Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch & Legoland Hotel

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

Want to experience Spring?!  Then you gotta see the flower fields of Carlsbad!  Over 50 acres devoted to raising beautiful bright ranunculus!  From the freeway you can see the bright gold, orange, red, purple & merlot colors climb the hill.  However, when you’re at the top of the hill you see the same bright colors and it looks like they are about to roll right into the ocean! 

 

The best time to view the fields runs from March 1 thru May 12^th.  9am-6p.  $11 per person, but if you have a triple AAA card you can save a buck!  Parking is free…..uh…..but good luck!  Luckily there is an outlet mall right next door so of course you can use their parking too!

Be sure to check out their website (theflowerfields.com) because they have events just about every weekend.  They did have some vendors there, a children’s play area (Santa’s playground).  We enjoyed a band playing as we walked the grounds.  Other activities included a sweet pea maze, rose & theme gardens, American flag of flowers, antique tractor wagon rides.  Everywhere you turn you will find picture perfect settings!  The antique tractors are used to give guided tours, we didn’t do that but it looked like it would be worth the $20 per person.

Once you’re off the colorful hill, you’ll find plenty of other flowers to photograph!  I’m telling you, it’s a photographer’s paradise!! 

So here is your history lesson in a nutshell!  Louis Gage started growing the Giant Tecolote Ranunculus bulbs just south of Oceanside.  (Tecolote came from the owls that nested on his property).  The garden passed from Louis to Frank and finely to the grandson Edwin Gage.  Edwin managed to take the Ranunculus bulb from a single petal flower that was only availabe in yellow & red, to a full flower with several layers of petals.  Now you can find the ranunculus in a range of 13 different colors!  Needless to say he eluded his competitors and that left him the only commercial ranunculus grower in the US.  In 1993 Edwin was ready to retire;  Paul Ecke Jr formed a joint venture with grower Mellano & Company to continue growing the beautiful flowers.  In 1999 Armstrong Garden Centers entered a retail arrangement with Paul & Mellano & Company thus The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch was born!

So I say GO!!  It will make you smile!

Legoland Hotel, Carlsbad/San Diego, CA

We were going to go eat dinner at the Legoland Hotel, (just up the hill from the Flower Fields).  The hotel is sooooo cute!  If you have kids, it’s a must see, stay at or just visit!  The outside of the building looks like it was put together with legos.  Of course the lobby is kid friendly!  Everywhere you look you’ll find the professional lego characters displayed all around.  AND, you’ll find lego pits all for kids & adults to start building.

So we found their 2 restaurants, one is a buffet that had a huge selection of food to choose from.  The buffet was $25 per adult & $10 per child and we just weren’t hungry enough to stay.  The décor was very kid friendly, (duh), bright colors, table cloths they could color on and of course the lego creations throughout the dining area.  Right across the hall was Skyline Café, and it was a little more like a lounge, well like a lounge in a kids building if you catch my drift.

Anyway, we ended up at a chain restaurant.  But again, nothing against the hotel!  I say it’s a must see!  If you have kids……It would be a fabulous place to stay!!  BTW, I neglected to mention that Legoland is right outside the door!!  (Sorry, I feel I’ve failed you all as a travel agent….I didn’t get rates!!!  But you know I’d be happy to book you a room if you decide to stay there!)

 

Saddleback Church

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

 

Saddleback Church – 1 Saddleback Pkwy, Lake Forest, CA

So what better place to spend Easter then at Saddleback Church?!  Saddleback Church is world famous as the Purpose Driven Church.  Rick Warren is the Senior Pastor and author of the Purpose Driven Life.  Right away you will be in awe of the beautiful campus.  Everywhere you look, you’ll find regal palms, little streams, green grassy knolls, grottos and beautiful flowers everywhere.  But beyond the visual beauty you get a sense of love and caring from the people.

Saddleback Church in listed as one of the top 5 largest churches in the USA, but I didn’t really feel that.  The Worship Center seats around 3000, but you will find several comfortable outdoor patio areas to watch the service.  They also have several venues going on while the live service was going on.  By “venues”, it just means different types of music.  They have one venue that plays rock & roll Christian music, another that sings hymns, and finally a praise venue that has a choir and offer gospel choruses.  So the music is live and the message that is going on in the Worship Center is cued up to play in the different venues.

 

Saddleback also has 12 local campuses!  Some of those are even way bigger then my home church in Kansas!  Three of their local campus’s had over 3000 people on Easter.  It is also exciting to see that Saddleback will be launching international church locations!

