MLK Weekend Good Times

Hi neighbors!

It's the first three day weekend of the year and I could use a little break already! I'm looking forward to escaping the fluorescent lights of my office and heading outside. I've compiled a list of local spots where good times could be had by all this three day weekend.

Do you already have plans or have I missed something that's a definite no-brainer must do? I'd love to hear where you'll be headed. Give us a shout on Facebook or Tweet us.  

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THREE DAY WEEKEND ITINERARY

OUTDOORS
Let's start the day with a brisk hike at any of our local mountains or a U.S. National Park. All weekend U.S. National Parks will be FREE! (FYI, Joshua Tree National Park is a local favorite).  Or join a local hiking group in Big Bear.  If I'm not feeling like a hike I may try to catch the Saturday morning Garden Walking Club at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens in Claremont.

ACTIVE
Or try something new like belly dancing at Rancho's own Hadia Habib's. If not belly dancing there's always kickboxing in Redlands. First class is FREE!

RELAX
After a work out I'll probably head to any one of our local spas like Glen Ivy Spa in Corona or Ontario's Ciela Mio Day Spa. $29 for a 30 minute massage sounds like a great way to relax.




GETAWAY
Also, it's not too late to just get away entirely and book a place in Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead and another one of my favorites - Idyllwild. This place in particular just seems like a fun modern treehouse, no?  Plus it's on the waterfront.

Another one of my favorite things to do during a long weekend - or at any time really - is eat out!  I'm going to check out a few new spots I've been dying to try.  I'll be getting my sweet fix at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour. Also, I'm especially looking forward to RaPour's jazz brunch on Sunday and I'll probably top if off with some outstanding burgers from Eureka!Burger in Claremont.



Whew...that seems like quite a list but I know I'm leaving out a lot.  I'll just have to cram in as much fun in a 72 hour period as humanly possible.  Have a wonderful three-day, everyone!

Till next time...

Summer Itinerary Continued...

Hi neighbors and friends -

Can you believe it's almost the end of July?! I haven't been able to accomplish half of the things I wanted to this summer but I continue to add to the list of spots I want to check out. I may not be able to catch them all but I definitely think these should make it to the summer itinerary. What do you think? Do you have any upcoming events on your summer itinerary you'd like to share? I'd love to hear.

1. 8/19 Redlands Bowl Closing Symphony Concert with fireworks
2. Cooper Regional History Museum - In my search for more fruit label murals around the IE I stumbled upon the museum's main gallery exhibit: "California Citrus Story." Sounds interesting!
3. Art Walks - Here are just a few to choose from:
- Claremont Art Walk: First Friday of the month from 5:30-8:30 pm in the Claremont Village
- Riverside Art Walk: First Thursday of the month from 6-9pm in Downtown Riverside.
- Pomona Art Walk: Second and last Saturday from 6-9 pm.
4. "Robots + Us" exhibit at the Western Center Museum in Hemet.
5. Weekend excursion to Idyllwild - I might have to invite myself over to a friend's place up there and plan another weekend getaway. Lookin' forward to getting away from the city and escaping to the mountains!
6. "Blues for the Zoo" - Tweeted about it a little while back. It's a fundraiser concert at the Big Bear Lake Swim Beach Outdoor Amphitheater on August 6th benefiting the Moonridge Animal Park. Good cause, good music and great atmosphere :)
7. Sausage and Beer Festival - Happening at the Highland Springs Resort in Cherry Valley from August 20-21st from 11-5 pm. Sausage, beer and free admission?! Count me in!

And let's end our list with dessert...

8. CUPCAKES!! - Go on a cupcake bender and hit up some local cupcake shops like Suite 106 Cupcakery and My Delight Cupcakery and Some Crust Bakery.

Whew...this seems like a long list! There's a lot to do in the IE and it's going to be hard to keep up but as long as it's a good time I know it'll be worth it! See you around the IE!