It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Modesto Arch gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Modesto, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Moose Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Dewz Restaurant or visit McHenry Mansion Visitors Center, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Modesto, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Modesto, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Modesto, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Modesto’s population signs can’t seem to agree.Depending on which road you take into town, one sign marks the city’s size at 201,165 residents, and another boasts 203,300 residents.Why do Modesto population signs show different numbers? And how many residents does the city actually have?The Modesto Bee reached out to city and state officials to find out.The Modesto population sign on the side of Highway 99 as you enter the city indicates that the city has 201,165 residents.This ...
Modesto’s population signs can’t seem to agree.
Depending on which road you take into town, one sign marks the city’s size at 201,165 residents, and another boasts 203,300 residents.
Why do Modesto population signs show different numbers? And how many residents does the city actually have?
The Modesto Bee reached out to city and state officials to find out.
The Modesto population sign on the side of Highway 99 as you enter the city indicates that the city has 201,165 residents.
This data is from 2010, according to the city of Modesto’s website.
The Modesto population sign at the crossroads of El Vista Avenue and Yosemite Boulevard indicates that the city has 203,300 residents.
By the time the 2020 U.S. Census was conducted, Modesto’s population had grown to 215,196 people.
According to the most recent data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau in July 2023, Modesto now has an estimated population of about 218,915 residents.
Modesto’s population signs reflect figures from the 2010 U.S. Census, making them more than a decade out of date.
City spokeswoman Sonya Severo said the population signs are on roads maintained by the California Department of Transportation.
According to California’s Streets and Highways Code, Caltrans is responsible for placing road signs at state highway entry points, including city and town limits.
These signs will display the city’s or town’s name, population and elevation, the law says.
The public information office for Caltrans’ District 10 said that city limit road signs will be replaced only upon the city’s request, following a significant population change confirmed by a federal census and if no request has been made in the past five years, as outlined in state code.
Rite Aid has announced a new wave of store closures nationwide after filing for bankruptcy for a second time on May 5.According to recent court filings, several locations in California — including two in the Modesto area — are set to close.Statewide closures will impact locations across the region, includin...
Rite Aid has announced a new wave of store closures nationwide after filing for bankruptcy for a second time on May 5.
According to recent court filings, several locations in California — including two in the Modesto area — are set to close.
Statewide closures will impact locations across the region, including a store in Fresno, a location near Merced and five locations in the Sacramento area.
The Philadelphia-based pharmacy chain initially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2023.
In a news release from May 5, Rite Aid CEO Matt Schroeder said, the company has been facing “financial challenges, intensified by the rapidly evolving retail and health care landscapes.”
“As we move forward, our key priorities are ensuring uninterrupted pharmacy services for our customers and preserving jobs for as many associates as possible,” Schroeder said in the news release.
Here’s which Rite Aid locations will remain open — and which will close — amid bankruptcy filings:
Rite Aid is a national pharmacy chain that began in 1962 as Thrift D Discount Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania, according to the company’s website.
Along with in-store pharmacies, Rite Aid locations sell over-the-counter medications, vitamins, beauty products and household essentials.
Rite Aid currently has 347 locations in California, including two stores in Modesto.
Out of the pharmacy chain’s eight locations in the Modesto area, two Rite Aid stores are set to close, according to court documents.
These Rite Aid locations are expected to shut their doors:
1300 West F St., Oakdale
1710 California St., Escalon
In a letter to its customers from May 5, Rite Aid said, “stores will remain open and operating for the next few months where you can continue to access pharmacy services and products in stores and online, including prescriptions and immunizations.”
The timeline of the store closures is still unclear and subject to change, according to court documents.
According to court documents, the following Rite Aid stores will remain open for now:
In an FAQ released by Rite Aid regarding its bankruptcy, the company said it will continue to serve customers.
“We are committed to delivering the leading health care products and services that you expect from us,” the company said. “You can still find what you are looking for at our stores and fill your prescriptions at our pharmacies.”
As of Tuesday, June 3, Rite Aid said that customers can still fill and pick up their prescriptions at the pharmacies scheduled to close.
It’s time to dig deep into spring fun as May brings some of the greater Modesto region’s larger festivals and celebrations.Among the highlights are Modesto Porchfest, which draws the community to neighborhoods for a day of outdoor music at several homes.Also planned are Cinco de Mayo celebrations, the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee and the Central Valley Brewfest.Here’s a look at some of what’s planned in the greater Modesto region for May:CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION &nda...
