There was no traffic on the way to work this morning. There was no line at Starbucks. There’s a kind of stillness in the air full of relief and anticipation. If you’re Chico living then these signs can only mean one thing: school’s out for summer! So now that it's unofficially summer in Chico, what's a person to do? Here are some ideas:

Take a Swim

As of today it’s officially hot, hot, hot! With Chico living, heat is always expected during the summer, but not yet! It’s tempting to just sit inside in front of an air conditioner sipping lemonade, but instead try taking a swim. The giant pool at One Mile is a good option and a lifeguard is always on duty. You could try the swimming holes at Upper Bidwell Park in Chico too, but be safe! Don't forget the sunscreen!

Check Out the CARD Calendar

The Chico Area Recreation District (CARD) offers some great summer classes, kid’s summer camps, and fun day trips. Have you ever wanted to learn to fence, tap dance or cook a Parisian meal? These are just a few of the many classes offered. Your child would love to explore the great outdoors at Camp Chi Da Ca… “oh….we’re from Chi Da Ca, our camp is a good one, we fight the mosquitos, they’re seven feet tall…” if you grew up living in Chico odds are you know this song!

Volunteer

Summer is a great opportunity to give some of your time back to the community. Consider volunteering at a local organization. If you like kids, try the Boys & Girls Club. If you like animals, the furry critters at the Butte Humane Society would love to have a friend take them for a walk. If you like special events, you can contact the Downtown Chico Business Association to see where you can help.

Thursday Night Market

The great thing about Chico living is that there is always something to do, especially in the summer! Every Thursday night through September is Thursday Night Market where you can stock up on plenty of fresh produce, get your favorite frozen yogurt flavor at Jon & Bon’s, and peruse local artisans and vendors. You can find much of the same at the Saturday morning Certified Farmer’s Market.

Friday Night Concerts

Every Friday night through September 6 attend the free Friday Night Concerts on the City Plaza in Downtown Chico to hear live music from local musicians. The wide range of styles – from reggae and rock, to swing and country and more – will suit any musical taste.

Enjoy Local Hangouts

Chico living gives you access to some unique places that you won’t find anywhere else. Meet a friend for lunch at local favorites T Bar or Bidwell Perk. Grab a new book to read at the Butte County Library or The Bookstore. See a movie at the Pageant Theater where you can watch quirky independent films you can’t always see in the big theaters.

 

You don’t have to take a big fancy vacation to have a good summer. Chico living offers you plenty of opportunities to make the next couple of months memorable. Happy Summer and we hope it’s funner!