This California Historical Landmark (#659) in Newbury Park was once known as the Grand Union Hotel, which was a Stage Coach Line stop for passengers travelling from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. After the drought in 1887 the hotel went through several owners then later deeded to the Conejo Recreation and Park District. The hotel was moved in 1966 with the treat of demolition to where it sits now.
As we walked up, we were pleasantly greeted by several smiling docents who eagerly explained the days activities.
Though you could not climb on them there were several stagecoach's around to look out.
The porch of the Stagecoach Inn had demonstrations of yarn spinning and a signing quartet.
Little Buckaroo really enjoyed the spring horses and panning for gold.
After collecting our gold flakes we headed to the basement of the Stagecoach Inn were Little Buckaroo and I got a chance to play with hand crafted wooden toys made by a Gene West, a local toy maker.
We peeked inside the Stagecoach Inn, only because I was afraid that Little Buckaroo might try to touch everything or worse, break something. Little Buckaroo was able to get more hands-on inside the Conejo School replica, where he got to pull the rope to ring the bell and draw on the chalkboard tablet.
Then we walked through the Heritage Memorial Rose Garden down a trail were we were able to walk through a pioneer home and taste fresh turned butter. The fresh butter was aboulutely delicious that we went back for seconds.
It was great to step back in time and appreciate the comforts that we have today. We had a great after noon playing and enjoying the history of the past.
Fun! You always find the coolest places to take your little one!
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