California Welcome Center - Anderson, CA — Attraction in Anderson

I stopped in to get a bit of information about the area, possibly coffee, stretch my legs, and for my service pup and I, to go potty!! Lol... Anyway, the place was awesome! Upon entering, a nice gentleman greeted us, and yep, fresh coffee was offered, and I gladly accepted! The place was amazing and super clean! There's a plethora of free brochures, but beyond that the guy in there, happily spoke to me, of what's awesome and good, about the area nearby, Shasta area!

After we talked, I walked around inside. I noticed and was fascinated to see a huge fish tank, built into the wall. It was stocked with a variety of large breeds of local fresh water fish. I stood and watched them swim around for a few minutes, which was relaxing. I knew, I better not get very relaxed, since I had many hours of miles to drive! I noticed a small room to my right, and decided I better keep moving! I walked into the room, which had items for sale, California memorabilia mostly. I then heard a child laughing, and a splash coming from the aquarium. I walked out to see what was going on. The guy working there, was standing in front of the tank, along with a little boy and his mom. It was time for the fish nightly feeding. The guy handed the little boy, some fish food, and the boy excitedly pitched the food into the tank. The fish were ready and waiting, to be fed. They hurriedly swam to the top of the water, where the food layed. They'd race up to swoop the particles in their mouths, splashing the water with their tails, which sprayed the boy with water droplets. The little guy, giggled and laughed, which we all did! The boys laughter, was infectious, nothing more sweet than a child's laughter! I'm certainly glad, I decided to pull over and stop into such a cool, clean, and especially friendly place, you should...

This welcome center is tucked into a far corner of an almost empty discount shopping strip mall. However, once inside it had a lot of interesting materials for travelers along highway 5. Plus there is a very nice restroom. Travelers can find a wealth of information about the history and geographical information about the area. There are a deluge of brochures and pamphlets on nearby attractions with maps and pertinent information. This location is a handy resource for travelers in the area, but it is sad that it is so far back in the center and away from the main entrance/exit to...

I was hoping to collect a California highway map. But instead I received an "official" California tourist map.

It seems that highway maps are losing priority for state Departments of Transportation dollars as navigation moves toward electronics.

Maps are an invitation to the world and its unfortunate to lose this "big picture" format for comprehending what opportunities a state or area hold to the adventuring American soul.

Good collection of individual brochures. Clean public toilets. Nice bear statue at the entrance. His nose hasn't nearly received the patina of millions...