Fuel Up

To kick-start your restorative weekend trip in Claremont, enjoy a cup of joe and a freshly baked croissant on the patio at Last Drop Café, located in the quaint Claremont Village. From here you can admire the historical architecture, gaze at the San Gabriel mountains and gear up for some boutique shopping in the neighboring stores.

Head Outdoors

Mount Baldy, just minutes away, makes for an excellent day-trip. Depending on the season, you can hike, mountain bike, zip-line, or partake in a wide variety of fun snow activities. Afterwards, you can take a ski lift up to Top of the Notch Restaurant & Bar, which offers a unique dining experience with amazing vistas.

Another option for nature lovers is Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, the largest botanic garden dedicated to California native plants. If you’re at the Garden during late spring or summer, the Butterfly Pavilion is a must-see.

Claremont Village Awaits

Once you’ve perused an amazing variety of plants, or walked among beautiful butterflies, you can stop at The Back Abbey for a gourmet burger and an artisan crafted beer on the patio. Or you can head over to Claremont Craft Ales (opens at 1 p.m. on weekends), where various gourmet food trucks land daily. 

After lunch, you may want to check out the captivating assortment of musical instruments at Folk Music Center, expand your record collection at Rhino Records, do some vintage shopping at The Grove Vintage, or check out some of the art galleries in the Claremont Village or at the Claremont Colleges.

If you’re a serious art lover, you’ll want to plan your weekend trip around the Claremont Art Walk, which is held on the first Saturday of the month and showcases local artists at galleries throughout the Claremont Village.

Claremont Packing House

Come sundown, the Packing House offers a profusion of exciting evening activities. You can catch a live stand-up comedy show at Flappers Comedy Club, do a wine tasting at Packing House Wine Merchants, have dinner and hookah at Casablanca Bar and Grill, or enjoy hand-crafted cocktails at The Whisper House, Claremont’s first speakeasy. On Friday nights, you can shop one-of-a-kind arts and crafts at Art Mart, held inside the Packing House.   

Whatever place you decide to go to or activity you choose to partake in while in town, we trust you’ll leave Claremont with shoulders softened, a smile, and effortless breath. 

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Presented by Claremont Lincoln University, this day-long conference will explore significant topics including the hidden rules of success, personal branding and the history of women. The attendees will also have the opportunity to have a panel discussion with current and former women elected officials.

Featured speakers will include: Lori Giovannoni, a nationally recognized speaker, author and businesswomen; JuliAnn Stitick, nationally-known personal brand and image consultant; and Dr. Peg Lamphier, author and IGE Professor at Cal Poly Pomona. All are welcome and encouraged to attend – as it will be an empowering day filled with practical information for everyone.

Cost per person is $100, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Registration is available online at www.claremontchamber.org by Friday, February 27th. For information on becoming a sponsor or exhibitor call (909) 624-1681.

About the Speakers:

• Lori Giovannoni is an award-winning speaker, author and businesswoman. Her clients include small businesses, as well as Fortune 500 companies and departments within federal, state and city governments. Lori’s contributions as a volunteer in her community have earned her many awards, including the Athena Award. As the Dean of Executive Women International’s Academy of Leadership, Lori has designed and developed all the courses that comprise the Academy of Leadership.
• JuliAnn Stitick, a nationally-known personal brand and image consultant, will speak on personal branding, encompassing communication skills, body language, presentation, wardrobe, client experience, organization and followup. JuliAnn is a trusted image advisor for top level entrepreneurs globally and organizations crossing every industry, including the Oscars, the Golden Globes, Disney, Nordstrom and Lexus.
• Dr. Peg Lamphier is an author and Professor at Cal Poly Pomona. Peg attended Arizona State University and the Claremont Graduate School. Her first book was published in 2003 about politics and gender during the Civil War. Peg is currently under contract with Blackwell-Wiley as co-author for a Civil War and Reconstruction text book and is an editor of a four volume Encyclopedia of American Women with ABC-Clio.

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• Aruffo’s Italian Cuisine
• Bardot
• Casa de Salsa
• Casa Moreno
• Euro Café
• La Parolaccia Osteria
• Lounge 425 at Hotel Casa 425
• The Last Drop Café
• The Loving Hut Claremont
• The Orchard at DoubleTree by Hilton Claremont
• Packing House Wines
• Pappas Artisanal (La Verne)
• Pizza n’ Such
• Podge’s Claremont Juice Co.
• The Press Restaurant
• Rounds Burgers
• Saca’s Mediterranean Cuisine
• Salad Farm
• Tutti Mangia
• Viva Madrid
• Walter’s Restaurant
• Zpizza Claremont

“Claremont Restaurant Week will showcase our growing, local culinary scene that is comprised of some terrific young chefs, experienced and daring proprietors, menus filled with locally sourced ingredients, and restaurants serving craft beers and ales that complement their meals,” said Maureen Aldridge, CEO, Claremont Chamber of Commerce. More details and a growing list of participating restaurants can be found at www.ClaremontRestaurant.com.

