Baby, It's Warm Inside
Wreaths, twinkle lights, hot cocoa, and an abundance of scarves: Cold weather has finally descended upon Butte County. But while it may be cold outside, it’s warm inside, where you can find plenty to do across the county to keep the chill at bay and warm the spirits.
Enjoy Breakfast at Mug Shots Coffee House
Start off the chilly day with hot coffee or tea from Mug Shots Coffee House in Oroville to warm you up from the inside out. With a range of coffees and teas, locally made pastries, and a growing food menu, there’s a warm drink (or bite) for everyone to enjoy.
Explore Bolt's Antique Tool Museum
After coffee, spend the day exploring the various historical museums in Oroville. Start with Bolt's Antique Tool Museum, home to over 13,000 tools dating back to the 1820s and the only location of its kind in the world. The friendly and knowledgeable volunteer docents will be happy to answer any question as you explore the displays.
Learn at the Butte County Historical Museum
The Butte County Historical Museum focuses on the people of the county and tells the stories of the lives of people in Butte County from the early mining days to the present time, including the gold mining era, the filming of the 1940s “Robin Hood,” and native populations.
The Butte County Historical Society Museum in Oroville tells the stories of the lives of people in Butte County from the early mining days to the present time
Read moreSee Art Made at Orient & Flume Glass Studio
For something really warm, check out the glassblowing studio at Orient & Flume in Chico. A producer of fine art glass in Chico, the studio has been capturing nature’s inspiration in iridescent and crystal clear glass using both traditional and contemporary motifs since 1972. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and you can get a closer look at how it’s all made as the artists blow glass - call (530) 893-0373 for current hours.
Dine at Momona
For dinner, stop by Momona in Chico for a hot bowl of ramen. There, you can customize ramen or rice bowls, savor Hawaiian bao, and enjoy other Japanese-, Hawaiian-, and Taiwan-inspired items. You won’t want to have a single sip or bite of it to go to waste!
Experience Live Productions at El Rey Theater
After dinner, warm your spirits with some live performances at El Rey Theater. The historic landmark is California’s oldest cinema theater and located in the heart of Downtown Chico. Throughout the month, you can enjoy a variety of music, comedy, or dance performed at El Rey, so make sure to check out the events calendar to see what’s happening!
Learn at the Chico History Museum
If you’re interested in learning more about Chico, head on over to the Chico History Museum. Featuring exhibits on the “Evolving Chinese Temple” and “Chico Through Time,” this regional history museum will help you become a Chico expert!
Explore the Chico Air Museum
Willing to brave the cold? Head out to the Chico Air Museum at the Chico Municipal Airport to get up close and personal with jet- and propeller-driven aircraft in their Outdoor Museum. At their Indoor Museum, you can explore interesting artifacts, pictures, and historic displays as you warm up.
Warm Up with Dinner from Cocodine
After hanging out with aircrafts outside, you’ll want to head inside again for something warm, so check out Cocodine for authentic Thai food. The warm curries and grilled dishes will be sure to hit the spot on a cold evening.
Catch a Show at First Street Theatre
Return to Downtown Chico for a show at First Street Theatre. Run by California Regional Theatre, First Street Theatre hosts a range of live plays and musicals in an intimate setting on the second floor of a restored 1871 building. Enjoy a full bar and concessions for a perfect way to enjoy a night in the heart of Chico.
Enjoy a Sip at Argus Bar + Patio
If you’re not ready for the night to end and are looking for a nightcap, Argus Bar + Patio is a popular cocktail bar in Downtown Chico. They make amazing Gin Rickeys and mojitos as well as a wide variety of others. With food trucks on the weekends and frequent live music guests, Argus Bar + Patio is the place to savor a drink and stay warm inside while it’s cold outside.
