Adhering to the principle that life should not be all work and no play, the communities that comprise S.W. Riverside County; Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Canyon Lake, Sun City, and Menifee have many events unique to the valley. It is our pleasure to provide a link to those various interests you might have and provide a central location for that information to better assist you in finding details on their operations. We have also provided a complete list below of all school districts for clients with school-age families.
Historical Perspective
Old Town Temecula History. Click on this link if you would like to read a brief history of the origins of Temecula that go back over approx. 150 years. In the early days of our country this was the main entry point intoCalifornia from the east via stagecoach. The 2nd oldest post office inCalifornia is in Old Town Temecula.
Temecula’s Roots are Deep. It surprises many new and even long-time residents of the valley just exactly how far back the valley’s history goes. Here is an interesting chronology of that history provided by EmilyGertsbacher.
Local Airport
French Valley Airport. When it was first opened in 1991 it was nothing more than a 4,600 ft. runway with two hangars. It was moved to it’spresent location from the Westside of town along present day Business Park Dr. Today, the airport has a 6,000 ft. runway, a full GPS instrument approach system, General Aviation Terminal Bldg. (housing a restaurant) and several businesses which service everything from single-engine Cessna’s to corporate jets and provide training from fixed-wing aircraft to helicopters. Aviation events are staged on occasion that highlight WWII aircraft to present day varieties. No commercial airline service has ever been planned nor will there ever be out of this airport. However, the overwhelming value of this airport to this community is the service it provides to it’s corporate users and small businesses. Millions of dollars per year are attributed to the income of the valley because of the existence of this valuable transporation hub for the area’s many small business owner’s and corporate users.
Local Events
Wine Country. Eighteen wineries produce award‑winning premium wines made possible by a unique microclimate and well‑drained decomposed granite soils. Our 1100‑foot elevation makes for cool summer nights, and cooling breezes come through the vineyards every afternoon throughout the summer. Many activities throughout the year can be found in our wineries (i.e. fabulous restaurants, jazz festivals, etc.). Visit the central website for the Wine Country which lists all the wineries available.
Balloon and Wine Festival. Begun in 1983 by the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce this event has become a major annual attraction to over 38,000 during the three-day event drawing residents throughout So.Calif. While the theme of hot air balloons and wine has always served to anchor the event, each year new attractions have been introduced. In 1988, a landmark year by all accounts, the Festival featured live big name entertainment with the Coasters and Little Anthony and the Imperials.
Rod Run. A very popular annual event that takes place on the main street through “Old Town Temecula”. Front Street is closed off for two days and becomes the showroom for over 800 vintage vehicles, 100 vendors, and 40,000 visitors.
Fishing & Water Sports.
Diamond Valley Lake. So. Calif.’s newest (opened Sept 2003), largest (nearly 8mi long) , and deepest (260ft) reservoir is just 12 miles north of Temecula/Murrieta on Hwy 79 North. Dedicated in March 2000 and opened to fishing and boating in October 2003 Diamond Valley Lake is said to be home to many large fish. A record 11.3 lb trout was caught in March 2005.
Lake Elsinore. Our local lake is a great fishing, boating, and water skiing attraction to the area. One of the oldest sky-diving facilities in the nation is housed at the southend.
Lake Perris. Is a California State Park. The Lake has had some problems recently with it’s dam and has been undergoing a draw down of it’s water supply. A very popular body contact reservoir but experiencing difficulties at the moment until the repairs to the dam have been completed.
Lake Skinner. Our closest lake to Temecula/Murrieta and a strong recreational facility for the area run by the County of Riverside. The current home of the Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival.
Local Golf Courses
Many excellent choices await the golfing enthusiast in the valley and the immediate surrounding areas. Too many more exist to list them all here.
Bear Creek Golf Club (Murrieta)
The Colony Golf Club ( Murrieta)
Cross Creek Golf Club (Temecula)
Menifee Lakes Country Club (Menifee)
Pala Mesa Resort (Fallbrook)
Redhawk Golf Course (Temecula)
SCGA Golf Course (Murrieta)
Temecula Creek Inn Golf Cousre (Temecula)
Temeku Hills Golf and Country Club (Temecula)
School Districts
Lake Elsinore Unified School District
Murrieta Valley Unified School District
Temecula Valley Unified School District
Some Interesting Spectating
Skydiving. Two of the oldest skydiving facilities in the country are in our backyard. “Skydive Elsinore” at the southern end of Lake Elsinore and“Skydive Perris” just north up the 215 freeway. The Perris facility in early spring has teams from the military (U.S. and foreign) and teams from around the world practicing for the upcoming season of competitions andairshows. It’s a chance to see some of the world’s greatest in this sport.
The Clydesdale Farm. There is a Clydesdale farm operated by Budweiser at the north end of Murrieta off Briggs Rd. between Thompson and Scott Rd. We don’t have the phone number but understand they do operate tours at certain times of the year. It’s a great site to show the kids. The horse corrals are right next to the roadway.