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There’s A Mini Replica Of Disneyland In Anaheim Hills That You Can Actually Visit
If there’s one thing that can surpass the grandeur of Disneyland, it’s another Disneyland, but in mini scale. And there’s someone in Orange County who has managed to create it… We’re talking about architect David Sheegog and his wife Frances Sheegog. Together, they have spent the last two decades building the Disney-themed backyard garden, Castle Peak And Thunder Railroad as a hobby. As he told Inside The Magic, he wanted to design a fun yard for his three homeschooled children. He saw the railroad as a perfect “Learning Laboratory” where they could explore various fields like electrical engineering, computer programming,...
Wayfarers Chapel, A Historic Celebrity-Wedding Chapel Designed By Lloyd Wright, Will Be Deconstructed
Undoubtedly an icon of pop culture, the Wayfarers Chapel designed by Lloyd Wright in the late 1940’s has been the chosen venue for celebrity weddings such as Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay or Brian Wilson and Melinda Ledbetter, besides being the shooting location for The O.C, Lucifer, and 90210. Today, it’s making headlines not for its ties to Hollywood, but because it will be dismantled starting next week. The historic chapel had been indefinitely closed due to safety reasons last February, because of the accelerated land movement in the area where it is located. These ground movements, such as landslides, are not new, but have been ongoing for years, with the event in February being ‘the last straw’. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Secret Los Angeles (@secret.losangeles) A post shared by Secret Los Angeles (@secret.losangeles)
This Mysterious Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Is Set To Open In Palm Springs
If you’re a lover of literature and cocktails, you’re not going to want to miss this unique Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy in Palm Springs. Coming to town for a limited time, the interactive show and cocktail experience will retell four of Poe’s most infamous works of literature in a captivating, spine-chilling manner. The experience will only be at Revolution Stage Company in Palm Springs from June 27th to 29th, so be sure to grab tickets here before it vanishes! Reserve your seats today for a hauntingly good time! Although over a century and a half has gone by since Edgar Allan Poe passed away, his works of gothic horror and detective fiction continue to leave quite the mark. Inside the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy, guests will listen to retellings of some of Poe’s most infamous tales – with a modern spin, of course. The sinister stories include classics like The Raven, Masque of Red Death and The Tell-Tale Heart.
California’s Oldest Neighborhood Is Just An Hour Outside Of Los Angeles
When it comes to planning a day trip from Los Angeles, history lovers will want to make the one-hour drive to nearby San Juan Capistrano. This storied city in southern Orange County is centered around Mission San Juan Capistrano. It’s also notable for holding the oldest neighborhood in California: The Los Rios Historic District. Here’s everything to know about this ancient piece of local history. In 1776, Spanish missionary Junípero Serra founded Mission San Juan Capistrano as the seventh of 21 Spanish missions in California. The mission system subjugated tens of thousands of indigenous people to the devastating effects of...
How To See The Northern Lights In Southern California
If you’re reading this from southern California, your timeline today likely has been divided between jokes about not being able to see The Northern Lights, to those who got in their car, some driving between just 15 minutes more inland to 2 hours to the desert, to chase a glimpse of the phenomenon. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are typically visible in the lower polar regions. This natural light display happens when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating breathtaking patterns of light in the sky. And this year, an unusually strong geomagnetic storm has made it possible for Southern Californians to witness this rare spectacle. Residents across Southern California saw the Northern Lights last night. According to the National Weather Service in San Diego, tonight, May 11, 2024, also looks promising for viewing this phenomenon. NWS San Diego recommends that coastal viewers from Los Angeles down to Orange County and San Diego head north or east to avoid expected high cloud cover. Visibility will depend on weather, pollution, and cloud cover. The NWS map suggests that areas in the blue coloring may be ideal for viewing the Northern Lights.
