Redlands has grown so much since I was young. Once having the nickname of “Deadlands” by young locals, it is now full of great restaurant, live music performances and other entertainments. One of the oldest cities in California, it offers a lot of options for those interested in learning about the past or just looking for a fun night. My family loves Redlands and hope you enjoy your stay when you visit our wonderful city!
Thursday nights from 6-9 p.m. downtown Redlands hosts a market night down State Street. Local stores run specials while food vendors, local farms and businesses sell wares. There are musicians and performances throughout the market and a children’s fun zone which includes a bounce house and pony rides.
The downtown stores that line the market, which closes State Street between Orange Street and Ninth Street, extend their usual hours and offer Thursday night deals.
The summer Bowl program is the oldest continually-running free concert series on the United States. Performances from Celtic groups, jazz bands, ballet companies and other genres entertain crowds in an open-air amphitheater twice a week. A yearly musical is also performed with several shows in a week. Come early and pack a picnic- but leave the wine at home.
Local theater
The free Shakespeare Summer Festival, held in the Redlands Bowl and the Redlands Theater Festival, held in Prospect Park both offer a series of plays in the warm evening air. Year round, the Redlands Footlighters and nonprofit Lifehouse Theatre offer performances locally in intimate settings.
Trails and walks
The Redlands Conservancy cares for several trails in the area, including some that go through the nearby San Timoteo Canyon area. The historical trails offer views of the local nature and history, including the zanja (locals say san-kee) built by the local Native American tribes for the settling ranchers.
Similar to bocce, lawn bowling (or bowls) is a game where balls are rolled on a smooth grass surface to get as close as possible to a smaller ball. The Redlands Lawn Bowling Club offers free lessons regularly and game play at the Sylvan Park location, located close to the 10 freeway.
Historic homes and museums
Redlands is one of the oldest cities in California and has several museums and historical homes to explore. Kimberly Crest was owned by the family who helped found Kimberly-Clark and has a mirror image twin architecture to the The Magic Castle. The Lincoln Shrine is the only one dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War west of the Mississippi. It houses a large collection of artifacts, including weapons, and has a section devoted to the appearance of Lincoln in Star Trek.
Downtown Redlands
The downtown area stretches down Orange Street and up to Ninth Street, and from Redlands Boulevard to Citrus Avenue. The area is full of restaurants, bars, specialty shops and businesses. Try local beer, handmade ice cream, boutiques, coffee and other goods from businesses housed in historic buildings. My family’s favorite is A La Minute, a handmade ice cream shop, and The Frugal Frigate, a children’s bookstore.
The county museum hosts a large collection of preserved land and sea birds and their eggs, most of which are local to the area. Revolving galleries host local history and outside a train and mining equipment lead the way to the Exploration Station. In the basement, a downhill walk past the mineral collection there are a display of animals and reptiles that include a standing polar bear.
