Libraries, Bookstores, & More: Perris, CA and Palm Springs
A Day Out with Thomas
The Island of Sodor has landed in California, and it has brought friends! Just fifty-five miles east from the desert town of Palm Springs, is the sub-tropical town of Perris, California and the Southern California Railway Museum—where Thomas and Friends stopped by to give patrons a peak at the literary characters of The Railway Series.
A sleepy town that sees many passersby, like many settlements that sprouted during the “boom period” of Southern California, Perris, once used for its pastures during the Spanish and Mexican post, saw an influx of European settlers during the 1880s. Due to the expansion of the California Southern Railroad, and the development of the train depot that connected the cities of Barstow and San Diego in 1882, Perris saw a period of rapid settlement and growth that caused the expansion and eventual incorporation of the town, which was named in honor of Fred T. Perris, chief engineer of the California Southern Railroad. With the closing of the station, the town, which now houses a lake and recreation area that is ripe for boating, hiking, and nature walks, as well the March Field Museum, turned its former train depot into the museum we have today, which contained the Day Out with Thomas, event.
Once called the Orange Empire Railway Museum, the Southern California Railway Museum was established by the SC/ERA in 1956—and it boasts several trains, both restored and in its original glory, as well as a few working trollies, and the Fred Harvey Museum, which showcases the incredible history of the Harvey girls, who were graced with the legacy of “civilizing the west.” As lovers of trains, history, and literacy, we decided to take a chance on the event that occurs every year throughout the U.S.—(check here for a Day Out with Thomas location near you).
For the Kids:
Combining the literary stories of authors Rev. Wilbert Awdry and his son Christopher Awdry, with the history of the Southern Californian Railway, a Day Out with Thomas is an event that most children would enjoy—however, unless a huge Thomas the Train or The Railway Series fan, I wouldn’t recommend this for children over the age five.
As you enter, your ticket is scanned and your train ride with Thomas is confirmed. Event organizers advise that you arrive an hour early before your scheduled train ride, so that you can enjoy the rest of what they have to offer (more on that later), and I would have to agree. However, if you are like our family, and have a knack for running behind, don’t worry, you can still have a great ride with Thomas—you and your party will just be directed to the late boarder’s line, and would have to make your way on to Thomas, when room is available. The ride itself is roughly fifteen-minutes long— and it is on an air-conditioned, comfy coach cabin, that went just outside of town and back, on one of the museum’s functional trains; lending a much-needed break from the town’s Mediterranean like climate. During the Holiday season, this train also does an hour-long ride, filled with Christmas cheer to recreate the magic of The Polar Express, classic children’s story. Outside of your ride with Thomas, there is also an opportunity to take a trip with Thomas’ friend Percy! Also, as we are still in the time of COVID, be sure to have a mask on hand. Forget your mask? No worries, crew members pass out masks for those who need one.
When you’re finished riding with your favorite Island of Sodor friends, take a walk around the museum to visit some of their wonderful exhibits of train displays or take a walk through the Fred Harvey Museum. There is also a hay maze, bubble zone, petting zoo, and plenty of opportunities to take pictures with Thomas, Percy, and Sir Topham Hat! If you grow hungry, vendors are available to purchase food, but I suggest bringing a light lunch for a picnic in the museum’s Holstrom Park, as the food from the vendors weren’t worth the price, in our opinion. For breastfeeding moms, a nursing and changing tent is provided—this was something I don’t typically see at outdoor events, and thought was worth noting. On your way out, be sure to stop by the pop-up store tent for souvenirs and books about our favorite Railway Series friends.
Hanging out with our favorite Island of Sodor friend.
Eat, Stay, Shop, & Play
With only an hour from Palm Springs, the Southern California Railway Museum gives literary and history adventurers the opportunity to see a multitude of different things. If headed to the desert city, hop on over to Pioneertown. Once a movie set, the old western style buildings and homes are now part of this living film museum, that makes up the crafted western settlement. Although it may appear to be a ghost town, the structures that make up the living museum also doubles as a community, with shops, entertainment, and real live horses—so be mindful and respectful of your surroundings, as horses have the right of way and residents are plentiful. In short, keep a watchful eye on little ones in order to protect the natural beauty and residential homes within the museum.
Just a girl in the Old West
If visiting during the Fall, Winter, or Spring, be sure to come on a Saturday, in order to see a re-enactment of a live wild west gun fight. As our visit was during the high desert temperatures of the summer months, we couldn’t see a live show; however, the emptiness of the town lent an ambience of peacefulness that was expressed beautifully through the backdrop of buildings of the old west and the museum’s desert scenery. I should note that it is also free to visit, but donations are welcomed.
Considering the landscape and location, it is best that you prepare well for your visit—be sure to have a full tank, water and/or hydration refreshments in your vehicle, a printed map (as GPS signals can be spotty), as well as all members of your party together and always accounted for, because cell phone reception is limited.
Not too far from Pioneertown, is the pop culture icon and roadside attraction of The Cabazon Dinosaurs. Seen in movies such as Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure and The Wizard, the array of dinosaurs spread throughout the small park, as well as two gigantic “life sized” dinosaurs, are more than enough to please any dinosaur lover. If your littles need a break from walking and exploring, there is a sand pit and mining station also available for their enjoyment. During the holiday season, dinosaurs are dressed to impress with gear that even Santa would be proud of. If in need of a treat, the Wafflesaurus Truck is available on weekends, from 1:30pm to 7: 30 pm.
Picture of the Girlie in the sandpit
If you have time, don’t pass up an opportunity to visit the Palm Springs Air Museum. It is home to one of the world’s largest collection of flyable WWII aircrafts! For us, it was also one of the most interactive Air Museums we have ever been to.
Eat and Shop:
Given its proximity to the bustling tourist city of Palm Springs, the Southern California Railway Museum allows visitors an opportunity to enjoy a variety of places to unwind with a great meal and light shopping. For designer clothing and quick bites, head over to the Desert Hills Premium Outlets. If looking for a quainter food and shopping experience, take a walk thru downtown Palm Springs.
Set to the background drop of gorgeous mountains, the downtown of Palm Springs has plenty of shops and boutiques, along with eclectic street art that is appealing to children and adults alike. For those with a raging sweet tooth, head over to Balboa Candy. They have an array of goodies that range from sweets we find today, as well as those from childhood. If you’re in need of something more substantial, grab a burger at Woody’s Palm House, or some great farm-to-table provencal eats from Farm.
Stay:
Palm Springs is home to a myriad of boutique hotels, that is surrounded by picturesque desert mountains, as well as Airbnbs, bed and breakfasts, and resorts and spas. To find something that is best for you and your family, I suggest a look at the Visit Greater Palm Springs website.
If you prefer to stay near or in Perris, below is a list of hotels nearby:
· Red Lion Inn & Suites, Perris
· Best Western Plus Lake Elsinore Inn & Suites
· Hyatt Place, Riverside Downtown
All in all, if you’d like to have the opportunity to be a literary and history adventurer, and hang with some of the coolest literary characters around, take a trip over to a Day Out with Thomas event, at a railway museum near you. Who knows… you might find a slew of other fun things to do.
