As the home of famous country singers, Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, Bakersfield was once known as the “Country Capital of the West.” In fact, Bakersfield country singers were so popular that they even created their own country music sub-genre called the Bakersfield sound. Today, downtown Bakersfield maintains this tradition with live musical performances every weekend. Located just north of Los Angeles proper, Bakersfield offers easy access to well-known California wineries, including Solvang and Paso Robles Wine Country. Continue reading to learn about some of the best things to do in this exciting city.