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From the Cul De Sac: Over 40 Isn’t Over the Hill in Temecula

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Earlier this month, I hit a milestone. I turned the big 4-0.

I obsessed about the upcoming birthday for months and, although I worried constantly about becoming over the hill virtually overnight, the truth is, now that the day has come and gone, I don’t actually feel any different.

Though I don’t feel a day over 39, I did start to wonder. Does my life have to change after 40? Do I have to do things differently or start hanging at different places?

I conducted an informal, but still enlightening, poll on social media posing this question:  Where can someone in the over 40 crowd hang out in the Temecula Valley without feeling insecure, out of place, or…for lack of a better word… old?

Here are some of the more popular votes for the best places to hang out and socialize, once you’ve lasted four decades on Earth.

Best Over 40 Hang Outs in Temecula

The Eagle’s Nest, Pechanga Resort & Casino (see cheesy photo above)

The Eagles Nest Lounge and Nightclub is a 21 and over club, but it’s not just for twenty-somethings. Due to the broad range of music played, with hits from the sixties to present day, it feels like a dance club for all generations.

“The music our DJs play always gets the crowd going,” Dennis Green, Director of Beverage at Pechanga Resort & Casino, said. “There’s plenty of seating around the outer areas of the club as well as a gorgeous outdoor patio that lets you get some air while you look out onto the entire valley.”

The Cellar Lounge, Ponte Vineyard Inn

Located in the basement of the Ponte Vineyard Inn at Ponte Winery, the Cellar Lounge not only offers Ponte’s excellent selection of wines, but also a full bar including specialty cocktails and craft beers. Small plates and full entrees are available, making it the perfect place for a quick afternoon bite or an upscale dinner. The vibe is mellow but hip, and the fact that it’s a fairly new location makes you feel like you’re on top of the latest trends.

The Shamrock Irish Pub and Eatery, Murrieta

Recently named the #1 Irish Pub in California by BuzzFeed, the Shamrock has the quintessential old school blarney atmosphere, but their live music, entertainment and viewing parties for popular sporting events make the restaurant a great place for a laidback hangout for all generations.

Old Town Temecula

Close your eyes and point to pretty much anywhere in Old Town and you will have a great night out. However, there are a few places in particular that received several votes for the over forty crowd including the Temecula Wine & Beer Garden, the Gambling Cowboy and Baily’s. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be welcome at any of the other awesome Old Town locales.

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A popular answer, not because those who responded no longer want to go out. Instead, voters cited the plethora of activities available in Temecula neighborhoods including backyard barbecues and fire pits, picnics, pools and block parties. All fun options without the need for an Uber.

In reality, age is just a number and you’re only as old as you feel. The good thing is, the Temecula Valley is a place that welcomes everyone, regardless of how many candles were on their last birthday cake. Just ask Temecula resident, Dulce Parker Harris.

“I see couples, groups and families everywhere, including the wineries and eateries,” she said. “What I love about Temecula is that most places are full of people of all ages. And I like that.”

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Holly Herndon

Holly Herndon

Holly has been covering arts & entertainment in the Temecula Valley for as long as she has been a part of the community. She loves San Diego sports almost as much as she loves her family.

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