Page 116 - 2018 Travel Guide to California

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MUS
T
SEE,
DO
» Saddle Up Wine Tours This equine and wine
tour winds through Temecula’s vineyards and winery
estates until you say “Whoa” at up to three wineries
for tastings.
› saddleupwinetours.com
» Sand to Snow National Monument
In 2016, President Obama designated our newest
national monument, 154,000 acres of San Bernardino
National Forest and BLM land jutting skyward from
the Sonoran desert floor to the 11,502-foot peak of
Mount San Gorgonio. This biologically diverse monu-
ment encompasses wildlife corridors, sacred Serrano
and Cahuilla tribal sites and 30 miles of the Pacific
Crest Trail.
› fs.fed.us/visit/sand-to-snow-national-monument
» University of California Riverside’s
ARTSBlock A cultural anchor in downtown River-
side, three miles from UCR’s main campus, ARTSblock
occupies adjacent historic buildings and former
department stores. The California Museum of Photog-
raphy exhibits contemporary photography and has a
comprehensive collection of early cameras. The
Sweeney Art Gallery acts as a laboratory of experi-
mental art. The Culver Center of the Arts hosts films,
lectures and theatrical programs.
› artsblock.ucr.edu
» Ballooning over Temecula Drift serenely in a
hot-air balloon over the vineyards, citrus groves and
horse ranches of Temecula’s wine country, tinged by
the rising sun’s golden light. Sunrise Balloons first pio-
neered these flights in 1975; their capable, licensed
pilots ensure a safe float that begins with a mimosa
and ends with cold champagne.
› sunriseballoons.com
» Mission Inn Hotel & Spa This 1902 National
Historic Landmark has hosted presidents and movie
stars in this ramble of Mission Revival, Moorish and
Oriental architecture, and Louis Comfort Tiffany
mosaics. It’s authentic, never touristy and worth a
visit. Sip a drink in the Spanish Patio under colon-
nades draped with red bougainvillea.
› missioninn.com
114 2018 T R AV E L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A
SPECIAL
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EVENTS 2018
RIVERSIDE DICKENS FESTIVAL Costumed Dickens characters descend upon downtown
Riverside. Festivities include a Steampunk fashion show, a Victorian tea room with music
hall performances, parasol dueling and Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig’s Ball in full Victorian regalia.
February 24-25 dickensfest.com
TEMECULA ROD RUN Roaring hot rods descend upon Old Town Temecula. March 2-3
temeculaca.gov/rodrun
RAMONA OUTDOOR PLAY Playing since 1926, this tragic romance about the Ponca Indians
is America’s longest running drama and California’s Official Outdoor Play. April 21-22, 28-29,
May 5-6 ramonabowl.com
TEMECULA VALLEY BALLOON & WINE FESTIVAL This festival features hot-air balloon
rides, wine and craft beer tastings, gourmet food, live music and more on Lake Skinner.
June 1-3 tvbwf.com
LAKE ARROWHEAD ANNUAL ANTIQUE & CLASSIC WOODEN BOAT SHOW
Rare antique and classic wooden boats gather in Lake Arrowhead Village. June 9-10
lakearrowheadchamber.com
BIG BEAR LAKE & LAKE ARROWHEAD VILLAGE OKTOBERFESTS These events
feature bands, beer and brats at a 7,000-foot elevation. Weekends, Sept. 8-Oct. 28
bigbearevents.com/Oktoberfest, lakearrowheadoktoberfest.com
HORSEBACK RIDING in Temecula, previous page; Ontario Mills Mall, below;
ballooning over the vineyards in Temecula Valley, opposite page..