Where
We Live
After several years living in the California high desert town of
Acton,
we decided it was time for a change of scenery. In July 2002 we
found a lovely home in
Bear Valley Springs, a gated community located a
couple miles outside Tehachapi. Although the town of Tehachapi is
quite small by Southern California standards (about 30,000 residents), we
have many amenities and events that make this a wonderful place to live.
Lots to See & Do
From the annual Mountain Festival, Christmas parade, and 4th of July
celebrations, to a multitude of art and theater events, there is always
something to do in our little haven. Attractions that bring tourists
to Tehachapi include the new Woodward West (a gymnastics, BMX & skate park
sports camp facility), an annual native American Indian Powwow, a working
ostrich
ranch (tours available), a
botanical garden, a couple nice
campgrounds and
golf
courses, and the scenic wind
energy turbine windmills. Tehachapi is also known for its apple orchards, so it isn't
hard to find a good bushel of apples or a fresh hot apple pie during
harvest time.
Local Railroading
History
Train buffs might know about Tehachapi because of the world famous
Tehachapi Loop, an ingenious stretch of railroad track that makes a
complete 360 degree circuit (doubling back on itself) so the trains can
easily navigate the steep grade down into the Bakersfield area. The
Loop, finished in 1876, allowed the Southern Pacific Railroad to bring
trains across the 4000+ foot elevation Tehachapi Mountain pass, down into
the Central Valley 500 feet above sea level. It's interesting to
watch as a train passes through the main tunnel, with its rear cars
circling 77 feet overhead, passing over its own front cars. The Loop
overlook viewing area can be reached from either Highway 58 (exit at
Keene) or from Tehachapi via the Tehachapi-Woodford Road. Follow the
signs to the Loop monument.
When
you're in the neighborhood....
If you're ever driving on Highway 58 between Bakersfield and the
Antelope Valley (Lancaster/Palmdale area), leave time to stop in
Tehachapi's old town. We highly recommend a visit to
The Apple Shed
for some fantastic baked goods, a meal in their restaurant (the
Tri-Tip is excellent) and a piece of home-made fudge -- over 20 different
flavors are available each day. If you need to walk off your meal,
there are a couple
antiques and
collectibles shops located on the main
street (Tehachapi Blvd.), and a small but interesting
local
history museum a couple
blocks down the side street. Just follow the signs off Highway 58 to
Tehachapi Blvd.... it is an easy on/off coming from the East or West. If
you need more information about the Tehachapi area, visit the
Chamber of Commerce
office located at 209 E. Tehachapi Blvd. Their telephone number is
(661) 822-4180. If you are traveling through Tehachapi with 4-legged
friends, we invite you to stop by our other business --
Canine Creek Self Serve Dog Wash.
We're open Tuesday thru Sunday, and no appointments are needed.
The address is 979 Valley Blvd, Suite 4 (corner of Valley & Tucker, behind
Howard's Mini Market). Hope to see you soon!
