This is a must-visit at least once (in the fall apple season preferably). There are several…read moreseparate venues as you wind along scenic Oak Glen Road - and most have apple picking, fresh fruit, shops, and a variety of dining options. The vendors are friendly and most offer samples of their fair - especially ciders and the types of apples being grown on-site. Although I was skeptical at first, after purchasing some of the apple varieties I freely concede that there's a noticeable taste difference between store-purchased produce and those freshly picked at the Oak Glen orchards - though they do cost a bit more. By the way, you don't need to pick your own, but it is a fun option! Be aware that weekend parking can be a headache during their busy season, but if you want the full experience it's the recommended time of the week to visit; however, if you're retired (like me), a weekday trip has less crowds while still allowing the shopping and eating opportunities without the long lines. Since it's a tourist venue, things aren't real cheap, but who can resist the sites and bakery smells wafting through the air? Oak Glen is all things apple - and it makes a wonderful day trip for those in the San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties.

Beautiful, small village to take your family and kids, it is very kid friendly, Village has a bunch…read moreof restaurants, lots of attractions for kids, such as mountain slide, horseback riding, hayride, farm animals, etc. Also, a must is eating the apple cider donuts. There is parking before the village and right after village, there are also restrooms inside the village. There is also a pie shop that is very delicious and there's always line in front of it. I highly suggest for kids and families.

Lovely Downtown Redlands! I have only been here twice and found this area so charming. Redlands…read moreis famous for their oranges so you will find orange art in various places. (Ie. by benches on State Street, on the walls in an alley, etc ) There are many local shops and restaurants. The hubby likes the table top games store. I like the cute toy store next door to it. If pubs or breweries are your thing, there are several. There are upscale to casual eateries. If you like antiques, there is a antique store. There are gift shops as well. Shops tend to close in the early evening. There is a super cute alley with the umbrellas (see photographs) and art on the walls for Instagram photography. There is a parking structure on Stuart Avenue which is free. Street parking can be challenging to find. If you do street parking, pay attention to any rules or fees if any. Would definitely come back and purchase orange marmalade from a local shop!

Don't sleep on Downtown Redlands…read more There's so much to do, see and explore + the national favorites like Trader Joe's, Coffee Bean, Vons and the Vans store to name a few. Located just south of the 10 (fwy) until the cusp of Citrus Avenue encompassing itself from Texas Street to University Street just before the University of Redlands (aka U of R aka Redlands U). With it's very on Metrolink Station, beautiful walkable and drivable streets, scenic areas, art, hubs and tons of local flavor. Some fun things to note: Foodie Favs: Brick & Birch Pizza, technically just on the outskirts in central Redlands, but a favorite I know to try via a lot of IE friends and fam. Carolyn's Cafe is the hidden gem of gems for breakfast, brunch and early lunch. Open only from 7am to 1pm, seven days a week. Loving Hut - one of my favorite all vegan/vegetarian small chains in SoCal. Try the Mee Goreng! Plant Powered Fast Food - fast casual yum. Rui's Shanghai Bistro - options for all #ExtensiveShanghainese The famous Saverino's Italian Deli & Market. "A reputation of great taste!" Veggie friendly options as well. Libation Central: Breweries, beverageries (that's a word) a distillery and a pub. Escape Craft Brewery; Downtown Oasis, definitely the escape you want and need. Septembers Taproom & Eatery is nothing but a true treatery. The Three Stags Irish Pub is one you'll want to hang at decor, service, thoughtful crew and of course the brew. Selfcare: Arbor Life Spa, dedicated to empowering wellness and that full detox experience. Think massage, spa, sauna, yoga, facials and all things zen. DTR Cuts and Rocket 88 - a barber shops for those super fresh cuts. HAIRAJUKU salon is chic and edgy. They definitely know how to cut, color and bring out the cool. You can also enjoy shopping (The Blues vintage shop, Lucky Feet Shoes), cinema (LOOk Dine-In Cinema) fitness (Anytime Fitness) and seek out some ink (Empire Tattoo, just a touch north of DTRD). Whether in central downtown or just above or below this free parking, metro riding, historic as well as modern + clean as can be slice of the Inland Empire is one I aspire to enjoy more of... Maybe you will too. Are you ready for it: https://www.yelp.com/collection/sPZRKHv6OvJjmXsn1-Y4sQ/Are-You-Ready-for-Redlands

What's not to like. I wish this area was slightly bigger actually. However, it has a lot of…read morerestaurants and I noticed several salons, like Moxie and Serendipity. The walk around the area might take a couple hours, and they have lots of restaurants to choose from. I checked out Aoki, Argo, and Cafe Wang. They were all fairly upscale. They have the 4th Street Mill and I finally stopped off at Granny's Yogurt to get something to cool off. They have a wide variety of flavors and toppings. I kept it simple with vanilla and sprinkles. Check out old town Laverne if you have a couple of hours to spare.

