What to do this weekend? Try Lummis Day @ Heritage Square in LA

Check out the schedule to see what they have to offer! http://www.lummisday.org/2013/index.php/schedule

Music, dance, poetry and art representing a rainbow of cultural traditions will be presented at the eighth annual Lummis Day Festival, Sunday, June 2. The multi-site Festival, one of L.A.’s signature cultural events, runs from 10:30am-7:00pm.

The main stages for Lummis Day’s performances will again be located at Heritage Square Museum (3800 Homer Street), where the best of home-grown Northeast L.A. music, dance, food and community resources will be presented amid the historic buildings preserved on the unique museum’s grounds. Some of the historic buildings at Heritage Square Museum will be available to festival-goers via docent-led tours.

As always, the two-part Festival’s opening morning event will take place at Lummis Home (200 East Avenue 43), where the day begins at 10:30 AM with readings by critically acclaimed poets. The Lummis Home site will also feature music, art exhibits and refreshments. The Festival’s art exhibit will continue at Lummis Home until 5pm while performances—music, dance—and community activities shift to nearby Heritage Square Museum, beginning at 12:30pm. Visitors to Lummis Home can enjoy the interior of the century-old home, influenced by mission architecture and the dwellings of the Pueblo Indians, and can stroll through the beautiful native plant gardens that surround the building.

 

June 1, 2013 – Model A & Model T Car Show

I love, love, love, Model A and Model T cars!! I am going to try to make this event this Saturday!!

http://rios-caledoniaadobe.org/events.html

June 1, 2013 – Model A & Model T Car Show Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. FREE to the public! Join the fun for a FREE event at the Rios-Caledonia Adobe in San Miguel, Saturday, June 1, from 11 AM to 3 PM when the local antique car clubs exhibit their unique old Model A and Model T automobiles on the original old highway that runs in front of the Adobe.  You can vote for your  favorite and participate in the 50-50 drawing.

Added interests for attendees: A railroad exhibit by members of the Central Coast Railroad Festival in the “office” building, formerly the old gas station in the 1920s. Food will be for sale by “The Three Amigos” and music will be provided by Jeff Beaumonte’s “Apocalyptic Jazz Band.” Sip wine in the old bar in the Adobe provided by River Star Vineyards and Winery  of San Miguel.  Enjoy the festivities on the grounds of the unique historic Adobe. A recap of the festivities appear below:

• Food by “Three Amigos” (Terry Scantlin, Mary Scantlin and Monica Cisneros)
• Wine Tasting by River Star Vineyards & Winery, San Miguel
• Music by Jeff Beaumonte’s “Apocalyptic Jazz Band”
• Informational Display by members of the Central Coast Railroad Festival
• 50-50 Drawing and voting for your favorite old car

For more information contact:  Joyce Herman, 440-7173 or hermanjah@tcsn.net

To visit Rios-Caledonia Adobe, take the San Miguel  off ramp exit from Highway 101.

The Adobe is open Friday—Sunday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

700 S. Mission Street

San Miguel, California

805.467.3357

Experience a cemetary in ways you never thought possible!

I have yet to personally attend this as of yet, but it is on my list of must do’s!  I have heard about this for years and really want to go one day! I give you…. HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETARY….movies in the park!  You can watch a movie while enjoying the beautiful cemetery surroundings.  Now this is more popular in October when they pick classic scary films but this weekend is going to be good!

Tickets are $12 and can be bought at:http://cinespia.org/event/some-like-it-hot/

• Address: 6000 Santa Monica blvd
• Phone:   (323) 221-3343

Hollywood Forever Cemetery, originally called Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery, is one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles, California. It is located at 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles, adjacent to the north wall, or back, of Paramount Studios. Among those interred or entombed in the cemetery are a number of important personalities and famous persons, including men and women from the entertainment industry, and important people in the history of Los Angeles, and their relatives. The cemetery is active and regularly hosts community events, including music events and summer movie screenings. In 2011 the cemetery became a co-producer of the American silent movie Silent Life based on the story of the Hollywood idol Rudolph Valentino, who is entombed there. Founded in 1899!!!

