Friday, June 24, 2011

Hidden hot spots in Fullerton

I love exploring Los Angeles's heritage...
In Northern Orange County, there is a free fabulous botanical garden and Heritage House, "Fullerton Arboretum".
In the middle of June, it was the season for ripe Oranges.  I saw many gorgeous flowers, a variety of herbs and a rare fruit grove in this historical orchard.








"Fullerton Arboretum"
1900 Associated Rd
Fullerton CA 92831
(657)278-3407










My most favorite tree was in the center of the garden.

It was a bunch of fluffy pink flowers on a big tree and all the flowers are in full bloom now in June. It was a fantastic view however somehow I felt something different around the tree...
The day I visited here was a Tuesday morning so not many people were around. I was alone and taking a little break under the tree. I saw an old lady walking by the tree. She was wearing a pink mini dress and pink shoes and was extremely pale. I felt I had to take her picture with the pink flowers...so I did.
After I came back home I researched about local legends and I found out about a "Pink Lady" ghost story. http://www.landofgraciousliving.com/have-you-seen-the-pink-lady-of-yorba-linda/ From this article she shows up every June 15th, I was there at almost the same time.  Could this be coincidence?? Maybe.






Right next to the tree is a gazebo covered in peas .

One of the coolest places in Orange County for the  summer!



All the peas are ripe and smell good.

This garden is inside the campus of CSUF and has its own free parking. It is easy access to be in the right spot.







Downtown Fullerton has so much to see. Around Harbor Blvd, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, museums, historical houses and parks. There is also an abundance of public art. This is one of the most charming downtowns in Orange County.















My favorite coffehouse is on Harbor Blvd.





817 North Harbor Blvd
Fullerton CA 92832
(714)525-6282

I love this cafe because it has so many sofas. They have art shows by local artists all the time.  Also there is live music most weekend evenings.




Fullerton has many unique side. They are also famous for classic car shows besides OC hardcore punk music scene!

Posted by Unknown at 9:37 PM
Labels:

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Hidden hot spots in San Diego

Balboa Park in one of the most gorgeous parks in the world. It is in San Diego which is 2.5 hours driving from Los Angeles.
Everything I saw in the park was so amazingly beautiful. There are 17 museums, 19 gardens, 3 theatres and the San Diego Zoo inside. If you really want to see everything it will take at least a week.





1549 El Prado
San Diego CA 92101
Tel: (619) 239-0512

This is one of the oldest sites for public recreational use in the US and it is on the National Register of Historic Places.  From 1865 to present this park has offered it's gifts to all who wish.
Now I know why San Diego is such a popular travel destination!





On a path between the zoo and the museums, there is a super cute spot for artists and art-lovers.


This is an artist community open for the public everyday from 11am to 4pm. You can enjoy shopping, meet a variety of artists and maybe even take some art classes.

When I visited there on a weekend in June, it was the "Potters Guild Sale". June is the season of Jacaranda in San Diego so the whole park is alive with purple.
Every Sunday, they have live music. I was lucky to listen to some elegant Bossa Nova music.

1770 Village Place
San Diego, CA 92101
(619)233-9050









This time I wanted to stay a night near by Balboa Park and find out about Old Town San Diego which is actually the Birthplace of California.


Walking distance from the center of old town, there is a cozy economic hotel "Western Inn".

Weekends at Old Town are very hard to park so I recommend walking anywhere you want to go.



3889 Arista St
San Diego, CA 92110

(619) 692-4063


The Old Town is absolutely party central and it totally looks like Rosarito, Mexico!
2470 San Diego Ave San Diego, CA 92110
(619)858-8226
http://www.fredsmexicancafe.com
With your family or friends, you will have a long night with tacos and margaritas.

It is also fun to shop at one of the over 100 stores on San Diego Ave.
 


In Old Town San Diego Historic Park, you can enjoy graceful Peruvian music at night surrounded by many historic sites.
4002 Wallace St
San Diego, CA 92110
(619)220-5422




On the edge of old town, there is a haunted spot if you want to feel icy...
"El Campo Santo Cemetery"
2410 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110
http://gothere.com/sandiego/Ghosts/El_Campo_Santo/default.htm








The second day in San Diego, I spent all day at the Zoo.