On the second weekend of 01/19, my dad and I took a drive down to Old Town La Verne checking out…read moreCafe Wang getting ready for the very first Yelp Elite Event from the SGV Elite Squad. Anyways, when we arrived, there was easy parking on the street around the Cafe. Since we didn't know the exact location of Cafe Wang, we parked @ a block away which wasn't far either. This local drive was for checking out Cafe Wang's location instead we found a bunch of Victorian homes around Old Town La Verne. There were also other local coffee houses I'd like to come back to try as well. This is a conveniently located Old Town near Walnut, so I may be a frequent visitor on the weekends coming here to relax. Also, what a cozy looking Old Town!!!! Very lovely. See you next time.

In between 3/4 stars…read more first time at this event.. The event runs down between Magnolia and Jackson street. If you can't find parkings on sidewalk, you can park in the church's parking lot which is located literally next to the event. The church charges $5 per car. Upon entering the event, you will see around 15-25 American classic cars. After passing the classic cars, you will see vendors and food booths. Although this event is known for their chili, I didn't expect to try any.However, I did try this booth that serves hot dogs and fries. I ordered carne fries that cost $8. The amount given was "okay". The amount of meat was "okay".. Wouldn't have gotten it if I knew how much they put in it. And frites were pretty darn hard. Overall, wouldn't recommend it and was not worth the money. Food booths seem to repeat, not much to try. There is also a live stage of "mr. Elvis" singing.. And a mini live farm that includes pigs; chicken, yak, and goats. Overall, this is a pretty small event, would probably visit again next year.. Who knows P.s. Show up early if you want some homemade chili because by the time I showed up, they were all sold out

The Riverside Chili Cook Off & Car Show is just what you would expect, It's a Car Show and Chili…read moreCompetition. This annual event is on Magnolia Ave. from Van Buren to Jackson. It's a small event but draws a lot of people. You might find limited street parking near the event but I recommend paying the $5 and park at St. Thomas Church, they're on Jackson at the entrance of the event and your $5 goes to a good cause. There are probably less than 100 classic/custom vehicles on display and they do not cruise at this event. This year they had two music stages with bands playing oldies and 80's music and a surprise visit from the King himself, Elvis. Of course you'll find the typical vendor booths with everything from arts and crafts to Solar Panels. I try to eat kinda healthy but who can resist bacon wrapped deliciousness or deep fried anything? Yes, I'm talking street food vendors. Kebabs, tacos, dogs, shaved ice and waffles. mmmm! Then there's the Chili Cook-Off part of this event. You pay a couple bucks and you get to sample some of the different chilis and salsas and choose your favorite. If you plan on tasting the chili I suggest getting there early before they run out. I look forward to this event every year. I love the old and historic buildings in this part of town and the often passed-by business' that are part of the Arlington area. By far, this isn't Riverside's biggest car show but it's my favorite. I support this event because they do I nice job bringing a lot of people to the Arlington area of Riverside and that's why they get 5 Stars!.

