My mom and I took my kids to see the Christmas markets in France this past December. It was a…read morebucket list trip for my mom, and while my boys had a great time, the travel was complicated and arduous, mostly because of my wild three-year-old Wade B. A couple weeks later, my husband and I took the boys to the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens. They had an absolute blast, and my five-year-old Leo B. declared, with utmost sincerity, "I think this is the nicest place I've ever been." Matt B. and I had been once before, almost a decade ago, with our friends Caroline Y. and Scott S., when we were all young and childless. We came back together, this time with five kids, and as much as I enjoyed it back in the day, I found it even more compelling this second time around. The magic was amplified ten times by the presence of my sons, who absolutely loved all the beautiful, colorful lights. I did buy them shitty Christmas light necklaces, one of which broke almost immediately, causing considerable strife. The alternative, of course, was to deny Wade his request before even entering the garden, where he would badger me every time he saw another child with the necklace. I was not surprised to see that most of the children seemed to have them, every parent having made the same calculation on their way in. Smart and evil of Descanso Gardens to put that vendor right by the entrance. I'm guessing Enchanted is their big revenue generator for the year, and this is a McKinseyish way to maximize. The kids oohed and aahed at every exhibit, marveling at all the colors and lights. We oohed and aahed right with them, and had the additional pleasure of watching them play and interact with the elaborate, immersive displays. They loved the tulip fields, the model trains, the stained glass houses, the trees and music and light. There was also a large platform that served as a dance floor for small children, who partied to the ambient music. Wade was especially taken with this stage, and the one part of the night that did not go well was when I yanked him away so we could see the rest of the installations. It was cold and the kids were up way past their bedtimes, but we all had a blast at the Enchanted Forest. When pressed, Leo admitted that Paris was in fact as nice as Descanso Gardens, but the point was made. Come Christmas, we can take the boys to France or we can just drive to La Cañada and buy a few tickets that support a wonderful botanical garden. We might even manage the latter every year.

Wow! What an unexpectedly cool experience!…read more Pro tips: 1. Bring whatever you like to keep you very warm in weather that seems cool normally but in the woods is icy cold. It was 51 and according to the weather app felt like 47 but I'm here to tell you it was COLD COLD more like 32 imho and head, hands, neck and feet coverage is a must so you can enjoy it. Suggest a warm beanie, gloves, and a down type jacket. Definitely jeans or long pants. I grabbed a blanket from my car to wear! 2. It's an easy walk, but for those with wheelchairs or canes or walkers it can be bumpy and some areas are a bit tricky. Also given all the rain, it can be dirty dusty muddy so wear shoes you don't care about. 3. Bring your best camera bc the photo ops both with people and without are plentiful. Make sure everything is charged as there's no common area to charge things easily. I'm sure you can try the restaurant or store in case of emergencies. Or go back to your car. 4. Be prepared to walk a very slow mile. Lots to see and photograph. Took me about 1:15 and I took my time. You can definitely do this much faster if solo and not easily amused or maybe not big on pics. And you can take a lot longer if you like detail and creativity amidst a natural space. 5. It's dark despite tons of lighting so be wise when walking. 6. Parking is free and easy. Just follow the signs or people. There is a walk to the line from the car. Lots of walking in general. 7. Our park reservations were for 6pm. I arrived around 6:10 and the line took about 20 mins. Was done by 7:40. 8. Cute shopping at the beginning before entering an next to the line to get in. It is an outdoor nursery type shop and two small indoor Knick knack type stores. Prices are typical tourist type prices. Also next to it is a coffee and pastry stand but you have to go first and then get in line or get out of line if you have people to hold your place as there's a line to get goodies. 9. Farmhouse is a restaurant on site. Checkout their Yelp. Make reservations as they book up fast. Good for groups. Food imo is average. Standouts were the beet salad, French fries, short rib appetizer, salmon and halibut. They use minimal seasoning at this place so if your health requires less sodium you're good! Get the pan fried crispy skin salmon lol. 10. If you're trying to cut costs there's an El Pollo Loco right as you exit the freeway coming here and before going up the hill to the park. 11. Great holiday thing to do with a large group. Entertainment for most everyone. If you're an outdoorsy, artsy, creative loving, enjoy exercise and family time type, this will be right up your alley!

