Your Villa - East Valley - April - May 2024

Throughout the past decade, Redlands’ evolution and economy have blossomed at an unprecedented rate. There is now a far greater volume of locally owned businesses dotted amongst our ever-expanding community, all while suburban neighborhoods are now offerin new styles of homes to prospect buyers. Yet, despite these obvious examples of passionate progress, the ever-abounding sentiment that we still live in a “big town” with a “small town” vibe, has been uniquely preserved, and is undeniably as evident today as it was when our city was first Christened nearly two centuries ago. Successfully, Redlands has managed to maintain the unique distinction of its nature and heritage without damning up the stream of its modern-day progress. If history, nature, and architecture are stacked atop your skyscraper list of reasons why Redlands is the most blessed big/little town in the West, then we encourage you to further immerse yourselves in our humble dwelling place by spending an afternoon or weekend trenched in the lavish history of State Street’s locally owned shops. Visit the A.K. Smiley Public Library which was established in 1898. Speaking of “Smiley”, the Smiley Park neighborhood is an adventure bustling with historic landmarks and gorgeous homes. Close by, is the historic Morey House - a Victoria-style architectural masterpiece. Kimberly Crest House and Gardens is another fabled attraction that once took center stage in the starring role of television’s A&E’s American Castles . These, and the Redlands Bowl are located mere footsteps from one of our town’s most inspiring features … Historic Downtown. Historic Downtown is an area of Redlands teeming with activity, excitement, and experiences waiting to be had. It’s a place where locals and visitors discover the ever-expanding medley of our rich past dashed with the bravado of our steadfast present. From restaurants, both old and new, fine, and casual, that tantalize guests with traditional meat and potato cuisine, Mexican, Asian, and the Mediterranean variety, to a conglomeration of locally owned businesses, and boutiques. Historic Downtown is a proverbial funfair cotton-candied with experiences and entertainment that are guaranteed to dazzle even the most stubborn of taste buds and attitudes. Speaking of entertainment and family fun, as a mark of true small-town excellence, and in honor of Redlands 130th Anniversary, locals had the chance, once again, of taking part in the celebrations of New Year amidst Historic Downtown’s, New Year’s Eve Orange Drop . The event was presented by the City of Redlands , and our Chamber of Commerce, who put on a start-studded evening filled with family entertainment, games, food, and drink. This is just one of the many other reasons we, and our Redlands Your Villa Magazine advertisers appreciate and cherish the city as much as we do.. Below are a handful of local business owner’s thoughts about Redlands: Brandy Henson | Owner Reverse Gravity Medical Aesthetics “I love Redlands, I really do! My family and I have lived here almost 10 years now and it just keeps getting better and better. Redlands has been so good to me personally and supported not only me, but the growth of my business. When you think about Redlands, people always think it’s such a small town and it is, but good things come in small packages. Redlands is providing incredible growth opportunities for entrepreneurs of all ages. People no longer need to move to Pasadena or LA to create an amazing lifestyle (career and family) for themselves. State Street is a Redlands staple, a must to visit when you come here. Old historical architecture combined with a modern twist. Redlands has amazing food, cute shops, and it’s a total vibe!” L O C A L B U S I N E S S E S Grown Up Yet Still Young at Heart: Redlands Produced by Tiar’a Literary & Illustration 22 | Your Villa Magazine