Local craft and gift shops, antique stores, jewelers, salons, clothing stores, furniture retailers and restaurants are additional reasons to explore downtown Tulare. In addition to being home to major retailers such as Kmart, Mervyn's and Wal-Mart, Tulare has the only factory outlet center in the region.

The Horizon Outlet Center, located right off 99, features more than 30 stores, offering consumers a broad selection of designer and brand-name merchandise at value prices. Visitors to the outlet center receive a personal welcome at The Tulare Welcome Center, located inside a restored railroad caboose. Staffed daily by volunteers, the Caboose is managed by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, and provides visitor information and tips - do pick up a copy of the brochure illustrating the city's cultural heritage and featuring a map of Tulare's historical murals.

Another great reason to stop at Tulare: comfortable lodging is available in Tulare at reasonable rates. Tulare has more than 600 motel rooms available to accommodate everyone from business travelers to couples and families on vacation.

Diners looking for affordable food will find many diverse choices. Local restaurants cover a wide range of ethnic choices, from traditional American to Mexican, Portuguese, Italian and Asian. There are several restaurants conveniently located in Tulare's downtown shopping district. Most are family owned, providing an informal, welcoming atmosphere that makes customers feel at home. And being at the center of one of the nation's top agricultural counties means that Tulare restaurants offer a bounty of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables.

There's more. Tulare is home to the World Ag Expo, the world's largest farm equipment and international exposition. That show, held at the International Agri-Center in Tulare over three days each February, attracts more than 1,500 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors from all over the world. Tulare agriculture is celebrated year-round at the Heritage Complex Ag Museum and Learning Center. Sports and outdoor recreation enthusiasts will find the best in skiing, hiking, fishing, kayaking, backpacking and whitewater rafting within an hour's drive from Tulare. In town, the Tulare Golf Course (located adjacent to the Heritage Complex), Elk Bayou Soccer Complex and Prosperity Sports Park offer great venues for play.

And finally, there are Tulare's unofficial travel ambassadors - its people. However you choose to spend time in this gateway destination, you're sure to encounter a friendly face eager to help out with directions or personal recommendations about his or her hometown.

Until then, the Tulare Chamber of Commerce Website is a great place to learn more; see the Info Box for contact details.

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