Surgical Artistry

When your day isn't going quite like you planned it and you need a bit of a pick me up to get you back on track, head to Empresso Coffeehouse. Located on the Miracle Mile, this is one of Stockton's favorite places to get a daily caffeine fix, but this unique coffee house offers much more. Choose from an excellent selection of frappes, espresso drinks, loose leaf teas, and delicious pastries. So when you're needing that extra bit of energy that only a good cup of coffee can give, opt for the impressive choices at Empresso!

Sometimes, art is best appreciated by just wandering from one exhibit to another and letting the visual impact of the work take hold of your senses. That is exactly what you can expect at Stockton's Haggin Museum. Featuring a balance between art and historic pieces, the Haggin does an impressive job of spotlighting the work of many notable American and European artists. The venue also encourages individual artistic expression with its many classes and seminars that are designed to deepen every visitor's appreciation and love for art.

Take a leisurely self-guided walking tour of Stockton's first historic district when you explore the Magnolia Historic District. This is not only a multidimensional history lesson of the city, but it also offers a chance to see some highly detailed and impressively constructed architecture. Some of the styles you'll see include Queen Anne, Eastlake, Bungalow, Craftsman, and Spanish Revival. These homes and buildings date back to the 1860s and the area still thrives thanks to the city's successful efforts at rehabilitation, restoration and adaptive reuse. The area is bounded by Harding Way, California Street, Park Street and El Dorado Street.

Get a more detailed view of not only the country's history but of California's dramatic past as well when you visit the Holt-Atherton Special Collections. It's almost like connecting the various pieces of the area's past when you view the museum's vintage photographs, artifacts and various exhibits that all tell the story of the American West. Also, don't miss seeing the incredible collection of manuscripts, books and other historical items.