Welcome Back to the Wild West! A Visit to Old Town Temecula

 

A Look Back in History

 

            Old Town Temecula is the western-style heart of Temecula Valley.  It is actually considered Temecula's "third" heart, as the Indian village known as "Temet" is regarded as the "first" heart.  The "second" heart is "The Wolf Store", a former trading outpost and stage coach stop in the 1800s.  Today's Old Town Front Street is the actual route of the stage coach that brought pioneers from Missouri to California.  The original trading post, The Wolf Store, has been repurposed as an ice cream and coffee parlor.  When the Postmaster established the first post office in the Inland Empire in 1859, Old Town became the "third" and current heart of Temecula Valley. 

 

            It's been said that Temecula Valley was named by an Indian wanderer, Nahachish.  While he stood on the hillside looking over the valley below, he witnessed campfire smoke mixing with the haze as sunbeams fell on the vast lands.  He proclaimed it "Temeku" meaning "place of the sun."

 

            When Spanish missionaries first set foot in the valley in 1797, the name was adopted into their Spanish tongue and renamed "Temecula" to mean "land where the sun shines through the mist."  Temecula Valley has a rich history full of vibrant stories and characters.  Old Town Temecula is a must visit to learn more about the history and people that shaped this beautiful town and valley. 

 

Enjoying Old Town Temecula Today

 

            Visitors are transported back in time when they visit Old Town Temecula.  Old Town is always bustling on a Saturday, with the farmer's market in the day and the sounds of live music filling the streets by night.  Start your day off with a cup of coffee and stroll the streets to shop unique boutiques, specialty food stores, antiques, wine, and so much more!  Visit the community theater for a local show or experience the museums and rich history of Temecula Valley.  You can also enjoy a candlelight walking tour of the town at night!

 

            Getting hungry?  Old Town Temecula is filled with outstanding restaurants and bars. From barbecue and pub food to tapas and pizza, there is something for everyone!  The various wine tasting rooms and taprooms throughout town offer several great stops for a drink and a view of the town.  Stop by the ice cream parlor or candy shop for a sweet treat the kids will love!  Award-winning restaurants that are locally owned and operated are part of what makes Old Town so special.  With live music, local flavors, and a beautiful setting, Old Town Temecula dining is some of the best in California.

 

 

Visit Old Town Temecula for an unforgettable experience for the whole family!