This is an active church.  I would challenge anyone to not find something going on every night of the week.  As of today they offer 2 Saturday night services, 2 Sunday morning services and 1 Sunday night service that caters to the 20 something.  Besides having a plethora of different bible studies to choose from, they have Zumba classes, fitness classes, art studio, creative dance, and the list goes on & on.  The church has thousands of volunteers that keep the church moving & shaking.  They have volunteers that operate their video cameras during the service, production teams, greeters, tram drivers, traffic volunteers, ushers, teachers, medical people, again I am in awe at how the people of this church have a servants heart.

Your children will LOVE attending classes here.  They have a nursery building and a Children’s building for kids in grades 1^st – 6^th.  Each floor has a bright fun common area where the kids gather together and do FUN kid worshiping, and then they divide out into class rooms.  The security is handled very well.  You are issued a “swipe ”card that is to be used every time you check your child in and out.  The Refinery is THE place for the pre-teen & teens.  To keep the teens busy……skate park, basket ball, pool tables, games, café, burger place…..you name it….whatever a teen enjoys can be found at the Refinery.  AGAIN, for you nay-sayers, that’s all attractive to the teens, but I’ve seen a lot of lives changed in that building.  They are building future leaders of faith every day.  The Refinery is also a community building of sorts.  It has cafes, burgers and eventually a pizza parlor.  Adults share the building for all kinds of events, the football viewing comes to mind!  Sports fans gather together to watch football in the auditorium which has state of the art screens!

Have you ever heard of Celebrate Recovery?  That recovery program was started by John Baker from Saddleback Church.  It is a HUGE programs that helps people with their hurts, hang up, and additions.  Besides supporting a local Celebrate Recovery that occurs every Friday, this program also offers 1 day conferences all over the USA and a Summit that lasts for 3 days on the Lake Forest campus.  People from all over the world emerge on this church for the CR Summit.  The testimony of changed lives will touch your heart strings guaranteed! 

They have a building on the campus the represents their “local” Peace plan.    That building houses a food pantry, and medical a medical clinic.  I love that they also provide counseling to people in need.

So if you’re looking for a church to visit that preaches the word of God from the bible I encourage you to visit this beautiful church.  I think you’ll run into several beautiful souls there!

 

 TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

 

Rose Bowl Flea Market – Pasadena

This is the MOTHER of all flea markets!!  There are miles and miles of treasures to be found.  The flea market is open the second Sunday of every month, rain or shine.  We parked for free, and entry was only $8 per person 9am-3pm.  However, this is the only place I know of that the entry price goes up the earlier you come!   For example:

$20 Express admission 8am-9am / $15 Early admission 7am-8am / $20 preview VIP admission 5am-7am

As a 1^st timer it was overwhelming!   I had a few things to keep my eye out for, but trust me….you can find about anything there.  As you enter you’ll learn that vintage/antiques are one direction, crafts and new items another direction.  The tents are set up completely around the Rose Bowl arena.  As you can imagine, the later you stay the busier it gets.

So what did I see?!  Spices, chandeliers, retro furniture, antique furniture, vintage clothes & jewelry, metal signs, typewriters, globes, china, trunks, pocket watches, silver, toys, postcards, scarves, church relics, purses, animal skins rugs. Glasses…..I could go on & on!

You will find plenty of food stands, and shade.  So be sure to take a minute and relax, trust me, it helps to rejuvenate before you head back out to the shopping extravaganza!

 

 

Gamble House – Pasadena

4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA

I just love the neighborhoods in Pasadena.  Actually the whole town just has a great vibe to it.  As we were driving around searching for houses used on movie sets, we ran across the Gamble House.  When we noticed that it was open for tours I immediately put it on our list of places to visit.

OK…..let's get the movie trivia out of the way……do you recognize the house?  (Sorry it’s kinda of a dark shot, didn’t feel right copying a photo off the internet.)

 

This house was Emmet Smith’s house in Back to the Future!!  I know!!!  To cool huh?!  However, if you take the tour, not ONE word is mentioned about the movie!  Not one trinket is sold in the gift shop!  Interesting huh?!  Who wouldn’t want to recognize such an AWESOME movie?!

With that said, I still enjoyed my tour, because I also love architecture!  Parking was free and adult entrance $12 per person.  They are closed on Monday.  Tuesday-Saturday 10am-500pm/Sunday 11:30am-500pm.

