The California State Fair’s small, cheap treats

The California State Fair, which continues at Cal Expo through Sunday, July 29, is filled with countless, small and inexpensive wonders. For example, there’s a little-known spot near the front entrance where four vending machines offer Coke brand soft drinks for only $1.50 each. Or, when it comes to fair foods this year, nothing beats deep-fried Pop-Tarts, available for $5 directly behind the Promenade Stage at the Sweet Cheeks food stand. It’s overwhelmingly sweet, but tastes like a jelly-filled doughnut. Be sure to have it covered in chocolate, or it will be too doughy. Finally, they’re regularly overlooked, but you’d be surprised at how much better your feet feel after sitting on a vibrating foot massager. For only 25 cents, your tired dogs get 30 seconds of intense pulsation that creates a strange sensation that makes it seem like you literally can’t feel your feet. 1600 Exposition Boulevard, www.bigfun.org.