TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

Bonham & Butterfield Auction House, 7601 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

So this was an interesting find for us!  I’m not sure how I found out us normal, non million dollar type people could visit Bonhams’s Auction house but I did!  Can you believe we have been there twice now!  First time was all about my Hollywood infatuation the 2^nd time was for our own personal interest.

So get this, parking was free and the Hollywood Auction that we went to view was free!  My favorite number!  Lauren Becall had a private display in the main building.  Like the woman, everything of hers that they were auctioning, was set up in a very classy tasteful way.  After perusing through her personal items we  strolled across the street to another Bonham display  where we found more Hollywood treasures up for auction.

 

This display was more eclectic.  We walked in the door to find a wall of colorful, retro movie posters and classic costumes.  I was thrilled to see some items from some of my favorite movies:  Richard Gere’s motorcycle from “Officer and a Gentleman”, Meg Ryan’s hat from “When Harry Met Sally”, and much much more!

Bonham’s auction displays will vary, so you will need to check their website to see when and what they are displaying.

So how did we utilize Bonham’s Auction House for our own purposes?  Please check their website for dates and times but currently they will give you an estimate on your treasures!  Yep!  Just like Road Show!  When you get there with your item, they’ll give you a ticket that will send you to the right table to get your quote.  They had paintings, documents, autographs, misc and the list goes on and on.  I wish we could say that we walked away finding out that our items were worth billions……but no.  We still had fun though!

 

 

 

Hollywood Costume Museum

Sorry no address for this one.  This display was only here for a short time but it thrilled me!  They had over 200 costumes from classic movies through the years.  I was in heaven!  For some reason I felt like I was right there with Jack & Rose on the Titanic!  I appreciated the little Tramps costume that Charlie Chaplin wore.  I was in awe of some of the royal period costumes from Elizabeth and other monarchy movies.

Everything was displayed so well.  Nicole Kidman’s Moulin Rogue costume hung on a swing above my head.  Meryl Streep had a whole section of costumes featuring many of her films.  I loved seeing a costume from Barbara Streisand Funny Girl.

Can you tell I was in heaven!  This did cost $20 but if you have an appreciation of great movies or great clothes, you’ve got to see this!

Beachwood Café, 2695 N Beachwood Dr, Hollywood, CA

This place has been on my radar for quite awhile!  Every time we would head up Beachwood to explore Hollywood Hills, and get the BEST photo’s of the Hollywood sign.  I knew I wanted to try this cute café.  Beachwood Café did not disappoint!

Once you pass the stone posts that were meant to be a gate entering Hollywood Hills, you’ll see the café immediately to your left.  There is free parking in the back…..yea!  (Trust me, it’s hard to get free parking in LA).  Once you enter the blue doors your surrounded by the cheerful royal blue an bright yellow colors.  You know you’ve discovered a “find”!

We had breakfast there and it was delish and reasonable.  They also sell some walk up bakery items.  In conclusion, I say experience this hidden treasure!

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

Paramount Studio Tours, 5555 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Does my husband know me or what?!  For Valentine’s Day we toured Paramount Studios.  It was a very informative, intimate 2 hour studio tour.  I love being a able to check this studio off of my list of places to see.  So far I’ve toured Universal, MGM, Disney and Paramount Studios.  Each one has a very unique feel to it.

Universal is part of a theme park and so you experience a lot o studio history with a lot of theme park elements.  You will ride in large trams that offer videos as your riding through the tour.  MGM is one of my favorites!  You are on a small tram that includes video but what I LOVED about this tour……they let you off of the tram!  You get to walk onto some of the sets!  They let you walk through their awesome prop house and one of their biggest features….you get to experience the Friends set and take pictures.  Very fun..  Disney is Disney, what more could I say?!  This is a great walking tour that takes you into historic buildings where the magic was made.  They have an awesome archive area and a beautiful park area with autographs in cement of several of  famous Disney’s actors and cast members/

Paramount is very historical.  When you walk through those beautiful gates you can feel the history.  You meet your guide at the gift store and I do love that you tootle around in a small golf cart that fits 6 people.

