Magic Castle, Hollywood, CA

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

Magic Castle, 7001 Franklin Ave, Hollywood, CA

FINELY!!!  I got to enter one of the exclusive clubs that has been on my list of things to do!  The Magic Castle is a beautiful Victorian building that is just a block away from the bustling Hollywood & Highland scene.  The only way you can get into the Magic Castle is to be invited by a magician!  It just so happened that our friends met a magician that offered us an invitation!

The Magic Castle is quite an experience.  It’s an adult only place (Except during their brunch on Saturday & Sundays).  I love that we are only allowed entry if the men are in suits and ties and the women in cocktail dresses (or nice business attire).  We went with a party of 8 and it was so great to experience this beautiful place with friends.  Just FYI…..you can NOT take photos on the inside!

Let me tell you a little about the castle.  The Magic Castle is the home of the Academy of Magical Arts.  Only magicians are members and it is meant to encourage and promote public interest in the art of magic.  The Magic Castle celebrates the magicians with the Academy of Magical Arts.  It offers magic classes, and promotes magic to young people through their Junior Society.

With full honesty disclosure…..magic is not a huge deal to me…sorry!  It was the beautiful building that I couldn’t wait to see!  I looked into the history of the building and here is what I learned.  The castle was a private home built in 1909 by a Rollin B Lane a real estate magnate.  A drought ended his dreams of growing orange fields and the family moved in the 1940’s.  At that time the mansion was divided into a multi-family home and then a home for the elderly.  Finally it was transformed into a maze of small apartments.  Thomas O Glover is the owner of the house but it was upon meeting Milt Larsen, a writer for an NBC show at the time, that changed the fate of the building to this day.  In 1963 Milt had magically transformed this Victorian into the Magic Castle.  As of today Neil Patrick Harris, from “How I met Your Mother & Doogie Howser”, is the President of the Magic Castle.

Ok, back to my experience.  You will have to have reservations AND be sure to bring a paper copy of your invite!  We had dinner reservations but we were sure to arrive in plenty of time before the dinner so that we could explore all of the magic rooms and hallways before we ate. As you pull in you’ll start to feel the “mystery” of the house.  Valet parking is the only parking available at $10 per vehicle.  Once in the lobby you will find the gift store and the reception.  At the reception you pay the entrance fee of $35 per person and at that time you are allowed entrance through the secret passage through a bookshelf!  Right away you’re trying to take it all in!  We were instructed to get in line right away for the “Close up” magic in the room to the left.  That took us to a mall room where we could watch a magician up close.  Behind the bar was Invisible Irma’s Room, where you learn about a piano player that has passed on but will still take requests if you put a dollar in the birdcage that sits on the piano.  What’s funny is even if you don’t request a song, you ask a question she answers with a song!!  Very fun.  From there we worked our way to the cellar where another magician was working coin tricks in an intimate setting.  Still in the cellar the winding hallway lead us to another cellar room where a magician had a small crowd around him while he performed tricks.  In the cellar you can escape to the Hat & Hare Pub, which resembles and English pub.  I also noticed that there is a bar menu filled with reasonable appetizers that include a Magic Burger, Pulled BQ Chicken sliders and Magic Castle’s Famous chili just to name a few items but not certain if that is available in all of the bars?  (There are 4 bars throughout the building.)

Time for dinner!  We worked our way up to the 2^nd floor.  Because we had such a large party we had the secluded Houdini room!  It was a round room filled with several of his magic prop’s that made him famous.  It is a round room that they also hold sequences in.  We also learned that the Board of Directors of the Magic Castle hold their meetings in this room.  Expect to spend at least $30 per person.  (That does not include drinks).  My petite steak was wonderful!  Still thinking about how tender it was!

