SueBee Arts

(20 photos in gallery) Continuing from my previous post featuring the San Gabriel Mission District, the photos in this gallery further explore the exterior of the Mission. It was evening and visiting hours were over, so I was only able to see the grounds through the gates. It was interesting enough that I look forward […]

(16 photos in gallery) Intent on avoiding freeway traffic on the drive home to Orange from the San Gabriel Valley a few weeks ago, I realized my detour would take me near the Mission. I also realized, in spite of growing up in Southern California, I’d never actually been there. With a quick stop to check directions, I made […]

When driving from my hometown of Orange a week or two ago, en route to the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, I knew I’d have some time to kill because the Huntington wouldn’t be open until noon. So I detoured a bit, starting in Glendora and over through Monrovia, searching out old Route 66. I’d gone to […]

I took a small detour on my way to the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in San Marino the other day, sidetracking myself along part of the old Route 66. I’m fascinated by vintage things, historical spots, places that were and take every chance to seek out whenever possible. The pictures in this gallery, of […]

Ever since moving to the city of Orange last year, I found myself fascinated by this enormous tree whenever I’d drive past. While out with Kat this past Sunday, we stopped so I could take some pictures. Kat’s posing near the roots so you can get an idea of the size.I was thrilled to see the […]

I was downtown Los Angeles this past weekend for the swearing-in ceremony of California’s new Controller, Betty Yee, and snapped these photos in the area of Olvera Street, the oldest street in Los Angeles. ~SueBee

During my recent visit to Catalina Island, I took a little red trolley car (the Avalon city bus) and rode it through town and up the hill to the Botanical Gardens. I had no idea until I reached the top, walking an uphill, dirt roadway on a very hot day, that I was at the place where […]

(24 Photos) I took a walking tour of the famous Catalina Casino, designed in the Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival styles at a cost of two million dollars, and opened May 29, 1929. The building featured the first movie theater designed for pictures with sound, “talkies”, and the world’s largest circular dance floor. The Casino gets its name […]

(16 photos) Kat and I spent a recent Sunday afternoon at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center, The Muck, in Fullerton, enjoying a classic car show and live band. Janet Klein and Her Parlor Boys, who play Jazz / Pre-war / Vaudeville style music, were absolutely irresistible! The audience was enthralled, utterly captivated by the music and performance. I’m […]

(19 photos) As you may have noticed in Part 1 or Part 2, Oak Glen is a must-visit kind of place during the springtime. Particularly if you’re a Southern California resident who has grown weary of freeway gridlock, tract housing, crowds, and the heat! While the temperature wasn’t really any cooler than at home, being […]

(11 photos) It seems a dining recommendation is long overdue. While downtown Los Angeles at the Brewery Artwalk this past weekend, Kat and I visited the San Antonio Winery, two streets over from the Brewery. Not only do they offer free wine tastings (I’m certain they’re the ONLY winery still offering that wonderful service), but […]

Last November I luckily stumbled on the Brewery Artwalk in Los Angeles. As I noted in my articles (Taste of Art and Exploring the Buildings) at the time, I was so blown away by the art and the buildings, I vowed to return. The springtime Artwalk is coming up April 26-27 so I decided to […]

This is the fourth and final installment of my wanderings through Silver Lake and Angelino Heights. Those who need to catch up, click here for part 1, part 2, and part 3. If you’re like me, you’ll spend some time trying to decide which house is your favorite. I’ve changed my mind countless times. I […]

My recent exploration of the Silver Lake and Angelino Heights districts of Los Angeles, as featured in part 1 and part 2, continues here. Please click on the gallery below and join me as I walk along the streets of Angelino Heights. You’ll see many different architecture styles, quirky features, trucks loaded with equipment for a […]

Continuing from yesterday’s story, my son and I arrived at Carroll Avenue in Angelino Heights, and walked the neighborhood. Getting out of your car is mandatory for the full effect. If you’re like me, exploring all the streets, choosing favorite architecture, pretending the place is your own…. Well, it’s a fascinating place, and even more […]

Having a spontaneous nature is a good thing, in my opinion. When my son called this past Sunday morning, (while I was busy unpacking boxes from a very recent move) and invited me to one of our favorite restaurants for lunch… in the next county… it took me all of 2 seconds to say yes! […]

MacArthur/Westlake Park is one of L.A.’s oldest parks. Originally an unappreciated swamp used as a city dump, L.A.’s mayor during the late 1800s, William Workman, proposed to have the “swamp” converted into a city park. MacArthur/Westlake Park opened to the public in 1890. (For more history on the park, read the following article by Nathan […]

This past weekend was the last weekend of the Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn. Having never been to the Mission Inn during the Holidays before, and having heard how incredible the lights are, I really hoped I would get there this year….and I did! Cam and I took the trip to Riverside last […]

Touring the Gamble House in Pasadena, a gorgeous example of American Arts & Crafts style architecture, was like taking a walk back in time, a very low-lit walk! New to the time, the electric lighting was dim, the woods dark, windows not quite sufficient for lighting such large rooms. But, the woods were beautiful, the styling very […]

Surprising that growing up in Southern California, I’d never been inside the gates at Mission San Juan Capistrano. I suppose, even though mom took my brother and me to all the museums and sights in the Los Angeles area each summer vacation, driving any further would have been out of the question for a day […]