Gamble House is an example of the American Arts & Crafts style architecture.  The house and most all of the furnishings were designed by Charles & Henry Greene in 1908 for Mary Gamble.  The house stayed in the family until one of the children donated it to the city of Pasadena.  That is why it is so nicely kept intact.  The docent was very knowledgeable.  He was able to tell us every kind of wood, style, and impeccable details about every room. 

As you enter, it will take a minute for your eyes to adjust to the lighting.  They have kept the original lighting for the tour experience.  Here’s the bummer….no photography inside the house!!  WHATTTT?!  Yes, I followed the rules!  Oh ya, and no touching!  Some of the things I thought were cool:  3 secret panel doors as your standing in the entry!  One was a closet; one went to the kitchen, and one to the basement stairs.  They wanted the staff to be able to cut through from the kitchen to the front door, and then be able to slip “back into the woodwork!”  The docent pointed out that the only area we are unable to view were the servants living area…..guess why?!  Two college students get chosen to live in the Gamble House rent free for a year and that is where they reside!  Pretty cool huh?!  I also love the stained glass and the stair case!  I know the stair case has an Arts & Crafts style name, but it reminded me of a zig zag pattern.  I wasn’t able to take a photo, so be sure and look it up.  I also found the large doors & windows interesting, you could tell that the cross winds would keep the cool breezes weaving in & out of the rooms.

I’m sure the Gamble House folks would choke if they heard me say this, but the interior & exterior reminds me of the Californian Hotel at Disneyland!  Very warm artsy feeling.

Finely, I thought I’d share a little bit about the Gambles.  Yes, they were the “Gambles” from Proctor & Gamble.  David Berry Gamble was a second generation member of the Proctor & Gamble Company in Cincinnati.  He had already retired from the business when his wife Marry Huggins Gamble began spending her winters out in Pasadena.  It was just a matter of time before they made the move to Pasadena to enjoy the beautiful weather.  David & Mary lived at the Gamble House until they passed away in 1923 & 1929. 

The tour will end at their garage which is actually a book store, the book store that you buy your tickets to take the tour!  So you come full circle!  If you’re expecting to learn a biographical history lesson about the Gambles, you don’t really get that.  If you are expecting to see Doc, from Back to the Future…..Good luck!  But if you love architecture and all of the details …..this is the tour for you!

TMZ - Los Angeles, CA

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

 

TMZ Tour – LA, CA

Ok, those of you that know me know I love the Hollywood Vibe!  With it being Award season I’m in my Hey Day!  TMZ has a website, TV show and tours that you can pick up in Hollwood. TMZ stands for “Thirty Mile Zone”.  They cover the Hollywood news within 30 miles of the original guild location which is now the Beverly Center.

We pre-purchased our $49per person tickets and our tour lasted 1 ½ hours.  We picked up our voucher at a stand located in the Chinese Theatre area.  From there they directed us up to the next floor to wait for our ride in a candy store located in the Dolby Theatre (Formally the Kodak Theatre).  Just gotta give a shout out to “Sweet” it was a fun store!  Make your own candy bar, Wonka chocolate, all kinds of fun treats!

The shuttles that we rode on were comfortable.  Two seats on either side, I’m guessing it seated around 24.  You have a roof over your head; however there are no sides to the shuttle, so it’s kinda cool to have that inside/outside feel.  The driver & the guide are 2 different people so you do don’t have to worry about the driver being distracted.  Our guide’s name was Nazarene, she did an awesome job.  The guides also work over at TMZ and often you’ll see them on the tv program.  Nazarene encouraged us to be on the lookout for celebrities and if we find any they have a handy cam ready so that they can put it on their program. 

Besides the guides being very knowledgeable, we also have video clips that will explain some of the places we are seeing.  This tour mainly covers the restaurants, jails, clubs, and stores celebrities frequent.  If you are expecting to see homes, this is not the tour for you. 

Sad to say…..we didn’t see any stars!  We zoomed in on who we THOUGHT was Joe Jonas at "The Ivy," but no, it wasn't him! Oh well….it was still fun!  Do plan on tipping your guide at the end of the tour.

