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a feel good travel blog

6 Out-of-the-Ordinary Historic Homes to Visit in Los Angeles

6/16/2020

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Most come to LA for the beaches or to explore the lifestyle of the rich and the famous, but for those who enjoy history be sure to explore some of these homes, once owned by artists and the rich  to get a different feel of LAX. 
Point Fermin Lighthouse
Believe it or not, at one point early 19th Century sailors described LA as, "isolated, dangerous and unpredictable." Maybe some of that still exists, but to keep the waters well lit at night, Point Fermin was one of three lighthouses built along Los Angeles County. 

So why is this lighthouse so special? Mainly because of its construction and architectural design. Wagons carted Californian Redwoods and Douglas fir logs to create a lighthouse centered in the middle of a home. The Gothic style house was built by a Swiss carpenter and officially completed in 1874. Some history buffs recognize this quote stated  about the lighthouse, "In high lands fitted for a fairy palace, a lighthouse stands instead. -Poem by Haven Charles Hurst printed in the Los Angeles Times in 1908."
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Adamson House + Malibu Lagoon State Beach
If wanting to mix a bit of sun, sand, sea and history, look no further than the Adamson House in Malibu. This was the first ever beach house in Malibu, and the park's property once belonged to Rhoda Rindge Adamson, the only daughter of Malibu’s first family. Construction began in 1923, with inspirations of a 
Moorish-Revival “beach cottage,” decorated with tiles from her mother's May's Malibu Pottery. The original beginnings of the house all rooted to love and one feels as if they've escaped America for a moment and find themselves walking though an ancient house in the middle of Spain. 
Barnsdall Art Park
In 1919, the socially progressive-minded feminist, Aline Barnsdall made a radical gesture for that late Victorian Era. She bought 36 acres of land in Los Feliz and hired architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, to design her dream of an art commune. Although the dream never succeeding, today locals and travelers enjoy plenty of greenspace surrounding her former home, the Hollyhock House, which is known to be one of the best sunset spots in town.

Construction of the house began in 1922, with this being Wright's first west coast design. He couldn't explain the design, which defied most people's understanding of it being a "California Romanza," which fused Mayan, Aztec, Asian and Egyptian design. 

Lummis House 
This home and garden is a hidden gem and described as a Southwestern fairy tale. Formerly well known Californian editor and writer, Charles Lummis, and friends, began building his dream home in 1894. Like any other artist with radical ideas, he wanted to highlight the artistic community and to realize that the US's history began long before some of the conquering of the east. The handcrafted work took hard labor but showcased some of the best designs from Peru to New Mexico. Indoors, the writer packed the home with southwestern artifacts. The writer called the home 
El Alisal, "the place of the sycamore trees."
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Brand Library & Art Center
What is now a public art center and library was once the estate of Leslie C. Brand, the estranged modern founder of Glendale, who named the stated Miradero. The mansion features an East Indian facade and design structure as well as extensive green space for sport and picnics. Most come to explore the expansive Japanese Gardens and the lookout points overseeing Glendale. Most say that Brand was a strange and corrupt man with a Napolean complex. 

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The Paramour Estate 
If looking for the ultimate luxurious experience, look no further than The Paramour Estate. The five acre Spanish/Mediterranean inspired estate ​includes an 18,000 square foot mansion, green house, three staff cottages, tack house and several garages. In 1918 the socialite Daisy Canfield, who was heir to the Pan Pacific Petroleum fortune desired a lavish estate. What daisy wanted, Daisy got, which was  an estate decorated with orange groves, rose gardens, terraces, wishing wells and an orchard. 

She and her silent screen Hollywood actor husband, Antonio Moreno, moved into the estate and were some of the prominent socialites in the city, often throwing countless Roaring 20's parties. Tabloids at the time called it, "The Most Beautiful Home in Hollywood." Today, it operates as a luxury hotel and event center. 

What is your favorite historic home in LA?
​Let's Connect! 


