Flashback Friday!!…read more Giving some love for the ville, aka V.V.... The popular city of the HD and IE's High Desert... Also a city that was home for many years growing up in San Bernardino County's still growing community. From Old town Victorville to all of it... This city of well over 100k in residence has a really cool history being home to Former home of the Dale Evans and Roy Rogers Museum, always home of the San Bernardino County fair, George Air Force Base fka Victorville Army Airfield and now the Southern California Logistics Airport - all used to film major films such as the Lethal Weapon, Contact, Space Cowboys, Ocean's Eleven, The Hulk, Jarhead, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift/3, Kill Bill Vol 2 and Tenet to name a few. Running along I-15 fwy you'd probably know it as a pitstop to Las Vegas, last city/big town before Barstow or Palmdale (depending on your direction of travel). Encompassed by other cities such as Apple Valley, Adelanto, Hesperia, Helendale/Silver Lakes, Phelan, Pinon Hills, El Mirage, Ore Grande and Lucerne Valley... Victorville is definitely the central city... with its own mall, major theater, popular restaurants, hotels, attractions (few, but some), schools, neighborhoods, bars, clubs and one of the most affordable community colleges in the US, which I'm also a graduate of, Victor Valley College. As years have gone a lot of new places have developed and previous or long standing ones haven't had as much as staying afloat. You're able to take the Greyhound, Las Vegas Shuttle(s) and Flixbus here, but aside from that driving is the best way to get to and from this HD city. I don't get up as much with a lot of my friends relocating with time to various other California cities and other states, but still make it up to see my dad, brothers, niece and nephews almost every Christmas. Love popping into Rustic Tavern or Ricky's Bar, both off Hesperia Rd for a holiday drink and seeing who's around. And you never know who you could run into as Rupaul's Drag Race alum Raven (David P.) is from here super fun person. Fun Fact: I had his dad and stepmom as teachers in high school... #SmallWorld #Classof03 From crazy stories to savory memories... First jobs, first loves and first driving experiences... This place will always be a part of me.

Not a town that I would want to move to, but for some reason my mom loves this town! Nothing wrong…read morewith that. It seems friendly enough, just not my scene. It's very hot and dry and I didn't see a school for miles. Mostly a small town and small shops, catered to the Latin community. This town is definitely industrial and I don't judge the hard working people who live in this town. Just passing by.

A city in the San Bernardino County, about 65 driving miles located east of Los Angeles Downtown…read more Neighboring cities within a 19 miles radius of Highland are: San Bernardino, Rialto, Colton, Fontana, Bloomington, Grand Terrace, Crestline, Redlands, Yucaipa, Moreno Valley, Riverside, Rubidoux, Glen Avon, as well as Loma Linda. I attended a friend's celebration of life at Immanuel Bsptist Church in the City of Highland!

I am not a frequent visitor of the city of Highland if at all. However, I found myself in this city…read morethe other day as I was visiting the Yaamava Casino & Resort (YCR). I have to say it may have been my first time in the city. I know it was my first time at the YCR that's for sure. My first impression of this city was that it looked like it used to be farmlands and maybe some of it is still is. I only drove in it to get to and out from YCR. I was curious so I looked up Highland. It's a city in San Bernardino County located about 65 miles east of Los Angeles and about 50 miles west of Palm Springs. Its main neighboring cities are Redlands and Colton. It was primarily an area of orange groves back in the days. Funny, I was in the city of Redlands for a half marathon many years ago and its area was known for its orange groves. Now I know there is a sister city with more of the same.

Love love love. Must see during Christmas We loved it so…read moremuch, we brought my mother in law. It's a short walk (or drive, just drive slow for the sake of other pedestrians) and you get to take in the magic.

I love taking my kids, it's great! I love their cow theme Christmas! You can drive around in your…read morecar or park and walk around.

