About Tehachapi
Where
We Live
After spending several years living in the high desert California 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 few miles west of the city of Tehachapi. Although the town of
Tehachapi is quite small by Southern California standards (nearly 40,000 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 Mojave in
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. The Apple Shed is dog friendly, and you're
welcome to take your pets onto the outdoor patio, where you can also
watch the trains go by on our very busy tracks. If you need to walk off your meal
at the Apple Shed, 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.
Need a snack after your walk? Stop in to
Kohnen's Bakery for a deli sandwich or
some excellent baked goods. Dogs are also welcome on the Kohnen's
patio. For a good cuppa Joe, organic food, free WiFi and some
great life music several nights a week, and yet another a laid-back
dog-friendly patio, check out
Mama Hillybeans... one block west of
Canine Creek.
Ready to visit
Tehachapi? 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 phone number is (661)
822-4180.
Planning a visit to Tehachapi? Here's the current
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