The post Claremont to Host “Claremont Restaurant Week,” July 14-20, 2014 appeared first on Discover Claremont.

General Admission and VIP Seating tickets are available.  Children 12 and under are admitted free, except in the VIP section. VIP tickets are limited and the price includes prime reserved seating and VIP lanyard. VIP tickets must be purchased for children.  For more information and tickets, visit http://folkmusiccenter.com/folk-festival/. 

Musical Performers:
Ben Harper and his mother Ellen, Very Special Musical Guests (to be announced May 5), Dave Alvin & The Guilty Ones, The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet, The Coals, The Chapin Sisters, The Ooks of Hazzard, Blue Highway, Steve James, Rick Shea, Ross Altman, Peter Harper, Phoebe Bridgers, and Old Brown Shoe

Storytellers:
Angela Lloyd
Karen Rae-Kraut

Music and Art Teachers:
Ukulele Bartt, Jason Arimoto, John Rockwell, Homero Chavez, Rick Shea, Kevin Marin, Steve James, Leigh Adams, Ray McNamara, Gonzalo Bergara, Ross Altman, Kent Besocke, Chris Wahl, Bob Hurton, Sue Geeting, Phoebe Millerwhite, and Sue Bush

Workshops:
Cajon Drumming, Songwriting, Bottleneck Slide Guitar, Gypsy Guitar , Banjo, Beginning Ukulele, Reggae Style Ukulele, Fancy Fingers on the Ukulele: Right Hand Stuff, Mosaic Making Studio, Drum Circle, Fine Art with the dA Center for the Arts, Body Percussion & Boomwhackers, Harmonica, Protest Songs, Open Jam/Song Circle

Kids Passport Activities:
Song Quilt, Face Painting, Butterfly Pavilion, Zen Painting, Sunflower Planting

Local artists will be selling a variety of art, musical instruments and more.  Gourmet food trucks and local micro-breweries will provide food service in designated areas during the Festival. 

Festival attendees will have exclusive access to Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden for the day.  The entire 86 acres will be open for self-guided tours and exploration.  RSABG members can receive a discount code by contacting The Garden development office @ development@rsabg.org or (909) 625-8767 ext 221 (4 ticket max).

The Garden is a living museum, much different from a park or other recreation area, so personal food, glass bottles, and animals (with the exception of identified service animals) are not allowed.  We do encourage bringing refillable bottles of water for personal hydration.

This is a Rain or Shine Event.  No refunds.

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Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden’s annual Butterfly Pavilion runs from May 10 through

July 27, 2014. The pavilion unites science education and hands-on fun for visitors of all ages as hundreds of butterflies call the temporary enclosure home this spring and summer. Visitors can walk among the butterflies and caterpillars as well as explore the 86-acre botanic garden, the largest botanic garden dedicated exclusively to California’s native plants.

Beginning Memorial Day weekend, May 23, and continuing until the butterflies are set free on July 27, Southern Californians looking for a local escape will find Discover Claremont’s “Flitter and Frolic” getaway package to be an attractive “stay and relax” option. The package includes a minimum one-night stay, separate Botanic Garden and Butterfly Pavilion admissions for up to four guests, and $50 in Discover Claremont gift cards redeemable at participating hotels and more than 130 other locally owned establishments.

A limited number of “Flitter and Frolic in Claremont” packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis to guests who book directly through participating Claremont hotels, including Hotel Casa 425 (909-624-2272), DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Claremont (909-626-2411), and Hotel Claremont and Tennis Club (909-621-4831).

Claremont’s visitor attractions also include the world-renowned Folk Music Center museum and store, owned by musician Ben Harper’s family; Fair Trade Shopping at dozens of independently owned boutiques; live entertainment at PianoPiano, Hip Kitty Jazz, Flappers Comedy Club, Candlelight Pavilion and other spots; and local and regional craft beers at Claremont Craft Ales, The Back Abbey and other pubs and eateries.

A complete list of Claremont merchants participating in the gift card promotion can be found at http://discoverclaremont.com/giftcards.

The post Discover Claremont to Offer “Flitter and Frolic” Getaway Package, May 23 to July 27 appeared first on Discover Claremont.

With an estimated 15,000 people in attendance the streets of the Claremont Village will be filled with 500+ booths at this annual event on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Streets will be closed from First St. to Fourth St. and Indian Hill Blvd to College Ave. The streets will be lined with booths selling unique art, original crafts, apparel, business and organization information, international food and entertainment.

