Free and Inexpensive Things to Do in Riverside, California

Unbelievably, a vacation does not have to break the bank. Here in Riverside, California, considered the heart of the Inland Empire, the vacationer can find free and inexpensive things to do and see all over the place.

Called Riverside Renaissance, a concerted effort between the people and their leaders, have produced a continuing desirable place to be, for both the resident and the visitor. Following are a list of places, some free, some not free, but inexpensive, to consider for your vacationing plans.

ArtsWalk: On the first Thursday of every month, 17 locations in downtown Riverside are open to the public from six to 9 p.m. Participating businesses host art openings, performances, tours, talks and more. This event is free. For a list of locations, call (951)781-7335 or visit www.riversideculturalconsortium.org.

Artplantae is a resource provider specializing in botany and botanical art education. Their purpose is to encourage an interest in plants and nature through illustration. Artplantae is located at 5225 Canyon Crest Drive. For information and upcoming events, call (951776-4696 or visit www.ArtPlantaeToday.com.

Similarly, at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), a visitor can go and see their botanical gardens.

Back to the Grind: The UnderGrind Gallery, founded in 1996, brought to Riverside its first community coffee shop, a throwback to the coffee gathering places of the past. A Victorian café style, its ambiance lends to conversation, meetings, and entertainment. Many a talented artist and musician have come through these doors. Back to the Grind is found at 3575 University Ave. For more information, call (951) 784-0800.

Inland Empire Poets meets every Wednesday at Starbucks, located at 1201 University Ave. from seven to 9 p.m. All poets of all styles and level of experience are welcomed to participate in the free workshop.

Local Bookstores: Barnes & Noble, located at 3485 Galleria at Tyler, hosts readings, book signings and an American Sign Language storytime. For more information, call (951) 358-0899 or visit www.barnesandnoble.com. Borders, located in the Riverside Plaza at 3615 Riverside Plaza Drive, also offers readings, book signings and special storytimes for promoting literacy in children. Call (951) 222-0313 or visit www.borders.com.

Are you into tours? Benedict Castle is a Medieval Spanish structure with strong Moorish influences, designed and built by Henry L. A. Jekel between 1921 and 1931 for Charles W. Benedict. Teen Challenge has restored both the Castle and grounds, current owners of the property. The Castle is located at 5445 Chicago Ave. To book a tour or get more information, call (951) 750-1963.

The Mission Inn is also worth touring-a 75 minute walk led by docents knowledgeable on the art, architecture and history of the place. See parts not visible to the public. The Mission Inn is located at 3649 Mission Inn Ave. The cost is $12 for adults and seniors and children under 12 are free while accompanied by an adult. AAA members get a $1 discount. Call (951) 788-9556 for available tour times and reservations or visit www.missionmuseum.com.

Love oranges? Check out Riverside’s Orange Grove Heritage Park. Check out old advertisements and maybe even sample the fruit.

Mount Rubidoux, found west of downtown Riverside, was named after Louis Rubidoux, an early settler. Later, Frank Miller would build roads, plant vegetation and a dedication to Father Junipero Sera. The first Easter sunrise service was held in 1909.

The Gourmet Detective is an interactive, comical, musical, murder mystery dinner show. Witness a crime and solve a mystery. The Gourmet Detective is located at 3663 Main Street. For more information call (951) 992-5424 or visit www.gourmetdetective.com.

Are you into astronomy? For the beginning and amateur astronomer, a visit to Riverside Community College’s Planetarium would be in order. Admission is $5 for Adults, $4 for Students, $2.50 for children under age 12. In addition, the Riverside Astronomical Society (RAS) has monthly Star Parties and Star-B-Q’s during the New Moon phase. While members do pay an annual fee, you do not need to become a member to enjoy these outings. Learn the constellations and discover interesting clusters, such as the Butterfly cluster or Messier 6. For more information, check out rivastro.org.

Finally, several community parks can also be enjoyed, including Andulka park, with its tennis courts, gazebos, kids’ playground and more.