The City of Riverside was officially established in 1883. The County of Riverside was carved out of portions of San Bernardino and San Diego Counties in 1893. Frank A. Miller’s Mission Inn, built between 1920 and 1932, celebrates the Mission Revival style, where one can see the result of his planning the and architects’ creativity. The eclectic, spectacular hotel is the heart of the community, and special activities in Riverside. The hotel originated on the site in 1876 as the home of Miller's parents.
In its early beginnings, Riverside, CA, raised an abundance of citrus fruits. It’s inviting mild weather and a mix of historical architecture draws interest to the Southern CA city. By 1882, more than half of CA citrus groves were a part of Riverside . The first residents of the Riverside area were Native Americans, and today some of their hand-woven baskets and other artifacts are preserved in the Municipal Museum. Members of the Cahuilla and Serrano tribes still live in Riverside County.
The citrus orchards, particularly oranges, rapidly grew into one of Riverside's biggest sources of income. The Parent Navel Orange Tree was the source of all of California's multi-million dollar navel orange industry. Among the other early agricultural ventures were vineyards, other fruits, wheat, and mulberry trees.
The prosperous region developed an outstanding ornate architecture in the downtown area of the Main Street and today is overflowing with art galleries, specialty stores and the CA Museum of Photography and more.
Accommodations
Overall, Riverside's hotels can meet a diversity of interests, featuring environments ranging from ultra modern to authentic history. Some of the hotels/resorts include: the Best Western Country Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Highland Springs Conference & Training Center and The Historic Mission Inn.
The Mission Inn is renowned for its style and a welcoming location to enjoy. The Spanish revival hotel has special designs including the mission bells, the clock tower and the flying buttresses. The Inn encompasses an entire city block in downtown Riverside. The Mission Inn is conveniently close to historic sites, antique shopping and museums.
Located in the heart of Southern California, the Mission Inn is within driving distance also to golf, wine country or NASCAR, the California Speedway.
Restaurants
Sumptuous offerings are available in Riverside. The Mission Inn Restaurant and Spanish Patio offer fresh seafood and pasta dishes. Reminiscent of Spanish castle courtyards, their adjacent Spanish Patio offers 'al fresco' dining outdoors.
Duane's Prime Steaks and Seafood Restaurant is recognized as the Inland Empire's only AAA Four Diamond awarded restaurant . Duane's also has been the recipient of the DiRoNA Award of Excellence. They have also received the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association recognition with the Golden Sceptre Award, as well as the Wine Spectator's 'Award of Excellence'.
Shopping
The Galleria at Tyler is an excellent indoor regional shopping center, anchored by four major department stores. Downtown Riverside presents shoppers with a mix of retail, museums, and government facilities. Surrounded by historic buildings, the open air mall invites outdoor dining and shopping. The Riverside Plaza, in the Magnolia Center, is home to department stores and a group of smaller stores. University Village has 10 movie theaters and several eateries.
Other options include: Canyon Crest Towne Center, Hardman Center, the Mission Grove Center, and a host of other retail outlets are conveniently located to Riverside.
Attractions
The Heritage House, built in 1891 has a beautiful drive filled with magnolias, citrus trees and palms. The restored 19th century furnished House is an interesting site to visit.
The Mission Inn is a 12-room adobe house; it was expanded in the early 20th century and is now a 234-room hotel where the original craftsmanship can be appreciated.
Other attractions include: The California Riverside Art Museum, the UCR Botanical Gardens, and the close proximity to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. Another attraction is the Riverside County Courthouse, which was designed in the style of beaux-arts Classicism, and was completed in 1903. The architectural features include Ionic columns and classic sculpture.
If golf is your game, the Indian Hills Golf Club is an 18 hole, par 70 championship golf course open to the public 365 days a year.
Written by: Karen J. Lee