There are many, many, many classic film stars, directors, and anyone film related buried here at this historic cemetery.

Please keep in mind that there are many events held here so check out the calendar or http://cinespia.org/ to see what is playing.  These events are really popular and can get crowded (one reason why I have not attended yet) but definitely a good time had by all.  Bring your blanket to sit on and enjoy the fun!

Here is a very short list of the many, many, many celebs buried here you might want to check out while you are here: Bugsy, Siegel, Estelle Getty, Hannah Chaplin(Charlie’s mom!), Rudolph Valentino, Clifton Webb, Darla Hood, Victor Fleming, Jonny Ramone, Pauline Pfeiffer Hemingway, Marion Davies, Jimmy Stewart, Gregory Peck, Loretta Young, Henry Fonda, and Jayne Mansfield to name a few.

Places you must see if you are visiting Los Angeles!

If you want to make a day and visit vintage Los Angeles, you must take a trip to first the Union Station.  This beautiful landmark  opened in May 1939 as the Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal, replacing the older La Grande Station and Central Station. One of a number of union stations built in the early 1900s it served trains from the Union Pacific, Santa Fe and Southern Pacific Railways. Built on a grand scale, Union Station became known as “Last of the Great Railway Stations” built in the United States. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

It is really beautiful and the main station looks almost exactly as it did when it was first opened.  This has been the site of MANY movies including the most recent Gangster Squad.  Its a classic part of Los Angeles history and a must see during your next visit!

Next stop should be Olivera Street. http://olvera-street.com/

Olvera Street is in the oldest part of Downtown Los Angeles, California, and is part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument. Many Latinos refer to it as “La Placita Olvera.” Since 1911 it was described as Sonora Town.

Having started as a short lane, Wine Street, it was extended and renamed in honor of Agustín Olvera, a prominent local judge, in 1877. There are 27 historic buildings lining Olvera Street, including the Avila Adobe, the Pelanconi House and the Sepulveda House. In 1930, it was converted to a colorful Mexican marketplace.

There is lots of art and culture to be found in this area and a great way to spend the day!

 

Please check the main website for events as it is always more fun when there are things going on! There is lots of good places to get something to eat in the area so get ready to spend the day walking, shopping, and eating!

June 8 Juneteenth Celebration, Earlimart

Entertainment, speakers, food and drink, puppet show, and tours of the historic buildings of Allensworth.  Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park 661-849-3433

Third Saturday in June
10:00A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. It was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that all slaves were now free. This was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official on January 1, 1863. The day is celebrated by African Americans in honor of their ancestors who received notice of being set free from slavery on June 19, 1065. There is great entertainment, great speakers and,of course, fabulous free tours of the historic buildings given by the Friends of Allensworth docents for your educational enrichment.

Things to do in June: Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social – Riverside June 30,2013

This event is FREE!!  I have actually been to this event several years in a row.  For all my Vintage lovers’ there is an added treat to this event as it takes place at the wonderful Heritage House. Also, all you living history fans, there will be people dressed for the time period giving demonstrations on how ice cream was originally made!! There is also free crafts for kids, music, and free tours!

 

Sunday, June 30, 2013 | 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Free and open to the public | Ice Cream is Free!
Riverside Metropolitan Museum’s Heritage House
8193 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504
Call the Museum for more information: (951) 826-5273

This is not your ordinary Ice Cream Social! All ages will enjoy this free community event which features ice cream, homemade lemonade, and musical entertainment as one may have celebrated in Victorian Riverside during the 1890s. Guests will have the opportunity to play authentic Victorian games, learn how old-fashioned hand cranked ice cream is made, operate a citrus sizer, and watch a special patriotic program by the Sons of the American Revolution that will include: musket firing, cotillion dance, and a parade through the grounds, all in revolutionary-war era costumes. Musical entertainment will include bagpipes, dulcimer, piano, vocal performances, and of course a barbershop quartet!

