Things To Do on Memorial Day In Inland Empire

Five members of my immediate family  have served in the Armed Forces, including the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force. During the Memorial Day weekend our family supports local events that honor the service of our fallen heroes and their families, it’s a family tradition.

Whether you are looking for an opportunity to give back by placing flags on fallen heroes or taking your family to the local city parade or memorial day ceremony, there are several options for families to choose from.   In honor of our fallen heroes and the men, women and families who are currently serving our country, we compiled a list of the best local memorial day events for our friends and neighbors.

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MENIFEE: Memorial Day Ceremony:  The ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 26 at 12 noon-1PM, at the Veterans Memorial in Wheatfield Park at the corner of La Piedra and Menifee roads. Military families along with the entire Menifee community are invited.  Wheatfield Park 30627 Menifee Road  Menifee, CA 92584

MORENO VALLEY:  Memorial Day activities. Parade 9:30, Ceremony 2pm. Moreno Valley patriots are invited to make Monday, May 26- Memorial Day special with two events to honor the veterans and their families. Memorial Day activities include a heart stirring parade in the morning and a memorable community gathering at the Moreno Valley Veteran’s Memorial in the afternoon.  West Coast Thunder Motorcycle Parade: 9:30 a.m., Sunnymead Boulevard. between Frederick Street and Heacock Street.

MURRIETA: City of Murrieta Memorial Day service.  Ceremony 8am.  Time Square park adjacent to Veterans Memorial.

NORCO:  Memorial Day Classic Car Show to honor veterans: Monday, May 26 2pm-5pm at Bobs Big Boy restaurant 3521 Hamner, Norco.

RIVERSIDE:  Join West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Bike Run. Proceeds will benefit the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee via the West Coast Thunder.

RIVERSIDE:  A Flag For Every Hero:  Join the Riverside National Cemetery at 8am to place a flag on every heroes grave.  Meet at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater.  Starts at 8am promptly and ends around 11am.  22495 Van Buren, Riverside.

TEMECULA: Remember our Bravest at Temecula Civic Center:   Monday, May 26 at 8:00am. Remember our heroes with a procession along Main Street featuring scouts, military personnel and patriotic music followed by a small ceremony on the steps of the Civic Center. Wear your red, white and blue and don’t forget your flag.  Location:  Main Street, Old Town Temecula 8:00-9:30am.

TEMECULA: Temecula Berry Company 2 for 1:  Monday, May 26  Temecula Berry Company would like to offer military members (veterans included) and their immediate family a 2 for 1 at the farm. Pick 2 pints and pay for 1. Please have a military ID available at check out.

Best Mother’s Day Ideas For Inland Empire Moms

Mother’s Day is next Sunday, May 11, and locally there are some great ways to show your love and appreciation for hard-working Mom.   The Inland Empire is full of small businesses offering ways to shower her with love and appreciation.  Whether you go out or stay in, shower her with gifts or put all your love into something homemade, here are some ideas for Mother’s Day plans for any budget.
A gift from the heart
Commemorate her time as a mother by having all of the kids pitch in on a project. Have everyone hand-draw a card featuring their favorite memories. Trace everyone’s hands on top of another in different colors to freeze the moment in time, or bribe them with ice cream to get them to all smile at the came at the same time and put it in a lovely photo frame for her workstation.  Even better- let her put on a nice shirt and some lipstick and get her in the shot too!
Photo advice- pick a neutral background, dress them in similar colors and, if they refuse to sit still, incorporate favorite toys to frame them.

Photo advice- pick a neutral background, dress them in similar colors and, if they refuse to sit still, incorporate favorite toys to frame them.
Spa Day
Actually, mom would like to get covered in mud and lay out in the sun to dry. Give her the gift of an afternoon to Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona where she can coat herself in mud and enjoy several bubbling pools before relaxing under a shady tree.
Admission $46-64, spa treatments extra, GlenIvy.com
 Flowers are always nice
Skip ordering from the florist (unless you have a favorite shop- support local business!) and go to your local farmer’s market the day before. Find fresh local blooms at great prices- grab a couple bunches and make a one-of-a-kind bouquet for her to put in a favorite vase (or look for a pretty one at a local thrift store). Temecula Old Town Farmers Market 8 am-12:30  Facebook
Give her the night off
Give mom the night off and round up the kids for cooking dinner. Make a favorite or just do something easy – just be sure to clean up the kitchen and load the dishwasher while she is watches her favorite Netflix show.
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Sweets for the Sweet
Give her a treat to enjoy, by herself, in a comfortable spot (hopefully) far away from fighting kids and crying babies. Casey’s Cupcakes, which started by the Mission Inn in Riverside and was the 2011 Cupcake Wars winner, is featuring an almond-raspberry cupcake this month. The shop also has gluten-free and sugar-free versions available. From $3.50 CaseysCupcake.com
Fill the Air with Love
Treat mom to some scented candles. Is she a latte lover? Try a candle from Bennett Candle in Redlands. Does she love her morning coffee? Try one named after local favorite shop Augie’s Coffee. Or give her a four-piece sampler in a rustic box she can set out and enjoy even without the wicks lit! Prices vary from $9-$45. BennettCandle.com
 
