Buddhist Meditation Center

You may have never heard of Adelanto, but it's surely a stop you should make if you're driving along the U.S. 395 just to see this restful place in the midst of the California desert. Overseen by the 70+ year-old monk, Thich Dang Phap (a.k.a. Tom), the center was opened in 2004 after a rich Malaysian business man donated a 60-ton marble statue of the saintly Quan Yin. Fast forward almost 15 years later and a $15 million dollar temple also stands here. For a donation you can have tea and a vegetarian meal. The center is located on the west side of the 395 between Alden and Colusa. For visiting hours see the website. (Photo by Eric Bristol)