We got to experience the legendary Bronson Gates and we learned that the fountain in front of the gates is supposed to replicate the Mountain that is Paramounts trademark logo. We also got to walk around several of the sets where they explain the magic of Hollywood.  We end the tour in their prop room but to be honest, it’s more of a display rather than an actual prop house.

I loved hearing about DesiLou productions, Sitting on Forest Gump’s park bench, and hearing about Glee filming areas.  I found it interesting how they are able to fill one of their parking lots full of water and using a green screen on one of the buildings they are able to film awesome ocean illusions.

This tours is $53 per person but I preferred this experience over an expansive Valentines dinner!  Thank you John!!!

Pinks, 709 N La Brea, Los Angeles,

I had to eat at this iconic LA place!  Pinks has been in the same location for over 75 years and has been in several movies and TV shows.  Because of it’s fame, expect to wait over an hour to be served.  While waiting in line, do not be surprised to see celebrities, politicians or sports heros either in line with you or rolling up in their fancy cars to cut in line!

Where else can you eat hot dog or polish sausages creations with names like: “Hollywood Walk of Fame Dog”, “The Brando Dog”, “Three Dog Night”?  I tried the Polish Pastrami Dog that popped when I bit into it. (Delish!)   The dogs range in price, your basic chili dog is $4.20, but some of the specialty dogs can run up to $9.

You gotta experience Pinks, but make sure you’ve cut out the time to wait in line!

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

Whale Watching / Davey’s Locker, 400 Main St., Newport Beach, CA

This is the 2^nd time we’ve gone whale watching.  One time in November and one time in February.  I have enjoyed the peaceful ride out to the ocean.  The cruise is for 2 hours and you leave full of anticipation.'=

 

Both times we’ve been able to see at least one whale, dolphins and wild seals.  What I’ve learned on both of these trips…..it’s extremely hard to capture the whale in photos!  They pop up and then you are just never sure where they will breech next.  Luckily I had my friend/photographer with us that was able to capture some great photos.

 

The 1^st time we went out to whale watch we left from Long Beach; I totally enjoy leaving from Newport Beach, since that is way closer for us.  I’ve cruised with Davey’s Locker before and they are great company.  Lots of times you can find their coupons on Groupon.  If you cruise on the weekend it costs $36 during the week $32 per person.  Their boats have a concession on board so there is plenty of coffee to keep you warm and treats to munch on.

My favorite place to eat lunch is the Harbor House which is the center piece of the Newport Fun Zone.  If you go to the bar side you can get the BEST appetizers for only $4!  In the evening hours $6……People!  Good bites for less than McDonalds!  Plus you’re sitting right near Davey’s Locker’s docks.

This is an enjoyable way to spend a morning or afternoon; however it’s a gamble on what you will see!  I would have loved to have seen more than one whale, but that was the luck of the draw!  Or should I say the Sea?!

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

IlluminOcean / Dana Point Harbor, California

 

So sorry I didn’t get this posted the end of 2014!  Save this little secret as next year’s Christmas must.

The Christmas lights are all Ocean themed.  As you stroll along you’ll find non-stop lights and displays.  I enjoyed the Christmas music and special affects that some of the props offered.  From a Christmas Crab, to a huge lighted whale & pirate ship you could walk through!  On the South end of the walk I was awed by the Christmas tunnel light show.

Want to hear about an extra Christmas light bonus?!  If you visit on the December weekends you will also get to see, “FantaSea Holiday”.  A Christmas boat parade!  What a treat!

 

IluminOcean  was from Nov 26, 2014-Jan 4, 2015.  The lights start at 5pm -10pm (11pm on Fri & Sat).  Three hour free parking is available, but as you can imagine hard finding.  It’s great because the Harbor has great restaurants and shops that you’ve got to visit.  Many people were picking up coffee and hot chocolate to sip as they strolled the lights.

Here’s the best part……all of these Christmas displays are FREE!!!  So mark your calendars and enjoy this very California Christmas display!