It’s time to dig deep into spring fun as May brings some of the greater Modesto region’s larger festivals and celebrations.
Among the highlights are Modesto Porchfest, which draws the community to neighborhoods for a day of outdoor music at several homes.
Also planned are Cinco de Mayo celebrations, the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee and the Central Valley Brewfest.
Here’s a look at some of what’s planned in the greater Modesto region for May:
CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION – May 2: The West Modesto Community Collaborative holds a Cinco de Mayo event with food, live entertainment and speakers. Proceeds benefit the group’s farmworker outreach and services. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 601 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Modesto. $25. 209-522-6902.
YUPUP KIDS FEST BALL GAME BASH – May 2: The festival will be held before the Modesto Nuts game. Activities include bounce houses, character meet-and-greets, face painting and more. 4:40 p.m. for festival, which is free, but tickets required at YupUp: Local Deals & Rewards. Game vs. San Jose Giants at 6:40 p.m. Game tickets separate, $11-$17. John Thurman Field, 601 Neece Drive, Modesto.
CINCO DE MAYO PARADE AND CELEBRATION – May 3: South Modesto Businesses United presents its annual parade on Crows Landing Road celebrating the “Day of the Battle of Puebla.” The parade is set to begin at 11 a.m. on Crows Landing Road, Modesto. Free. For more information or to participate in the parade, call 209-566-2300. www.smbu.net.
CERES STREET FAIRE – May 3-4: Entertainment, car and RV shows, food vendors and more. A classic car show is Saturday, a lowrider car show is Sunday. Festival hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Downtown Ceres. Free. www.cereschamberofcommerce.org/events/ceres-street-faire-2.
CAFE SHALOM – May 4: Celebration of Jewish food and culture with food, music, bake sale, gift shop and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom, 1705 Sherwood Ave., Modesto. $25 in advance, $30 at the door, $15 ages 4-10, free age 3 and under. www.cbsmodesto.org.
MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU – May 4: Modesto native George Lucas’ “Star Wars” film saga will be celebrated. Planned are a lightsaber show, Death Star piñata, live music, vendors and more. Guest will be Andrew C. Nelson, who was among the actors who played Darth Vader. 4-9 p.m. Tenth Street Plaza, Modesto. Free. www.downtown-modesto.com/events/may-the-fourth-be-with-you-1.
CENTRAL VALLEY BREWFEST – May 10: More than 150 brews to sample, along with art and music. There will be a VIP wine sampling tent from noon-1 p.m., featuring a Pink Boots Society collaboration brew. Nonprofit Pink Boots Inc. raises funds to support women in the beverage industry. Must be 21 or older to attend the festival, which runs 1-5 p.m. Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway. $45 in advance, $55 at the door if still available; VIP tickets $65, in advance only. Designated-driver tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. www.cvbrewfest.com.
MOTHER LODE ROUNDUP – May 10-11: Parade and rodeos sponsored by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse. Parade Saturday at 10 a.m. in downtown Sonora. Saturday and Sunday rodeos at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds, 220 Southgate Drive, Sonora, beginning at 2 p.m. Kiddie rodeo 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Rodeo tickets $25; $10 ages 7-12, free for age 6 and under. www.motherloderoundup.com.
COLUMBIA DIGGINS 1852 — May 15-18: Columbia State Historic Park’s annual living-history event features 150 costumed volunteers. Visitors experience an 1852 mining camp re-created with period clothing and activities. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. $10 general, free for age 17 and under. Diggins Tent Town (near the main parking lot). www.parks.ca.gov/Columbia.
CALAVERAS COUNTY FAIR AND JUMPING FROG JUBILEE – May 15-18: Frogs will be hopping in contests at this annual fest. The fair also offers a carnival, food, entertainment, rodeo, destruction derby, livestock, vendors and more. Festival hours 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday; 8 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday; 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday. Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 2465 Gun Club Road, Angels Camp. $13-$18. www.frogtown.org.
MODESTO PORCHFEST — May 18: More than 65 stages will be set up throughout the La Loma, College and downtown neighborhoods with homeowners hosting bands on porch, patio and driveway stages. Noon-5 p.m. Free, with tip jars available to benefit the musicians. www.modestoporchfest.com.