After dinner we stayed on the 2^nd floor and worked our way through the dining area only to find a theater and more winding hallways!  We had tickets for the “big show” that was in the Palace of Mystery.  There we saw 4 acts that were great!  When we exited I noticed another smaller theater that we didn’t make it to.  We did wind down some stairs only to find another bar area filled with magician and awesome displays honoring dummies and Marinette.  Apparently puppets and magicians have worked hand in hand for a long time! 

We were at the Magic Castle for 6 hours and I know that we still didn’t see everything!  We just gotta go back!  If you can get your hands on an invite it is worth the experience but do expect to spend some money for this adventure!

Chinatown - Los Angeles / Chinese New Year!

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

 

Chinese New Year / Chinatown-LA / Between West College St & Bernard St

How fun to take this special day and celebrate it right in the heart of Chinatown!  We have experienced the Chinese new Years celebrations twice and both times have left me with a smile.  I just feel like I experienced a part of the world that I don’t normally get to enjoy the culture of!  Feb 1 2014 was the Chinese New Year.....the year of the horse!

To avoid crowded streets and parking lots we usually drive to Union Station (Train Station in LA) and park there.  You will have to pay for parking pretty much anytime your in Los Angeles.  Then we pick up the Gold Line which was about $4 round trip.  From Union Station to Chinatown which is just the next stop up.

Prior to the parade you will find entertainment at different ends of the parade route.  We were sitting near bands providing music.  Farther down the road, in a blocked off parking lot where you can enjoy the Lions dance  where I appreciate the gymnastic the men & women are doing underneath their costumes.  Everywhere you walk you hear different sounds and smell different foods.  It just feels like I’m stepping into a different world!

I just have to say….Chinatown knows how to make confetti poppers!  We picked up these HUGE tubes that you just twist and colorful confetti shoots and ripples down the street in the wind!  The streets are littered with color even before the parade begins!  The parade lasts for about one hour and the cultural costumes are so beautiful.  You’ll see the traditional dragons float by you and the colorful lions that will gladly take a waving dollar into their mouths.  The parade has several marching bands, several floats and several horses.  We were thoroughly entertained!

Original Chinatown was established in 1871 and was demolished to make room for Union Station.  Several business were destroyed during this time and left with no place to go.  By 1938 New Chinatown had been constructed.  We found the parade running in the heart of the area between West College Street & Bernard Street.  Central Plaza was designed by a Hollywood film set and definitely gets the attention of tourists in the area. 

In this area you will find authentic Chinese food everywhere you turn!  We ate at a great bakery inside Central Plaza that had awesome almond cookies!

I have got to be honest…..I need to go back and soak up so more culture!  That area is rich in history and can teach me even more about the Chinese lifestyle.  I want to go back and visit museums, take a walking tour, eat at a local restaurant!  So I promise I will get back to you on my next adventure to Chinatown.  However……my advice is go! Take it all in!

Tournament of the Roses Floats – Float viewing

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

Tournament of the Roses Floats – Float viewing - Pasadena, CA

This is the 2^nd time we have viewed the Tournament of the Roses floats.  Both times I was truly amazed.  The floats are on display Jan 1 at 1pm, right after the parade and on Jan 2.  After that all of the floats are turned into mulch! 

I strongly recommend going to the Tournament of Roses website.  That site will offer 4 or 5 locations to park and ride a shuttle to see the floats.  Since parking is limited, near the floats this is an awesome idea!  We were able to sit on the shuttles before joining the 1000’s standing and waiting for the gates to open!  We paid $10 for the view and $5 for the shuttle ride.  (If you did not buy your tickets on the website they can be purchased at the parking lots the day of the event for the same price).

 

The gates open at 1pm, but we got to the parking lot around 12:00pm.  Once the shuttle dropped us at the gates we had to wait about 5 minutes before the crowd was allowed to enter.  You’ll find food stands there, Tournament of the Roses souvenirs and LOTS of beautiful photo taking.  A full day of fun for $15, not bad!  My only warning…..It is VERY, Very, very crowded, get there early!

Enough dialog…..this is one of those blogs that the photos speak louder than words!  ENJOY!

 

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!