Ashley & Winston
Things To Do
The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens
If you're staying at the Langham, don't miss the Huntington! (They once shared an owner in Southern California railroad tycoon Henry Huntington.) On an early date, we went here to see the annual blooming of the corpse flower. There are plenty of other less-odorous flowers in bloom, plus historic documents, art, and a fantastic gift shop.
Griffith Observatory
On our second date, we went for a bike ride into hilly Griffith Park. The bikes didn't get very far, but you can comfortably ride the DASH bus up to the Griffith Observatory for some great views, cool astronomy exhibits, and a laugh as you imagine Ashley trying to get her bike up those hills and eventually abandoning it on the side of the road.
Old Pasadena
Pasadena's historic commercial district, 22 blocks centered around famous Colorado Boulevard, is one of the LA area's most vibrant neighborhoods for shopping and dining. Take the hotel shuttle or park in one of the many garages (90 minutes free) and explore its mix of national chains, local shops and plenty of places to eat and drink.
York Boulevard
If you're on the younger and trendier side of our guest list, head to York Boulevard in Highland Park for a taste of one of LA's hippest neighborhoods. Great for an evening of dining and bar-hopping -- hop into the Hermosillo to see where we first met on an OK Cupid date over locally-brewed beer! Just down the street, Sonny's Hideaway and Huarache Azteca were the sites of some of our other early dates.
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Up early on Sunday? Then check out one of the world's biggest flea markets, held the second Sunday of each month at the famous Rose Bowl stadium. The quality of the vintage and antique items sets this flea market apart.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Want to take the kids somewhere they'll love, but don't want to drive to Disneyland? You can easily get to Universal Studios via rideshare -- or even on the train! On top of the rides, you can take a tour of the Universal studio lot for a window into the workings of Hollywood. (And if you're following in Ashley's footsteps, you'll make your way to Margaritaville.)
The Gamble House
A Pasadena classic and an outstanding example of American Arts and Crafts style architecture. The house and furnishings were designed by architects Charles and Henry Greene in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter & Gamble Company. Take a general or specialized tour -- adults are $15 and advance tickets are recommended.
Echo Mountain Trail
Want to stay in shape while you're in town? Head due north into the mountains for a challenging but popular hike, 2.5 uphill miles to the remains of an old mountaintop resort. It's Ashley's favorite training hike for backpacking trips -- reward yourself with a stop at Bulgarini, noted by famed critic Jonathan Gold as one of LA's best restaurants despite serving only gelato.
Norton Simon Museum
A fabulous small museum with a stellar collection given its relative size -- collection of European paintings and sculpture is among the most distinguished in North America. See a Monet, a Renoir and a Rembrandt without even getting on the freeway!
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
This vintage puppeteer shop is an LA classic, and recently moved to a new home in Highland Park. Both kids and adults will enjoy their Halloween Spooktacular!