Don’t think of being ‘stuck in Lodi’

By Jennifer Pearson Bonnett
News-Sentinel staff writer

“Stuck in Lodi” may just be lyrics in a song by Credence Clearwater Revival, but it can be reality to someone young here for a week claiming there’s nothing to do.

From recreational activities and beautiful settings, to one-of-a-kind eateries and after-dark taverns, there’s plenty for the 20-something crowd to do — it just may take a careful look around.

Start out by renting a canoe or paddle boat to get across Lodi Lake, or don your walking shoes to see its outskirts by foot.

An established nature path on the northern side of the lake offers education and exercise, leading walkers on meandering paths from the edge of the lake to the connecting Mokelumne River.

Hour-long cruises on the river are also available from May through October. Call ahead for reservations at (209) 333-6890.

When you get hungry, come back to the city where there’s plenty to choose from.

Lodi eateries offer a rounded menu for food from nearly any culture.

Grab tempura at Matsuyama Sushi, 235 Lakewood Mall, or Chinese take-out at Chop Chop at 910 W. Lodi Ave.

If soup and sandwiches suit your tastes, try one of each at The Soup Laddle, 312 S. Fairmount Ave., or try Alexander’s Bakery and Delicatessen, 1100 W. Lodi Ave., where you can grab something sweet for dessert.

One of the best Mexican restaurants in Lodi is El Pajaro at 212 S. School St. where you can still get fajitas for less than $12. But then there is the Mazatlan Cafe, for those who say atmosphere isn’t important, but really good Mexican food is.

For an afternoon cup of tea or Java, head over to Tillie’s, 21 W. Pine St., or try Mocha My Day, 22 S. School St.

The Java Stop, a drive-through coffee shop at 321 S. Hutchins St., rivals Starbuck’s with its diverse hot and cold coffee drinks. Order a homemade muffin for a snack. But if your taste runs toward an old-fashioned, traditonal English high tea sitting, then the Tea Cottage, 317 W. Lodi Ave., is so perfect you’ll swear you can hear Big Ben chiming somewhere in the background.

When it comes time for dinner, make reservations and time to enjoy a long meal.

Formal restaurants where patrons can sip wine while whetting their tastes with an appetizer include Pietro’s Italian Restaurant, 317 E. Kettleman Lane, and Wine and Roses Country Inn and Restaurant, 2505 W. Turner Road.

When the sun dips below the horizon, grab your dancing shoes and head off to one of Lodi’s nightclubs.

In front of a large dance floor, a DJ spins salsa records at Antonio’s Latin Club, 710 S. Beckman Road.

The 20-something crowd also heads over to Legends, 27 W. Elm St., for live bands and livelier company. Drinks and dancing are optional.

The Pine Street Pub at 105 W. Pine St., which also caters to the younger crowd, is the place to go for pool or foosball.

So forget being stuck in Lodi; as a young traveler you just need to know where to look before being caught with nothing to do and the lyrics “stuck in Lodi” begin running through your mind.