All About Redlands

What stores would you like to see open in Downtown Redlands?

If we compare downtown Redlands in the 1940s–1960s to today, one major difference stands out: downtown once had stores where people shopped for everyday necessities, not just dining and entertainment.

Downtown Redlands in the 1940s–1960s was a vibrant shopping district, long before regional malls and big-box stores changed the way people shopped. State Street was lined with department stores, clothing shops, drug stores, jewelers, shoe stores, and specialty retailers.

Some of the most remembered stores included:

1940s–1950s
🍊Harris Department Store (pictured) – One of the largest and most popular department stores in town. Many locals bought clothing, housewares, gifts, and school clothes there. Harris expanded its Redlands location throughout the mid-century years.

🍊J.C. Penney – A major downtown shopping destination for clothing and household goods.

🍊Sage's Market – A favorite grocery store chain that later became the anchor of Citrus Village when it opened in 1959.

🍊Gair’s Men’s Clothing - Milton Gair was deeply involved in Redlands civic life, serving in organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Commercial Club. Many residents viewed Gair's as a hometown institution rather than simply a clothing store.

1950s–1960s
🍊Woolworth's – The classic five-and-dime where families could buy everything from toys to school supplies and enjoy the lunch counter.

🍊Thrifty Drug – Famous for its ice cream cones and drugstore counter.

🍊Buster Brown Shoes – Many local children got their school shoes here.

🍊Walker Scott – A well-known Southern California department store chain with a Redlands presence.

Numerous locally owned dress shops, furniture stores, and appliance dealers lined State Street.

What stores would you like to see open in Downtown Redlands?

Three Sisters Farm will have certified organic, locally grown BASIL, DILL, MINT and LETTUCE on Saturday morning. Come support the local food scene and get your fresh produce, microgreens, baked goods, honey, seasonal fruit, pasta, salsa, yogurt, tea, coffee, juice and more!

SEE YOU AT THE MARKET! 11126 Iowa Street Redlands

If we compare downtown Redlands in the 1940s–1960s to today, one major difference stands out: downtown once had stores where people shopped for everyday necessities, not just dining and entertainment.

Downtown Redlands in the 1940s–1960s was a vibrant shopping district, long before regional malls and big-box stores changed the way people shopped. State Street was lined with department stores, clothing shops, drug stores, jewelers, shoe stores, and specialty retailers.

Some of the most remembered stores included:

1940s–1950s
🍊Harris Department Store (pictured) – One of the largest and most popular department stores in town. Many locals bought clothing, housewares, gifts, and school clothes there. Harris expanded its Redlands location throughout the mid-century years.

🍊J.C. Penney – A major downtown shopping destination for clothing and household goods.

🍊Sage's Market – A favorite grocery store chain that later became the anchor of Citrus Village when it opened in 1959.

🍊Gair’s Men’s Clothing - Milton Gair was deeply involved in Redlands civic life, serving in organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Commercial Club. Many residents viewed Gair's as a hometown institution rather than simply a clothing store.

1950s–1960s
🍊Woolworth's – The classic five-and-dime where families could buy everything from toys to school supplies and enjoy the lunch counter.

🍊Thrifty Drug – Famous for its ice cream cones and drugstore counter.

🍊Buster Brown Shoes – Many local children got their school shoes here.

🍊Walker Scott – A well-known Southern California department store chain with a Redlands presence.

Numerous locally owned dress shops, furniture stores, and appliance dealers lined State Street.

What stores would you like to see open in Downtown Redlands?

Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Redlands? 🍊

From Touch a Truck and Storytime at the Frugal Frigate to live music at Three Stags, line dancing, farmers' markets, art walks, and hands-on workshops, there's something for every age and interest.

