Sacred Datura – Photograph by Gary Leva
Cafe Aroma History
In the 1940’s, small vacation houses were being constructed everywhere in Idyllwild. Along North Circle, nearing the Fern Valley corners was one such little house that eventually grew up to become Cafe Aroma. Here is its’ story.
In the late 1980’s, after having served as a mountain cabin for about 40 years, an L.A. Cafe owner named Manhar Patel purchased the property, hired architects Robert Priefer & Dave Lilieholm to remodel it, and opened a coffee house called Uptown Cafe. He hired managers to run it and local musicians to play to its customers.
In the early 90’s Manhar decided to sell the business but keep the property. Frank Ferro, who had been running a little coffee place down in Village Lane called “Espresso Yourself” and Mark Steinfeld bought the business and renamed it Cafe Aroma. At this time, it served primarily coffee and home made scones.
Frank expanded the menu and the little cafe thrived. Hubert Halkin became a regular customer hanging out at the coffee house for most of the day. Mark had financial problems and “other issues” and died a few years into the partnership. Hubert Halkin, a Stanford graduated, retired mathematics professor who hung out at Cafe Aroma most days, offered to buy it and became Frank’s “silent” partner. This partnership lasted for about 16 years. Cafe Aroma became the hub of social activity. Everyone in town vied for the “couch seat” where the bar is today. They labeled their own wine with famous locals such as Marshall Hawkins, Herb Jeffries, & Casey Abrams. When local Casey Abrams was a contestant on American Idol in 2011, the whole restaurant was packed with fans and there were TV’s so everyone could watch. Not only did local musicians play on the decks, but they had belly dancing performances, and displayed an ever rotating show of local art on its walls. Justin Holmes would even break out into a tap dance on a Sunday afternoon at your table if you asked.
Eventually Frank was lured away to help develop the newly forming Idyllwild Brewpub & Ferro Restaurant. He left Cafe Aroma, Hubert’s health spiraled, and Cafe Aroma was sold in 2018 to Robert Garcia of La Casita. Hubert passed away in 2019. Robert owned it for 3 years, but it was difficult to run both restaurants and he sold it to Erica & Stewart Blair in 2021. The Klairs owned it until 2023 when Adrienne & Eric Edmunds, the current owners purchased it and have brought it full circle with amazing food, great service, and still great local musicians playing many nights each week. Cafe Aroma has been a staple of good food and good entertainment for more than 25 years in our community. We wouldn’t be Idyllwild without it.
Weather– Highs: 84 – 92 Lows 60 – 68
Idyllwild Sun/Moon (Rise/Set) Calendar
Next Full Moon: Friday August 28th
What Restaurants are open or closed today?
Where can I get a quick snack?
Live Music Around Town This Week
Click Below
Hotel Information
This Weekend + 2 More
www.IdyLodging.com
Thursday August 6th
Yarn Club
Idyllwild Library
10 am – 12 Noon
Whether beginner or experienced, come join this friendly group of knitters & crocheters. Bring your projects, share ideas, share friendship. First and third Thursday of every month.
Thursday August 6th
Summer Concert Series
Butterfield Amphitheater
“Southbound”
CCR Tribute
7:00 pm
Opening Band 6:05 pm
The Bomars
Next Thursday 8/13 Ken’s Big Band 6:00 start.
Friday August 7th
Pop-Up ARt Gallery
Bliss Hair Salon
Forest Haven
54425 N. Circle
5 pm – 8 pm
Saturday August 8th
Garden Club Class
“Build your own Worm Bin”
With Candie and Allen
Community Garden
Alderwood St. & North Circle
9 am – 10 am
$20 Class Fee
Make your own portable Vermicompost (worm) Bin! Join Candie Mann and Allen Sronce, expert vermicomposters, to learn the science behind and techniques to create your own thriving vermicompost system which will enrich your soil. We will supply everything you need to build your own
portable garbage disposal (AKA Worm Bin) that will keep your kitchen scraps out of the landfill and give you some microbiologically alive compost for your garden! Red wigglers included!!
You must RSVP for this class to receive a worm bin. The donation for this class is $20 that includes your vermicomposting materials and red wigglers. You can pay at the garden on the day of the class. Rain/snow cancels the class.
Saturday August 8th
Plein Air Festival
All around town
10 am – 4 pm
Artists participating in the Plein Air Festival will be painting outdoors all around town on Saturday. Reception of all the art will be in IDY Park at 4 pm if you want to view all the art at the end of the day.
