Ever since the IPIC closed down, I was on the hunt for a new, local theatre where I can sit down…read morecomfortably for a matinee showing. I didn't have to search very far because the Landmark Theatre filled the gap nicely. Sure, it feels like walking a tightrope to balance my own drink and glizzy to my seat everytime and I didn't have my very own pod to cocoon myself in, but their unlimited refill soda machine and friendly concession/ticketing staff more than makes up for the luxury conveniences I was once accustomed to :~D. Also, they have the best all-beef hot dog and seasoned fries in the game (perfect plumpness, length, and flavor) and where else can I get a Coke Zero Cherry?!?! Doing my best to support my local cinema and so should you.

This Landmark Theatre location is the one I visit the most, and it's my preferred Landmark…read morelocation. They offer a selection of the latest releases (including live Metropolitan Opera simulcasts), and they also show retro programming on Tuesdays. I can usually find free street parking in walking distance, and there's also a nearby city lot where you can pay by the hour depending on how long you need to park. The theaters have reclinable seats that are comfortable and plush. They also offer a selection of snacks and drinks (including alcohol) though I find their popcorn's texture to be mediocre. There can sometimes be some noise bleeding into a theater that's near a room playing a particularly loud movie, but I generally have a good movie watching experience here.

Cascades Park is a great place to hangout at, but lately it's been on a hydration strike (no…read morewaterfall). Still, you show up, because the vibes are solid!! It's got that whole sloped setup, so you can climb up, pretend you're earning your post-snack calories, and then chill at the top like you've conquered something. The view's nice, especially if you're holding a boba or street tacos like a true Monterey Park foodie!! At night though? That's when it redeems itself. The lights come on, everything glows, and suddenly it's giving romantic picnic energ even if the waterfall is still ghosting you.

I wish I lived near this quaint little park! My friend and I…read moreactually drove here with some egg tarts to have a snack but it's not exactly a destination spot. More of, we live in the neighborhood and are so lucky to have this park, type of spot. No playground or even a lot of grass to frolic on. There is parking though if you do want to venture for a little scenic outdoor dining like I did. That being said, it's gorgeous! I could see this being a great spot to take photos or just enjoy a book on one of the benches. There are also some stairs so you could get some steps in if you took a few loops around. The beautifully man-made waterfall is lovely! Peaceful, serene and a lovely asset to Monterrey Park!

Here's a sentence that I never thought I'd ever write. Pyrenees Castle made infamous due to…read morelegendary record producer Phil Spector's unique solution to relationship discord and conflict resolution makes for a smashing wedding venue and party space. The homicidal music savant and notable wig aficionado once rambled around this nearly century old French chateau only to see it's lush grounds and mid-century aesthetic launch more than a few happy couples into wedded bliss. I just loved the gestalt of the entire property and applaud any couple brave enough to not settle for the same old, same old wedding factory homogeniety. Five easy stars.

The architecture isn't exactly gothic. It isn't exactly modern. It's more of a mishmash of an…read moreattempt at medieval. Just the same it has an extensive history and is very interesting. Most people will remember this when it was in the media referencing the house that was built in 1925, owned by Phil Spectre & that actress Lama Clarkson was shot in. You cannot access the property it is behind a huge wall. So please do not trespass. But you can get glimpses of it as you drive around its perimeter or head up to higher elevation.

I've driven by this sculpture dozens of times and thought it was interesting and wanted to pull…read moreover to take a closer look, perhaps some pictures but never did. Recently I learned the rusted metal beam is from the fallen World Trade Center and the two hands holding it up are made of nearly 3,000 silhouettes of doves, each representing a life lost on 9/11. The sculpture, named 'Reflect' was created by local artist Heath Satow, and it was completed and unveiled in 2011. Since then, memorials have been held there in the anniversary of the terrorists attacks. The memorial sculpture sits in front of Rosemead's City Hall in the middle of a public plaza and serves as a remembrance of the somber day, yet it's a beautiful and meaningful art piece for people to see.

This place is located near the Rosemead City Hall as well as the Rosemead Recreation Center with…read moreplenty of parking, and is only a minute to walk towards. It faces towards the street, showing two hands that are holding an iron bar. The weight of importance is truly visible as you walk around this small but incredible memorial with plaques on the ground with numerous names per family and community member, not to mention the Vietnam War memorial right besides it doing the same. One may not see it if you're driving by it on Valley Blvd but for those who take a closer look, they'll be greeted with a bunch of tiny doves that make up the hand which symbolizes the ever longing desire for peace.

A very nice and charming home in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood in South Pasadena that is…read morefamously known as Pee-Wee Herman's house :D ! Interestingly, according to Zillow, this house was built in 1922. So it is a little over 100 years old. It was our first time ever visiting. But it brought back wonderful childhood memories of watching his show, even though this was actually featured in the Pee-Wee Herman movie that came out in 1985 :) ! You can only take photos outside. But we were totally fine with that since the house exterior itself is really cute :) ! You can't go inside because it is currently owned and I believe it is currently being rented out. So I think there are current tenants living there. He was truly one of a kind :) ! May he rest in peace and no longer suffer after a long battle with cancer.

We Stopped by the House from Pee-wee's Big Adventure…read more Fyi the secret lever for the bike room is not there. I'm going to have to go to Francis' house next, though I believe the Buxton's live in a gated community. I hope you find a creative endeavor that makes you feel like a kid. This movie helped inspire Googy. Cheers. I do feel bad for the people who live here because even though it brought me joy to see the house, I bet they get too many visitors. Please don't trespass or bother these people.

