Downtown Riverside keeps itself alive and well with its captivating culture. It offers a welcoming environment to visitors and has the goal to keep a vibrant and safe community.

By Randall Lopez

I had the opportunity of visiting Downtown Riverside and experiencing the life it carries. Throughout my visit I was kept entertained with the constant activity happening throughout the city’s downtown area.

The historic charm around downtown is the main heart of the city. The Mission Inn is Riverside’s historic hotel that allows guests to appreciate the Spanish Mission-style architecture while providing a comforting stay. The hotel also hosts events such as an annual Festival of Lights for the holidays.

As for eating spots, The Riverside Food Lab holds over a dozen restaurants. With options such as pizza and ramen to plant-based burgers, there are many choices for lunch and dinner. Just feet away is the Riverside Game Lab for people to enjoy after their meal. The game lab is fun for all ages with options from classic arcade games to pinball machines and competitive tournaments to participate in.

There are many local businesses around downtown for people to stop by and shop at. Flea markets also take place throughout the month for people to browse and enjoy. Each vendor brings their own personality to their setup and creates an energetic atmosphere. These events focus on vintage clothing, jewelry and art.

For more information about these flea markets check out @goodiessevents.