Mission Inn magic in Riverside: Come catch the holiday spirit or visit classic inn any time

GLORIOUS DECORATIONS, LIGHTS ENTERTAIN THOUSANDS OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS WHO ENJOY THE DECOR -- MAKE RESERVATIONS AHEAD FOR YOUR VISIT

Mission Inn is aglow and magical this time of year in Riverside, California

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

"The Carpe Diem Kids"

Cookie and Keller pause in front of the historic hotel.

FOR THREE DECADES, the historic Mission Inn in Riverside, Calif., has lit itself up for the holidays to the delight of thousands of appreciative onlookers.

People book rooms -- often a year or two in advance -- so they can bunk, dine and stroll happily among the splendidly lit decorations for a few days.

This year, the famous hotel has more than five million lights ablaze.

Carriages, beautifully decorated, and well tended horse's offer beauty and entertainment.

The lights accent  displays ranging from classic Biblical scenes to tableaux from the beloved "Nutcracker" ballet, to a fanciful Santa with reindeer and elves.

THE Mission Inn magic traces back to 1874 when a when a Wisconsin civil engineer arrived in Riverside. C.C. Miller began work on an inspired water system, and with his family, started a small boarding house in the center of town.

A docent tour takes guests into lobbies, alcoves Handsome, merry nutcrackers 

and friends provide color as they line the balconies and walkways.

The inn was popular with travelers and its reputation grew.  The Miller family accented it with their own art collection.

 In 1902, Miller's son Frank Augustus Miller changed the name to the "Glenwood Mission Inn" and started a much grander vision enlarging the grounds and adding buildings, in a variety of styles, He continued the expansion until he died in 1935. 

THE YOUNGER   Miller's architectural flair resulted in an eclectic structural blend  drawn from a variety of influences.  His study of historical design periods, revivals, influences, and styles created today's delightful property.

Mission Inn Magic spotlights its Spanish mission-style design.

The inn is the crowning jewel of a charming downtown which includes galleries, museums, bistros,  taverns and a performing arts center.

The inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a State of California Historic Landmark, and is a member of Historic Hotels of America. Tours of the property are available through the Mission Inn Foundation, which operates the enterprise.  

Along with architectural styles and furnishings from around the world, the inn contains dozens of entertaining stories, which docents colorfully share.. /www.missioninn.com/

Bright pastels dot the rocky terrain which rises from the sea in  Monterosso.

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