RE: There's another review for Rockhaven Sanitarium at:…read more https://yelp.to/ZIov0ej5Kbb We Are Friends of Rockhaven! Agnes Richards founded Rockhaven in 1923 after being a psychiatric nurse and witnessing the cruel treatment of women with mental illness. She made sure to call each and every patient a resident, and treat them with respect. The beautiful history of Rockhaven Sanitarium (or home for the Golden Age Stars) is the most vivid piece of history that's been forgotten by so many. My favorite actress Billie Burke (Glinda, the good witch), Mrs. Topper, and, well, just too many of her parts to list resided there until her death. Do you remember Elly May Clampett? She was played by Donna Douglas, who was also a resident at Rockhaven as was, Clark Gable's first wife, Marilyn Monroe's mother, Marion Rose of Vaudeville's Statler and Rose, Broadway's actress and producer, Peggy Fears; I'm just naming a few of the long list of golden age stars that have resided at Rockhaven. And, when you're enjoying the walk you can feel the glow they left behind. It's closed now due to the COVID pandemic but we're able to go once in a while to clean up a little and just 'be' in it's past. To relish in the feeling of just 'being' there, is amazing. You're able to touch all of the past around you! This is something I've seen only in LA and its surrounding areas. This type of museum interaction is priceless; it's like watching a golden oldie but, being right next to the star you admire(d) so very much. There's a group called Friends of Rockhaven that loves and cares so much for the Sanitarium; it's so heartwarming. One of the many protectors Joanna Linkchorst has allowed us to become one of the many friends of Rockhaven and contribute to its survival. It's been such a pleasure and an honor to help in any way we can and my sincere hope is that it won't be sold for demolition or forgotten. Thank you so much, Friends of Rockhaven for all you do!

This is such a gorgeous property with a lot of history - a real gem in the middle of Montrose. I…read morehope it can be rehabbed and turned into something historical and useful for the community. Definitely look into taking one of their free tours (donation optional at the end). Joanna and Mike are so knowledgeable and passionate about this place, it's really worth your time if you like history, architecture and are fascinated by mental health institutions of the past.

WILDLIFE CAN BE SEEN HERE =======================…read more I love Descanso Gardens and being able to enter at 8:00 a.m. as a member. The dual membership where you can take a guest is about $85 I think. Check their website. Saw a Black Bear this morning, May 22, 2026. Staff was herding it away from the duck cabin with an air horn. I snapped at video of the bear. Turn the sound down. Love all the birds, flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, the Great Horned Owl family, the Jones Coffee Trailer, the Gift Store and more.

A nice place to take a long stroll and look at nature…read more They offer a wide variety of plants, trees, artwork and some water features. I would highly recommend that you go on a day when the weather is moderate and that you wear comfortable shoes. There are some cool ponds with Koi fish. Parking is free and there is a lot of it. There is also a restaurant called the Farmhouse on the property which had some pretty tasty food in a nice setting.

Stone Barn Nature Center is a small educational center dedicated to the wildlife and community…read more It's located within the Deukmejian Wilderness Park. I came to visit and was greeted by Jackie, a young blue eyed and beautiful woman, at the reception desk. She was informative and affable. Let me tell you about this center, the history of the stone barn dates to 1898 when the property was acquired by George Le Mesnager, a French emigrant and prominent Los Angeles vintner, from Dr. Benjamin Briggs, the founder of La Crescenta. Between 1914 and 1918, George's son Louis constructed the original stone barn and shed along with several other buildings that no longer exist. They were used for storing equipment and grapes until 1920, when Prohibition ended the winemaking industry and forced the Le Mesnagers into the water industry. As the turn of the century, this center is a place to learn about the wild animals in the Cresenta valley and LA County. It's a great place for kids and family. Overall, it's a nice center to bring kids or kids at heart.

So impressed with this little nature center that opened not too long ago! Went to Deukmejian…read moreWilderness Park for a picnic/hike party and found this little gem! Lots of cool activities for the kids, and it's got a little history of the area. Definitely a fun place to check out if you are visiting the park. Entrance is free!

We did the Kellog house tour and our tour guide was great. She was very knowledagable of the…read morehistory of not just the house, but the surrounding city/cities as well. The length of the tour was well worth the money, I also know that some stories are passed down through history or just lore. We enjoyed our experience and how everyone got into character/dressed as the era. My next goal is to do the Disney mansion tour. See you soon

If you're a Halloween fanatic and want to learn about the dark history of Orange County, then this…read moreis for you. It's truly amazing to see how much support this place has done.

The Lanterman House is a craftsman museum house Listed on the National Register of Historic Places…read more The owner of this house was Dr. Roy Lanterman and wife, Emily, and they bequeath it to the City of La Cañada Flintridge. We registered for a group tour which cost $5/pp. The group was greeted by two old docent female staff (Marylou and Gayle). We started off by watching a short film about the history of La Cañada and the Lanterman family back in the late 1880. Some highlights about the tour: This house has a U-shaped Mexican Colonial hacienda design with 35 French windows, multiple rooms, a playroom, an entertainment room, Doctor's office, a large granite fireplace and a dance ballroom. Our docent was very knowledgeable and amiable. The house itself is not an estate per se but rather sits on a large lot. The house has many cool artifacts. Free parking lot on the side of the house. Tour lasted 75 mins. Overall, it's a nice historic house by the family who contributed significantly to the city of La Cañada.

