2020 reminded us what matters and ignited a desire for authenticity and community. This holiday season support local businesses by doing your holiday shopping at the unique Mom and Pop boutiques of Riverside County. Make a holiday basket of local products or give a gift card for a local experience. Best of all, you can shop safely in-person or online from the comfort of home.
Temecula: While the town is known for its wineries, its vibrant Old Town Temecula is ideal for holiday shopping with its festive décor and specialty shops that feature made-in-Temecula products. With more than 100 shops to stroll, gift givers will find something for everyone on their list. Some favorites include locally made olive oils from the Temecula Olive Oil Company, culinary items from Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants, and handmade lavender products from Temecula Lavender Company.
Murrieta: The quaint town of Murrieta is a veritable Santa’s Village with thousands of twinkling lights and festive decor. The old town, which dates back to the early 1900s, is a charming place to mark gifts off your list. Shoppers can find unique holiday gifts at the first Graham Crackers Comics outside of the Midwest, discover a treasure at the antique market or pick up unique clothing items at Gypsy Sunset.
Idyllwild: Stroll Idyllwild’s charming town center filled with locally-owned restaurants and shops. Give your honey some sheepskin slippers to snuggle up in from Wooley’s, find a unique piece of local, handcrafted jewelry at The Sage and The Butterfly, uncover vintage collectibles at Ephemera or pick up an artisan candle made onsite at the Wax Apothecary.
Lake Elsinore: Take a trip back in time in historic downtown Lake Elsinore. Here, the vibe is more 1920 than 2020. Enjoy a to-go bite to eat or pick up a gift certificate from family owned Main Street Kitchen or Felix’s BBQ With Soul before hitting the Lake Elsinore Outlets for an afternoon of power shopping. For your hard-to-buy-for person give the gift of an experience. Choose from a skydiving adventure, a glamping getaway or an annual lake pass.
Article contributed by Visit Temecula Valley, a contracted partner with Riverside County for the implantation of the Riverside County Tourism Recovery Campaign for the Third and First District. The Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula. For visitor information and assistance, call (888) 363-2852 or go to VisitTemeculaValley.com.
