Hidden Shopping Treasurers in the Antelope Valley

Unlike my friends, I was not born with a shopping gene. I do not love to spend all day shopping. However, I do love discovering unique treasures. One of the wonderful things about writing a guidebook is visiting museums, wineries – which all have gift shops – and other unique places to shop.
My only rule of thumb is this: when I deliver books I should not spend more than the payment I’m receiving for the books.
I broke my own rule at the Agua Dulce Winery on Saturday. While waiting for a decision on how many books they were going to buy to stock in their wonderful gift shop, my husband found some honey mustard, cocktail napkins with cute sayings on them, and Debbie insisted that I try their reserve Chardonnay. She was a gracious hostess and I was a grateful sipper.
Let’s just say, I broke my own shopping rule and came home with some yummy Chardonnay.
It’s dangerous to deliver books to the Edwards Air Force Base Museum. Last time, it was my husband who broke the rule. He spotted an aviation “bomber” jacket for our grandson.
At Maturango Museum in Ridgecrest it was the unique silver jewelry that caught my eye and now adorns my neck.
It’s dangerous for me to even go into the Whole Wheatery – lunch always beckons!
At Reagan’s Hallmark I found a folk art angel created by Jim Shore. It’s no longer part of the store display.
You can get lost in Charlie Brown’s. It’s fun to go through the maze to see all that they offer.
At least its safe for me at Perk Place for the price of a blended chai is a whole lot less than the price of a single book.

Classic Car Show & route 66 Celebration

If you love classic cars, it would be worth the trip to Barstow to see the 8th annual Route 66 Mother Road Museum's Classic Car Show, June 14 from 9:00 a.m. to2:00 p.m. at the Historic Harvey House Casa del Desierto, 681 N. First Avenue.

According to Debra Hodkin, curator at the museum, the show is open to all vehicles regardless of the year including stock, classic, unrestored, motorcycles andhot rods. Last year more than 1,000 people participated. The day will include raffle prizes, DJ Key Dog playing popular oldies and appearances by Miss Route Titleholders.

For more information check out the website www.route66museum.org or call760-255-1890.

Community Concerts

We just renewed our membership in the Antelope Valley Community Concerts Association. For $60 we have been treated to some extraordinary performances right here in our own back yard. As I understand it, next year they’re going to endeavor to present the concerts on a Sunday afternoon. Even better.
When I was putting together the guidebook to the Antelope Valley, I became astonished at all that the community had to offer. I have a section on performing arts that runs four pages and encompasses art, music, drama and dance. There’s the professionals, of course, the big names that are brought in to perform at Lancaster’s Performing Arts and the Palmdale Playhouse. These are usually sold out.
Add to that list the amateur productions such as Cedar Street Players and It’s Only Tuesday productions for an idea of the variety. The AV College Civic Orchestra plus the AV Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale regularly schedule performances that are open to the public.
We’re living in a happening place!