Julian, CA

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

Julian, CA 

Nothing like visiting a picturesque little town nestled in the mountains near San Diego…..right?!  If that sounds good to you then you’ve got to visit Julian, CA!  It’s about 1 ½ hours from Orange County, and well work the drive.  Once you get off the freeways, the back roads are charming!  It is known for its apple orchards.  There are plenty of fields that you can stop at along the way to do some apple picking, but we head straight for the quaint town for the apple pie, apple cobbler, apple cider, the list goes on & on!

Julian is about 3 blocks long with charming stores and plenty of pie shops.  Parking is free.  For a few bucks you can ride a horse drawn carriage through town and wave at all the tourist!  (No I didn’t do that!!  I just waved at those passing by me!)

I enjoy visiting Julian in the Fall, but I’ve got to give you a “heads up” because I think everyone else loves the Fall too!  The line for the pie shops were down the block!  Something about being up in the mountains for Autumn helps to put me in the mood for the season.

All & all this is a sweet get away that really only costs you the gas to get there BUT……I’m sure you’ll want to spend some money on some apple treats!  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 Romano’s Restaurant-2718 “B” Street, Julian, CA

Romano’s was great!  It’s located in a small cottage type house and is very cozy on the inside.  The food was very tasty!

 

 

Getty Villa

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

This is the place to go if you want to step back in time to ancient Greece & Italy.  The Villa is a beautiful escape up on the hilltop over looking the Pacific ocean.  The Getty Villa is free but you do have to make a reservation.  (Parking is $15).  You can make your reservations from 10am-5pm Wednesday-Monday / Closed on Tuesday.

In 1970 J. Paul Getty sat down with architects

to recreate a first century Roman country house.  This house is picturesque everywhere you turn!  You see column after column, garden after garden, and beautiful statues and art adorn this building.  Actually I find the building itself a piece of art.  Remember to look up!  I’m amazed at the art that adorns the ceilings!  I find all of the gods from Greek mythology so interesting.  How Venus & Athena are the same, they were just different names in different countries!  Here you will find a lot of archived items, rather than paintings.  If you have a desire to see paintings you’ll want to visit the Getty Museum.

As you work your way up the hill from the parking lot the 1^st thing you’ll encounter is the Barbara & Lawrence Fleischman Theater.  It is an outdoor theater that was created based on ancient prototypes.  Most weekends you can attend concerts and shows that are available for an additional price.  I can’t help but think that one of these performances would be extremely tranquil and beautiful.  How can it not be when your surround by such beautiful architure, gardens and art?!

I enjoy walking the reflecting ponds that are adorned with fountains and arbors.  They have 4 gardens that are all inspired by ancient Roman models.

At the Getty store you will find very unique items that I’m sure can only be found at the museum.  They have a café that you can pick lunch up at, a coffee kiosk, and for an additional price “Tea by the Sea”.

This is a great place to loose yourself, to feel like your apart of the ancients!  Go!  Explore!  Enjoy!

Patricks Roashouse, 106 Entrada Dr, Santa Monica, CA

OK, So I LOVED the character of this place!!  You could feel the vibe here!  For starters you can’t miss it!  It’s painted bright kelly green and it’s basically right on PCH.  I love the décor, the history and most of all the menu!  I got a delish burger that had a mango chutney on it and homemade chips that came out hot!

Arnold Schwarzenagger eats there frequently and even has a huge chair that he brought in especially for him.  The story goes that he broke one of their chairs and was so embarrassed that he brought in this huge chair that is now located at the back of the dining area.  Other celebrities that have visited this iconic roadhouse: Lucille Ball, Farrah Fawcett, Tom Hanks, Goldie Hawn, Carson Daly, Dean Martin, Johnny Carson, and the list goes on & on!

I can’t wait to go back!!  Whose ready to go with me!

 

Downtown Las Vegas - Neon & Mafia!

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

Downtown Las Vegas, NV

What?!  I’m writing about a location outside of my beloved California?!  Everyone knows about the Strip!  It’s legendary but I’d like to talk about 2 fun attractions in the Downtown area. 

Neon Grave Yard - 770 Las Vegas Blvd. North, Las Vegas, NV

I loved this!  I think it’s because I love taking photos so much.  We went at the perfect time, (right around sunset).  The office building is historic in its self, it’s the old La Conche hotel.  The building is like a retro piece of art. 

