I gotta tell ya, nothing kicks off a road trip quite like breakfast from Micky D's. A Sausage McMuffin w/ Egg, two crispy hash browns, an OJ, and a Coffee. That's it, that's the order. It's a delightful incentive to hit the road before sunrise - a "Treat Yo' Self" tradition I don't plan on breaking, at least anytime soon.
For the 80's babies like myself who grew up with McDonald's, we knew it was the IT place. Happy Meals, toys, playplaces w/ballpits - an area where you had to be under a certain height to play. NO ADULTS ALLOWED! A kids dream really...
The days when a Mcdonald's birthday party was a right of passage, know what I mean? Look at me on my 6th birthday, stacking environmentally unfriendly styrofoam containers and living my best life. (I may not look enthused but trust me, I was)
Here I am dishing out ice cream. What a time to be alive.
Yup, those were the days, a generation now cursed with an appetite for that greasy nostalgia. Mcdonald's, you tasty bastard.
Which brings me here, to San Bernardino, CA. This city doesn't offer much as far as entertainment, but what it does have will satisfy those childhood cravings without the calorie guilt. Let's take a look.
THE HISTORICAL SITE OF THE ORIGINAL MCDONALDS - MUSEUM
If you're thinking you'll find the Original McDonalds here you will be sadly disappointed as the OG building was demolished long ago. In its place stands something equally awesome, a museum dedicated to all things MCD's and guess what, it's free!
Your trip down memory lane begins the moment you walk through the door - Ronald happily greets you along with whatever that tree thing was.
There's A LOT of memorabilia! As you tour the museum, you'll find artifacts from the very first restaurant to modern day. The workers are extremely knowledgeable too, willing to answer any questions and offer guided tours for those wanting that extra insight.
Some highlights for me were...
MAC TONIGHT
A refresher in case you've forgotten...
SPEEDEE - THE CUTEST LIL' HAMBURGER MASCOT
I mean, the golden arches are cool but can we bring Speedee back?
VINTAGE ARTIFACTS
from the BBQ menu and original restaurant.
THE FIRST RONALD
Hi, you can remain in the past, thanks.
REAL FOOD
THIS VINTAGE CAROUSEL
TOYS!
More specifically the McNugget Buddies
THESE HALLOWEEN BUCKETS
GRIMACE
THAT STYROFOAM PACKAGING
AND THIS SLIGHTLY CREEPY RONALD HEAD
The fun doesn't stop once you leave either - the exteriors offer some goodies too.
LIKE THE WORLDS MOST DETAILED MURAL
that wraps around the entire building.
SIGNAGE + ROUTE 66
AND OLD PLAYPLACE STRUCTURES, YOU'LL WISH YOU WERE 6 AGAIN
Pretty much the only thing you won't find here is a working restaurant but not to worry, if you find yourself craving those fries or in our case, that Orange Hi-C drink, there's a modern-day restaurant only 5 minutes away.
Ahhh...just like childhood.
FIND ME:
1398 N E St, San Bernardino, CA 92405
FREE! Open 10am-5pm Daily