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arena | neighborhood guide

Before the game,
after the game
By DIANA SHOLLEY
CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA will bring top-tier entertainment and sports action to Ontario. After coming into town to see the big game or celebrity superstar, stay a while. There’s plenty to see and do within a five-mile radius of the Arena.
HOTELS
Choices in the area range from basic rooms to expansive suites for that home-away-from-home feeling. Here are some options:
ALOFT
Rooms feature comfortable signature beds and oversized spa showers. Plug- and-play connectivity center charges most electronics and links to the 42-inch plasma televisionto maximize work and play. Aloft is a smoke-free hotel with such amenities as outdoor pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour gym and touch and go check-in kiosks. Camp Aloft is geared for children 12 and younger and offers games, special bedding, fun foods and other neat treats. Pets are welcome. Aloft offers a dog bed, bowl, treats and toys. From $99, 10480 Fourth St., Rancho Cucamonga, (909) 484-2018 Special offers and reservations: (866) 716-8143, www.alofthotels.com
HOTEL INDIGO
This smoke-free boutique hotel offers peace, serenity and renewal. It has a 24-hour fitness center, pool and whirlpool. Rooms have oversized beds with plush bedding. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel. Phi Restaurant, in the hotel’s lobby, serves breakfast and dinner. Pets are welcome for an additional fee of $35 per stay, per pet; plus a $100 refundable deposit due at guest check-in. From $144, 3333 Shelby St., Ontario, (909) 948-7000, www.hotelontarioca.com
RED ROOF INN
This pet-friendly hotel is at the west entrance to L.A./Ontario International Airport. It offers free wireless high-speed Internet access, a 24-hour airport shuttle, meeting and conference rooms, pool and spa, local phone calls and personalized voice mail. Rooms include microwave ovens and mini refrigerators. Kids stay free with parent or guardian. From $64, 1818 E. Holt Blvd., Ontario, (909) 988-8466, www.redroof.com
DAYS INN
Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi Internet, USA Today, pool, premium cable on
27-inch televisions, an on-site Denny’s restaurant and newly remodeled rooms. From $62, 1405 E. Fourth St., Ontario, (909) 983-7411, www.daysinn.com
OTHER HOTELS
BEST WESTERN COUNTRY INN
From $80, 2359 S. Grove Ave., Ontario (909) 923-1887, www.bestwestern.com
BEST WESTERN INN AND SUITES HOTEL
From $89, 3400 Shelby St., Ontario (909) 466-9600, www.bwsuite.com
COUNTRY SIDE SUITES BY AYRES ONTARIO
From $99, 204 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario (909) 937-9700, www.ayreshotels.com
DOUBLETREE HOTEL ONTARIO AIRPORT
222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario (909) 937-0900, doubletree1.hilton.com
ECONOLODGE ONTARIO
From $69, 1655 E. Fourth St., Ontario (909) 986-7000, www.econolodge.com
EXTENDED STAY AMERICA
From $89, 3990 Inland Empire Blvd., Ontario (909) 944-8900
HAMPTON INN SUITES ONTARIO
From $94, 4500 Mills Circle, Ontario (909) 483-6800, www.hamptoninn.com
HILTON
700 N. Haven Ave., Ontario (909) 980-3420, www.hilton.com
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL
From $114, 2280 S. Haven Ave., Ontario (877) 786-9480, www.hiexpress.com
HYATT PLACE ONTARIO MILLS
From $98, 4760 Mills Circle, Ontario (909) 980-2200
MARRIOTT
From $89, 2200 E. Holt Blvd., Ontario (909) 975-5000, www.marriott.com
QUALITY INN
From $80, 514 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario (909) 937-2999, www.comfortinn.com
RESIDENCE INN
From $79, 2025 E. Convention Center Way, Ontario, (909) 937-6788, www.ipass.com
SHERATON
From $95, 429 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario (909) 937-8000, www.sheraton.com
SHERATON SUITES FAIRPLEX
601 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona; (866) 716-8130
DINING
There are lots of places to eat, and most are within a few blocks of each other. Endless fast-food joints and chain restaurants pepper the streets. Then there are those local favorites that enable visitors to experience the flavor of the area.
