What the Heck is the Arrowhead?

Welcome to the Arrowhead!  What the heck is the Arrowhead?  Glad you asked.  There's this landmark on the mountain overlooking our valley, that seems to be pointing down at us...whether that's so the aliens will know to land here or stay the heck away, I'm not sure...Actually it points to a natural hot springs - ever hear of Arrowhead  bottled water? Yep, that's where it comes from! You can read more about the Arrowhead here.
 

Our part of Southern California's known as the Inland Empire, which is part of "the Southland" (I don't know who in the media or elsewhere, first came up with these terms; I'll have to get back to you on that). Generally, the Inland Empire term applies to all of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, and often includes adjacent bits of Los Angeles county as well. It's becoming harder to tell where L.A. stops and the Inland Empire begins, as L.A. sprawls ever closer, almost into our lap, with its stripmalls, superstores and its T.G.I. McChiligardens.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not completely anti-progress; I've been known to frequent those types of establishments myself.  But I'm becoming increasingly aware that every time I choose one of the Big Guys, it does make it harder on the little guy.  The mom-and-pop stores and cafes. As more people move out this way from L.A., they don't know about the Little Guys, and then even the longtime locals start to forget about them.

This blog is my one-woman quest to point out the good Little Guys here in our little empire, before they disappear. So maybe they won't. Maybe, if we give them some of our business, they'll stay. Change may be good; but so is Choice. I want to have as many choices as possible, don't you?  So let's help the Little Guy out.  If you visit or live in the Inland Empire, why not try one of the Little Guy's places first. You just might like it. 

I'm also planning on shining a light on some other good things available around here, especially things that families and kids might be interested in - places to go; things to see and do. I'll probably include other community things, too.

Most of all, I plan to have fun with this quest for the best in the west: I hope you do, too.  I just realized I may be turning into a local version of Huell Howser  (sorry - probably no one outside of Southern California is going to get that reference; but  I think I have to let it stand. Those of you who are from here, and watch PBS, will get it; and that's good enough. For everyone else, just think of your favorite uncle - super nice guy, but kind of hokey; the one who'd pull a quarter out of your ear...Well, picture him doing a travelogue on your hometown; you'll have the basic idea).  Huell, you're the man! I love ya; really. So much so, apparently, that I am now emulating you. Style of speech and everything; I'm even typing with a Southern accent now. Imitation is the sincerest form flattery you know. 

I should give any new readers fair warning: I'm hooked on both the cheesy (happy cows come from California!), and the corny - especially if it's served with a good whine. But I'll try to keep it to a minimum and just introduce you to the places in and around San Bernardino, out here in sunny  Southern California. There's still some gold to be found around here! Let's go prospecting...

Hi, I'm Tinker, the arrowhead,  your tour guide on this road trip.  Also, a Huell Howser-impersonator (and maybe a little Steve Martin now and then).

Now, I'm going to get my act together and take it on the road. San Bernardino's the biggest county in the continental U.S., so we've got a lot of miles ahead of us. C'mon, hop in - let's get this show on the road...

Hope you enjoy the ride. Let me know if you see anything interesting out the window.  Speaking of which, it's a little stuffy in here. Could you roll the window down a little?  Thanks. I'll try not to talk your ear off. You don't get carsick, do you? Ok, now
buckle up, and away we go....... 

Comments

[Brain(y) Barb]

Can't wait to see where "the arrowhead" goes next!!!! Very interesting and informative.....Thanks for representing the small business people that work so hard to make it!!!!!

[Robert Daeley]

Awesome to see your effort get started!

Sometimes seeking out the "little guy" takes a bit of extra time. I think the key, though, is recognizing "faster" does not automatically equal "good," and "convenience" is not the end-all of existence. :)

Looking forward to seeing where you go.