"San Diego Zoo"
2920 Zoo Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
(619)231-1515
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/index.php
The animals seem to enjoy a good life at the clean facility with gourmet food. 


I like to see their smile!
In spring to early summer you can see that the Flamingos are hatching. I was impressed to see Flamingo baby and the mother were kissing and hugging.


I became an annual pass holder of the San Diego Zoo even though I live in Los Angeles.  It is definitely worth it if you plan to visit more than once and the Safari Park is also included.














Posted by Unknown at 10:54 PM
Labels:

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Hidden hot spots in Disneyland Resort

I've been addicted to Disneyland and have been an annual pass holder for 2 years. I go there about two times a month.

The day I visited (June 3, 2011) was the opening day for the new "The Little Mermaid" ride. 
Disneyland seems to have a lots of new rides opening throughout this summer, I was very excited to hear the Little Mermaid was already open! 






You can get a cotton candy to have yourself some fun while you are on the line.  There is a variety of colors and tastes! 
After the little mermaid ride, if you want to see Princess Ariel... this is the restaurant, "Ariel's Grotto". This is character dining and you can meet all of the princesses during a 3 meal course. They serve appetizers before you order so it is perfect with your little hungry people. Their desert was big and yummy. If you can't finish it they have to go boxes for you.

"Ariel's Grotto"
at Disney California Adventure Park
Paradise Pier
(714)781-3463
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneys-california-adventure/ariels-grotto















If you are hungry for a real burger, "Taste Pilots Grill" is the place next by Soarin' Over California. They have a vegetable bar so you can make your own burger as you like it.

at Disney California Adventure Park
Golden State






My favorite hidden attraction in Adventure Park is the "Sorcerer's Workshop".

You can learn how to draw the Disney characters here. On this day I learned Pluto but they change the character every time.






In the evening at Adventure Park there is a huge Rave Party "Electronica" with techno DJ, dancers and outside bar!

I enjoyed watching the starting dance show of "TRON: Legacy".
This is a really amazing thing where you can experience exciting sounds and dance in Disneyland.



I love the night time in Disneyland. It is even better than daytime in summer.
Adventure Park has a wonderful beer garden and you can even buy a big Margarita! The Disneyland Park side doesn't serve alcohol.
Also you can get Teriyaki Beef or Thai Curry Chicken nearby the beer garden. This is the only Asian food in the entire Park.
at Disney California Adventure Park
Golden State







If you want to continue the Disney dream... Stay in the "Disneyland Hotel".
The room was hysterically cute because of everything so Mickey!
1150 Magic Way
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714)778-6600




There are 3 official Disney Hotels in the resort. This is the most classic of Disney's hotels and has more characters than any other.


Looking down on all of Disneyland resort from the room was a fantastic experience.




Downtown Disney also has many interesting stores and restaurants. Among  those that I love is one that serves New Orleans Cuisine "Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen".







They have a live Jazz band every night and at Sunday brunch. Time will be well spent here because there is nothing but great music and food.

at Downtown Disney District
(714)781-3463






From downtown Disney, if you already have a pass or ticket, you can ride the monorail to the inside of Disneyland Park.
This goes pretty fast through the middle of Disney Resort, it is fun to try.



I will introduce a little about Disneyland Park side too.



The most popular princess might still be Cinderella.

















The most hidden princess is Tiana from the "Princess and the Frog". You might see her at New Orleans Square in Disneyland Park. She actually sings some songs with a jazz band.  The other princesses can be found near the castle or at the princess theater.






My lunch spot in Disneyland Park is "Plaza Inn".
Their fried chicken is yummy and the sides are tasty! 
"Plaza Inn"
at Disneyland Park
Main Street
(714)781-3463
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/plaza-inn






When I want to eat good Mexican food, I go to "Rancho del Zocalo".
This is a casual fast food type of restaurant but their seating is very spacious and the atomosphere is elegant. It is a comfortable place to take a break.
"Rancho del Zocalo"
at Disneyland Park
Frontierland
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/rancho-del-zocalo-restaurante



Disneyland is becoming one of my power spots, because every time after I visit here I get more energy. Walking long distances and waiting in lines are not such bad things. It's actually a perfect work out for me!

Finding a special gift from the Disneyland store is a most exciting thing. I especially adore their accesories, they are so cute!
Posted by Unknown at 1:41 PM
Labels:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)