Weather: Highs of 59 – 64 Lows of 33 – 38
Idyllwild Sun/Moon (Rise/Set) Calendar
Next Full Moon: Thursday December 4th
Thanksgiving Traditions
Most people associate Thanksgiving with the pilgrims, but most don’t know the whole story. The pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock in the winter of 1620. About 50% of them perished from malnutrition and other ailments during that first winter in America. In the fall of 1621, the 40 survivors joined about 90 Wampanoag Indians to share in a 3-day feast celebrating the harvest, and to give thanks for their new land. Turkey was not even on the menu. Deer, oysters, lobster, and a variety of vegetables and roots.
In the 1820’s, a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale who was widowed with 5 children, began writing stories about the pilgrim’s festival in the 1600’s directly from a diary her father had handed down to her over generations. She could trace her roots back to the original pilgrims at Plymouth and her efforts to educate herself and her 5 children led her to publish many articles beseeching governors and finally Presidents to set aside an official day of thanks that the entire nation would celebrate, second only to Independence Day which was July 4th. Finally, in an effort to bring the nation together during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln finally declared Thanksgiving to be the last Thursday of the month in 1863. In 1941, President Roosevelt officially changed it to the 4th Thursday of the month; Thursday because it wouldn’t interfere with any church services.
Today there are 17 countries that have a day of thanksgiving, all celebrated on different days and in different ways, many influenced by the American celebration.
Average Americans consume between 3000 – 4000 calories during Thanksgiving dinner, the reason most people need a long nap following the abundant meal (NOT the tryptophan in the turkey). Green bean casserole was invented by the Campbell’s Soup test kitchen in the 1950’s, and the Pumpkin Pie as we know it today didn’t become popular until the early 1800’s when the english immigrants brought their love of everything in a pie shell to the celebration and the pie we know today emerged as the standard. Originally it was a custard baked inside a pumpkin shell.
One last interesting fact…Jingle Bells was originally written as a Thanksgiving song and was named “One Horse Open Sleigh” about traveling to relatives houses for Thanksgiving, but was quickly turned into a Christmas favorite and renamed “Jingle Bells”
What I love best about Idyllwild
A few weeks ago, I asked my readers to send me their input to the question of what they love best about Idyllwild. Thanksgiving seems to be the perfect time to reflect on what we’re thankful for here in our little town. Here are your responses:
- The sense of a real community. We may have differences of opinions, but even with that, people in this little town are always willing to help if you need it.
- I love the feeling of being “a little island in the sky”, away from the madness of big city, and yet close enough to travel down the hill and get what you need.
- What I like most about Idyllwild is our fire department. They are ALWAYS available for anything.
- I love greeting people at the post office and at the dump. Err. Transfer station. I love the darker skies so we can see the stars and beyond. I love the quiet of the forest. I love walking down the street and strangers making exaggerated pullouts while driving that make me feel safe. I love the freedom to pursue our personal passions but having outlets to serve others. The clean air, the great hiking trails, the changing of seasons; these are just a few of my favorite things.
- Its history, climate, birds and reverence for nature. I like learning about the different types of trees in the area.
- Living across the street from the best neighbors in the world! In fact, everyone I know up on the Hill has a great sense of support and warmth. It’s truly a unique and wonderful community.
- The incredible blue of our skies. The symphony sound of crickets at night in late summer. The smell of the forest when I first open the car door after driving up to the cabin.
- I love that neighbors look out for neighbors, you can walk into a local restaurant or pub and run into neighbors, friends, and local business owners and everyone seems to support those around them. I love the creativity that the environment and those who live here bring. It is a beautiful place where you get to connect to the world around you in a peaceful and meaningful way.
The following Restaurants are OPEN Thanksgiving Day:
Gastrognome – Reservation OnlyIdyllwild Brew Pub Sorry!