Saturday August 8th
Jr. Ranger Program
Idyllwild Nature Center
24225 Hwy. 243
Ages 4-5 9:30 – 11:30
Ages 6-10 9:30 – 12:30
Saturday & Sunday
Aug. 8th & 9th
ACCESS BARS Workshop
IDY Hot Yoga
54960 Pine Crest Ste. 3
2-Day Retreat to become Certified
$440
Call for more information: 619-405-9281
Sat: 12 pm – 5 pm
Sun: 12 pm – 3 pm
Saturday August 8th
BINGO Night
Benefitting Art Alliance
Town Hall
25890 Cedar St.
Game begins at 5:00 pm
Saturday August 8th
Forbits Concert
Community Center
54201 Ridgeview
7 pm – 9 pm
Tickets Required
$20 Presale
$25 At the Door
Saturday August 8th
Lion’s Gate Sound Bath
With Carrie
IDY Hot Yoga
54960 Pine Crest #3
7:00 pm
$33
Saturday August 8th
Lion’s Gate Sound Bath
With Jen Savino
Harvey House
54420 South Circle
6 pm – 7:30 pm
$20 to $44
Saturday August 8th
“Whiskers of the Wild Cats”
State Park Camp Ground Amphitheater
25905 Hwy. 243
7:00 pm
Everyone Welcome
Saturday August 8th
Improv Gone WILD!
Rustic Theatre
7:30 pm
Sundays
Farmer’s Market
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
9am – 2pm
Sunday August 9th
Free Pottery Demonstration
Mountain Pottery
54240 Pine Crest Ave.
1:00 pm
Join us at Mountain Pottery in Idyllwild for our second Sunday free pottery demonstration by master potter Art Tobias. Dr. T will be demonstrating how he throws and decorates the beautiful and icon Mountain Pottery logo vase. Everyone Welcome! Please join us at 1:00 on Sunday August 9.
Order by Noon MONDAY!
Next Food Distribution August 13th
Don’t forget to order your box!
Order any time prior to
Monday Aug. 10th by noon!
Monday August 10th
2nd Elevated Culinary Experience of the Carnivore
Leanna’s Idyll Awhile
Reservatins Requirhed:
909-714-0945
$89 per person
Tuesday August 11th
Mountain Quilters Monthly Meeting
Community Church
54400 North Circle
9:00 am
Tuesday August 11th
Line Dancing
Above The Peak Restaurant
Tahquitz Pines
55251 South Circle
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, August 12th
Story Time
“World Elephant Day”
Idyllwild Library
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Pack your trunks and join us for an ele-phantastic storytime!
Wednesday August 12th
“The DNA of Popular Song”
With Brett Perkins
Idyllwild Library
5:00 pm
Join Idyllwild Songwriters Festival founder Brett Perkins for a fun, inside look at the craft of songwriting. Whether you write songs or just love music, come enjoy the insights and a live performance!
Wednesday August 12th
Men’s Book Club
“A Gentleman in Moscow”
By Amor Towles
Idyllwild Library
6:00 pm
This month’s discussion will be on Amore Towles’ “A Gentleman in Moscow.” Sentenced to house arrest in 1922 for his aristocratic background, unrepentant Russian Count Alexander Rostov spends the next three decades confined to the luxurious Metropol Hotel in Moscow, where he discovers profound purpose, love, and community while the turbulent Bolshevik regime transforms the world outside. Books are available at the library, new members always welcome.
Clean out your Kids Books….
The Friends of the Idyllwild Library needs children books to stock our “”Free Little Libraries” and to put in our Bookstore. If you feel like cleaning out your kids books and want them to go to a good cause, bring them by the Library and leave them in the big basket right inside the library door. Thank you! All funds raised go back to support our Library.
Sign Up Now for the 5/10 K Race & Fun Run
Home Tour Tickets
Now on Sale
Saturday September 19th
Thursdays thru Sept. 3rd
Summer Concert Series
Butterfield Amphitheater
Opening Band: 6:00 pm
Feature Group: 7:00
Bring a blanket or chair. Bring a picnic dinner if you want. Some food and drink available for purchase.
FREE Idyllwild Shuttle
Weekend Service now available.
951-492-5912
Thursday August 13th
“A.I. for Everyone”
With Josh Pirtle
Idyllwild Library
2:00 pm
Beyond the hype of A.I. as either a miracle or a threat, this beginner-friendly session offers a balanced look at how AI works, what it can do for your daily tasks, and how to use it safely.
Thursday August 13th
New “Philosophy Group”
Idyllwild Library
3:30 pm
Come join our new philosophy group as we explore human nature, modern life, and what it means to live well. Bring your perspective, find your community.
Friday August 14th
Brett Perkins Concert
Spirit Mountain Garden
25661 Oakwood
6:00 pm
Saturday August 15th
5/10 K Race
7:30 am – 9:30 am
sign up now at:
www.idyllwildrace.com
Saturday August 15th
RMRU Pancake Breakfast
Town Hall
8 am – 11:30
Saturday August 15th
Butterfly Daze
Idyllwild Nature Center
10 am – 3 pm
Join us at the Idyllwild Nature Center for a celebration of butterflies, nature, and community! Explore a live butterfly tent featuring monarchs and painted ladies and spend the day discovering all the activities waiting for you.
