Washed out roads creating difficulties for Idyllwild businesses
Washed out roads are making it difficult for Idyllwild businesses to attract visitors.
It’s the middle of the breakfast service at the Red Kettle Restaurant.
“It’s very hustle, bustle and there are a lot of people and it’s a very active, thriving environment,” Annie Weaver, General Manager of the Red Kettle Restaurant, said.
However, it’s not as bustling as usual for Weaver since it’s only half the business she typically sees with less visitors coming through.
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“This is the slowest time I can remember in five years, even after the fire, it wasn’t this slow,” she said.
The major reason? Washed out roads, with Highways 243 and 74 shut down from the west and north, with only access coming through Palm Desert and Anza due to the recent storms. What’s supposed to be a busy time for the town has slowed significantly.
“I think a lot of people are cutting back hours, cutting back unfortunately employees. Maybe staying open a little bit less,” Weaver said.
That’s not stopping some visitors from wanting to make the trip to the mountain community.
“Going to a place like this, you don’t want to be in a hurry and once you get out of the metropolitan area, it’s very pleasant and the drive is very nice,” Tom Wells, visiting from Yorba Linda, said.
Wells made his trip from Orange County taking detours from the south, by way of Highway 371 that added 90 minutes to his drive, but he still wanted to see the snow capped roofs and appreciates the friendly environment, saying it’s still worth it.
“Idyllwild is a great community. A lot of it has stayed the same, but the people are friendly and they know they have a paradise here,” Wells said.
A paradise that has sunny weather and ready for visitors.
“We’d love to see you and we would love to have not only the business but just to have the feeling that life is getting back to normal,” Weaver said.
Caltrans is currently still determining when Highway 74 from the west and Highway 243 from Banning will be reopened.