This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 6 Out-of-the-Ordinary Historic Homes to Visit in Los Angeles.
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10 Historical Sites in Vancouver, British Columbia

6/9/2020

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Vancouver, BC is a relatively new and modern city. Construction over the years modernized the city with glass skyscrapers across the peninsula.. In terms of history, Vancouver is quit young with the city founded in 1886. Although new and beautiful, there are still historical places to see and explore while in Vancouver. 
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Stanley Park 
Most people visit Stanley Park as its the city's main urban park. Not only does it's beauty attract visitors, but many fail to realize its deep roots with the city. Before the establishment of the city, the land belonged to the 
Musqueam, Squamish, and Burrard First Nations. The park opened September 27, 1888 and was the city's first green space and still the third largest urban park in North America. The park was named after the govenor of the time, Lord Frederick Stanley. Walk or rent bikes to enjoy a seaside walk overlooking the nearby mountains. It's a must visit for locals and travelers alike. 

The totem poles located at Brockton Point in Stanley Park are a must, and some claim is the most visited site in Vancouver. Many of the poles built in the 1880's are now stored in the museum so the ones in the park were built between 1986-1992.

Another noteworthy historical landmark in Stanley Park is the Brockton Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1914. 

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Gastown
Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, and today one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city. Enjoy modern day cafes, bars, boutiques and restaurants that operate inside of old brick buildings. The neighborhood started with a single tavern, named Gassy Jack Saloon, in 1867 and today is still a must visit. Many visit 
Gassy Jack Deighton's statue, the original creator of the saloon. 

While in the neighborhood be sure to take a look at the 1977 Steam Clock located on the corner of Cambie and Water Streets. This appears as a 19th Century antique clock but was built for modern times in the 70's. The clock rings at every quarter on the hour and releases steam from the top. The clock was featured on the front cover of Nickelback's Here and Now album. 

Have a drink at The Diamond which was once home to a brothel.
 
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Old Hasting Mill Museum
This is the oldest building in Vancouver, and may very well be the coolest museum in Vancouver. The Hastings Mill Store was built in 1865, twenty-one years before Vancouver became an official city. To signify its age, the house was built when Abraham Lincoln was president of the USA, and built two years before Canada become a country, and six years before BC became a province. The original structure was taken down and moved it in 1930 from Dunley Avenue to Alma Street and Grey Point Road, where locals dazzled up the shack to make it into a museum. And still to this day the house operates as a museum of treasures that once "lived" in Vancouver. 

Inside is a world that no longer exists, a true bygone charm, or every vintage lover's wet dream. One of the most prized relics
is a panorama of Hastings Mill in 1872, which once hung in the mill's office. 
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Built in 1939, this is one of the most. historic, and spooky, hotels in Vancouver. The Fairmont recently did a $75 million renovation and although the insides are not that old, the soul of this place is historic. The hotel is supposedly home to the, "Lady in Red," ghost who is often spotted on floor 14. Some claim she stops the elevator at floor 14 even if the button has not been pushed. Staff and guests have spotted this lady, and in her honor the hotel bar has a "Lady in Red" drink named after her. 
www.gpsmycity.com/gps-tour-guides/vancouver-548.htmlEngine 374
The Engine 374 Pavilion features the historic transcontinental train engine located on the corner of Davie Street and Pacific Boulevard. According to the Roundhouse.ca website, it states, "May 23, 1887 was a great day for Vancouver, when CPR Engine 374 pulled the first transcontinental passenger train into the city. Crowds cheered, the city band played, ships in the harbour blew their horns, and hundreds of flags decorated the young city. It was a great day not only for Vancouver, but for the whole nation. The event heralded the completion of one of the greatest engineering feats of the century, a twin line of steel linking the new nation of Canada from coast to coast, ten years in construction.

I
n 1945, after many years of service, including the second World War, Engine 374 was finally retired. The engine was first placed in Kitsilano Park for all to see, and play on, but it suffered greatly from salt air and the passage of the seasons. In 1983, many dedicated citizens came to the engine’s rescue, and began the Herculean task of restoring the engine to its former glory. With additional funds raised through the Heritage Brick Program, the restoration was completed in time for EXPO 86, and there the refurbished engine was a prime attraction."


St. Roch
Inside the Vancouver Maritime Museum is the fully restored 1928 schooner that traversed the Northwest Passage and circumnavigated North America. The Museum features a variety of boats, and considering Vancouver is a water-based city, there is no shortage of boat history here. 

