Inland Empire Valentine's Fun Guide

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Hi neighbors!

In case you weren't already aware from every retail promotion out there that's been repeatedly bonking you over the head with reminders, Valentine's Day is in a couple weeks.  I'm not much for romance but I enjoy any celebration that encourages love (oh and sweet delicious treats)!  I've gathered a list of local Valentine's events, romantic dinner spots, and deals that will get you more in the mood than a chalky heart candy and a baby in a diaper with a bow and arrow will - we hope ;-)  And for those who could care less about hearts and all that jazz, we've got something for you too!

Take a look and let us know if we should add something to our guide.  We'd love to hear from you in our blog comments, Facebook and Twitter.

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WHAT TO GET...

image c/o of milb.com

1. Let the 66eres mascot Bernie deliver something special to your someone special.  Get a sweetheart bouquet or a special "Bernie Red" rose bouquet with vouchers for an additional date night at Angels Stadium to watch the Halos for $140.  Click the link for more details.




2. Chocolate or candy! - Need a sweet treat for your sweet treat?  So many local places but here are just a few...

• Palm Springs Fudge & Chocolates
• Smiles Sweet Shop (Fontana)
• A-Kline Chocolatier (Claremont)
• Old Town Sweet Shop (Temecula)
• Candy Cupboard (Idyllwild)

image c/o of My Delight Cupcakery

3.  Cupcakes!  The Inland Empire is crazy for cupcakes!  Here are our local stars...

• My Delight Cupcakery
• Casey's Cupcakes
• Suite 106 Cupcakes
• [Desi]gn Cakes & Cupcakes
• Some Crust Bakery

WHAT TO DO...

1. Big event happening over in Riverside is "Love in Riverside." First, you can record your Valentine’s message Feb. 7-11 at the Culver Center of Arts from 12-5 p.m. and on Feb. 14 from 12-6 p.m..  On Feb. 11,  2-6 p.m., and Valentine’s Day, 5-7 p.m, watch the broadcasts outside of the Culver Center of Arts on large LED screens, or check out the "Love in Riverside" YouTube channel.  

2. Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley is holding their second annual "You Stole My Heart - Cutest Pet Photo" Contest.  Voting will be based on how many Facebook Likes each picture receives and will conclude on Feb. 10 at 4 p.m.. The winner will be announced at 9 a.m. on Valentine’s Day.  Vote for your favorite!




3. How about pre-Valentine's Day plans?  On Feb 11, you can check out "A Celebration of Love."  Enjoy the greatest love arias from the Italian operatic repertory performed by the Redlands Symphony.  Enjoy classics from Puccini, Verdi and Tchaikovsky.  Can you hear the love in the air?

4. Live music, candlelit dinner, Romeo & Juliet contest and more!  Enjoy some old-fashioned romance at Riley's Farm's St. Valentine's Dinner & Dance on Feb. 11 or Valentine's Day.

5. Want to do good and celebrate Valentine's?  Head to Cuistot Restaurant in Palm Desert for the Hearts Afire Valentine Dinner benefiting the AIDS Assistance Program.

6. If you're looking for something more casual then check out the weekly film series playing at the Dos Lagos Stadium.  They've got movies that will make the ladies' hearts flutter.

7.  Parents!  You can get your kids in on the fun by heading to the Riverside Art Museum on Feb. 11 for a fun Valentine's craft like a treasure box or Valentine's cards.  Fun and best of all - free!

8. This isn't so much Valentine's related but did you know the Inland Empire has a Foie Gras Club in Redlands?  They're having their inaugural event on Feb. 12 from 2-5 p.m.  This could be a cute and something out-of-the-box date night possibility...


PFFFTT! TO VALENTINE'S...

Image c/o of Roscoes Famous Deli

1. Maybe V-Day isn't quite for you.  You can join some like-minded folks at Roscoes Famous Deli in Chino Hills for their "Love Sucks" party.  (I couldn't help but add this event to the list - the name alone is hilarious and look at the image to the left...HA!)

2. Don't have a date for the big day?  That's ok!  Check out 99.1 KGGI's "Race for love" speed dating event.  Could be fun...