Discover These Unique Places To Stay In and Near L.A. For An Unforgettable Experience
We all need a little change of scenery every now and then, but luckily Angelenos don’t have to travel too far for it. As much as we love L.A., there’s simply no better way to miss it than getting to know the surrounding lands and discovering (or rediscovering) some of its many amazing spots and unusual hotels. That being said, let’s dive into our list of top unique places to stay in L.A. Gaze into the Milky Way at the rural escape in New Cuyama, California. These designer wagons by Blue Sky Center are the perfect marriage of old-world charm and modern finishes. You can gather a fire pit in the communal area to light up those S’mores fairy lights. It allows you to truly unplug from city life without sacrificing all the modern comforts, which is what the perfect weekend getaway should be all about. 📍 Location: 1000 Perkins Rd, New Cuyama, CA 93254 A post shared by Sacred Sands Joshua Tree (@sacredsandsjoshuatree/)
Los Angeles Number 1 In The U.S. For Street Art According To Study
Where there’s a city rich in culture, there are artists ready to spread some of their own. It’s no secret that Los Angeles has a thriving art scene pulsating daily. From free galleries to abandoned skyscrapers being seen as a prime real estate for graffiti — our city is a haven for street art, and we have the numbers to prove it. According to Casino Betway, we are the hotspot for some of the best street art around the world. They analyzed 132 cities from around the world using these metrics: A post shared by Secret Los Angeles (@secret.losangeles) When it comes to street art in the U.S. — Los Angeles knows how to do it. According to the study, L.A. comes in at number one for street art in the nation. Our city is home to most street art murals of all time, with a whopping number of 2,272 in the city. We also have the most Instagram posts around street art out of all the major cities in the U.S. with 222,486 posts!
This Hidden Alley In Pasadena Is A Charming Replica of London’s Historic Burlington Arcade
Tucked away in Pasadena, Burlington Arcade is a charming shopping destination that brings a slice of London to California. This quaint corridor invites visitors to step into a world reminiscent of historic British malls, with its beautiful wood-framed curved windows, an iconic red telephone box, and graceful arches, the architecture here transports you straight to London. Burlington Arcade in Pasadena is inspired by the historic Burlington Arcade in London, which dates back to 1819. The term “shopping arcade” in British English refers to a place where a series of shops are connected under one roof, much like historic malls. The original arcade is known for its elegant design and upscale boutiques, serving as one of the earliest examples of covered shopping galleries in Europe. Pasadena’s version, built in 1980, captures this charm, providing a European escape right in Los Angeles. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mandarin Coffee (@mandarincoffeestand) A post shared by Mandarin Coffee (@mandarincoffeestand)
Get Ready To Step Into The Shoes Of Soccer’s GOAT At L.A.’s New Messi Experience
Soccer-loving Angelenos, listen up! Beginning June 14th, a multimedia Messi experience will open in L.A., inviting you to embark on a one-of-a-kind journey into the life and career of soccer’s GOAT. Complete with cutting-edge technology, interactive activities, and a fascinating glimpse into Messi’s roots, The Messi Experience will soon open at The Stage at Casitas. And now, tickets are officially on sale. Snag tickets here to step into an exhibition filled with compelling stage design, captivating storytelling, and more! The technology-driven Messi Experience will take you through each step of Messi’s rise to stardom, from his humble beginnings in Rosario, Argentina to his unstoppable pursuit of World Cup glory.
How To Spend A Day In Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo Neighborhood
Little Tokyo is a historic district in Los Angeles dating back 140 years, making it one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. It’s one of only three Japantowns in the United States, of which the other two are in San Francisco and San Jose. Recently, Little Tokyo was named one of America’s most endangered places by the National Trust For Historic Preservation, due to high rates of displacement and gentrification. Angelenos are lucky to enjoy many small cultural districts throughout the city, and we wanted to get to the bottom of what makes Little Tokyo so unique. Here we’ve...
Freebies And Discounts Teachers Can Score For Teacher Appreciation Week
It’s currently Teacher Appreciation Week — where we get to shower our amazing teachers with love, gratitude, and all the appreciation they deserve for impacting our lives through education. If you’re a teacher, it’s time to be spoiled this week and beyond. We collected all the best freebies and discounts out there for you! 🍎 Please note that in order to claim most of these, a valid ID such as a school ID badge is required. There you have it! Happy Teacher Appreciation Week — show some love to our beloved educators.
