I heard about the Walking Tours on NPR and decided to check them out this month since it piqued my interest. I've been trying to do more local things just to get more acquainted with the IE. I sent out an email to uplandwalkingtours@gmail.com to get more info and Ann (she's the guide) responded very promptly. All I had to do was show up at the steps of the Cooper Museum by 10 am on the day of the tour (which is usually the 2nd Saturday of every month).
The day of the tour I arrived 20 minutes beforehand because I was worried about parking, but there was no need to worry, there is plenty of parking there. There is street parking and a lot next to the Museum. You can also bike (it is near the Electric Trail), or take the Metrolink (the station is across the street from the Museum). Getting there is very convenient.
The weather was slightly overcast, so it was a perfect day. We walked for about a mile making stops at various locations to get historical information and for some minor reenactments that we all got to participate in. What I loved the most was learning about all of the people. Ann had put together some quotes with a picture of a person. We each picked one out and read them aloud. It really brought the history to life.
The stops included a very beautiful Victorian house, the Carnegie Library, a historical fire department building, a bakery (where there is time to grab a snack), and various other locations. I enjoyed all of the gardens and architecture I saw while walking. Ann pointed out a beautiful stained glass window in an empty location that just screams for restoration. After the tour I enjoyed walking around the Cooper Museum. It's small, but has a lot of good exhibits. They had a comic book superhero one that was pretty awesome.
I'm definitely going back again and explore some more. read more