First I can’t possibly overlook the one week in its entire history when Bakersfield became a tourist attraction. It boasted one tourist…Cristi Johnson. She came all the way from NYC to walk “the streets of Bakersfield.”
And walk them we did. The highlight reel of the week included sleeping under the (glow in the dark plastic) stars (on the ceiling) in the cowboy room with the awesome bed, being schooled in swimming by the Skinner fish, 
visiting the center of Bakersfield culture at the Crystal Palace where we were able to pay homage to the statue of Buck himself, 
visiting Dad’s power plant. (this was actually fascinating, I had no idea what a beast of an operation it is, it was also fun to see all the people over there treat Dad like a very big deal. I am sure he is grateful to those who saved him from getting a big head by providing a bit of a balancing environment at home.
We went to the Kern County Museum and had a blast exploring Bakersfield's old houses and oil industry.
Bryce took us rock climbing up in the canyon
we visited Edwards Cinema (because when we looked at all the guidebooks it was mentioned as one of the top three attractions).
we went to see the famous Bakersfield High School
Being the New Yorkers and world travelers that we are, Cristi and I know that in every great tourist town you can find a great walking tour of the Homes of the Noteworthy and Influential, I am glad to say, Bakersfield was no exception. This walking tour was guided by none other than Dad and his trusty rat on a leash. Fitting guides for Bakersfield I would say. He made sure that we got a long look at all the hot spots in Bakersfield. Cristi was noteably excited throughout. Here we passed the Stake President’s house who reportedly has NINE daughters and one son.
On this block there was a time when three mormon families shared the same Culdesac! (Parkers, Thomas and Mandelaires)
Here is the Eastdumfries house which was the scene of an evening of babysitting by two teenage boys. (David Morgan and Derrick Hayes) 
The current Relief Society President’s House. Don't be fooled by our guide's expression, he was doubtful of the sincerity of our excitement but his spirits were soon roused at the prospect of passing the famous Dennis Hayes' house.
Laurelglen Elementary. Nine Allred children graced its halls.
Dad’s new ankle socks were noticed and appreciated by the tourist.
And now without further ado....the famous Dennis Hayes' house. According to our guide this is pretty much the Mecca of the Bakersfield walking tour.
Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, we passed the Starkeys! Need I say more.
This is the home of the Fordhams who had the honor of being Home Taught by Roger Allred for 20 years (hence the 2 and 0 hand signs)
and this is the home of the current hometeaching family
The Selkirk house. The Allred family lived here in the early 1980's and it was here where Jessica received a Glow Worm on Christmas morning when all her 3 older sisters received Cabbage Patch dolls. The fit she threw earned her a cabbage patch doll and led to her mother giving the glow worm to her cousin Melody at which point Jessica thought "Sucka!!!"
The famous Becca Petersen's house. She is nothing short of legendary.
Score!!! He found a half-used roll of electric tape!
This car passed through the hands of three Allred children before being sold to the neighbor and is occasionaly mistakenly referred to as the "Mistake" instead of the Mystique.
After all the excitement of the walking tour, a fully clothed dip in the pool seemed only fitting.
The evidence is here, you decide, is Bakersfield a tourist attraction or not? I submit that it very well could be.