So are you interested in my restaurant suggestions?!  Well we like several places in LA/Hollywood area, but since it was our friends’ birthday we went to one of his favorites….El Coyote! (12 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles) Located just down from CBS Studios.  Prices are very reasonable and the atmosphere is very fun and family oriented.  The March family opened the restaurant back in 1931.  The waitresses where bright colored, hand embroidered skirts and blouses.  They can seat over 300 people, and that does include an outdoor patio.  I love any restaurant strings “Christmas” lights”.  El Coyote’s ceiling is covered with the multi colored lights!  Again, fun & festive.  Here is a sad but interesting fact….those of you that are old enough to remember the Manson murders?  Sharon Tate’s last meal was at the El Coyote, we were told she dined at a booth that you pass as your walking to the bathrooms. 

Balboa park - San Diego

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

As I’ve mentioned before…..I’m a beginner blogger!  So, I apologize ahead of time that you’re supporting me in the infancy of my blog.  One concern I have, I’ve heard that people have posted comments to me, but I have been unable to see them on my end.  So I’d like to apologize, and I’ll look into this.  In the meantime, please know that you can send your questions or travel needs to me at travelbynic@yahoo.com.  THANK YOU!!

Balboa Park – San Diego

So where can you take in BEAUTIFUL architecture, have a plethora of museums available to you, performing arts theatres, restaurants and beautiful manicured gardens everywhere you look?!  Balboa Park!  Plan on spending the WHOLE day!

There is no cost to wander around the beautiful grounds, it is a photographers  playground!  Don’t be surprised to see wedding parties throughout the park.  If you choose to go into the museums the cost will vary.  We went to view a Chocolate Exhibit, so it only cost us $17 per person to see the exhibit in the Natural History Museum, and then we had access to wonder through the rest of the museum.  There are a total of 14 museums, so if you’d like to spend the whole day and experience it all!  Here are 2 of the options: 1). $49 per person for access to all 14 museums or 2). $39 per person for access to 5 of the museums.

Wanna hear about the Chocolate Exhibit in the Natural History Museum?!  As soon as you enter the exhibit you smell the chocolate scent being pumped through the rooms.  You’re so desperate for chocolate by the time you end the tour that you end up spending all you money in the chocolate store!  In the store you will find Hersey’s, but you will also find Swiss, French, and other original chocolates from around the world.  Nothing like starting out with info about the end of the tour rather than the beginning of the tour!!  I thought the exhibit was ok.  I loved the beginning of the tour where we see how chocolate (cacao) starts in pods hanging from trees.  I learned that no machine can harvest the cacao off the trees; it’s all done by hand.  Once the pod is open the beans inside remind me of coffee beans.  Chocolate was 1^st served to Kings as a very bitter drink.  Eventually the Europeans got their hands on the cacao beans and they figured out how to add sugar to the bitter bean.  Finely, Nestle was able to make a milk chocolate which is more difficult than one may think, trying to keep the oil from separating from the milk was tricky!  So why was the exhibit just ok?  I wish they would have had even more displays, and some of them were dimly lit.  PLUS……after smelling chocolate through the whole experience I was totally hoping to see chocolate being made, or a free sample….but no, just a store where we spent our money!

So on this posting I’m going to load you up with photos because every topic deserves some awesome representation!  So here’s a little history about the park.  Balboa Park started with 1400 acres of land when a wealthy contributor Kate Sessions offered to plant 100 trees a year within the park as well as donating other trees & shrubs throughout San Diego, if she could have 32 acres within the park boundaries for a commercial nursery.  So there you go, which came 1^st  the beautiful gardens or the beautiful buildings?  Answer:  The beautiful foliage!

The next big change to the park was when it hosted the 1^st Worlds Fair!  The 1915-1916 Panama-California Exposition.  Where several of the Parks beautiful building  were added.  More extensive landscaping  was done and the park started being called the “Garden Fair”.  Outside the building housing the Natural History Museum you will gasp at the size of the parks landmark tree, the Moreton Bay fig.  This tree was planted before 1915 and is over 60 feet tall with a spread of 120 feet! 

 

The Famous San Diego Zoo was established on the grounds the 2^nd year of the exposition.

But wait……the park hosted another World’s Fair in 1935-26.  The California Pacific International Exposition.  So even more beautiful buildings and theatres were added.  I’m sure I’m not giving Balboa Park it’s due justice, but I’m hoping that my photos will give you an idea of what you will encounter.  My head was spinning taking it all in!

 

Parking was free and they do have trams that work the grounds of the park.  I’d love to give you dinning advise, but we did not try any of the restaurants; However, the Prada is on my radar and I hope to dine there next time I visit.  It does look pricey, but I spotted an appetizer that I know would please my taste buds!  Let me know if you all have any recommendations!!

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!