ISSUE NO. 17
DECEMBER 2023
DISCOVER THE HD
CHRISTMAS TREE FARM A FAMILY TRADITION
CHRISTMAS A SEASON OF JOY AND TOGETHERNESS
CALEN DAR APPLE VALLEY Luz Observatory Visit the Lewis Center for Educational Research for star gazing provided by the High Desert Astronomical Society (HiDAS). 20702 Thunderbird Rd. Friday, December 8th 6:30pm, Observatory Christmas Tree Lighting Santa is stopping by to light the Town’s Christmas Tree! Warm goodies will be given away, holiday entertainment will fill the air and don’t forget to take your picture with Santa. Please provide your own camera. You may take photos for a short time. For more information call 760-2407880 or visit: avrecreation.org. Civic Center Park 14999 Dale Evans Pkwy Tuesday, December 5th 5pm - 7pm Gingerbread House Build Show off your gingerbread house decorating skills. Town Hall Rec Center $16 for up to 4 people. Each additional person is $4. Maximum of 6 people per kit. House and small assortment of candy provided. Wed, December 13th 5:30pm - 7:30pm Holiday Event Join the Newton T. Bass Library for a Holly Jolly evening full of crafts, songs
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and fun! Be sure to bring your camera and get a picture with Santa! Newton T. Bass Library 14901 Dale Evans Pkwy 4pm - 6pm
Victor Valley Museum Join Victor Valley Museum for Second Saturdays with Christmas Carols that celebrate the spirit, the songs, and the stories of the season! The holiday season is a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness and what better way to express the spirit of the holidays than through the art of carols. Families can enjoy on-site themed art projects every month through Second Saturdays at the Victor Valley Museum (VVM). Regular museum admission applies. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child ages 6 to 12). Victor Valley Museum Saturday, December 9th 11am - 3pm The Life and Art of Ramon Contreras The Art of Ramón Contreras and the Mexican Muralists Movement showcases works of art by the late Ramón G. Contreras, a San Bernardino artist who painted in the Mexican Muralist tradition. Victor Valley Museum 11873 Apple Valley Rd. Open - March 2024. Wed - Sun. 10am - 4pm
The Market at Town's End Outdoor venue hosting vendors, great food, fun family activities and special events. 22092 CA-18 Sundays 10am - 3pm Wednesdays 5pm - 9pm
BARSTOW Barstow Farmers Market Join the City of Barstow for the community Farmers Market. Shop local, buy local, support local. Corner of 3rd & Main St. Saturday, December 16th 12pm - 4pm Barstow Community College The Performing Arts Center presents A Christmas Carol. This spirited retelling of Charles Dickens's classic pushes the fantastical elements of the beloved holiday story into the spotlight. A chorus of ghosts dance and carol their way in and out of this timeless tale of redemption, magic, and hope as Ebenezer Scrooge learns to embrace true holiday spirit. BCC Performing Arts Center 2700 Barstow Rd. Thursday, December 7th 7pm Friday, December 8th 7pm Saturday, December 9th 7pm Sunday, December 10th 2pm
BIG BEAR Big Bear Farmers Market Enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers all summer long when you shop arts, crafts, health products and a huge variety of collectibles at the Big Bear Farmers Market. Big Bear Convention Center 42900 Big Bear Blvd. Tuesdays 8:30am - 1pm Christmas in the Village All season long The Village will be decorated with twinkling lights along with seven expertly carved bears and other woodland creatures scattered throughout The Village making for some ideal photo opportunities! Corner of Village Dr and Pine Knot Ave Big Bear Lake, California 92315 Saturday, December 9th Sunday, December 10th Saturday, December 16th Sunday, December 17th Saturday, December 23rd Sunday, December 24th 5pm each Sat and Sun. HESPERIA Hesperia Community Farmers Market Enjoy shopping from small local businesses, local farmers, local food trucks and more. Hesperia Civic Plaza Park 15833 Smoketree St. Saturdays 10am - 3pm
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Hesperia Civic Plaza Park 15833 Smoke Tree St. Thursday, December 7th 5pm PHELAN Phelan Farmers Market Local famers and vendors. Phelan Community Center 4128 Warbler Rd. Tuesdays 2pm - 6pm VICTORVILLE High Desert Farmers Market Offering a variety of fresh foods and unique gifts. Victor Valley College Lower Campus 18422 Bear Valley Rd. Every Thursday 8am - 12pm Victor Valley College's Music Department: Holiday Concerts 2023 VVC's Music week includes Jazz & Small Ensembles Thursday, December 14th 7:30pm Holly Jolly Bands in Concert Friday, December 15th 7:30pm Choir & Orchestra Holiday Gala Saturday, December 16th 7:30pm & Sunday, December 17th 2:30pm All concerts are free! WRIGHTWOOD Certified Farmers Market Wrightwood Community Building 1275 Hwy 2. Every Friday. 4pm - 7pm CALENDAR
DEC/23 ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
HIGH DESERT, CA DISCOVER THE HD magazine is inspired by relationships that build community. Join us as we discover community, adventure and local business. Discover the HD is the official destination resource for High Desert residents and visitors. We love the HD! -DISCOVER THE HD (Eddie, Shannon & Beckam)
04 Christmas Tree Farm A Family Tradition Throughout the years, Carpino’s Family Christmas Tree Farm not only provides the High Desert with beautiful Christmas trees but also a sense of community and the magic of the holiday season.