BURGERTOWN USA
Family owned and operated, this casual dining “fasteraunt” specializes in making fresh food fast. It has a variety of salads, sandwiches and hamburgers. Generous portions and prompt service make this eatery a popular haunt. 760 N. Archibald Ave., Ontario 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Prices are easy on the wallet, (909) 944-7901
ZENDEJAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT AND SPORTS GRILL
This restaurant combines authentic Mexican cuisine and a sports bar. Watch the big game on huge television screens while enjoying fajitas, burritos or seafood off the grill. Friday nights, there’s dancing. 2411-G S. Vineyard Ave., Ontario 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; Friday and Saturday until 10:30 p.m. Moderate prices, (909) 947-1400, www.zendejasmexicangrill.com
CAFE CALATO
Quiet, quaint, cute and quite Italian. Pasta, spaghetti, meatball sandwiches, ravioli and baked macaroni are all on the menu. Relax, have a glass of wine and enjoy a leisurely meal. Take a peek at the lunch specials, which include the main dish, salad and garlic bread. 9640 Center Ave., No. 150, Rancho Cucamonga 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday, Moderate prices, (909) 948-3671
FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE AND WINE BAR
This award-winning restaurant offers stylish and contemporary dining enhanced by an open setting and soothing background music. Fleming’s is known for its prime beef and steakhouse fare. There are 100 wines available by the glass. 7905 Monet Ave., Rancho Cucamonga 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday Average dinner cost is $60 per person, including tax and tip. (909) 463-0416, www.flemingssteakhouse.com
OTHER EATERIES
APPLEBEE’S
1021 N. Milliken Ave., Ontario (909) 484-6003, www.applebees.com
BENIHANA
3760 Inland Empire Blvd., Ontario, (909) 483-0937
BJ's
11520 Fourth St., Rancho Cucamonga (909) 581-6750, www.bjsrestaurants.com
BOSTON'S GOURMET PIZZA & PASTA
11260 Fourth St., Rancho Cucamonga (909) 758-9115
DAVE & BUSTER’S
4821 Mills Circle, Ontario (909) 987-1557, www.daveandbusters.com
DON JULIAN RESTAURANT
1024 E. Fourth St., Ontario, (909) 988-9375
EL TORITO
3680 Inland Empire Blvd., Ontario (909) 944-9102, www.eltorito.com
FUDDRUCKERS
4423 Mills Circle, Ontario (909) 980-4089, www.fuddruckers.com
HARRY'S PACIFIC GRILL
8009 Day Creek Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga (909) 463-1400, www.harryspacificgrill.com
HONEYBAKED CAFE
4320-A E. Mills Circle, Ontario (909) 987-6300, www.honeybakedham.com
ISLANDS
11425 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga (909) 944-6661, www.islandsrestaurants.com
LE BELLISSIMO
11849 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga (909) 948-0948, www.lebellissimo.com
MARKET BROILER
4557 Mills Circle, Ontario, (909) 581-0866
NEW YORK GRILL
950 N. Ontario Mills Drive, Ontario (909) 987-1928, www.newyorkgrill.com
OLIVE GARDEN
4403 Mills Circle, Ontario (909) 481-7676, www.olivegarden.com
OMAHA JACK'S
11837 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga (909) 477-4377, www.omahajacks.com
OMOKASE SUSHI
8220 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga (909) 941-4111
OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE
4492 Ontario Mills Parkway, Ontario, (909) 484-2999
RAINFOREST CAFE
4810 Mills Circle, Ontario (909) 941-7979, www.rainforestcafe.com
RED LOBSTER
4413 Mills Circle, Ontario (909) 481-5205, www.redlobster.com
RICHIE'S DINER
8039 Monet Ave., Rancho Cucamonga (909) 899-8101, www.richiesdiner.com
ROCKY’S NEW YORK PIZZERIA
1919 E. Fourth St., Ontario (909) 989-8181, www.rockysnewyorkpizzeria.com
STUART ANDERSON’S BLACK ANGUS
3640 Porsche Way, Ontario (909) 944-6882, www.blackangus.com
TOKYO WAKO
4472 E. Mills Parkway, Ontario (909) 484-7200, www.tokyo-wako.com
WOLFGANG PUCK CAFE
1 Ontario Mills Circle, Ontario (909) 987-7299, www.wolfgangpuck.com
VINCE’S FOR SPAGHETTI
1206 W. Holt Blvd., Ontario (909) 986-7074, www.vincesspaghetti.net
SHOPPING
The Inland Empire has all kinds of shopping available, from traditional to discount and high-end to outlets.
