Riverside Here We Come 12/23/2013
It about an hour east of our home but with LA traffic on the holiday, we departed about 2:00 PM and arrived at 3:10... Just in time to have a glass of wine before our 4:00 dinner appointment! The Duda's joined us this evening!
Click for full sized 2048 x 2048
Highway 91 is a straights hot
The Mission Inn takes a complete block!
Did You Know? - The Mission Inn, now known as The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, is a historic landmark hotel in downtown Riverside, California.
Although a composite of many architectural styles, it is generally considered the largest Mission Revival Style building in the United States.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has accepted The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa to be part of the Historic Hotels of America.
4,000,000 lights and moving figures everywhere...
Just wait until it gets dark
Amazing at night
Each figure is animated
After An Hour In Traffic, We Need A Drink!
Sue knows the way.... By smell???
We stopped at the Presidential Lounge
Did You Know? - The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa has such a long-running history with U.S. Presidents that it only seems fitting to have a Presidential Lounge which pays homage to the 10 U.S. Presidents who have passed through the hotel. On the wall are portraits of Presidents of the United States who have visited the Mission Inn during their lifetimes.
Designed to reflect the stature of these lofty guests, bronze gates frame the entrance into the interior of the Presidential Lounge. The décor in this Riverside bar features a heavy beamed ceiling and dark paneled walls, which are brightened by an unusual skylight dome of blue and gold stained glass. To commemorate President Roosevelt’s May 7, 1903 visit, the stained glass window facing the Court of the Birds displays the Presidential flag and date.
The Presidential Lounge is steeped in history and was originally built in 1902 as a luxurious four-room apartment. President Roosevelt stayed in the apartment during his overnight visit in 1903 and President William Howard Taft enjoyed the seclusion of the suite in 1909 before attending the grand banquet.
In 1926, Crown Prince Gustavus and Princess Louise of Sweden occupied the suite briefly before being escorted to a festive dinner party in the outdoor Spanish Patio. By 1939, the apartment had been converted into a large room suitable for meetings or other functions.
In 1940, Richard Nixon and Patricia Ryan were married in a simple Quaker ceremony on June 21. The space was remodeled in 1957 into a cocktail lounge and completely renovated again during the 1985 restoration.
Here's to you!
Here's to you
A delightful place to have a drink!
The Duda's Arrived And We Went To The Mission Inn Restaurant Via The Main Hall
Everything was covered in decorations
We found it and we are about the first to arrive
Bob shows off his "Vanna White" skills
Nicely done but you will never replace Vanna
A nice place to dine....
"I want food!"
Sound familiar???
Paul gets an after-the-drive relaxer!
Sour Apple Martguerita
The kids look very bright and cheery! Nice to be young!
Just us!
What is he up too???
Ah ha.. dessert has arrived... How to distract Dad so I can have it all!!
"Dad is such a good dad!"
"OK... Let's head for the lights"
Festival of Lights Begins when the Sun Drop Down...Say 5:30?
Did You Know? - Of its seasonal functions, the Festival of Lights is well known for its nearly three million Christmas lights, and over 400 animated figures. Although the Festival lasts all throughout the holiday season, the day after Thanksgiving is the lighting ceremony.
On this day city officials and the owner of the hotel, Duane Roberts, give speeches before fireworks light up the sky and nearly 65,000 people attend annually to view the unique hotel and its holiday decorations.
During the festival of lights, decorations including musical angels, carolers on the balconies, and a Santa Claus climbing the chimney are featured.
The trees were huge
Decorations everywhere
Hi there little guys
Making our way outside to catch a ride...
It is now dark and everything is lit up... The figures are moving
Guess who we spot.... The Finches, Roberts, and Kuhn's are also here
It was a nice evening but the fire added some romance
Let's Catch A Carriage Ride
Take a look at the horses feet...
Not a lot of cars... yet!
It was indeed Winter....
In 2013, winter begins with the solstice at 9:11 P.M. on December 21 (PST).
Wonder what beauty shop they go to???
Light and reflections of lights all run together
The little shops are fun to visit
We are off....
Bob and Robin
... with the varmit
Just us
Mr. Christmas
Make him smile.... Show us your tooth Nick
Perfect pose Robin
Off We Go For A Wild Rider
We parked 30 feet from this door!
This is what happens when the carriage is in motion
The carriage stopped for a second
The palm trees are lit up from top to bottom
The front of the hotel was beautiful
The side was lit up like a Christmas Tree
Back On Terra Firma... We Walked Around A Bit
The guards were on duty
Everything was standing tall
Simply covered with lights
Ta Dah!!!!
"I'll go right... You go left"
A glass of water for the road
...and a little pose....
One last shot as we pull out and head back to "civilization"
