Temecula Things to Do

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Temecula Valley has it's own viticulture area named the same as of 2004. It was the Temecula Appellation since 1989 and grew to become a major player in California wines. There are about 28 wineries in Temecula and most are in the valley portion about 15 minutes from the I-15 freeway. Temecula is the perfect week-end getaway that can include many wine tastings at the wineries located just on Rancho California Road. Eleven such wineries line this road up into the valley. Many wineries have tasting rooms, tours, restaurants, and picnic areas. My two favorites are Callaway Vineyard and Winery and Baily Vineyard and Winery. Callaway has complimentary tours at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. Both wineries are class operations with Baily's being a family business with many wine gold medals. My wife and I have lunch at Baily's Winery when we go wine tasting in the Temecula Valley.

This can be an all day affair with a couple of wineries visited in the morning, well, wine tastes good in the morning, just as much as later in the day. Most wineries open at 10am and stay open until 5pm. Have lunch at a restaurant or picnic at a winery. Back out on the road for a couple of more wine tastings at two of the many wineries. Remember that in wine tasting, you can spit out the wine you are tasting into a container. This is the way to stay sober. If you do enjoy the tastings and drink up, please by careful and have a designated driver with you or hire out a limo to drive you around. The wine seems to taste better when you step out of a limo. There is golfing nearby and hot air ballooning. Several resorts are located right in the wine valley with many hotels/motels in Temecula, proper.

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Just off the I-15 in Temecula, on Front Street is the heart of Temecula, Old Town. the part of Temecula was started up in 1859 when the second post office in California was established. The first was in San Francisco. The Pechanga Band of Indians had been around for up to 10,000 years before the Spanish came in 1797 to look for an area to build a mission. One was built a few miles away in Pala.

As for Old Town today, it is a great week-end getaway for most of Southern California. Within an hour's drive from San Diego and about two hours from Los Angeles, this area of Temecula calls out to the old west feel in most of us. Antique stores, boutiques, restaurants, bars, and one of the largest country western music venues in the Stampede.

Aside from Old Town, Temecula also has 28 wineries in the valley, about 15-20 minutes up Rancho California Road. A lot of fun, a lot of walking, talking, eating, and drinking go on between Old Town and the winery road. Spend the week-end and enjoy this wonderful part of Southern California.

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The gallery at the Merc always has a rotating show of different art types. It ranges from oils, watercolor, sculpture, etc. Always interesting and open during regular box office times.

In October there is an outdoor quilt show (Oct 2, 2010) this year and in the gallery will be a contemporary art quilt show. I live local and have been there the every year they have held it.

Wonderful day of wandering Front Street looking at the quilts, going to the gallery and dining in some fantastic restaurants. Check out The Public House for some wonderful organic and creative food. Several winery tasting rooms are also in the immediate area.

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Popular local artist, minister, and musician, Ralph Love, opened an art studio in an abandoned shack near this location in 1957. Best known for his paintings of the Grand Canyon, his landscapes of the Southwest include many scenes of the Temecula Valley. Love’s art is now highly valued by international collectors.

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Opened in 1915 by Mrs. Lizzie Hall, who was both proprietor and chef until the 1930’s. Daughter, Edna Swanguen, served as the only local telephone operator from 1918-1961 and ran the café when her mother retired. The switchboard was located in the rear of the café, where Edna lived with her husband, Carl.

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The Friedemann family purchased the building about 1910. From 1916 into the 1940s, Will and Jessie Friedemann operated the meat market there. Will Friedemann also built and ran a nearby slaughterhouse.

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This wonderful museum has many exhibits represent life in the Temecula Valley through time and different cultures. Lots of beautiful displays of handcrafted artifacts, cultural items, ranching and farming equipment, documents, photographs, and more, Other exhibits depict key stories, including the Luiseno Indians, Mission San Luis Rey period, establishment of the ranchos, and transportation influences including the stagecoach and railroads.

And so much more!

Hours
Closed Mondays
Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Admission
Suggested donation $2.00

Built in 1892 by Macedonia Machado, this general merchandise store later became the Temecula station post office with Mr. Machado serving as post master. For a long time it was the "Long Branch Saloon" and is now and antique mall.