Home to over 215,000 Californians, Modesto sits in the Central Valley. With proximity to major cities and Yosemite National Park, Modesto is a small city with great opportunities. Modest is the sixth-largest farming community in California, and much of its economy and history is rooted in agriculture.

Originally a stop on the railroad between Sacramento and Los Angeles, Modesto was founded in 1870. On preliminary maps, it was named "Ralston" in honor of William C. Ralston, a San Francisco banker who was involved with the railroad. Ralston, however, asked that the city be renamed. Modesto was chosen in honor of his modesty. Modesto was a key supplier of canned goods and powdered milk to the Armed and Allied forces during WWII. With such rich farmland, the city's population grew steadily throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

The importance of farmland has not waned. Today, the Central Valley and Modesto value farm-to-table dining. One of locals' favorite places is Concetta, which has a great atmosphere and delicious small plates to share. Table 26 is another favorite, serving up steaks and seafood on a beautiful patio. A different type of farm-to-table, but equally as loved, is the wine. Gallo Family Vineyards, established in 1933, is the largest private winery in the world.

In between meals, there's many historical sites to check out, including the McHenry Mansion. Built in 1883, the mansion changed hands within the McHenry family many times before eventually becoming a sanitorium in 1919. The mansion has since been restored to its original state and is open for tours, but be careful - the property is rumored to be haunted. While many historic properties acorss Modesto have been lost, you can still see the original city boundaries when adventuring through DoMo.

Modesto's arts programs are all rooted in the early 20th century as well. The Modesto Symphony Orchestra played its first show in 1931, and the MoBand did so in 1919. The MoBand performs free concerts every summer at the Mancini Bowl. Frequenting Modesto events, Ballet Folklorico Group shares Mexican culture and tradition through music and dance. Some of these events include Graffiti Summer, bringing classic cars and concerts downtown. You can also catch a movie at Graceada Park and Drive-In, or enjoy music in the DoMo plaza.

Many of Modesto's events take place in one of the city's 76 parks. For a nice walk or bike ride, Day Creek Regional Park is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon. Sanders Park is ideal for kids as it boasts a splash pad and playgrounds. The park system also includes tennis courts, ball fields, picnic sites, and over five hundred acres of turf. With mild winters and hot summers, nearly every day is a great one for an outdoor adventure.

The weather is also great for thriving plant life. Named a "Tree City U.S.A." by the Arbor Day Foundation, Modesto is recognized for its commitment to urban forestry and healthy arbors. With such beautiful areas throughout your city, you want to be sure your grasses and plants are up to par. For professional help, contact LawnStarter. We are the area's premier provider of landscaping, and do everything from routine mowing to complete redesigns. All you need to do is download the simple LawnStarter app, enter your ZIP, and set your preferences. LawnStarter will match you with the right professional for your needs, and you can get back to DoMo.