Bakersfield

I am from Bakersfield California and am in a love/hate relationship with it. It was a great town to grow up in, but looking back I can't help to make fun of it.

First off, we have one of the worst air qualities in the country. According to an SF Gate Article, Bakersfield, CA is number 2 out of 25 of the cities with the worst air pollution, number 1 out of 25 of the cities with the worst air pollution long term particulates. Great to know that a town some of never heard of is on a list for having bad quality. I was immune to it as a kid, but now as I go back to visit from college, the air gives me headaches. Not to mention the heat Bakersfield gets in the summer. In the past couple summers, we have had temperatures reach over 100 and sometimes even over 110! That is just way too hot! And that is why I spend a majority of my summer indoors or away from Bakersfield.

Do not get me wrong, there are still some great things about Bakersfield. Like our 10sonics that everyone from my high school went to after school for happy hour. Seriously from 2-4, half off any drink. That is one amazing deal! And our amazing family owned old fashioned ice cream parlor, Dewars. Dewars has amazing ice cream and the most delicious taffy chews I have ever eaten. It has been apart of the Bakersfield tradition since 1909 when Grandpa Dewar opened its doors. If any of you are passing through Bakersfield ever, I recommend stopping at Dewars and trying a black and white and a handful of their chews(which come in flavors caramel, peppermint, almond, chocolate almond and peanut butter)Seriously, once you try once of these candies, you will never be able to eat another taffy again.

So air quality and heat aside, Bakersfield can have some great things. The heat and air quality are totally worth it, only if you can stop by Dewars Ice Cream and Candy Shop.