The tour took about 1 ½ hours and as you work your way through retired Vegas signs you will recognize many of them.  They have them displayed in a way that each sign is able to show its own character.  You will learn about neon, how it’s made, how it has changed through the years and finely you’ll hear how LCD lights have taken over the strip.  Walking through the grave yard you really appreciate the art of neon.  You will learn about signs that rose high, high, high above the strip, and other signs that claim the title of some of the 1^st neon on the strip. 

The reason why I encourage you to take this tour at Sunset is because the majority of the signs are not lit.  However, they do have a handful that have been restored!  So as you turn a corner you may see its beautiful color inviting you to notice it while appreciating the workmanship of neon.  I feel if you go earlier in the day, you’ll get great photos of the non-working signs, but the ones that light up will not catch your attention as much.  If you go on a tour when it’s dark, you’ll get great photos of the restored signs, but you’ll find the majority of the signs lit only by side lights.

As your driving down Las Vegas Blvd, you’ll find vintage neon signs in the center median, those are pieces that the Neon Graveyard have restored and have returned them to light up the streets of Vegas again.

The parking for the Neon Graveyard is free, and it’s just across a non-busy neighborhood street.  The admission was only $18 per person and it was well worth it for this history buff!

Las Vegas Mob Museum – 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV

We went to the Mob Museum with some friends.  One of our friends is passionate about the Mob and their history, so going with him made it extra fun!  The museum is located downtown in the original courthouse where many of the legendary Vegas Mob trials were held!  Parking was free and for $19.95 per person we enjoyed a good 2 hours of hands on history of the Mob.

You start on the bottom floor you will learn how the Mob got started in the US.  Right away you’ll find that all of the displays are fun to work your way through.  Each floor has plenty of the places to interact.  On the 1st floor they had an area that we could go stand in a “line up”.  As you work your way up to the next floor, you sit in the actual court room that has been restored.  There you experience an audio visual re-enactment of some of the trials that took place there.  Once you exit the room you are surrounded by the glory days of the Mafia.  The glamour and glitz of the life style.  Here you will find several opportunities to interact with the displays.  I enjoyed going over to a display of dinner plates that when prompted, each plate represents the different cities and the Mob Bosses in those cities with a list of some of the static of each city and their clan.  Finely, on the 3^rd floor you see the not so glamorous side of the Mafia’s life.  You’ll learn that a violent life lived, usually ends in a violent ending.  The final media room will show you clips of Mafia movie’s through the years and display some of the costumes and props used.

What museum or attraction doesn’t have a gift store!  This was a great gift store sure to meet all of your Mob needs!  Again, this museum is awesome.  There is something about the Mob Museum set in a City that has a rich Mafia history that makes it even more intriguing!

 

We ended our Downtown experience on Fremont Street.  Since I had learned at the Neon Museum, that several of the vintage pieces were lighting up the street, along with the LCD canopy covering the whole street, I was anxious to find the waving cowboy and cowgirl! 

OK, LET ME START WITH THIS…..I could care a less about the sleazy part of Vegas!  The gambling, the sex, partying, etc, I just enjoy all of the lights, shopping, shows and history!  With that said….the downtown area encompasses the MOST sleezy part of Vegas I’ve seen!  For starters, the parking is NOT free, (like it is on the strip).  As your walking Fremont Street, you’ll notice that the people there just seem to have a little more of a “worn” look to them!  You’ll also see more sleaze walking around, and it’s crowded!

Needless-to-say, this was a quick stop.  We stayed long enough to watch the LCD canopy show, (while looking up in the crowd, I was sure to pull my purse in tight!)  We quickly photographed the iconic neon signs and visited some of the historic hotels in that area and then we got the heck out of there!  It was such a dirty, creepy, place! 

Sugar Factory American Brasserie – Paris Casino/Hotel

Who would have thought that one would be happy to get back to the Strip?!  I know that this piece was on the downtown attractions, but I do need to share a fun place to eat with you!  The Sugar Restaurant.  Its located on the outside of Paris Casino/Hotel.  You will not believe the candy store!  It was so fun!  Here is the novel part of the store…..it has a restaurant!  As you might imagine, the alcoholic drinks were all “cute” and popular, the desserts look like pieces of art, but it’s the meal selections that caught my eye!  I had the Sugar Factory Signature Burger!  It was HUGE!  The novel part of the cheeseburger?!  The bun was made from white chocolate!  It was delicious!  It actually reminded me of the Hawaiian rolls, with just a little sweeter taste.

