TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

 

J Paul Getty Museum – Los Angeles

We are so fortunate to have such an awesome museum available to us.  The Getty sits high on a hill off of the 405.  To me it resembles a fortress as you approach it.  I personally feel that while the Getty Museum hold 1000’s pieces of art, the building itself is a work of art.

I prefer to get there early.  The museum is free, and as of today parking is $15.  You’ll park at the bottom of the hill and ride a tram up to the museum.  You’ll be met right away with information regarding the tours that are available for that day.  There are cafes, food carts and a restaurant all available to eat at.  Remember to take some time to take in the beautiful views off  the balconies of the buildings.  We experienced a breathtakingly clear day!  We could see downtown LA  one direction and the Pacific ocean and Catalina Island  the other direction.  You could easily spend the whole day taking in the Getty experience!

The Getty houses European paintings, drawings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, decretive arts and photographs.  Who doesn’t want to experience Monet, Rembrandt, and Renoir just to name a few and yet I’m always drawn to a painting of a little girl in front of a white door.  The vibrant the colors on the manuscripts & painting that date back to the dark ages amaze me.  However, I love experiencing the rooms that are set up to depict a taste of what life was like centuries ago.

So are you a little bit curious about whom J Paul Getty was?  (I always love history & architecture!)  He founded Getty Oil Company and the Guinness Book of World Records named him the richest private citizen in 1966.  He was an avid collector of arts and antiquities, and that is where our story comes full circle! 

 

Where did we eat you ask?!  I always like to try out what sounds like LA “landmark” restaurants.  Well I kept hearing the, “I like Titos Tacos, you like Titos too” tune when their commercial came on the TV.  Then I started hearing that celebrities’ liked going there, so that was enough to peak my interest.  Soooooo, Titos Tacos is only about 15 minutes from the Getty and it WAS a very popular place!  At 2pm we stood in line for about 10-15 minutes.  Prices were not bad at all.  Since it is so packed it was tricky finding parking and a table!  I encourage everyone to try it out!  Titos Tacos, 11222 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

Olvera Street – Los Angeles

Ever wonder where it all began in Los Angeles?! Wonder no more…..Olvera Street is the place. This area is chucked full of history! 27 historic building for example! It feels like you’ve stepped into a little village in Mexico. As you walk this portion of the street that is about a block long. You’ll find stores and restaurants located in some of the oldest buildings in LA. You’ll also find vendors down the middle of the street, which means that your head will swivel from side to side trying to take it all in.

Here are some of the historic buildings to watch for: Avila Adobe House, which was originally built in 1818 by Mayor Don Francisco Avila, is known to be the oldest existing house in LA. It was commandeered by the US Navy during the Mexican –American war in 1847. It is now a museum that you can tour. Another building to watch for, Golondrina Restaurant authentic Mexican food. Long before it was a restaurant, it was known as the Pelonconi House the oldest brick house in Los Angeles that was constructed in 1855 & 1957, rumors abound what this building was originally used for!! Was it a house of prostitution or a place where moonshine was manufactured?! The Sepulveda House was built by one of the wealthiest women of that time, Senora Eloisa Martinez de Sepulveda. She hoped to bring the Victorian era to the area. The Sepulveda House has been restored and now you can find a Visitors Center in that building. Many of these buildings have lots of history and stories to fill in the gaps from what they were originally to what they represent today, take some time to appreciate the historical building before you go and it will only enrich your visit!

At one end you’ll find a cross …….at the other end a watering trough…… You have the beautiful historic Union Station across the street, and gramd views of downtown Los Angeles sky line all around you. Some other historic buildings, (located past the Plaza at the end of Olvera street), that need to be mentioned……The 1^st Firehouse #1 in Los Angeles! Firehouse #1 was formed in 1871 but wasn’t built until 1884. Right next to the Firehouse is the Pico building, touted as the finest hotel in the Southwest America. It was the first 3 story building with indoor plumbing in Los Angeles. The Merced Theater opened it’s doors in 1970 and it is located right next door to the Pico House.

Just a shout out to my favorite places to eat at: Juanita’s is quaint little restaurant down by the watering hole. We enjoy stopping in there for a quick taco. Also love picking up a churro from the Churro man…..he’s located about ½ down the block.

Enjoy this step back in history! Always like to point out, this is basically a free adventure! Other than paying for parking; However, we have been known to ride the train in from Irvine and since Union Station is right across the street……that is always an option!