Visit Visalia Announces Self-Guided Historic Tour of Early Visalia

A look back, and a look forward, at some of Visalia’s most historic sites

Visalia, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2019) - Visit Visalia is excited to announce “Visalia: Then and Now,” a self-guided walking tour of historic sites in downtown. Visitors will discover the city’s unique character as they explore interesting buildings and sites, and hear the story of our growth as told through the architecture of this vibrant and active Central Valley city.

“Visitors to our city will enjoy this unique tour that explores how these buildings began their lives and learn how they are still relevant today,” says Nellie Freeborn, Visit Visalia Executive Director. “We are pleased to add this self-guided tour to our mix of family friendly tourist activities.” 

The self-guided tour takes about one hour to complete; a little more if visitors stop along the way to enjoy a bite to eat in the old jail at Jack and Charlie’s, see a working locomotive light from Southern Pacific Locomotive Engine 612 while enjoying a drink at the Southern Pacific Depot Restaurant, or see a show at the Fox Theatre and marvel at the beautifully restored interior of the theatre. 

Through funding received from Kaweah Kollectors, the local chapter of The Questers, Visit Visalia created a fun and informative self-guided tour that helps visitors explore our history. Sites noted with the Questors logo in the brochure have been researched and marked with plaques by this volunteer organization. Local historian Terry Ommen also contributed through his many insights and photos.

Visitors can book their stay as well as find an electronic version of the “Visalia: Then & Now” brochure on our website at visitvisalia.com. Printed versions are available at our office at 112 E Main Street in downtown Visalia.

From its days as a wild west outpost to the vibrant cultural center is it today visitors will enjoy taking this walk through Visalia’s history.

Visalia Offers Self-guided Walking Tour of Early Visalia (PDF)

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ABOUT VISIT VISALIA:

Visit Visalia is a collaboration of the Visalia Tourism and Marketing District and the Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau (VCVB) dedicated to marketing, advertising, public relations and other promotional efforts that inspire travel to the City of Visalia. Visit Visalia works closely with local lodging properties, restaurants and attractions to foster interest in Visalia as a year-round destination for leisure, family, and meeting and convention travelers. For more information about Visit Visalia go to www.VisitVisalia.co and follow Visit Visalia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.

ABOUT KAWEAH KOLLECTORS:

The Kaweah Kollectors is the Visalia Chapter of International Questers. The organization supports the preservation and restoration of historic buildings, sites and antiquities.

Media Contact:

Suzanne Bianco, Tourism Marketing Director
Suzanne@VisitVisalia.com
(559) 334-0141