1. Jazz Will Always Be The Music Of Choice
People in Stockton understand that jazz is the most underappreciated style of music in our modern day. You’ll see evidence of this city’s great taste in jazz music wafting out of countless businesses and shops. That’s not a surprise since the San Joaquin Dixieland Jazz Society and the Brubeck Institute are here. Locals head to Take 5 Jazz Club whenever they need an awesome jazz fix.
2. The Miracle Mile Is Indeed A Miracle
From Alpine to Harding, all the Pacific Ave businesses are improving Stockton. The district is called the Miracle Mile Improvement District (MMID) and it’s the best destination in Stockton.
A typical night for a local might start with wine at the Mile Wine Company, or dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants like The Abbey Trappist Pub or Siamese Street Thai, followed by some live entertainment at Empire Theater or That’s Show Biz. There’s many places to dine, shop, relax and enjoy the miracle of organized infrastructure and the beautification of Stockton.
3. The Children’s Museum Isn’t Just For Kids
It is called the Children’s Museum, but that doesn’t stop the adults from having a grand old time there. Sure, there are many workshops, programs and interactive exhibits for the kiddos, but there’s also plenty of events for the adults. From Mardi Gras parties, Bocce tournaments, and luncheons, don’t be surprised if you ask someone about their favorite spot and hear the words: Children’s Museum.
4. The Burgers At Flip’s Are The Best On The Planet
There’s a reason Flip’s has been voted ‘best burgers’ by locals. This place has massive burgers that are literally dripping with flavor. From the original flip, mushroom swiss flip and the pastrami flip to the cowboy flip and mad cow flip…. you’ll pretty much flip out when you try one. They also have pretty darn good hot dogs too, and a Nutella banana shake that will make you swoon in delight.
5. Everyone’s Favorite Season Is Thunder Season
While the rest of the country observes the seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter, the most popular season in Stockton is Thunder Season. Stockton’s minor league professional ice hockey team shakes up the Stockton Arena from October through April. Stockton folks take their favorite season very seriously and show up in droves sporting their gold and black and holding their season tickets.
6. University of the Pacific Has A Top-Notch Reputation
Stockton locals know that University of the Pacific has a rock solid reputation and is one of the top 100 universities in the country. This private institution has fewer than 10,000 students and excellent programs in Dentistry, Law, Business, Music and more. It’s also been known to show up in a few movies (Raiders of the Lost Ark being one), so it’s famous, too.
7. Feeding Your Cajun Craving Is Easy
Stockton residents know how to feed their cajun cravings: they head to French 25 where they can get a taste of Louisiana right in their own backyard. The beignets here are heavenly, the po’ boys are crunchy and flavorful and the jambalaya is perfectly spiced. When they need something a bit more exotic they opt for the alligator cheesecake, a slice of spicy alligator and shrimp swimming in a cream cheese sauce with peppers and onions. Take that, New Orleans.
8. Asparagus Is Best Deep Fried
Asparagus is definitely a Stockton thing. They claim to be the ‘Asparagus Capital of the Nation’ and no one can dispute it. They are crazy over asparagus, but it’s not just a healthy, tasty green veggie to them, instead it’s best deep fried and served at a festivals. The Asparagus Festival has ‘Asparagus Alley’, where you’ll find everything from asparagus lasagna and asparagus bisque to asparaberry shortcake. This year the festival will be moved, ran by new people and called the ‘San Joaquin Asparagus Festival’, but it’s sure to be just as fantastic as it’s always been.
9. There’s Nothing Better Than A Great Performance
The only question on Stockton folks’ minds for the weekend is which live performance they’re going to see. They have so many to choose from—live shows and musical performances to theater, comedy and dance. From the Bob Hope Theater and the Stockton Empire Theater to the Stockton Civic Theater, there’s always something to cheer about.
10. Stockton Is Magnificent
If there’s anything that Stockton locals understand better than anyone else, it’s that Stockton is magnificent. Forget the haters—with all of the incredible restaurants, jazz musicians, live theater and rumbling Thunder, there’s no other place they’d rather live.
Did we miss anything? Tell us what you think is unique about Stockton in the comments below! 