So is it possible to appreciate “Sin City” without sinning?!  I say yes!  By enjoying the Neon Graveyard and the Mob Museum!

Topanga Canyon Adventures

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

Topanga Canyon Adventures

Wow!  I haven’t made a post for quite awhile!  Trust me, I’ve still been going on my adventures, I just haven’t found the time to set down and put pen to paper….or fingers to keyboard!

So we’ve cruised around the Canyon roads of LA before, but I forgot how beautiful and relaxing it is!  For all of you out there that picture the typical craziness of LA, I urge you to venture onto the Canyon roads.  We started our adventures from PCH in Malibu.  We turned at Pepperdine University and worked our way up Malibu Canyon.  Right away you notice the beautiful view of the ocean you are leaving behind and entering the green hills and curvy roads that lie ahead.  Our 1^st stop was the Paramount Ranch, rather than me telling you to turn left on Mulholland and then right on Cornell, I suggest you GPS Paramount Ranch!  But then it’s ok to get lost in the canyons!

Paramount Ranch has been on my list of “must see” for a long time!  It is FREE to walk around this abandoned set out in the Canyon.  You will find a whole Western Town to wander around.  Isn’t it sad that instead of picturing  a shoot out, a bar brawl, horses galloping through town or cowboys spurs clinging on the wooden walk; I picture a film crew here filming the actors doing all that while sitting over to the side eating a Big Mac!  You cannot get into any of the buildings, but you can peak into some of them.  For the most part it is a boarded up set waiting to be used, to come alive with signage, windows, and “Action”!  I’d say there were about 8 or 9 buildings.  You’ll find a hotel, bar, jail, barn and barber shop to name a few.  The Sheriff’s office is the only building they had open for us and inside was a jail which was great for photo opps!  So I bet your wondering….what has been filmed there?!  Dr Quinn, HBO Carnivale, Love Bug, The Virginian to name a few.  The land/hills were used for other filming projects like M*A*S*H, Flintstones and many more.  We did not participate in this but they do offer “Silents Under the Stars”.  During the summer you can have a unique movie experience watching silent films under the stars. It sounds like a fun activity that is only $6!!  It’s just working your way out there at night and living about 2 hours away….ya know heart is willing but the body gets tired!!

From there we found The Rock Store!  The Rock Store is really a cafe where bikers hang out but it has had its share of celebrities stop by and its share of screen time!  The Rock Store is not far from the Paramount Ranch.. It was named after the river rocks used to build this cafe 1925.  The cafe is often used for commercials & feature films when a country gas station is needed.  You may recognize it from some of the following shows:   “Cobra” with Sylvester Stallone, “Mother” with Albert Brooks, and “The Sweetest Thing” with Christina Applegate & Cameron Diaz.

In-between the Paramount Ranch and the Rock Store is the Peter Strauss Ranch.  While Peter Strauss was working on Rich Man Poor Man, he loved the area so much that he purchased it!  That is how Peter Strauss Ranch came to be.  We drove into the parking lot but did not get out and explore. The ranch looks like a BEAUTIFUL place to go on hikes and explore but we more interested in the unique little Canyon stop across the road. 

So what’s across the road?!  The Old Place is across the road!  You can’t miss these cute worn western buildings with an old 50’s pick up sitting out front.  Right away I was attracted to the rugged stone path and the wooden adirondack chairs sitting outside.  I could picture myself relaxing and watching the cars go by on the Canyon road.  The Old Pace was a 1930’s general store and post office.  Some of the stars that have partied there are Al Pacino, Goldie Hawn, Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan and Steve McQueen.  I encourage you to stop,  get out and walk around, the place is so charming!  We had already eaten, but someday I would love to have a meal at The Old Place!  So stay tuned for info one day!