07 Christmas A Season of Joy and Togetherness Christmas is a holiday that transcends boundaries and unites community in a common spirit of love, generosity, and merriment. It’s a time when families come together to create cherished memories, friends exchange gifts as tokens of affection, and communities light up with a spirit of goodwill and charity.
IN THIS ISSUE 02 CALENDAR 06 FOOD + DRINK
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Christmas Tree Farm A Family Tradition The experience of visiting a local Christmas Tree Farm is nothing short of magical. The farm offers a range of tree varieties, from the classic Douglas fir to the fragrant Fraser fir, ensuring that every family finds their perfect tree. It's not just about choosing a tree, though; it's about the entire experience. Families can sip on hot cocoa, sit by a roaring fire and even visit with Santa Claus himself. Moments are created when the perfect tree is finally found and brought home to be covered in bright lights and ornaments that may have been passed down from generation to generation. But what truly sets a tree farm apart is its sense of community. Carpino’s Family Christmas Tree Farm has fostered a space where neighbors come together, share stories, and celebrate the joy of the season. It’s not a business, but tradition. Familiar faces return year after year and some families bring their children back to choose their own trees. PAGE 4 | DISCOVER THE HD
Throughout the years, Carpino’s Family Christmas Tree Farm not only provides the High Desert with beautiful Christmas trees but also a sense of community and the magic of the holiday season. As our community prepares to celebrate another holiday season, we can rest assured that Carpino’s Family Christmas Tree Farm will be there to welcome us with open arms, a twinkling forest of trees, and the warmth of tradition. Carpino’s Family Christmas Tree Farm has been providing family tradition for 42 years with two locations in the High Desert. Victorville - 18622 Bear Valley Rd. Hesperia - 13220 Main St. Hours: Daily 9am - 9pm
CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
FOOD + DRINK APPLE VALLEY Awake Juice Bar Organic cold-pressed juices, salads, toasts and smoothie bowls 18855 Bear Valley Rd. #5 IG: awakejuicebar 760-614-2439 Captain's Grill Serving the High Desert's best variety of fish tacos and the infamous potato taco. *Catering available 12218 Apple Valley Rd. IG: captainsgrill 760-881-8847 Halo Donuts Serving a wide variety of donuts, smoothies, coffee and mochi donuts. 19201 Bear Valley Rd 760-240-4085 Los Pollos Bros Known for the best rotisserie chicken that is full of flavors and slow-roasted to perfection. 12218 Apple Valley Rd. IG: los_pollos_bros 760-961-2767 Mama Carpino's Cozy spot for Italian cuisine. 22010 CA-18 IG: mamacarpinos 760-452-3299 Off The Grid Brewing Co. Superior brewery providing quality beers all year round. 13615 John Glenn Rd. Ste. A IG: otgbrew 760-247-5600 Oggi's Sports | Brewhouse | Pizza Serving high-quality pizza, pasta, salads, beer, and even sports. 19201 Bear Valley Rd. 760-503-5656 Pizza Factory Locally owned and operated. Hand-tossed pizza. Dine-In, Curbside, To-Go, Pickup. 12275 Apple Valley Rd IG: pizzafactoryofapplevalley 760-247-7477
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Ruben's Mariscos and Mexican Grill Delicious Mexican food and excellent service. 20779 Bear Valley Rd. IG: rubensmariscos 760-249-4111 Spirit River Cafe Serves breakfast and lunch daily with a wide selection of menu items. A local favorite is the biscuits and gravy. 16020 Apple Valley Rd. B4 FB: Spirit River Cafe 760-242-1400 Starbucks Where coffee becomes an experience. Serving signature roasts and light bites. 12218 Bear Valley Rd. 18165 Highway 18 14880 Dale Evans Pkwy. Town's End Stillhouse and Grill Highest quality of fresh ingredients presented in a consistent, artistic way. 22020 Highway 18. IG: testillhouseandgrill 760-961-8696 Yogurtland Ultimate self-serve frozen yogurt and ice cream. 12218 Apple Valley Rd. 760-249-9984
BARSTOW DiNapoli's Firehouse Charming atmosphere that combines good eats and good drinks since 1994. 1358 E Main St. IG: dinapolisfirehousebarstow 760-256-1094 Original Del Taco The original Del Taco locations in Barstow where they serve the original Del Taco menu! 401 N First Ave. 760-253-2641 1310 E Mountain View St. 760-256-8226 2871 Lenwood Rd. 760-256-2819
HESPERIA Crumbl Cookies The world's best cookies. 12717 S Main St. Ste. 510 442-600-4754 D6 Pizza Delivering excellence one pie at a time. Homemade sauce and dough made daily. Craft beers on tap. 15555 Main St. Ste. D6 IG: d6pizza 760-948-8877 Don Reyes Airport Cafe Enjoy the best Authentic Mexican food. 17070 Summit Valley Rd. IG: hesperia_airport_cafe 760-615-0688 Italian Kitchen Serving authentic Italian food since 1973. 16409 Yucca St. 760-244-7757 Jenny's Country Cookin Serving excellent breakfast and lunch. 11272 G Ave. #6 760-947-5514 Jerry's Cafe Serving breakfast and Lunch. Great quality homemade American and South of the Border food. 15555 Main St. 760-995-4167 Juliano's Italian Restaurant Serving authentic Italian food since 2004. 12052 Hesperia Rd. 760-949-0595 Los Pollos Bros Slow roasted rotisserie chicken. 15550 Main St. A1 IG: los_pollos_bros 760-981-4325 Love Oasis Sushi Serving great quality sushi at incredible prices. 12719 Main St. #400 IG: loveoasis.sushi 760-244-9608 Thai Lotus Restaurant Basil chicken, pad thai noodles and drunken noodles.
