Dylan and I recently had the pleasure of attending a special holiday media preview at Heritage Hill Historical Park and we had such a great time. The entire park is lit up and decorated with holiday decor. Not just any decorations, but holiday decorations authentic to the 1800's. It gave us both the opportunity to see how our parents and grandparents lived and celebrated the holidays.
Heritage Hill Historical Park is tucked away behind a shopping center in Lake Forest, so if you don't know about you just might miss it ... and that would a terrible thing because a visit here is like a history lesson, only much more fun!
Ever wonder what it was like to go to school in the 1800's? You can visit the El Toro Grammar School (1890) and find out.
Dylan got a first hand look and even got to ring the school bell. Each blackboard has a different grade level written on it and and Dylan thought it was strange that all the desks were different sizes. I told him that all the kids were in the same classroom. He said, "what?"
Something about this building struck me and I felt so connected. I could have sat in here for hours looking at the details of the handcrafted pews and wooden floors. The tree is decorated with candles and handmade crocheted snowflakes.
The beauty resonates from every corner of the mission.
Next stop was the Serrano Adobe (circa 1863) - this is the original building as it was built here. (The other buildings were brought here to save them from destruction) The Saddleback Valley and El Toro was once a thriving Mexican Ranch area.
The Harvey Bennett Ranch House (1903) takes you through the early citrus farming days. This is where I really felt at home because so many of the decorations and furnishings reminded me of my grandparents.
Now, what would a media event be without some special treats? Taco Maria and The Tailgate Truck were there with delicious food to fill our tummies and then it was time for dessert ... Yum!
This was our first time tasting the delicious cupcakes and pushcakes from Meringue Bake Shop and Kristin did not disappoint. I will not lie, I had two cupcakes and a bite of Dylan's puchcake.
Come celebrate the holidays at Heritage Hill Historical Park with your family at one of their annual events.
30th Annual Victorian Christmas - Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Enjoy holiday traditions with musical performers, local craft vendors, and food for purchase. Families will be able to churn butter, make hand-dipped candles, and decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus.
Candlelight Tour - Dec. 10 & 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Over 1,000 luminaries will light the buildings and pathways of the park. Holiday carolers, local musicians, storytellers, and other seasonal entertainment will make this an evening to remember. Santa will be here for the kids along with warm apple cider, hot cocoa, and homemade sweets.
The cost for each event is $4 for adults and $3 for kids (ages 3-12) Parking is free.
Heritage Hill Historical Park is located at 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest 92630
For more information visit www.ocparks.com/heritagehill/ or call 949-923-2230
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