Visiting California's Inland Empire

Simply known as I.E., the Inland Empire is smack dab in the center of California. Spend an afternoon biking, hiking and soaking up sun on Big Bear Lake, or take the family for a slide down the cool, wet water slides at Big Bear Alpine Slides. Want to taste the best olives ever? Take a tour of the Graber Olive House in Ontario, where the world-famous family produced olives are grown. Stop by Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen and pluck some of the sweetest, most-juiciest apples ever. Best Western offers over 5 hotels in the Inland Empire. Book one today and explore California’s most inner-parts.

Most of you may refer to them as “roach coaches” but don’t be confused, the new fad in street food is now cooking up gourmet. On June 18th at Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario, the 2011 Inland Empire Food Truck Festival is in full effect. Spotlighting the gourmet food truck movement with 50 gourmet food trucks, live music, giveaways, roller derby and skate boarding. You can expect to find everything from glorious melted grilled cheesy goodness, Crepes, bar-b-que, and a rolling sushi van. Food ranges between $2 and $8 depending on the menu item, so get your taste buds ready for some of the best food truck cuisine in the Inland Empire.

Let the kids have big time fun for a small price at Castle Park in Riverside. With thrills that meet all sizes, they can hop aboard the Dragon Flyer, Crazy Plane, and the Kings Crown for a good time. Or take in a magic show by “Anthony the Magic”. He has been entertaining audiences with his unique skills and illusions for years. For the little golfer in your group, the miniature golf sites will be well received. Four 18-hole courses offering varying levels of play are set amongst waterfalls, rapids and fountains. Or, shoot over to the castles' state of the art arcade, boasting over 200 games from Time Crisis, and Teken 5, the Guitar Hero. All this and more for as little $14.99. Fun times lie ahead.

The rugged backcountry of Coachella in Palm Desert is a great place to visit, well… really year round. From rock climbing in Joshua Tree, and hot air ballooning over the desert - there are plenty of fantastic things to get into. Take a Canyon Jeep Tour and venture into the treasure of Indian Canyon where lush oasis, palm groves, ancient trails and desert lavender await you. Or go sky sailing and soar higher and higher with each gust of wind that flows beneath your wings.

California's Inland Empire Hotel Map