12027 Hesperia Rd. IG: thailotusrestaurant 760-949-9362 T N T's Cafe Serving breakfast and lunch 7 days a week. 14767 Bear Valley Rd IG: tnts_cafe 760-947-3663 LUCERNE VALLEY Cafe 247 A unique little food place with great food, bbq, cold beer and live music on the weekend. 32866 Old Woman Springs Rd 760-248-6088 China House Your stop for fresh Chinese cuisine. Serving fresh, delicious, made-to-order Chinese food. 32716 CA-18 760-248-6646 ORO GRANDE Cross Eyed Cow Hip pizzeria making delicious pizzas made to order. 19242 National Trails Hwy. crosseyedcowpizza.com 760-241-1987 PHELAN My Hero Subs & Pub Subs, salads, cold beer and infamous jalapeno poppers. 4190 Phelan Rd. IG: myherosubsandpub 760-241-1987 The Ranch Steakhouse Breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts and hand crafted drinks. Live entertainment every weekend. 4264 Phelan Rd IG: theranchsteakhousephelan_ca 442-936-9111 VICTORVILLE Captain's Grill Local Baja inspired hot spot serving the High Desert's best variety of fish tacos and the
infamous potato taco. *Catering available 12748 Amargosa Rd. #7 IG: captainsgrill 760-245-5555 Down Home Grill Fresh-baked buns, grass-fed beef and in-house made thousand island. 12120 Ridgecrest Rd. #101 downhomegrill.com 760-241-4663 Mediterranean Island Kebab Grill Fresh Mediterranean food. 14875 Bear Valley Rd. IG: mediterraneanislandkebab_ 442-800-5228 PV's Fresh Grill & Tequila Energetic cantina with full bar and live mariachis on weekends. 11620 Amargosa Rd IG: panchovillasrestaurants 760-981-1985 Tacos AL 100% Specializing in tacos, burritos and other Mexican food favorites. *Catering available IG: tacosal100 15441 Anacapa Rd 442-242-77732 WRIGHTWOOD Evergreen Cafe A gem in the mountains. 1269 Evergreen Rd. 760-249-6393 Village Grind Cozy coffee shop offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. 6020 Park Ave. 760-249-5501 Wrightwood Brew Co Great sandwiches and local brew with an amazing mountain view. 1257 Apple Ave. 760-488-3163 The Yodeler A local favorite offering homemade pizza and burgers. 6046 Park Dr. 760-276-3987
FOOD + DRINK
Christmas: A Season of Joy and Togetherness As the chilly winter winds begin to sweep across the High Desert and the days grow shorter, there’s a sense of anticipation in the air. It’s the time of year when homes are decorated with twinkling lights, stores are filled with festive decorations, and hearts are brimming with excitement. It’s the season of Christmas, a time that brings with it a unique and enchanting charm that captures the hearts of people around the world.
manger in Bethlehem, is the heart of this celebration. Christmas is celebrated by people of various faiths and backgrounds.
Christmas is a holiday that transcends boundaries and unites community in a common spirit of love, generosity, and merriment. It’s a time when families come together to create cherished memories, friends exchange gifts as tokens of affection, and communities light up with a spirit of goodwill and charity.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
One of the most captivating elements of the Christmas season is the mesmerizing display of lights that transform cities and towns into a winter wonderland. Warm up with your favorite cup of cocoa or coffee and take a drive, or walk, through a neighborhood filled with wonder and lights.
Christmas has a rich and diverse history. It finds roots in the Christian tradition, marking the birth of Jesus. The Nativity story, where Mary and Joseph welcomed baby Jesus in the humble
CHRISTMAS: A SEASON OF JOY AND TOGETHERNESS
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