​What's your favorite historical landmark in Vancouver? 

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 10 Historical Sites in Vancouver, British Columbia. 

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Top Historical Landmarks to See in San Francisco, California

6/2/2020

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Although one of the youngest cities in the country, San Francisco has plenty of history to share. Established as a city in 1848, Native Americans once colonized this land since 3000 BC. The Spanish explorers arrived in 1769, which was the start of some of the official colonization of the west. Many came to SFO for the gold rush in 1849, which marked San Francisco to the city people know and love today. The history is complex, but there is plenty to explore and see from the Spanish missionaries to the Victorian Era architecture, so there is something for every type of history buff. 
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Golden Gate Park + Promenade
The Promenade is a 4.3 mile seaside trail that leads from the marina district to the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy stunning views of the bridge, seasonal flowers and panoramic views of the city from the bridge. Many picnic or enjoy more natural spaces at the Presidio’s Crissy Field, which was once an army field now turned into a recreational park. 

Take the trail to the one-mile the Golden Gate Bridge, to enjoy more views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. This is one of the most photographed bridges in the world, and was the longest suspension until 1964. Construction ended in 1937, and this was a major advancement in architecture during that time.  

Under the bridge is the Fort Point National Historic Site, which has stood guard for over 150 years. Built for the civil war, the fort protected the Bay Area during the Gold Rush through WWII and was once named, "The Pride of the Pacific." Completed in 1861, the fort has significance due to its military history, architecture, and association with maritime history. It also provides a stunning ground-view-looking-up of the bridge. 

Golden Gate Park spans around 1,017 acres. The development of the park started in 1871, and today is the third most visited park in America after Central Park and the Lincoln Memorial. Besides natural spaces, the grounds feature a variety of gardens, museums and music venues. 

Grace Cathedral 
​Little Grace Chapel was built in 1849 during the Gold Rush and later outgrew itself to become a bigger church during its history. Through the years the church received major additions and renovations, finally completing construction in 1964 with an overall Gothic Revival style. This Nob Hill church prides itself with visitations from popular leaders like MLK and Duke Ellington. Behind the scenes tours are available to discover more about the church's history and architecture. 

​Mission Dólares Parish
Founded in 1776, this is the oldest intact building in San Francisco. The Spanish missionaries came and settled in Yerba Buena, for what is now San Francisco, on June 29, 1776, only five days before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Before the settlement the land was occupied by the Ohlone people. 

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Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the architectural wonders of San Francisco. Some often forget they are in SFO and reimagine they are in the middle of Greek or Roman columns. Built in 1915, the Panama Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) opened during rough time in the city's history. The city recovered from a devastating earthquake and the globe was on the brink of World War I. The PPIE was an inspiration to bring the world together during tough times. Architect Bernard Maybeck chose his design to reflect the impression of a Roman ruin. Many of the PPIE buildings were torn down except for the PFA. Today, it still operates as an art theatre honoring the legacy of Maybeck.
 

Haas-Lilienthal House
If you adore the local housing in SFO, be sure to experience this remarkable Queen Anne style Victorian home from 1886. Its the last standing private home from that time period that now operates as a museum, decorated in luxuries furnishings from that time. Many admire this gem because it survived the 1906 earthquake and fire.  

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Image from pixabay.com
Ride a Cable Car
Built in 1873, this is the last remaining manual cable car system in America, and a historic symbol to San Francisco's past. The trams operate from 6am to midnight and fares start at $7.00 for a oneway ticket. Check out the cable car map here. 

City Lights Bookstore
​A landmark for San Franciscans, this book store opened in 1953 as a literary meeting place that intellectual debated many of the latest reads. Today, the bookstore features a variety of old and new books as well as readings and events, and began publishing books in 1955. 

What is your favorite historical landmark in San Francisco? 

​Let's Connect! Be sure to check out various. Lemon Tree Travel blogs on GPSMyCity.com!
 


This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Top Historical Landmarks to See in San Francisco, California.
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    Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a Fitness Trainer, Author of Finding Om, Presenter, Yogi, Vegan & lover of the World. View her portfolio at www.elizabethkovar.comor health-based blog at mindbodysoul-food.com

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