Me standing outside of the Gamble House.

The Gamble House – Pasadena’s Craftsman Masterpiece

July 23, 2018, 2 Comments

California is renowned for its Craftsman architecture. But, if I’m totally honest, I’m really not the biggest fan of the American Craftsman Movement of the late 19th and early 20th century. That isn’t to say I can’t appreciate it, as it proved to be innovative, and even influential on Mid-Century Modern, but still, I really…

Canter's sign outside, black with yellow letters reading "Canter's" smaller letters read "restaurant, bakery, delicatessen"

Rock ‘n Roll’s Favorite Jewish Deli

July 18, 2018, 3 Comments

Canter’s Deli is borderline synonymous with Hollywood, but it is just as well loved by rock ‘n rollers as it is movie stars, and it was the late night place for the bands of the 1960s, and it’s said to be the only Jewish deli on the west coast to rival one of the east…

Me sitting at one of the gorgeous turquoise and white booths.

Grand Re-Opening of George’s 50s Diner in Long Beach

June 25, 2018, 1 Comment

On December 16, 2016, one of Long Beach’s historic landmarks was in trouble. A fire tore through George’s 50s Diner, leaving the interior of this Googie masterpiece completely gutted. Miraculously the exterior was virtually untouched. But it was still a long road to rebuild, and a year and a half later, this icon is open…

The Hidden Remains of MAS*H in Malibu Creek Park

May 22, 2018, 1 Comment

I watched a lot of the channel TV Land as a kid, and one of my favorite shows was M * A * S * H, which revolved around the 4077th mobile army surgical hospital (that’s what “MASH” stands for in case you were wondering) in Korea during the Korean War. At some point I learned…

Vasquez Rocks: Outlaw Hideout Turned Hollywood Filming Location

May 8, 2018, 3 Comments

What do Westworld, The Wild Wild West, Star Trek, Army of Darkness, and Zorro all have in common? Well, aside from being awesome, they all, at one point or another, filmed at Vasquez Rocks. For me, Vasquez Rocks is a gorgeous natural landscape that is a perfect meld of my favorite things – it is…

Mission San Gabriel

April 30, 2018, 2 Comments

I love me a twofer – and that is exactly what I got this weekend with Mission San Gabriel Arcángel. First, I enjoy visiting California’s gorgeous missions, and want to make it to all of them. Second, I love me a filming location, especially when it’s from my favorite TV show, The Adventures of Brisco…

Bronson Canyon – The Batcave and More

February 6, 2018, 1 Comment

Over the years on the blog, I have made my love of two particular TV shows, Batman and The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., very apparent, whether through cosplay, cons, museum visits, or filming locations. One thing these two shows have in common is the use of the Bronson Canyon and Caves as a filming…

Paramount Ranch: Set to Screen

February 2, 2018, 5 Comments

Over the last week my friend Mel (of Deela Designs) was staying with us. Mel is a fellow cosplay friend, with a passion for all things nerdy, and during her stay we had many fun adventures, including a visit to Paramount Ranch. Like me, Mel enjoys HBO’s Westworld, and after she heard about my visit…

Find The Forbidden Zone Tucked Away in Malibu’s Point Dume

August 9, 2017, 1 Comment

It should be noted in advance that this post talks about the ending of the 1968 film Planet of the Apes and contains spoilers. In the ever long list of places to go and things to do here in California, filming locations are one of my favorite things to go out and visit. The Point…

Diamonds are Forever Filming Locations

April 14, 2017, 4 Comments

When Patrick and I decided to stop in Vegas on our way to Idaho, I suggested we stay at Circus Circus, as I am a fan of the James Bond film Diamonds are Forever, as the hotel is featured in the film. I also found two more locations used in the film nearby! I think it’s…