ARNOLD PEDDLERS FAIRE – May 24-25: The fair returns to the Mother Lode community of Arnold with around 65 booths featuring antiques, collectibles, art, crafts, food and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Bristol’s Café parking lot, 961 Highway 4, Arnold. www.mymotherlode.com/community/events/arnold-spring-peddlers-fair.
BIKE N’ TRIKE – May 31: The Modesto Children’s Museum will hold a community ride beginning at 8:30 a.m. The ride will travel along the Virginia Corridor to Roosevelt Park. There will be a celebration at the park with food, hands-on activities and more. Registration is $10. www.modestochildrensmuseum.org.
Time really does fly.It’s hard to believe that a full year has passed since I kicked off The Modesto Bee’s “On A Budget” series exploring affordable fun and budget-friendly adventures around Stanislaus County.I still remember the excitement of browsing for books and sipping tea atmy very first stop — Bookish, a charming bookstore tucked into Modesto’s Roseburg Square — in April 2024....
Time really does fly.
It’s hard to believe that a full year has passed since I kicked off The Modesto Bee’s “On A Budget” series exploring affordable fun and budget-friendly adventures around Stanislaus County.
I still remember the excitement of browsing for books and sipping tea atmy very first stop — Bookish, a charming bookstore tucked into Modesto’s Roseburg Square — in April 2024.
Believe it or not, the flier I got with my purchase that day remains my go-to bookmark.
Now, a year later, I thought it’d be the perfect time to take a stroll down memory lane.
Here’s a look back at some of my favorite spots in and around Modesto that I’ve visited on a $20 budget:
Bookish will always hold a special place in my heart as the first stop in The Bee’s On a Budget series.
The shop at 811 W. Roseburg Ave. in Modesto offers a maze of bookshelves filled with a variety of books, from memoirs and mysteries to fantasy and romance. New books typically range from $12 to $40, but I stuck to browsing used titles, which start at just $2.
During my visit, I picked up a preowned copy of mystery novel “The Drowning Girls” by Paula Treick DeBoard for $12.
The shop also sells snacks, including chips, cookies and canned teas, along with trinkets such as bookmarks, stickers and journals.
I grabbed a blueberry jasmine tea for $2.50 and a typewriter sticker for $4.
After sales tax, my total came out to $20.14.
After reading about my visit to Bookish, Bee reader Kimberly Gilbert suggested I check out Mocha Magic Cafe and Bake Shop at 920 16th St. in Modesto.
The cafe has become one of my go-to spots whenever I’m in the area. Since my first visit, I’ve returned with my aunt, mom and sisters.
Mocha Magic Cafe and Bake Shop offers plenty of affordable menu options, including coffee drinks for less than $7, smoothies around $6 and pastries for about $5.
Heartier items including sandwiches, soups and bagels cost just under $12 apiece.
When I visited, I ordered a Dirty Chai drink for $5.25, an Earl Grey Lavender cupcake for $2.50 and a Californian sandwich with turkey, provolone, avocado, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and lettuce for $10.
With taxes and fees, my total came to $19.40.
In July, I headed to the Modesto Certified Farmers Market for an affordable morning of local shopping.
The farmers market runs Thursday and Saturday mornings along 16th Street between H and I streets, right next to Stanislaus County Library.
Vendors at the market offered everything from handcrafted goods and organic produce to fruity drinks and fresh-cut flowers. They included BunBao, Burch Bees and Dale’s Gourmet Kettle Popcorn.
During my visit, I picked up a pastry from Rosa’s Portuguese and European Bakery for $5, a premade bouquet from Kelley Flower Farm for $8 and organic fruit from J&J Ramos Farms for $5.75.
Though I wished I could have splurged on more flowers or a bigger bag of fruit, I walked away with a little of everything for just $18.75.
For September’s On A Budget entry, Bee reader Susan Marshall recommended I go to Modesto’s Food Fix Butcher and Baker, 938 11th St. in Modesto.
Food Fix Butcher and Baker’s menu features signature sandwiches, which cost $16 to $23. They’re made with meats including cured pork and grilled chicken and served on fresh-baked rolls with scratch-made sauces.
