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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Arcadia Los Angeles
Day Trip
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city of Arcadia is located at the base of the San Gabriel
Mountains about 13 miles north of downtown Los Angeles
just off of California Interstate 210. There are several
area attractions that are worth seeing as well as some
great local mainstays.
The Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum
is the city’ s premiere cultural site and is a
great place to begin your visit. Opened in 2001, the
museum chronicles the city's development and includes
artifacts from Elias “Lucky” Baldwin and
Anita Baldwin, the Santa Anita Racetrack, the World
War I Balloon School, photographs, period furnishings,
and various civic artifacts from the 1800s to present
day. Parking and admission to the museum are free and
can be visited Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m.
Once you’ve learned a little Arcadia history it’s
time to head over to the Los Angeles County Arboretum
and Botanical Garden for a little outdoor indulgence.
From sweeping lawns with peacocks that roam free to
cactus gardens, hot houses filled with orchids, ponds
with sunbathing turtles, and Asian gardens, this 127-
acre historical site also serves as the summertime home
of the California Philharmonic's Concerts on the Green.
You will be surprised at how large these gardens are
as you stroll through the many different areas that
include historic buildings such as the Queen Anne Cottage,
Santa Anita Train Depot, Coach Barn and Lucky Baldwin's
original residence. In the middle of the Arboretum sits
the four acre Baldwin lagoon, a Hollywood favorite that
has been used in dozens of films, from the original
Tarzan television series to the blockbuster hit, “Meet
the Fockers.” There is plenty of free parking
but a modest admission to enter the grounds |
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Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical
Garden |
If your
more of the sporting type then you must visit legendary
Santa Anita Park racetrack. Santa Anita is an absolutely
magnificent venue set against a beautiful backdrop –
the San Gabriel Mountains. Everything about this place
is abundant with history and you begin to get that feeling
from the moment you enter the gates and are greeted by
a life-size bronzed statue of Seabiscuit surrounded by
timeless architecture.
Opened in 1934, Santa Anita is the oldest racetrack in
Southern California, and is home to numerous prestigious
races including both the Santa Anita Derby and the Santa
Anita Handicap. Don’t forget to take the free tour.
The tour give you a behind-the scenes look at the stables;
silks room and an exclusive look inside the jockeys dressing
rooms.
If you’re on a budget you can bring a picnic basket
and head to the infield. The park like setting is beautiful
and sometimes includes pony rides for kids. So now that
you’ve won some money at the track, you need to
find a place to spend it.
The Westfield Santa Anita shopping mall may be able to
satisfy that requirement. With its plethora of high-end
retailers, various full-service eateries, and a 16-screen
AMC theatre, it’s a sure bet to satisy even the
most fervent shoppper. There is even a double-decker carousel
for the kids. The mall is busiest on weekends and parking
can be a challenge, but be patient as it is worth the
wait.. |
Santa Anita Park racetrack |
Los Angeles Botanical Garden |
If you
are in the mood for a delectable meal with the ambience
of mid century Los Angeles you will want to cap off your
day by dinning at the historic Derby restaurant. Originally
purchased in 1938, by Canadian-born thoroughbred racehorse
jockey George Woolf; the Derby has been a place that has
been serving food that delights customers, all while preseving
an ambience made great by its connection to the sport
of kings.
Patrons can enjoy the bacon wrapped filet mignon -- the
steak that made the Derby famous, while surrounded with
memorabilia of prestigious races and horses including
an entire collection of memorabilia from champion thoroughbred
racehorse Seabuscuit, who Woolf rode to victory against
the heavily favored War Admiral in the Pimlico Special
that very same year.
Finally, if you find that you can’t possibly enjoy
all that Arcadia has to offer in just one day, you will
find comfortable accommodations at the Santa Anita Inn.
The inn is a delightful throwback to the former style
of independently owned motor lodges with individual two-story
buildings spread out over lushly landscaped grounds with
waterfalls and beautiful flowers. Guest can enjoy a complimentary
continental breakfast with some rooms having a view of
early morning workouts at Santa Anita Park. Article
by By Matthew Martz
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Descanso
Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round
natural beauty in La Cañada Flintridge. |
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