The year is winding down, and a new one is just around the corner.

As I prepare to flip a page in my calendar, I’ve been taking a moment to reflect on everything I covered as a Modesto Bee reporter in 2025.

From breaking down California traffic laws to answering readers’ everyday questions about life in the Modesto area, it’s hard to believe another year has already come and gone.

In 2025, I also drove around Stanislaus County in search of affordable, fun experiences for The Modesto Bee’s “On a Budget” series — highlighting ways to explore the region without breaking the bank.

Those budget-friendly adventures were some of my favorites.

Here’s a look back at some of the best spots in and around the Modesto region that I’ve visited on a $25 budget:

Con Azucar Cafe has Mexican-inspired coffee, food

If you’ve been following The Bee’s On a Budget series from the start, you know I’ve sampled plenty of coffee shops around the Modesto area.

It’s no surprise that one of them earned a spot among my favorites.

Con Azucar Cafe, at the corner of 10th and K streets in Modesto, stands out for its creative, Mexican-inspired menu featuring coffee, sandwiches, sweets and more.

The menu at Con Azucar Cafe truly has something for everyone — from fresh-brewed coffee starting at $3 to creative specialty lattes for $7.

A small cafe de olla costs $3.25, while a large is $3.75. If you’re sharing, you can even order a giant size for $40.

Food options include toasts and sandwiches priced between $9.50 and $16, along with traditional Mexican sweet breads for about $2 each. The coffee shop’s signature “concha gigante,” which is meant to be shared, also costs $40.

During my visit, I ordered a torta de jamon and a Duvalin specialty latte for $20.50.

After taxes, service fees and a tip, the total came to $24.50.

Read more: This Modesto coffee shop serves treats with a Mexican twist. What I got for $25

Visit El Rematito Night Market in Modesto

In May, El Rematito relaunched its Artisanal Night Market, held every Friday at 3113 Crows Landing Road in Modesto.

From 6 to 11 p.m., the space fills with food, drinks, handcrafted goods and live energy — and admission is free.

Vendors offer a little of everything, from handmade jewelry and trendy collectibles to a wide mix of sweet and savory treats.

Prices vary by booth, but there’s something for nearly every budget.

I spent $6 on three beef chalupas, $14 on a 20-ounce cup of Dubai chocolate strawberries and $4 on four hair accessories.

In the end, my total came to $24.

Read more: I went to a popular Stanislaus County flea market on a $25 budget. It was a vibe

Pottery Magic Modesto offers weekly deals

In July, I headed to Pottery Magic Modesto at 3501 McHenry Ave., Unit B6, in Modesto.

Pottery Magic Modesto makes it easy to have fun and get creative on a budget.

The studio offers a wide variety of paint-your-own ceramics, from small figurines and keychains to larger items including piggy banks and planters, with prices starting as low as $2.50 and most pieces priced under $30.

They also offer weekly deals to help customers save money.

On Mondays, the $5 studio fee is waived. On Wednesdays, guests draw a random discount that can range from a free studio fee to 20% off. On Fridays, groups of four or more get half off the studio fee.

During my visit on a Wednesday, I drew a free studio fee, saving $5.

I also paid in cash to avoid the 2% service charge that comes with card payments. In the end, my total was $19.60 for painting an $18 ceramic plate and $1.60 in sales tax.

Read more: I visited this Modesto pottery studio to paint. See what I made on a $25 budget

Posh Bagel has affordable food, drinks

After reading about my budget-friendly trip to Pottery Magic Modesto, Bee reader Celeste Crawford recommended I try Posh Bagel.

Posh Bagel’s menu has something for everyone — from fresh-brewed coffees and creamy milk teas to smoothies, sandwiches, wraps and signature bagels.

Sandwiches and wraps range in price from $6.35 to $12, while bagels cost $1.95 and $2.70 each.

You can customize your bagel with extras, including cream cheese, avocado, lox schmear or butter. Prices for add-ons range from 50 cents to $5.45.

There’s also a wide variety of iced and hot coffee drinks as well as teas and smoothies, with prices starting at $2.85 and topping out at $6.25.

During my visit, I ordered a chicken pesto melt sandwich, an iced coffee and three bagels for $20.38. After taxes and a 15% tip, my total came to $24.35.

Read more: I stopped by this budget-friendly bagel shop for lunch. Here’s what I got for $25

Family-friendly fun at Resendiz Family Fruit Barn

Fall is my favorite season, so in October I headed to the Resendiz Family Fruit Barn, at 4342 Geer Road in Hughson, to see how much autumn fun I could squeeze out of a $25 budget.

The fruit barn hosts its annual pumpkin patch from early October through Halloween on Oct. 31. It was an easy pick for family-friendly fun, with free parking and free admission.

During my visit, some activities — including the hay maze and bounce houses — required wristbands that cost $15 to $25, while pony and train rides were extra.

Pumpkins were budget-friendly, priced from $2 to $8, with a buy-two-get-one-free deal. Inside the store, baked goods and drinks start at just $2.

During my visit, I grabbed a 20-ounce chai latte for $6.99, three medium pumpkins for $8 and a container of pie crisps for $10.99.

After taxes and fees, my total came to $26.24

Read more: I went to Stanislaus County pumpkin patch packed with fall fun. How I spent $25

Where should I go next?

Have any ideas for where I should go next in or around Modesto? I’m exploring the area on a $25 budget.

Send your suggestions to arodriguez@modbee.com or fill out the form below.

Can’t see the form? Go to tinyurl.com/3euwab47.

on-a-budget

7 CA restaurants named ‘most affordable’ in 2026 Michelin Guide. See where

Get unlimited digital access

#ReadLocal