Idyllwild, California

Situated in San Jacinto Mountains in Southern California, Idyllwild is part of three adjacent communities, namely Idyllwild, Pine Cove and Fern Valley. Found within the Riverside County, Idyllwild, commonly known as “the hill” is bordered by two rocks-Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock.

The key attractions in Idyllwild are hiking, rock climbing, mountain climbing and horseback climbing. To many, the fact that the hill is very slightly developed, and lacks a lake has made room to allow it to be a great location for these sports.

Idyllwild is also home to the Idyllwild Arts Foundation. Formerly known as Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts and formerly affiliated to University of Southern California, this privatized high school offers students from all over the world a wide range of art education in an entirely unique setting. They students here major in music, theatre, visual art, dance, creative writing and interdisciplinary arts.

The community houses many art galleries and host several arts events featuring local talent. In January 2010, they organized the Idyllwild International Festival on Cinema featuring over 40 selections from around the globe. Organized in 2009, the aim of this festival was to create a professional film festival with the people of Idyllwild as their prime focus. This festival featured over 60 dramatic and short films and documentaries. They also presented awarded to talented artists. Some of their awards included the Walter Hill Western Spirit Award, Tahquitz Awards and the Caine Learning Center Award.

Idyllwild also hosts an annual musical festival, the Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines every year around August.  In this festival famous jazz and blues artist would be performing for all to enjoy through a weekend. In past festivals reputed musicians like Mindi Abair and Charles McPherson have graced this grand occasion.

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