DEALS
1. Getaway to Castle Wood Cottages in Big Bear.  Stay 1 night and get 20% off.  Stay 2 nights or more and get 30% off.  Plus you'll get $20 off a Fireside Massage for Two from Mountain Mobile Massage & Spa.

2. Anyone up for a "Massage-a-Trois?"  International Day Spa in Redlands is promoting their Valentine's "Massage-a-Trois" package where you and your loved one can learn massage techniques from their staff and try on each other.  Ooo-la-la

3. Or keep it simple and head to the movies!  Right now Groupon has a stellar deal!  Two AMC tickets for $12 or four AMC tickets for $24.  Hurry because this deal only lasts a couple days!

ROMANTIC SPOTS
1. Mario's Place (Riverside)

2. Owen's Bistro (Chino)

3. The Sycamore Inn (Rancho Cucamonga)

4. Hip Kitty Jazz & Fondue (Claremont) - live music, drinks and dark corners...enough said. ;-)

5. Caffe Allegro (Upland & La Verne) - candelight, delicious Italian food...O and the bread.  Don't get me started on the bread!

6. Thornton's Winery's Romantic Rendezvous (Temecula)

7. And everyone's favorite, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa (Riverside)

Whew...this has turned out to be a very long guide but I'm sure we're still missing a bunch of great romantic spots, deals and events.  Please share any events, discounts, etc. with us on Facebook and Twitter and we'll add to our list.

Till next time...Happy Valentine's!

#InlandEmpire #NationalPieDay Guide

illustration by Rosie Piter exclusively for Acclaim Images

Hi neighbors!

The weekend is drawing to a close but I'm not too sad.  I've been working hard this weekend and I could use a rest from working long nights.  Can't wait for a time where I only work during the days on the ieshineon.com site.  Sigh, one day.  But I digress.

I can't wait for the weekend to end also because I can't wait for #NationalPieDay, January 23rd!  Some super helpful Inland Empire Funsters on Twitter and Facebook - like @dine909, @keatingaround, @ie_foodtrucks and Mary Beth A.  have been giving me some great suggestions on where I should go to celebrate yet another holiday dedicated to baked pastries.  Love it!  So here is a list of some local Inland Empire favorites.  If we've missed any please don't hesitate to steer us in the right direction by leaving a post on FB or tweet us.

Oh and if you partake in Pie Day we'd love to see a pic of your deliciousness!  Post a picture and tag us @IEShineOn.  We'd love to see.

Bon apetit!  Till next time...

PIES PIES PIES
1. Mommie Helen's Bakery (Colton) - Enjoy this behind-the-scenes video of their bakery!

2. Mrs. Redd's Pie (Colton)

3. Corky's Kitchen and Bakery (Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, Corona)

4. Apple Annie's Restaurant & Bakery (Oak Glen)

5. Law's Oak Glen Coffee Shop  (Oak Glen)

6. Apple's Dumplin's at Parrish Ranch  (Oak Glen)

7. Julian Pie (Julian) - While right outside of the IE they still sell to a lot of places in our neighborhood.  Here's where you can find them.  Plus did you know that Julian Pie is also listed in the Serious Eats List of Best Pie Places in America?

8. Thelma's Restaurant and Bakery (Big Bear)

9. Gerrard's Market (Redlands)

10. Kalura's Trattoria (Palm Springs)

11. Polly's Pies (so many locations, check out their site for more info)

12. Village Grille 50's Diner (Claremont)

13. Big Bell's Sweet Potato Pie (Palmdale) - never heard of this place but was doing some research and they sound amazing!  Here's an awesome video about them.  Honestly, now I can't wait to try!

14. Loma Linda Market (Loma Linda) - Have never been here before but they say it has a bakery.  They're a large, all vegetarian grocery ran by the Loma Linda University.

Ok, I know we have a ton more to list but this is it for now.  If you want to learn more about pies you can go to the American Pie Council's site - yes, there's actually a pie council.  Again, if you think we've missed one please give us a shout on FB and tweet us!

Till next time...nom nom nom....

** EDIT **
We apologize, but we forgot a huge local favorite - Flo's Airport Cafe in Chino!  How could we forget their huge servings and their featured pie of the day?  Forgive us, Flo's!  Thanks for the reminder, @davidallen909!