the lake.
There are ample food and drink options. From burgers to shakes to coffee and pizza, the Christian camp businesses on site is open to the public!
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Hume Lake
Hume Lake is a must-stop if you're visiting Kings Canyon. Here you can swim, spend a day at the lake on the sandy beach or on the large grassy lawn, rent canoes, SUP's, kayaks, and paddle boats, and hike the 2 mile loop around the lake.
There are ample food and drink options. From burgers to shakes to coffee and pizza, the Christian camp businesses on site is open to the public!