Located along the San Joaquin River, Stockton was developed during the Gold Rush, as an influx of people passed through its port on their way to the mines. Today, our hometown -- the first one in California to have an English name -- is still a busy shipping terminal. Named an "All-American City" five times between 1999 and 2018, Stockton is chock-full of things to do and places to explore.

Top spots for museum enthusiasts include the Haggin Museum, which houses several art and history galleries; the San Joaquin County Historical Society & Museum, where you can discover our region's heritage from the very beginning; and the Children's Museum of Stockton, which boasts 22,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits and play areas. Not technically a museum, the Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple is a must-see spot all the same. An active place of worship, this temple is also home to the largest display of Cambodian Buddhist statutes in the state.

If spending the day outdoors is more your fancy, hit up one of the myriad parks and festivals. Oak Grove Regional Park is the perfect place for fishing and paddle boating, while Nelson Park is great for hosting cookouts, playing on the playground, and participating in group sports. On the festival side, Stockton hosts annual celebrations, such as the Catfish Derby, Concerts in the Park, the Stockton Pride Festival, Black Family Day Culture Fest, and various wine and beer events.

Along the downtown waterfront, you can catch a show at the Bob Hope Theatre or a game at Banner Island Ballpark (where the minor league baseball team the Stockton Ports play) or the Stockton Arena (home to the Stockton Heat minor league hockey team).

To satisfy your foodie spirit, Stockton offers an array of eateries -- from small cafes to upscale restaurants. Begin your day at Legendary Coffee and Books or Midtown Creperie & Cafe, and later, stop for a sit-down lunch at Delroy's Deli & Catering or try food truck fare from Lord of the Wings. For dinner, try Mile Wine Restaurant, which serves small plates with a side of live music; El Rancho Inn, where the seafood is plentiful; or Angelina's Spaghetti House for Italian cuisine. And don't forget dessert: Local faves include House of Ice Cream and D'lilah's Cakery.

Of course, the only way to get out and explore your city is to get out and explore your city -- and you can't do that if you're stuck at home tending to your own tree care duties. Free up plenty of time by using LawnStarter. Simply visit lawnstarter.com or download the app to your phone. Once you're there, put in your ZIP code and create your account to see a list of tree care companies in your area. Next, select the locally owned business that works best for you and schedule your service date. These pros, many of whom are certified arborists, will come out to trim and prune trees, take down hazardous ones, and provide overall health care to the plants on your property.

Once you've added LawnStarter to your team, you'll be free to explore the place where you live.