Temecula, located 90 minutes south from Los Angeles, has a peppered history of bank robbers, floods, fires, moonshine making and cattle ranching. A visit to Old Town Temecula with many of its historic buildings from the 1880’s still preserved allows, with some imagination, this colorful past to come alive.
Old Town Temecula, CA
Today, the tiny Front Street of Old Town Temecula is a thriving community of antique shops, wine tasting rooms, art galleries and gourmet food shops for the visitor to explore – making it an ideal getaway for the Los Angeleno that wants a little historical fun with a twist.
Old Town Temecula Guide
Exploring the quaint town over two days, I compiled the best stops to hit, from wine tasting to antique shopping, when you visit:
Snacks and Gourmet Food Shops
Old Town Sweet Shop – A step back in time, the Sweet Shop specializes in ‘retro-vintage’ candy. When was the last time you had a Squirrel Nut Zipper or a Chick-o-Stick? www.oldtownsweetshop.com
Temecula Olive Oil Company – Visit this family owned business to taste handmade California olive oils, vinegars, and condiments. A great stop for a Temecula souvenir or gift. Tours are also available of their olive oil ranch. www.temeculaoliveoil.com
Temecula Olive Oil Company
Old Town Rootbeer Company – Not only do they make three kinds of rootbeer from a family recipe of the 1800’s, they also offer an impressive selection of nostalgic and specialty sodas. www.oldtownrootbeercompany.com
Old Town Rootbeer Company
Old Town Spice Merchants – A beautifully arranged gourmet spice shop with hundreds of unique teas, spices, rubs, and accessories. Simply heaven for a serious foodie. www.spicemerchants.biz
Old Town Spice Merchant
Old Town Temecula Restaurants
With so many options from Mexican, Greek and California cuisine, you won’t go hungry in Old Town Temecula.
Soro’s Mediterranean Grill – Meet the boisterous Papa Soro while feasting on authentic Greek cuisine. www.sorosgrilltemecula.com
Sweet Lumpy’s BBQ – A casual place to enjoy free peanuts, raspberry beer and live entertainment in a rustic cowboy ambiance. www.sweetlumpybbq.com
Live Music by Silver Beatles at Sweet Lumpy's BBQ
Old Town Temecula Wine Tasting
Lorimar Vineyards & Winery – This fun-loving, party-central wine tasting room has over twenty wines to taste from, most named after a music theme. For a palate cleanser, they offer a unique treat – animal cookies. Some must-try wines are the 2009 Lorimar White Merlot and 2008 Lorimar Fusion. www.lorimarwinery.com
Lorimar Winery & Vineyards Tasting Room
Tesoro Winery – Tesoro wines are touted as the “Tuscan Treasure of Temecula”. Taste wines that represent the entire California spectrum from Paso Robles to Temecula Valley. For an utterly new taste bud thrill, try Island Cuvee’s vanilla, lilikoi or hibiscus sparkling wines. www.tesorowinery.com
Villa Di Calabro Winery & Olive Oil Co. – A charming wine and olive tasting room with a garden outback perfect for a sublime moment of relaxation with their housemade sangria in hand. They also stay open late and have live entertainment.
Villa di Calabro's Courtyard Garden
Shopping & Entertainment
Fourth Street Antiques – Old Town Temecula is teeming with fantastic antique stores. This was my favorite with prime finds in vintage fashion and jewelry. www.fourthstreetantiques.com
Old Town Temecula Antique Shopping
Old Town Temecula Community Theater – This impressive, state-of-the-art theater offers dance, theater and music performances all year long. The original theater of the 1890’s still stands and they offer intimate live performances there also. www.temeculatheater.org
Eleven After Dark – To get your groove, check out Old Town Temecula’s hotspot for dancing and imbibing under the night sky. Open Fri, Sat only.
Where to Stay
While in Temecula, a wonderful property to stay at whether you’re planning a family vacation, a golf weekend or a romantic getaway is the Temecula Creek Inn, located only 5 minutes from the heart of Old Town. Most rooms face the lush 27-hole golf course and are furnished with luxury bedding and Bath & Body toiletries. www.temeculacreekinn.com
Temecula Creek Inn, Temecula, CA
Whatever you may be in the mood for or whomever you are with, Temecula, with Pechanga Casino, Old Town, Temecula Valley Wine Country and a bevy of Festivals throughout the year, has something for everyone. For more things to do in Temecula, visit: www.VisitTemecula.org
