What is still right with Bishop
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In spite of the fact that I dislike many of the changes that have occured in Bishop over the past 15 years, there are still many things to like about the town - it hasn't lost all its charm - and even some things that have improved.
Friendly People
There is something different about people in a small town, and the people in Bishop are some of the friendliest people I've met anywhere. Walking down the street, complete stranger will wave or say 'hi.' Even teenagers in Bishop seem friendly and respectful. They are also good, decent people. Bishop doesn't have much crime, primarily because of the type of people who live there. It stll strikes me that I don't have to lock my car when visiting Bishop except during heavy tourist seasons.
Outdoor Recreation
Although a lot of activities are no longer possible (quail hunting off Brockman Lane or doves along Sunland Road, fishing at Orange Bridge, riding dirt bikes on 3-Mile Road), there are still lots of good fishing spots within walking or biking distance of town, and I presume there are still places where you can hunt dove and quail. The down town park is beautiful (and safe), as are Isaak Walton and Bullpit parks. There are many beautiful areas to explore by foot, bike, or motor vehicle. This is one of Bishop's biggest assets.
Annual Events
Mule Days and the Tri-County Fair are both awesome, though I think the fair would be better if they recombined it with the Jr. Livestock Show. In addition, now Bishop has an excellent car show every fall, put on by the local car club.
Bishop Unified School District
Yes, the school district is truelly one of Bishop's biggest assets. The schools are safe, and the population is small enough that all the kids get to go to the same school. This really helps with the sense of community that Bishop enjoys. Plus, the teachers can actually get to know the students. I talked to the Mr. Newcomb, the Auto Shop teacher, at the Fall Colors Classic car show this year, and although he didn't remember me (I didn't take his class) when I told him my name, he remembered my sister and her car. He still remembered even though she graduated in 1984.
Indian Reservation
I have many fond memories of the Indian Reservation. When I was in elementary school, my friends and I would ride our bikes to "the res" to buy fireworks. When I was in high school, my best friend lived on the reservation. The real reason I include the reservation here though is the Paiute Cultural Center and Museum. If you haven't checked out the museum, get with it... it's awesome.
Main Street
There is just something special about a town that has one main street, with most of the businesses centered around it. Some of the outstanding features of Bishop's Main Street are Brock's Fly Fishing Shop, the art gallery on the corner of Main and Line, Schat's Bakery, the city park, and (a little further north and around the bend) Meadow Farms Smokehouse - home of the most awesome beef jerky on the planet.
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Updated December 19, 2006