A children’s pre-carved pumpkin competition will be held in Shelton Park (corner of Harvard Ave. and Bonita Ave.) Judging will take place at 2pm. Sponsored by The Claremont Sunrise Rotary.

The traditional children’s Halloween costume parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. All participants will assemble at the corner of Harvard and Bonita Ave. at 9:15 a.m. (No motorized vehicles will be allowed in the parade.)

No need to worry about parking. A complementary off site shuttle service will be provided. Shuttle locations: Claremont University Facilities on First St. and Mills Ave. Cahuilla Park parking lot on Scripps Ave. and Indian Hill Blvd. and St. Ambrose Episcopal Church on Bonita Ave and Mountain Ave.

Don’t miss out on this fun-filled family event.

For more information contact the Claremont Chamber of Commerce at (909) 624-1681 or visit www.claremontchamber.org

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Claremont restaurants already confirmed to participate include Casa de Salsa (Mexican), Casa Moreno (Mexican), Eddie’s New York Pizzeria (Italian), Kazama Sushi (Japanese), La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana (Italian), Loving Hut Claremont (Vegan), Pita Pit Claremont (Greek), The Press Restaurant (American), and Tutti Mangia Italian Grill (Italian).

“Claremont Restaurant Week will showcase the stellar chefs, delicious menus and outstanding restaurants that make up the Claremont culinary scene,” said Maureen Aldridge, CEO, Claremont Chamber of Commerce.

More details and a growing list of participating restaurants can be found at http://www.ClaremontRestaurant.com. Visitor information and a complete listing of restaurants, hotels, boutiques, day spas, events and more can be found at www.discoverclaremont.com.

The post Claremont Restaurant Week Coming July 9-16, 2013 appeared first on Discover Claremont.

Claremont made history in April 2012 when its city council approved a resolution to become a Fair Trade Town. The designation means Claremont encourages its merchants to support small producers locally and worldwide that adhere to environmental standards to protect the planet, safe working conditions, fair prices and no forced child labor.

Claremont visitors will find dozens of locally owned boutiques that carry Fair Trade Certified merchandise and products, including The Bath Workshop, Buddhamouse Emporium, Cloud Nine, Colors 91711, Folk Music Center, Heirloom, On A Mission, Phebie’s Needle Art, Rio de Ojas, Studio Claremont and Tintura Salon. Eateries serving Fair Trade coffee or tea include Espiau’s, Euro Café, The Motley, Pit Stop Café, The Press Restaurant, Sage Hen Café, Some Crust Bakery, The Spot and Wolfe’s Market.

The “Discover Claremont” package includes a one-night stay and $100 in Claremont gift cards redeemable at more than 100 participating retailers, including locally owned shops, day spas and salons, and restaurants and pubs. A limited number of “Discover Claremont” packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis through April 30, 2013, to guests who book directly through participating Claremont hotels, including Hotel Casa 425 (909-624-2272) and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Claremont (909-626-2411).

A complete list of Claremont merchants participating in the gift card promotion can be found at http://discoverclaremont.com/giftcards/.

About Discover Claremont

Discover Claremont is the official destination marketing organization for the city of Claremont, California. Known for its seven nationally renowned colleges, Claremont is a hidden gem in greater Los Angeles – an ideal destination for intimate, relaxing days and nights. Visitors who “Take Time to Exhale” under Claremont’s urban canopy will discover inviting guest rooms, relaxing day spas, more than 80 restaurants and pubs, dozens of locally owned boutiques, and an abundance of outdoor activities from bicycling to skiing to golf. Claremont is also the first Fair Trade Town in Southern California, reflecting the community’s commitment to using ethically sourced products; many local retailers and eateries carry Fair Trade Certified merchandise and foods. Whether by car or Metrolink, Claremont is “the getaway that’s only a few miles away.” 

The post Discover Claremont to Find Fair Trade Gifts and Getaways appeared first on Discover Claremont.

Whether as a gateway to an early-morning skiing or cycling adventure, a relaxing getaway to experience local shopping and dining, or for a college visit, Claremont’s five lodging choices match the uniqueness of the town itself: Three locally owned motor inns near Interstate 10, a full-service business hotel and conference center on Historic Route 66 for business travelers and guests, and an upscale boutique property in downtown Claremont that caters to couples and business travelers alike.

The Claremont Five are the preferred destination hotels for visiting college dignitaries and students’ parents, Fairplex visitors, area skiers and cyclists, and business persons seeking a peaceful respite from Ontario and other Inland Empire cities.

