Heading from Fresno to La Quinta this weekend, was curious if they were any worthwhile stops (breweries, bottle shops, restaurants, etc) along the 210 freeway (or I5) that I can make for lunch or to pick some good stuff up? Thanks for any suggestions! Cheers!
Vendome Pasadena and the Stone Company Store (Pasadena) are both close enough to the 210 and worth stopping for. Congregation Ale House has a place a block from Stone, too, if you want to stop and eat.
Haven, Lucky Baldwins (the ones in East Pasadena and Sierra Madre have bottles to go) , Vendome, Stone Company Store, Eagle Rock is a bit off your path but maybe worth the trip, Lone Hill in Glendora, Red Carpet and Town & Country in Rancho Cuc. Hangar 24 isn't too far off of 210 or 10. Slaters 50/50 isn't too hard to get to from 210.
Some of the staff at House of Spirits are freaking bizarre, good selection, though. I usually hit Certified Market in Monrovia when I have a little more time to get off the freeway, make sure to ask if they have anything interesting in the back or in the trunks of their cars, though.