2008 Rancho Cucamonga CA

 November 2008 - Rancho Cucamonga CA

While we were in Palm Springs this time, we took a lot of side trips.

Rancho Cucamonga was best known at the time for its exports of peaches, olives, grapes, and various citrus fruits. Agriculture and wine continue to be large industries in the area today.

The name of Rancho Cucamonga, California comes from the Tongva Indian word kukamonga, which means "sandy place". The city is located in San Bernardino County, about 40 miles east of Los Angeles. 

The Magic Lamp Inn on Foothill Blvd in Rancho Cucamonga opened in 1955. This restaurant has an eye-catching architecture, and a fantastic neon sign that epitomizes the era of Route 66.

In the 1940's and early 50's, it was Lucy and John's Cafe, owned by the Nosenzo family, featuring Italian cuisine. After the Nosenzo's sold the restaurant to Frank and Edith Penn and the Clearman family in 1955 guests no longer found themselves eating spaghetti. Instead, they ate steak and chicken inside the newly remodeled restaurant. Travelers were welcomed with a large "Magic Lamp" at the entryway.

The Magic Lamp Inn name was selected from a lottery drawing by the staff.

Madonna of the Trail is a series of 12 identical monuments dedicated to the spirit of pioneer women in the United States. The monuments were commissioned by the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). They were installed in each of the 12 states along the National Old Trails Road, which extended from Cumberland, Maryland, to Upland, California.

Created by sculptor August Leimbach and funded by contributions, the Madonna of the Trail monuments were intended to provide a symbol of the courage and faith of the women whose strength and love aided so greatly in conquering the wilderness and establishing permanent homes. Dedicated in 1928 and 1929, the twelve statues became sources of local pride. Through the continuing efforts of local and national groups, all are currently in good condition and on display.

40 Winks Motel (wink, wink).

Wienerschnitzel fast food restaurant.

Founded in 1961 by John Galardi with a single location in Southern California, Wienerschnitzel has grown to be the world’s largest hot dog chain serving more than 120 million hot dogs a year; and we’re über famous for our delicious secret-recipe chili that we like to smother on fries, hot dogs and burgers.