It's safe to say most people are Riverside haters. And while at some point in my life I have been one, I have to say it's home and there
are some good things about it! For one, it's where all of my family and my hubby's family lives and there's something to be said for that (free babysitting!). But on top of that I have gathered a few other reasons to as why the Inland Empire ain't all bad. :) Yes, some people here wear their boxers and jeans to the local beach (sorry, Newport). And then there are quite a few tatted up girls with skunk-like hair dye jobs but we aren't all bro ho's! I promise! Here is why I continue to live in the city of dirt...
1. Mission Inn:
This old hotel has housed celebrities and presidents alike over the years and has THE BEST Christmas lights in southern California. This was the view from our hotel room last year. Stunning!
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| we dressed up fancy for M's work party |
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| and a bit more casual to walk the streets below |
2. Mt. Rubideaux and Sycamore Canyon
When we used to live closer to downtown I would run up Mt. R all the time. It's the perfect amount of incline and just the right distance (4 miles).
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| back in the day when I hiked it with B and her friend Charlotte |
Sycamore Canyon is closer to our current home and M loves hiking there too:
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| the picture cracks me up. It's from last year and B is straight Aladdin riding on a camel here. |
3.
Lux Clothing Store:
Super cute clothes at affordable prices...win win! I love their selection of clothes and I also enjoy shopping local. They girls who work there are very sweet and helpful!
4. Simple Simons, Substation, and Backstreet:
I couldn't do it. I couldn't pick just ONE of my favorite sandwich shops so I highlighted three. There are even a couple other local ones (Jammin' Bread, Butch's) that I love too! Simple Simons has a total hipster vibe and is located in downtown Riverside. Substation is by the UCR campus and has the friendliest owner EVER and a great 70's atmosphere (order the Big Dude!). Finally, Backstreet is located in the heart of Riverside and has the most beautiful outdoor patio area to relax in. All of their sandwiches are different but oh so tasty! You won't be let down.
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| simple simons |
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| Substation |
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| Backstreet |
5. Hunter Park
While we have only been to this park once it was a pretty amazing trip! The second and fourth Sunday of every month a couple of guys who love trains run the show and allow people to ride free! It's a legit track and mini train and B loved it. I bet she would be even more interested in it now that she's gotten older.
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| choo! choo! |
And that's a wrap! See, Riverside isn't all
ghetto bad! ;)
And if you are every in the great city of Chicago check out Kendra's top picks for the windy city below!
Why I Love Chicago
One of my favorite things to do is get lost for a day, forget
about my normal obligations and lose myself in the hustle and bustle of the
city I love. There are so many things to do in the city; I can guarantee a new
experience each "me" day. After thinking long and hard about some of
the best things to do in the city, I have managed to narrow it down to my
favorite few things that are unique to Chicago.
1. Getting my head in the game
Chicago has a sports team in each
of the major leagues, baseball, football basketball and hockey. Some of the
seasons overlap, so there is almost a guarantee that I will be able to attend
at least one sporting event, sometimes even multiple games in a month. Although
hockey isn't quite mainstream these days, it is certainly popular here. Our
Blackhawks just won another Stanley Cup! Hockey games are great fun for the
entire family, or for a night out with a few friends.
2. On an adventure
When I am feeling particularly
adventurous, I like to visit the Skydeck
in Willis Tower. Willis tower is one of the tallest buildings in the
world, and on the 103rd floor they have created a glass box to overlook the
city. It almost feels like you're skydiving or floating when you are in
it! The glass box extends out from the building, truly a unique and
exhilarating experience. Remind yourself that each side is made of three layers
of half inch glass, laminated together into one unit. Don't forget to breath,
and don't take the stairs!
3. An overnighter
Chicago is such a beautiful and
unique city, and to really appreciate how spectacular it is it's necessary to
stay overnight. An overnight stay will enable you to enjoy the skyline and the
city lights at night. Seeing the city change from business to nightlife first
hand is so interesting, and as a mom it helps me remember that I can still get
out and have fun, too. An overnight in Chicago can be a romantic getaway
for me and the hubby or a fun overnight with my girlfriends. Booking a hotel on
sites such as Gogobot guarantees a great
room for a good price.
4. Getting some grub
Let's face it: food is always a
major player in my days away. If I don't have to cook, I want to enjoy it!
South Water Kitchen, located
right in the loop, is one of my staples when I'm in the city. Not only is the
restaurant owned by a native Chicagoan, it's also fairly priced. They open
at 6 and serve all three meals, making this a hit for nearly everyone in the
family, even my pickiest eaters.
Chicago is such a lively city all
year round, and with these suggestions you can visit at any time of year and
really get to see the city. Chicago truly is a gem, and I love the fact that I
can live here for years and still discover new and exciting places to see.