ONTARIO MILLS
As one of California’s largest indoor shopping malls, Ontario Mills boasts more than 200 discount/outlet stores such as Hot Topic, Nordstrom Rack, Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Saks 5th Ave., Mikasa, Levi’s and Dockers. 1 Mills Circle, Ontario (909) 484-8300, www.ontariomills.com
VICTORIA GARDENS
Go back to a time when window shopping was as fun as the real thing. Step into upscale stores such as Coldwater Creek, Crate and Barrel, Brighton Collectibles, Coach and Occhiali da Sole. Another highlight just southeast of the main center is the massive Bass Pro Shops — an experience in itself. Day Creek Boulevard at South Mainstreet, Rancho Cucamonga; (909) 463-2828, www.victoriagardensie.com
TERRA VISTA TOWN CENTER
Some of the most frequently visited stores are on one street. There are more than 60 retailers at the center, including HomeGoods, Mervyn’s, Michaels, Old Navy, Ross Dress For Less and Target. 10570 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga, (909) 989-2332, www.terravistatowncenter.com
MONTCLAIR PLAZA
For a more traditional shopping experience, Montclair Plaza is one of the area’s favorite indoor malls. Nordstrom, Macy’s, Barnes & Noble and Sears are anchors, while other stores include Victoria’s Secret, Ben Bridge Jewelers, American Eagle Outfitters, Charlotte Russe, Bath and Body Works, Disney Store, Foot Locker, Radio Shack, Spencer Gifts, Sunglass Hut and Yankee Candle. 5060 E. Montclair Plaza Lane, Montclair, (909) 626-2442, www.montclairplaza.com
THE VILLAGE
On both sides of Indian Hill Boulevard, between Bonita and Arrow Highway, is a charming mix of restaurants, cafes, specialty boutiques, salons and art galleries known as The Village. To the west is the Laemmle Claremont 5 Theatres, Museum of Art and Hotel Casa 425. The upscale scenery has a European town square feel with a landscaped public plaza featuring an interactive fountain with playful sculptures and outdoor seating. (909) 624-1681, www.thevillageclaremont.com
POMONA ARTS COLONY
Driving along Second Street from Garey will lead you straight into the Arts Colony. This huge collection of galleries, shops and artist lofts has become a canvas for beautiful murals, sculptures and architecture. Visitors can shop for art and see everything from international exhibits to group shows of emerging artists to studio tours of master artisans. Second Street, east and west of Garey; www.pomonaartscolony.com
POINTS OF INTERESTS
There are plenty of fun things that friends, families and couples can do together. Parks, recreation, culture and playful activity can be found around almost any corner.
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI REGIONAL PARK
This 150-acre day-use park offers swimming, picnicking, fishing, pedal boats and aqua cycles. Its playground includes volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic grills, fire rings and picnic tables. 800 N. Archibald Ave., Ontario; 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; cost varies depending on activity; (909) 481-4205, www.co.san- bernardino.ca.us/Parks/cucamonga.htm
EMPIRE LAKES GOLF COURSE
This 18-hole, par-72 championship layout was designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. Dress code: Men are required to wear collared golf shirts and golf slacks or shorts. Women are required to wear golf shirts or blouses (no halters), slacks, skirts or golf shorts. Non-metal spikes are mandatory and sold in the golf shop.
Reservations may be made seven days in advance, and need to be guaranteed with credit card. Cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to tee time. Special arrangements can be made for groups of 13 or more. 11015 Sixth St., Rancho Cucamonga; open sunrise to twilight. Prime, mid- day and twilight hours, as well as green fees, may vary. Verify with the golf shop. (909) 481-6663, www.empirelakes.com
EDWARDS ONTARIO PALACE IMAX
In an IMAX theater, the projected images extend beyond the prime viewing area, creating the illusion that the screen’s boundaries have disappeared. This effect is unique to IMAX because of the size, shape and positioning of the IMAX screen. The area between the viewer’s seating position and the four corners of the screen is called the “viewing pyramid.” The larger viewing pyramid in an IMAX theater allows 3D objects to appear life-size and closer to the audience. 4900 E. Fourth St.; Ontario; $15; (909) 476-1525
GRABER OLIVE HOUSE
Graber olives have been grown and produced by the Graber family since 1894. They are a rare delicacy: meaty, with a superb nutlike flavor. The natural full ripeness and flavor have been preserved by selecting and carefully processing only the fully tree-ripened fruit. The Graber Olive House has a well-stocked gift shop with a large selection of olives and other specialty items. 315 E. Fourth St., Ontario, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, except major holidays; Free; (800) 996-5483, www.graberolives.com
JOHN RAINS HOUSE
The Casa de Rancho Cucamonga Historical Society was organized to assist in the restoration, maintenance and furnishing of the John Rains House in keeping with its 1860 origin.8810 Hemlock, Rancho Cucamonga 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; (909) 989-4970, www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us
J. FILIPPI WINERY
The Filippi family has been making fantastic wines in Cucamonga-Guasti for more than 86 years. Wines are available for tasting and purchase. 12467 Base Line Road, Rancho Cucamonga. Guided winery tours are available at 1 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Group tours also are available by appointment. Tasting room is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.(909) 899-5755, www.josephfilippiwinery.com
SAN ANTONIO WINERY
Taste award-winning wines in a cool, elegantly decorated tasting room. There are many wines available for purchase and various themed coordinating items for daily use, decorating or to give as gifts. 2802 S. Milliken Ave., Ontario 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; (909) 947-3995, www.sanantoniowinery.com
SCANDIA AMUSEMENT PARK
This family fun center includes such rides as the Tilt-A-Whirl, Thor’s Hammer, Scandia Screamer Coaster, Swedish Scrambler, Baltic Sea Bumper Boat and a raceway. There are two landscaped Scandinavian themed miniature golf courses with more than 12,000 flowers planted annually amongst many rushing rivers, trickling streams and cascading waterfalls. The indoor arcade features 150 of the latest video and other games. For baseball fans there are batting cages: fast pitch, slow pitch and fast pitch softball. On weekends leading up to Halloween, the annual Haunted House is scary fun. 1155 S. Wanamaker Ave., Ontario; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Package costs vary. (909) 390-3092, www.scandiafun.com
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