GREAT IDEAS
FOR SUMMER FUN
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA summers are a delight of long days, warm nights and so many options for fun and interesting things to do. Looking for new experiences or those worth revisiting? We offer these ideas for the not-so-lazy days ahead:
By DIANA SHOLLEY
5678 DANCE STUDIO
Dancing is hot. Television audiences are glued to “Dancing With the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Dance Crews.” But why just watch? Many dance floors are waiting for the next pair of high- flyin’ feet. So, if you want to get out and boogie, this might be the summer to learn.
5678 Dance Studio, owned and operated by Buddy Schwimmer, offers classes and private lessons in jazz, tap, Latin, hip-hop and Schwimmer’s specialty, swing.
624 W. State St., Redlands call for schedules; adult classes $38-$45 per month; private lessons available; (909) 335-0721 5678dancestudios.com
THE BULLET HOLE
Climbing, boxing and kick- boxing training and classes are available for competitors of all skill levels. Climbing instruction includes belay methods and climbing techniques. Inside the climbing gym are more than 50 routes, opportunities for “bouldering” and more than 2,200 square feet of climbing surface.
15315 Cholame Road, Unit D, Victorville; times and costs vary; (760) 245-3307, www.thebullethole.net
INTERNATIONAL GLASS & BEAD COMPANY
Check out a selection of ready-made necklaces, bracelets, beaded belts and earrings. If you want to create what you wear or what you give, there’s ample space and instruction. Swarovski beads, prisms, gemstones, trade beads, Czech beads, Japanese seed beads, metal charms and spacers are available.
When you’re ready to put a piece together, stringing supplies, books and magazines are available (instruction is free). 317 W. First St., Claremont; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday; cost varies, based on bead selection; (909) 626-0877, www.glassandbeads.com
APEX GO-KART
Gentlemen (and ladies), start your engines. If you’ve never driven a go-kart, classes are offered. If you have driven, but don’t own, there are programs for you as well. If you own a go-kart and don’t know where to drive it, this is the place. The quarter-mile track offers fast, furious fun for ages 5 and older.
18700 Lake Perris Drive, Perris Fairgrounds, Perris; call for schedule; $25 with own kart, as low as $25 for the Arrive and Drive program (no kart needed); classes $250-$275; (951) 940-0701, www.apexracing.com
RIDE RITE MOTORCYCLE TRAINING
If your parents or your friends never rode a motorcycle, odds are you never have either. Ride Rite Motorcycle Training offers what riders need to be safe and responsible on the road. The program includes five hours in the classroom and two five-hour sessions of motorcycle training — motorcycle provided. Ride Rite is endorsed by the California Motorcyclist Safety Program.
Classrooms, 730 Corporation Yard Way, Corona; riding course, Crossroads Community Church, 2331 Kellogg Ave., Corona; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday through Friday; $150-$250, depending upon age; (951) 736-8179, www.riderite.net
MCDONALD'S MUSEUM
At the site of the first McDonald’s restaurant built in 1948, the museum is filled with McDonald’s memorabilia including vintage Happy Meal toys, milkshake machines and a potato press.
There are lots of photographs, newspaper clippings and even a few pieces of playground equipment.
1398 N. E St., San Bernardino; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
daily; free admission; (909) 885-6324, www.route-66.com/mcdonalds
COOKING LESSONS
Summer fruits and flavors are overflowing supermarket shelves. The problem for many is they don’t know what to do with them. Freddi McGinnis can help. She teaches cooking classes in cuisines that include Mexican, American, Italian, Chinese and Japanese. Hands-on classes are held in her kitchen, and when students arrive everything is ready to go.
Upon completion, cooks take home the recipe and leftovers — if there are any.
1024 Occidental Drive, Redlands; classes 6-8 p.m. weekly (day to be determined); $90 for seven sessions; (909) 335-0575
THE ENCHANTED ROSE TEA PARLOR & GIFT BOUTIQUE
Come in, sit back and get pampered in a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. The gift boutique has speciality teas for Mother’s Day, Christmas, wedding showers, birthdays and other occasions. Tea menu choices include fresh fruit, chocolate- dipped strawberries, raspberry vinegarette salads and soups as well as scones, tea sandwiches, desserts and pink chocolate roses.