What a gem I’ve found Vintage Movie Lovers!!!

I am always on the hunt for locations that play classic films like the Egyptian Theater and the Silent Film Cinema on Fairfax, but this was unknown to be until about five minutes ago. I give you….. Old Town Music Hall.  Located at  140 Richmond Street, El Segundo, CA 90245  (310) 322-2592.

Since 1968, Old Town Music Hall has been showing vintage silent and sound films, and presenting live concerts by some of the world’s finest performers of jazz, ragtime, and popular music from the past.

Silent films are accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer, a massive 1925 wind-powered pipe organ that has been meticulously preserved so that silent classics can be experienced with live musical accompaniment, just as they did when they were first shown.  It’s something you really have to see and hear to believe.

Old Town Music Hall is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Your generous support enables us to preserve the golden era of feature film and music.

This weekend is Dinner and a Movie Night.  They are showing Wings, with Clara Bow.

Please visit the site to see details.http://www.oldtownmusichall.org/index.html

I can’t wait to check this place out and have already told my husband to add this on our list of “must do’s”.

If you go, please let me know here how it went!  Have fun!!

Museums for Free: MOTA Day 05/19/13

Everybody loves free, including me!!  This May 19, 2013 you can see five museums for free!! Besides free access to the Gamble House, Heritage Square, the Los Angeles Police Museum, the Lummis Home & Garden, and our own Pasadena Museum of History—which is a whopping gift in and of itself—each location will have a variety of music, storytelling, art, crafts, and entertainment!! This is a great offer and I strongly suggest you take this opportunity to see at least one!

The Gamble House is offering tours of this 1908 Arts and Crafts treasure and kids can do crafts in their lovely backyard.

Heritage Square will observe the Spanish American War by having a “live” encampment, and there will be woodcarving demonstrations and traditional dancing. Children can play with Victorian toys, do crafts, and learn about plants and flowers in the Ford House Kitchen garden.

The L.A. Police Museum features private collections and historical memorabilia dating back to the 1800s, including the newly constructed vehicle shelter and a restored 1955 paddy wagon. Kids can clamor into a police helicopter, try on gear, and get “locked” into a real jail cell, while parents can snap free police booking photos (a family keepsake!). Attendees can also tour the current exhibit, “Gangster Squad,” as well as the permanent exhibits: Onion Field murders, the Patty Hearst kidnapping, and the 1997 North Hollywood Shootout.

The Lummis Home and Garden will be open for self-guided tours and historian Dennis Harbach will use a newly developed computer app to be able to answer such burning questions as “Did my grandmother dance the fandango with Lummis or Rudolf Valentino in this place?” From 1897-1928 the Lummis Home was a “place to see and be seen” for “visiting and local dignitaries, artists, and controversial public figures.”

Pasadena Museum of History is offering mini-tours of the newly remodeled Fenyes Mansion and the Finnish Folk Museum, which is housed in a replica of a 19th century Finnish farmhouse. Pasadena Society of Artists will be displaying, selling, and creating works during the afternoon. Don’t miss the fantastic I Do! I Do! Pasadena Ties the Knot exhibit and the juried art exhibition Relationships. Kids can take home three different art projects involving a rain stick, a Japanese brush painting, and a family colla. Pie ‘n Burger (celebrating its 50th anniversary) will be on site with their food truck, ready to satisfy hungry museum goers.

If you get a chance to go, let me know which one you went to and what your experience was!  Have fun!!

 

 

You sure missed out if you didn’t visit LACMA in 2011

For all of you non museum folk, LACMA is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.  It is a great museum to visit at any time but I have seen a few exhibits that I will never forget.