Wagyu burgers are available for less than $22, with drink prices ranging from $2 to $4. Side dishes range from $4 for french fries to $10 for a six-ounce bowl of macaroni and cheese.
On my visit, I got a sandwich and a side dish for $20.65.
Ever since I first stopped by Food Fix Butcher and Baker, it’s become a favorite dinner spot thanks to its great food and budget-friendly prices.
In November, Bee reader Mark Meiggs suggested I visit Palo Santo Cafe at 6333 Oakdale Road, Suite I, in Riverbank.
He called it a “great little (brunch) restaurant.”
The contemporary Mexican coffee shop is known for its rotating selection of housemade pastries and handcrafted specialty coffee drinks.
Along with tea, lemonade and iced and hot coffee drinks, which are priced between $3.95 and $7.20, the brunch menu offers pastries, soups, salads and classic Mexican dishes ranging from $4 to $16.
During my visit, I got a cup of sopa de fideo for $7 and three chicken tinga tostadas for $13.
After taxes, fees and a tip, my total came to roughly $25.
Got ideas for where I should go next in or around Modesto? I’m now exploring the area on a $25 budget.
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It’s time for kids to grab those baskets and get ready for the hunt in the greater Modesto region.Easter eggs are the target and there will be plenty of places for little ones to run around in search of the treasures.Many community Easter egg hunts feature more activities, including visits by the Easter Bunny. Following is a look at just some of the places holding events in the area, with most on Saturday, but also a couple on Easter day itself.EASTER EGG HUNT AT THE MARKET – April 19: The Modesto Cert...
It’s time for kids to grab those baskets and get ready for the hunt in the greater Modesto region.
Easter eggs are the target and there will be plenty of places for little ones to run around in search of the treasures.
Many community Easter egg hunts feature more activities, including visits by the Easter Bunny. Following is a look at just some of the places holding events in the area, with most on Saturday, but also a couple on Easter day itself.
EASTER EGG HUNT AT THE MARKET – April 19: The Modesto Certified Farmers Market offers a special Easter event that features egg hunts for ages 1-12. Registration begins at 9 a.m. next to the information booth; hunts begin at 10 a.m. and the event lasts until noon. 16th Street between H and I streets. modestocfm.com.
RIVERBANK COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT – April 19: Riverbank will hold a celebration with three egg-hunting sessions for youth based on age, beginning at 11 a.m. Also planned are food and vendors. Event is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Riverbank Sports Complex, 2119 Morrill Road. www.riverbank.org/225/Special-Events
EASTER EGG HUNT – April 19: A hunt is open to the public at Heritage Self Storage in Ceres. There will be pictures with the Easter Bunny, treats, games and children’s activities. 11 a.m. 2105 Fairview Drive, Ceres. Free. 209-538-4387.
COLUMBIA’S VICTORIAN EASTER CELEBRATION – April 20: Dress up in Easter finery to be part of a Victorian-era parade at Columbia State Historic Park. The parade on Main Street begins at 1 p.m. Egg hunts will be by age group during the event, which runs from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Find the golden egg to win a prize. Thaddeus E. Hare (i.e., the Easter Bunny) will walk around town handing out goodies to kids. There will be a raffle for filled Easter baskets at 3 p.m. in front of the Johnson’s Livery stable. visitcolumbiacalifornia.com.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND EASTER EGG HUNT – April 19: Breakfast 8-10 a.m. Free egg hunt 10 a.m. (bring your own baskets). Prize baskets for each age group. Geneva Presbyterian Church, 1229 E. Fairmont Ave., Modesto. 209-524-6841.
EASTER KIDZ BLITZ – April 19: Neighborhood Church puts on this community hunt. There will be a trackless train ride, bubble zone, bull ride, face painting, an Easter Bunny photo booth and more. 9 a.m.-noon. Neighborhood Church, 5921 Stoddard Road, Modesto. Check website for entry details. www.yourmnc.com/kidzblitz.
EASTER FAMILY FUN DAY – April 19: Easter egg hunt, bounce house, games, food. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. North Modesto Church of God, 1918 Sherwood Ave. Modesto. Free. 209-521-9148.
EGG HUNT – April 20: An egg hunt follows 10 a.m. Easter service. First United Methodist Church, 850 16th St., Modesto. 209-522-9046.
209-613-4604
