Destination: Mission Inn Festival of Lights, Riverside, CA

Dec 13, 2012 | 4 comments

I know. This is my buzzillionth post about the Mission Inn in Riverside. But seriously… you can’t possibly be tired of hearing how stunningly magical it is. My Most Favorite Place is all lit up for the holidays.

It’s always beautiful. Especially this time of year. From the day after Thanksgiving through the first weekend in January, The Mission Inn hosts its Festival of Lights. As over 3,600,000 lights light up the block-sized Resort, the sidewalks fill with a crowd that would challenge New York City during Rush Hour. Street venders peddle their wares. The aromas of roasted chestnuts, kettle corn and hot chocolate waft on the light breeze. Neon everything illuminates the surroundings. Performers serenade the immense crowd with guitars and voices.

And if you want to really partake in the Festival of Lights extravaganza, you have to get in line. Way down there. No, keep going. That’s it. There. Around the building. Down the block. Yup. There ya’ go. It takes about an hour to navigate the winding around, into, and out of the Lobby where Santa awaits and the tall Tree is displayed. It’s worth it.

But if long lines aren’t your cup of tea, stop in at Casey’s Cupcakes for a cupcake instead. Or wait two hours to be seated at the Bella Trattoria next door.

The best view of the Festival of Lights is from opposite sidewalks. There’s nothing quite like the scene lighting up against the night sky, with the clip-clop sounds of passing Cinderella carriages and wagons.

You can see as much or as little as you like; and do as much or as little. Stroll in the crowds and hum Christmas Caroles. Sit on a bench and enjoy people-watching. Revel in the flavors and noises of being thrown into another World. A World where history and celebration combine to bring Festivity to all to enjoy.

These are just a sampling of the Merriment you’ll find at
The Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights

Lobby Tree

Glamorous Gingerbread Cupcake and Gingerbread Coffee

Main Entrance

Around the Block

The Bella Trattoria

Sidewalk Lights

Stories Tall

Horse-Drawn Carriage

Fairy Tale Atmosphere

Gifts of Light

Festival of Lights

3500 Market Street. I just love this photo.

Fallen Leaves to Play In.

And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!

You may also enjoy reading:
My Personal History of Coffee (and a Keurig Review)
Destination: Mission Inn, Riverside, CA
Destination: Mission Inn [“Tell ‘Em Tony Sent Ya”]
Destination: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan
Dear Casey’s Cupcakes… Thanks For Being So Sweet!

Dear Casey’s Cupcakes… Thanks For Being So Sweet!

Dec 10, 2012 | 2 comments

Dear Casey’s Cupcakes,

Casey’s Cupcakes [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]

But I can’t help share your sweetness with the World. At least, my little corner of it.

Casey’s Cupcakes

You’re on the internet. You’re on Facebook. Twitter. Pinterest. And even Instagram.

Coincidentally… so am I.

It’s the law of averages that we’d cyber-bump into each other in this neighborhood. I’m just thankful that you act and react as much as I do. I really don’t lurk. I just happen to be online. A lot. Like, a lot-a lot.

Can I just say, without sounding stalkerish, that I love love love your cupcakes?

I think you already know that. But in case you didn’t, I love love love your cupcakes.

I also love your store. It’s decorated so cutely for the Season.

Casey’s Christmas Tree

And all the wonderfully delightful pink and white and striped and confettied goodies! I’d mention my favorites, but I picked up a few to stash into Dot’s Christmas stocking. So you’ll understand when I say I really can’t talk about all that right now. (I can say we’re now the proud owners of the last two striped iPhone covers from the Riverside location! Dreams really do come true!)

Glamorous Gingerbread at Casey’s Cupcakes

I love bringing newbies to your Riverside location (being the Mission Inn junkie that I am).

Oh, I’m supposed to tell you, “What an adorable shop!”, “Dontcha just love all the pink and white?!” and “These folding boxes are amazingly cute!” My peeps think you’re magical. I think you’re delightful. What other eatery do know of where the people save the containers after savoring the contents?

Did you notice the exclamation points in those statements. Yup. We love our Casey’s Cupcakes.

You brighten my day. Daily.

It’s prob’ly a good thing I don’t live closer.

Cuz then you might hafta get a Restraining Order. And we don’t want that. We just want our cupcake order.

Casey’s Cupcakes: A Very Sweet Treat!

Yeah. On a very.regular.basis.

Don’t be afraid. Just give me cupcakes and no one gets hurt.

That’s a sweet exchange… dontcha think?

And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!