norco

Pumpkin Rock in Norco: Big & Orange, but Easy to Miss if You Don’t Know Where to Look

October 10, 2016 by Ole Leave a Comment

While waiting for my sons to start their next game on Saturday, I took a short drive around Norco, California to kill some time. I ended up taking a quick hike up to Pumpkin Rock.

According to Norco Parks and Rec meeting minutes, the rock has been painted as “a pumpkin for over 20 years with some slight variations”.

There was also some discussion in 2015 about the possibility of allowing the rock to be painted with different themes a few times each year. After further discussion by the Pumpkin Rock Sub-Committee, it seems that the rock will remain as a pumpkin:

Environmental documents state that the only thing allowed in the area of easement other than hiking is horses. When speaking with the Planning Director, it was stated that even painting a pumpkin is wrong to begin with; is should be natural. But because it has been painted for so long, we have accepted it. He strongly recommends we do not do anything to change that.

I didn’t set out to find Pumpkin Rock, so I was dressed for an afternoon of watching water polo. For the record, I don’t advise going on hikes (even small ones) in flip flops.

The route I took has two steep hills that have patches of very loose dirt. Although I made it up alright, I was slipping and sliding on the way down.

I think the Pumpkin was laughing at my poor choice in footwear.

I found the rock by driving around until I found a trail on Crestview Drive. I later realized that someone had tagged Pumpkin Rock on Google Maps.

Looking for more hiking spots in and around the Inland Empire? Check out our list of Places to Hike in Riverside and Beyond.

Amazing brisket at Badlands BBQ in Norco

January 3, 2015 by Ole 4 Comments

My first post of 2015 is about one of my favorite subjects… Barbecue. I recently stumbled across Badlands BBQ in Norco, which is located in the spot formerly occupied by Hickory Joe’s Smokehouse.

Before I go on, let me cut to the chase…

Brisket.
Amazing Brisket.
Consistently Amazing Brisket.

While some of the fixtures remain from the Hickory Joe’s days, Badlands has an updated look. I like it much better now.

On my first visit, I tried the triple threat with brisket, baby back ribs and a hot link.

The real star for me was the brisket, which is what I order every time I visit Badlands. The brisket does not disappoint.

Sliced…

or chopped… the brisket is awesome.

Although I’m not a big fan of baby back ribs (I prefer the St. Louis style), the ribs were tender and meaty.

** Update: We went to Badlands a few hours after I posted this. We tried the ribs again, and they were devoured before I could even get a picture. Some of the best ribs I have ever eaten. **

Here’s another picture from a subsequent trip:

Each table has condiments, including two different barbecue sauces: Memphis Magic and Habanero Chipotle. I prefer the Habanero Chipotle, which is a little sweet with a hint of a kick.

There are a variety of sides to choose from, including onion strings, brisket baked beans and jalapeno bacon mac n cheese. For a little extra, you can also order a salad as one of your sides.

Although we haven’t tried everything, there is much more than brisket at Badlands, including…

Wings:

Burgers:

Chicken:

I plan to go back many times.

Badlands BBQ
120 Hidden Valley Pkwy, Suite D
Norco, CA
badlandsbarbecue.com

Hickory Joe’s Smokehouse BBQ – Norco

January 15, 2012 by Ole 1 Comment

I like trying out restaurants that aren’t part of a large chain. Even if they don’t turn out to be good, I enjoy the experience of trying something new. Of course, I enjoy it even more if the food is good.

One place I am glad that I found is Hickory Joe’s Smokehouse BBQ in Norco.

Hickory Joe’s seems to be a single location business since there are no other locations listed on its website, but the contact information on its website is shared by a small chain of Italian restaurants. Small business or not, I like this place.

Why do I like this place? The tri-tip and the smoked sausage. Check out the smoke ring on this juicy tri-tip. The smoked sausage has just a little bit of spice and is already sliced when it is served.

Hickory Joe’s also has good sandwiches. My favorite is the Tri-Tip Deli Dip, which is essentially a beef dip sandwich made with the smoked tri-tip. I also like the BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich.

What else does Hickory Joe’s serve? Ribs, chicken, burgers, salads and a bunch of sides. I have only tried the ribs once, but my youngest son likes to order them. My wife and oldest son enjoy the BBQ Chicken. My daughter… well, she doesn’t like barbecue at all.