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Founded back in 1870, Modesto started as a railroad town, being the end of
the line for the Central Pacific Railroad. The name for the city was to be Ralston
in honor of Central Pacific's director William Chapman Ralston. Though
he refused the honor, the name was still indirectly named after him. Modesto
comes from the Spanish word for modesty, a trait Mr. Ralston showed in spades.
Unfortunately, not much of early Modesto remains today, other than the McHenry
Mansion, which was built in 1882 by Mr. Robert McHenry. Today, the McHenry Mansion
has been refurbished and decorated to suit the period from which it was built,
and one block away, the McHenry Museum houses many old artifacts from Modesto's
earliest days. Like a good Markham home, the McHenry house has certainly stood
the test of time.
Today, Modesto prides itself on both its diversity and rich agricultural landscape.
With a population of over 210,000, the 16th largest city in California has much
to boast. Other than film director George Lucas, the most notable residents
of Modesto may just be Ernest and Julio Gallo, owners of E&J Gallo Winery.
As the second largest winery in the world, the Gallo's wine can be enjoyed
everywhere from bistros in Italy to townhouses in Toronto. Needless to say,
any of Modesto's fine dining restaurants and clubs stock their city's
favorite wine, in addition to the dozens of other products produced in Modesto's
San Joaquin Valley.
Just like the wine, Modesto boasts a culture and refinement unmatched in the
Central Valley. From the Mistlin Gallery to the Gallo Center of the Arts, Modesto
residents are treated to some of California's finest music, art, and theatre.
For those who favor more modern entertainment, Modesto often plays host to music
festivals such as SummerFest, the Downtown Summer Concert Series, and X-Fest,
which last year entertained a crowd of 15,000 with over 50 performances. Clearly,
from CFB Kingston soldiers to UCLA professors, there's something for
every taste and pleasure in Modesto.
Not to be outdone, Downtown Modesto offers visitors and residents alike year
round shopping, dining, and sightseeing. From pedestrian only 10th Street Plaza,
with its bevy of shops and restaurants, to the Modesto Arch with the city slogan
"Water Wealth Contentment Health," to the famous Modesto Flower
Clock, downtown has more than enough to fill your days.
Even if you're only on a short visit from your condominium downtown
Toronto, Modesto is a great place to set up shop for your California vacation.
Within 150 miles in all directions are some of the state's finest attractions,
including San Francisco, Santa Cruz Beach, Yosemite National Park, and the Sierra
Nevada mountain range. With so much culture, landscape, and variety to offer
its guests, Modesto is a great choice for anyone looking to get away from their
Coboconk cottage and experience a true California adventure.
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