Author: Ronnie Greenberg

Photos by: Joe Hilbers

Ronnie Greenberg

5310 Dubois Ave

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

(818) 347-7437

mrg5310@aol.com

Destination Lancaster’s “24-hour Getaway” to Los Angeles’

Mojave Desert

By: Ronnie Greenberg

Photos: Joe Hilbers

Brimming with hidden gems, Lancaster has always had much to offer. You’ll be thrilled to discover the magic and majesty where Southern California’s Mojave Desert and the Antelope Valley cuddle between two mountain ranges, just 60 miles north of Los Angeles.

Its history over the centuries has run the gamut from the Native Americans who first roamed the region to remarkable aviators who flew the skies. In more recent years it was a stop on the railroad and center for local farming. Today it is a thriving community where you can fill your days with everything from extreme sport adventures or relax in a luxurious spa. Unwind at night with great food, world-class entertainment and the hospitality of friendly hosts who’ll make your stay truly memorable.

From its successful downtown revitalization, beautiful state parks, including the iconic California Poppy Reserve, it’s a great base for day trips and extended explorations.

Here’s all the excitement you can encounter in Destination Lancaster!

Day 1

                  You’ll feel right at home hanging your cowboy hats and bonnets at the Hampton Inn & Suites inLancaster; 85 traditionally furnished rooms and suites with comfy beds and furniture, a microwave, mini fridge and a flat panel TV. Start your day with a tasty breakfast buffet offering an abundance of hot and cold dishes. For the more ambitious souls there’s a workout room, indoor pool, and hot tub. Other amenities are free Wi-Fi and a business center with available fax and photocopy, and free parking. Located at 2300 W. Double Play Way in Lancaster (661)729-2390   www.hamptoninn3.hilton.com

Head out to the Quail Run Ostrich Ranchfor an informative visit. Established in 1988, this family venture has 3 generations living and working on the property. Ostrich are the largest flightless birds and run the 3rd fastest of any species sprinting over 40 mph for long periods of time and distance.

The Ranch offers educational tours, ostrich viewing and feeding, farm fresh chicken and ostrich eggs.

Located at 44420 North Shaffer Road in Lake Hughes (661)724-1592 www.quailrunostrichranch.com

Getting hungry?? You are in for a delicious culinary experience with a feel of the old west at the

Broken Bit. A classic American Cowboy steakhouse with a dining experience that combines contemporary American cuisine with a western flair that is loved by locals as well as visitors. The bar staff serves up whiskey, specialty and traditional cocktails, a fine menu of wines including many locals, and craft beers.  Mouthwatering dinner entrees that are  cooked to perfection include: wood fire grilled salmon,  with soy bbq glace, mashed potatoes, and cast iron veggies; Sagebrush chicken with Sage cream sauce, roasted potatoes and cast iron veggies; Poblano a veggie stuffed poblano pepper with goat cheese, cheddar, forbidden rice, Creole sauce and Cilantro pesto.  The sumptuous Black Angus steaks grilled over an oak fire with a hint of smoke flavor include the 10 oz. ribeye; 8 oz. filet mignon and if so desired smothered with mushrooms, and set alongside a baked potatoes that takes up half the plate. The menu is overseen by the culinary skills of Chef Jouil Mick who gets a well deserved round of applause when he comes out of the kitchen. Located in Quartz Hill, a special community that takes pride in its country western heritage and lends itself to cowboys and cowgirls riding horses down the streets. Located at: 41955 50th Street West phone (661)943-8228 www.brokenbitsteakhouse.com

Open only for dinner Tuesday through Sunday.4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday until 9 p.m.

Antelope Valley Indian Museum

                  Howard Arden Edwards, a self taught artist became enchanted with the desert scenery around the buttes while visiting the Antelope Valley. He homesteaded 160 acres on Piute Butte and in 1928, Edwards, his wife and teenage son began building a home, which included a special area he called the Antelope Valley Indian Research Museum. In it he displayed his collection of prehistoric and historic American Indian artifacts, which he interpreted in a way that he thought would be instructive and entertaining for visitors. Some of his imaginative descriptions can still be seen in displays in the museum’s upper gallery, his former research museum, now called California Hall.

