Day Tripping: Temecula History
Woman in the Middle | November 2, 2012Recently I have made two flying trips to the city of Temecula. Each time I was able to take a quick but enjoyable look at one of the museums there. You could easily see both in one day trip so I am combining them into one Day Tripping post. Temecula has a long history, a historic down town, and an extensive wine country. But today I am discussing the museums you can visit there.
The first place I visited was the museum of the Vail Ranch Restoration Association (VaRRA.) VaRRA is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the historic Vail Ranch headquarters. This organization runs the Little Temecula History Center. The word “little” is a bit misleading as they history center is actually in a replica of a barn that used to stand on the Vail Ranch. It includes a full size replica of a Butterfield stage, an authentically restored ranch chuck wagon, many other tools and devices used on the ranch as well as displays about the history of the Vail Ranch. The History Center is run by volunteers and is opened Sundays noon to 5 p.m. The best part is that is has free admission! More information is available here: http://www.vailranch.org/1914.html
Temecula is also home to a city run museum. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. It too is a bargain with a suggested donation of just $2.00 for admission. The museum has well-done displays which cover Temecula history on the first floor, along with a gift shop which includes a large number of books on area history. The most unique display in the museum concerns mystery writer Earl Stanley Gardner. Gardner, who is most famous for creating the character of Perry Mason, had a home in the Temecula Valley. The museum has been given extensive donations of material related to Gardner and the displays on Gardner reflect that. If you have children with you the museum includes a special hands on area for children. More information can be found on their website: http://www.cityoftemecula.org/temecula/residents/parksfacilities/museum/
Temecula is an enjoyable drive from most of Southern California. It has many places where you can have lunch, both chain eateries and places that are unique to Temecula. If you happen to visit one of both of these museums leave me a comment on what you thought of them!
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