Modesto
The Great Valley Museum has habitat displays pertaining to California's Central Valley, a native plant garden and live animal exhibits. It's located in the Science Community Center building, 2201 Blue Gum Ave., on the Modesto Junior College West Campus. Phone (209) 575-6196.
George Lucas Plaza, at Downey Street, McHenry Avenue and 17th and J streets, salutes native son and filmmaker George Lucas, whose 1973 film “American Graffiti” was an evocative, music-filled reverie recalling the times he spent cruising the streets of his hometown in the early 1960s. A statue in the plaza depicts two teenagers leaning against a '57 Chevrolet.
Visitor Centers
Modesto Convention and Visitors Bureau 1000 L St. Modesto, CA 95354. Phone:(209)526-5588 or (888)640-8467
Shopping
Vintage Faire Mall, off the SR 99 Standiford/Beckwith exit between Sisk and Dale roads, has anchors JCPenney, Macy's and Sears plus some 125 other stores.