Their cioppino deserves special mention – a San Francisco-worthy seafood stew brimming with clams, mussels, fish, and shellfish in a rich tomato broth that begs to be sopped up with sourdough bread.

The Outlets at Tejon, however, is the exception that restores your faith in bargain hunting. Situated along Interstate 5 about 30 minutes south of Bakersfield, this shopping destination has positioned ...