Located in the high desert the City of Palmdale has had its ups and downs. It is heavily dependent…read moreon the defense industry for high end jobs and the like and its ups and downs can sometime correlate to major aviation projects going on at USAF Plant 42. For us AvGeeks, Palmdale is the stuff of legends. Many legendary aircraft project was either conceived or built here. From the U-2 to the SR-71/A-21 to the F-117 et al. were assembled at Palmdale Airport / USAF Plant 42. They have killer spotting at the plant. Two airparks that have some fantastic air frames on display NASA Armstrong has an outpost as well as every major aviation contractor. It is usually where we stay on our aviation photography expeditions

Palmdale is a city some people have heard of and others may have no clue where that is. Usually…read moreit's passed through if you're traveling on the 14 freeway or the 138 highway. Wide open spaces where the sky spreads across as far as the eye can see. Open desert lands with rolling hills and every season has its extreme. To the East Mountain high for some snowboarding, to the west magic mountain or a 45 min drive to LA. This city always reminds me of traveling back in time where neighborhood kids trample in and out from house to house, riding bikes and coming home when the street lights come on. As the city became more populated more chain restaurants emerged making it the highlight of the town. Though the development around this city has slowly evolved there's still that small town feel. Everybody knows your name and there's always an open seat with your name on it. I call it, "going home to visit my family."

Visitation Rights: Have been coming to this place many times to either study, enjoy a couple of…read morecoffee, eat, and people watch. Locaton: Old Town Monrovia is centered around Myrtle Avenue, extending roughly from Foothill Boulevard (Route 66) north to Olive Avenue south, and from Ivy Avenue east to Primrose Avenue west, encompassing about ten blocks The area's heart is Myrtle Avenue, where you'll find many of its key businesses, with Foothill (Route 66) as a major north-south boundary. Parking: Located between Foothill Blvd and Parking can be found along Myrtle Ave, in nearby public parking lots parking structures, and in the residential. FREE PARKING! You can also park in the shared parking lot on the SW corner of Foothill and Myrtle. Just walk down Myrtle Ave.. Ambiance/Decor: You'll find a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere perfect for browsing, dining, enjoying coffee, catching a movie, or just strolling, with close proximity to hiking trails in the nearby foothills. You can also find a statue Samson the Hot Tub Bear Festivities For All Of Us: They have a lot of activities for the locals and out of towners through out the year. -Friday Night Street Fair & Market -Valentine's Day Carriage Rides -Spring Egg Hunt & Healthy Kids Day -Monrovia Old Town Wine Walk -Monrovia Days Community Festival -4th of July Fireworks Show & Concert -Summer Concerts & Movies in the Park -Fountain to the Falls Run/Walk 10K -Old Town Fall Festival -Halloween Spooktacular and Trick-or-Treat Bash -Thankful & Grateful Holiday Gathering -Holiday Parade -Holiday Home Decorating Contest -Santa Tours If you want more info, you can visit the city's website: https://www.monroviaca.gov/your-government/recreation/special-events#ad-image-0 Business/Shops: In old town Monrovia, you'll see a blend of mom and pop shops and restaurants. The shops that I've patronize through out the years are: Merengue, El Diablo, Grey and Cash, Jake's Roadhouse, Mikomi, Tacos and Papas, and Charlie's House. Old Town For Thought: If you want a quick getaway from reality, this town is for you.

Monrovia is a beautiful hillside town located in the San Gabriel Valley. On occasion I visit and on…read morea recent Friday evening I was surprised to find that the town has a large night market with local vendors, entertainment, shops, and artists offering handmade goods. A must visit! Peaceful, quaint environment with a small town vibe, and California appeal.

Nice downtown area with eateries, shopping and coffee! Parks and playgrounds for kids and families…read moreto enjoy a break. Benches throughout to take in the beautiful day. Staff at the stores we visited were very welcoming and friendly. Especially loved Penny Coffee roasters. Great spot to hang out. Outdoor 609 Venue space available for your next event or special occasion. Great community!

