It’s pretty much unanimous that everyone wants to get out of Bakersfield.
There’s nothing to do in this town, it’s hot, it’s boring; insert complaint about Bakersfield here.
In all honesty, if you take a look at what Bakersfield has to offer, one could conclude that if you are involved and informed, there is an overabundance of things you can do.
For example, downtown Bakersfield, and to be more specific, downtown on or around Chester, the Highway 178 downtown area, has a lot to offer.
Despite popular misconceptions about downtown Bakersfield, there are tons of things that go on there. There is music, art, theater, dancing, high fashion, food, and what most know downtown for, bars.
One of the biggest attractions downtown would have to be the local music scene. Restaurants and bars have really opened up to booking shows and offer music as well as a place to eat and drink.
All ages are welcomed to places like Jerry’s Pizza where many now famous bands have played. The Gate, Studio 99, The Back Stage, The Dome, which is now booking shows like there’s no tomorrow and The Spotlight Theater, where not bands play and theatrical performances are held on a regular basis.
For those that are able to enjoy intoxicating evenings on the town, there is Sandrinis, Riley’s Tavern, The Silver Fox, The Nile, The Mint, The Syndicate Lounge, Azul’s and Fishlips that all offer live music, food and entertainment.
There are many places not mentioned here, but the point is that Bakersfield has plenty to offer and in just this tiny area.
The only thing that is a problem for these downtown entrepreneurs is marketing, as these places do not advertise what they have to offer and it leaves residents clueless.
Businesses open offering things that are in high demand and expect us to flock to their doors without notification, but it’s just not going to happen.
Not only is advertising rare, but parking is a nuisance. It’s never close to where you want to go, and the parking structures are less than inviting. Then again, if you’re going to go downtown for a drink, it may be better to take a cab anyway.
Bakersfield has a lot to offer. Sure, it’s not Los Angeles, it probably never will be, but for what it is it’s pretty accommodating to people of all ages.
If the city would work with downtown business owners in a plan to make these attractions more accessible and the business owner would advertise, downtown could possibly be one of the best places to go out and enjoy the company of friends.