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.