We found the Laguna de San Gabriel beyond the ballfield at Vincent Lugo Park, just by the covered…read morepicnic tables. Colorful and cool looking.

We've been to this park a few times, it's hit or miss with the crowd. One major concern is that the…read morestructures are all made of cement so prepare for some injuries. It's also all sand so that might lessen the falls. There's a smaller park for younger kids closer to the parking lot.

What a beautiful place to walk around and enjoy the grounds. It is a private property so make sure…read moreto follow the rules and don't litter. Ambassador gardens is a luxury residential community with beautiful homes and condos. The grounds are beautiful with big trees, water features and seating areas. We even saw turtles and big birds by the waterfall. Really lovely place to take a stroll at. We parked on Green Street and walked towards the ambassador auditorium... see my videos and pictures. So pretty.

Ambassador Mansions & Gardens is a very quiet, peaceful, and truly beautiful place. It's hidden…read morebetween buildings, and if you don't know it's there, you might easily miss it -- which makes it feel like a secret garden in the middle of the city. The territory is incredibly well maintained, with huge mature trees, beautiful flowers, fountains, mini waterfalls, and small ponds where you can see fish and turtles. There is also a lovely grassy area in the center where you can sit, relax, or have a small picnic. Geese walk freely around the gardens, and colorful parrots fly overhead, adding even more charm to the atmosphere. In April, the garden looks especially stunning -- the pergola and trees are in full bloom (I wish I remembered the names of those gorgeous flowers!), and the whole place feels alive and magical. Honestly, this garden is beautiful in any season of the year. You can come here with dogs, which is a big plus, but it's important to respect the property rules: pets must be on a leash, owners are responsible for cleanup, professional photography requires a permit, and activities like skateboarding, drinking alcohol, or organized sports events are not allowed. These rules help preserve the calm and cleanliness of the space. There is also a secondary school located on the property, which adds to the unique character of the place. Parking-wise, we were able to find free street parking nearby without any issues. This is a perfect spot to slow down, enjoy nature, and escape the city noise for a while. Highly recommended for a peaceful walk or a quiet moment surrounded by beauty.

We went touristing around Pasadena and South Pasadena last Saturday. As huge horror movie nerds we…read morefound out about the Michael Myers house and had to go and see. We were disappointed to find out it was closed on Saturday so we will try again on our next trip to Pasadena. There is apparently a tour you can buy tickets for and go around in the house. Not sure about the details though. There wasn't much information on it. We instead just took a bunch of pictures on the porch and went next door to The SugarMynt Gallery.

I was in Pasadena for an event that ended at twilight & the weather was so cool & pleasant, I…read moredecided not to head straight home. I knew that a few house fronts used in popular films were located in the area, including the famed Michael Myers home from the "Halloween" horror franchise. The home was rescued from demolition and moved to its current location, where it now serves as an office building behind the South Pasadena light rail station. Upon arrival, the sky was almost dark so everything was perfectly spooky. My initial plan was to walk around the outside of the home & post the video on TikTok. But as I made my way toward the corner where the home is situated, I noticed a small film crew with a couple tripods. I figured they were recording something for social media too, as it's not unusual to see that type of thing in L.A.. But I received an extra-special surprise immediately after seeing the famed Michael Myers mask atop another tripod. A young man dressed in Myers' signature coveralls appeared & told me he was shooting footage for his TikTok page with the group I saw earlier. And get this...he offered to put his mask on for me & suggested that I film him walking down the front porch! My timing couldn't have been better & it gave my little video the fear factor I wanted. Fall is just around the corner, so now's the time to see the house for yourself. And who knows? Maybe you'll get lucky & run into Michael Myers because apparently horror movie legends understand the importance of social media, too.

The Love Sculpture was in NYC for years just like my friend Tom said in his review. It's absolutely…read moremoving and a great piece for photography. Obviously when you have lots of money you can buy whatever you want and move it wherever you want! We were robbed of our LOVE....... I'm sad

Who would have known a fun art installation such as this would be in the backyard of the SGV? The…read morestructure itself strikes a hard red color which captures the attention of every passerbyer heading towards its neighboring businesses. The location itself is located inside a parking lot and usually has a security guard patrolling around the area. I personally haven't parked at the lot in order to get to this structure as it's part of the Panda Express HQ's area so they may get the tendency of shooing those away not there for business. However if you just park nearby and walk to this place, I don't believe they'll mind anyone who's looking to grab a few snaps of this fun piece.

El Molino Viejo is the oldest commercial building/operation in Southern California. The foundation…read moreis always doing something to help raise visibility for their cause. I was invited to a monthly (in summer) happy hour. Very impressive gathering outside in the courtyard, with Italian and Greek party platters, full of salami, meats, olives, cheeses, fruit, etc. Free wine, beer and soft drinks provided. They do ask for a small donation to cover part of the cost. They also hold monthly concerts in on the patio with a Fleetwood Mac impersonator band this weekend. Inside the historical building are works of art by the California Artists Club and exhibits that show the history and explain the mills role. It is a beautiful setting, a great cause and well worth the visit. Parking is on the street in a residential neighborhood.

Limited hours, limited parking. Hidden in the residential area of San Marino. Don't let that…read moredeter you. This was a VERY quick see of the old mill interior as it was closing before its scheduled time. There is a gallery occupying one of the rooms. There are a lot of succulents and plants that surround the building which are green and vibrant against the rustic molino viejo.