If you're in the area visiting Descanso Gardens, try and set aside time to visit this lovely 1915…read morehome which is about a 5 minute drive away. Access only via scheduled docent led tours - it's a well-spent 1.5 hours for, believe it or not, only $5 for adults (discounts for Seniors and Students to $3, I think.) I won't repeat the program structure re: starting with a video and the path of the tour, as other reviews cover this accurately. But I will say if you're interested in stepping into a home and learning about the history of an area (La Canada) via the eyes of a family very influential to its growth, this is a must for you. Any history buff, and avid documentary watcher (you know who you are LOL) will enjoy a visit. The interiors have been restored and the vast majority of the furniture, art and collectibles are original to the 1915 construction. This is thanks to some "pack rat" sons who kept everything and more inside their parents' house before it was finally acquired by the city of La Cañada as a historical home. This isn't a vast Vanderbilt, grand estate - it's a beautiful and charming family home that has surprisingly modern touches that were ahead of their time - but maintaining the quiet elegance of another era. Docent Yvonne was lovely and the volunteer team at the Visitor Center equally helpful and kind. Great step back in time - you'll feel as if the Lanterman family could walk around the corner at any moment. Just go, you'll enjoy it!!! :-)

My psychc reading with Richard Lael was so interesting and so much fun! The reading was very…read moreinteractive and very thorough. Im excited to get more readings in the future!

Richard nailed exactly everything I had been feeling in the head. This was my first psychic…read moreexperience. I don't regret it. He explained everything he was doing and what every card meant and how it can be perceived. During the times of COVID-19 we had our session through FaceTime. It was convenient, safe and I don't think it took away anything from the experience. I would recommend a reading from Richard to everyone!

We had the pleasure of attending a kids drum circle with Alan with our almost 2 year old son. Alan…read morewas so inclusive to all ages and encouraged exploration with sounds! Wonderful teacher for all ages!

Grounds are magnificent house beautiful 1937 glamour the Camellia with your blue is are…read moremagnificent. It's a lovely oasis for LA County.

The Boddy House, built in 1938 and refurbished in 2007, was the former mansion of Elias Manchester…read moreBoddy; a self-made millionaire, (1891-1967). Descanso Gardens was his 150 acre estate where the house is located. The entire estate was donated to Los Angeles County in 1953. Well worth seeing if you happen to be visiting Descanso Gardens. 22 rooms and over 12,000 Square Ft.

RE: There's another review site for the beautiful Rockhaven Sanitarium at:…read more https://www.yelp.com/biz/rockhaven-sanitarium-montrose We Are Friends of Rockhaven! Agnes Richards founded Rockhaven in 1923 after being a psychiatric nurse and witnessing the cruel treatment of women with mental illness. She made sure to call each and every patient a resident, and treat them with respect. The beautiful history of Rockhaven Sanitarium (or home for the Golden Age Stars) is the most vivid piece of history that's been forgotten by so many. My favorite actress Billie Burke (Glinda, the good witch), Mrs. Topper, and, well, just too many of her parts to list resided there until her death. Do you remember Elly May Clampett? She was played by Donna Douglas, who was also a resident at Rockhaven as was, Clark Gable's first wife, Marilyn Monroe's mother, Marion Rose of Vaudeville's Statler and Rose, Broadway's actress and producer, Peggy Fears; I'm just naming a few of the long list of golden age stars that have resided at Rockhaven. And, when you're enjoying the walk you can feel the glow they left behind. It's closed now due to the COVID pandemic but we're able to go once in a while to clean up a little and just 'be' in it's past. To relish in the feeling of just 'being' there, is amazing. You're able to touch all of the past around you! This is something I've seen only in LA and its surrounding areas. This type of museum interaction is priceless; it's like watching a golden oldie but, being right next to the star you admire(d) so very much. There's a group called Friends of Rockhaven that loves and cares so much for the Sanitarium; it's so heartwarming. One of the many protectors Joanna Linkchorst has allowed us to become one of the many friends of Rockhaven and contribute to its survival. It's been such a pleasure and an honor to help in any way we can and my sincere hope is that it won't be sold for demolition or forgotten. Thank you so much, Friends of Rockhaven for all you do!

Rockhaven Sanitarium, built in 1923, marked an important historical turning point in the…read moredevelopment of safe and humane treatment of women with mental illness. Home to many of Hollywood's family members in need of a stable and caring environment, including Marilyn Monroe's mother and Billie Burke, it became known for compassionate care of those with "a mental affliction". Learn more in this Emmy-winning documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88-u9JENth0. Today, it sits empty. The City of Glendale purchased the property to save it from certain destruction; plans to develop the property stalled during the recession. Friends of Rockhaven to the rescue! Guided by Joanna Linkchorst, tours of the property have educated scores of people about the important history of the sanitarium. Learn more about how to support this effort here: http://www.friendsofrockhaven.org/ Stigma is stigma. So many people have suffered unnecessarily due to prejudice against mental illness. Thank you, Rockhaven, for showing us a different way to peace and health.