Fresno , General info:
9/10

Fresno is the sixth-largest city in California and the county seat of Fresno County, it is located in the centre of the expansive Central Valley, approximately 200 miles north of Los Angeles, and 170 miles south of the state capital, Sacramento.

Fresno , Cheap stuff:
9/10

Cheap B&B, hotels and wine.

Fresno , Different stuff:
10/10

Huntington Boulevard - Homes from the early 20th century line this boulevard in the heart of the historic Alta Vista Tract. The surrounding streets, Kerckhoff and Balch Avenues, have homes from the Arts and Crafts era which, like the downtown, are being renovated and brought back to their historic roots. During Christmas, the homes along the boulevard are adorned with lights and decorations. The nation's tallest living Christmas Tree, located at Huntington and 6th Street, is the highlight of the event.

Fresno , Don't miss:
10/10

Fresno Chaffee Zoo -can provide you fun, unique up-close experience that strengthens the bond between people and wildlife. It is home to approximately 125 species, with more always on the way.It is the only zoo in North America that currently houses Northland green geckos and Southern tent tortoises. Fresno Chaffee Zoo is also a home to 18 species that are part of the Species Survival Plan.

Fresno State Winery - produces a wide variety of wines from the most popular and well-known of wines such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to up-and-coming varieties like Syrah to lesser-known wines that are made in small batches.

Fresno , Food:
9/10

Restaurants in Fresno are among some of the best. With a wide variety of food to choose from, your only option is to enjoy your meal. Dine in an Italian restaurant or perhaps grab some Mexican food. The restaurants in Fresno offer a little bit of everything.

Fresno , Hotels:
9/10

Not a lot hotels to choose from, Piccadilly Inn Hotel is the best choise for big spenders.

Fresno , Safety:
10/10

Fresno crime rates are above national average.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Cheap stuff:
1/10

The local market survives - just, given the competition it faces (see above). In the markey one may buy artfully camouflaged poor-quality fruit and veg (that's produce), dodgy electrical goods, replacement hoses for old washing machines and, an exciting addition to the local retail experience, Polish foodstuffs.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Different stuff:
5/10

Stafford has in recent years become home to a large number of mostly young people from eastern Europe. They are quiet, polite, hardworking, healthy and attractive, and perform sterling service in local shops and farms. This failure to blend in with the locals has caused some comment. Mostly appreciative.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Don't miss:
6/10

Um. The open-air Shakespeare at the castle at the end of June is fun. Unless it rains. The park alongside the river has been replanted and developed and is rather pretty in the summer. Unless it's flooded.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Food:
2/10

Don't ask. There are no decent restaurants in Stafford. Although the cafe in Marks is OK.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Hotels:
3/10

The Swan, an old coaching inn, on the main street. There are others, but none that I'd consider. There's a more upmarket one in the village of Acton Trussel, a few miles out of town.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Safety:
7/10

If you're in any way vulnerable (ie. aged, young, drunk or drugged, lost), best to avoid walking around the small areas of suburban low-income housing on the outskirts of town. Gangs of amateurishly unpleasant children and youths might well give you a hard time, in between smashing the glass in bus shelters and gobbing on the few remaining public telephones. Also, the town centre after 8pm on a weekend evening is the rightful domain of the drunken British young adult. There are drunken assaults, there is vomit, there are loud and ugly voices. It's not pleasant. Other then that, no probs.