As we enter a season of coziness, family time, and hopefully a little more breathing room, with a new year ahead that naturally invites reflection, I cannot help but look back on all the adventures I had right here in Fresno. Exploring our city has become a way for me to stay grounded in the good t hings our hometown has to offer, and to make sure you know about them too. Over time, a few places have stood out not just as great first-time visits, but as spots I return to again and again. These are the local businesses I truly love and continue to support, and I hope you will give them a try as well. Reclaimed Mtn Goods This vintage store has become my favorite place to browse on a day off. Owner Lijah has a way of making you feel like you are not shopping, but instead popping over to a friend’s house where they are genuinely thrilled you stopped by. Her eye for curation, constant planning of fun in-store events, and hours that make it easy for busy folks to swing through all contribute to the experience. I love stopping in as often as possible, and there is always a new treasure waiting to be found. You can visit Reclaimed Mtn Goods on Business 41, just north of Fresno off the Children’s Avenue exit in Madera. They are open Thursday through Sunday, and you will definitely want to follow them on Instagram to stay up to date on their events. Mirror Coffee Though we have been going to Mirror for more than just 2025, it was still an absolute top favorite throughout this past year. Mirror Coffee pops up inside Moto Deli on Thursday and Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. Owner Katie Friesen roasts her own coffee beans and offers them for purchase, along with bottled drinks ready to grab and go. You can usually find those bottled drinks in the refrigerator case at Moto throughout the week, while supplies last. Katie’s espresso drinks are exceptionally smooth while still bold and rich, and her house-made syrups elevate every drink. My personal favorite is the warm, comforting five-spice, which I have been enjoying lately as a cortado, though it is also excellent as a latte. On Sunday mornings, Mirror partners with Walli Bakery to offer fresh pastries and often hosts Bold Bookshop as well, making it easy to leave with both a great coffee and a new book. Be sure to follow Mirror for the latest pop-up updates. Taqueria El Premio Mayor While we have tried many taco spots in Fresno, El Premio Mayor on Shields and Maroa remains our absolute favorite. Their tacos are consistently delicious, with well-seasoned meat, quick service, and generous portions. Depending on my appetite, two tacos can easily make a solid lunch, as they are piled high with meat and toppings. Tacos are served with grilled peppers and onions, along with raw onion, cilantro, cabbage, and a flavorful medium-spicy red salsa. You can also ask for the green salsa if you prefer something milder. Everything about them is just right, every single time. I have heard their burritos are incredible and have seen how massive they are, but I cannot bring myself to order anything other than tacos because I love them so much. El Premio Mayor is also opening a new location soon in the former Popeyes on McKinley and First, giving even more opportunities to enjoy their food. Trolley Park Trolley Park is a newer park located across from Ampersand Ice Cream near Fresno High on Echo Avenue. While it is a relatively small space, it is beautifully designed and thoughtfully laid out. The park features grassy areas, a playground, exercise equipment, a climbing rope, picnic tables, a Little Free Library, and a recently completed mural created through a collaborative community effort. The mural highlights the historic Fresno Trolley, the Fresno City College Old Administration Building, and Fresno High’s theater, all iconic pieces of our city’s history. It is a perfect spot to relax with an ice cream from Ampersand, a coffee from Mirror or Kuppa Joy, or a sandwich from Moto when the weather is nice. Fresno Chaffee Zoo We are incredibly lucky to have a world-class zoo right in the heart of our city. I loved the zoo as a child, but what it has grown into today is truly impressive. With the additions of the Africa and Asia exhibits, expanded children’s areas, and the many baby animals born over the past year, there is always something new to see. The zoo’s commitment to hosting inclusive events has also been a highlight. We recently attended a Sniffari night and were able to bring our dog Rookie along, who absolutely loved exploring the zoo with us. Between animal conservation efforts, public education, and genuinely fun experiences for the community, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and its team continue to do incredible work. Alright, my friends, those are my five favorite local spots of 2025. I would love to hear yours. Let us know in the comments, and bonus points if you introduce me to an amazing place I have not discovered yet. ...read more read less