Remember when you were a kid, and you'd watch those toy commercials on TV showing kids playing with…read moresome action figure or vehicle? ...and somehow, those TV kids had managed to turn their backyard into a miniature tropical island, complete with small houses, paved streets, palm trees and rain forest Flora, an actual stream with running water, simulated topography with at least four different kinds of ground cover... and you begged and pleaded for your mom to go out and buy that toy for you, then came home and used it to do jumps off the sofa or coffee table? I think of that every time I come to the fair, and see the garden railroad. It is like one of those toy commercials, hopped up on some kind of genetically modified extraterrestrial steroid. There has to be at least a mile of track, looping and twisting through a scale miniature landscape or tiny buildings, mountains, people, and landforms. And in those tracks run several model trains. During the Fair, the displays are in full operation. During the year, there are regular hours of operation for tours and Q&A with the volunteer staff who keep the garden railroad in good repair. Walk along the western fence line for the best view, and to see the miniature SoCal landmarks from the surrounding area. I'm not into trains the way, say, Huell Howser was I to asking Captain Obvious questions ("Now Carl, is this an actual DESK???" "... Yes, Huell, that's a desk.") But any visitor here can appreciate the countless hours, the painstaking attention to detail, and the sheer number of dateless Friday and Saturday nights that went into making this place. "Can we play with the trains, daddy?" Well, no... In fact, you really can't touch them or even stare at them like you're THINKING about touching them in front of the engineers. But so long as you're on the right side of the 8 foot wrought iron perimeter fence line, you can watch those big-kid senior citizens operate the trains they worked so hard to build, their youthful toy commercial come to life in amazing, terrifying delight.

The Fairplex Garden Railroad is touted as the "oldest and possibly the largest miniature railroad…read moreof its kind in the United States and possibly the world." It first opened at the 1924 LA County Fair and as it grew, it moved from a fair exhibit to a permanent fixture at the Pomona Fairplex. It can be viewed during the annual county fair in September, but is also available year round during special events or on specific days listed on their website (http://fgrr.org/calendar.html). It is located between the Main Grandstand and Fairplex Building #4. If you're here during the fair, I would suggest getting a map to navigate your way around! It is run by volunteers and hobbyists and is free to visit, although they willingly accept donations to maintain it. Even if you are not a huge fan of trains and miniatures, it's still really cool to see and the price is certainly right! From the days of the gold rush and the old west to modern day buildings, everything is miniaturized, even the plants and people. The individuals who create the scenes really pay attention to detail. It almost reminds me of a miniature Disneyland! A great place to take kids and the volunteers there love these miniature trains and towns and will answer your questions and educate you on this mini world! Choo choo!

*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!!!

City of Redlands is a city I primarily visit when there are Yelp events such as at Sosogu Ramen and…read moreLappert's Ice Cream or when I am on a food adventure at Redlands Public Market in Downtown Redlands or hitting Buffet Star for lunch or dinner at Redlands Town Center or going to the DMV to accompany my daughters for their driving test or doing a half marathon race in the residential areas and orange groves of the city. Yes, my visit to Redlands is very intentional in the past and present. It is indeed an intriguing and interesting city with all the orange groves. I remember there was a farmer's market where I bought the best blood oranges that I have ever eaten. I'll have to find them again. Some residential areas are very well maintained and kept. Lots of Victorian style houses and buildings to admire block after block. Streets are clean and clutter free. I remember running through streets of mansions during my half marathon. There is a lot of wonderful rich history and heritage to explore in this city. I shall return not just for food and fun but for more fascinating citrus knowledge of the past because I love oranges. Come visit the City of Redlands! P.S., If you're curious like I am, per Google, Redlands is known for the city that "features large historic mansions, particularly in the South Redlands area, which historically earned it the nickname "The City of Millionaires" during the citrus boom." History defines the present. Very cool!

I love wall murals in city downtown areas, so here are a few from walking in Redlands last night…read more There's also a cool clock structure on one street corner. It was raining so I didn't look too close but I bet it displayed different time zones. Parking is tricky to find on a Saturday night so give yourself an extra 20 minutes if you have a reservation!

What an AMAZING WAY to start my morning walk at my FAVORITE place the Walnut Canyon Reservoir. This…read moremorning as I was about to check I got the alert for the 2026 Yelp invite. I was literally jumping up and down Lady, my puppy, was watching me behave like a 5 year old opening gifts at Christmas. Walnut Canyon is such a wonderful place to visit, a 1.7-mile loop trail easy enough to do 10,000 steps in a paved area. Dog owners can do their dog walking routine, families can bring their kids without having to worry about vehicles. Please NOTE, there is a great deal of wildlife, including COYOTES and SNAKES, therefore please always stay alert. Thank you sooooo much for the LOVE & SUPPORT!

Amazing little loop in an upscale residential community. Its beautiful, a bit windy. You walk right…read morein front of the backyards of several homes. Nice for bicycle riding, jogging and walking. My kids loved it here.