Lumber Mill 11 am – 9 pm
Idyllwild Sushi Rolls 11 am – 9 pm
Village Market 8 am – 5 pm
The following Restaurants are CLOSED Thanksgiving Day:
Brew Pub
The Peak Restaurant
Red Kettle
Mile High Cafe
Idyllwild Pizza
La Casita
Cafe Aroma
Ferro
Fratello’s
Middle Ridge
Leanna’s Idyll Awhile
Raven Hill Bagels
Taryn’s
Fairway market
What Restaurants are open or closed today?
Where can I get a quick snack?
Live Music Around Town This Week
Click Below
Order any time prior to
Monday 12/1 noon!
Next Food Distribution on Thursday 12/4
Thursday Nov 27th & Friday Nov 28th
The Idyllwild Library will be
Closed on Thursday and Friday
Thursday November 27th
Thanksgiving Day
Friday November 28th
Holiday Shopping Rides
FREE Shuttle Ride to Black Friday in the Desert
10 am – 4 pm
Call 951-426-9688
Friday Nov. 28 & Saturday Nov. 29
Rotary Christmas Market
Idyllwild Pines Camp
26375 Hwy. 243
Across from Strawberry Creek Inn
9 am – 5 pm
9 am – 3 pm
Saturday November 29th
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Idy Park – Center of Town
Santa in the Gazebo: 1 – 3 & 4 – 6
Booths open 2:00 – 6:00
Entertainment 4:00 – 5:15
Trees Lit 5:10-ish
Saturday November 29th
Winter Wonderland Event
Idyllwild Brewpub
Live Music, Santa, Toy Drive, Live Snowfall, kids activities.
2 pm – 9 pm
Saturday November 29th
Latinova
Rustic Theatre
7:30 pm
Sundays
Farmer’s Market
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
9am – 2pm
Wednesday, December 3rd
Story Time: “Yummy Cookies”
Idyllwild Library
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dive into a deliciously sweet storytime adventure where we read tales about yummy cookies!
Wednesday December 3rd
Garden Club Holiday Party
Idyllwild Nature Center
25225 Hwy. 243
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
FREE
Potluck! Bring your favorite Holiday side dishes and desserts. Ham and Turkey will be provided. Open to Members and their guests.
We will also collect cash/gift certificate donations for our Help Center adopted Christmas family wish list. Dress for the season and for the Ugly Winter Sweater contest. Music, games & fun.
Wednesday December 3rd
Faces & Places Reading Group
“Taj Mahal”
Idyllwild Library
2:00 pm
Read or watch anything on The Taj Mahal and come be part of the discussion. Anyone welcome!
Wednesday December 3rd
Science Talk with Larry Kawano
“Transporter Paradox”
Spirit Mountain Retreat
25661 Oakwood
3:00 pm
Wednesday December 3rd
Sacred Cacao & Breathwork Ceremony
54385 N. Circle Dr. #106
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
$44
Please RSVP to jensavino.com
Friday December 5th
Christmas Art Kit Giveaway
For Parents to give their kids!
Post Office
3:30 pm
Saturday December 13th
Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat
With Val & Kate
53810 Pine Crest Ave.
$30
Please sign up:
katesirkin@gmail.com
kyoshinvelez@gmail.com
Saturday & Sunday
December 13th & 14th
An Idy Christmas
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
7:30 pm
Stories that bring a heartfelt and humorous look at the holiday season.
Saturday December 13th
Blue Suede Christmas
Above the Peak Restaurant
Tahquitz Pines
55251 South Circle
6:00 PM
$5 Entry
Monday December 15th
Old Tyme Radio
Middle Ridge Winery
5:00 pm
FREE
Mark Your Calendars – 50th Anniversary
Saturday and Sunday
December 20th & 21st
Master Chorale Winter Concert
“A December of Memories”
Idyllwild Arts
Lowman Concert Hall
Saturday 7:30 pm
Sunday 1:30 pm
What’s happening at the Rustic Theatre?
$15 ADULTS & $12.50 SENIOR/ CHILDREN
Matinee $12.50 (12:00 Show)
Mon – Thur $10
Tuesday is Closed Captions
WICKED – For Good
Rated PG
Run Time: 137 min.
