Category

Places to Explore

Tourist traps, museums, neon, places to grab a bite to eat, and rest your head.

Dumbo ride vehicle, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride ride vehicle, with a devil in the background.

Forgotten Disneyland Attractions at the Van Eaton Pop-Up Exhibit

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Last week I was invited to a preview party of the That’s From Disneyland pop-up exhibit that just opened to the public yesterday, and it was all sorts of amazing. The pop-up exhibit showcases items from Richard Kraft’s collection, including vintage souvenirs, posters, ride vehicles and more. All of which will be going to auction…

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Me riding the carousel.

Exploring the Historic Santa Monica Pier

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Nothing quite says summer like a day at the beach, especially if that beach is lucky enough to have a pier filled with rides such as a carousel, roller coaster, and more. Around the turn-of-the-century California’s coast was dotted with what was known at the time as “pleasure piers” a wooden boardwalk that jutted over…

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Me standing outside of the Gamble House.

The Gamble House – Pasadena’s Craftsman Masterpiece

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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…

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Standing next to one of the traveling theaters, where puppets sit.

Peek Inside America’s Oldest Puppet Theater

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Recently we visited The Bob Baker Marionette Theater for a friend’s birthday. It was our second visit to what is the oldest puppet theater in the United States, and it was just as trippy and wonderful as the first time. For the afternoon we got the party room all to ourselves before the show, and…

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The main entrance today. White double doors with trim, an arched faux window that is really a mirror is above.

The Remains of West Hollywood’s Kitschy New Orleans Themed LGBT Headquarters

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Recently I was out photographing a building for an upcoming post, and as I was shooting Patrick and I began to talk about where to go for lunch. I snapped away as he looked on his phone and said “Well, the place right next door is a New Orleans place. Oh, wait, it’s closed.” And…

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

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

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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…

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A Sneak Peek at Howard Johnson Anaheim’s Retro Redo

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There is nothing I like more than a mid-century business fully embracing their history and running with it, and that is exactly what the Howard Johnson here in Anaheim has done. Recently, this HoJo decided it was time for a renovation, and they looked to the past for inspiration. Located right across the street from…

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