BOOT SCOOTIN’ REVIEW

Temecula Stampede Review

28721 Old Town Front St

Temecula, California  92590

 

Woohoo!  This is our very first review and we’re all excited about telling y’all about it.  It was fun to arrive mid-afternoon and check out Old Town and then head over to the Temecula Stampede in California.  The venue is situated at the end of a really cute western Old Town area that is filled with shops and eating places.

What a nice surprise it was to find such a large dance floor at the Stampede with an inside and outside track!  The dancing was divided into line dancing in the center area and two-stepping around the outside track.  When we danced we really liked this aspect of the dance floor.  It was fun and the dance area gave everyone plenty of room to dance and pass as needed.  We even had to choose a couple of times, because we knew both dances!  Once, the Cowboy Cha Cha was called on the outside area and the California Cha Cha was called for the center area.  We chose the California Cha Cha, LOL.

INSIDE:

Cover Charge:    Thurs. no cover, 18 and over. We arrived on a Friday afternoon and the Temecula Stampede hours are from 6pm to 2am.  Go early because the cover is half price before 7pm and it’s a good time to warm-up and peruse the venue.  See Temecula Stampede website for specifics

Age range:          6-9pm 50+, after 9pm, one of the regulars told us the crowd becomes much younger, more like the 18-40 range.

Dress Code:        Yes, they have dress code.   See Stampede website

Dance Floor:       It’s huge, a rough estimate is 65’x 50,’ nice smooth surface and well maintained.

Dance Mix:          Line dancing 70%, Two-Step 20%, Swing 10%

Dance Music:     Country western 90%, Pop/Rock 10%

Live Music:          Look at website for schedule

Dancing:               Dances are “called” which means the DJ will call out which dance to do.  The advantage of this means dancers are moving in the same direction and doing the same steps.  There is less bumping from others. But in all saloons/dancehalls we’ve danced in, everyone is cordial and we all just say, “sorry” with smiles and that ends it.

Dance Lessons:  Dance lessons are offered Mon, Fri and Sat. On Fri/Sat lessons are $4 for two separate                                  dances. On Mon, it’s $6 for two separate dances. See Stampede schedule for specific dances they will teach.

Food:  A very moderately priced menu, we did not eat while we were there.  See their website.

Beverages:  Iced tea, soda water, beer, wine and liquor

ATMOSPHERE:  We generally liked the atmosphere.  People were nice, and several came by our table to say “Hi” and tell us all about the Stampede. We were dressed in our boots, hats and cowboy shirt (for my husband) and a cute blouse for me (of course 😊), and jeans.  We felt very comfortable because this place has such a great old-time country saloon feeling to it! How were others dressed? There was a smattering of others in boots (leather soles are best to slide on dance floor) and cowboy hats.

NEWBIES:  It is our opinion this is a great place for beginners to learn how to dance. They offer lessons and there is a side area on the outside track for you to both see and follow experienced dancers. It doesn’t get better than this! And, if you come early, from 6-9pm, there is plenty of opportunity to learn when it is not crowded.

OUTSIDE:

Parking:  Is free in a big, lighted lot next to the building.

Safety: We felt very safe, both arriving at 6pm and leaving at 9pm. The whole Old Town area is very busy till late with tourist walking around and dining.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Don’t be afraid to start country western dancing and looking like a fool at times. The pure joy and fun you’ll find in this activity will be well worth it. Besides everyone is so busy dancing and doing their thing, nobody cares. Happy Boot Scootin’ wherever it may take you😉