Fri @ 6:00
Sat @ 12:00 , 3:00pm (Latinova Concert 7:30 pm)
Sun @ 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 pm
Mon @ 6:00 pm
Tue @ 6:00 pm
Wed @ 6:00 pm
Saturday November 29th
Latinova
Rustic Theatre
7:30 pm
Coming Soon: Now You See Me; Now You Don’t
The Idyllwild Library – 951-659-2300
Thursday Closed for Thanksgiving
Friday Closed for Thanksgiving
Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday CLOSED
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 11 am – 7 pm
Wednesday 11 am – 7 pm
Thursday Nov 27th
& Friday Nov 28th
The Idyllwild Library will be
Closed on Thursday and Friday
Tuesdays
Mah Jongg
11:00 am – 2:30 pm
Calling all Mah Jong players!! Do you enjoy the game of Mah Jong? The Mah Jong game group meets every Tuesday in the library Community Room. All players are welcome.
Wednesday, December 3rd
Story Time: “Yummy Cookies”
Idyllwild Library
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dive into a deliciously sweet storytime adventure where we read tales about yummy cookies!
Wednesday December 3rd
Faces & Places Reading Group
“Taj Mahal”
Idyllwild Library
2:00 pm
Read or watch anything on The Taj Mahal and come be part of the discussion. Anyone welcome!
Upcoming Programs:
- December 10th Local Color Christmas Concert
Kitties that still need homes! Great for keeping the mouse population under control and YOUR blood pressure low. Nothing like a sweet kitty curled up on your lap. Come meet Them.
951-659-1122
San Jacinto Trail Report
Snow, weather, & trail conditions for the San Jacinto Mountains
Idyllwild Historical Museum
Open Saturday & Sunday 11am – 4pm
54470 N Circle Dr.
Stop by the museum and check out all the displays about the logging era, early tourism, & rock climbing history. We would LOVE for you to join the Historical Society. Annual memberships start at just $15. Click here to join. Feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy the Museum up gardens and picnic tables.
Body & Soul
Click Here for a list of Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics, Meditation & Hypnosis in Idyllwild.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Click here for list of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Idyllwild.
12-Step Meetings
4th Quarter Calendar
October – December 2025
Delivery in Idyllwild
Bear Necessities Delivered
Groceries/Restaurant Food/Mail/Pharmacy/Etc.
Call or Text: (951) 512-0800
Available 7 Days a Week
Everyday: 11 am – 8 pm
Deliver to Idyllwild, Pine Cove & Mountain Center.
Organization List
If you’ve ever wondered how many organizations we have here in Idyllwild that would love to have you involved, or need to contact them? Click on the button below.
The New Bathrooms are OPEN!
Next door to the Idyllwild Gardens Nursery – Across the street from the Rustic Theatre.
Open Daily 9am – 5pm
Thank you to Shane & Ashley Stewart for donating the land for these bathrooms and to Stephanie Yost with ICC for her persistence with the County of Riverside to FINALLY get us public bathrooms. Thank you to the County of Riverside and Supervisor Manuel Perez for making this happen. It’s been a LONG time coming! Bathrooms will be locked at night.
Hotel Information
Upcoming Weekends
www.IdyLodging.com
Idyllwild Churches
All events, venues & programs run by
Idyllwild Community Center
Idyllwild TOWN HALL
25925 Cedar St
Chair Exercise Class
FREE
Town Hall
Monday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Wednesday 11:30 am – 1:00pm
Friday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Friday
Yoga for Seniors
Town Hall
10:45 am – 11:45 am
Fit after 50
Free Exercise Class
Town Hall
Monday 10:00am – 11:00am
Wednesday 10:00am – 11:00am
Thursday 10:00am – 11:00am
Mondays
Tai Chi Class
Free!
Town Hall
10:30 am – 11:30 am
FEEDING AMERICA
First Tuesday of each month.
