1	Where is Banning Only 90 miles away East of Los Angeles or only 100 miles North of San Diego, Banning is nestled at an altitude of 2300 feet in a mountain pass between Mt. San Gorgonio and Mt. San Jacinto. Surrounded by these mountains but set in a wide open space, this rural community is an ideal stop- over for lunch or overnight. Tourists will enjoy the budding art district, galleries, antique stores and murals speckling Banning. The proximity to a first class casino, Indian Museum and fantastic shopping in nearby designers’ outlets as well as mega stores will give tour guides of motor coach many “Optional Tours” possibilities.
2	VISITOR CENTER The visitor center is located off highway 1-10 between Los Angeles and Phoenix and/or in the way to Palm Springs. It is a convenient stop to collect information about the area, receive discount booklets to nearby outlets and enjoy access to the internet and email. With advance reservation, a welcome cocktail, as well as suggested optional activities for the tour guide, can be offered to a group traveling by motor-coach.
3	WHY STOP IN BANNING For an itinerary from Los Angeles to Phoenix for example, this overnight stop would shorten the long eventless journey between the two cities and allow more time in Los Angeles for sightseeing. You will find a variety of restaurants from fast food to coffee shops, to buffet houses to Thai, Italian, Chinese and Mexican restaurants all eager to work with you.. Comfortable accommodations are available at such establishment as Hampton Inn, Days Inn, Super 8, Travelodge and motels. The venerable historic Highland Springs Resort sitting in magnificent natural landscaping is undergoing a complete renovation and set to be reopened by Spring of 2008..
4	Historic, Scenic, Fun THE VISITOR CENTER’S STAFF IS HAPPY TO ASSIST IN PLANNING AN ITINERARY: Following are some local Choices: Downtown Banning Mural Projects. Various murals dot Banning’s downtown landscape and make for a great photographic opportunity. The colorful murals reflect the town’s past and western influence and were created by local artists. Antiquing. The antique lover can spend an entire day just browsing through the myriad of quaint stalls and stops that can be found through out the San Gorgonio Pass
5	MUSEUMS ABOUT & AROUND TOWN The Edward-Dean Museum in nearby Beaumont, boasts a wonderful collection of art from many periods and various styles of antique furniture and sits amidst a park- like beautiful garden. The Malki Museum in Cabazon, affectionately called “The Biggest Little Museum in the World,” was founded by Natives on the Morongo Indian Reservation and displays a variety of baskets, pottery and tools from local Southern California Indian Tribes The Gilman Ranch Historic Park and Wagon Museum. Once used as a stagecoach stop, now displays several restored stagecoaches and wagons along with tools used in the state coach era.
6	AGRICULTURAL BEAUTIES.. Oak Glen , Riley’s Farm and Apple Orchards Situated in Scenic Oak Glen, Riley’s Farm offers a variety of entertainment and educational programs based on 18th and 19th century farm life. Revolutionary and Civil War re-enactments are a big attraction.
7	FROM THE MOUNTAINS PASS TO THE JEWEL OF THE DESERT Aerial Tramway to Mt. San Jacinto To and one half miles up to Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness area. In winter visitors enjoy snowshoeing and skiing fun, while in summer 54 miles of trails await both novice and experienced hiking enthusiasts. Palm Springs – An oasis in the desert, stroll along its main street for chic boutiques and fine restaurants.
8	DESERT’S WILD LIFE AND BOTANICAL GARDENS Living Desert In Palm Desert Remarkable plants, animals, and natural phenomena associated with deserts. Learn how The Living Desert is helping to interpret and protect them.
9	VESTIGE Of FIVE THOUSAND YEARS AGO… Joshua Tree National Park Human have occupied this desert for at least 5000 years Archeological sites numbering 501 are protected inside the park It now provides habitat for 712 plant species, 40 reptiles species, 41 mammals and 240 bird species. Once a booming gold mining district in the mid 1800’s Joshua Tree National Park boasts some of the most unusual geologic displays of granite monoliths. A rock ‘s climber paradise. The famous San Andreas Fault can be observed from the South Entrance.
10	LODGING * CHAMBER MEMBERS Banning Suites Motel 951-922-2127 Country Inn 951-849-6733 Hacienda Inn 951-849-6733 Hampton Inn 951-922-1000 La Quinta Inn 909-396-7214 Stage Coach Motor Inn 951-849-4182 Super 8 Motel 951-849-6887 Travelodge 951-849-1000
11	DINING ESTABLISHEMENT * CHAMBER MEMBERS Applebee's Grill & Bar 951-845-3638 Chili's Restaurant 951-849-0218 Farm House 951-845-2027 Grammas' Country Kitchen 951-849-8385 IHOP 951-922-2826
12	DINING ESTABLISHMENTS *CHAMBER MEMBERS Johnny Russo’s Italian Kitchen 951-849-9131 Mi Ranchito Mexican Restaurant 951-922-1210 Patsy’s County Kitchen 951-840-9026 Ruby’s Diner 951-849-3850 Sizzler Buffet 951-849-6074 Thai Food House 951-849-2255
13	FAST FOOD with flair * CHAMBER MEMBERS McDonald’s Restaurant 951-849-2419 Palermo pizza 951-922-0802 Tacos & Beer 951-922-6800 Domino’s Pizza 951-849-7770
14	WISH YOU WERE HERE!