120 W. Bonita Ave., Suite G, San Dimas; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; $15.75-$17.75; (909) 394-4588, www.enchantedrosetea.com
Family activities
THE SAWDUST FACTORY
Inside an industrial looking building is a colorful world of imagination waiting for families to release their inner artists — no experience necessary.
Owner Heidi Stone has created a space where adults and children, together or separately, can paint, embellish and assemble their own woodcraft projects and take them home the same day.
“There’s some major bonding going on when parents or grandparents come in with their children and grandchildren,” Stone said. “We also see a lot of dads.
There’s just something about watching a child create something, and lots of adults enjoy painting their own project alongside of the kids.” 1525 Howard Access Road, #F, Upland; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; $4, plus the price of the project; (909) 946-0866, www.thesawdustfactory.com
HANGAR 18
Whether you’re a novice, experienced climber or someone just wanting to have some fun, put Hanger 18 on your summer calendar. A large party deck, world-class bouldering wall and gymnastics floor are available, along with yoga and martial arts classes.
256 Stowell St., Upland; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $15 adult day pass, $10 for children, $220 for Climbing 101; $40 per hour for private lessons; (909) 931-5991, www.climbhangar18.com
MT. BALDY TROUT POOL
To turn a youngster on to fishing or if you simply want a fresh fish dinner, this is the ideal place. There are two well-stocked ponds in a picturesque setting. Fish as long as you like and catch what you can, but keep in mind there are no throw-backs — you will be charged for all you catch.
Mt. Baldy Road, Mt. Baldy Village, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends (longer hours July and August); 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; $1 if you bring your own pole, $2 pole rental, which includes bait, cleaning and packing fish in ice; fish prices from $2.35 to $18.10; (909) 982-4246
CHINO YOUTH MUSEUM
Find out what it’s like to be a firefighter, police officer, postal worker or some other community hero. The program is geared toward elementary school children and preschoolers, but it’s not unusual that children as old as 12 take part. There’s also a stage and plenty of opportunities for children to dress up and role-play.
13191 6th St., Chino; 8 a.m. to noon or 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; $2; (909) 464-0499, www.chinoyouthmuseum.com
BIG BEAR MARINA
Rent fishing boats, small pontoons, large pontoons, wave-runners, canoes, kayaks and more. Pontoon boats can accommodate up to 12 people and pets are welcome. The 14-foot aluminum fishing boats will cover basic fishing needs. Big Bear Marina also is the home of Fish Big Bear Charter Service.
Professional guides are ready to provide fishing advice and services that include trolling and bait fishing. Beverages and snacks provided.
500 Paine Road, Big Bear Lake; boat rentals 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends; call for prices; (909) 866-3218, www.bigbearmarina.com
BIG BEAR QUEEN LAKE TOURS
Enjoy a 90-minute narrated excursion on Big Bear Lake.
Big Bear Marina, 500 Paine Road, Big Bear Lake; tours daily at noon, 2 and 4 p.m.; $15 adults, $14 seniors, $9 ages 3-12; (909) 866-3218, www.bigbearmarina.com
BIG BEAR OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE
Explore Big Bear Lake from the road less traveled on a guided tour with someone who knows the mountain.
Tours last from 90 minutes to 5 hours and include visits to Jacoby Gulch, Lodgepole Pine, Wildhorse Meadow, Mountain Mines, Canyon of the Santa Ana River, Balky Horse Canyon and Holcomb Valley, depending upon the tour. Enjoy the beauty of meandering streams, scenic terrain, secluded mountain meadows, the distant desert, as well as breath-taking panoramas.
Meeting place by arrangement; $30 per hour for adults, $15 per child, with a four-adult minimum; (909) 585-1036, www.offroadadventure.com
U-PICK CHERRIES
There are more than 15 orchards where cherry picking is available and all are pesticide free. Cherry varieties available include Bing, Raineer, Stella and Morello. Visitors will find recipes, homemade jams and jellies and picturesque spots for picnics available at many orchards.
Leona Valley cherry orchards, in the mountains about 10 miles west of Palmdale; cost is about $3 a pound; (661) 266-7116, www.cherriesupic.com