Saturday August 15th
Ice Cream Social
Idyllwild Historical Museum
54470 North Circle
Noon – 2:00 pm
FREE!
Tuesday August 18th
“American Film Makers”
With Gary Leva
Idyllwild Library
5:00 pm
Thursday August 20th
Ukulele Jam
Idyllwild Library
4:00 pm
Monday August 24th
Fourth Monday Players
“A Sunny Morning” & “Teeth”
Middle Ridge Winery
5:00 pm
Mark Your Calendar…
Saturday and Sunday
September 5th – 6th
Lily Rock Chamber Music Festival
Saturday – Lowman Concert Hall – Idylwild Arts
Sunday – St. Hugh Episcopal Church – Outside
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
Saturday August 8th
Improv Gone WILD!
Rustic Theatre
7:30 pm
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 25 min.
Thursday @ 6:00
Friday @ 6:00
Saturday @ 12:00, 3:00 (Comedy at 7:30)
Sunday @ 12:00, 3:00 & 6:00
Monday @ 6:00
Tuesday @ 6:00
Wednesday @ 6:00
The Idyllwild Library – 951-659-2300
Thursday 10 am – 6 pm
Friday 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday CLOSED
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 11 am – 7 pm
Wednesday 11 am – 7 pm
Thursday August 6th
Yarn Club
Idyllwild Library
10 am – 12 Noon
Whether beginner or experienced, come join this friendly group of knitters & crocheters. Bring your projects, share ideas, share friendship. First and third Thursday of every month.
Tuesdays
Mah Jongg
12:00 am – 3:30 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, August 12th
Story Time
“World Elephant Day”
Idyllwild Library
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Pack your trunks and join us for an ele-phantastic storytime!
Wednesday August 12th
“The DNA of Popular Song”
With Brett Perkins
Idyllwild Library
5:00 pm
Join Idyllwild Songwriters Festival founder Brett Perkins for a fun, inside look at the craft of songwriting. Whether you write songs or just love music, come enjoy the insights and a live performance!
Wednesday August 12th
Men’s Book Club
“A Gentleman in Moscow”
By Amor Towles
Idyllwild Library
6:00 pm
This month’s discussion will be on Amore Towles’ “A Gentleman in Moscow.” Sentenced to house arrest in 1922 for his aristocratic background, unrepentant Russian Count Alexander Rostov spends the next three decades confined to the luxurious Metropol Hotel in Moscow, where he discovers profound purpose, love, and community while the turbulent Bolshevik regime transforms the world outside. Books are available at the library, new members always welcome.
A new gal, Tasha, is looking for a family. Plus we still need homes for lots of kittens.They’re GREAT micers!
Call ARF to schedule a visit. 951-659-1122.
Body & Soul
Click Here for a list of Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics, Meditation & Hypnosis in Idyllwild.
San Jacinto Trail Report
Snow, weather, & trail conditions for the San Jacinto Mountains
Next Food Distribution August 13th
Don’t forget to order your box!
Order any time prior to
Monday Aug. 10th by noon!
Idyllwild Historical Museum
Open Saturday & Sunday 11am – 4pm
54470 N Circle Dr.
Home Tour Tickets
Now on Sale
Saturday September 19th
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.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Click here for list of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Idyllwild.
12-Step Meetings
2nd Quarter Calendar
July – Sep. 2026
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.
Public 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 – 12:30pm
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
Tuesday 10:00am – 11:00am
Wednesday 10:00am – 11:00am
Thursday 10:00am – 11:00am
Mondays
Tai Chi Class
Free!
Town Hall
Mondays:10:30 am – 11:30 am
Fridays: 9:45 am – 10:30 am
Every 3rd Thursday
Chess League
Community Center
54201 Ridgeview Dr.
FEEDING AMERICA
First Tuesday of each month.
Volunteers Welcome!
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!
FREE Pickup & Deliver
951-659-2217
Inside Idyllwild Laundry is a wonderful Dog Bath.
It costs $1 a minute and they have EVERYTHING you need: towels, shampoo, scrubbers, brushes, blow dryer for dogs. It’s wonderful. Make a reservation if you want to be sure it’s available. Walk-ins welcome if it’s not already reserved.
Idyllwild Shuttle
Idyllwild Shuttle Service – FREE
Monday – Palm Desert
Tuesday – Around Idyllwild
Wednesday – Hemet
Thursday – Around Idyllwild
Friday -Local Service & Off the Hill
Saturday –Local Service
Sunday – Local 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.
Community Center
54201 Ridgeview Dr.
Next to Community Playground
Overlooking Butterfield Amphitheater
Available for Rentals
More info call: 951-659-2638
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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