Next we ventured over to Topanga Canyon, as you curve your way into this artsy little town I say stop and sit a spell!  Topanga means “above place” and it’s a hideaway for recluses, outcasts and nature lovers.  One our favorite places to shop is a super fun vintage store "Hidden Treasurers".  Everywhere you turn in that store you appreciate their creativeness displaying their vintage finds!  Do any of you remember watching “Boy Meets World”?  I always thought Topanga, in the show, had such a strange name…..now I get it!

Shenandoah at the Arbor, 10631 Los Alamitos Blvd, Los Alamitos, CA 90720

Sooooo, since we were to full to eat at The Old Place, I bet your wondering where we ate?  We actually ate at super cute place / stop on our journey to the canyons.  Shenandoah is so charming and the food was great!  The guys were a little overwhelmed by all of the ladies!  A lot of showers, bridal parties, and Red Hat ladies know about this place.  The inside reminded me of a shabby Chic with country charm.  Outside you are shaded by huge mulberry trees.  The food was great!  They are known for their fried chicken dish, so that’s what I had.  The restaurant is nestled on a busy road surround by 3 stores that are just as charming as the restaurant!  Again, your just cruising down busy Los Alamitos Blvd, and if you don’t look quick you could miss this charming find!  GO,Go, go and try this one out!  (Can’t wait to take mom!)

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

Santa Barbara Old Town- State Street

So whats not to love about Santa Barbara?!  Santa Barbara is so scenic!  The town is nestled in the foothills of the mountains, and the beaches are pristine.  The palm trees at sunset look like fireworks in the sky. 

One of my favorite places to visit in Santa Barbara…..the courthouse!  It is BEAUTIFUL on the inside and the out.  I was thrilled to learn that the majority of the building is available for public viewing. This courthouse was dedicated in 1929.  Outside you’ll enjoy majestic fountains, Gothic arches, and a beautiful working clock tower.  Inside you’ll find a Spanish feel, with cobble stone tiles on the floor that lead you to majestic winding staircases.  Beautiful ironwork, brilliant tile mosaic, and stained glass windows.  I’d have to say 2 of my favorite sites would have to be the “mural room”. A room that depicts historical scenes from floor to ceiling.  The dark wood and the ominous desk at the front of the room is a must see.  My other favorite thing…..the clock tower!!  You can travel all the way to the top of the courthouse!  The views are breathtaking!  Have you ever watched Psych?  If so you'll see lots of familiar scenes in Santa Barbara and particularly the court house.

Just 2 blocks from the courthouse you will find the best shopping!  Old Town runs about 7 blocks and is fun!  You’ll find your standard stores, but mixed in you’ll find cute little boutiques, retro theaters, charming eateries, and beautiful courtyards.  Again, even the shopping is beautiful & charming!  You’ll  notice beautiful foliage, courtyards, buildings with intricate detail,  colorful tiles and lots of Spanish flair.  Take it all in…..enjoy!

There is also a historic Mission up on the hill, Santa Barbara Mission is located at 2201 Laguna Street.  We did not visit the Mission this trip, but I’ve been there before and walked the grounds.  This historic place is worth the stop.  As of today, it’s only $6 per adult & kids 5-15 are only $1.

End your evening down by the Pacific!  Enjoy the miles & miles of beach and marinas.

On the way back home from  Santa Barbara, I recommend stopping at Hollywood Beach in Oxnard, CA.  We ate at the famous Mrs Olson s Coffee Hut.  Get there early because it's right on the breach and lines are known to happen at this cute little eatery!  The beach was so peaceful   Even saw a horse back rider!!  OK, So have to fit that in to our "Things to do list!"

The drive is just BEAUTIFUL!  I just have to share some of the sights along the road!

We drove along the coast and ended up stopping at Paradise Cove in Malibu.  Paradise Cove is just that, a cove!  Malibu is known to have celebrities residing everywhere so I kept my eyes open at at this beach! It cost $10 to park and even walkers have to pay as the enter the area.  Every direction you look you'll find photo worthy vistas.  I thought the bright blue pads layed out for people to sun on where particularly cool!  i haven't seen anything like that down in the OC!  Paradise Beach Cafe is the place to be!  They have inside and outside dinning.  Some of the movies filmed at Paradise Cove.....Beach Blanket Bingo, Monster-in-Law, The Way We Were, and the splash down in Apollo 13 took place at Paradise Cove.