My ultimate favorite was the Tim Burton Exhibit from 5/29/11-10/31/11.  If you are a huge Tim Burton fan like me, then you know how many great movies he has made way back before we even realized who Time Burton really was. There were movie props from just about every Tim Burton movies including BEETLEJUICE, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, and MARS ATTACKS.

The exhibition brings together over 700 drawings, paintings, photographs, moving-image works, storyboards, puppets, concept artworks, maquettes, costumes, and cinematic ephemera, including art from a number of unrealized and little-known personal projects. Many of these objects come from the artist’s own archive, as well as from studio archives and private collections of Burton’s collaborators. Check out this awesome entrance to the exhibit!

More from the exhibit:

 I definitely recommend for anyone to go if this comes back around again.  It was fun for all ages!

Fun can be free…Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is an icon of Los Angeles, a national leader in public astronomy, a beloved civic gathering place, and one of southern California’s most popular attractions. The Observatory is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, just above the Los Feliz neighborhood. It is 1,134 feet above sea level and is visible from many parts of the Los Angeles basin.

The mission of Griffith Observatory is inspiring everyone to observe, ponder, and understand the sky.

Griffith Observatory
2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA  90027
(213) 473-0800

Weekdays (Tuesday – Friday): Open 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m

Weekends (Saturday – Sunday):  Open  10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Closed Mondays

If you have never been to the Observatory then you must at least once in your life.  Get to experience the stars through professional telescopes and see the stars like never before!!

Hangar 24 AirFest at Redlands Airport – May 18, 2013

Aerial acrobats, vintage warplanes, nighttime fireworks shot from aircraft, food trucks, musical acts and special archival beer releases will be the order of the day as Hangar 24 Craft Brewery celebrates its fifth year anniversary in an event billed as the Hangar 24 AirFest and 5^th Anniversary Celebration. To be held at the Redlands Municipal Airport on May 18 from 9 AM to 10PM, tickets are $5 presale and available online at Brown Paper Tickets and at the brewery Tasting Room.  At the door, tickets will be $8. Ages 12 and under are free.

For more information please click the link below, this sounds like a great time and I am going to try and make this one!!

http://www.hangar24brewery.com/airfest.htm

 

It will be a thirteen-hour event where proceeds go to benefit the newly-formed Hangar 24 Charities, whose mission is “to help preserve our Southern California orange groves.” The event is part air show, part concert, and part food and beer festival. Other family entertainment will be available as well, including a climbing wall.

Have a Vintage Mothers Day!

Have a Vintage Mothers Day!

This sounds like a perfect Mother’s Day afternoon to me!! If you have never visited the Queen Mary you must!  Here is a perfect excuse for you Mother’s and enjoy the Mother’s Day brunch on board the historical Queen Mary.  Reservations are suggested as with any major Mother’s Day event.  Link is provided above.

CHAMPAGNE SUNDAY BRUNCH

A local favorite, the Queen Mary Champagne Sunday Brunch takes you on a worldwide culinary adventure and features over 50 unique dishes from around the globe. Delight in traditional western breakfast fare like made-to-order omelets, pancakes, eggs benedict and homemade hash. Experience a southwestern sensation with Albondigas soup and carne asada tacos, or spice it up with Hot n’ Sour soup or Asian style ribs. Cleanse your palate at our refreshing salad station featuring a chef crafted Cobb salad, imported tuna nicoise and a variety of domestic and imported cheeses. The highlight is our signature carving station, which offers perfectly prepared prime rib with au jus and leg of lamb with mint jus.

Southern California’s Best Brunch

Wrapped in the elegant grace of the Grand Salon and featuring live entertainment, the Champagne Sunday Brunch has the air of a royal soiree and is anything but typical. Free flowing champagne, live music and a tantalizing signature menu that is sure to please even the most discerning palates, makes the Queen Mary Champagne Sunday Brunch a Long Beach tradition that cannot be missed.

