Skip the Big Cities: Come to Redlands Instead
All over the world, Southern California is known for its big-time living. Celebrities are known to walk amongst the millions of people that live in the state’s big cities, creating what many would consider to be a paradise. However, anyone who lives in these areas knows that’s far from the truth. There’s traffic and pollution everywhere in the big cities along the beach, and millions of people living in one area can quickly feel suffocating.
Go just 50 miles inland, and it’s like you’ve arrived in a whole new world. Cities like Redlands and San Bernardino offer pretty much all the same fun the metropolises do, but without the big headache of being around millions of people all the time. Here’s a taste of what Redlands has to offer:
Have a Local Brew
California’s sunny weather and disposition is evident in just about every product coming from the state, and that includes its beer. One local brewery is Ritual. Founded just a few years ago when an industry veteran partnered with a home brewer, Ritual has quickly grown to become one of the biggest breweries in the area. They carry a wide variety of beers, from Belgian wits to IPAs to oat stouts, as well as many different kinds of ales. From Tuesday to Sunday, you can visit the tasting room and sample all of their great offerings.
Just down the road is Hangar 24 Craft Brewery. The name comes from the location of the brewery, founded by Ben Cook, who would meet and drink homebrewed beer with his buddies in an old hangar after a day of flying. They live up to the idea of the California summer, brewing light IPAs and wheat beers year-round, while offering special seasonal brews as well. Hangar 24 is open every day of the week for tours and tastings.
Finally, there is Escape Craft Brewery. Escape, the newest brewery in the area, prides themselves on only using the freshest local ingredients in every beer they make, and it shows. They are known for their hoppy IPA, as well as other bright, tasty brews. Escape is open Wednesday through Sunday for tasting and tours.
Enjoy Entertainment from Local Performers
There is always something going on in Redlands. One of the most popular venues is the Redlands Bowl. Every Tuesday and Friday during the summer, the Redlands Community Music Association presents different musical acts, and local come out by the thousands to watch. The best part? Admission is always free. This tradition has been a Redlands staple since 1924, and an estimated 8 million people have enjoyed the show since its inception.
For theatre lovers, Redlands is a paradise from June to September. This time marks The Redlands Theatre Festival, now in its fourth decade. Every Tuesday through Sunday, bring your family and a picnic, and enjoy a play from local actors. Be sure to get there early — the open-air theatre fills up quickly. You can find out more information, including a schedule and how to buy tickets, on the Redlands Theatre Festival website.
For an uplifting play, check out the LifeHouse Theater. This playhouse performs totally unique, interdenominational faith-based plays. More than 500 volunteers participate to put on the award-winning shows for more than 30,000 patrons annually. Even non-religious people have found inspiration in the plays put on at LifeHouse Theater. You can find out more about their upcoming shows and ticket prices here.
Grab a Bite to Eat
Of course, everyone needs to eat. So, you may as well make it good. Start your day in Redlands with a hearty breakfast (or brunch, if you prefer to sleep in). Carolyn’s Cafe is a great option. Their menu is full of delicious egg scramblers and hashes, plus decadent breakfast pastries. Another local favorite is McDuff’s. Their Eggs Benedict and home fries are popular choice, and their fresh-squeezed orange juice is worth its own trip.
Redlands also has many different options for lunch and dinner. For a Latin flair, check out Red Panka. Its low-price fresh food is a healthy, delicious alternative to the typical greasy fast food. They specialize in burritos, tacos, bowls, salads and wraps with Peruvian influence a twist of Mexico. If pizza is more your style, try Bricks and Birch. They specialize in wood-fired pizza, fresh pastries and delicious coffee. And if you like dining well for dinner, check out Duane’s Prime Steak & Seafood. Be sure to pack your Sunday best for this recipient of AAA Four Diamond Award.
With so much to do in Redlands, it’s easy to have a blast while avoiding the difficulties of traveling through California’s bigger cities. Come visit and see why 60,000 people love to call this town home!
Stephen Levine, is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense — an honor achieved by only the top criminal law attorneys in California. Mr. Levine has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law serving Southern California, and is a highly regarded Super Lawyer as well as AV Rated attorney.