Visitor Center – Now Open
Saturdays & Sundays 11am – 4pm
The Visitor Center is now open between the public bathrooms and Idyllwild Gardens on Saturdays & Sundays from 11am – 4 pm.
If you would like to volunteer to talk to visitors, help them find their way and point them in the direction of “A Good Time” please contact me at hello@GoodMorningIdyllwild.com.
Need To Know Stuff…
Idyllwild POST OFFICE HOURS:
Closed Christmas Day & New Years Day.
Open Monday – Friday
9 AM – 5 PM
Lobby open for mailbox access 7 am – 8 pm daily. Sometimes the timer doesn’t work right and the lobby is open later, so don’t hesitate to try the door.
Package pick-up only
Sat. 12 Noon – 1 PM
Mail goes off the hill once a day at 7:45 am Mon – Sat.
Mountain Center Post Office Hours:
Closed Christmas Day & New Years Day.
Open Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 12 Noon & 1:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Closed Saturday & Sunday
Is The Dump Open Today?
Friday – Yes – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday – Yes – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday – Yes – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Monday – Yes – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – Closed
Thursday – Yes – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Mayor Max & Deputy Meadow
We will be in our usual spot in front of Wooleys:
Friday 4:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday 2:00 pm
Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays – Off
Thursday 4:00 pm
Idyllwild Nature Center
Open Friday 9am – 4pm
Open Saturday 9am – 4pm
Open Sunday 9am – 4pm
Closed Monday
Closed Tuesday
Open Wednesdays 9am – 4pm
Open Thursday 9am – 4pm
Nature Center Banquet/Meeting Room available to Rent for your group activity.
951-659-3850
The Help Center is Open:
Monday 10-4
Tuesday 10-4
Wednesday 10-4
Thursday 10-4 (Donations accepted 10-1)
Friday 10-4 (Donations accepted 10-1)
Saturday 10-4 (Donations accepted 10-1)
Sunday 10-4
Call 951-659-3000 to schedule donations outside normal donation hours.
Bargin Barn
Idyllwild Community Church
Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Behind the Church at 54400 N. Circle
Donations accepted Thur/Fri/Sat 10:00 – 1:00
Idyllwild Laundry
Laundromat/Wash & Fold/Dry Cleaning
Open 8 am – 8pm EVERY DAY!
Idyllwild Shuttle
Idyllwild Shuttle Service – FREE
Monday – Palm Desert
Tuesday – Around Idyllwild
Wednesday – Hemet
Thursday – Around Idyllwild
Friday – Not in Service
Saturday – Not in Service
Sunday – Not in Service
Call for more details: 951-426-9688
The shuttle is available to rent to outside groups when available.
Idyllwild Community Center Facilities
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
Butterfield Amphitheater
54201 Ridgeview Dr.
Idyllwild Pickleball Court
26375 Hwy. 243
Behind Skate Park
Open Daily 7 am – Dusk
First come-first-serve basis
More info call: 951-659-2638
Idyllwild Community Playground
Open Daily 7 am – Dusk
54195 Ridgeview Dr.
Idyllwild Dog Park
26375 Hwy. 243
Open Daily 7 am – Dusk
Idyllwild Skate Park
26375 Hwy. 243
Open Daily 7 am – Dusk
Skateboard & safety gear required.
Un-supervised – Ride at your own risk.
If you run across someone and they want to find out which restaurants are open but they don’t get Good Morning Idyllwild delivered to their inbox, they can always go directly to the website http://www.GoodMorningIdyllwild.com and find the Restaurant Chart. You don’t HAVE to sign up to see the most recent newsletter or see the restaurant chart. Just go to the website.
If you would like some business cards to hand out with Good Morning Idyllwild, please message me back at the bottom of your email and I will get you some to hand out personally or at your business.
We do our best to get days and times correct but sometimes we make mistakes.
Questions: Please contact us at P.O. Box 1171 Idyllwild, CA 92549
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