Oftentimes, Larry Burns would hear people complain about how there is “nothing to do in Riverside.” So, when the longtime resident and co-founder of the Inlandia Institute was approached by a publishing company to write a book about the city, Burns decided to detail all of the things one could do here.

100 Things to Do in Riverside, CA Before You Die, which is now available for purchase, serves as a local guide and incorporates events and places that reflect the culture and history of Riverside.

“Readers will find a large amount of diverse activities and artistic impulses scattered all around the city,” Burns said.

In fact, the main draw of the book, Burns argues, is not so much a list of things to do, but a portrait of a city that values diversity, conservation, and innovation. There are three important elements in the book that shape Burns’ selection: the first is Riverside’s long history and support of the military, which means that Riverside National Cemetery and Mt. Rubidoux are required places to visit. The second is the city’s commitment to social justice and civil rights. Finally, the third is Riverside’s thriving art community.

Larry Burns, author of “100 Things to Do in Riverside, CA Before You Die,” recommends a stroll down Victoria Avenue, seen here with cyclists in 2014. File photo by David Bauman, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG

Larry Burns, tired of hearing people complain that there’s nothing to do in Riverside, authored a book: “100 Things to Do in Riverside, CA Before You Die.” Courtesy of Larry Burns

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Riverside National Cemetery in the Riverside area helps exemplify the significance of the military to the Riverside area. File photo by Kevin Sullivan, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG

Mount Rubidoux  seen here in December 2014 — best represents Riverside, says Larry Burns, author of “100 Things to Do in Riverside, CA Before You Die.” It’s got a nice combination of history and community, he says. File photo by Peter Surowski, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG

The annual Saturation Arts and Music Festival in Riverside  which in 2013 featured band Adventure Ship  features local artists who either sell their work for a low cost or for free. File photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise, SCNG



Victoria Avenue shows Riverside’s commitment to nature, says Larry Burns, author of “100 Things to Do in Riverside, CA Before You Die.” Courtesy of Larry Burns

Burns also writes about the city’s commitment to its preservation of green spaces and parks.

“There’s a perception that Riverside is cheap and dirty,” he said. “But we have phenomenal recreation including the Santa Ana Trail, Sycamore Canyon and Victoria Avenue.”

Burns has stated that Mt. Rubidoux provides a good representation of the city because it combines the elements that he was looking for when making his selections.

“At Mt. Rubidoux we have a good cross-section of history and community; you see the religious history there, the Riverside Peace Tower, it’s a place to honor those who have shaped our city.”

When asked what his top five places to visit, Burns included some conventional places and a few unique ones.

For a top place to eat, Burns picked Uncle Chuang’s Bakery on Iowa Avenue for its Asian-fusion foods and importance to the student population. For music and entertainment, he selected the Saturation Arts and Music Festival, an annual event held by and features local artists who either sell their work for a low cost or for free. For nature lovers, Burns selected Fairmount Park for its variety of activities and Lake Evans. To see the significance of the military in Riverside history, Burns advises people to see Riverside National Cemetery, especially the Medal of Honor Memorial. Finally, Burns encourages people to stroll along Victoria Avenue and see the many species of trees and orange groves.

Burns’ book has already earned praise from Mayor Rusty Bailey:

“Larry Burns’ book brings together many of the things that make Riverside great–our history, our military, our citrus heritage–in an entertaining and educational package,” he said in a statement. “I know it’s going to be a great read, whether you are a Riverside native like myself or a newcomer to our city and eager to learn about your new home.”

Indeed one real estate company, Windermere Real Estate Tower Properties, has already given copies to their staff so that they can provide more information on Riverside to prospective clients.

Brent Lee, co-owner of Windermere Real Estate, hopes that the company can sell a lifestyle along with a home. “We deem ourselves the ‘City of Arts and Innovation,'” he said. “But we don’t always tell our story as well as we should. [The book] tells its story through a leader in the community; we’re proud of our heritage and history and want to share it.”