John Elk III
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park

Fluffy pink and white blooms of almond, kiwi, and prune orchards encircle the town. Catch the season’s finale — as well as the just-emerging lupines and poppies — on your drive in, then hop out at Bidwell Park to stretch your legs along 70 miles of trails. Pull into the One Mile Recreation Area in Lower Bidwell Park for a stroll, cycle, or — for the daring only — a chilly dip in the swimming hole, not yet warmed by the summer sun.

At an impressive 3,670 acres, Bidwell is one of the largest city parks in the United States. Upper Bidwell (west of Manzanita Avenue) is hilly and Lower Bidwell (east of Manzanita), flat. Rent some wheels at Campus Bicycles and head for the Annie Bidwell Trail, a moderate 4.7-mile loop in a quiet section of Upper Bidwell. Nearby is Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park — tour the 19th-century three-story, 26-room home of city founders John and Annie Bidwell.

Later, down the Esplanade (rhymes with lemonade—if you want to fit in), savor a dinner at the elegant Red Tavern. Cap the evening at the Blue Room Theatre, currently running a comedy with historic heavy hitters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Machiavelli. What could be funny about that? You’ll have to get seats and see.

Douglas Keister
Softball in Lower Bidwell Park

• Campus Bicycles. Trail maps available. Rentals from $20 for 4 hours. 330 Main St.; www.campusbicycles.com or 530/345-2081.

• Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Fifty-minute tours begin on the hour. 12–4 Wed–Fri, 10–4 Sat–Sun; $2. 525 Esplanade; www.parks.ca.gov or 530/895-6144.

• Red Tavern. $$; dinner Mon–Sat. 1250 Esplanade; www.redtavern.com or 530/894-3463.

• Blue Room Theatre. Daedalus runs Thu–Sun Apr 6–23; tickets from $6; reservations recommended. 139 W. First St.; www.blueroomtheatre.com or 530/895-3749.