Southern California

I often dream about flying off to some exotic land and discovering other worlds. Then, I realize, wait a minute! I live in Southern California where it barely rains and there is so much to enjoy that it is important to include one of the best travel destinations on this planet... my home... for thirty-five years!

We are quite spoiled here in So. Cal. since most of us have been to Disneyland more times than we can count. Summer fireworks? Sure. Christmas Cheer with Mickey? Why Not? The Nightmare Before Christmas at Halloween? Thanks, Tim Burton:

Universal Studios is just a car ride away and while the major tourist attractions are fun ... they are pricey... so, for the most part, I tend to look at all the other awesome options Southern California offers.

Here's some inexpensive options:

The Hollywood Bowl

One of my favorite places in the world is "The Hollywood Bowl". You can enjoy a beautiful *California evening while hearing artists perform with a world-class ocrhestra as you sip your favorite glass of wine and nibble on your latest favorite restaurant discovery. Tickets prices will vary from event to event but typically you can get into a show starting around $40.00 as of 2019. The best part is that you can find jazz, classical, pop and movies played live as part of The Hollywood Bowl "season" which allows you to bring in your own food and drink! Remember "lease shows" have different rules so check the Hollywood Bowl website for details.

Here's a tip to sit closer to the stage without paying for a "box"; Buy in SECTION D or E at or near the aisle. You'll be off to the side but pay half the price while being next door to the Garden Boxes!

Here's a shot of me in SECTION E at "Barry Manilow with the L.A. Symphony Orchestra" on 09/07/19:

Half price side benches right next to The Garden Boxes!

*Bring a sweater because it can get chilly when the sun goes down.

Let's travel East on the 101 to the 110 North which becomes Arroyo Parkway. Make a right on Colorado Blvd and you are in the heart of my favorite Southern California city:

PASADENA

( The famous Pasadena City Hall )

I moved to Pasadena in 1984 to attend The Academy of Dramatic Arts to study acting, voice and movement. The campus is now in Hollywood and I'm near Temecula Wine Country but Pasadena is always "near and dear" to my heart. I was married at St. Philips Church and I bought my first house in Pasadena. I built a small home office for my DJ company: Awesome Entertainment. I worked 14-hour days, but would take breaks by walking our dog "Silkie" along the tree-lined steet on Wagner. I had the benefit of being "self-employed" so I could take time off whenever I chose that option. One of my favorite spots for taking a few hours away from the office was my "backyard" known as:

The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Garden

The Huntington Library

My wife and I would take strolls around the well-manicured grounds and enjoy the many beautiful gardens. It is a fabulous way to move your body in a serene environment. I never realized how amazing desert landscaping could be until I become a member of "The Huntington". Definitely worth a visit.

Old Pasadena

Old Pasadena (also known as "Old Town") was a run-down wasteland when I arrived in 1984. Llittle did I know that it had been designated a National Register Historic District in 1983. It would soon become a model of historic preservation and civic revitalization boasting world-class restaurants and shopping.

Attractions in Pasadena

Home Base ?

Pasadena is a possible choice as your "home base" when visiting Southern California since you can drive (theoretically) to Hollywood, Universal Studios or Downtown L.A. in under thirty minutes. Public transportation is close with The Metro Gold Line which can take you downtown to Union Station which is the hub for your adventures while avoiding the infamous L.A. traffic. There is a very reasonable AIRPORT FLYAWAY bus from Union Station that takes you directly to Los Angeles International Airport. You can catcah a FLYAWAY bus from Van Nuys, Hollywood and Long Beach, as well.

The Getty Museum

Always FREE !!

(Art, Architecture and Views of Los Angeles)

Check out the website at The Getty Museum for more information, parking rates and programs.

Spin Cycle Presents

Free to low cost concerts in Santa Monica, Downtown L.A. (DTLA) and Hollywood, Calfornia.

In 2018, Spin Cycle Presents organized "The Sauce" a weekend campout with art and live music in Apple Valley, CA:

Year round! Experience the West Coast's "jam band" scene by visiting Spin Cycle Presents.

My son Luke was given a chance to add to the "street art" while visiting "The Sauce" Music and Art Festival:

Artist, Alex, assists Luke with the spray paint as he adds his initials:

Of course, Matt wanted to get in on the action and painted a smiley face as mommy looks on:

A song created in Tujunga, California; A fifteen-minute drive from Pasadena:

Written and performed by Mark Peace Thomas

Produced and mixed by Damian Valentine

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