Experience in Visalia, United States by Rachel

What is it like to live in Visalia? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

The pace of life in Visalia is slower and more relaxed than other areas of California. The main industry is agriculture,so there's many farmers and ag workers living here. There's also a large population of immigrants from Asia and Mexico, which makes for a really diverse food scene. The landscape is lovely in the spring, with everything blooming and the mountains clearly in view. The town is about half an hour from the Sierra Nevada foothills, and about an hour and a half to get into the mountains. It's definitely worth the drive to visit the Sequoia or Kings Canyon national parks, which are well-known for their huge, ancient forests.

What is the student lifestyle like in Visalia?

There's a small number of students here, mostly attending College of the Sequoias.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is really diverse! Definitely try some tacos, horchata, lumpia, boba. Fresh produce is readily available at the farmers' markets. If you are in town during spring, try and find one of the small strawberry stands around town; they have the sweetest strawberries you've ever had!

What places would you recommend visiting in Visalia?

The downtown area has a cute, small-town vibe with lots of local shops.

Is it good to eat out in Visalia? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Javi's Tacos, Component Coffee, Sushi Kuu, Mama K's. The farmers' markets on Thursday night and Saturday morning often have local food vendors that are worth trying.

Is the nightlife good in Visalia? Where is good to go?

I've heard the Cellar Door often has good live music. Plays, concerts, and recitals are frequently put on by the COS performance departments.