Page 165 - 2014 Travel Guide to California

LAKE ARROWHEAD REGATTA,
opposite; hot-air ballooning in
Temecula, right.
INSIDER’S
»
TIP
Since 1949, the WIGWAM MOTEL
has stood on historic Route 66 in
what were once San Bernardino
orange groves, one of three
remaining Wigwams in Arizona
and California. Today, this icon
of roadside Americana still hosts
travelers in 30-foot-tall tepees
constructed of wood, concrete
and stucco. Standing around a
kidney-shaped swimming pool,
the remodeled teepees have wifi
and air-conditioning.
wigwammotel.com
In Temecula, exhibits at the Temecula
Valley Museum explore the region’s key sto-
ries, including Luiseno Indian culture
during the Mission San Luis Rey period,
establishment of the Spanish ranchos, the
impact of stagecoaches and the railroad, and
the area’s history as a major citrus industry
capital. Exhibits tell these stories through
handcrafted artifacts, documents, ranch
equipment, photographs and other objects.
Family Fun
The fun begins with silly science at Pen-
nypickle’s Workshop in the Children’s
Museum. Tom’s Farms offers kids an
1800’s steam train, a real gem mine and
pony rides. Explore local citrus history in
the California Citrus State Historical Park’s
working orchards and then hike on the
scenic trails surrounding the groves.
DRIVE
»
TOUR
RIM OF THE WORLD SCENIC
BYWAY: This 107-mile scenic
drive begins on State
Highway 138 just west of I-15
at the MORMON ROCK FIRE
STATION. Travel east on 138 to
the CAJON PASS OVERLOOK
for breathtaking views, then
east to SILVERWOOD LAKE
and the Mojave River basin. 138 merges with 18 along the rim of the San
Bernardino forest and provides sweeping vistas of San Bernardino,
Redlands and the Los Angeles Basin. At BIG BEAR LAKE DAM, follow the
road around Big Bear Lake to MILL CREEK RANGER STATION. This tour
can be done in four hours.
2014 T R AV E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A 163