04/29/2023 City Hall is a nice looking building and today…read morethere is a small group taking photos. Looks like for a quinceanera with a big hoop skirt type of red dress. She was hiding behind the flagpole and statue. It was also where the event I was volunteering at for Donate Life Run/Walk promoting organ donation. It's that little pink dot you would add to your driver's license. If you don't know what it is, please ask or look up the information. This could save someone's life closer to you than you think. Thank you Azusa Pacific University for hosting this event in City of Azusa.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience here at Rubel Castle. Our host, guide,…read moreand local "Rubelligent" volunteer, Ms. Kathleen had all the intel about this historical property. She was so knowledgeable and helped set the stage for us to slip into a forgotten era and get a glimpse of how imagination met inventiveness with a DIY charm. ~ A LITTLE BACKSTORY FOR YOU ~ It's not pronounced Rubel as Barney from Flintstones. Rather, it's like Target is to Targét when we are trying to be fancy. So that's Rubel as in "Roo-bell." Unlike modern-day construction, Rubel Castle wasn't built overnight. It was made of collected recyclables and construction rubble that spanned many decades and took several friends and volunteers to build it. For Michael, however, the lifetime inspiration was first sparked at the age of 9. His love for canons was where it started and the rest is history you can hear about on the tour. But don't just show up like we did randomly one day. To book, visit RubelTours.org and make a reservation. ~ OUR TOUR EXPERIENCE ~ It's as if Michael Rubel, the creator and mastermind of this enchanted dominion had intended it to be--magical. Built in the castle period of wood and tin, every corner captured our interests, from antique cars to the 1890's Seth Thomas Tower Clock with a unique backstory (and only six in existence today). There were old vending machines, tools, trinkets, and machinery that time had long forgotten. Did I mention there was a drawbridge? Yes, and a dungeon too. I was just waiting for a dragon to come swoop down on us next. Walk in the footsteps of famous visitors like Alfred Hitchcock, Dwight Eisenhower, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope. It's a feast for the eyes no matter where you glance. I particularly enjoyed the bottle house that Michael built in 1968 as his "home" as a kid. That independent spirit was quite charming to see. ~ WATERCOLOR NATURESCAPE ~ We were fortunate to have our gracious host lead us on a tour and organize a special art crafting experience outdoors. It was absolutely lovely beneath the trees and between rusted vintage cars from the turn of the century. We each got a small canvas to paint our flowers in watercolor. (This particular experience takes place in the Spring and Fall, weather permitting.) We heard the squirrels rattling in the leaves and birds chirped and sang in the trees above. We discovered that peacocks apparently originated from this property, compliments of Michael Rubel. And did I mention that on the far side of the property, a custom garden was in full bloom? BOOK A TOUR Help support the Glendora Historical Society and keep this magnificently unique city-castle maintained. It's worth it.

A castle in Glendora? Yes, your eyes aren't deceiving you--Rubel Castle is real, it's magnificent,…read moreand it's gloriously eccentric. Thanks to the sheer persistence (and probably delightful stubbornness) of Michael Rubel, we now have this quirky, towering State Treasure sitting right in the middle of Glendora like a fairy tale that accidentally took a detour through a hardware store. This place is beautifully done, and part of its charm is that it's a full-on hodgepodge of relics, antiques, crystal trinkets, and "wait... what is that doing here?" moments tucked into every nook and cranny. You'll marvel, you'll laugh, you'll squint in confusion--honestly, it's everything you'd want in a castle built with love, imagination, and a dash of madness. And let's talk about the makeshift cemetery. Quirky? YES. Fun? Absolutely. Slightly spooky? Only if your imagination is over-caffeinated. But it fits the vibe perfectly--like the castle whispered, "You know what I'm missing? A tiny cemetery." The tours are fantastic, the guides are passionate, and the whole experience feels like you're stepping into a living scrapbook of California history and charming chaos. Overall: Amazing, amazing place. Book your tour. They only do tours every first Sunday of the month, so set your alarms, mark your calendars, tie a string around your finger--just don't miss it. Rubel Castle is truly a California State Treasure, and an absolute must-see for anyone who appreciates creativity, history, and a little eccentric sparkle.

*Drive Through Only!!! No walking …read more. *open December 5, 2025 - December 24,2025 *5 pm -11 pm Stay in the slow long line , don't even think of trying to veer off and thinking you can cut in from a few blocks down. The area is blocked off with traffic officers directing traffic. lines will be very long , just breathe deep and be patience take in the holiday festive lights . Appreciate all the neighbors for their dedication to put up the holiday displays for everyone to enjoy . Thank you:)

Thoroughbred has become a family tradition for the past 9 years. Especially during their walking…read moredays. As a a dad of two it's even more amazing seeing your children's face when they see all the decorated houses. My biggest recommendation is to come during a week day and avoid rush hours (6-8:30). The traffic does get pretty bad. If possible visit during the walking days, which are typically the first 4 days of December. We've walked and driven through the street with minimal foot/car traffic and it does make looking at the lights even more special. Benefits of walking is that you are able to take your time and admire everyone's work, benefit of driving is staying warm in your car all while playing some Christmas music. Thank you to all the residents for keeping the tradition alive!!!