Around LA｜Riverside & Redlands – Hidden Gem Towns 🏡✨

I’ve always loved this quote by Soseki Natsume: "Live in the moment and cherish every second of life! Life is like rain — sometimes gentle, sometimes stormy; life is like a dream — when you wake, everything passes." And indeed, we keep moving toward better days 🌱💫 Drove about an hour from Irvine to Redlands, and our first stop was the Mission Inn 🏰 ❣️ What to Do in Riverside? • Previously enjoyed orange-picking at a Riverside farm 🍊 • Visit UC Riverside campus 🎓 • Explore the Mission Inn – a historic hotel over 100 years old! ❣️ What to See at Mission Inn? 1️⃣ This was once an early European missionary site. The whole building features Spanish mission-style architecture — an elegant visual treat! 🇪🇸✨ 2️⃣ As a member of the Historic Hotels of America, its design echoes the romantic charm of old European structures. Despite over a century of history, the grand dome, towers, and refined interiors remain stunning 🕍💖 3️⃣ Both Reagan and Nixon held their wedding receptions here! Also featured in Hollywood films like Dracula (1915), Willie Boy (1969), and The Man in the Iron Mask (1997) 🎬🍿 ❣️ What to Explore in Redlands Old Town? 🔹 Umbrella Street: Famous for its colorful hanging umbrellas ☂️🌈 — a must for photos! Actually located on Orange Street, named for the area’s role in Southern California’s early citrus industry 🍊 🔹 Kimberly Crest House & Garden: A fairytale-like French chateau built in 1897 🏰🌷 Stroll through well-kept lawns, past waterfalls, ponds, fountains, and gardens — a true retreat in historic Redlands. 🔹 Historic Downtown Redlands: Just steps from Umbrella Street, this historic block is filled with restaurants, gift shops, clothing boutiques, and an antique store 🛍️📚 Cross the street and look back — you’ll see the iconic Redlands arch under the blue sky ☁️❤️ #SpringExchange #IrvineLife #LALife #Riverside #Redlands #SoCalLife #SoCalTravel #LATravel #AroundIrvine