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.
11 comments:
The two of you make Bakersfield seem like THE place to be.
I frequently go on that walking tour and it has never seemed that interesting. Thanks for livening the place up! I love the pictures and the commentary. You really should be a writer now that you have spare time.
I am offended that the former home of the Hawkins does not make the walking tour. Despite this obvious oversight that would have made the tour complete, I agree that Bakersfield is a tourist attraction.
This post brings me great joy. We are always so happy when you come, and so sad to see you leave. And we loved hanging with CHristy too.
And the walking tour- AWESOME!! Watch out Edwards Cinema, there's a new top tier attraction in town. Do you mind if I ask how much it cost??
laura
You are so funny! That post was THE BEST! You did things in Bakersfield that some of us only dream of (tour of the plant). Lucky you! I guess you have to be a real live tourist. The walking tour was hysterical. We have been taken on that tour many times when visiting the Allred home and we get the same run down of who lives where, etc. It really is fascinating. The pictures and Christy's obvious excitement make it even better. I'm glad you guys enjoyed Dad's heaven so much.
I am laughing so hard. That was AWESOME. Bakersfield is the classiest place on Earth. Also, my friends and I stole a bunch of those "Bakersfield - Life as it should be" signs last summer. Dad thinks I'm going to hell but I just couldn't pass it up. How classic is that hanging above your dining room table?
Okay, that was Tawna. Mom did not steal Bakersfield signs.
Thank you, Tawna, for clarifying that. I was shocked that you would post it. The lying about returning it isn't helping your chances either.
How did you post on my page when you don't even live in my house and couldn't get on a page that I left open?
Let me just say this about that...
1. One post does not complete the blogger repentence process.
2. Congratulations on this first step, however.
3. The photo of the power plant did not have enough power plant. Try www.mtposo.com
4. I am a big deal.
5. Bakersfield has so many attractions. We were glad that Cristi got to see some of them.
6. We would love to host more of Jessica's friends, but referring to Piko The Wonderdog as a "rat on a leash" is no way to ingratiate oneself to the tour guide.
7. I did not realize that the Glow Worm incident had such a negative impact on your psyche.
8. You forgot to take a picture of the house of my home teaching family that won't let me come and see them.
9. You did not mention that Bakersfield is the epicenter of sanity in a stupid State. We don't vote for Socialists and we do vote to protect marriage.
10. Bakersfield - Life As It Should Be.
This could be my all time favorite post. So many memories and so many laughs.
Notable attractions in downtown Bakersfield include the Rabobank Arena, the McMurtrey Aquatic Center, the Hotel Padre building, the Bakersfield Museum of Art, the Fox Theater, and a nightlife district centered around 19th Street and Wall Street Alley.
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