Hanging out in Lodi on just a little, or even no money at all

It could truly be that the days of being “Stuck in Lodi,” as John Fogerty sang about with Creedence Clearwater Revival, are gone. Fogerty’s famous tune about being stuck in Lodi was written back in 1969, and this once sleepy little town has incurred many changes in the 27 years since.

Yes, Fogerty’s hit was written pre-Starbucks (Lodi has two, now) pre-Stadium 12 Theater, and pre-skate park, among other changes.

Now it is 2005, and the Lodi News-Sentinel’s Discovery visitors guide is filled with specific information on everything from dining and golf courses to wine grapes and wineries. But what if you just feel like “hanging out,” keeping it low-key and perhaps spending just a little or even no money?

You’ll be glad to know there are many opportunities in the Lodi area that allow you to have fun, relax, get outside and conquer the boredom bug, all without spending much at all.

One thing the city proudly offers Lodi residents is parks (there are currently 23 parks split between Lodi and Galt) with 14 of them right here in town.

These include everything from parks to have picnics in, playgrounds to play on, and pools to swim in. (Here’s an overlooked tip on park information for you: The area’s phone book, the Valley Yellow Pages, has every park listed in alphabetical order, and lists every feature available at the park.)

Some local favorites include the huge Beckman Park on Century Blvd. and Ham Lane and the often people-packed Legion Park on Hutchins and Vine streets.

Beckman Park has playground facilities, soccer fields and many giant trees under which to escape the Lodi summer sun. A portion of the park also is a dog park, which is a fantastic feature for you pet people.

Legion Park, offers great amenities from playground area and picnic tables, to basketball and lighted tennis courts. And hey, just how many places can you play on lighted tennis courts for free any more?

For just the cost of parking, Lodi Lake is a true gem of Lodi, and also just for the cost of parking, Micke Grove Park is a truly cool park with tons to do.

You can hang out and sun yourself into a pink shade of bliss at the Lodi Lake beach for a very nominal cost. Walk the beautiful, serene nature trails; ride paddle boats or rent a kayak; and yes, you can even try your luck with a fishing pole.

Micke Grove is a more elaborate park features-wise, but it won’t cost you that much more to play there. The park features everything from Japanese gardens, museums, amusement park type rides for kids, softball fields, barbecue facilities and even a zoo! And, the cost of each attraction is very affordable.

As mentioned at the top of the article, there are now two Starbucks coffee shops in town (one on west Kettleman Lane and one on School Street), and many people practically rent space there for the price of a cup of coffee or a cappuccino.

However, don’t overlook the idea of trying something local. Lodi offers coffee connoisseurs several reasons to sip in local style, with House of Coffees on Ham Lane, Field of Beans on Lodi Avenue, and Tillie’s Coffee, Tea, etc., on Pine Street downtown.

And let’s not forget those who prefer to get a coffee (or dozens of other beverages) and hang out at some other venue of choice. For you, the Java Stop and Coffee Roasting Company on Hutchins Street is the perfect local drive-thru of choice.

If you brought your mountain bikes along with you (or have family here that has bikes) a cruise out along the many irrigation canals is a nice escape from Lodi’s “bustling” city life.

Pack a lunch, or take a good old-fashioned picnic along in your backpack. You can usually find a nice shady spot near the canal, and in the evening there is almost always a cooling breeze blowing.

The canals and surrounding vineyards and agricultural lands are scenic, but just make sure to stay out of the canals and obey any signs pertaining to trespassing.

And make sure you watch for thorns! Riding along the canals is fun and relaxing, but be sure you’re tires are either puncture resistant, self-patching, or be sure to take a tire patch kit and pump. (Trust me — this writer and his wife have incurred many-a-thorn, many-a-time. But the pleasure of the ride keeps us going back.)

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