Eight of us were meeting for brunch in Pasadena. The sun was shining brightly and there was not a cloud in the blue sky. A perfect sunny California Sunday which made me very happy since our group mostly consisted of out-of-towners. One from Santa Barbara, others from Sacramento, Missouri and as far away as Philadelphia.
Our rendezvous point was "La Grande Orange" restaurant in Pasadena.
Brunch is served at 10:30 and we arrived right on time. The interior of La Grande Orange is very inviting but...
the beautiful sunshine was so lovely, we just had to sit outside.
Our table of eight was waiting for us in a perfect little corner.
Here are our slowtravel friends Terry and Stu who are touring southern California from Philadelphia.
L-R : Andrew (Missouri), Margaret (Sacramento), David (Pasadena) Terry and Stu (Philly), Marcia (Pasadena), me (Long Beach) and Charity (Santa Barbara)After a leisure breakfast we headed to the Huntington Library and Gardens. This is the lovely estate of Henry Huntington founded in 1919. He was an exceptional businessman who built a financial empire that included railroad companies, utilities, and real estate holdings in Southern California. His library collections include a manuscript of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, a Gutenberg Bible on vellum, and a world-class collection of the early editions of Shakespeare’s works. Those to name just a few amongst thousands of volumes of rare books. The grounds also house fine paintings and sculptures and galleries with rotating exhibits. There are many exotic gardens on the property.
Marcia and I were the first to arrive and soon after our whole group is ready to tour the library.
The grounds of the Huntington estate are beautiful and tranquil.
Marcia and I were the first to arrive and soon after our whole group is ready to tour the library.
The grounds of the Huntington estate are beautiful and tranquil.
We strolled to the path leading to the Chinese garden.
There was a lovely special exhibition of Bonsai trees. They are amazing to look at.
One last look at the lovely grounds before Terry and I say goodbye to the group.
Since I had some time to spend with Terry solo I decided to take her for a tour of the San Marino/Pasadena area near the gardens. We both loved the tall palm trees which stood so tall against the sky.
We enjoyed a leisure drive through the winding tree lined streets with beautiful homes.
The planned destination for our final stop was the elegant and historic "Langham Hotel" in Pasadena. This was formerly the Ritz Carlton for 15 years and prior to that known as the landmark "Huntington Sheraton". It was here that I was married 30 years ago so you know I love this place.
I gave Terry a short tour of the grounds and also of the "Viennese Ballroom" which is where our reception was held. Then we were off to have cocktails at sunset on the veranda.
Of course we toasted to good "Slowtravel friends" and to many more get togethers with each other in the future.
There was a lovely special exhibition of Bonsai trees. They are amazing to look at.
One last look at the lovely grounds before Terry and I say goodbye to the group.
Since I had some time to spend with Terry solo I decided to take her for a tour of the San Marino/Pasadena area near the gardens. We both loved the tall palm trees which stood so tall against the sky.
We enjoyed a leisure drive through the winding tree lined streets with beautiful homes.The planned destination for our final stop was the elegant and historic "Langham Hotel" in Pasadena. This was formerly the Ritz Carlton for 15 years and prior to that known as the landmark "Huntington Sheraton". It was here that I was married 30 years ago so you know I love this place.
I gave Terry a short tour of the grounds and also of the "Viennese Ballroom" which is where our reception was held. Then we were off to have cocktails at sunset on the veranda.
Of course we toasted to good "Slowtravel friends" and to many more get togethers with each other in the future."Cheers!"
I have spoken before of friends that I have met through the "Slowtrav website". If you are interested in travel, need help with any kind of travel questions or just want to know what slowtravel is, you can go here:
I have spoken before of friends that I have met through the "Slowtrav website". If you are interested in travel, need help with any kind of travel questions or just want to know what slowtravel is, you can go here:
1 comment:
Great photos, Barb! Wish we could have joined you. We love the Huntington too!
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