Downtown Disney Debuts 3 New Restaurants By Mexico’s First Michelin-Starred Chef
As Disney continues to enhance its dining scene in Florida, it’s also moving forward with ambitious plans like a $1.9 billion expansion in Anaheim. Amidst this growth, Anaheim’s Downtown Disney District is now home to three new restaurants from Chef Carlos Gaytán, the first Mexican-born Michelin-starred chef, in collaboration with the Patina Restaurant Group. Chef Gaytán, originally from Huitzuco, Guerrero, Mexico, achieved his Michelin milestone at Mexique in Chicago, where he combined his mastery of French culinary techniques with his Mexican heritage. He now brings his signature style to Anaheim’s Downtown Disney District, introducing three new restaurants: Paseo, Céntrico, and Tiendita. A post shared by Paseo Anaheim (@paseoanaheim) Paseo offers a more refined, yet personal dining experience where Chef Carlos Gaytán showcases his culinary heritage. In a contemporary dining room with rich woods and native Mexican accents, guests can enjoy elevated versions of Gaytán’s childhood favorites like cochinita pibil, a pork dish inspired by his mother’s recipe, and pulpo enamorado, a roasted octopus dish with creamy tuna aioli.
This New California Law Bans Hidden Fees And Service Charges
Those hidden fees you see at the end of your dinner bill or during the purchase of a concert ticket will become a thing of the past under this new California law. Come July 1, 2024 — the state of California will enforce a new law, Senate Bill 478 (SB478) — which prohibits restaurants and businesses from imposing surcharges as part of an effort to eliminate hidden fees. For example, under the new legislation, restaurant service fees must be integrated into menu prices rather than being charged separately. A post shared by Rob Bonta (@agrobbonta) “California is eliminating hidden fees,”...
Best Weekend Retreats Less Than 3 Hours Away From L.A.
While Los Angeles offers amazing spots for an incredible staycation, urban living can be taxing, making occasional respites not just desired but imperative. Whether your heart longs for mountains, beaches, or quaint small towns, here are our top selections for the finest weekend retreats from Los Angeles, all within a three-hour drive. Weekend getaways from Los Angeles don’t get much better than Santa Barbara. Travelers will find themselves embraced by a stunning shoreline, a myriad of dining options, and a rich cultural heritage. The sandy beaches offer perfect spots for sunbathing, while adventure-seekers can indulge in surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. For a fresh perspective of the shore, hop on a boat tour or cruise departing from the harbor. 🚗 Driving time: 1.5 to 2 hours 📸 Must see: Stearns Wharf, Old Mission, Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara In summer, visitors can swim, jet ski, or kayak on the lake’s clear waters or hike through pine forests. Baldwin Lake Stables offers horseback rides through the serene countryside. In winter, Big Bear transforms into a ski destination, featuring Snow Summit and Bear Mountain resorts
Los Angeles Is One Of The Best Cities For Book Lovers According To Study
Los Angeles isn’t just a city full of stars and films — it’s also a haven for book lovers! According to a recent study, it’s one of the best cities for bibliophiles. Lawn Love hit the books and compared the 500 biggest cities across the United States based on four categories — such as access to bookstores, libraries, and book clubs, among 16 total metrics. This landed Los Angeles as the overall number 4 spot for book lovers! Here’s how Los Angeles scored across the board: Here’s how we compare to other major California cities: We may not be number 1 now, but we are in our hearts! From cozy independent bookstores like Octavia’s Bookshelf tucked away in historic Pasadena to our grand L.A. public libraries full of towering shelves of knowledge — Los Angeles offers an incomparable tapestry of literary experiences for bookworms across the city.
This Century-Old “Pirate Tower” Is Just An Hour Outside Of Los Angeles
It’s not often that us Californians get to experience an ancient, old-world relic, and local adventurers are often thrilled to stumble across this hidden gem evoking a swashbuckling fairytale. This is the Victoria Beach Pirate Tower, a 60-foot-tall concrete tower with a conical roof that you’ll find butting up against a rocky cliff face. For the more imaginative among us, it looks like something out of a fantasy film; and for the more practically-minded, it makes for a dramatic photograph with a backdrop of crashing waves and brilliant sunsets. You’ll find the Pirate Tower in Laguna Beach, California, a small...
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Secret Los Angeles is your guide to things to do and places to go in L.A., from events and culture to the best restaurants, bars and attractions.
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