Claremont Village

Hotel Casa 425 ($$$) – http://www.casa425.com/ 

Casa 425 is a stylish boutique hotel and lounge opening onto a tranquil courtyard in the heart of historic Claremont Village. Located on the town square and within steps of fine restaurants, cafes, boutiques, art galleries and the prestigious Claremont Colleges, Casa 425 is the only sophisticated boutique hotel in Southern California’s Inland Empire. The hotel merges California mission architecture with contemporary styling and features 28 sophisticated guest rooms, an onsite lounge and full bar, a beautiful outdoor living room featuring water fountains and fire pits, a fitness room, meeting and event space and more.

Casa 425 also offers a host of complimentary amenities for guests including a European-style breakfast each morning, bicycles to borrow, wireless Internet service, use of fitness room and garage-covered parking. Each of the very spacious guestrooms offers a flat-screen television, Tempur-Pedic bed, coffee maker, refrigerator with complimentary water, plush robes and an oversized tub and separate shower. The hotel has several family-friendly rooms with two queen beds or one king and one twin bed, as well as some pet-friendly rooms (fee and advance pet reservation is required).

Business travelers seeking stylish accommodations will appreciate Casa 425’s discerning service and relaxed atmosphere. Guest rooms offer up-to-the-moment amenities, including high-speed Internet access, desk with comfortable chair and same-day dry cleaning. Casa 425 also offers a sophisticated yet relaxing venue for your upcoming event whether a wedding, business meeting, luncheon, board retreat, or just a private party. The Outdoor Living Room is ideal for larger gatherings and will accommodate up to 250 guests. The beautiful and private Casa Room is ideal for an intimate dinner, luncheon or a more formal business meeting and will accommodate up to 50 guests. 

Historic Route 66

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Claremont ($$$) – http://doubletreeclaremont.com

Beautifully appointed and newly renovated guest rooms with one king or two double sized beds. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Claremont’s elegant, contemporary guest rooms and suites offer comfort and convenience with luxurious Sweet Dreams® beds, 32-inch flat screen LCD televisions, in-room safes, refrigerators, and high-speed Internet access. Guests can stay connected and productive on the road at its fully equipped, 24-hour Business Center. Relax with friends, alumni or business associates in its lush courtyard and enjoy a cocktail or meal by our waterfall. Dine in casual elegance at The Orchard Restaurant, serving a wide selection of California Mediterranean Fusion influenced dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. After hours, Piano Piano pits two piano players face to face on baby grand pianos, performing a high energy all request show that will keep guests singing and laughing into the night! Enjoy a relaxing day at the full service Essentials Day Spa on property. And don’t forget about those famous DoubleTree cookies provided upon check in, served nice and warm! 

Near Interstate 10

Claremont Lodge ($) –http://www.claremont-lodge.com/ 

Enjoy unbeatable accommodations near the cultural and recreational center of southern California with comfortable stylish rooms, cable television, and swimming pool; some rooms with in-room spas. 

Hotel Claremont & Tennis Club ($$) – http://www.myhotelclaremont.com/.

“Come To Where The Racquet Is.” The Hotel Claremont features one of Southern California’s finest tennis facilities available year-round with eight lighted championship tennis courts. Contact the hotel for information regarding tennis package weekends for singles, couples or groups. The Hotel Claremont & Tennis Club provides guests with such amenities as free local shuttle, free use of its championship tennis courts, group and private tennis lessons available for an additional fee. Hotel guests also enjoy a daily continental breakfast, which includes fresh waffles, fruit and cereal, and free Wi-Fi. 

Howard Johnson Express Inn Claremont ($) – http://bit.ly/hojoclaremont

Enjoy “homey” accommodations at a reasonable price. Features include free Wi-Fi, complimentary continental breakfast, outdoor pool, 24-hour front desk service and free cribs. In rooms, the hotel offers a refrigerator, 25-inch color TV with cable TV service, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hair dryer. An in-room safe is also available for a small fee. The property offers both smoking and non smoking rooms. 

The post Where To Stay In Claremont appeared first on Discover Claremont.

The Packing House. Originally built in 1909, the College Heights Lemon
Packing House has been recently renovated to include shops, galleries, dining and night clubs. Home to Flappers Comedy Club and Hip Kitty Jazz & Fondue, it also features vintage clothing stores, a cooking academy, and a nationally famous bookstore, Thoreau’s Bookshop, that provides donated books to inmates.

The Village Square. Newly built in 2007, the Village Square and public plaza is surrounded by shops, restaurants and the boutique hotel and lounge Hotel Casa 425, and is home to the Laemmle 5 Claremont Theatre. A modern public art fountain meanders through the square, providing both soothing water sounds as well as space for outdoor picnicking and music.

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