February 9th, 2015 at 2:00 pm
What:
Think you’ve got a tough commute?
It’s nothing compared to the Great Race of 1908, the first and only around-the-world auto race from New York to Paris – with significant delays westbound on the Pacific (ocean, not highway).
Dress to the ’08s and join the San Luis Obispo Symphony’s fundraising salute to the 22,000-mile journey at the 27th Annual Ball & Auction. You’ll be treated to a champagne reception, formal dinner, spirited dancing, fabulous wine, and enticing auction items. If you can’t find any 1908 attire deep in your closet, black tie is recommended. Scarves and goggles optional.
Where:
Embassy Suites San Luis Obispo
333 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
When:
(more…)
February 9th, 2015 at 12:00 pm
What:
All the Founding Fathers invite you to share their legacy with a free day of family fun at the 23rd Annual President’s Day Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley. Current fathers, mothers, kids and everyone else can enjoy activities including crafts, musical entertainment, storytelling, and presidential and first lady look-alikes. And what could be more presidential than munching down the hot dogs, pie and other all-American foods you can buy? Bring your appetite for history, too.
Where:
40 Presidential Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93065
When:
(more…)
February 9th, 2015 at 10:00 am
What:
Take a free tour of Hollyhock House, one of the few Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the Los Angeles area. The night of Feb. 13 only, the city of Los Angeles and the Barnsdall Art Park Foundation will open the iconic house with a tumultuous past for self-guided tours for 24 hours.
Wealthy oil heiress Aline Barnsdall commissioned Wright to design the massive, almost medieval castle with a Mayan motif in the Los Feliz neighborhood, and construct began in 1913. Named for Barnsdall’s favorite flower, it had 17 rooms, seven bathrooms and a central garden court. But she detested the house so much, she arranged to give it away before it was finished.
Following its recent restoration, Hollyhock House will reopen for paid, self-guided day tours Thursdays through Sundays on Feb. 15. Photography not permitted.
Where:
Barnsdall Art Park Foundation
4800 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
When:
(more…)
February 6th, 2015 at 9:30 am
When it’s time to pop the question, Santa Barbara has the answer. The seaside city is known for its white-sand beaches and lovely architectural settings, but there are lots of other places in town to become betrothed amid the beauty of it all. Here are some suggestions to get the heart(s) racing.
Franceschi Park and House
The house isn’t much to look at, but the panoramic views are stunning. In this 40-acre city park 800 feet above sea level rests a dilapidated mansion surrounded by what was once one of the finest gardens in California. Built by Italian immigrant and horticulturist Francesco Franceschi in 1893, it was the first home of the Southern California Acclimatizing Society, a group dedicated to botanical study and plant cultivation. The gardens and house have long lost their original glory, but the spectacular views of the city and Pacific Ocean are as OMG-worthy as ever, especially at sunset.
(more…)
February 6th, 2015 at 9:30 am
Orange County has its fill of amusement parks, museums and upscale shopping malls for couples to enjoy. But when the time comes to get serious about the relationship, you might consider less-crowded places to unveil the ring box. Here are some creative ideas for starting a lifelong journey.
OC Helicopters
Maybe it’s not halfway to the moon, but proposing in the clouds on a custom flight by OC Helicopters is a good way to increase your odds. Select from a variety of flyovers such as Laguna Beach, county beaches, whale watching, or create your own adventure. If you’d rather get down on one knee, pop the question, land for a great dinner, and then fly off into the stars, there’s heli-dining with a stop at a leading O.C. restaurant. Canine companionship also is available: Ask the pilot to bring “Chief Pup in Charge” Max along as a lap dog.
(more…)
