Added: 07/26/2006 |
The World-Famous Road in the Inland EmpireThe Inland Empire is most decidedly a part of southern California, but a region that lies at quite a distance from the Pacific Coast. Still the absence of beaches does not detract from the highpoints of travel in the Inland Empire. During the development of southern California, many different people motored across the Empire’s famous road--the old Route 66.
In September of 2006 there will be another Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino, a city located in the Inland Empire. That event has been held annually since 1991. The first Rendezvous had 300 vehicles and 4,000 visitors. In 2006, San Bernardino expects more than 2,000 vehicles and more than 500,000 spectators.
Both classic cars and hot rods can be seen at the Route 66 Rendezvous. One can be certain that classic cars and hot rods, in addition to muscle cars, compact cars and, more recently, SUV’s have traveled over Route 66. Until the creation of the interstate highway system, Route 66 was the primary road into the Inland Empire.
Route 66 allowed large numbers of travelers to gain access to the Inland Empire. Because Route 66 played such a central role in development of the Inland Empire, that California region now has two museums with items related to Route 66. One museum is in Barstow, CA, and one is found in Victorville, CA.
The Barstow museum, called Route 66 Museum, had its dedication ceremonies on July 4, 2000. On that day an old rail depot/ restaurant complex was officially transformed into a museum. No mention has been made of whether or not representatives from the original operators of the complex, the Atchison-Topeka Railway, took part in that dedication.
The Victorville museum, established on November 11, 1995, has a more interesting history. That collection of motor-vehicle memorabilia, a collection housed in the California Route 66 Museum, transformed an old Route 66 rest-stop. That rest-stop had invited weary Route 66 travelers into the Red Rooster Café. One Hollywood movie, “The Jazz Singer,” was filmed there at the old Red Rooster Café.
Travelers headed west can, if they want, depart from the faster interstate highway system and motor across Route 66. Those who choose to follow that route have better access to scheduled activities in the Inland Empire, including activities up near Big Bear Lake. The reader has been promised word about more activities in the area of the Lake.
In September, California travelers might want to stop and to take-in the International Film Festival up at Big Bear Lake. In October, there is an Oktoberfest up by the Lake. In December, a traveler might hear the songs of the carolers, who add a touch of Holiday Spirit to the region around Big Bear Lake.
Of course the falling snow in the area of the Lake always beckons to the local skiers and snowboarders. A traveler in the Inland Empire is sure to see at least one car loaded with skis, a car headed in the direction of ski trails and snowboard runs, both of which operate within the Inland Empire during the winter months.
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