The Museum is administered by California State Parks.

Each year…the museum has an annual event which includes a country craft boutique featuring handmade items by local crafters, homestead era holiday decor, and songs and poetry performed around a blazing bonfire. Check the website for 2019 dates.

The museum is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Located at 15701 East Avenue M (between East 150th & 170th streets) in Lancaster

(661) 946-3055 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AVIndianmuseum.

You can end the evening on The BLVD the heart of the destination’s cultural, nightlife and dining scene  where you will find several spots for a nightcap.

Day 2 (your getaway continues)

Enjoy breakfast at the Hampton Inn and then it’s off to:

The Exotic Feline Breeding Compound’s Feline Conservation Center known as The CatHouse

                  This wild feline breeding zoo and research facility founded in 1977 and run entirely on public donations, was designed expressly to protect and preserve the world’s most threatened big cats. Its natural habitat cages offer close-up viewing of some of the world’s rarest cats including its “star” the Malaysian Tiger, Jango.  Cat lovers of all ages will be surprised and amazed at the variety of wild cat species found here. It houses more than 70 wild cats ranging in size from the small sand cat to larger species such as leopard, tigers, jaguars, as well as the local bobcats and mountain lions.

Located in Rosamond, 3718 60th Street West www.wildcatzoo.org

Phone (661) 256-3793 for more information or to schedule a tour (individual and VIP behind-the-scenes tours are available)

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Tuesday. There is an admittance fee; and parking is free.

.Volunteer opportunities and internships offer training for individuals 18 years and older.

. Adoption program, no you don’t get to take a cat home, but you pay each month for their food bill, minimum commitment 6 months.

. Special events coming up include: Twilight Tours, Evening open house (18 years and older),  Fabulous Feline Follies-annual fundraiser; and Kids Day that includes activity table, and educational animal show, and more.

Take the musical detour

Check out Lancaster’s Musical Road made famous by Honda’s national TV commercial when engineers designed cracks and ridges in the road. It is on the only street in America that knows how to hum The William Tell Overture (that became the Lone Ranger’s theme song) as vehicles pass over it. It was moved from a street inside Lancaster because it became too crowded an attraction and it is now located at 3187 W. Avenue G.

Enjoy a hearty and delicious Brunch at Don Sal Cocina & Cantinaconsidered one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Antelope Valley. The Garcia-Nunez family with over 55 years of combined experience has worked countless hours to create and develop their restaurants into community favorites. Their focus is on providing every customer with the best dining experience possible by providing excellent customer service and even better food. Don Sal prides itself on traditional Mexican fare offering two Brunch buffets, one American and the other Mexican.  Seat yourself indoors or on a private patio. Added to the festivities is a show-stopping Mariachi Band dressed in traditional attire. Brunch hours are Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cantina Happy Hour is Monday through Friday 4-7 p.m.

Located at 706 W. Lancaster Blvd. in Lancaster, phone (661)941-2301 www.donsalcocinacantina.com

                  The Museum of Art and History (MOAH)is dedicated to strengthening awareness, enhancing accessibility and igniting the appreciation of art, history and culture in the Antelope Valley through dynamic exhibitions, innovative educational programs, creative community engagements and a vibrant collection that celebrates the richness of the region. In addition to an outstanding collection of local artists, MOAH houses a collection of post-war period art and contemporary art in the areas of painting, sculpture, prints, drawings, photography, film, video, installations and new media art.

The 2018 Pow Wow has recently left the amazing Murals along Lancaster Boulevard all highlighting the talent of 25 local and visiting artists using 1500 cans of paint on 19 walls in 6 days. There is an official 2018 Mural Map.

Located at 665 W. Lancaster Blvd. (661)723-6250  www.lancasterMOAH.org

Twitter:@LancasterMOHA

Instagram:MOAHLancaster

For up to the minute details and more great ideas, visit the Destination Lancaster website at:

www.desinationlancasterCA.org

Twitter:@Visit_Lancaster

Facebook.com/DestinationLancaster

Instagram: VisitLancaster.CA