In April, the views from Redlands are as savory as its oranges

Sweeping vistas, elegant Victorian homes, and the fragrant scentof orange blossoms: Redlands, set at the base of the San BernardinoMountains, is what the Inland Empire used to be before the days ofthe SigAlert. In April, the oranges are at their sweetest, the airis cool and fresh, and the still-snowcapped San Bernardinosgleam.

GETTING THERE

Redlands is about 60 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. FromI-10, exit at Orange St. south, and turn left on State St. to reachdowntown. To see Victorian homes, follow Orange St. as it becomesCajon St. and continue south to Highland Ave.

GO

A.K. Smiley Public Library A Moorish-style wonder of stonearches, carved gargoyles, and stained-glass windows. Don’t miss theconservatory, which opens to a lush flower garden. INFO: 125 W.Vine St.; www.akspl.org; 909/798-7565.

Kimberly Crest House & Gardens Scented geraniums,irises, and roses bloom at this hilltop home, which was theinspiration for Hollywood’s Magic Castle. INFO: $7 tour everyhalf-hour, 1-4 Thu-Sun; 1325 Prospect Dr.; www.kimberlycrest.org;909/792-2111.

Celebrate Citrus Redlands honors its agricultural past everyspring with a big celebration timed to peak blossom time. CelebrateCitrus kicks off April 14, 2007 at Prospect Park, south ofdowntown, with displays of citrus-themed art and vintage farmequipment, plus a tasting of nearly 20 rare citrus varieties. Alsoon April 14, don’t miss the Orange Muffin Fest. INFO: www.inlandorange.com;909/794-4484.

EAT

Farm Artisan Foods The menu at this upscale bistro changesseasonally ― think morel risotto and zucchini blossomsstuffed with chèvre. For dessert, order the divine pine-nutolive-oil cake. INFO: $$$; closed Mon; 22 E. State St.;909/792-1162.

Oscar’s Mexican Restaurant Known for huevos rancheros andgrilled fish tacos. INFO: $$; 19 N. Fifth St.; 909/792-8211.

The Eating Room The food at this bustling breakfast andlunch spot keeps locals coming back. Try the pulled pork sandwichwith sweet potato fries. INFO: $; 107 E. Citrus Ave.;909/792-5400.

SHOP

Redlands Galleria Four fun-to-browse floors of antiquearmoires, porcelain dolls, cut glass, and 1950s enamelware. INFO:17 E. State St.; 909/793-2204.

Redlands Art Association Gallery Vases, beaded jewelry, andplein air paintings. INFO: Closed Sun; 215 E. State St.; 909/792-8435.

The Frugal Frigate Housed in an old carriage shop, the indiechildren’s bookstore has costumed storytimes. INFO: 9 N. Sixth St.;909/793-0740.

STAY OVERNIGHT

Morey Mansion Inn Stretch out your visit at the gracefulMorey Mansion Inn, an exquisitely restored 1890s Victorian built bya prominent local citrus family. INFO: 3 rooms from $250, includingbreakfast; www.moreymansion.com;866/990-1890.


More great travel ideas in California »

Keep Reading: