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It's one of those little towns that you drive through on your way to somewhere else. Oakdale, California is on the way to Yosemite via the Highway 120 route. You might pass through on your way to outdoor fun in the Sierra foothills or your destination might be the great little historic towns of Columbia or Sonora. But Oakdale deserves a closer look.

For one, there is the Oakdale Chocolate Festival held in May. Oakdale is the former home of Hershey Chocolate's western factory. Even though Hershey moved out in 2007, the residents still put on a great and very tasty chocolate festival that should not be missed.

Then you need to visit the Oakdale Cowboy Museum. Oakdale is know as the Cowboy Capital of the World. One drive through town and seeing all the horse trailers and pickup trucks I am inclined to believe it. They also brag about the Oakdale Testicle Festival, which you will have to see to believe.

I have tried some great restaurants in town like Fareeses Deli, Shivley's and a new one called Cafe Bravo. And the motels I have stayed in are first rate clean and friendly.

So the next time you are driving to the mountains or Yosemite, slow down and take a break in Oakdale. Always the cheapest gas prices around and the nicest people you would ever want to meet.

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