Time Out
Let mom take a book and go to the local coffee shop to read a couple chapters or relax in the bath with the door locked (no knocking). Make sure that she comes back from her break to the house looking at least as nice as she left it – get the kids to chip in on a couple chores around the house so they don’t demolish the living room while’s she’s relaxing.
Any more ideas? What are your favorite ways to treat your mom on Mother’s Day?

Things to do in Inland Empire – Visit Redlands

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.

You’re Invited To Inland Empire Restaurant Week

Inland Moms attended the kickoff of Inland Empire Restaurant Week hosted by the Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau and local restaurants.    The kickoff event featured delicious cuisine from more than 15 different community restaurants in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Mission Inn, Savor Cupcakes and Highland Springs Resorts.   Representatives from participating restaurants were there, along with samples of the various menu items being served between March 21-30 event.

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Photo Credit: Inland Empire Restaurant Week

Inland Empire Restaurant Week will showcase a variety of eateries throughout the Inland Empire as well as special menus prepared for the event.  Nearly 60 eateries from 20 communities in Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles Inland Counties will participate in the dining event.

Photo Credit:  Inland Empire Restaurant Week

Photo Credit: Inland Empire Restaurant Week

We’re really excited about the upcoming event, especially the partnership between the Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau and Inland Empire restaurants.  

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You’re invited to indulge in your inner Foodie and visit the Inland Empire Restaurant Week!  Check the website for details on participating restaurants, price range, directions and special menus.  This event is a great way to enjoy several local restaurants at affordable prices.  We’re looking forward to dining out a couple times this week and celebrating the event with our families.  Looking forward to seeing you there!

Event Details

Inland Empire Restaurant Week

Hashtag

#IERW

Dates

March 21 – March 30

Giveaway

Enter to win gift cards at Inland Empire Week Giveaway

Restaurants Participating in Inland Empire Restaurant Week

Antonino’s Italian Restaurant
Baily’s
Bella Trattoria Italian Bistro
BIN189 at Lake Arrowhead Resort
Blu Bar & Grill
Brio Tuscan Grille
Cafe Sevilla
Cask ‘n Cleaver Steakhouse – Rancho Cucamonga
Citrus West
Cork | Fire Kitchen
Dave & Buster’s
Don Jose Mexican Restaurant
Duane’s Prime Steaks & Seafood Restaurant
Dynasty
Eden Garden Fusion Grill
El Torito – Ontario
Espiau’s Restaurant
Euro Cafe
Gram’s Mission Bar-B-Q
Grand Oak Steakhouse & Bar
Grazies Italian Restarant
Gyu-Kaku – Rancho Cucamonga
Haandi Indian Restaurant
Hickory Ranch Steakhouse
Hotel Casa 425 and Lounge
Jake’s Bistro & Brew
La Unica Cocina Mexicana y Cantina
Landings Restaurant & Bar
Las Campanas Mexican Cuisine & Cantina
Magic Lamp Inn
Market Broiler – Ontario Mills
Market Broiler – Riverside
Mi Ranchito Mexican Food & Cantina – Chino
Mi Ranchito Mexican Food & Cantina – LaVerne
Mi Ranchito Mexican Food & Cantina – Upland
Mission Inn Restaurant & Spanish Patio
Mustazzoli Ristorante Italiano
O’Donovan’s Restaurant & Pub
Organic Roots
Porter’s Prime Steak House
ProAbition
Provecho Grill
Queen Bean Caffe
Rainforest Cafe
RED Restaurant & Bar
Royal Cut Restaurant
Saladfarm
Sixty6 Sports Lounge
Slater’s 50/50
Sycamore Inn Prime Steakhouse
TGI Friday’s – Ontario
TGI Fridays – Corona
TGI Fridays – Puente Hills Mall
TGI Fridays – Rancho Cucamonga
TGI Fridays – Riverside
TGI Fridays – San Bernardino
TGI Fridays – West Covina
The Orchard
The Pines Steakhouse
zpizza – Claremont