Mission Inn

We spent last weekend visiting a couple of California Missions (see 10.10 Blip entry), so it was only natural that when we found ourselves with a bit of free time before a volleyball match that we would visit Riverside's Mission Inn. Little did I realize that although the Mission Inn "has been the keystone of Downtown Riverside since 1876" it is in fact the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, not the traditional missions we had been visiting since entering California.

The Inn's seven restaurants and bars were beautiful, some with Spanish style patios in which to enjoy the fine weather. I was struck by how contemporary 54º at Duane's was compared to the other options on premisses. I took this quick shot while waiting to be seated at the door of the Mission Inn Restaurant. Eating on the patio of the Restaurant we could have been in any Spanish village - at least from what I have seen on television - yet 54º looked like it would be at home in downtown LA's trendiest neighborhoods - which I have seen in the magazines. We just might have to come back some evening to see if we can fit in with the wine tasting crowd, or to enjoy another meal on the patio.