On the prettiest day yet, we set out to discover something new. We began by dining at the highest rated Mexican restaurant, as rated on tripadvisor.com. La Cocina Economica was quirky and fun.

We ran into people who were keeping the streets tidy. The Downtown Ambassadors is a citizen engagement opportunity, where volunteers from the community contribute to a clean and safe Downtown. How very cool.
When I read about the Luminary Art Benches, I knew I wanted to see some very specific ones. It's hard to believe that a place created for bottoms could be a lesson in local history and a work of art. Various artists created tributes to world-renowned persons who either lived in Chico, at one time and went on to become famous, or who contributed to the character of the town in a significant way. Armed with a map and my navigator, Steve, we discovered many interesting works.
This awesome, artist rendered (concrete) log bench, on 3rd and Wall St, is a perfect symbol for John Muir, a friend of the Bidwells. In 1877, Muir joined John and Annie on a guided trek up Mt. Shasta. It was the first of many trips during their lifelong friendship. I love this timeline of Muir's life on the rings of the tree.

Susan B. Anthony, a friend of Annie Bidwell, had a bench adorned with her quotes and a letter she had written to her fellow suffragette with the closing, "Organize, agitate and educate." Right on girlfriend!
Astronomer Carolyn Spellman-Shoemaker, the most successful 'comet hunter' to date, grew up in Chico and graduated from Chico State. Out of this world!
Julia Morgan was California's first female architect who designed well over 700 buildings, many in Chico including the Albert E. Warrens Reception Center, below.
This home is occasionally referred to as the Julia Morgan house, a Classical Revival style. It was built in 1923 for Chico physician Daniel H. Moulton and his family. Around every corner, there is history to be discovered.
We traversed the same route as this mail carrier, and at one point we even shouted across the street to him that he was very dapper. I had to photograph him in front of the card store. It was an irony I was particularly tickled by.

As our rambling adventure comes to an end, we delight in all the unique sights we've seen and all the knowledge we've gained... and it was super fun.