If culture and natural beauty are what you're seeking while you're visiting the Los Angeles area, don't miss the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and its entrancing Botanical Gardens. Located in San Marino, California, near Pasadena, it sits at the end of a residential neighborhood distinguished by its early 20th century mansions. I've been there before but not since I've had … [Read more...]
Echo Park Lake: A City Oasis for Urbanites Near Downtown LA
Located just west of Downtown Los Angeles is Echo Park. It’s an artistic and diverse community where bohemians and hipsters commiserate in gentrified coffee shops, hang out in cozy bars or shop in far-out boutiques. It also has a rough side, with its share of immigrants, homeless, and colorful characters. But one place everyone can go for relaxation and a touch of nature is … [Read more...]
Malibu Seafood: Ocean Air and Fresh Fish – What Could be Better?
Everybody thinks that if you live in Los Angeles, the ocean is only minutes away. Unfortunately, that's not true and there’s that darned traffic. Because I live all the way in Burbank, I don’t make it out there that often. But when Doug told me he had an invitation to a fish fry lunch at Malibu Seafood with a bunch of his camera buddies, I decided to play hooky from work and go … [Read more...]
The Festival of Tea at Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden – Pasadena
A festival of tea? I’m in! Who could resist a lovely afternoon at the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden as well as an authentic tea ceremony in a teahouse? Not only did I get to sample various types of tea but learned useful tea lessons from some of the vendors. Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden This was the first time I've visited the garden nestled in Old Pasadena. It was … [Read more...]
Clifton’s Cafeteria: A Good Man’s Mission in Old Los Angeles
I love quirky tours so when I found out about the Clifton’s Living History Tour at the old Clifton’s Cafeteria that closed in downtown Los Angeles in 2011 - and was renovated into Clifton’s Republic - I signed up. My tour guide was the knowledgeable Kahlil Nelson who started the tour by having me take The Clifton’s Living History Tour oath. Look at me, I’m unstoppable. … [Read more...]