🍊Kids Fit Camp
🍊Friday Flea Market
🍊Line Dancing
🍊Three Stags Live Music
🍊The Farmers Market at the Grove School + Live Music
🍊Touch a Truck
🍊Storytime at the Frugal Frigate
🍊World Wide Knit in Public Day
🍊Open House: South Redlands
🍊Soapmaking Workshop 201 Colors & Swirls
🍊Flag Day
🍊Sunday Morning Market
🍊The Boulevard Artwalk
🍊Crushed Glass and Resin Class

Listed event information and more here-> https://aboutredlands.com/redlands-events-and-weekend-activities

We were saddened to learn that Village Candy Kitchen will be closing its doors (retiring) after 37 years of serving the Redlands and Oak Glen communities.

From sweet treats and caramel apples to cherished family memories, Village Candy Kitchen has been a beloved local tradition for generations.

Their final day will be Sunday, June 14. Be sure to stop by and show your support before they retire. They're offering 20% off everything except sandwiches, apples, drinks, and bakery items.

Thank you for 37 wonderful years of sweetness and memories. You will be missed. ENJOY retirement!!

📍 233 E. State Street, Redlands

IMC is proud to again be a part of the Patriotic Pops concert under the stars at the Redlands Bowl on July 3rd, produced and directed by Nolan Livesay.

Photo by Bruce Herwig.

Inland Master Chorale
https://inlandmasterchorale.org

Thank you to our incredible partners for being part of this lasting impact.

We’re proud to celebrate 20 years of impact—powered by employee contributions and 25% of our partnerships—helping fund promotional support for nonprofits and businesses facing hardship.

This work goes far beyond marketing. It creates visibility, opens doors, and brings renewed hope to organizations when they need it most.

For a small business navigating tough times or a nonprofit working to reach the community it serves, that extra support can be the difference between staying afloat and closing their doors. By coming together, we’re doing more than promoting causes—we’re strengthening the heart of our entire community.

It truly takes a village to lift one another up—and when we thrive, we all thrive.

Our all-new, dynamic, and spectacular website is arriving this month—thoughtfully redesigned to be faster, more intuitive, and more impactful than ever. Built with both locals and visitors in mind, it makes discovering businesses, events, and experiences easier and more inspiring.

Here’s what’s coming:

-A clean, modern experience across mobile and desktop
-Faster, more intuitive search and discovery
-A beautifully redesigned event calendar sponsored by Burgeson's AC & Heating
-A streamlined, easy-to-navigate business directory
-Expanded local guides and expert business tips
-Even more opportunities for customers and visitors to find and connect with your business

This next chapter is all about making it simpler, smarter, and more powerful to explore and support our local community.

https://aboutredlands.com

Thanks, Lori, Debbie, and Alan!

Pinky's Café was special because it represented a different era of Redlands—a time when downtown was the heart of everyday life, travelers rolled through town on old Highway 99, and local cafés served as gathering places for the community.

Pinky's was a small café located at 15 W. Central Avenue, near what later became the Redlands Mall site. Despite its modest size, it became a favorite stop for both locals and travelers passing through town. The café had only 19 counter seats and 16 small tables, creating the kind of close-knit atmosphere where customers often knew one another.

Several things made Pinky's memorable:

• It was a true community gathering place. Before chain restaurants dominated the landscape, places like Pinky's were where people met for breakfast, coffee, and conversation.
• It sat along old Highway 99 (now Redlands Blvd). Travelers heading east or west often stopped there, giving it a mix of hometown regulars and road-trippers.
• It disappeared during a major change in Redlands history. The café was demolished in 1975 to make way for the Redlands Mall, turning it into one of those beloved places people remember because it can never quite be recreated.

What makes Pinky's especially nostalgic today is that it symbolizes a version of Redlands that many longtime residents miss: locally owned cafés, familiar faces, slower-paced mornings, and a downtown filled with independent businesses rather than chains.

Join us on June 12th at 11am for 1 hour of fun, movement, and coordination-based activities designed to help your child build confidence, strength, and body awareness.

This is a great way to get your child moving and learning foundational skills that support all sports and everyday play.

Let them run, jump, balance, and grow while having a blast!

Cost is $10 for first child and $5 for each sibling. Ages 2-10. Address is 1310 Oak Valley Pkwy Beaumont, CA 92223

Sign-up Here: https://beaumontca.recdesk.com/Community/Home