2nd Annual Emerald Necklace Tour Brings Redlands to Life

On Feb. 21 the Second Annual Emerald Necklace Tour of Redlands gathered over 300 participants. Whether on bikes, by bus, riding a motorcycle or by car, the morning kicked off bright and early with a 35-mile ride through Redlands and a tour of its beautiful history. The Emerald Necklace Tour, according to event coordinator Kathy Behrens, is “one of Redlands most unique, informative, and delicious fundraisers.” The Emerald Necklace shows tourists the city's many beautiful open spaces, canyons, trails and some of the hidden gems some residents might be unaware of. About 200 of the participants were cyclists, 50 were in their cars and the remaining 50 took a tour bus - including bus rider Pete Dangermond, responsible for coining the phrase “Emerald Necklace” when the original Open Space plan was developed in 1987, as everyone’s personal tour guide. “He knows what he’s talking about,” Redlands Conservancy Executive Director Sherli Leonard said. According to Leonard, last year’s event brought about 200 participants total, a number exceeded by about 100 this year, with the bus tour selling out. “This year was a major success," Leonard said. "It was just fabulous; we were also so excited to sell out the bus tickets." While tickets for the cyclists and cars were $35 and tickets to ride the bus were $100, all participants got to see Redlands sites that might otherwise go unseen. All proceeds from this community event go right back in to taking care and maintaining these sites through the work of the Redlands Conservancy. “People would say, ‘This is so beautiful,’ and ‘I didn’t know this was here,' and that’s what we want; people to have a great experience and learn about these beautiful places," Leonard said. The 3- to 4-hour tour also included quite a few pit stops, or “Chew and View” sites, in the Live Oak Canyon, Orange Blossom Trail, the San Timoteo Canyon, and other special areas along the route. These stops were set up in designated areas, considered to be the ‘gems’ throughout the Emerald Necklace, according to Leonard. Over 20 local restaurants set up their booths at various “Chew and View” sites, where they provided free samples of their different food products for the participants. Behrens shared, “The show of support throughout the community was so very wonderful. We had so many volunteers and that's not even including the 24 local restaurants who donated their time and food. It just shows how generous our community is." At the end of the tour, participants met up at Heritage Park to enjoy a picnic. Citrus Valley High School’s (CVHS) Jazz Band played for everyone while they enjoyed their lunch at the park. There are extra event t-shirts still up-for-grabs for $15. Those interested may contact Kathy Behrens via email at kathybehrens@verizon.net. Local restaurants participating in the “Chew and View” Sites included: A La Minute, Angus McCurdy’s, Augies Coffeehouse, Chef Christie Bayless, Bon Appetit, Boomshakalaka, Brewcakes, Chez Sabine, Dreggs, The Eating Room, The Elder Family, Todd & Judy, Escape Craft Brewery, The Grove School, Hangar 24 Craft Brewery, Joe Greensleeves, Lounge 22, Olive Avenue Market, The Orchard on Olive Avenue, Oscar’s Mexican Restaurant, Ritual Craft Brewery, Slow Food, Stell Coffee & Tea Company, Three Sisters Farm and Watercress Vietnamese Bistro. [END] Kathy quote: "The show of support from the community was so very wonderful. restaurants, that's just such a wonderful thing how generous. about 300 people, everyone seemed to have a great time, set a cap at 300 - registered 300. hit our target. a few more local chew and views than last year. new restaurants this year. close to 100 volunteers - members of CVHS Band. at the park - members of conservancy - IE Biking alliance. -chew and view sites -set up and clean up -restaurant ppl - served - volunteered big comm event stepped up to make happen. -provided lunch -we also have an event t-shirt. -give to volunteers as a thank you. kathybehrens@verizon.net - $15. Facebook page - Redlands conservancy - album. ---------------------------------------- Date: 2/21/2015 Time: 8:45 a.m. Google Map Event Location: Redlands Heritage Park Address: Orange Ave./Iowa St. Redlands CA 92373 Description: Enjoy parks, open space, trails & more! 35-mile route includes stops @ scenic vistas. Tickets $35/adult. Bus tour: $100. CONTACT INFO Phone: Sherli Leonard 909-389-7810 Email: Kathy Behrens 909-307-1228 ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- QUOTE: “There’s only one more day to sign up for one of Redlands most unique, informative and delicious fundraisers,” said event coordinator Kathy Behrens. Call Kathy at 310-871- 3791 to sign up today. “The tour is a valuable experience on its own, but the addition of 20 local restaurants and food purveyors who will prepare samples of their products make it special,” said Behrens. “Martha Green’s Eating Room, Oscars Mexican food and Joe Greensleeves will each be offering a tasting at this particular tour stop,” said Behrens “The conservancy is a great organization. There is a lot to get involved with in Redlands and we love to support local causes that benefit people in the community,” said Sonya Rozzi, co-owner of Olive Avenue Market. “This is unique because it supports open space. I personally love the outdoors. It’s nice to have a respite from the city and buildings and pavement. Not every community can have the best of both worlds in such close proximity. We are fortunate in that way. My family likes to go hiking too so it’s great to support keeping the trails maintained.” “We are partners with the Inland Empire Biking Alliance so other funds are, for example, slated for replacement of the tools at the permanent bike maintenance station in Oakmont Park,” said Behrens. ------------------------------------------------------- The Second Annual Emerald Necklace Grand Tour is scheduled for February 21, 2015. Call to register now. This Saturday, approximately 300 motorists, bicyclists and bus riders will tour the scenic Emerald Necklace, a 35-mile route connecting the open spaces, canyons, barns, orchards and trails around the green belt that surrounds the city of Redlands. Gourmet food and beverages from local vendors will be offered at designated “Chew and View” sites throughout the three- to four-hour tour. The self-guided tour, by the tourist’s own car or bicycle, costs $35. A full-color keepsake map will be given to every participant on the tour. “The tour is a valuable experience on its own, but the addition of 20 local restaurants for participants to sample their food is a real treat. The tour ends at Heritage Park where guests will enjoy a picnic lunch. The CVHS jazz band will play at the picnic from noon to 1:30 p.m. This will be an added treat to hear.