Bakersfield Breakaway: Pasadena, Southern California's cultu
Bakersfield Breakaway: Pasadena, Southern California's cultu
By Laurie Kessler, Community Contributor
We are weekend warriors, my husband and I.
Armed with digital cameras and a fuel-efficient car, we leave Bakersfield as often as our bank accounts allow.
Although the Central Coast is our first love, there's only so many times one can photograph ocean waves and seagulls. So, in search of new photo ops, we pointed our compass south and headed for the easiest drive to Southern California -- Pasadena.
We love this place. With my husband Doug at the wheel, he and the mythical little old lady from Pasadena do a good job avoiding the stress of L.A. traffic. Straight down Interstate 5 with a smooth transition to the 210 East, we effortlessly arrive in a cultural pocket of Los Angeles. Taking the Colorado Boulevard exit, we drive down what was once historic Route 66. But we're not going to the Rose Parade.
Pasadena is home to several fine museums, beautiful architecture, excellent entertainment and over 500 restaurants. In fact, Doug and I have been to everything but the Rose Parade.
So let me share with you why Pasadena means "the crown of the valley."
Starting with the Norton Simon Museum on West Colorado Boulevard, spend a lazy afternoon soaking up the art of such greats as Degas, Van Gogh, Renoir and Rodin.
After a leisurely break for gourmet sandwiches and coffee in the patio, drive around the corner to the Pasadena Museum of History, which is currently showing "Orange Blossom Time: The Citrus Heritage of Southern California" through Jan. 8, 2006. The exhibit celebrates the role citrus has played in the development of Southern California, with particular emphasis on the San Gabriel Valley.
Just a few blocks away, the Pasadena Museum of California Art is featuring the work of American Impressionist Alson Skinner Clark (now through Jan. 8, 2006). Clark settled in Pasadena in 1919 after spending time in New York, Chicago and France.
All three museums are within minutes of each other and can be easily visited on the same day.
And what about night life?
Did you know that the Pasadena Playhouse is one of Southern California's longest running theaters? As California's state theater since 1937, season tickets for two are a fraction of the cost of most L.A. theater houses, and yet they have top-notch productions.
Recently, Doug and I saw Linda Hunt in the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama "Doubt," and Kate Mulgrew of Star Trek fame in the one-woman comedy "Tea At Five," in which she plays the feisty Katherine Hepburn.
If you prefer comedy, The Ice House, around the corner from the Pasadena Playhouse, features live entertainment Tuesday through Sunday. Prices are affordable, with cover charges ranging from $12.50 to $17.50. They serve dinner and drinks and no seat is more than 10 rows away from the stage.
You can park anywhere along Historic Route 66 (Colorado Boulevard) in what's called the Playhouse District and walk to dozens of Pasadena's fine restaurants. Many have patio dining, and in the gorgeous weather that this city is so famous for you will find yourself wanting to linger over a cup of mocha java and simply people watch. The city at night is vibrant, yet clean and safe.
Pasadena is indeed the "crown" of the LA area. Although my husband and I have been there many times, we have yet to explore all of the historic buildings, parks and landmarks that have also made this city so timeless and classy.
And you thought Pasadena was nothing but a bunch of roses, didn't you?
Laurie and Doug Kessler are new regular travel writers and photographers. E-mail them with questions and suggestions at lakessler1@earthlink.net.