Hours:

Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Prices and Info:

$49.95 per adult, $19.95 for children 12 and under Prices on holidays and special events are $59.95 Adults & $19.95 Kids. Tax and gratuity is additional.   $5 parking with validation (up to 6 hours) and includes valet parking.   Reservations are strongly recommended.   Call 562-499-1606 for reservations

– See more at: http://www.queenmary.com/dining/champagne-sunday-brunch.php#sthash.iaoK9slb.dpuf

Amazing and FREE….Check out the Getty Museum

There are 2 locations and both are free. Only catch is parking is $15 but once you pay that you can visit both locations and use the same parking pass.
The Getty Center location #1 is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive in Los Angeles, California, approximately 12 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Location #2, The Getty Villa, is located at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, California, 90272, one mile north of Sunset Boulevard and approximately 25 miles west of downtown Los Angeles.

Please check out the following link for hours and additional information: http://www.getty.edu/visit/hours/index.html#parking
One of my favorite things is not only is there beautiful art but stunning gardens as well.

There are always tours going on and discussions about exhibits,  so please check the calendar to see what is going on when you make your visit.  There is also a family room where small children can learn about art and enjoy a hands on experience.  Anyone with kids knows that this is a great addition to any museum.  I have gone several times and can’t wait to go again.  Of course right now is the best time to visit any garden in California, as the flowers are in full bloom and showing off for all to see!

 

The Huntington LIbrary

The Huntington LIbrary

Don’t let the name fool you, the Huntington Library has MUCH more to offer than a library.  This is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens and collection of French and British art that I have ever seen. The Huntington Art Collections reside in two buildings on the Huntington estate: The Huntington Art Gallery, and the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art. The Huntington Art Gallery houses the European art collection and includes one of the most distinguished collections of 18th- and 19th-century British paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts outside London.

Located at: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 626.405.2100

	Weekdays	Weekends
Adults	$20	$23
Seniors (age 65+)	$15	$18
Students(age 12-18, or with full-time student I.D.)	$12	$13
Youth (age 5-11)	$8	$8
Children (under 5)	free	free

Hours

Monday	12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday	12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday	12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday	10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday	10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

This is my favorite piece at the museum 1784 Sarah Siddons as the Tragic Muse.
In 1903 Henry Huntington purchased the San Marino Ranch, a working ranch with citrus groves, nut and fruit orchards, alfalfa crops, a small herd of cows, and poultry. His superintendent, William Hertrich, was instrumental in developing the various plant collections that comprise the foundation of the botanical gardens. The property—originally nearly 600 acres—today covers 207 acres, of which approximately 120 are landscaped and open to visitors. More than 14,000 different varieties of plants are showcased in more than a dozen garden areas.

Also enjoy the beautiful mansion on site also used as the gallery.

 

Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens

There is no better way to spend a beautiful Spring day than to visit your local botanical garden.  Descanso Gardens is located near the intersection of the 210 and 2 freeways. It is a 20-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

General $8. Senior/Students $6. Children (5 to 12 years) $3. Guild members and children under 5 free.

Tram tickets: $4. Trams tours are 1 pm Tuesday-Friday; 11 am and 1:30 pm Saturday; and 1:30 and 3 pm Sunday. Please check with the Visitor Center to see if tram tours are available the day of your visit. The tram does not operate on Mondays.

Enchanted Railroad: $3 per rider, $25 for a book of 10 tickets. The Enchanted Railroad is open 10 am-noon Tuesday & Friday; and 10 am-4 pm. Saturday & Sunday. Tickets are sold at the Visitor Center. Riders must be at least 30 inches tall and able to sit on their own.

On site there is also the absolutely gorgeous Boddy House.  Boddy, publisher and owner of the former Los Angeles Daily News, purchased the land that is now Descanso Gardens.  Built in 1937, this 12,000sq foot, 2 story, 22 room mansion is a stunner. 

There is also an onsite art gallery called the Sturt Haaga Gallery.

Please check the calendar to see what is going on and if you go please share your experience here!  I love this place and can’t wait to go back!!